UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152018
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                           to                           
Commission file number 1-11840
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THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 36-3871531
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2775 Sanders Road, Northbrook, Illinois    60062
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 402-5000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each className of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
New York Stock Exchange
Chicago Stock Exchange
5.10% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Debentures due 2053New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series G
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes    X       No         
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes              No   X   
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    X       No         
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes    X       No         
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.        X     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer    X   
 
Accelerated filer          
Non-accelerated filer            (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company          
Emerging growth company 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ____
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes             No   X   
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2015,2018, was approximately $25.77$31.24 billion.
As of January 29, 2016,31, 2019, the registrant had 378,300,428331,963,104 shares of common stock outstanding.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
Portions of the following documents are incorporated herein by reference as follows:
Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its annual stockholders meeting to be held on May 24, 201621, 2019, (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.



TABLE OF CONTENTSTable of Contents
Part I   Page
    
  
  
PrioritiesOverview
 
   
   
   
  
 
   
   
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
   
 



2018 Form 10-KItem 1. Business

Part I
Item 1.  Business
The Allstate Corporation was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on November 5, 1992 to serve as the holding company for Allstate Insurance Company. Its business is conducted principally through Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company and other subsidiaries (collectively, including The Allstate Corporation, “Allstate”).
Allstate’s purpose is to protect people from life’s uncertainties and prepare them for the future so they can realize their hopes and dreams. Allstate is primarily engaged in the property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance and life insurance business. It offers its productsbusiness in the United States and Canada. Additionally, Allstate provides customers other protection offerings such as life, accident and health insurance and protection plans that cover electronic devices and personal identities.
The Allstate Corporation is one of the largest publicly held personal lines insurerinsurers in the United States. Allstate’s Property-Liability strategy is to serve distinct customer segments with differentiated offerings. The Allstate brand is widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Allstate is the 23ndrd largest personal property and casualty insurer in the United States on the basis of 20142017 statutory direct premiums written according to A.M. Best.
In addition, accordingAllstate also has strong market positions in other protection products. According to A.M. Best, itAllstate is the nation’s 1920thlargest issuer of life insurance business on the basis of 20142017 ordinary life insurance in force and 3138stth largest on the basis of 20142017 statutory admitted assets.
Allstate Benefits provides accident, health and life insurance through employers and is one of the top five voluntary benefits carriers in the market based on a 2017 voluntary/worksite industry survey. SquareTrade provides protection plans on a wide variety of consumer goods such as cell phones, tablets, computers and appliances, and has four business segments:
• Allstate Protection• Discontinued Lines and Coverages
• Allstate Financial• Corporate and Other
To achieve its goalsa leading position in 2016,distribution through major retailers. InfoArmor provides identity protection through employers and has a leading position in this distribution channel. In total, Allstate is focused on the following priorities:
better serve our customers through innovation, effectiveness and efficiency;
achieve target economic returns on capital;
grow insurancehad 113.9 million policies in force;
proactively manage investments; and
build and acquire long-term growth platforms.force (“PIF”) as of December 31, 2018.
In this annual reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K, we occasionally refer to statutory financial information. All domestic United States insurance companies are required to prepare statutory-basis financial statements. As a result, industry data is available that enables comparisons between insurance companies, including competitors that are not subject to the requirementrequired to prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We frequently use industry publications containing statutory financial information to assess our competitive position.

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ALLSTATE PROTECTION SEGMENT
Products
Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K


Strategy and DistributionSegment Information
Allstate's strategy is to grow personal property-liability market share and expand other protection businesses by leveraging our brand, customer base, investment expertise, distribution channels and capital.
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We evaluate performance and make resource and capital decisions across seven reportable segments.
Reportable segments
Allstate Protection (1)
Includes the Allstate, Encompass and Esurance brands and Answer Financial. Offers private passenger auto, homeowners, other personal lines and commercial insurance through agencies and direct, including contact centers and the internet.
Service BusinessesIncludes SquareTrade, Arity, InfoArmor, Allstate Roadside Services and Allstate Dealer Services, which offer a broad range of products and services that expand and enhance our customer value propositions. InfoArmor is included in Service Businesses since its acquisition on October 5, 2018.
Allstate LifeOffers traditional, interest-sensitive and variable life insurance products through Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialists.
Allstate BenefitsOffers voluntary benefits products, including life, accident, critical illness, short-term disability and other health insurance products sold through workplace enrolling independent agents and Allstate exclusive agencies.
Allstate AnnuitiesConsists of deferred fixed annuities and immediate fixed annuities (including standard and sub-standard structured settlements) in run-off.
Discontinued Lines and Coverages (1)
Relates to property and casualty insurance policies written during the 1960's through the mid-1980's with exposure to asbestos, environmental and other claims in run-off.
Corporate and OtherIncludes holding company activities and certain non-insurance operations.
(1)
Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments comprise Property-Liability.

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Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K


Allstate Protection premiums written were $30.87 billion in 2015. Segment
Our Allstate Protection segment accounted for 93%90.2% of Allstate’s 20152018 consolidated insurance premiums and contract charges.charges and 29.2% of Allstate’s December 31, 2018 PIF. In this segment, we principally sell private passenger auto, homeowners, and other property-liabilitypersonal lines insurance products are offered to consumers through agencies and directly through contact centers and online. Our strategy is to position product offerings and distribution channels to meet customers’ evolving needs and help them manage the internet. Theserisks they face.
Allstate Protection has four market-facing businesses with products and services that cater to different customer preferences for advice and brand recognition to improve our competitive position and performance.
Strategy 
We serve all four consumer segments using differentiated products, analytical expertise, telematics and an integrated digital enterprise that leverages data and technology to redesign our processes with a focus on greater effectiveness and efficiencies and long-term expense savings.
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Allstate brand strategy
Our strategy is to grow profitably through exclusive agencies, who serve as trusted advisors to customers, while leveraging best-in-class operational capabilities to gain market share and efficiencies. The Allstate brand differentiates itself by offering comprehensive product options and features through agencies that provide local advice and service, including a partnership with exclusive financial specialists to deliver life and retirement solutions. This strategy focuses on four customer-centric themes to expand our trusted advisor initiative and deliver profitable growth:
AvailableCompetitiveSimpleConnected
Provide products and services that protect
what matters most
Offer products that make good use of our customers’ hard-earned moneyEasy to interact with
Know our customers and proactively interact in
value-added ways
Continue to build effective and efficient distribution systems and product offerings that provide a competitive advantageAdvance our pricing sophistication and improve cost competitivenessProvide seamless, personalized customer interactions supported by contemporary products and technologyExpand the breadth of value-added products and services, enabled by connections with our customers

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2018 Form 10-KItem 1. Business

Available Allstate’s 10,700 exclusive agencies provide customized solutions and support based on our consumers’ needs. Agencies are underwritten underestablished in 10,600 locations, supported by 26,900 licensed sales professionals and 1,100 exclusive financial specialists who are trusted advisors to our customers.
Being a trusted advisor means that our agencies
Have a local presence in our customers’ communities
Know customers and understand the unique needs of their households
Help customers assess the potential risks they face
Provide local expertise and personalized guidance on how to protect what matters most to customers by offering customized solutions
Support customers when they have changes in their lives and during their times of need
Allstate exclusive agencies also offer life and retirement solutions and can partner with exclusive financial specialists who provide expertise with more complex life and retirement solutions and other financial needs of our customers. 
Exclusive agencies and financial specialists are supported through marketing assistance, service and business processes, technology, education, offering financing to grow their businesses and other resources to help them enhance the Allstatecustomer experience and to acquire and retain more customers. We continue to focus on the effectiveness and efficiency of our distribution system and the breadth of our product offerings.
Competitive Data, analytics and technology support advancements in pricing sophistication for all lines of business. Pricing and underwriting strategies and decisions are designed to generate sustainable profitable growth.
Targeted marketing includes messaging that communicates the value of our Good Hands®, Esurance the importance of having proper coverage, product options, and the ease of doing business with Allstate and our exclusive agencies.
Enhanced loss cost management and expense control are a priority. To achieve this, we are continuing to modernize our operating platform (including enhanced digital capabilities) and optimizing vendor relationships. Investments are being made to increase efficiencies and reduce expenses.
Simple We are focused on creating value through simplicity, quality, rewarding engagement and improving ease of access and service through an integrated digital enterprise.
Emerging technologies and predictive analytics are being used to simplify the customer experience and expedite the claims process. To achieve this, we have opened several Digital Operating Centers to handle auto physical damage claims countrywide. The centers utilize virtual estimation capabilities, which include estimating damage through photos and video with the use of QuickFoto Claim® and EncompassVirtual Assist® brand names.(video chat technology used to review supplemental damage with auto body shops). We are also leveraging virtual
capabilities to handle property claims by estimating damage through video with Virtual Assist and aerial imagery using satellites, airplanes and drones.
Connected We will continue to leverage telematics to offer customers a highly individualized price, better understand their risks and improve customer experience delivered through innovative products and services.
Current capabilities are being expanded through our partnership with Arity, which uses telematics to offer personalized, engaging programs that empower drivers with insights about their vehicle’s health, costs and safety.
Our Unique StrategyExclusive agency compensation structure Consumer Segments


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Allstate serves four different consumer segments with distinct interaction preferences (local advice and assistance versus self-directed) and brand preferences (brand-neutral versus brand-sensitive).
Allstate brand auto and homeowners insurance products are sold primarily throughThe compensation structure for Allstate exclusive agencies rewards agencies for delivering high value to customers and serve customers who prefer local personalized adviceachieving certain business outcomes such as product profitability, growth and servicehousehold penetration. Allstate exclusive agency remuneration comprises a base commission, variable compensation and are brand-sensitive. The Allstate brand also sells specialty auto products including motorcycle, trailer, motor homea bonus.
Agencies receive a monthly base commission payment as a percentage of their total eligible written premium.
Variable compensation rewards agencies for meeting customers’ needs for life insurance and off-road vehicle insurance policies; other personal lines products including renter, condominium, landlord, boat, umbrella and manufactured home insurance policies; commercial lines products for small business owners; roadside assistance products; and service contracts and other productsretirement policies sold in conjunction with auto lending and vehicle sales transactions. Allstate brand sales and service are supported through contact centers andrelative to the internet. In 2015, the Allstate brand represented 91%size of the Allstate Protection segment’s written premium. In the U.S., we offer these Allstate brand products in approximately 10,200 locations through approximately 34,800 licensed producers including approximately 10,400 Allstate exclusive agencies and approximately 24,400 licensed sales professionals. We also offer these products through approximately 2,100 independent agencies that are primarily in rural areas in the U.S. In Canada, we offer Allstate brand products through approximately 850 employee producers working in five provinces across the country (Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia).agency.
Esurance brand auto, homeowners, renter and motorcycle insurance products are sold directly to consumers online, through contact centers and through select agents, including Answer Financial. Esurance serves self-directed, brand-sensitive customers. In 2015, the Esurance brand represented 5% of the Allstate Protection segment’s written premium.
Encompass brand auto, homeowners, umbrella and other insurance products, sold predominantly in the form of a single annual household (“package”) policy, are distributed through independent agencies that serve consumers who prefer personal advice and assistance from an independent adviser and are brand neutral. Encompass targets mass affluent households, a market of approximately 35 million in the U.S., with higher average coverage needs. In 2015, the Encompass brand represented 4% of the Allstate Protection segment’s written premium. Encompass brand products are distributed through approximately 2,300 independent agencies. EncompassBonus compensation is among the top 20 largest providers of personal property and casualty insurance products through independent agencies in the United States, based on statutory written premium information provideda percentage of premiums and can be earned by A.M. Best for 2014.agencies who are meeting certain sales goals and selling additional policies to meet customer needs profitably.
Answer Financial, a personal lines insurance agency, serves self-directed, brand-neutral consumers who want a choice between insurance carriers. It offers comparison quotes for autoAgencies have the ability to earn commissions and homeowners insurance from approximately 25 insurance companies through its website and over the phone and receives commissions for this service.
Through arrangements made with other companies, agencies, and brokers, the Allstate Protection segment may offeradditional bonuses on non-proprietary products provided to consumerscustomers when an Allstate product is not available. As of December 31, 2015, Allstate agenciesIn 2018, Ivantage had approximately $1.3$1.8 billion of non-proprietary personal insurance premiums under management primarily related to property business in hurricane exposed areas, and approximately $200 millionis a leading provider of non-proprietary commercial insurance premiums under management. Answer Financial had $581 million of non-proprietary premiums written in 2015.
Competition
The markets for personal private passenger auto and homeowners insurance are highly competitive. The following charts provide the market shares of our principal competitors in the U.S. by direct written premium for the year ended December 31, 2014 according to A.M. Best.
Personal Lines Insurance Private Passenger Auto Insurance Homeowners Insurance
           
Insurer Market Share Insurer Market Share Insurer Market Share
State Farm 18.6% State Farm 18.2% State Farm 19.4%
Allstate 9.6 GEICO 10.8 Allstate 8.6
GEICO 7.3 Allstate 10.1 Liberty Mutual 6.4
Progressive 6.2 Progressive 8.8 Farmers 5.7
Liberty Mutual 5.5 USAA 5.2 USAA 5.2
Farmers 5.3 Farmers 5.1 Nationwide 4.0
USAA 5.2 Liberty Mutual 5.0 Travelers 3.8
Nationwide 3.9 Nationwide 3.9    
In the personal property and casualty brokerage services.
Allstate exclusive financial specialists receive commissions for proprietary and non-proprietary sales and earn a bonus based on the volume of business produced with Allstate exclusive agencies. 
Allstate independent agent remuneration comprises a base commission and a bonus that can be earned by agents who achieve sales goals and a target loss ratio.
Commercial lines strategy We are actively pursuing profitable expansion of our commercial lines, including the shared economy, such as transportation network companies. Profit improvement actions have been implemented for our traditional commercial lines insurance market, we compete principally usingproducts, emphasizing pricing, claims, governance and operational improvements.
Esurance strategy
We are working to make insurance surprisingly painless by innovating to make it simple, transparent, and affordable.  We plan to grow profitably by

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Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K


delivering an excellent customer experience at an exceptional value propositionsthrough an engaged and high-performing workforce. To provide an enhanced customer experience we:
Offer a seamless online and mobile experience with fast quoting for each consumer segment. This includes different brands,ease and convenience.
Provide hassle-free purchases and claims processing through intuitive tools and advanced technology.
Offer a broad suite of protection products and solutions to our customers.
Offer innovative product options and features.
Encompass strategy
Our strategy is to expand the scopeindependent agency footprint, broaden geographic and typeproduct diversification, enhance pricing and underwriting sophistication and provide a superior customer and agent experience. 
Over the past several years, Encompass has been executing on a profit improvement plan emphasizing pricing, governance and operational improvements at both the state and countrywide levels.  These actions have improved underlying profitability but led to a reduction of distribution system, pricepolicies in force compared to prior years for both auto and the breadthhomeowners. 
Answer Financial strategy
Answer Financial is an insurance agency that sells other insurance companies’ products directly to customers online. Our strategy as a technology-enabled insurance agency is to provide comparison shopping and related services for businesses, offering customers choice, convenience and ease of product offerings, product features, customer service, claim handling,use.
Allstate Protection pricing and use of technology. In addition, ourrisk management strategies
Our pricing and underwriting strategies and decisions are designed to generate sustainable profitable growth.
A proprietary database of underwriting and pricingloss experience enables Allstate to use sophisticated pricing algorithms and methodologies to more accurately price risks while also seeking to attract and to cross sell products within our customer base. retain customers in multiple risk segments.
For auto insurance, risk evaluation factors can include, but are not limited to, vehicle make, model and year; driver age and marital status; territory; years licensed; loss history; years insured with prior carrier; prior

2


liability limits; prior lapse in coverage; and insurance scoring utilizing certain credit reporttelematics data and other consumer information.
For property insurance, risk evaluation factors can include, but are not limited to, the amount of insurance purchased; geographic location of the property; loss history; age, condition and construction characteristics of the property; and
characteristics of the insured including insurance scoring utilizing certain credit reportother consumer information.
A combination of underwriting information, pricing and discounts are also used to achieve a more competitive position and growth. The pricing strategy involves local marketplace pricing and underwriting decisions based on risk evaluation factors and an evaluation of competitors to the extent permissible by applicable law.
Pricing of property products is intended to establish risk-adjusted returns that are acceptable over a long-term period. Rate increases are pursued to keep pace with loss trends, including losses from catastrophic events and those that are weather-related (such as wind, hail, lightning and freeze not meeting our criteria to be declared a catastrophe). We also take into consideration potential customer disruption, the impact on our ability to market our products, regulatory limitations, our competitive position and profitability.
In any reporting period, loss experience from catastrophic events and weather-related losses may contribute to negative or positive underwriting performance relative to the expectations incorporated into product pricing.
Property catastrophe exposure is managed with the goal of providing shareholders an acceptable return on the risks assumed in the property business and to reduce the variability of earnings. Our property business includes personal homeowners, commercial property and other property insurance lines. Our current catastrophe reinsurance program supports our risk tolerance framework that targets less than a 1% likelihood of annual aggregate catastrophe losses from hurricanes and earthquakes, net of reinsurance, exceeding $2 billion. The use of different assumptions and updates to industry models, and updates to our risk transfer program could materially change the projected loss. Growth strategies include areas where we believe diversification can be enhanced and an appropriate return can be earned for the risk. As a result, our modeled exposure may increase, but in aggregate remain lower than $2 billion as noted above. In addition, we have exposure to other severe weather events and wildfires, which impact catastrophe losses.
Property catastrophe exposure management includes purchasing reinsurance to provide coverage for known exposure to hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, fires following earthquakes and other catastrophes. We are also working to promote measures to prevent and mitigate losses and make homes and communities more resilient, including enactment of stronger building codes and effective enforcement of those codes, adoption of sensible land use policies, and development of effective and affordable methods of improving the resilience of existing structures.

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2018 Form 10-KItem 1. Business

Products and distribution
Allstate Protection differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on theoffering solutions to meet broad-based household protection needs of the entire household and offering a comprehensive range of innovative product options and features throughacross distribution channels that best suit each marketconsumer segment. Allstate’s Your Choice
Insurance products
Allstate brandAuto
Homeowners
Specialty auto (motorcycle, trailer, motor home and off-road vehicle)
Other personal lines (renters, condominium, landlord, boat, umbrella, manufactured home and stand-alone scheduled personal property)
Commercial lines
Esurance brandAuto
Homeowners
Motorcycle

Renters
Encompass brandAuto
Homeowners
Other personal lines (renters, condominium, landlord, boat and umbrella)
Answer FinancialComparison quotes for non-proprietary auto, homeowners and other personal lines (condominium, renters, motorcycle, recreational vehicle and boat)

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Item 1. Business ®2018 Form 10-K insurance allows qualified


Innovative product offerings and features
Market-leading solutions
Allstate brand
Your Choice Auto®
Qualified customers to choose from a variety of options, such as Accident Forgiveness, Deductible Rewards®, Safe Driving Bonus®, and New Car Replacement. We believe that Your Choice Auto insurance promotes increased growth and increased retention. We also offer a Claim Satisfaction GuaranteeSM feature that promises a variety of options, such as Accident Forgiveness, Deductible Rewards®, Safe Driving Bonus® and New Car Replacement.
Allstate House and Home®
Featured options include Claim RateGuard®, Claim-Free Bonus, deductible rewards and flexibility in options and coverages, including graduated roof coverage and pricing based on roof type and age for damage related to wind and hail events.
Claim Satisfaction Guarantee®
Promised return of premium to standard auto insurance customers dissatisfied with their claims experience.
Bundling BenefitsAuto customers with a qualifying property policy are provided an auto renewal guarantee and a deductible waiver (when the same event, with the same covered cause of loss, damages both auto and property). Offered in 15 states as of December 31, 2018.
Auto Replacement
Protection
Replaces a qualifying customer’s vehicle involved in a total loss accident with a vehicle of the same or similar make and model that is one year newer. Offered in 15 states as of December 31, 2018.
Encompass brand
EncompassOne Policy®
Packaged insurance product with one premium, one bill, one policy deductible and one renewal date. Broad coverage options include customizable features such as enhanced accident forgiveness, new-car replacement coverage, walk-away home coverage option should the insured decide not to rebuild, flexible additional living expense coverage, water-sewer backup coverage options and roadside assistance. This product is offered in 36 states and the District of Columbia (“D.C.”) as of December 31, 2018.
Surround Solutions by EncompassSM
Offers contemporary auto (6-months), homeowner and specialty lines products, pricing, services and support designed to provide flexibility and be customized based on consumer needs. Offered exclusively in four states for Encompass as of December 31, 2018.
Telematics offerings
Allstate brand
Drivewise®
Telematics-based insurance program, available in 49 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2018, that uses a mobile application or an in-car device to capture driving behaviors and encourage safe driving. It provides customers with information and tools, incentives and driving challenges. For example, in most states, Allstate Rewards® provides reward points for safe driving.
Milewise®
Usage-based insurance product, available in 6 states as of December 31, 2018, that gives customers flexibility to customize their insurance and pay based on the number of miles they drive.
Esurance brand
DriveSense®
Telematics-based insurance program, available in 32 states as of December 31, 2018, that primarily uses a mobile application to capture driving behaviors and reward customers for safe driving.
Encompass brand
Route ReportSM
Telematics application, available in 4 states as of December 31, 2018, used to capture driving behaviors and reward customer participation.
Answer Financial
StreetWiseSM
Telematics application, available in all 50 states and D.C. as of December 31, 2018, used to capture driving behaviors.
Shared economy solutions
Allstate brandTransportation Network Company Commercial AutoCommercial coverage for drivers of transportation networking companies during various phases of the ridesharing service.
Allstate Ride for Hire®/ HostAdvantage®
Supplemental personal insurance coverage for those using their vehicle to drive for a transportation network company or their house for peer-to-peer property sharing.
Distribution channels
Allstate brand
In the U.S., we offer products through 10,700 Allstate exclusive agencies operating in 10,600 locations, supported by 26,900 licensed sales professionals, and 1,100 exclusive financial specialists. We also offer products through 2,700 independent agencies that are primarily in rural areas and through contact centers and online. In Canada, we offer Allstate brand products through 900 employee producers.



Esurance brand
Sold to customers online and through contact centers.

Encompass brand
Distributed through 2,600 independent agencies.

Answer FinancialComparison quotes offered to customers online or through contact centers.
Allstate exclusive agencies also support the Service Businesses, Allstate Life and Allstate Benefits segments through offering roadside assistance and protection plans, life insurance and voluntary benefits products.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg7


2018 Form 10-KItem 1. Business

When an Allstate product is not available, we may offer non-proprietary products to consumers through arrangements made with other companies, agencies, and brokers. As of December 31, 2018, Allstate agencies had approximately $1.6 billion of non-proprietary personal insurance premiums under management, primarily related to property business in hurricane exposed areas, and approximately $220 million of non-proprietary commercial insurance premiums under management. Additionally, we offer a homeowners product through our subsidiary North Light Specialty Insurance Company in certain areas with higher risk of catastrophes or where customers do not meet the Allstate brand standard auto insurance customers dissatisfied with their claims experience. Allstate House and Home® insurance is our homeowners product that provides options of coverage for roof damage including graduated coverage and pricing based on roof type and age. Good Hands RescueSM is a service that provides pay on demand access to roadside services.underwriting profile.
Our Allstate branded Drivewise® and our Esurance branded DriveSense® offerings are telematic-based insurance programs that use a mobile application or an in-car device to capture driving behaviors and reward customers for driving safely. The Drivewise mobile application also provides customers with information and tools to encourage safer driving and incentivize them through driving challenges. Beginning in 2015, Drivewise offers Allstate Rewards®, a program that provides reward points for safe driving.
Our Esurance branded Pay Per Mile® usage-based insurance product was piloted in September 2015 and gives customers flexibility to customize their insurance and pay based on the number of miles they drive.Competition
The Encompass package policy offers broad coverage options specifically tailoredpersonal lines insurance markets, including private passenger auto and homeowners insurance, are highly competitive. The following charts provide Allstate Protection’s combined market share compared to our principal competitors in the mass affluent market while simplifyingU.S. using statutory direct written premium for the insurance experience by packaging a product into a single annual household policy with one premium, one bill, one policy deductible and one renewal date. Broad coverage options include features such as enhanced home replacement with a cash-out option shouldyear ended December 31, 2017, according to A.M. Best.
chart-e883782fa7e9512db0b.jpgchart-8e99f320b2715054821.jpg
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Esurance is among the insured decide not to rebuild, additional living expense coverage with no specific time or dollar limit, water-sewer back up coverage, an unlimited accident forgiveness feature and roadside assistance.
Geographic Markets
The Company’s principal geographic markets for auto, homeowners, and othertop 25 largest providers of personal property and casualty insurance products in the U.S., and Encompass is among the top 20 largest providers of personal property and casualty insurance products through independent agencies in the U.S., based on statutory direct written premium according to A.M. Best for 2017.
Geographic markets
Our principal geographic markets are in the United States.U.S. Through various subsidiaries, we are authorized to sell a variety of personal property and casualty insurance products in all 50 states, the District of ColumbiaD.C., Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico. We also sell personal property and casualty insurance products in Canada.
The following table reflects, in percentages, the principaltop U.S. geographic distribution of premiums earned for the Allstate Protection segment for 2015,markets are reflected below based on 2018 information contained in statements filed with the state insurance departments. No other jurisdiction
chart-d8892477934e3619a19.jpg




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Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K


Service Businesses Segment
Our Service Businesses segment accounted for 3.3% of Allstate’s 2018 consolidated total revenue and 65.1% of Allstate’s December 31, 2018 PIF. Service Businesses include SquareTrade, Arity, InfoArmor, Allstate Roadside Services and Allstate Dealer Services, which offer a broad range of products and services that expand and enhance customer value propositions. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Service Businesses segment includes the results of InfoArmor, a leading provider of identity protection to more than 1 million employees and their family members at over 1,400 firms, which was acquired on October 5, percent of the premiums earned for the segment.2018.
Strategy - To deliver superior value propositions and build strategic platforms to connect and engage with customers and effectively address their changing needs and preferences.
Texas
SquareTrade®
10.8%Expand distribution of consumer protection plan and technical support products through new and existing retail and mobile operator accounts while increasing profitability and returns.
California
Arity®
9.4
Build a strategic platform leveraging our analytics and deep understanding of driver risk.  The platform will be used by those industries effected most by the changing face of transportation, including insurance companies, shared mobility companies and the automotive ecosystem.
New York
InfoArmor®
9.0
Create a leading position in the identity protection market, offering full identity protection monitoring with proactive alerts, digital exposure reporting, identity theft reimbursement and excellent customer service.
Florida
Allstate Roadside Services®
7.2
Digitize the roadside assistance business and enhance capabilities to deliver a superior customer experience while lowering costs in the customer assistance centers and optimizing the rescue network.
Allstate Dealer Services®
Expand distribution of Allstate branded finance and insurance products and services to auto dealerships, while pursuing additional distribution through strategic partnerships.
Additional Information
Information regarding the last three years’ revenues and income from operations attributable to the Allstate Protection segment is contained in Note 19 of the consolidated financial statements. Note 19 also includes information regarding the last three years’ identifiable assets attributable to our property-liability operations, which includes our Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments. Note 19 is incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference.
Information regarding the amount of premium earned for Allstate Protection segment products for the last three years is set forth in Part II, Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in the table regarding premiums earned by brand. That table is incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference.

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ALLSTATE FINANCIAL SEGMENT
Products and Distributiondistribution
Our Allstate Financial segment sells traditional, interest-sensitive and variable life insurance and voluntary accident and health insurance products. We sell Allstate Financial products through Allstate exclusive agencies and approximately 1,000 exclusive financial specialists, and 6,000 workplace enrolling independent agents. The majority of life insurance business written involves exclusive financial specialists, including referrals from exclusive agencies and licensed sales professionals. The table below lists our current distribution channels with the associated products and target customers.
Products and services
SquareTradeProvides consumer protection plans and related technical support for mobile phones, consumer electronics and appliances which provide customers protection from mechanical or electrical failure, and in certain cases, accidental damage from handling.
Arity
The Arity platform provides data and analytics solutions using automotive telematics information.  Customers receive value from our solutions either by using web based software tools, white labeled mobile applications or through embedding our technology in their mobile applications.
InfoArmorProvides identity protection services including monitoring, alerts, remediation and a proprietary indicator of identity health.
Allstate Roadside Services
A leading roadside assistance provider in North America offering towing, jump-start, lockout, fuel delivery and tire change services to retail customers and customers of our wholesale partners. Good Hands Rescue® is a pay-per-use mobile application service that connects users to a select countrywide network of third-party providers and a proprietary crowdsourced network to assist with emergencies.
Allstate Dealer ServicesOffers finance and insurance products, including vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection waivers, road hazard tire and wheel protection, and paintless dent repair protection.
Distribution Channelschannels
SquareTradeProprietary ProductsTarget CustomersMajor retailers in the U.S. and mobile operators in Europe.
AritySells directly to affiliate and non-affiliate customers and through strategic industry specific partners.
InfoArmorWorkplace benefit programs provided to employees with a strategic focus to leverage relationships with our Allstate Benefits segment and expand into other distribution channels.
Allstate Roadside ServicesAllstate exclusive agencies, wholesale partners, affinity groups and a mobile application.
Allstate Dealer ServicesIndependent agencies and brokers through auto dealerships in the U.S. to customers in conjunction with the purchase of a new or used vehicle. 
Geographic markets
The Service Businesses primarily operate in the U.S., with certain businesses offering services in Europe, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Competition
We compete on a variety of factors, including product offerings, brand recognition, financial strength, price, distribution and the customer experience. The market for these services is highly fragmented and competitive.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg9


2018 Form 10-KItem 1. Business

Allstate Life Segment
Strategy  
Our Allstate Life segment accounted for 4.8% of Allstate’s 2018 consolidated total revenue and 1.8% of Allstate’s December 31, 2018 PIF. Our overall strategy is to broaden Allstate’s customer relationships and value proposition. The Allstate Life segment’s product offerings are a part of the Allstate brand trusted advisor strategy. We also distribute non-proprietary retirement products offered by third-party providers. Our target customers are those who prefer local personalized advice and service and are brand-sensitive.
Our product positioning provides solutions to help meet customer needs during various phases of life. Term and whole life insurance products offer basic life protection solutions while universal life and financial planning solutions cover more advanced needs. Many Allstate exclusive agencies partner with exclusive financial specialists to deliver life and retirement solutions. These specialists have expertise with advanced life and retirement cases and other more complex customer needs. Successful partnerships assist agencies with building stronger and deeper customer relationships. Sales producer education and technology improvements are being made to ensure agencies have the tools and information needed to help customers meet their needs and build personal relationships as trusted advisors.
The operating model is being modernized through investments in data and analytics and technology capabilities, tailoring distribution support, product innovation and enhancing the underwriting process.
Products and distribution
Insurance products
Term lifeInterest-sensitive life
Whole life

Variable life
Distribution channel
Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialistsTerm life insuranceCustomers who prefer local personalized advice and service and are brand-sensitive
Whole life insurance
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Variable life insurance
Workplace enrolling independent agents

Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialists
Workplace life and voluntary accident and health insurance:Middle market consumers with family financial protection needs employed by small, medium, and large size firms
Interest-sensitive and term life insurance
Disability income insurance
Cancer, accident, critical illness and heart/stroke insurance
Hospital indemnity
Dental insurancespecialists.
Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialists also sell certain non-proprietary retirement and investment products, including mutual funds, fixed and variable annuities, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance to provide a broad suite of protection and retirement products. As of December 31, 2015,2018, Allstate agencies had approximately $13.0$14.1 billion of non-proprietary mutual funds and fixed and variable annuity account balances under management. New and additional deposits into these non-proprietary products were $1.9$2.2 billion in 2015.2018.
Competition
We compete on a wide variety of factors, including product offerings, brand recognition, financial strength and ratings, price, distribution and the level of customer service. The market for life insurance continues to be highly fragmented and competitive. As of December 31, 2014,2017, there were approximately 400360 groups of life insurance companies in the United States, most of which offered one or more similar products. AccordingStates.
Geographic markets
Through subsidiaries, we are authorized to A.M. Best, as of December 31, 2014, the Allstate Financial segment is the nation’s 19th largest issuersell various types of life insurance products in all 50 states, D.C. and related business onPuerto Rico. Our top geographic markets are reflected below.
chart-78a889e95c5243268d0.jpg

10 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K


Allstate Benefits Segment
Strategy 
Our Allstate Benefits segment accounted for 3.0% of Allstate’s 2018 consolidated total revenue and 3.7% of Allstate’s December 31, 2018 PIF. The Allstate Benefits segment provides consumers with financial protection against the basisrisk of 2014 ordinaryaccidents, illness and mortality. We are an industry leader in the rapidly growing voluntary benefits market, offering a broad range of products through workplace enrollment. The voluntary market continues to grow as voluntary benefits products have become a core component of employer benefit offerings. Our life insurance portfolio includes individual and group term life and permanent life solutions.
Our products are offered through a network of independent agents and Allstate exclusive agencies. A broad product portfolio, flexible enrollment solutions and technology (including significant presence on employer benefit administration systems), our strong national accounts team, and a well-recognized brand differentiates Allstate Benefits.
Our strategy for growth is to become the industry leader in forcethe voluntary benefits market by delivering substantially more value through innovative products and 31st largesttechnology, tailored solutions and exceptional service. Initiatives are focused on expanding into non-traditional products and becoming an integrated digital enterprise through investments in future-state technologies and data and analytics capabilities.
Products and distribution
Our target customers are middle market consumers with family financial protection needs employed by small, medium and large sized firms. Allstate Benefits is well represented in all market segments and is a leader in the basislarge and mega (over 10,000 employees) market segments.
Voluntary benefits products
LifeShort-term disability
AccidentOther health
Critical illness

Distribution channels
Primary distribution continues to be through 6,200 workplace enrolling independent agents.

Allstate exclusive agencies, focusing on small employers, also distribute products.
Competition
We compete on a wide variety of 2014 statutory admitted assets.factors, including product offerings, brand recognition, financial strength and ratings, price, distribution and customer service.
The market for voluntary benefits is growing as these products help employees fill the increasing gaps associated with continued medical cost inflation and the shifting of costs from employers seek to shift benefit costsemployees to employees.cover co-pays and deductibles. Favorable industry and economic trends have increased competitive pressure and attracted new traditional and non-traditional entrants to the voluntary benefits market. Recent entrants, including large group medical, life and lifedisability insurance carriers, are leveraging core benefit capabilities by bundling and discounting to capture voluntary market share. Allstate will need to continue strengthening its value proposition and add new capabilities to maintain its strong leadership position in voluntary benefits.
Geographic Marketsmarkets
We sell life insurance and voluntary accident and health insurance throughout the United States. Through subsidiaries, we are authorized to sell various types of thesevoluntary benefits products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia,D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Guam. WeCanada. The top geographic markets are reflected below. chart-318df4e9577d83d819e.jpg



The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg11


Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K


Allstate Annuities Segment
Strategy  
Our Allstate Annuities segment accounted for 2.4% of Allstate’s 2018 consolidated total revenue and 0.2% of Allstate’s December 31, 2018 PIF. The Allstate Annuities segment consists primarily of deferred fixed annuities and immediate fixed annuities (including standard and sub-standard structured settlements). The segment is in run-off and is focused on increasing lifetime economic value. Both the deferred and immediate annuity businesses have been adversely impacted by the historically low interest rate environment. Our immediate annuity business has also sell voluntary accidentbeen impacted by medical advancements that have resulted in annuitants living longer than anticipated when many of these contracts were originated.
Allstate Annuities focuses on the distinct risk and health insurancereturn profiles of the specific products when developing investment and liability management strategies. The level of legacy deferred annuities in Canada.force has been significantly reduced and the investment portfolio and crediting rates are proactively managed to improve profitability of the business while providing appropriate levels of liquidity.
The following table reflects, in percentages,investment portfolio supporting our immediate annuities is managed to ensure the principal geographic distribution of statutory premiums and annuity considerations forassets match the Allstate Financial segment for 2015, based on information contained in statements filed with state insurance departments. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5 percentcharacteristics of the statutory premiumsliabilities and annuity considerations.provide the long-term returns needed to support this business. To better match the long-term nature of our immediate annuities, we use performance-based investments in which we have ownership interests and a greater proportion of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance.
New York10.7%
Texas10.3
Florida9.5
California6.6
Additional Information
Information regarding revenuesWe continue to review strategic options to reduce exposure and income from operations attributable to the Allstate Financial segment for the last three years is contained in Note 19improve returns of the consolidatedbusiness. As a result, we may take additional operational and financial statements. Note 19 also includes information regarding identifiable assets attributableactions that offer return improvement and risk reduction opportunities.
Products and distribution
We previously offered and continue to have in force deferred fixed annuities and immediate fixed annuities (including standard and sub-standard structured settlements). We exited the Allstate Financial segment forcontinuing sale of annuities over an eight year period from 2006 to 2014, reflecting our expectations of declining returns. In 2006, we disposed of substantially all of the last three years. Note 19 is incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference.

4


Information regarding premiumsvariable annuity business through reinsurance agreements. For discussion of non-proprietary retirement and contract charges for Allstate Financial segmentinvestment products for the last three years is set forth in Part II, Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in the table that summarizes premiums and contract charges by product. That table is incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference.
ALLSTATE AGENCIES
Allstate exclusive agencies offer products targeted to consumers that prefer local personalized advice and branded products from both the Allstate Protection and Allstate Financial segments. They offer Allstate brand auto and homeowners insurance policies; specialty auto products including motorcycle, trailer, motor home and off-road vehicle insurance policies; other personal lines products including renter, condominium, landlord, boat, umbrella and manufactured home insurance policies; commercial lines products for small business owners; and roadside assistance products.sold through our Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialists, offer various lifesee Part I, Item 1. Allstate Life Segment of this report.

Other Business Segments
Discontinued Lines and Coverages Segment
The Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment includes results from property and casualty insurance products, as well as voluntary accidentcoverage that primarily relates to policies written during the 1960s through the mid-1980s.
Strategy Management of this segment has been assigned to a designated group of professionals with expertise in claims handling, policy coverage interpretation, exposure identification, litigation and health insurance products. In addition, arrangements made with other companies, agencies,reinsurance collection. As part of its responsibilities, this group may at times be engaged in policy buybacks, settlements and brokers allow Allstate exclusive agencies the ability to make available non-proprietary products to consumers when an Allstate product is not available.reinsurance assumed and ceded commutations.
In the U.S., Allstate brand products are sold in approximately 10,200 locations through approximately 34,800 licensed producers including approximately 10,400 Allstate exclusive agencies employing approximately 24,400 licensed sales professionals, who are licensed to sell our products. We also offer these products through approximately 2,100 independent agencies in primarily rural areasDevelopment in the U.S. In Canada, we offer Allstate brand products through approximately 850 producers workingreserves established for asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines losses in five provinces across the country (Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New Brunswickfuture may continue. Reserve changes can be caused by new information relating to new and Nova Scotia). We pursue opportunities for growing Allstate brand exclusive agency distributionadditional claims or the impact of resolving unsettled claims based on market opportunities.
We support our exclusive agencies in a variety of ways to facilitate customer service and Allstate’s overall growth strategy. For example, we offer assistance with marketing, sales, service and business processes and provide education and other resources to help them acquire more business and retain more customers. Our programs support exclusive agencies and help them grow by offering financing to acquire other agencies and awarding additional resources to better performing agencies. We support our relationship with Allstate exclusive agencies through several national and regional working groups:
The Agency Executive Council, engages exclusive agencies on our customer service and growth strategy. Membership includes approximately 20 Allstate exclusive agency owners selected on the basis of performance, thought leadership and credibility among their peer group.
The National Advisory Board brings together Allstate’s senior leadership and a cross section of Allstate exclusive agents and exclusive financial specialists from around the country to address national business issues and develop solutions.
Regional Advisory Boards support Allstate exclusive agency owner engagement within each of Allstate’s 15 regional offices in the U.S. and within Canada.
The compensation structure for Allstate exclusive agencies rewards agencies for delivering high value to our customers and achieving certain business outcomesunanticipated events such as product profitability, net growth and household penetration. Allstate exclusive agent remuneration comprises a base commission (Property-Liability and Allstate Financial products), variable compensation and a bonus. Variable compensation has two components: agency success factors (local presence, Allstate Financial insurance policies sold and licensed staff), which must be achieved in order to qualifyarbitrations, litigation, legislative, judicial or regulatory actions. Environmental losses may also increase as the result of additional funding for the second component, which is customer satisfaction. In addition, a bonus that is a percentage of premiums can be earned by agents who achieve a targeted loss ratio and a defined amount of Allstate Financial sales. The bonus is earned by achieving a targeted percentage of multi-category households (customers with Allstate policies in at least two of the following product categories: vehicle, personal property, or life and retirement) and increases in Allstate Protection (Allstate brand) and Allstate Financial policies in force. Other elements of exclusive agency compensation and support include start-up agency bonuses, marketing support payments, technology and data allowances, regional promotions and recognition trips based on achievement. Allstate exclusive financial specialists receive commissions for proprietary and non-proprietary sales and earn a bonus based on the volume of business produced. There are no significant changesenvironmental site clean-up.
Challenges related to the compensation framework planned for 2016.
Allstate independent agent remuneration comprises a base commission (Property-Liability products) and a bonus which can be earned by agents who achieve a target loss ratio. The bonus, which is a percentageconcentration of premiums, is earned by achieving a targeted percentage of multi-category households (customers with Allstate policies in at least two of the following product categories: vehicle, personal property or life and retirement) and increased Allstate Protection (Allstate brand) net written premium above a minimum threshold. Other elements of independent agency compensation and support include marketing support payments, national and regional promotions and recognition trips based on achievement. There are no significant changes to the compensation framework planned for 2016.
Since Allstate brand customers prefer personal advice and assistance, all Allstate brand customers who purchase their policies directly through contact centers and the internet are provided an Allstate agency relationship at the time of purchase.

5


To better serve customers who prefer local and personalized advice, we are undergoing a focused multi-year effort to position agents, licensed sales professionals and financial specialists to serve customers as trusted advisors. This means that they have a local presence that instills confidence; know their customers and understand the unique needs of their households; help them assess the potential risks they face; provide local expertise and personalized guidance on how to protect what matters most to them by offering customized solutions; and support them when they have changes in their lives and during their times of need. To ensure agencies have the resources, capacity and support needed to serve customers at this level, we are deploying education and support focused on relationship initiation and insurance and retirement expertisereinsurance claims from companies who specialize in this business continue to be addressed.
Corporate and are continuing efforts to enhance agency capabilities with customer-centric technology while simplifying and automating service processes to enable agencies to focus more time in an advisory role.
Allstate employs field sales leaders who are responsible for recruiting and retaining Allstate agents and helping them grow their business and profitability. The field sales leaders’ compensation is aligned with agency success and includes a bonus based on the level of agent remuneration described above and agency geographic footprint.
OTHER BUSINESS SEGMENTSOther Segment
Our Corporate and Other segment is comprised of holding company activities and certain non-insurance operations. Note 19 of the consolidated financial statements contains information regarding the revenues, income from operations, and identifiable assets attributable to our Corporate and Other segment over the last three years.
Our Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment includes results from property-liability insurance coverage that we no longer write and results for certain commercial and other businesses in run-off. Our exposure to asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims is presented in this segment. Note 19 of the consolidated financial statements contains information for the last three years regarding revenues, income from operations, and identifiable assets attributable to our property-liability operations, which includes both our Allstate Protection and our Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments. Note 19 is incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference.
RESERVE FOR PROPERTY-LIABILITY CLAIMS AND CLAIMS EXPENSE
The following information regarding reserves applies to all of our property-liability operations, encompassing both the Allstate Protection segment and the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment.
Reconciliation of Claims Reserves
The following tables are summary reconciliations of the beginning and ending property-liability insurance claims and claims expense reserves, displayed individually for each of the last three years. The first table presents reserves on a gross (before reinsurance) basis. The end of year gross reserve balances are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The second table presents reserves on a net (after reinsurance) basis. The total net property-liability insurance claims and claims expense amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

GrossYear ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Gross reserve for property-liability claims and claims expense, beginning
   of year
$22,923
 $21,857
 $21,288
Incurred claims and claims expense
 
 
Provision attributable to the current year21,484
 19,896
 18,380
Change in provision attributable to prior years (1)
152
 925
 1,248
Total claims and claims expense21,636
 20,821
 19,628
Claim payments     
Claims and claims expense attributable to current year13,827
 13,034
 11,738
Claims and claims expense attributable to prior years6,863
 6,721
 7,321
Total payments20,690
 19,755
 19,059
Gross reserve for property-liability claims and claims expense, end of year
   as shown on the Loss Reserve Reestimates table
$23,869

$22,923

$21,857

6


NetYear ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
Net reserve for property-liability claims and claims expense, beginning
   of year
$17,229
 $17,193
 $17,278
Incurred claims and claims expense
 
 
Provision attributable to the current year20,953
 19,512
 18,032
Change in provision attributable to prior years81
 (84) (121)
Total claims and claims expense21,034

19,428

17,911
Claim payments     
Claims and claims expense attributable to current year13,660
 12,924
 11,658
Claims and claims expense attributable to prior years6,626
 6,468
 6,338
Total payments20,286

19,392

17,996
Net reserve for property-liability claims and claims expense, end of year as
   shown on the Loss Reserve Reestimates table (2)
$17,977

$17,229

$17,193

(1)
In 2015, the gross change in provision attributable to prior years, primarily relate to increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserves. In 2014 and 2013, the gross change in provision attributable to prior years, primarily relate to increases for Michigan and New Jersey unlimited personal injury protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserves (see the Property-Liability Claims and Claims Expense Reserves section of the MD&A for additional discussion).
(2)
Reserves for claims and claims expense are net of reinsurance of $5.89 billion, $5.69 billion and $4.66 billion as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The year-end 2015 gross reserves of $23.87 billion for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense, as determined under GAAP, were $7.09 billion more than the net reserve balance of $16.78 billion recorded on the basis of statutory accounting practices for reports provided to state regulatory authorities. The principal differences are reinsurance recoverables from third parties totaling $5.89 billion, primarily related to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (“MCCA”), that reduce reserves for statutory reporting but are recorded as assets for GAAP reporting, and a liability for the reserves of the Canadian subsidiaries for $1.06 billion. Remaining differences are due to variations in requirements between GAAP and statutory reporting.
As the tables above illustrate, Allstate’s net reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense at the end of 2014 increased in 2015 by $81 million, compared to reestimates of the gross reserves of an increase of $152 million. Net reserve reestimates in 2014 and 2013 of $84 million and $121 million, respectively, were more favorable than the gross reserve reestimates which increased $925 million and $1.25 billion, respectively, primarily due to Michigan personal injury protection claim reserves ceded to the MCCA.
Loss Reserve Reestimates
The following Loss Reserve Reestimates table illustrates the change over time of the net reserves established for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense at the end of the last eleven calendar years. The first section shows the reserves as originally reported at the end of the stated year. The second section, reading down, shows the cumulative amounts paid as of the end of successive years with respect to that reserve liability. The third section, reading down, shows retroactive reestimates of the original recorded reserve as of the end of each successive year which is the result of Allstate’s expanded awareness of additional facts and circumstances that pertain to the unsettled claims. The last section compares the latest reestimated reserve to the reserve originally established, and indicates whether the original reserve was adequate to cover the estimated costs of unsettled claims. The table also presents the gross reestimated liability as of the end of the latest reestimation period, with separate disclosure of the related reestimated reinsurance recoverable.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg12


Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K










7


The Loss Reserve Reestimates table is cumulative and, therefore, ending balances should not be added since the amount at the end of each calendar year includes activity for both the current and prior years. Unfavorable reserve reestimates are shown in this table in parentheses.Regulation
($ in millions)Loss Reserve Reestimates
 December 31,
 
2005
& prior
 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Gross reserves for unpaid claims and claims expense$22,117
 $18,866
 $18,865
 $19,456
 $19,167
 $19,468
 $20,375
 $21,288
 $21,857
 $22,923
 $23,869
Reinsurance recoverable3,186
 2,256
 2,205
 2,274
 2,139
 2,072
 2,588
 4,010
 4,664
 5,694
 5,892
Reserve for unpaid claims and claims expense18,931

16,610

16,660

17,182

17,028

17,396

17,787

17,278

17,193

17,229

17,977
Paid (cumulative) as of:                     
One year later7,952
 6,684
 6,884
 6,995
 6,571
 6,302
 6,435
 6,338
 6,468
 6,626
  
Two years later11,293
 9,957
 9,852
 10,069
 9,491
 9,396
 9,513
 9,511
 9,686
    
Three years later13,431
 11,837
 11,761
 11,915
 11,402
 11,287
 11,467
 11,477
      
Four years later14,608
 12,990
 12,902
 13,071
 12,566
 12,497
 12,650
        
Five years later15,325
 13,723
 13,628
 13,801
 13,323
 13,239
          
Six years later15,839
 14,239
 14,154
 14,305
 13,823
            
Seven years later16,249
 14,657
 14,543
 14,702
              
Eight years later16,607
 14,985
 14,887
                
Nine years later16,906
 15,283
                  
Ten years later17,186
                    
Reserve reestimated as of:                     
End of year18,931
 16,610
 16,660
 17,182
 17,028
 17,396
 17,787
 17,278
 17,193
 17,229
 17,977
One year later17,960
 16,438
 16,830
 17,070
 16,869
 17,061
 17,122
 17,157
 17,109
 17,310
  
Two years later17,876
 16,633
 17,174
 17,035
 16,903
 16,906
 17,001
 16,994
 17,017
    
Three years later18,162
 17,135
 17,185
 17,217
 16,909
 16,869
 16,937
 16,853
      
Four years later18,805
 17,238
 17,393
 17,260
 16,892
 16,854
 16,825
        
Five years later19,014
 17,447
 17,477
 17,306
 16,965
 16,818
          
Six years later19,215
 17,542
 17,560
 17,344
 16,953
            
Seven years later19,300
 17,671
 17,619
 17,392
              
Eight years later19,474
 17,727
 17,685
                
Nine years later19,541
 17,813
                  
Ten years later19,631
                    
Initial reserve in excess of (less than) reestimated reserve:                     
Amount of reestimate(700) (1,203) (1,025) (210) 75
 578
 962
 425
 176
 (81)  
Percent(3.7)%
(7.2)%
(6.2)%
(1.2)%
0.4%
3.3%
5.4%
2.5%
1.0%
(0.5)%  
Gross reestimated liability-latest26,002
 23,219
 22,994
 22,802
 22,158
 22,045
 22,167
 23,245
 22,748
 23,075
  
Reestimated recoverable-latest6,371
 5,406
 5,309
 5,410
 5,205
 5,227
 5,342
 6,392
 5,731
 5,765
  
Net reestimated liability-latest19,631
 17,813
 17,685
 17,392
 16,953
 16,818
 16,825
 16,853
 17,017
 17,310
  
Gross cumulative reestimate (increase) decrease$(3,885) $(4,353) $(4,129) $(3,346) $(2,991) $(2,577) $(1,792) $(1,957) $(891) $(152)  
($ in millions)Amount of reestimates for each segment
 December 31,
 
2005
& prior
 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Net Discontinued Lines and Coverages reestimate$(628) $(496) $(449) $(431) $(407) $(379) $(358) $(307) $(165) $(53)
Net Allstate Protection reestimate(72) (707) (576) 221
 482
 957
 1,320
 732
 341
 (28)
Amount of reestimate (net)$(700)
$(1,203)
$(1,025)
$(210)
$75

$578

$962

$425

$176

$(81)
As shown in the above table, the subsequent cumulative increase in the net reserves established up to December 31, 2005, in general, reflect additions to reserves in the Discontinued Lines and Coverages Segment, primarily for asbestos and environmental liabilities, which offset the effects of favorable severity trends experienced by Allstate Protection, as discussed more fully below. The cumulative increases in reserves established as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are due to the shift of reserves to older accident years attributable to a reallocation of reserves related to employee postretirement benefits to more accident years, litigation settlements, reclassification of injury and non-injury reserves to older years along with reserve strengthening as discussed below.
The following table is derived from the Loss Reserve Reestimates table and summarizes the effect of reserve reestimates, net of reinsurance, on calendar year operations for the ten-year period ended December 31, 2015. The total of each column details the amount of reserve reestimates made in the indicated calendar year and shows the accident years to which the reestimates are

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applicable. The amounts in the total accident year column on the far right represent the cumulative reserve reestimates for the indicated accident year(s). Favorable reserve reestimates are shown in this table in parentheses. The changes in total have generally been favorable other than 2008 which was adversely impacted due to litigation filed in conjunction with a Louisiana deadline for filing suits related to Hurricane Katrina, as shown and discussed more fully below.
($ in millions)
Effect of net reserve reestimates on
calendar year operations
 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
BY ACCIDENT YEAR                     
2005 & prior$(971) $(83) $286
 $643
 $209
 $201
 $85
 $174
 $67
 $90
 $701
2006  (89) (91) (141) (106) 8
 10
 (45) (11) (4) (469)
2007    (25) (158) (92) (1) (11) (46) 3
 (20) (350)
2008      (456) (46) (26) (41) (37) (21) (18) (645)
2009        (124) (148) (37) (63) 35
 (60) (397)
2010          (369) (161) (20) (88) (24) (662)
2011            (510) (84) (49) (76) (719)
2012                (99) (29) (128)
2013                79
 49
 128
2014                  173
 173
TOTAL$(971)
$(172)
$170

$(112)
$(159)
$(335)
$(665)
$(121)
$(84)
$81
 $(2,368)
In 2015, unfavorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to severity development for bodily injury coverage for recent years that was more than expected. The increased reserves in accident years 2005 & prior is due to reserve strengthening by the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment and litigation settlements from older years.
In 2014, favorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to auto severity development that was better than expected. The increased reserves in accident years 2004 & prior is due to reserve strengthening by the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment.
In 2013, favorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to auto severity development that was less than anticipated in previous estimates and catastrophe losses. The increased reserves in accident years 2003 & prior is due to reserve strengthening by the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment and a reclassification of injury reserves to older years.
In 2012, favorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to catastrophe losses and auto severity development that was less than anticipated in previous estimates. The increased reserves in accident years 2002 & prior is due to a reclassification of injury reserves to older years and reserve strengthening.
In 2011, favorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to auto severity development that was less than anticipated in previous estimates and catastrophe losses. The increased reserves in accident years 2001 & prior is due to a reclassification of injury reserves to older years and reserve strengthening.
In 2010, favorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to Allstate Protection catastrophe losses and auto severity development that was less than anticipated in previous estimates, partially offset by litigation settlements. The increased reserves in accident years 2000 & prior is due to litigation settlements of $100 million, a reclassification of injury reserves to older years and reserve strengthening.
In 2009, favorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to Allstate Protection catastrophe losses that were less than anticipated in previous estimates. The shift of reserves to older accident years is attributable to a reallocation of reserves related to employee postretirement benefits to more accident years, and a reclassification of injury and 2008 non-injury reserves to older years.
In 2008, unfavorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to Allstate Protection catastrophe losses that were more than anticipated in previous estimates.
In 2007, favorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to Allstate Protection auto severity development that was less than what was anticipated in previous estimates. Decreased reserve reestimates for Allstate Protection more than offset increased reestimates of losses primarily related to environmental liabilities reported by the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment.
In 2006, favorable prior year reserve reestimates were primarily due to Allstate Protection auto injury severity and late reported loss development that was less than what was anticipated in previous reserve estimates and also by catastrophe losses that were less than anticipated in previous estimates. Decreased reserve reestimates for Allstate Protection more than offset increased reestimates of losses primarily related to asbestos liabilities reported by the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment.

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For additional information regarding reserves, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Property-Liability Claims and Claims Expense Reserves.”
REGULATION
Allstate is subject to extensive regulation, primarily at the state level. The method, extent and substance of such regulation variesvary by state but generally has itshave their source in statutes that establish standards and requirements for conducting the business of insurance and that also delegate regulatory authority to a state agency. These rules have a substantial effect on our business and relate to a wide variety of matters, including insurer solvency and statutory surplus sufficiency, reserve adequacy, insurance company licensing and examination, agent and adjuster licensing, policy forms, rate setting, the nature and amount of investments, claims practices, participation in shared markets and guaranty funds, transactions with affiliates, the payment of dividends, underwriting standards, statutory accounting methods, trade practices, privacy regulation and data security, corporate governance. Somegovernance and risk management. In addition, state legislators and insurance regulators continue to examine the appropriate nature and scope of these matters are discussed in more detail below.state insurance regulation. For a discussion of statutory financial information, see Note 16 of the consolidated financial statements. For a discussion of regulatory contingencies, see Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements. Notes 14 and 16 are incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference.
In recent years, the state insurance regulatory framework has come under increased federal scrutiny. As part of an effort to strengthen the regulation of the financial services market, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) was enacted in 2010. Some regulations required pursuant to this law must still be finalized and, until such time, we are unable to determine the impact on Allstate’s operations. Dodd-Frank also created the Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”). The FIO monitors the insurance industry, provides advice to the Financial Stability Oversight Council (“FSOC”), represents the U.S. on international insurance matters, and studies the current regulatory system. FIO submitted reports to Congress in 2013 and 2014 addressing how to improve and modernize the system of insurance regulation. In addition, state legislators and insurance regulators continue to examine the appropriate nature and scope of state insurance regulation. We cannot predict whether any specific state or federal measures will be adopted to change the nature or scope of the regulation of insurance or what effect any such measures would have on Allstate. We are working for changes in the regulatory environment to make insurance more available and affordable for consumers, encourage market innovation, improve driving safety, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote better catastrophe preparedness and loss mitigation.
Additional regulations or new requirements may emerge from the activities of various regulatory entities, including the Federal Reserve Board, FIO, FSOC, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”), that are evaluating solvency and capital standards for insurance company groups. In addition, the NAIC has adopted amendments to its model holding company law whichthat have been adopted by some jurisdictions. The outcome of these actions is uncertain; however, these actions may result in an increase in the level of capital and liquidity required by insurance holding companies. Additional discussion
We cannot predict whether any specific state or federal measures will be adopted to change the nature or scope of recent developments enabled by Dodd-Frank appear laterthe regulation of insurance or what effect any such measures would have on Allstate. We are working for changes in this section.the regulatory environment to make insurance more available and affordable for customers, encourage market innovation, improve driving safety, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote better catastrophe preparedness and loss mitigation.
Agent and Broker Compensation.   In recent years, several states considered new legislation or regulations regarding the compensation of agents and
brokers by insurance companies. The proposals ranged in nature from new disclosure requirements to new duties on insurance agents and brokers in dealing with customers. Agents and brokers in New York are required to disclose certain information concerning compensation.
Limitations on Dividends Byby Insurance Subsidiaries.   As a holding company with no significant business operations of its own, The Allstate Corporation relies on dividends from Allstate Insurance Company as one of the principal sources of cash to pay dividends and to meet its obligations, including the payment of principal and interest on debt.debt or to fund non-insurance-related businesses. Allstate Insurance Company is regulated as an insurance company in Illinois, and its ability to pay dividends is restricted by Illinois law. For additional information regarding those restrictions, see Part II, Item 57 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report. The laws of the other jurisdictions that generally govern our other insurance subsidiaries contain similar limitations on the payment of dividends anddividends. However, such laws in some jurisdictions the laws may be more restrictive.
Insurance Holding Company Regulation – Change of Control.   The Allstate Corporation and Allstate Insurance Company are insurance holding companies subject to regulation in the jurisdictions in which their insurance subsidiaries do business. In the U.S., these subsidiaries are organized under the insurance codes of Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin, andWisconsin. Additionally, some of these subsidiaries are considered commercially domiciled in California and Florida.
Generally, the insurance codes in these states provide that the acquisition or change of “control” of a domestic or commercially domiciled insurer or of any person that controls such an insurer cannot be consummated without the prior approval of the relevant insurance regulator. In general, a presumption of “control” arises from the ownership, control, possession with the power to vote, or possession of proxies with respect to ten percent or more of the voting securities of an insurer or of a person thatwho controls an insurer. In addition, certain state insurance laws require pre-acquisition notification to state agencies of a change in control with respect to a non-domestic insurance company licensed to do business in that state. While such pre-acquisition notification statutes do not authorize the state agency to disapprove the change of control, such statutes do authorize certain remedies, including the issuance of a cease and desistcease-and-desist order with respect to the non-domestic insurer if certain conditions exist, such as undue market concentration.
Thus, any transaction involving the acquisition of ten percent or more of The Allstate Corporation’s common stock would generally require prior approval by the state insurance departments in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Wisconsin. Moreover,

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notification would be required in those other states that have adopted pre-acquisition notification provisions and where the

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2018 Form 10-KItem 1. Business

insurance subsidiaries are admitted to transact business. Such approval requirements may deter, delay or prevent certain transactions affecting the ownership of The Allstate Corporation’s common stock.
Rate Regulation.  Nearly all states have insurance laws requiring personal property and casualty insurers to file rating plans, policy or coverage forms, and other information with the state’s regulatory authority. In many cases, such rating plans, policy forms, or both must be approved prior to use.
The speed with which an insurer can change rates in response to competition or in response to increasing costs depends, in part, on whether the rating laws are (i) prior approval, (ii) file-and-use or (iii) use-and-file laws. In states having prior approval laws, the regulator must approve a rate before the insurer may use it. In states having file-and-use laws, the insurer does not have to wait for the regulator’s approval to use a rate, but the rate must be filed with the regulatory authority prior to being used. A use-and-file law requires an insurer to file rates within a certain period of time after the insurer begins using them. Eighteen states, including California and New York, have prior approval laws. Under all three types of rating laws, the regulator has the authority to disapprove a rate filing.
An insurer’s ability to adjust its rates in response to competition or to changing costs is often dependent on an insurer’s ability to demonstrate to the regulator that its rates or proposed rating plan meets the requirements of the rating laws. In those states that significantly restrict an insurer’s discretion in selecting the business that it wants to underwrite, an insurer can manage its risk of loss by charging a rate that reflects the cost and expense of providing the insurance. In those states that significantly restrict an insurer’s ability to charge a rate that reflects the cost and expense of providing the insurance, the insurer can manage its risk of loss by being more selective in the type of business it underwrites. When a state significantly restricts both underwriting and pricing, it becomes more difficult for an insurer to maintain its profitability.
From time to time, the personal lines insurance industry comes under pressure from state regulators, legislators, and special interestspecial-interest groups to reduce, freeze, or set rates at levels that do not correspond with our analysis of underlying costs, catastrophe loss exposure, and expenses. We expect this kind of pressure to persist. In addition, Allstate and other insurers are using increasingly sophisticated pricing models and rating plans that are reviewed by regulators and special interestspecial-interest groups. State regulators may interpret existing law or rely on future legislation or regulations to impose new restrictions that adversely affect profitability or growth. We cannot predict the impact on our business of possible future legislative and regulatory measures regarding rating.insurance rates.
Involuntary Markets.    As a condition of maintaining our licenses to write personal property and casualty insurance in various states, we are required to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities, and joint underwriting associations that provide various types of insurance coverage to individuals or
entities that otherwise are unable to purchase such coverage from private insurers. Underwriting results related to these arrangements, which tend to be adverse, have been immaterial to our results of operations.
For a discussion of these items see Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements. Note 14 is incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference.
Indemnification Programs.    We are a participant in state-based industry pools, facilities or associations, mandating participation by insurers offering certain coverage in their state, including the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association.    The MCCA is a mandatory insurance coverage and reinsurance indemnification mechanism for personal injury protection losses that provides indemnification for losses over a retention level that increases every other MCCA fiscal year. It operates similar to a reinsurance program and is funded by participating member companies through a per vehicle annual assessment that is currently $150. This assessment is collected when we receive payment from our customers and we remitAssociation, the assessment to the MCCA. The participating company retention level is $545 thousand per claim for the fiscal two-years ending June 30, 2017 compared to $530 thousand per claim for the fiscal two-years ending June 30, 2015. The MCCA provides unlimited lifetime medical benefits for qualifying injuries from automobile and motorcycle accidents. Many of these injuries are catastrophic in nature, resulting in serious permanent disabilities that require attendant and residential care for periods that may span decades. The MCCA may not be funded on an actuarial basis and can accumulate unfunded claims liabilities. As required for a member company, we report covered paid and unpaid claims to the MCCA, when estimates of loss for a reported claim are expected to exceed the retention level. The MCCA reimburses members as qualifying claims are paid and billed by members to the MCCA. Because of the nature of the coverage, losses (the most significant of which are for residential and attendant care) may be paid over the lifetime of a claimant, and accordingly, significant levels of incurred claim reserves are recorded by member companies as well as offsetting reinsurance recoverables. A significant portion of the incurred claim reserves and the recoverable can be attributed to a small number of catastrophic claims. Coverage disputes can result in additional losses, which may be recoverable from the MCCA. The MCCA currently has unfunded claims liabilities with an obligation to indemnify its members. Legislative proposals to change the MCCA operation in the future are put forth periodically, however, no changes have been enacted. We do not anticipate any material adverse financial impact from this association on Allstate.
New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association.    The New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association, (“PLIGA”) provides reimbursement to insurers for the medical benefits portionNorth Carolina Reinsurance Facility and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. We also participate in the Federal Government National Flood Insurance Program.
For a discussion of personal injury protection coverage paid in excess of $75,000 with no limits for policies issued or renewed prior to January 1, 1991, and paid in excess of $75,000 and capped at $250,000 for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2004. As the statutory administratorthese items see Note 10 of the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund (“UCJF”), PLIGA also provides compensation to qualified claimants for personal injury protection, bodily injury, or death causedconsolidated financial statements. Note 10 is incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by private passenger automobiles operated by uninsured or “hit and run” drivers. Thereference.

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UCJF also provides private passenger stranger pedestrian personal injury protection benefits when no other coverage is available. A significant portion of the incurred claim reserves and the recoverable can be attributed to a small number of catastrophic claims. PLIGA annually assesses all admitted property and casualty insurers writing motor vehicle liability insurance in New Jersey for direct PLIGA expenses and UCJF reimbursements and expenses. We do not anticipate any material adverse financial impact from PLIGA or the UCJF on Allstate.
Guaranty Funds.   Under state insurance guaranty fund laws, insurers doing business in a state can be assessed, up to prescribed limits, in order to cover certain obligations of insolvent insurance companies. We do not anticipate any material adverse financial impact on Allstate from these assessments.
National Flood Insurance Program.    We voluntarily participate as a Write Your Own carrier in the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). The NFIP is administered and regulated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”). We operate in a fiduciary capacity as a fiscal agent of the federal government in the issuing and administering of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. This involves the collection of premiums belonging to the federal government, the adjustment of claims, and the paying of covered claims and certain allocated loss adjustment expenses entirely drawn from federal funds. We receive expense allowances from the NFIP for underwriting administration, claims management, commissions, and adjusting expenses. The federal government is obligated to pay all claims and certain allocated loss adjustment expenses in accordance with the arrangement. In 2015, FEMA intervened and took direct responsibility for settling claims in litigation related to named storm Sandy, which occurred in 2012. FEMA also implemented a review process for non-litigated claims and offered to review claims that had previously been closed. These claims have been paid by directly drawing on federal funds to settle litigation and to pay additional amounts on claims reviewed by FEMA and submitted for processing. It is not known if FEMA may take similar actions on other past or future flood related claims. Allstate has not had any involvement in determining the additional payment amounts or settling these claims. Allstate did not accept any additional loss adjustment fees for the additional payments directed by FEMA. FEMA’s actions may have created potential exposure that Allstate is confident it has sufficiently addressed for all Sandy claims.
Investment Regulation.  Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that require investment portfolio diversification and that limit the amount of investment in certain categories. Failure to comply with these rules leads to the treatment of non-conforming investments as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus. Further, in some instances, these rules require divestiture of non-conforming investments.
Exiting Geographic Markets; Canceling and Non-Renewing Policies.   Most states regulate an insurer’s ability to exit a market. For example, states may limit, to varying degrees, an insurer’s ability to cancel and non-renew policies. Some states restrict or prohibit an insurer from withdrawing one or more types of insurance business from the state, except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. Regulations that limit cancellation and non-renewal and that subject withdrawal plans to prior approval requirements may restrict an insurer’s ability to exit unprofitable markets.
Variable Life Insurance and Registered Fixed Annuities.   The sale and administration of variable life insurance and registered fixed annuities with market value adjustment features are subject to extensive regulatory oversight at the federal and state level, including regulation and supervision by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisors and Investment Companies.   The Allstate entities that operate as broker-dealers, registered investment advisors, and investment companies are subject to

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Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K


regulation and supervision by the SEC, FINRA and/or, in some cases, state securities administrators. In April 2015,Certain state and federal regulators, such as the U.S. DepartmentSEC, are considering implementation of Labor issued a proposed regulation that would,best interest standards. Such proposals, if finalized in its current form, expand the range of activities that would be considered to be “investment advice”effective, could impact products provided by Allstate agencies and establish a new framework for determining whether a person is a fiduciary when mutual funds or variable annuities are sold in connection with an Individual Retirement Account or an employee benefit plan covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. If enacted in its current form, the proposed regulation could have an adverse impact on the products that Allstate’s broker-dealer, Allstate Financial Services, LLC (“AFS”), will be able to providebroker-dealers, their sales processes, volumes, and will add costs to AFS business operations to comply with these new requirements. Because we cannot predict the exact nature and extent of changes that may be made to the proposed regulation when finalized, the potential effect on AFS’s business is undeterminable at this time.producer compensation arrangements.
Dodd-Frank.Dodd-Frank: Covered Agreement. The Secretary of the Treasury (operating through FIO) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) are jointly authorized, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank, to negotiate a Covered Agreement with one or more foreign governments, authorities, or regulatory entities.Agreements. A Covered Agreement is a written bilateral or multilateral agreement that “relates to the recognition of prudential measures with respect to the business of insurance or reinsurance that achieves a level of protection for insurance or reinsurance consumers that is substantially equivalent to the level of protection achieved under State insurance or reinsurance regulation.” A Covered Agreement would become effective 90 days after FIO
On September 22, 2017, the U.S. and USTR jointly submit the final agreement to the House Financial Services, House Ways and Means, Senate Banking, and Senate Finance committees. The House and Senate committees are not required to vote on the Covered Agreement for it to become effective. As provided in Dodd-Frank, a Covered Agreement cannot preempt state insurance measures that govern an insurer’s rates, premiums, underwriting or sales practices; any state insurance coverage requirements; the application of antitrust laws of any state to the business of insurance; or

12


any state insurance measure governing insurer capital or solvency, except where a state insurance measure results in less favorable treatment of a non-U.S. insurer than a U.S. insurer.
In November 2015, pursuant to Dodd-Frank, Treasury and USTR notified Congress that they were formally initiating negotiations on a Covered Agreement with the European Union (“EU”) addressing: permanent equivalence treatment of the U.S. regulatory system by the EU; confidential sharing of information across jurisdictions; and uniform treatment of EU-based reinsurers operating in the U.S., including with respectsigned a Covered Agreement. In addition to reinsurance collateral. In the absence of an equivalence determination by the EU, U.S. based insurers with subsidiaries in the EU may be required to comply with European group capital and group supervision requirements for their U.S. operations. Once effective,signing the Covered Agreement, would pre-empt state laws relating to reinsurance collateral if they “result in less favorable treatmentTreasury and the USTR jointly issued a policy statement clarifying how the U.S. views implementation of a non-United States insurer domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction that is subject to a covered agreement than a United States insurer domiciled, licensed, or otherwise admitted in that State.”
The NAIC amended its Credit for Reinsurance Model Law and Regulation on November 6, 2011 (“Revised Reinsurance Model Law”), and statutory and regulatory enactments implementing these amendments have passed in 32 states. These amendments establish a new category of “certified reinsurers,” allowing domestic insurers to receive statutory capital credit for reinsurance ceded to certified reinsurers absent the reinsurers fully collateralizing their assumed reinsurance obligations. Under the NAIC’s previous regulatory scheme, which was utilized by all 50 states, and currently remains in effect in Illinois, domestic ceding companies are not allowed to take statutory capital credit for reserves ceded to unauthorized reinsurers unless the insurer withholds funds due to the reinsurer in an amount equal to the reserves, obtains a letter of credit on behalfcertain provisions of the unauthorized reinsurer equal toCovered Agreement. The policy statement affirms the amount of the reserves, or is the beneficiary of a credit for reinsurance trust with assets equal to the amount of the reserves.
The state insurance regulators have general authority over the business of insurance, including the determination of statutory capital credit allowed to domestic insurers utilizing reinsurance. In their November 2015 letters to Congress, Treasury and USTR indicated that they “support the integratedU.S. system of state and federal insurance regulation, including the primary role of state insurance regulators as the primary supervisors of the business of insurance. Treasuryinsurance and USTR willaddresses several other key provisions of the Covered Agreement for which constituents sought clarity, including prospective application to reinsurance agreements and an affirmation that the Covered Agreement does not enter intorequire development of a group capital standard or group capital requirement in the U.S.
The U.S. has five years from the date of signing to amend its credit for reinsurance laws and regulations to conform with the requirements of the Covered Agreement or face federal preemption determinations by the FIO. To address the requirements of the Covered Agreement, the NAIC has formally adopted plans to revise the existing credit for reinsurance model law and model regulation to conform with the requirements of the Covered Agreement with the EU unlessexpectation that states will adopt and implement the terms of that agreement are beneficialmodified model law and regulation. In addition, the NAIC plans to the United States. State insurance regulators will have a meaningful role during the Covered Agreement negotiating process.”
If executed as described by the FIO and USTR, the Covered Agreement could possibly secure permanent equivalence treatment of the U.S. regulatory system by the EU and eliminateadopt reinsurance collateral requirements for EU-based foreign reinsurers domiciled in all States.NAIC qualified jurisdictions, other than those in the EU, consistent with those in the Covered Agreement provided the qualified jurisdictions also comply with the group capital mutual recognition and information sharing provisions of the Covered Agreement.
On December 18, 2018, the U.S. and the United Kingdom (“UK”) signed a separate Covered Agreement consistent with the U.S.-EU Covered Agreement to coordinate regulation of the insurance industry doing business in the U.S. and UK in the event the UK leaves the EU in March 2019. Consistent with steps taken when the U.S. signed the U.S.-EU Covered Agreement in 2017, Treasury and the USTR also issued a policy statement regarding implementation of the U.S.-UK Covered Agreement affirming the role that state
insurance regulators play as the primary supervisors of the insurance industry. The signing begins a review period in the UK that lasts for 21 legislative days. The Covered Agreement has also been submitted to Congress on December 11, 2018 for a period of 90 calendar days after which the U.S.-UK Covered Agreement may become effective without further congressional approval.
Division Statute. On November 27, 2018, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation authorizing a statute that makes available a process by which a domestic insurance company may divide into two or more domestic insurance companies. The statute could be used to isolate an existing block of life, health, annuity or property-casualty business for sale to a third party or to manage risks associated with indemnification programs. The statute could also be used to divide continuing blocks of insurance business from insurance business that is no longer marketed, or otherwise has been discontinued, into separate companies with separate capital. Before a plan of division can be effected, it must be approved according to the organizational documents of the dividing insurer and submitted for approval by the Illinois Department of Insurance. The bill was effective January 1, 2019. The Illinois Department of Insurance will likely promulgate rules and the rule-making process will take several months once filed.
Privacy Regulation.Regulation and Data Security.    Federal law and the laws of many states require financial institutions to protect the security and confidentiality of customer information and to notify customers about their policies and practices relating to collection and disclosure of customer information and their policies relating to protecting the security and confidentiality of that information. Federal law and the laws of many states also regulate disclosures and disposal of customer information. Congress, state legislatures, and regulatory authorities are expected to consider additional regulation relating to privacy and other aspects of customer information.
Asbestos.   Congress has repeatedly considered legislation to address asbestos claims and litigation in the past and, recently,past. In February 2017, legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives passedtitled the Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency Act.Act of 2017 (the “FACT Act”). The FACT Act is designed to enablerequires transparency of asbestos trust funds that are formed under a reorganization plan following the discharge in bankruptcy of a debtor corporation, quarterly reports on claims made to pay only those who are entitledthe trusts, and the release of information sought by law to compensation fromdefendants in asbestos lawsuits. The House Judiciary Committee approved the funds. Favorable actionFACT Act, but a full House vote has not occurred. In 2017, the House introduced an additional bill called the Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2017. This legislation passed the House and is with the Senate and a presidential approval are uncertain.Judiciary Committee. We cannot predict the impact on our business of possible future legislative measures regarding asbestos.
Environmental.   Environmental pollution and clean-up of polluted waste sites is the subject of both federal and state regulation. The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability

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2018 Form 10-KItem 1. Business

Act of 1980 (“Superfund”(the “Superfund”) and comparable state statutes (“mini-Superfund”(the “mini-Superfunds”) govern the clean-up and restoration of waste sites by Potentially Responsible Parties (“PRPs”). The Superfund and the mini-Superfunds (Environmental(collectively, the “Environmental Clean-up LawsLaws” or “ECLs”) establish a mechanism to assign liability to PRPs or to fund the clean-up of waste sites if PRPs fail to do so. The extent of liability to be allocated to a PRP is dependentdepends on a variety of factors. By some estimates, there are thousands of potential waste sites subject to clean-up, but the exact number is unknown. The extent of clean-up necessary and the process of assigning liability remain in dispute. The insurance industry is involved in extensive litigation regarding coverage issues arising out of the clean-up of waste sites by insured PRPs and the insured parties’ alleged liability to third parties responsible for the clean-up. The insurance industry, including Allstate, has disputed and is disputing many such claims. Key coverage issues include whether the Superfund response, investigation, and clean-up costs are considered damages under the policies; trigger of coverage; the applicability of several types ofwhether coverage has been triggered; whether any pollution exclusions;exclusion applies; whether there has been proper notice of claims; whether administrative liability triggers the duty to defend; whether there is an appropriate allocation of liability among triggered insurers; and whether the liability in question falls within the definition of an “occurrence.” Identical coverage issues exist for clean-up and waste sites not covered under the Superfund. To date, courts have been inconsistent in their rulings on these issues.
Allstate’s exposure to liability with regard to its insureds that have been, or may be, named as PRPs is uncertain. While comprehensive Superfund reform proposals have been introduced in Congress, only modest reform measures have been enacted. In May 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency created a Superfund Task Force that issued proposed reforms in a July 2018 report. These recommendations address expediting clean-up and remediation processes, reducing the financial burden of the clean-up process, encouraging private investment, promoting redevelopment and community revitalization, and building and strengthening partnerships. We cannot predict which, if any, of these reforms will be enacted.












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INTERNET WEBSITEWebsite
Our Internet website address is allstate.com. The Allstate Corporation’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to such reports that we file or furnish pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available on the Investor Relations section of our website (www.allstateinvestors.com), free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed or furnished to the SEC. In addition, our corporate governance guidelines,Corporate Governance Guidelines, our codeGlobal Code of ethics,Business Conduct, and the charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation and Succession Committee, Executive Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee, and Risk and Return Committee are available on the Investor Relations section of our website and in print to any stockholder who requests copies by contacting Investor Relations, The Allstate Corporation, 2775 Sanders Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062-6127, 1-847-402-2800. The information found on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document filed with the SEC.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ALLSTATEOther Information About Allstate
As of December 31, 2015,2018, Allstate had approximately 41,10045,140 full-time employees and 500560 part-time employees.
Allstate continues to explore and invest in innovative solutions for the consumer and to expand its use of global resources, including business process and information technology operations in India and Northern Ireland.
Information regarding revenues generated outside of the United States is incorporated in this Part I, Item 1 by reference to Note 19 of the consolidated financial statements.
Allstate’s four businessseven reportable segments use shared services, including human resources, investment, finance, information technology and legal services, provided by Allstate Insurance Company and other affiliates.
Although the insurance business generally is not seasonal, claims and claims expense for the Allstate Protection segment tend to be higher for periods of severe or inclement weather.
“Allstate” is one of the most recognizeda very well-recognized brand namesname in the United States. We use the names “Allstate,” “Esurance,” “Encompass” and “Answer Financial” brands extensively in our business, alongbusiness. We also provide additional protection products and services through “SquareTrade”, “Arity”, “InfoArmor”, “Allstate Roadside Services”, “Allstate Dealer Services” and “Allstate Benefits”. These brands, products and services are supported with the related service marks, logos, and slogans, such as “Good Hands®.”slogans. Our rights in the United States to these names, service marks, logos and slogans continue soas long as we continue to use them in commerce. Many service marks used by Allstate are the subject of renewable U.S. and/or foreign service mark registrations. We believe that these service marks are important to our business and we intend to maintain our rights to them through continued use.them.

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Item 1. Business 2018 Form 10-K


Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth the names of our executive officers, their ages as of February 1, 2016,2019, their positions, business experience, and the years of their first election as officers. “AIC” refers to Allstate Insurance Company.
Name Age Position/Offices 
Year First
Elected
Officer
Thomas J. Wilson 58 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Allstate Corporation and of AIC. 1995
Don Civgin 54 President, Emerging Businesses of AIC. 2008
Judith P. Greffin 55 Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of AIC. 2002
Sanjay Gupta 47 Executive Vice President, Marketing, Innovation and Corporate Relations of AIC. 2012
Suren Gupta 54 Executive Vice President, Enterprise Technology and Strategic Ventures of AIC. 2011
Harriet K. Harty 49 Executive Vice President, Human Resources of AIC. 2012
Susan L. Lees 58 Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of The Allstate Corporation and of AIC (Chief Legal Officer). 2008
Samuel H. Pilch 69 Senior Group Vice President and Controller of The Allstate Corporation and of AIC. 1996
John M. Rhodes 44 Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of AIC. 2015
Steven E. Shebik 59 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Allstate Corporation and of AIC. 1999
Matthew E. Winter 59 President of The Allstate Corporation and of AIC. 2009
Each of the officers named abovebelow may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause, by the board of directors of the relevant company.
Messrs. Wilson, Civgin, Pilch, Shebik and Winter, and Mses. Greffin, Harty and Lees have held the listed positions for at least the last five years or have served Allstate in various executive or administrative capacities for at least five years.

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Prior to joining Allstate in 2012, Mr. Sanjay Gupta served as Chief Marketing Officer of Ally Financial from 2008 to 2012 and Senior Vice President of Global Consumer and Small Business Marketing at Bank of America from 2001 to 2008.
Name Age Position with Allstate and Business Experience 
Year First
Elected
Officer
Thomas J. Wilson 61 Chair of the Board (May 2008 to present), President (June 2005 to January 2015 and February 2018 to present), and Chief Executive Officer (January 2007 to present) of The Allstate Corporation and AIC. 1995
Elizabeth A. Brady 54 Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing, Innovation and Corporate Relations Officer of AIC (August 2018 to present); Senior Vice President, Global Brand Management, at Kohler Co. (November 2013 to July 2018). 2018
Don Civgin 57 President, Service Businesses of AIC (January 2018 to present); President, Emerging Businesses of AIC (February 2015 to January 2018); President and Chief Executive Officer, Allstate Financial of AIC (March 2012 to February 2015). 2008
John E. Dugenske
 52 
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment and Corporate Strategy Officer of AIC (January 2018 to present); Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of AIC (March 2017 to January 2018); Group Managing Director and Global Head of Fixed Income at UBS Global Asset Management (December 2008 to February 2017).

 2017
Eric K. Ferren 45 
Senior Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer of The Allstate Corporation (May 2017 to present) and of AIC (December 2017 to present); Senior Vice President of External Reporting and Corporate Accounting of AIC (April 2014 to December 2017); Chief Financial Officer of HSBC Bank USA, N.A. (January 2014 to April 2014); Chief Accounting Officer of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. (July 2010 to April 2014).

 2014
Mary Jane Fortin 54 
President, Allstate Financial Businesses of AIC (February 2017 to present); President, Allstate Life and Retirement of AIC (October 2015 to February 2017); Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Global Consumer Insurance of AIG (April 2012 to September 2015).

 2015
Suren Gupta 57 
Executive Vice President, Enterprise Technology and Strategic Ventures of AIC (February 2015 to present); Executive Vice President, Allstate Technology and Operations of AIC (April 2011 to February 2015).


 2011
Susan L. Lees 61 
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of The Allstate Corporation (May 2013 to present) and of AIC (June 2013 to present); Executive Vice President and General Counsel of The Allstate Corporation (June 2012 to May 2013) and of AIC (June 2012 to June 2013).

 2008
Jesse E. Merten 44 
Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of AIC (December 2017 to present) and Treasurer of The Allstate Corporation (January 2015 to present) and of AIC (February 2015 to present); Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Allstate Financial of AIC (January 2012 to February 2015).

 2012
Mario Rizzo 52 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Allstate Corporation and AIC (January 2018 to present); Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Allstate Personal Lines of AIC (February 2015 to January 2018); Senior Vice President and Treasurer of The Allstate Corporation (November 2010 to January 2015) and of AIC (November 2010 to February 2015).

 2010
Glenn T. Shapiro 53 
President, Allstate Personal Lines of AIC (January 2018 to present); Executive Vice President, Claims of AIC (April 2016 to January 2018); Executive Vice President and Chief Claims Officer of Liberty Mutual Commercial Insurance (May 2011 to March 2016).

 2016
Steven E. Shebik 62 
Vice Chair of The Allstate Corporation and AIC (January 2018 to present); Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Allstate Corporation (February 2012 to January 2018) and of AIC (March 2012 to January 2018).

 1999
Prior to joining Allstate in 2011, Mr. Suren Gupta served as Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo from 2003 to 2011.
Prior to joining Allstate in 2015, Mr. Rhodes served as Chief Risk Officer of Lincoln Financial Group from 2012 to 2015 and as Head of Equity Risk Management from 2009 to 2012.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains “forward-looking statements” that anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. These statements are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “seeks,” “expects,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “believes,” “likely,” “targets” and other words with similar meanings. These statements may address, among other things, our strategy for growth, catastrophe exposure management, product development, investment results, regulatory approvals, market position, expenses, financial results, litigation and reserves. We believe that these statements are based on reasonable estimates, assumptions and plans. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks or uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those communicated in these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and those described from time to time in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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2018 Form 10-KPart I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures


Item 1A.  Risk Factors
In addition to the normal risks of business, we are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those listed below, which apply to us as an insurer, investor and a provider of other products and financial services. Risks have been categorized as follows:
 Insurance Industry
 Financial
Investment
Operational
Regulatory and Legal

Strategic
These cautionary statements should be considered carefully together with other factors discussed elsewhere in this document, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or in materials incorporated therein by reference.
Insurance Industry Risks Relating to the Property-Liability business
As aCatastrophes and severe weather events may subject property and casualty insurer, we may facebusinesses to significant losses from catastrophes and severe weather events
Because of the exposure of ourOur property and casualty business may be exposed to catastrophic events Allstate Protection’scaused by various events, some of which may be exacerbated by climate change, such as wildfires, tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, solar flares, terrorism or industrial accidents which could cause operating results and financial condition mayto vary significantly from one period to the next. Catastrophes can be caused by various naturalnext, despite our catastrophe management programs. Our auto and man-made events, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tropical storms, terrorism or industrial accidents. Weproperty insurance business may incur catastrophe losses in our auto and property business in excess of: (1) those experienced in prior years, (2) the average expected level used in pricing, (3) our current reinsurance coverage limits or (4) loss estimates from external hurricane and earthquake models at various levels of probability. Despite our catastrophe management programs, we are exposed to catastrophes that could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition. For example, our historical catastrophe experience includes losses relating to named storm Sandy in 2012 totaling $1.2 billion, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 totaling $3.6 billion and the Northridge earthquake of 1994 totaling $2.1 billion and Hurricane Andrew in 1992 totaling $2.3 billion. We are also exposed to assessments from the California Earthquake Authority, andTexas Windstorm Insurance Association, various state-created insurance facilities, and to losses that could surpass the capitalization of these facilities. Although weSettlement of catastrophes have historically been financed the settlement of catastrophes from operating cash flows, including very large catastrophes that had complicated issues resulting in settlement delays, however, our liquidity could be constrained by a catastrophe, or multiple catastrophes, which could result in extraordinary losses or a downgrade of our debt or financial strength ratings.
In addition, weProperty and casualty businesses are subject to claims arising from weather events such as winter storms, rain, hail and high winds. The incidence and severity of weather conditions are largely unpredictable. There is generally an increase in the frequency and severity of auto and property claims when severe weather conditions occur.
The natureextent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of the total amount of insured exposure
affected by the event, the severity of the event and levelthe coverage provided, which can be both property and casualty coverages. Increases in the value and geographic concentration of catastrophesinsured property, the number of policyholders exposed to certain events and the effects of inflation could increase the severity of claims from catastrophic events in any period cannotthe future. For example, the specific geographic location impacted by tornadoes is inherently random and unpredictable and the specific location impacted by a tornado may or may not be predictedhighly populated and could be material tomay or may not have a high concentration of our operatinginsured exposures.
Property and casualty results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected due to limitations in the analytical models used to assess and predict the exposure to catastrophe losses
Along with others in the insurance industry, Allstate Protection uses models developed internally and by third party vendors as well asare used along with our own historichistorical data in assessing our property insurance exposure to catastrophe losses. These models assume various conditions and probability scenarios. Such models do not necessarily accurately predict future losses or accurately measure losses currently incurred. Further, the accuracy of such models may be negatively impacted by changing climate conditions. Catastrophe models which have been evolving since the early 1990s, use historical information and scientific research about natural events, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, and also utilizeas well as detailed information about our in-force business. While we use thisThis information is used in connection with our pricing and risk management activities,activities. However, since actual catastrophic events vary considerably, there are limitations with respect to its usefulness in predicting losses in any reporting period as actual catastrophic events vary considerably.period. Other limitations are evident in significant variations in estimates between models, material increases and decreases in results due to model changes and refinements of the underlying

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data elements and actual conditions that are not yet well understood or may not be properly incorporated into the models.
Impacts of catastrophes and ourOur catastrophe management strategy may adversely affect premium growth
Due to Allstate Protection’s catastrophe risk management efforts, the size of our homeowners business has been negatively impacted in the past and may be negatively impacted if we take further actions.actions are taken. Homeowners premium growth rates and retention could be adversely impacted by adjustments to our business structure, size and underwriting practices in markets with significant severe weather and catastrophe risk exposure.
Unexpected increases in the frequency or severity of property and casualty claims may adversely affect our operating results of operations and financial condition
Unexpected changes in the frequency or severity of claims will affect the profitability of our Allstate Protection segment. Our Allstate Protection segmentThe property and casualty businesses may experience volatility in claim frequency from time to time, and short-term trends may not continue over the longer term. Changes in auto claim frequency may result from changes in mix of business, miles driven, weather, distracted driving or other macroeconomic

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Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

factors. A significant increase in claim frequency could have an adverse effect on our operating results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in bodily injury claim severity are impacted by inflation in medical costs, litigation trends and precedents, regulation and the overall safety of automobile travel. Changes in auto physicalproperty damage claim severity are driven primarily by inflation in the cost to repair vehicles, including parts and labor rates, the mix of vehicles that are declared total losses, model year mix as well as used car values. Changes in homeowners claim severity are driven by inflation in the construction industry, building materials and home furnishings, changes in the mix of loss type, and by other economic and environmental factors, including short-term supply imbalances for services and supplies in areas affected by catastrophes. Increases in claim severity can arise from unexpected events that are inherently difficult to predict. Although we pursue various loss management initiatives in the Allstate Protection segment in orderare pursued to mitigate future increases in claim severity, there can be no assurances that these initiatives will successfully identify or reduce the effect of future increases in claim severity.
A regulatory environment that requires rate increases to be approved and that can dictate underwriting practices and mandate participation in loss sharing arrangements may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition
From time to time, political events and positions affect the insurance market, including efforts to suppress rates to a level that may not allow us to reach targeted levels of profitability. For example, if Allstate Protection’s loss ratio compares favorably to that of the industry, state or provincial regulatory authorities may impose rate rollbacks, require us to pay premium refunds to policyholders, or challenge or delay our efforts to raise rates even if the property and casualty industry generally is not experiencing regulatory challenges to rate increases. Such challenges affect our ability to obtain approval for rate changes that may be required to achieve targeted levels of profitability and returns on equity. We are pursuing auto insurance rate increases in 2016. Our ability to purchase reinsurance required to reduce our catastrophe risk in designated areas may be dependent upon the ability to adjust rates for its cost. If we are unsuccessful, our operating results could be negatively impacted.    
In addition to regulating rates, certain states have enacted laws that require a property-liability insurer conducting business in that state to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities and joint underwriting associations or require the insurer to offer coverage to all consumers, often restricting an insurer’s ability to charge the price it might otherwise charge. In these markets, we may be compelled to underwrite significant amounts of business at lower than desired rates, possibly leading to an unacceptable return on equity, or as the facilities recognize a financial deficit, they may in turn have the ability to assess participating insurers, adversely affecting our results of operations and financial condition. Laws and regulations of many states also limit an insurer’s ability to withdraw from one or more lines of insurance in the state, except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. Additionally, certain states require insurers to participate in guaranty funds for impaired or insolvent insurance companies. These funds periodically assess losses against all insurance companies doing business in the state. Our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected by any of these factors.
The potential benefits of our sophisticated risk segmentation process may not be fully realized
We believe that our sophisticated pricing and underwriting methods has allowed us to offer competitive pricing and operate profitably. However, because many of our competitors seek to adopt underwriting criteria and sophisticated pricing models similar to those we use, our competitive advantage could decline or be lost. Further, the use of increasingly sophisticated pricing models is being reviewed by regulators and special interest groups. Competitive pressures could also force us to modify our sophisticated pricing models. Furthermore, we cannot be assured that these sophisticated pricing models will accurately reflect the level of losses that we will ultimately incur.
Changes in the level of price competition and the use of underwriting standards in the property and casualty businessbusinesses may adversely affect our operating results of operations and financial condition
The propertypersonal property-liability market is highly competitive with carriers competing through advertising, price and casualty market has experienced periods characterized by relatively high levels of price competition, less restrictivecustomer service and distribution.  Companies can choose to alter underwriting standards, lower prices and relatively low premium rates, followed by periodsincrease advertising, which could result in diminished growth or profitability for Allstate.  In addition, external factors such as weather or macro-economic conditions can impact the frequency or cost of relatively lower levels of competition,

16


more selective underwriting standards and relatively high premium rates.losses, which impact market dynamics.  A downturn in the growth or profitability of the property and casualty businessbusinesses could have a material effect on our operating results of operations and financial condition.
Actual claims incurred may exceed current reserves establishedPricing for claimsour products is subject to our ability to adequately assess risks, estimate losses and may adversely affectcomply with state insurance regulations. Inadequate pricing could have a material adverse effect on our operating results of operations and financial condition
Recorded claim reserves in the Property-Liability business are based on our best estimates of losses, both reportedcondition. Additionally, we may increase premium rates and incurred but not reported claims reserves (“IBNR”), after considering known facts and interpretations of circumstances. Internal factors are considered including our experience with similar cases, actual claims paid, historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims, loss management programs, product mix and contractual terms. External factors are also considered, such as court decisions; changes in law; litigation imposing unintended coverage and benefits such as disallowing the use of benefit payment schedules, requiring coverage designed to cover losses that occuradopt tighter underwriting standards, which may result in a single policy perioddecline in new business and renewals. We may offer discounts for new customers and adopt less restrictive underwriting standards, which may lead to losses that develop continuously over multiple policy periods or requiring the availabilityincreased new business and renewals and higher losses. In either event, our competitive position, results of multiple limits; regulatory requirements and economic conditions. Because reserves are estimates of the unpaid portion of losses that have occurred, including IBNR losses, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded reserves and such variance may adversely affect our operating resultsoperations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.
Reinsurance may be unavailable at current levels and prices, which may limit our ability to write new business
Market conditions beyond our control impact the availability and cost of the reinsurance we purchase. No assurances can be made that reinsurance will remain continuously available to us to the same extent and on the same terms and rates as is currently available. Our personal lines catastrophe reinsurance program was designed, utilizing our risk management
methodology, to address our exposure to catastrophes nationwide. For example, our ability to afford reinsurance to reduce our catastrophe risk in designated areas may be dependent upon our ability to adjust premium rates for its cost, and there are no assurances that the reserves are reestimated.terms and rates for our current reinsurance program will continue to be available in future years. If we were unable to maintain our current level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts that we consider sufficient at acceptable prices, we would have to either accept an increase in our catastrophe exposure, reduce our insurance writings, or develop or seek other alternatives.
Predicting claim costs relatingReinsurance subjects us to asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines is inherently uncertaincounterparty risk and may not be adequate to protect us against losses arising from ceded insurance, which could have a material effect on our operating results of operations and financial condition
The processcollectability of estimating asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines liabilitiesreinsurance recoverables is complicated by complex legal issues concerning, among other things,subject to uncertainty arising from a number of factors, including changes in market conditions, whether insured losses meet the interpretationqualifying conditions of various insurance policy provisionsthe reinsurance contract, duration of the collections and whether losses are covered,reinsurers, their affiliates, or were ever intendedcertain regulatory bodies have the financial capacity and willingness to be covered,make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty or contract. Additionally, reinsurance placed in the catastrophe bond market may not provide the same level of coverage as reinsurance placed in the traditional market. Any disruption, volatility and whether lossesuncertainty in the financial markets may decrease our ability to access such market on favorable terms or at all. Our inability to recover from a reinsurer could be recoverable through retrospectively determined premium, reinsurance or other contractual agreements. Asbestos-related bankruptcies and other asbestos litigation are complex, lengthy proceedings that involve substantial uncertainty for insurers. Actuarial techniques and databases used in estimating asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines net loss reserves may prove to be inadequate indicators of the extent of probable loss. Ultimate net losses from these discontinued lines could materially exceed established loss reserves and expected recoveries and have a material effect on our operating results of operations and financial condition.
Changing climate and weather conditions may adversely affect our financial condition, profitability or cash flows
Climate change may affect the occurrence of certain natural events, such as an increase in the frequency or severity of wind and thunderstorm events, eruptions of volcanoes and tornado or hailstorm events due to increased convection in the atmosphere; more frequent wildfires in certain geographies; higher incidence of deluge flooding and the potential for an increase in severity of the hurricane events due to higher sea surface temperatures. Additionally, there may be an impact on the demand, price and availability of automobile and homeowners insurance, reinsurance coverages as well as the reservesvalue of our investment portfolio. Due to significant variability associated with future changing climate conditions we are reestimated.unable to predict the impact climate change will have on our businesses.
Risks Relating to the Allstate Financial Segment
Changes in underwritingUnderwriting changes and actual experience could materially affect profitability and financial condition of our life, voluntary benefits and annuity businesses
Our product pricing includes long-term assumptions regarding investment returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency and operating costs and expenses of the business. We establish target returns

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg19


2018 Form 10-KPart I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures


for each product based upon these factors and the average amount of capital that we must hold to support in-force contracts taking into account rating agencies and regulatory requirements. We monitor and manage our pricing and overall sales mix to achieve target new business returns on a portfolio basis, which could result in the discontinuation or de-emphasis of products and a decline in sales. Profitability from new business emerges over a period of years depending on the nature and life of the product and is subject to variability as actual results may differ from pricing assumptions. Additionally, many of our products have fixed or guaranteed terms that limit our ability to increase revenues or reduce benefits, including credited interest, once the product has been issued.
Our profitability in this segmentMany voluntary benefits employer contracts are renewed annually. There is a risk that employers may be able to obtain more favorable terms from competitors than they could by renewing coverage with us. These competitive pressures may adversely affect the persistency of these products, as well as our ability to sell products.
Profitability depends on the sufficiency of premiums and contract charges to cover mortality and morbidity benefits, the persistency of policies to ensure recovery of acquisition expenses, the adequacy of investment spreads, the persistency of policies, the management of market and credit risks associated with investments, and the management of operating costs and expenses within anticipated pricing allowances. Legislation and regulation of the insurance marketplace and products could also affect our profitability and financial condition.
Actual claims incurred may exceed current reserves established for claims including claims relating to asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
Recorded claim reserves, including case reserves and incurred but not reported claims reserves (“IBNR”), are based on our best estimates of losses after considering known facts and interpretations of the circumstances, including settlement agreements. Additionally, models that rely on the assumption that past loss development patterns will persist into the future are used. Internal factors are considered including our experience with similar cases, actual claims paid, historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims, loss management programs, product mix, contractual terms and changes in claim reporting and settlement practices. External factors are also considered, such as court decisions, changes in law and litigation imposing unintended coverage. We also consider benefits, such as disallowing the use of benefit payment schedules, requiring coverage designed to cover losses that occur in a single policy period to losses that develop continuously over multiple policy periods or requiring the availability of multiple limits. Regulatory requirements and economic conditions are also considered.
Since reserves are estimates of the unpaid portion of losses that have occurred, including IBNR losses, the
establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process that is continually refined to reflect current estimation processes and practices. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded reserves and such variance may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition as the reserves and reinsurance recoverables are reestimated.
Furthermore, the process of estimating asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines liabilities is inherently uncertain. The process is complicated by legal issues concerning, among other things, the interpretation of various insurance policy provisions, whether losses are covered or were intended to be covered and whether losses could be recoverable through retrospectively determined premium, reinsurance or other contractual agreements. Asbestos-related bankruptcies and litigation are complex, lengthy proceedings that involve substantial uncertainty for insurers. Actuarial techniques, databases and reinsurance assumptions used in estimating asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines net loss reserves may prove to be inadequate indicators of the extent of probable loss. Ultimate net losses from these discontinued lines could materially exceed established loss reserves and expected recoveries and have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition as the reserves are reestimated.
Changes in reserve estimates for our life, voluntary benefits and annuity businesses may adversely affect our operating results of operations
The reserve for life-contingent contract benefits payable under insurance policies,including traditional life insurance, life-contingent immediate annuities and voluntary accident and health insurance products, is computed on the basis of long-term actuarial assumptions of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and expenses. Future investment yields may be lower than our current projections. Mortality and morbidity may continue to improve in the future from current levels, due to medical advancements, that have resultedresulting in policyholders living longer than anticipated. We periodically review the adequacy of these reserves on an aggregate basis and if future experience differs significantly from assumptions, adjustments to reserves and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) may be required that could have a material effect on our operating results.
Changesresults of operations. We also review these policies for circumstances where projected profits would be recognized in market interest rates may leadearly years followed by projected losses in later years. If this circumstance exists, we will be required to accrue a significant decreaseliability during the period of profits to offset the losses at such time as the future losses are expected to commence. Prior to fourth quarter 2017, we evaluated our traditional life insurance products and immediate annuities with life contingencies on an aggregate basis. In conjunction with the segment changes that occurred in the profitabilityfourth quarter of spread-based2017, traditional life insurance products, immediate annuities with life contingencies, and voluntary accident and health insurance products are reviewed individually. This increases the risk that
Our ability
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Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

we will have to managerecord a premium deficiency adjustment in the in-force Allstate Financial spread-based products,future for immediate annuities with life contingencies. Changes to accounting guidance for long-duration insurance contracts such as fixedtraditional life, life-contingent immediate annuities is dependent upon maintaining profitable spreads between investment yields and interest crediting rates. When market interest rates decrease or remain at relatively low levels, proceeds from investments thatcertain voluntary accident and health insurance products may have matured or have been prepaid or sold may be reinvested at

17


lower yields, reducing investment spread. Lowering interest crediting ratesa material effect on some products in such an environment can partially offset decreases in investment yield. However, these changesreserves and shareholders’ equity and could be limited by regulatory minimum rates or contractual minimum rate guarantees on many contracts and may not match the timing or magnitudeadversely impact financial strength ratings. For a description of changes in investment yields. Increases in market interest rates can have negative effects on Allstate Financial, for example by increasing the attractiveness of other investments to our customers, which can lead to increased surrenders at a time when the segment’s fixed income investment asset values are lower as a resultaccounting standards see Note 2 of the increase in interest rates. This could lead to the sale of fixed income securities at a loss. In addition, changes in market interest rates impact the valuation of derivatives embedded in equity-indexed annuity contracts that are not hedged, which could lead to volatility in net income.consolidated financial statements.
Changes in estimates of profitability on interest-sensitive life products may adversely affect our profitability and financial condition through the amortization of DAC
DAC related to interest-sensitive life contracts is amortized in proportion to actual historical gross profits and estimated future gross profits (“EGP”) over the estimated lives of the contracts. The principal assumptions for determining the amount of EGP are mortality, persistency, expenses, investment returns, including capital gains and losses on assets supporting contract liabilities, interest crediting rates to contractholders, and the effects of any hedges. Updates to these assumptions, (commonlycommonly referred to as “DAC unlocking”)unlocking,” could result in accelerated amortization of DAC and thereby adversely affect our profitability and financial condition. In addition, assumption changes impact the reserve for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and could also lead to volatility in net income.
ReducingFinancial Risks
Conditions in the global economy and capital markets could adversely affect our concentration in spread-based business and exitingresults of operations
Conditions in the global economy and capital markets could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. This includes high and sustained unemployment in certain distribution channels mayregions and lower labor participation rates in others, reduced consumer spending, low economic growth, lower residential and commercial real estate prices, substantial increases in delinquencies on consumer debt, the relatively low availability of credit and ineffective central bank monetary policies.
Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets or financial asset classes could adversely affect reported resultsour investment portfolio. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. In addition, events in the U.S. or foreign markets, such as the United Kingdom’s planned exit from the European Union (“EU”) in March 2019, can impact the global economy and capital markets. The impact of such events is difficult to predict.
In the years since the financial crisis, the central banks of most developed countries have pursued highly accommodative monetary policies. Higher volatility and less certainty in capital markets may continue as the U.S. Federal Reserve, through the Federal Open Market Committee, raises interest rates and as global monetary policies diverge.
On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”), announced that the FCA will no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. This announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis is not guaranteed after 2021, and LIBOR may be discontinued or modified by 2021.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) in April 2018 as an alternative for LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. A transition away from the widespread use of LIBOR to SOFR or another benchmark rate may occur over the course of the next few years.
We have been reducingexposure to LIBOR-based financial instruments, such as securities we have issued or may issue in the future, including our concentrationfloating rate senior notes and subordinated debentures, and LIBOR-based securities and derivatives held in spread-based business since 2008our investment portfolio. Certain of our contracts allow for the use of an alternative benchmark rate if LIBOR is no longer available. At this time, we cannot predict the overall effect of the modification or discontinuation of LIBOR or the establishment of alternative benchmark rates.
Protectionist trade policy actions, such as tariffs and discontinued offering fixed annuities effective January 1, 2014. Wequotas, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition through an increase in claim severity. Such trade policy actions could also exited the independent master brokerage agencies and structured settlement annuity brokers distribution channels in 2013 and sold Lincoln Benefit Life Company (“LBL”) on April 1, 2014. The reduction in sales of these products has and will continue to reduce investment portfolio levels. It may also affect the settlement of contract benefits including forced sales of assets with unrealized capital losses, and affect goodwill impairment testing and insurance reserves deficiency testing. We continue to assess additional utilization of outsourcing arrangements and if we are unsuccessful, our cost structure may be less competitive.
Changes in tax laws may decrease sales and profitability of products and adversely affect our investment results, as an increase in the scope and size of tariffs could disrupt global supply chains and increase inflationary pressures which may have an adverse effect on economic activity.
General economic conditions could adversely affect us by impacting consumer behavior and pressuring investment results. Consumer behavior changes may include decreased demand for our products; for example, if consumers purchase fewer automobiles, sales of auto insurance may decline. Also, if consumers become more cost conscious, they may choose lower levels of auto and homeowners insurance. In addition, holders of interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity products may engage in an elevated level of discretionary withdrawals of contractholder funds. Investment results could be adversely affected as deteriorating financial and business conditions affect the issuers of the securities in the investment portfolio.
A downgrade in financial strength ratings may have an adverse effect on our competitive position, the marketability of our product offerings, liquidity, access to and cost of borrowing, results of operations and financial condition
Under current federalFinancial strength ratings are important factors in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and state income tax law, certain products we provide, primarily lifegenerally have an effect on an insurance receive beneficial tax treatment. This favorable treatment may give certaincompany’s business. Rating agencies continuously review our financial performance and condition. They could downgrade or change the

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2018 Form 10-KPart I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures


outlook on our ratings due to a change in the financial profile of one of our productsinsurance companies, a competitive advantage over noninsurance products. Congress and various state legislatures from timechange in a rating agency’s determination of the amount of risk-adjusted capital required to time consider legislation that would reducemaintain a particular rating, an increase in the perceived risk of our investment portfolio, a reduced confidence in management or eliminate the beneficial policyholder tax treatment currently applicable to life insurance. Congress and various state legislatures also consider proposals to reduce the taxationour business strategy, as well as a number of certain products or investmentsother considerations that may compete with life insurance. Legislation that increasesor may not be under our control. The insurance financial strength ratings of Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Assurance Company and The Allstate Corporation’s senior debt ratings from A.M. Best, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s are subject to continuous review and the taxation on insurance products or reduces the taxation on competing products could lessen the advantage or create a disadvantage for certainretention of our products making them less competitive. Such proposals, if adopted,current ratings cannot be assured. A downgrade in any of these ratings could have a material effect on our profitabilitysales, competitiveness, retention, the marketability of our product offerings, liquidity, access to and cost of borrowing, results of operations and financial condition orcondition.
Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to sell such productsmeet liquidity needs or obtain credit on acceptable terms
In periods of extreme volatility and could resultdisruption in the surrendercapital and credit markets, liquidity and credit capacity may be severely restricted. In such circumstances, our ability to obtain capital to fund operating expenses, financing costs, capital expenditures or acquisitions may be limited, and the cost of some existing contractsany such capital may be significant. Our access to additional financing depends on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to our industry, our credit ratings and policies. In addition, changescredit capacity, as well as lenders’ perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions. If a combination of these factors were to occur, our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient, and in the federal estate tax laws could negatively affect the demand for the types of life insurance used in estate planning.
Wesuch case, we may not be able to mitigate the capital impact associated with life insurance statutory reserving requirements, potentially resulting in a need to increase prices, reduce sales of certain life products, and/or accept a return on equity below original levels assumed in pricing
To support statutory reserves for certain life insurance products, we currently utilize reinsurance and captive reserve financing solutions for financing a portion of our statutory reserve requirements deemed to be non-economic. As we continue to underwrite certain life business, we expect to have additional financing needs to mitigate the impact of these reserve requirements. If we do notsuccessfully obtain additional financing as a resulton favorable terms.
We may be required to recognize impairments in the value of market conditions or otherwise, this could require us to increase prices, reduce our sales of certain life products, and/or result in a return on equity below original levels assumed in pricing.
A decline in Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s financial strength ratingsgoodwill, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
We reinsure life insurance and payout annuity business from LBL. A declineGoodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquiring businesses over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if conditions warrant, by comparing the carrying value, attributed equity, of a reporting unit to its estimated fair value. Market declines or other events impacting the fair value of a reporting unit could result in LBL’s financial strength ratingsa goodwill impairment, resulting in a charge to income. Such a charge could lead tohave an increase in policy lapses. This could adversely affectadverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
The realization of deferred tax assets is subject to uncertainty
The realization of our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, if any, is based on the assumption that we will be able to fully utilize the deductions that are ultimately recognized for tax purposes. However, actual results may differ from our assumptions if adequate levels of taxable income are not attained.
The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends may affect our liquidity and ability to meet our obligations
The Allstate Corporation is a holding company with no significant operations. Its principal assets are the stock of its subsidiaries and its directly held short-term cash and securities portfolios. Its liabilities include debt and pension and other postretirement benefit obligations related to Allstate Insurance Company employees. State insurance regulatory authorities limit the payment of dividends by decreasinginsurance subsidiaries, as described in Note 16 of the consolidated financial statements. The limitations are based on statutory income and surplus. In addition, competitive pressures generally require the subsidiaries to maintain insurance financial strength ratings. These restrictions and other regulatory requirements affect the ability of the subsidiaries to make dividend payments. Limits on the ability of the subsidiaries to pay dividends could adversely affect holding company liquidity, including the ability to pay dividends to shareholders, service debt or complete share repurchase programs in the timeframe expected.
Management views enterprise capital as a combination of statutory surplus and invested assets at the parent holding company level. Deterioration in statutory surplus or earnings, from developments such as catastrophe losses, or changes in market conditions or interest rates, could adversely affect holding company liquidity by impacting the amount of dividends from subsidiaries or the utilization of invested assets at the holding company to increase statutory surplus or for other corporate purposes.
Following the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Legislation”), the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) approved a change in the risk-based capital (“RBC”) formula on June 28, 2018, to reflect the impact of the Tax Legislation on year-end 2018 RBC calculations for life insurers. Since RBC requirements are determined net of tax, the decrease in the federal tax rate results in an increase in the amount of after-tax RBC required to be held by our insurance subsidiaries. Changes in capital requirements could decrease deployable capital and potentially reduce future premiums.dividends paid by our life subsidiary companies. In addition, the NAIC has formed a working group for the development of a group capital calculation covering all entities of the insurance company group using a methodology based on aggregated risk-based capital. Although we do not expect potential revisions to impact our current dividend plans, any increase in the amount of capital or reserves our insurance subsidiaries are required to hold
Risks Relating
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Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

could reduce the amount of future dividends such subsidiaries are able to Investmentsdistribute to the holding company.  Any reduction in the RBC ratios of our insurance subsidiaries could also adversely affect their financial strength ratings as determined by statistical rating agencies.
Our ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock is subject to limitations under terms of certain of our securities
The terms of the outstanding subordinated debentures prohibit us from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on our common or preferred stock or redeeming, purchasing, acquiring, or making liquidation payments on our common stock or preferred stock if we have elected to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures, subject to certain limited exceptions.
We are prohibited from declaring or paying dividends on preferred stock if we fail to meet specified capital adequacy, net income or shareholders’ equity levels. The prohibition is subject to an exception permitting us to declare dividends out of the net proceeds of common stock issued by us during the 90 days prior to the date of declaration even if we fail to meet such levels.
We may not repurchase or pay dividends on common stock during any dividend period while our preferred stock is outstanding, unless the full preferred stock dividends for the preceding dividend period have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside and any declared but unpaid preferred stock dividends for any prior period have been paid, subject to certain limited exceptions. The authorized number of directors then constituting the board of directors will be increased by two, to be elected by the holders of preferred stock together with the holders of all other affected classes and series of voting parity stock, voting as a single class, if and when dividends on preferred stock have not been declared and paid in full for at least six quarterly dividend periods, subject to certain conditions.
Investment Risks
Our investment portfolios are subject to market risk from changes in interest rates, equity prices, currency exchange rates and declines in credit quality, which may adversely affect investment income and cause realized and unrealized losses
We continually reevaluate our investment management strategies since we are subject to the risk of loss due to adverse changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, or currency exchange rates. Adverserates and the liquidity of investments. Such adverse changes in these rates, spreads and prices may occur due to changes in monetary policy and the economic climate, the liquidity of a market or market segment, investor return

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expectations and/or risk tolerance, insolvency or financial distress of key market makers or participants, or changes in market perceptions of credit worthiness. WeThe performance and value of our investment portfolios are also subject to market risk related to investments in real estate, loans and securities collateralized by real estate. Some
Moreover, some of our investment strategies target individual investments with unique risks that are notless highly correlated with broad market risks. Although we expect these investments to increase total portfolio returns over time, their performance may vary from and under-perform relative to the market in some periods.market.
WeOur investment portfolios are subject to risks associated with potential declines in credit quality related to specific issuers or specific industries and a general weakening inof the economy, which are typically reflected through credit spreads. Credit spread is the additional yield on fixed income securities and loans above the risk-free rate, (typicallytypically referenced as the yield on U.S. Treasury securities)securities, that market participants require to compensate them for assuming credit, liquidity and/or prepayment risks. Credit spreads vary (i.e. increase or decrease) in response to the market’s perception of risk and liquidity in a specific issuer or specific sector andsector. Additionally, credit spreads are influenced by the credit ratings, and the reliability of those ratings, published by external rating agencies. Although we have the ability to use derivative financial instruments to manage these risks, the effectiveness of such instruments varies with liquidity and other conditions that may impact derivative and bond markets. Adverse economic conditions or other factors could cause declines in the quality and valuation of our investment portfolioportfolios that would result in realized and unrealized losses. The concentration of our investment portfolios in any particular issuer, industry, collateral type, group of related industries, geographic sector or risk type could have an adverse effect on our investment portfolios and consequently on our results of operations and financial condition.
A decline in market interest rates or credit spreads could have an adverse effect on our investment income as we invest cash in new investments that may earn less than the portfolio’s average yield. In a declininglow interest rate environment, borrowers may prepay or redeem securities more quickly than expected as they seek to refinance at lower rates. A declineSustained low interest rates could also lead us to purchasepurchases of longer-term or riskier assets in order to obtain adequate investment yields, resultingwhich could also result in a duration gap when compared to the duration of liabilities. Alternatively, longer-term assets may be sold and reinvested in shorter-term assets that may have lower yields in anticipation of rising interest rates. An increase in market interest rates or credit spreads or a decrease in liquidity could have an adverse effect on the value of our investment portfolioportfolios by decreasing the fair values of the fixed income securities that comprise a substantial majority of our investment portfolio.portfolios. Declining equity markets and/or increases in interest rates or credit spreads could also cause the value of the investments in our pension plans to decrease and decreasingdecrease. Declines in interest rates could cause the funding targetratio to decline and the projected benefit obligationvalue of the obligations for our pension plans or the accumulated benefit obligation of our otherand postretirement benefit plans to increase, either or both resulting in aincrease. These factors could decrease in the funded status of the pension plans and a reduction in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity, increases inour pension and other postretirement plans, increasing the likelihood or magnitude of future benefit expense and increases in required contributions to the pension plans.contributions.

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2018 Form 10-KPart I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures


The amount and timing of net investment income from our performance-based long-term investments, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, timber and agriculture-related assets, tends to be unevenwhich primarily includes limited partnership interests, can fluctuate significantly as a result of the performanceunderlying investments’ performance. Additionally, the timing of the underlying investments. The timing ofcapital contributions and distributions depends on particular events, schedules for making distributions, and cash needs related to the investments. As a result, the amount of net investment income recognized and cash contributed to or received from these investments can vary substantially from quarter to quarter. Significant volatility or market downturns could adversely impact net investment income, valuation and returns on these investments. In addition, the valuation of suchAdditionally, these investments may be impacted byare less liquid than similar, publicly-traded investments. A decline in market downturns or volatility.liquidity could impact our ability to sell these investments.
The determination of the amount of realized capital losses recorded for impairments of our investments isincludes subjective judgments and could materially impact our operating results of operations and financial condition
The determination of the amount of realized capital losses recorded for impairments vary by investment type and is based upon our ongoing evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. We update our evaluations regularly and reflect changes in other-than-temporary impairments in our results of operations. The assessment of whether other-than-temporary impairments have occurred is based on our case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value. Our conclusions on such assessments are judgmental and include assumptions and projections of future cash flows and price recovery which may ultimately prove to be incorrect as assumptions, facts and circumstances change. Furthermore, historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments and additional impairments may need to be recorded in the future.
The determination of the fair value of our fixed income and equity securities isincludes subjective judgments and could materially impact our operating results of operations and financial condition
In determining fair values, we principally use the market approach which utilizes market transaction data for the same or similar instruments. The degree of judgment involved in determining fair values is inversely related to the availability of market observable information. The fair value of assets may differ from the actual amount received upon the sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Moreover, the use of different valuation assumptions may have a material effect on the assets’ fair values. The difference between amortized cost or cost and fair value for fixed income securities, net of deferred income taxes and related life and annuity DAC, deferred sales inducement costs and reserves for life-contingent contract benefits, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in
shareholders’ equity. Changing market conditions could materially affect the determination of the fair value of securities and, as a result, unrealized net capital gains and losses associated with fixed income securities and realized capital gains and losses associated with equity securities recorded in net income could vary significantly.

Changes in market interest rates or performance-based investment returns may lead to a significant decrease in the profitability of our annuity business

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Risks RelatingOur ability to manage the in force spread-based products, such as fixed annuities, is dependent upon maintaining profitable spreads between investment returns and interest crediting rates. When market interest rates decrease or remain at low levels, proceeds from investments that have matured or have been prepaid or sold may be reinvested at lower yields, reducing investment spread. Lowering interest crediting rates on some products in such an environment can partially offset decreases in investment yield. However, these changes could be limited by regulatory minimum rates or contractual minimum rate guarantees on many contracts and may not match the timing or magnitude of changes in investment yields. Increases in market interest rates can have negative effects, for example by increasing the attractiveness of other investments to our customers, which can lead to increased surrenders at a time when fixed income investment asset values are lower as a result of the increase in interest rates. This could lead to the Insurance Industry
Our future growthsale of fixed income securities at a loss. In addition, changes in market interest rates impact the valuation of derivatives embedded in equity-indexed annuity contracts that are not hedged, which could lead to volatility in net income. Additionally, the amount of net investment income from performance-based investments backing the immediate annuity liabilities can vary substantially from quarter to quarter. Significant volatility or market downturns could adversely impact net investment income, valuation, returns, and profitability are dependent in part on our ability to successfully operate in an insurance industry that is highly competitive
The insurance industry is highly competitive. Manycollectability of our primary insurance competitors have well-established national reputations and market similar products.
undistributed appreciation. We have invested in growth strategies by utilizing unique customer value propositions for each of our brands, differentiated product offerings and distinctive advertising campaigns. If we are unsuccessful in generating new business and retaining a sufficient number of customers, our ability to increase premiums writtencertain international limited partnership investments that could be impacted. In addition, if we experience unexpected increasesimpacted by investment, economic, regulatory and legal risks that could adversely affect our operating results.
Operational Risks
New or changing technologies could cause a disruption in underlying costs (such as the frequency or severity of claims costs), it could result in decreases in profitability and lead to price increases which could negativelyour business model that may materially impact our competitive position.results of operations and financial condition
WeInvestments are also investingbeing made in data analytics and telematics and broadeningto broaden the customer value proposition for the connected consumer.personal automobile transportation system.  If we are not effective in anticipating the impact on our business of changing technology, including automotive technology, and the regulatory impacts of such technology, our ability to successfully operate may be impaired.  Also, telematicsWe may not be able to respond effectively to changing technology, which could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Telematics on-board diagnostic devices used have been

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Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

identified as a potential means for an unauthorized person to connectinteract with a vehicle’s computer system resulting in theft or damage, which could affect our ability to successfully use and sell these technologies. Other potential technological changes, such as driverless cars or technologies that facilitate ride or home sharing, could disrupt the demand for our products from current customers, create coverage issues or impact the frequency or severity of losses, and we may not be able to respond effectively.
Because of the competitive nature of the insurance industry, there can be no assurance that we will continue to effectively compete with our industry rivals, or that competitive pressures will not have a material effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. This includes competition for producers such as exclusive and independent agents and their licensed sales professionals. In the event we are unable to attract and retain these producers, they are unable to attract and retain their licensed sales professionals, or they are unable to attract and retain customers for our products, growth and retention could be materially affected. Furthermore, certain competitors operate using a mutual insurance company structure and therefore may have dissimilar profitability and return targets. Additionally, many of our voluntary benefits employer contracts are renewed annually. There is a risk that employers may be able to obtain more favorable terms from competitors than they could by renewing coverage with us. These competitive pressures may adversely affect the persistency of these products, as well as our ability to sell our products in the future.
Our ability to successfully operate may also be impaired if we are not effective in developing the talent and skills of our human resources, attracting and assimilating new executive talent into our organization, or deploying human resource talent consistently with our business goals.
Difficult conditions in the global economy and capital markets could adversely affect our business and operating results and these conditions may not improve in the near future
As with most businesses, we believe difficult conditions in the global economy and capital markets, such as significant negative macroeconomic trends, including relatively high and sustained unemployment, reduced consumer spending, low economic growth, lower residential and commercial real estate prices, substantial increases in delinquencies on consumer debt, including defaults on home mortgages, the relatively low availability of credit and ineffective central bank monetary policies could have an adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Stressed conditions, volatility and disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets or financial asset classes could adversely affect our investment portfolio. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. Although the disruption in the global financial markets has moderated, not all global financial markets are functioning normally, and the rate of recovery from the U.S. recession has been below historic averages.
In the years since the financial crisis, the central banks of most developed countries have pursued fairly similar, and highly accommodative, monetary policies. As the U.S. Federal Reserve, through the Federal Open Market Committee, raises interest rates and as global monetary policies diverge, it may result in higher volatility and less certainty in capital markets.
General economic conditions could adversely affect us by impacting consumer behavior and pressuring investment results. Consumer behavior changes could include decreased demand for our products. For example, if consumers purchase fewer automobiles, sales of auto insurance may decline. Also, if consumers become more cost conscious, they may choose lower levels of auto and homeowners insurance. In addition, holders of interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity products may engage in an elevated level of discretionary withdrawals of contractholder funds. Investment results could be adversely affected as deteriorating financial and business conditions affect the issuers of the securities in the investment portfolio.



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Losses from legal and regulatory actions may be material to our operating results, cash flows and financial condition
We are involved in various legal actions, including class action litigation challenging a range of company practices and coverage provided by our insurance products, some of which involve claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts. We are also involved in various regulatory actions and inquiries, including market conduct exams by state insurance regulatory agencies. In the event of an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these matters, the ultimate liability may be in excess of amounts currently accrued, if any, and may be material to our operating results or cash flows for a particular quarter or annual period and to our financial condition. The aggregate estimate of the range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if any, disclosed in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements is not an indication of expected loss, if any. Actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate.
We are subject to extensive regulation and potential further restrictive regulation may increase our operating costs and limit our growth
As insurance companies, broker-dealers, investment advisers, investment companies and other types of companies, many of our subsidiaries are subject to extensive laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. Changes may sometimes lead to additional expenses, increased legal exposure, and additional limits on our ability to grow or to achieve targeted profitability. Moreover, laws and regulations are administered and enforced by a number of different governmental authorities, each of which exercises a degree of interpretive latitude, including state insurance regulators; state securities administrators; state attorneys general and federal agencies including the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Labor Relations Board. Consequently, we are subject to the risk that compliance with any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue may not result in compliance with another’s interpretation of the same issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight. In addition, there is risk that any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue may change over time to our detriment, or that changes in the overall legal environment may, even absent any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue changing, cause us to change our views regarding the actions we need to take from a legal risk management perspective, thus necessitating changes to our practices that may, in some cases, limit our ability to grow or to improve the profitability of our business. Furthermore, in some cases, these laws and regulations are designed to protect or benefit the interests of a specific constituency rather than a range of constituencies. For example, state insurance laws and regulations are generally intended to protect or benefit purchasers or users of insurance products, not holders of securities, which is generally the jurisdiction of the SEC, issued by The Allstate Corporation. In many respects, these laws and regulations may limit our ability to grow or to improve the profitability of our business.
Regulatory reforms, and the more stringent application of existing regulations, may make it more expensive for us to conduct our business
The federal government has enacted comprehensive regulatory reforms for financial services entities. As part of a larger effort to strengthen the regulation of the financial services market, certain reforms are applicable to the insurance industry, including the Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) established within the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
In recent years, the state insurance regulatory framework has come under public scrutiny, members of Congress have discussed proposals to provide for federal chartering of insurance companies, and the FIO and Financial Stability Oversight Council (“FSOC”) were established. In the future, if the FSOC were to determine that Allstate is a “systemically important” nonbank financial company, Allstate would be subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board. We can make no assurances regarding the potential impact of state or federal measures that may change the nature or scope of insurance and financial regulation. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor recently proposed fiduciary standards for financial advisors.
These regulatory reforms and any additional legislative change or regulatory requirements imposed upon us in connection with the federal government’s regulatory reform of the financial services industry or arising from reform related to the international regulatory capital framework for financial services firms, and any more stringent enforcement of existing regulations by federal authorities, may make it more expensive for us to conduct our business, or limit our ability to grow or to achieve profitability.
Reinsurance may be unavailable at current levels and prices, which may limit our ability to write new business
Our personal lines catastrophe reinsurance program was designed, utilizing our risk management methodology, to address our exposure to catastrophes nationwide. Market conditions beyond our control impact the availability and cost of the reinsurance we purchase. No assurances can be made that reinsurance will remain continuously available to us to the same extent and on the same terms and rates as is currently available. For example, our ability to afford reinsurance to reduce our catastrophe risk in designated areas may be dependent upon our ability to adjust premium rates for its cost, and there are no assurances that the terms and rates for our current reinsurance program will continue to be available in future years. If we were unable to maintain our current level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts that we consider sufficient and at prices that we consider acceptable, we would have to either accept an increase in our catastrophe exposure, reduce our insurance writings, or develop or seek other alternatives.

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Reinsurance subjects us to risks of our reinsurers and may not be adequate to protect us against losses arising from ceded insurance, which could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition
The collectability of reinsurance recoverables is subject to uncertainty arising from a number of factors, including changes in market conditions, whether insured losses meet the qualifying conditions of the reinsurance contract and whether reinsurers, or their affiliates, have the financial capacity and willingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty or contract. Additionally, reinsurance placed in the catastrophe bond market may not provide the same level of coverage as reinsurance placed in the traditional market and any disruption, volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets may decrease our ability to access such market on terms favorable to us or at all. We also have exposure associated with the Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association (“MCCA”), a mandatory insurance coverage and reinsurance indemnification mechanism for personal injury protection losses and certain qualifying allocated loss adjustment expenses that provides indemnification for losses over a retention level that increases every other MCCA fiscal year, which is operating with a deficit, and the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association (“PLIGA”) that provides reimbursement to insurers for certain qualifying medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage paid in excess of certain levels. Our reinsurance recoverable from the MCCA and PLIGA was $4.66 billion and $500 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. Our inability to collect a material recovery from a reinsurer could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition.
A downgrade in our financial strength ratings may have an adverse effect on our competitive position, the marketability of our product offerings, our liquidity, access to and cost of borrowing, operating results and financial condition
Financial strength ratings are important factors in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies and generally have an effect on an insurance company’s business. On an ongoing basis, rating agencies review our financial performance and condition and could downgrade or change the outlook on our ratings due to, for example, a change in one of our insurance company’s statutory capital; a change in a rating agency’s determination of the amount of risk-adjusted capital required to maintain a particular rating; an increase in the perceived risk of our investment portfolio; a reduced confidence in management or our business strategy; as well as a number of other considerations that may or may not be under our control. The insurance financial strength ratings of Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company and The Allstate Corporation’s senior debt ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s are subject to continuous review, and the retention of current ratings cannot be assured. A downgrade in any of these ratings could have a material effect on our sales, our competitiveness, the marketability of our product offerings, our liquidity, access to and cost of borrowing, operating results and financial condition.
Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs or our ability to obtain credit on acceptable terms
In periods of extreme volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets, liquidity and credit capacity may be severely restricted. In such circumstances, our ability to obtain capital to fund operating expenses, financing costs, capital expenditures or acquisitions may be limited, and the cost of any such capital may be significant. Our access to additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to our industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity, as well as lenders’ perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against us. If a combination of these factors were to occur, our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient and in such case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms.successfully.
The failure in cyber or other information security controls, as well as the occurrence of events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems and managementbusiness continuity planning, could result in a loss or disclosure of confidential information, damage to our reputation, additional costs and impairment of our ability to conduct business effectively
We depend heavily uponon computer systems, and mathematical algorithms and data to perform necessary business functions. We collect, use, store or transmit an increasingly large amount of confidential, proprietary, and other information (including personal information of customers, claimants or employees) in connection with the operation of our business. Despite our implementation of a variety of security measures, we are increasingly exposed to the risk that our computer systems could be subject to cyber-attackscyberattacks and unauthorized access, such as physical and electronic break-ins or unauthorized tampering. Like other global companies, weWe have experienced threats to our data and systems, including malware and computer virus attacks, unauthorized access, system failures and disruptions. Events such as these could jeopardize the confidential, proprietary and other information (including personal information of our customers, claimants or employees) processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in damage to our reputation, financial losses, litigation, increased costs, regulatory penalties and/or customer dissatisfaction or loss. These risks may increase in the future as we continue to expand our internet and mobile strategies, develop additional remote connectivity solutions to serve our employees and customers, develop and expand products and services designed to protect our customers’ digital footprint, and build and maintain an integrated digital enterprise.
WeThird parties to whom we outsource certain of our functions are continually enhancingalso subject to these risks. While we review and assess our third party providers’ cybersecurity controls, as appropriate, and make changes to our business processes to manage these risks, we cannot assure that our attempts to keep such information confidential will always be successful.
Our increased use of third party services (e.g. cloud technology and software as a service) can make it more difficult to identify and respond to cyberattacks in any of the above situations due to the dynamic nature of these technologies. These risks could increase as vendors adopt and use more cloud-based software services rather than software services which can be run within our data centers.
Personal information, as described above, is subject to an increasing number of federal, state, local and international laws and regulations regarding privacy and data security, as well as contractual commitments. The European Commission adopted the General Data Protection Regulation, which greatly increases the jurisdictional reach of its laws and adds a
broad array of requirements for handling personal data, such as the public disclosure of significant data breaches, privacy impact assessments, data portability and the appointment of data protection officers. Further, the New York State Department of Financial Services has issued cybersecurity regulations for financial services institutions, including banking and insurance entities, that impose a variety of detailed security measures on covered entities. The NAIC has also adopted the Insurance Data Security Model Law, which, if adopted as state legislation, would establish standards for data security and for the investigation of and notification to insurance commissioners of cybersecurity events. See the Regulation section, Privacy Regulation and Data Security, for additional information. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with such obligations may result in governmental enforcement actions and fines, litigation, or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others, and could cause our employees and customers to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our reputation and business.
Our cyber and other information security program is continually enhanced in order to remain securebe resilient against emerging threats together with increasingand improve our ability to detect system compromise and recover should a cyber-attack orrespond to attempts to gain unauthorized access occur.to our data and systems.  Cybersecurity system changes we implement that are designed to update and enhance our protective measures to address new threats may increase the risk of a system or process failure or the creation of a gap in our security measures due to the complexity and interconnectedness of our systems and processes. Any such failure or gap could adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations or financial condition.
From time to time, the Company and the Audit Committee engage independent advisors to assess and consult on cybersecurity matters. We also perform an on-going assessment of the quality of our program and identify opportunities to strengthen our cybersecurity controls.  However, due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of such cyberattacks and changes in technology, there can be no assurance that such eventsa cyberattack will not take place with negative consequences, including an adverse consequenceseffect to our business, operating results of operations and financial condition.

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The occurrence of a disaster, such as a natural catastrophe, pandemic, industrial accident, blackout, terrorist attack, war, cyber-attack,cyberattack, computer virus, insider threat, unanticipated problems with our disaster recovery systems, or a support failure from external providers, could have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct business and on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if those events affect our computer-based data processing, transmission, storage, and retrieval systems or destroy data. If a significant number of our managersemployees were unavailable in the event of a disaster, our ability to effectively conduct our business could be severely compromised.
Third parties to whom we outsource certain of our functions Our systems are also subject to the risks outlined above. compromise from internal threats. Our policies, procedures and technical safeguards may be insufficient to prevent or detect improper access to

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2018 Form 10-KPart I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures


confidential, personal or proprietary information by employees, vendors and other third parties who may have otherwise legitimate access to our systems.
We also hashave business process and information technology operations in Canada, Northern Ireland and India and isthe United Kingdom that are subject to operating, regulatory and political risks in those countries. Any of these may result in our incurring substantial costs and other negative consequences, including an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Misconduct or fraudulent acts by employees, agents and third parties may adversely affect our profitability and financial condition
The insurance industry is inherently susceptible to both past and future misconduct or fraudulent activities by its employees, representative agents, vendors, customers and other third parties.  These activities could include, but are not limited to, fraud against the company, its employees and its customers through illegal or prohibited activities, unauthorized acts or representations, unauthorized use or disclosure of personal or proprietary information, deception, and misappropriation of funds or other benefits.  
Management has implemented a risk management framework and a supporting system of internal controls that seeks to provide oversight and monitoring of key activities, designed control and technology systems to mitigate such exposures, and regularly conducts assessments and measurements of certain, key supporting controls.  However, the system of controls may not sufficiently contemplate all potential exposures and the performance of these controls may not be consistently executed in a manner necessary to sufficiently mitigate these risks. As a result, we could be exposed to financial loss, disruption of business, regulatory assessments and reputational harm. These impacts have the potential to have a material adverse effect on our business,profitability and financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.condition.
A large scalelarge-scale pandemic, the continued threat or incurrenceoccurrence of terrorism or military actions may have an adverse effect on the level of claim losses we incur, the value of our investment portfolio, our competitive position, marketability of product offerings, liquidity and operating results of operations
A large scalelarge-scale pandemic, the continued threat or incurrenceoccurrence of terrorism, within the U.S. and abroad, or military and other actions, and heightened security measures in response to these types of threats may cause significant volatility and losses in our investment portfolio from declines in the equity markets and from interest rate changes in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere, and result in loss of life, property damage, disruptions to commerce and reduced economic activity. Some of the assets in our investment portfolio may be adversely affected by declines in the equity markets and reduced economic activity caused by a large scalelarge-scale pandemic or the continued threat of terrorism. Additionally, a large scalelarge-scale pandemic or terrorist act could have a material effect on the sales, profitability, competitiveness, marketability of product
offerings, liquidity and operating results.
We may be required to recognize impairments in the value of our goodwill, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition
Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquiring businesses over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if conditions warrant, by comparing the carrying value (attributed equity) of a reporting unit to its estimated fair value. Market declines or other events impacting the fair value of a reporting unit could result in a goodwill impairment, resulting in a charge to income. Such a charge could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Changes in accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard-setting bodies may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
Our financial statements are subject to the application of generally accepted accounting principles, which are periodically revised, interpreted and/or expanded. Accordingly, we are required to adopt new guidance or interpretations, or could be subject to existing guidance as we enter into new transactions, which may have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition that is either unexpected or has a greater impact than expected. For a description of changes in accounting standards that are currently pending and, if known, our estimates of their expected impact, see Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.
The realization of deferred tax assets is subject to uncertainty
The realization of our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, if any, is based on our assumption that we will be able to fully utilize the deductions that are ultimately recognized for tax purposes. However, actual results may differ from our assumptions if adequate levels of taxable income are not attained.
The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends may affect our liquidity and ability to meet our obligations
The Allstate Corporation is a holding company with no significant operations. The principal assets are the stock of its subsidiaries and the holding company’s directly held short-term cash portfolio, and the liabilities include debt and pension and other postretirement benefit obligations related to Allstate Insurance Company employees. State insurance regulatory authorities limit the payment of dividends by insurance subsidiaries, as described in Note 16 of the consolidated financial statements. The limitations are based on statutory income and surplus. In addition, competitive pressures generally require the subsidiaries to maintain insurance financial strength ratings. These restrictions and other regulatory requirements affect the ability of the subsidiaries to make dividend payments. Limits on the ability of the subsidiaries to pay dividends could adversely affect holding company liquidity, including our ability to pay dividends to shareholders, service our debt, or complete share repurchase programs in the timeframe expected.
Management views enterprise economic capital as a combination of statutory surplus and invested assets at the parent holding company level. Deterioration in statutory surplus or earnings, from developments such as catastrophe losses, or changes in market conditions or interest rates, could adversely affect holding company liquidity by impacting the amount of dividends from our subsidiaries or the utilization of invested assets at the holding company to increase statutory surplus or for other corporate purposes.

23


Our ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock is subject to limitations under terms of certain of our securities
Subject to certain limited exceptions, during any dividend period while our preferred stock is outstanding, unless the full preferred stock dividends for the preceding dividend period have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside and any declared but unpaid preferred stock dividends for any prior period have been paid, we may not repurchase or pay dividends on common stock. If and when dividends on preferred stock have not been declared and paid in full for at least six quarterly dividend periods, the authorized number of directors then constituting the board of directors will be increased by two additional directors, to be elected by the holders of preferred stock together with the holders of all other affected classes and series of voting parity stock, voting as a single class, subject to certain conditions.
We are prohibited from declaring or paying dividends on preferred stock if we fail to meet specified capital adequacy, net income or shareholders’ equity levels. The prohibition is subject to an exception permitting us to declare dividends out of the net proceeds of common stock issued by us during the 90 days prior to the date of declaration even if we fail to meet such levels.
The terms of the outstanding subordinated debentures also prohibit us from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on our common or preferred stock or redeeming, purchasing, acquiring, or making liquidation payments on our common stock or preferred stock if we have elected to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures, subject to certain limited exceptions.
Changing climate and weather conditions may adversely affect our financial condition, profitability or cash flows
Climate change, solar flares, eruption of volcanoes, El Niño, La Niña and other events to the extent any one of these produces changes in weather patterns, could affect the frequency or severity of weather events and wildfires, the affordability and availability of homeowners insurance, the results for our Allstate Protection segment and the value of our investment portfolio. For example, some meteorological experts have predicted El Niño patterns to be experienced in early 2016 resulting in the U.S. experiencing a pattern of tropical storms in the Southern and Western U.S. and winter weather beginning in the middle of the year in some locations.
Loss of key vendor relationships or failure of a vendor to protect our data, confidential and proprietary information, or personal information of our customers, claimants or employees could affect our operations
We rely on services and products provided by many vendors in the U.S. and abroad. These include, for example, vendors of computer hardware and software, and vendors and/or outsourcing of services such as claim adjustment services, human resource benefits management services and investment management services. In the event that one or more of our vendorsany vendor suffers a bankruptcy or otherwise becomes unable to continue to provide products or services, or fails to protect our data, confidential, proprietary, and proprietaryother information or(including personal information of our customers, claimants or employees,employees), we may suffer operational impairments and financial losses.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property and may be subject to the risks and costs associated with intellectual property infringement, misappropriation and third party claims
We rely on a combination of contractual rights and copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws to establish and protect our intellectual property. Although we use a broad range of measures to protect intellectual property rights, third parties may infringe or misappropriate intellectual property. We may have to litigate to enforce and protect intellectual property and to determine its scope, validity or enforceability, which could divert significant resources and prove unsuccessful. An inability to protect intellectual property could have a material effect on our business.
We may be subject to claims by third parties for patent, trademark or copyright infringement or breach of usage rights. Any such claims and any resulting litigation could result in significant expense and liability. If third party providers or we are found to have infringed a third-party intellectual property right, either of us could be enjoined from providing certain products or services or from utilizing and benefiting from certain methods, processes, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets or licenses. Alternatively, we could be required to enter into costly licensing arrangements with third parties or implement a costly work around.work-around. Any of these scenarios could have a material effect on our business and results of operations.
Regulatory and Legal Risks
A regulatory environment that requires rate increases to be approved and that can dictate underwriting practices and mandate participation in loss sharing arrangements may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
From time to time, political events and positions affect the insurance market, including efforts to suppress rates to a level that may not allow us to reach targeted levels of profitability. For example, if our loss ratio compares favorably to that of the industry, state or provincial regulatory authorities may impose rate rollbacks, require us to pay premium refunds to policyholders, or challenge or otherwise delay our

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Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

efforts to raise rates even if the property and casualty industry generally is not experiencing regulatory challenges to rate increases. Such challenges affect approval for rate changes that may be required to achieve targeted levels of profitability and returns on equity. Moreover, our ability to purchase reinsurance required to reduce catastrophe risk in designated areas may be dependent upon the ability to adjust rates for its cost. If we are unsuccessful, our results of operations could be negatively impacted.    
In addition, certain states have enacted laws that require an insurer conducting business in that state to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities and joint underwriting associations. Certain states also require the insurer to offer coverage to all consumers, often restricting an insurer’s ability to charge the price it might otherwise charge. In these markets, we may be compelled to underwrite significant amounts of business at lower-than-desired rates, possibly leading to an unacceptable return on equity. Alternatively, as the facilities recognize a financial deficit, they could have the ability to assess participating insurers, adversely affecting our results of operations and financial condition. Laws and regulations of many states also limit an insurer’s ability to withdraw from one or more lines of insurance, except pursuant to a plan that is approved by the state insurance department. Certain states require an insurer to participate in guaranty funds for impaired or insolvent insurance companies. These funds periodically assess losses against all insurance companies doing business in the state. Our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by any of these factors.
Regulatory reforms, and the more stringent application of existing regulations, may make it more expensive for us to conduct our business
The federal government has enacted comprehensive regulatory reforms for financial services entities. As part of a larger effort to strengthen the regulation of the financial services market, certain reforms are applicable to the insurance industry.
The Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) and Financial Stability Oversight Council were established and the federal government may enact reforms that affect the state insurance regulatory framework. We can make no assurances regarding the potential impact of state or federal measures that change the nature or scope of insurance and financial regulation.
Such regulatory reforms, additional legislative or regulatory requirements and any further stringent enforcement of existing regulations, including increased privacy and cybersecurity regulations, may make it more expensive for us to conduct business and limit our ability to grow or to achieve profitability.
Changes in tax laws may affect our operations, decrease sales and profitability of products and adversely affect our financial condition
Under current federal and state income tax law, certain products, primarily life insurance, receive beneficial tax treatment. This favorable treatment may
give some products a competitive advantage over noninsurance products. Congress and various state legislatures occasionally consider legislation that could reduce or eliminate the beneficial policyholder tax treatment currently applicable to life insurance. Congress and state legislatures also consider proposals to reduce the taxation of certain products or investments that may compete with life insurance. Legislation that increases the taxation on insurance products or reduces the taxation on competing products could lessen the advantage or create a disadvantage for some products by making them less competitive. Such proposals, if adopted, could impact the demand for certain of our life insurance products that offer income tax deferrals and may have a material effect on our profitability and financial condition and could result in the surrender of some existing contracts and policies.
We may not be able to mitigate the capital impact associated with statutory reserving and capital requirements, potentially resulting in a need to increase prices, reduce sales of certain products, and/or accept a return on equity below original levels assumed in pricing
Regulatory capital and reserving requirements affect the amount of capital required to be maintained by our subsidiary insurance companies.  Changes to capital or reserving requirements or regulatory interpretations may result in additional capital held in our insurance companies. To support statutory reserves for certain life insurance products, we currently utilize reinsurance and captive reserve financing solutions for financing a portion of our statutory reserve requirements deemed to be non-economic. Changes to capital or reserving requirements or an inability to continue existing financing as a result of market conditions or otherwise could require us to increase prices, reduce our sales of certain products, and/or accept a return on equity below original levels assumed in pricing.
Changes in accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard-setting bodies may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
Our financial statements are subject to the application of generally accepted accounting principles, which are periodically revised, interpreted and/or expanded. Accordingly, we may be required to adopt new guidance or interpretations, which may have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition that is either unexpected or has a greater impact than expected and could adversely impact financial strength ratings. For a description of changes in accounting standards that are currently pending and, if known, our estimates of their expected impact, see Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.
Losses from legal and regulatory actions may be material to our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition
We are involved in various legal actions, including class action litigation challenging a range of company

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2018 Form 10-KPart I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures


practices and coverage provided by our insurance products, some of which involve claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts. We are also involved in various regulatory actions and inquiries, including market conduct exams by state insurance regulatory agencies. In the event of an unfavorable outcome in any of these matters, the ultimate liability may be in excess of amounts currently accrued, if any, and may be material to our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. The aggregate estimate of the range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if any, disclosed in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements is not an indication of expected loss, if any.
We are subject to extensive regulation and potential further restrictive regulation may increase operating costs and limit growth
As insurance companies, broker-dealers, investment advisers, investment companies and other types of companies, many of our subsidiaries are subject to extensive laws and regulations that are complex and subject to change. Changes may lead to additional expenses, increased legal exposure, increased required reserves or capital, and limit our ability to grow or to achieve targeted profitability. Moreover, laws and regulations are administered and enforced by a number of governmental authorities, each of which exercises a degree of interpretive latitude, including state insurance regulators; state securities administrators; state attorneys general as well as federal agencies including the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Labor Relations Board. Consequently, we are subject to the risk that compliance with any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue may not result in compliance with another’s interpretation of the same issue, particularly when compliance is judged in hindsight.
In addition, there is risk that any particular regulator’s or enforcement authority’s interpretation of a legal issue may change over time to our detriment. There is also a risk that changes in the overall legal environment may cause us to change our views regarding the actions we need to take from a legal risk management perspective. This would necessitate changes to our practices that may adversely impact our business. Furthermore, in some cases, these laws and regulations are designed to protect or benefit the interests of a specific constituency rather than a range of constituencies. For example, state insurance laws and regulations are generally intended to protect or benefit purchasers or users of insurance products, not holders of securities that we issue. These laws and regulations may limit our ability to grow or to improve the profitability of our business.
Our participation in indemnification programs, including certain state-mandated industry pools and facilities, subjects us to the risk that reimbursement for qualifying claims and claims expenses may not be received, which could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition
We have exposure associated with the Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association (“MCCA”), a state-mandated indemnification mechanism for qualified personal injury protection losses that exceed a retention level which is adjusted upward every other MCCA fiscal year based on a formula. We have exposure associated with the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association (“PLIGA”), which provides indemnification to insurers for certain qualifying medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage paid in excess of certain levels. We have exposure associated with the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (“NCRF”), which provides automobile liability indemnification protection to insurers providing coverage to drivers that insurers in the private market are not otherwise willing to insure. The MCCA and NCRF are currently operating with a statutory surplus deficit. Our indemnification recoverables on paid and unpaid claims from the MCCA, PLIGA and NCRF was $5.40 billion, $461 million and $86 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018.
The MCCA is funded by annually assessing participating member companies actively writing motor vehicle coverage in Michigan on a per vehicle basis. The MCCA’s calculation of the annual assessment is based upon the total of members’ actuarially determined present value of expected payments on lifetime claims by all persons expected to be catastrophically injured in that year and ultimately qualify for MCCA reimbursement, its operating expenses, and adjustments for the amount of excesses or deficiencies in prior assessments. The MCCA indemnifies qualifying claims of all current and former member companies (whether or not actively writing motor vehicle coverage in Michigan) for qualifying claims and claims expenses incurred while the member companies were actively writing the mandatory personal injury protection coverage in Michigan.
The MCCA annual assessments fund current operations and member company reimbursements. The MCCA is permitted by law to fund on a discounted basis and continues to choose to use this approach, although, the MCCA has an obligation to indemnify its members for 100% of the loss sustained under personal injury protection. There is currently no method by which insurers are able to obtain the benefit of managed care programs to reduce claims costs through the MCCA. Member companies actively writing automobile coverage in Michigan include the MCCA annual assessments in determining the level of premiums to charge insureds in the state.
The MCCA is financially structured to meet its future indemnification obligations as its cash and invested assets at June 30, 2018 were $20.54 billion or 90% of its discounted loss and loss adjustment expense reserves of $22.86 billion and it continues to be authorized to annually assess member companies

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Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

for their incurred indemnifiable claims, the MCCA’s annual operating expenses, and any amounts necessary to recoup prior year assessment differences. The MCCA’s current fiscal year private passenger per vehicle assessment is $192 comprising $161 for current fiscal year claims and expenses and $31 for deficit recoupment. The MCCA has a statutory accounting permitted practice that has been granted by the Michigan Department of Insurance to discount its liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expense. As of June 30, 2018, the date of the most recent statutory financial reports, the permitted practice reduced the MCCA’s accumulated deficit of $50.17 billion by $47.25 billion to $2.92 billion. Calculation of the pre-funding discount is dependent on actuarial estimates and investment funding decisions. As of December 31, 2017, our auto market share in Michigan was 8.2%.
On May 17, 2018, member companies of the MCCA were notified of the ratification of amendments to the MCCA’s Plan of Operation. The amendments were designed to clarify the MCCA’s preapproval requirements for certain actions and activities involving benefits provided to covered claimants, including the preapproval of any agreement that sets attendant care rates or residential care facility rates and the preapproval of all nonemergency medical flights. The amendments also require timely notification to the MCCA by member companies of the filing of a lawsuit by claimants. In addition, the amendments address members’ filing inadequate or untimely claim reports, requests for reimbursement payments without required documentation, and the treatment of recoveries obtained from third-parties involving claims for which members have received reimbursement from the MCCA. The amendments became effective on October 1, 2018. At this time, we are unable to determine whether, or to what extent, the amendments, or the exercise of the amendments, will delay or result in denials of the indemnification of members’ ultimate loss and therefore whether or to what extent there could be a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Other legislative proposals to change the MCCA operation in the future are put forth periodically.
Technological changes such as autonomous or partially autonomous vehicles or technologies that facilitate ride sharing could significantly impact the number of vehicles in use or the extent of customer needs for vehicle insurance. Although the timing and extent of the technology changes and their impact on the numbers of motor vehicle insurance policies and the extent of their coverage in Michigan are uncertain, these changes may result in a diminished number of insured vehicles over which MCCA assessments can be recovered. To the extent the MCCA assessment to members results in a premium insufficient to reimburse its ultimate obligation on existing claims to member companies, our ability to obtain the 100% indemnification of ultimate loss could be impaired. This could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Impacts from the Covered Agreement may involve changes in state insurance laws that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
Existing laws in 15 states require some form of collateral to be posted for the benefit of the ceding insurer when an assuming reinsurer is not domiciled in the ceding company’s state of domicile. In the remaining states, laws governing reinsurance typically require an assuming reinsurer to post an amount of collateral, based on an independently determined financial strength rating and other factors including whether a particular reinsurer has achieved certified status. Under Dodd-Frank, a Covered Agreement may pre-empt state insurance laws that are inconsistent with its terms. The Covered Agreement signed by the U.S. and EU on September 22, 2017, provides states with five years to conform their laws with its terms to avoid preemption. The Covered Agreement between the U.S. and EU will eliminate the requirement for all EU reinsurers that meet certain minimum requirements to post collateral. The elimination of existing collateral requirements could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition for reinsurance agreements recorded after the effective date of the Covered Agreement if reinsurers fail to pay our ceded reinsurance claims.
Strategic Risks
Our future growth and profitability are dependent in part on our ability to successfully operate in an industry that is highly competitive and that may be impacted by new or changing technologies
Many of our primary competitors have well-established national reputations and market similar products.
We have invested in growth strategies by utilizing unique customer value propositions and business models for each of our market facing businesses. If we are unsuccessful in generating new business, retaining a sufficient number of customers, retaining or acquiring key relationships or renewing contracts within our voluntary benefits or service businesses, our ability to maintain or increase premiums written or the ability to sell our products could be adversely impacted. In addition, if we experience unexpected increases in underlying costs, such as the frequency or severity of claims costs, it could result in decreases in profitability and lead to price increases. This, in turn, could negatively impact our competitive position leading to a decline in new and renewal business.
Further, technological advancements and innovation are occurring in distribution, underwriting and operations at a rapid pace. If we are unable to timely adapt to or bring such advancements and innovations to market, the quality of our products, our relationships with customers and agents, and our business prospects may be materially affected. The additional information that we obtain as a result of such advancements and innovation may require us to modify our assumptions, models, or reserves. Changes in technology related to collection and analysis of data regarding customers could, in these ways or others, expose us to regulatory or legal actions and may have

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2018 Form 10-KPart I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures


a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations, and financial condition. Many of our competitors are also using analytics to improve pricing accuracy, be more targeted in marketing, strengthen customer relationships and provide more customized services. They may obtain a competitive advantage if they are able to use analytics more effectively than us.
Our ability to adequately and effectively price our products and services is affected by, among other things, the evolving nature of consumer needs and preferences, pricing surcharges and discounts, market dynamics and the broader use of telematics-based rate segmentation and changes in consumer demand due to improvements in telematics technology. Also, our business could be affected by potential technological changes, such as autonomous or partially autonomous vehicles or technologies that facilitate ride, car or home sharing. Such changes could disrupt the demand for products from current customers, create coverage issues or impact the frequency or severity of losses, or reduce the size of the automobile insurance market, causing our auto insurance business to decline. Since auto insurance constitutes a significant portion of our overall business, we may be more sensitive than other insurers and more adversely affected by trends that could decrease auto insurance rates or reduce demand for auto insurance over time. Technological changes may also impact the ways in which we interact and do business with our customers. For example, changing customer preferences may drive a need to redesign our products or distribution model and the way we interact with customers. We may not be able to respond effectively to these changes, which could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Because of the competitive nature of the markets in which we operate, there can be no assurance that we will continue to compete effectively within the industry, or that competitive pressures will not have a materially unfavorable effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. This includes competition for producers such as exclusive and independent agents and their licensed sales professionals. Growth and retention may be materially affected if we are unable to attract and retain effective producers or if those producers are unable to attract and retain their licensed sales professionals or customers. Similarly, growth and retention may be impacted if customer preferences change, including customer demand for direct distribution channels or an increase in point-of-sale distribution channels. Furthermore, certain competitors operate using a different company structure and therefore may have dissimilar profitability and return targets.
Our ability to successfully operate may also be impaired if we are not effective in developing the talent and skills of our human resources, attracting and assimilating new executive talent into our organization, retaining experienced and qualified employees or deploying human resource talent consistently to achieve our business goals. Factors that affect our ability to attract and retain such employees include our
compensation and benefits and our reputation as a successful business with a culture of fairly hiring, training and promoting qualified employees.
Competition from within the insurance industry and from businesses outside the insurance industry, including the technology industry, for qualified employees has often been intense and we have experienced increased competition in hiring and retaining employees. The unexpected loss of key personnel in business units, control functions, information technology, operations or other areas could have a material adverse impact on our business because of the loss of their skills, knowledge of our products and offerings and years of industry experience and, in some cases, the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.
The potential benefits of our sophisticated risk segmentation process may not be fully realized
Sophisticated pricing and underwriting methods have allowed us to offer competitive pricing to attract and retain more customers while continuing to operate profitably. However, because many of our competitors seek to adopt underwriting criteria and sophisticated pricing models similar to those we use, our competitive advantage could decline or be lost. The review of such pricing models by regulators and special interest groups may require changes to such models. In addition, competitive pressures could force us to modify these sophisticated pricing models. We cannot be assured that these sophisticated pricing models will accurately reflect the level of losses that we will ultimately incur.
Acquisitions or divestitures of businesses may not produce anticipated benefits resulting in operating difficulties, unforeseen liabilities or asset impairments, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition
The ability to achieve certain anticipated financial benefits from the acquisition of SquareTrade Holding Company, Inc., InfoArmor, Inc. or other businesses depends in part upon our ability to successfully grow the businesses consistent with our anticipated acquisition economics. Financial results could be adversely affected by unanticipated performance issues, unforeseen liabilities, transaction-related charges, diversion of management time and resources to acquisition integration challenges or growth strategies, loss of key employees, amortization of expenses related to intangibles, charges for impairment of long-term assets or goodwill and indemnifications. In addition, acquired businesses may not perform as projected, cost savings anticipated from the acquisition may not materialize, and costs associated with the integration may be greater than anticipated. As a result, if we do not manage these transitions effectively and bring innovations to market with the requisite speed, the quality of our products as well as our relationships with customers and agents may result in the company not achieving returns on its investment at the level projected at acquisition.
We also may divest businesses from time to time. These transactions may result in continued financial

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Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

involvement in the divested businesses, such as through reinsurance, guarantees or other financial arrangements, following the transaction. Nonperformance or decline in the financial strength ratings by those divested businesses could affect our future financial results through an increase in policy lapses, decreased future premiums, additional payment obligations, higher costs or asset write-downs. We reinsure life insurance and payout annuity business from Lincoln Benefit Life Company (“LBL”). Premiums and contract charges assumed from LBL totaled $690 million in 2018. A decline in LBL’s financial strength ratings could adversely affect our results of operations by decreasing future premiums.
Reducing our concentration in spread-based business and exiting certain distribution channels may adversely affect annuity reported results
We have been reducing our concentration in spread-based business since 2008 and discontinued offering fixed annuities effective January 1, 2014. We also exited the independent master brokerage agencies and structured settlement annuity brokers distribution channels in 2013 and sold LBL on April 1, 2014. The reduction in sales of these products has and will continue to reduce investment portfolio levels. It may also affect the settlement of contract benefits, including sales of assets with unrealized capital losses and affect insurance reserves deficiency testing.
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
None.


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Item 2.  Properties
Our home office complex is owned and located in Northbrook, Illinois. As of December 31, 2015,2018, the home office complex consists of several buildings totaling 1.9 million square feet of office space on a 186-acre site.
We also operate from approximately 1,260500 administrative, data processing, claims handling and other support facilities in North America. In addition to our home office facilities, 1.3 million825 thousand square feet are owned and 6.76.0 million square feet are leased. Outside North America, we own one and lease three properties in Northern Ireland comprising 166,460approximately 220,000 square feet. We also have two leased facilities in India for 165,070approximately 340,000 square feet and one leasetwo leased facilities in London for 1,3903,385 square feet. Generally, only major Allstate facilities are owned. In a majority of cases, new lease terms and renewals are for five years or less.
The locations out of which thewhere Allstate exclusive agencies operate in the U.S. are normally leased by the agencies as lessees.agencies.
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
Information required for Item 3 is incorporated by reference to the discussion under the heading “Regulation and Compliance”compliance” and under the heading “Legal and regulatory proceedings and inquiries” in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements.
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

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2018 Form 10-K

Part II
Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
As of January 29, 2016,31, 2019, there were 84,15372,568 holders of record of The Allstate Corporation’s common stock. The principal market for the common stock is the New York Stock Exchange, but itwhere our common stock trades under the trading symbol “ALL”. Our common stock is also listed on the Chicago Stock Exchange. Set forth below are
Common stock performance graph
The following performance graph compares the high and low New York Stock Exchange Composite listing prices of, and cash dividends declared for, thecumulative total shareholder return on Allstate common stock during 2015for a five-year period (December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2018) with the cumulative total return of the S&P Property and 2014.Casualty Insurance Index (S&P P/C) and the S&P’s 500 stock index.
chart-47b29c84ae9d54eebf9.jpg
 High Low Close 
Dividends
Declared
2015       
First quarter72.87 68.38 71.17 0.30
Second quarter72.51 64.62 64.87 0.30
Third quarter69.48 54.12 58.24 0.30
Fourth quarter64.69 56.97 62.09 0.30
        
2014       
First quarter56.65 49.18 56.58 0.28
Second quarter59.68 54.81 58.72 0.28
Third quarter62.59 56.63 61.37 0.28
Fourth quarter71.53 59.28 70.25 0.28
Value at each year-end of $100 initial investment made on December 31, 2013
  12/31/2013
 12/31/2014
 12/31/2015
 12/31/2016
 12/31/2017
 12/31/2018
Allstate $100.00
 $131.23
 $118.15
 $143.80
 $206.52
 $166.21
S&P P/C $100.00
 $115.74
 $126.77
 $146.68
 $179.52
 $171.10
S&P 500 $100.00
 $113.68
 $115.24
 $129.02
 $157.17
 $150.27
The payment of dividends by Allstate Insurance Company (“AIC”) to The Allstate Corporation is limited by Illinois insurance law to formula amounts based on statutory net income and statutory surplus, as well as the timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding twelve months. In the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2015, AIC paid dividends of $2.31 billion. Based on the greater of 2015 statutory net income or 10% of statutory surplus, the maximum amount of dividends that AIC will be able to pay, without prior Illinois Department of Insurance approval, at a given point in time in 2016 is $1.71 billion, less dividends paid during the preceding twelve months measured at that point in time. Notification and approval of intercompany lending activities is also required by the Illinois Department of Insurance for those transactions that exceed formula amounts based on statutory admitted assets and statutory surplus.

32 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


2018 Form 10-K


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
Total number of shares
(or units) purchased (1)
 
Average price
paid per share
(or unit)
 
Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (2)
 
Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (3)
 
Total number of shares
(or units) purchased (1)
 
Average price
paid per share
(or unit)
 
Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (3)
 
Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (4)
October 1, 2015 -
October 31, 2015
       
October 1, 2018 -
October 31, 2018
       
Open Market Purchases4,240,881
 $60.8384
 4,237,952
   1,155,602
 $96.2500
 1,147,998
  
November 1, 2015 -
November 30, 2015
       
November 1, 2018 -
November 30, 2018
        
Open Market Purchases2,411,819
 $62.9420
 2,410,998
   1,352,575
 $89.5608
 1,351,489
  
December 1, 2015 -
December 31, 2015
       
December 1, 2018 -
December 31, 2018
        
ASR Agreement (2)
 10,718,789
 
 10,718,789
  
Open Market Purchases2,781,745
 $62.7874
 2,605,705
   218
 $89.1900
 
  
Total9,434,445
 $61.9508
 9,254,655
 $532 million 13,227,184
   13,218,276
 $2.07 billion


(1) 
In accordance with the terms of its equity compensation plans, Allstate acquired the following shares in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and performance stock awards and the exercise of stock options held by employees and/or directors. The shares were acquired in satisfaction of withholding taxes due upon exercise or vesting and in payment of the exercise price of the options.
October: 2,929    7,604
November: 821    1,086
December: 176,040218
(2)
On December 14, 2018, Allstate entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), to purchase $1 billion of our outstanding shares of common stock. In exchange for an upfront payment of $1 billion, Wells Fargo initially delivered 10,718,789 shares to Allstate. The actual number of shares we repurchase under the ASR Agreement, and the average price paid per share, will be determined at the completion of the ASR Agreement based on the volume weighted average price of Allstate’s common stock during the period of Wells Fargo’s purchases, which will end on or before May 3, 2019.
(3) 
From time to time, repurchases under our programs are executed under the terms of a pre-set trading plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(3)(4) 
On February 4, 2015,August 1, 2017, we announced the approval of a new common share repurchase program for $2 billion, which was completed on November 13, 2018. On October 31, 2018, we announced the approval of a common share repurchase program for $3 billion, which is expected to be completed by July 31, 2016.April 2020.


26The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg33


2018 Form 10-K

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
5-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
($ in millions, except per share data and ratios)2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Consolidated Operating Results         
Insurance premiums and contract charges$32,467
 $31,086
 $29,970
 $28,978
 $28,180
Net investment income3,156
 3,459
 3,943
 4,010
 3,971
Realized capital gains and losses30
 694
 594
 327
 503
Total revenues35,653

35,239

34,507

33,315

32,654
Net income applicable to common shareholders2,055
 2,746
 2,263
 2,306
 787
Net income applicable to common shareholders
  per common share:


 

 

 

 

Net income applicable to common shareholders
   per common share - Basic
5.12
 6.37
 4.87
 4.71
 1.51
Net income applicable to common shareholders
   per common share - Diluted
5.05
 6.27
 4.81
 4.68
 1.50
Cash dividends declared per common share1.20
 1.12
 1.00
 0.88
 0.84
Consolidated Financial Position         
Investments (1)
$77,758
 $81,113
 $81,155
 $97,278
 $95,618
Total assets (2)
104,656
 108,479
 123,460
 126,893
 125,513
Reserves for claims and claims expense, life-
   contingent contract benefits and contractholder
   funds (1)
57,411
 57,832
 58,547
 75,502
 77,113
Long-term debt (2)
5,124
 5,140
 6,141
 6,003
 5,858
Shareholders’ equity20,025
 22,304
 21,480
 20,580
 18,298
Shareholders’ equity per diluted common share47.34
 48.24
 45.31
 42.39
 36.18
Equity20,025
 22,304
 21,480
 20,580
 18,326
Property-Liability Operations         
Premiums earned$30,309
 $28,929
 $27,618
 $26,737
 $25,942
Net investment income1,237
 1,301
 1,375
 1,326
 1,201
Net income applicable to common shareholders1,690
 2,427
 2,754
 1,968
 403
Operating ratios (3)


 

 

 

 

Claims and claims expense (“loss”) ratio69.4
 67.2
 64.9
 69.1
 77.7
Expense ratio25.5
 26.7
 27.1
 26.4
 25.7
Combined ratio94.9
 93.9
 92.0
 95.5
 103.4
Allstate Financial Operations         
Premiums and contract charges$2,158
 $2,157
 $2,352
 $2,241
 $2,238
Net investment income1,884
 2,131
 2,538
 2,647
 2,716
Net income applicable to common shareholders663
 631
 95
 541
 590
Investments36,792
 38,809
 39,105
 56,999
 57,373
5-year summary of selected financial data
($ in millions, except per share data) 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Consolidated Operating Results          
Insurance premiums and contract charges $36,513
 $34,678
 $33,582
 $32,467
 $31,086
Other revenue 939
 883
 865
 863
 859
Net investment income 3,240
 3,401
 3,042
 3,156
 3,459
Realized capital gains and losses (877) 445
 (90) 30
 694
Total revenues 39,815

39,407

37,399

36,516

36,098
Net income applicable to common shareholders 2,104
 3,073
 1,761
 2,055
 2,746
Net income applicable to common shareholders per common share:          
Net income applicable to common shareholders per common share - Basic 6.05
 8.49
 4.72
 5.12
 6.37
Net income applicable to common shareholders per common share - Diluted 5.96
 8.36
 4.67
 5.05
 6.27
Cash dividends declared per common share 1.84
 1.48
 1.32
 1.20
 1.12
Consolidated Financial Position          
Investments $81,260
 $82,803
 $81,799
 $77,758
 $81,113
Total assets 112,249
 112,422
 108,610
 104,656
 108,479
Reserves for claims and claims expense, life-contingent contract benefits and contractholder funds 58,002
 58,308
 57,749
 57,411
 57,832
Long-term debt 6,451
 6,350
 6,347
 5,124
 5,140
Shareholders’ equity 21,312
 22,551
 20,573
 20,025
 22,304
Shareholders’ equity per diluted common share 57.56
 57.58
 50.77
 47.34
 48.24

(1)


As of December 31, 2013, $11.98 billion of investments and $12.84 billion of reserves for life-contingent contract benefits and contractholder funds were classified as held for sale relating to the sale of Lincoln Benefit Life Company.
(2)
Due to the adoption of new accounting guidance related to the presentation of debt issuance costs, long-term debt is reported net of debt issuance costs. Debt issuance costs were previously reported in other assets. All prior periods have been adjusted.
(3)
We use operating ratios to measure the profitability of our Property-Liability results. We believe that they enhance an investor’s understanding of our profitability. They are calculated as follows: Claims and claims expense (“loss”) ratio is the ratio of claims and claims expense to premiums earned. Loss ratios include the impact of catastrophe losses. Expense ratio is the ratio of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, operating costs and expenses, and restructuring and related charges to premiums earned. Combined ratio is the ratio of claims and claims expense, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, operating costs and expenses, and restructuring and related charges to premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. The difference between 100% and the combined ratio represents underwriting income as a percentage of premiums earned, or underwriting margin.

2734 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


2018 Form 10-K


Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  Page
Overview and 2018Overview
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Esurance brand
  Encompass brand
 
 
Service Businesses 
Claims and Claims Expense Reserves
Allstate Life
Allstate Benefits
Allstate Annuities
 
 
 
 
 
Application of Critical Accounting Estimates 
 
 


28The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg35


2018 Form 10-K

OVERVIEWOverview
The following discussion highlights significant factors influencing the consolidated financial position and results of operations of The Allstate Corporation (referred to in this document as “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company” or “Allstate”). It should be read in conjunction with the 5-year summary of selected financial data, consolidated financial statements and related notes found under Part II. Item 6. and Item 8. contained herein. Further analysis of our insurance segments is provided in the Property-Liability Operations (which includes the Allstate Protection and the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments) and in the Allstate Financial Segment sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”). The segments are consistent with the way in which we use financial information to evaluate business performance and to determine the allocation of resources. Resources are allocated by the chief operating decision maker and performance is assessed for Allstate Protection, Discontinued Lines and Coverages and Allstate Financial. Allstate Protection and Allstate Financial performance and resources are managed by committees of senior officers of the respective segments.
Allstate is focused on the following priorities in 2016:
better serve our customers through innovation, effectiveness and efficiency;
achieve target economic returns on capital;
grow insurance policies in force;
proactively manage investments; and
build and acquire long-term growth platforms.
The most important factors we monitor to evaluate the financial condition and performance offor our companyreportable segments and the Company include:
For
Allstate Protection:Protection: premium, the number of policies in force (“PIF”), new business sales, policy retention, price changes, claim frequency and severity, catastrophes, loss ratio, expenses, underwriting results, and relative competitive position.
For
Service Businesses: revenues, premium written, PIF, adjusted net income and net income.
Allstate Financial:Life: premiums and contract charges, new business sales, PIF, benefit spread, expenses, adjusted net income and net income.
Allstate Benefits: premiums, new business sales, PIF, benefit ratio, expenses, adjusted net income and net income.
Allstate Annuities: investment spread, asset-liability matching, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”),contract benefits, expenses, operatingadjusted net income, net income new business sales,and invested assets, and premiums and contract charges.assets.
For Investments:
Investments: exposure to market risk, asset allocation, credit quality/experience, total return, net investment income, cash flows, realized capital gains and losses, unrealized capital gains and losses, stability of long-term returns, and asset and liability duration.
For financial condition:
Financial condition: liquidity, parent holding company level of deployable assets, financial strength ratings, operating leverage, debt levels, book value per share and return on equity.
Summary
Measuring segment profit or loss
The measure of Results:
Consolidatedsegment profit or loss used in evaluating performance is underwriting income for the Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments and adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders was $2.06 billion in 2015 compared to $2.75 billion in 2014for the Service Businesses, Allstate Life, Allstate Benefits, Allstate Annuities, and $2.26 billion in 2013. The decrease in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to higher Property-Liability insuranceCorporate and Other segments.
Underwriting income is calculated as premiums earned and other revenue, less claims and claims expense and lower realized net capital gains and net investment income, partially offset by higher Property-Liability insurance premiums and decreased catastrophe losses and(“losses”), amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), operating costs and expenses. The increase in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to lower loss on dispositionexpenses and restructuring and related to the Lincoln Benefit Life Company (“LBL”) sale recorded in Allstate Financial and loss on extinguishment of debt charges, reported in Corporate and Other, partially offset by lower net income applicable to common shareholders from Property-Liability. Net income applicable to common shareholders per diluted common share was $5.05, $6.27 and $4.81 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Allstate Protection had underwriting income of $1.61 billion in 2015 compared to $1.89 billion in 2014 and $2.36 billion in 2013. The decrease in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to decreases in underwriting income in auto and commercial lines, partially offset by increases in underwriting income in homeowners and other personal lines and lower catastrophe losses. The decrease in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to decreases in underwriting income in homeowners, auto and other personal lines resulting from increased catastrophe losses. For a discussion on the components of the increase (decrease) in underwriting income, see the Allstate Protection segment section of the MD&A. The Allstate Protection combined ratio was 94.7, 93.5 and 91.5 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Underwriting income, a measure not based onas determined using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”),. We use this measure in our evaluation of results of operations to analyze the profitability of the Property-Liability insurance operations separately from investment results. Underwriting income is definedreconciled to net income applicable to common shareholders in the Property-Liability Operations section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A.&A”).
Allstate FinancialAdjusted net income is net income applicable to common shareholders, was $663 million in 2015 comparedexcluding:
  Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax, except for periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, which are reported with realized capital gains and losses but included in adjusted net income
Valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, after-tax

  Amortization of DAC and deferred sales inducement costs (“DSI”), to the extent they resulted from the recognition of certain realized capital gains and losses or valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, after-tax
Business combination expenses and the amortization of purchased intangible assets, after-tax
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax
Adjustments for other significant non-recurring, infrequent or unusual items, when (a) the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably unlikely to recur within two years, or (b) there has been no similar charge or gain within the prior two years
Adjusted net income is reconciled to $631 million in 2014 and $95 million in 2013. The increase in 2015 primarily relates to higher net realized capital gains and lower loss on disposition related to the LBL sale, partially offset by lower net investment income and the reduction in business due to the sale of LBL. The increase in 2014 primarily relates to lower loss on disposition related to the LBL sale, partially offset by the associated reduction in business.

29


2015 HIGHLIGHTS
Consolidated net income applicable to common shareholders was $2.06in the Service Businesses, Allstate Life, Allstate Benefits and Allstate Annuities Segment sections of MD&A.


36 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


2018 Form 10-K


2018 Highlights
Allstate Delivered on 2018 Operating Priorities (1)
Better Serve CustomersNet Promoter Score increased for all major businesses
Renewal ratio improved across Allstate, Esurance and Encompass brands
Achieve Target Economic Returns on CapitalReturn on common shareholders’ equity of 10.5% for 2018
Grow Customer BasePolicy growth accelerated in Allstate and Esurance brands
SquareTrade PIF grew 29.9 million, or 77.1%, compared to 2017
Proactively Manage InvestmentsNet investment income of $3.2 billion in 2018
Total return on $81 billion investment portfolio of 0.8%
Building Long-Term Growth Platforms
Expanded telematics offerings, Arity collecting 10 billion miles of data per month

SquareTrade continued its rapid growth, adding a leading U.S. retailer during the year
Acquired InfoArmor, a fast growing identity protection service provider
(1)
2019 operating priorities will remain consistent with the 2018 priorities.
Consolidated Net Income
($ in billions)
chart-d26a5a3a84665be999f.jpg
Consolidated net income applicable to common shareholders decreased 31.5% in 2018 compared to 2017.  The decrease was primarily driven by net realized capital losses compared to net realized capital gains in 2017, a lower tax benefit from the Tax Legislation, lower favorable prior year reserve reestimates and higher distribution expenses from growth, partially offset by higher premiums earned, a lower effective tax rate from the Tax Legislation and lower catastrophe losses. The Property-Liability combined ratio was 93.6 in both 2018 and 2017.
Net realized capital losses on investments in 2018 were primarily due to declines in the valuation of equity investments, which are now recorded in net income due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard effective January 1, 2018.
2017 vs. 2016 - Increase was primarily due to higher Allstate Protection premiums earned, a tax benefit from the Tax Legislation, net realized capital gains in 2017 compared to net realized capital losses in 2016, higher net investment income, lower claims and claims expense, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses.
Total Revenue
($ in billions)

chart-ddc26fc8fe465cebb5d.jpg
Total revenue increased 1.0% in 2018 compared to 2017, driven by a 5.3% increase in insurance premiums and contract charges, which were partially offset by net realized capital losses in 2018 compared to net realized capital gains in 2017 and lower net investment income. Insurance premiums increased in the following segments: Allstate Protection (Allstate brand and Esurance), Service Businesses (SquareTrade and Allstate Dealer Services), Allstate Benefits and Allstate Life.

2017 vs. 2016 - Increase was primarily due to higher Allstate Protection insurance premiums, net realized capital gains in 2017 compared to net realized capital losses in 2016, higher net investment income and the acquisition of SquareTrade.






The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg37


2018 Form 10-K

Net Investment Income
($ in billions)
chart-8b34cfb5502b563081e.jpg
Net investment income decreased 4.7% in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to strong performance-based investment results in 2017, partially offset by higher market-based portfolio income as interest rates increased during 2018.

2017 vs. 2016 - Increase reflected strong 2017 performance-based results, primarily from limited partnerships, an increase in invested assets and stable market-based yields, partially offset by higher employee-related expenses.
Segment Highlights
Allstate Protection underwriting income totaled $2.19 billion in 20152018, a 3.6% increase from $2.11 billion in 2017, primarily due to increased premiums earned, lower catastrophe losses and improved auto claim frequency, partially offset by higher claim severity, operating costs and expenses and lower favorable prior year reserve reestimates.
Premiums written increased 6.0% to $33.56 billion in 2018 compared to $2.752017.
Service Businessesadjusted net income was $2 million in 2018 compared to an adjusted net loss of $59 million in 2017. The improvement in 2018 was primarily due to increased revenue at SquareTrade, improved loss experience at SquareTrade and Allstate Dealer Services and lower restructuring charges in 2018 compared to 2017, partially offset by higher loss costs at Allstate Roadside Services.
Total revenues increased 24.5% or $259 million to $1.32 billion in 2014. Net2018 from $1.06 billion in 2017. The increase was primarily due to SquareTrade’s growth through its U.S. retail and international channels and increased premiums earned on Allstate Dealer Services’ vehicle service contracts. 2018 revenue also includes $101 million from SquareTrade due to the adoption of the revenue from contracts with customers accounting standard.
Allstate Life adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders per diluted common share was $5.05$289 million in 20152018 compared to $6.27$253 million in 2014.2017. The increase was primarily due to a lower effective tax rate from the Tax Legislation and increased premiums and contract charges, partially offset by higher contract benefits.
Property-Liability net income applicable to common shareholders was $1.69Premiums and contract charges totaled $1.32 billion in 2015 compared to $2.43 billion in 2014.
The Property-Liability combined ratio was 94.9 in 2015 compared to 93.9 in 2014.
Allstate Financial net income applicable to common shareholders was $663 million in 2015 compared to $631 million in 2014.
Total revenues were $35.65 billion in 2015 compared to $35.24 billion in 2014.
Property-Liability premiums earned totaled $30.31 billion in 2015,2018, an increase of 4.8%2.7% from $28.93$1.28 billion in 2014.2017.
Allstate Benefits adjusted net income was $119 million in 2018 compared to $95 million in 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher premiums and a lower effective tax rate from the Tax Legislation, partially offset by higher contract benefits and operating costs and expenses.
Premiums and contract charges totaled $1.14 billion in 2018, an increase of 4.7% from $1.08 billion in 2017.
Allstate Annuities adjusted net income was $130 million in 2018 compared to $204 million in 2017. The
decrease was primarily due to lower net investment income, driven by performance-based investment results and decreased average investment balances, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate from the Tax Legislation, decreased interest credited to contractholder funds and lower contract benefits.
Net investment income decreased 16.0% to $1.10 billion in 2018 from $1.31 billion in 2017.
Financial Highlights
Tax reform On December 22, 2017, the Tax Legislation became effective, permanently reducing the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning January 1, 2018. As a result, the corporate tax rate is not comparable between years.  During 2017, we revalued deferred tax assets and liabilities and recorded liabilities related to the transition to the modified territorial system for international taxation, resulting in a $506 million reduction to income tax expense or a $1.38 per share benefit to earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2017. During 2018, the impact of the Tax Legislation was adjusted from our preliminary estimate due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions we previously made, guidance that was issued and actions we took as a result of the Tax Legislation. During 2018, we recognized a net tax benefit of $29 million, as a reduction to income tax expense related to the provisional amounts.  The accounting for income tax effects of the Tax Legislation has been completed. The impact of Tax Legislation is excluded from adjusted net income when evaluating segment performance.
InfoArmor On October 5, 2018, we acquired InfoArmor, Inc. (“InfoArmor”), a leading provider of identity protection in the employee benefits market, for $525 million in cash. InfoArmor primarily offers identity protection to employees and their family members through voluntary benefit programs at over 1,400 firms, including more than 100 of the Fortune 500 companies. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Service Businesses segment includes the results of InfoArmor.
PlumChoice On November 30, 2018, we acquired PlumChoice, Inc. (“PlumChoice”) for $30 million in cash

38 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


2018 Form 10-K


to provide technical support services to SquareTrade’s customers and small businesses.
Investments totaled $77.76$81.26 billion as of December 31, 2015,2018, decreasing from $81.11$82.80 billion as of December 31, 2014. Net investment income was $3.16 billion in 2015, a decrease of 8.8% from $3.46 billion in 2014.2017.
Net realized capital gains were $30 million in 2015 compared to $694 million in 2014.
Book value per diluted common share (ratio of common shareholders’Shareholders’ equity to total common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares outstanding) was $47.34 as of December 31, 2015, a decrease of 1.9% from $48.24 as of December 31, 2014.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, return on the average of beginning and ending period common shareholders’ equity of 10.6% decreased by 2.7 points from 13.3% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, shareholders’ equity was $20.03$21.31 billion. This total included $2.62$1.50 billion in deployable assets at the parent holding company level comprising cash and investments that are generally saleable within one quarter.
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Revenues     
Property-liability insurance premiums$30,309
 $28,929
 $27,618
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges2,158
 2,157
 2,352
Net investment income3,156
 3,459
 3,943
Realized capital gains and losses:     
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses(452) (242) (207)
OTTI losses reclassified to (from) other comprehensive income36
 (3) (8)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings(416) (245) (215)
Sales and other realized capital gains and losses446
 939
 809
Total realized capital gains and losses30
 694
 594
Total revenues35,653

35,239

34,507
      
Costs and expenses     
Property-liability insurance claims and claims expense(21,034) (19,428) (17,911)
Life and annuity contract benefits(1,803) (1,765) (1,917)
Interest credited to contractholder funds(761) (919) (1,278)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs(4,364) (4,135) (4,002)
Operating costs and expenses(4,081) (4,341) (4,387)
Restructuring and related charges(39) (18) (70)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (1) (491)
Interest expense(292) (322) (367)
Total costs and expenses(32,374)
(30,929)
(30,423)
      
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations3
 (74) (688)
Income tax expense(1,111) (1,386) (1,116)
Net income2,171

2,850

2,280
      
Preferred stock dividends(116) (104) (17)
Net income applicable to common shareholders$2,055

$2,746

$2,263
      
Property-Liability$1,690
 $2,427
 $2,754
Allstate Financial663
 631
 95
Corporate and Other(298) (312) (586)
Net income applicable to common shareholders$2,055

$2,746

$2,263

30


IMPACT OF LOW INTEREST RATE ENVIRONMENT
In December 2015, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) beganBook value per diluted common share (ratio of common shareholders’ equity to tighten monetary policy by raising interest ratestotal common shares outstanding and setting the new target range for the federal funds rate at 1/4 percent to 1/2 percent and maintained their inflation target of 2 percent. Thisdilutive potential common shares outstanding) was the first change in the target federal funds rate since December 2008. The FOMC indicated that monetary policy remains accommodative after the increase, thereby supporting further improvements in labor market conditions and a return to 2 percent inflation. The path of the federal funds rate increase will depend on economic conditions and outlook. We anticipate that interest rates will continue to increase but remain below historic averages for an extended period of time and that financial markets will continue to have periods of high volatility and less liquidity.
Deferred annuity contracts and interest-sensitive life insurance policies with fixed and guaranteed crediting rates, or floors that limit crediting rate reductions, are adversely impacted by a prolonged low interest rate environment since we may not be able to reduce crediting rates sufficiently to maintain investment spreads. Financial results of long duration products that do not have stated crediting rate guarantees but for which underlying assets may have to be reinvested at interest rates that are lower than portfolio rates, such as structured settlements and term life insurance, may also be adversely impacted. Our investment strategy for structured settlements includes increasing investments in which we have ownership interests and a greater proportion of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance. We stopped selling new fixed annuity products January 1, 2014 and structured settlement annuities March 22, 2013.
The following table summarizes the weighted average guaranteed crediting rates and weighted average current crediting rates$57.56 as of December 31, 20152018, a decrease from $57.58 as of December 31, 2017.
Return on average common shareholders’ equity For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, net income applicable to common shareholders’ return on the average of beginning and ending period common shareholders’ equity of 10.5% decreased by 5.0 points from 15.5% for certain fixed annuitiesthe twelve months ended December 31, 2017.
Pension settlement loss During 2018 and interest-sensitive2017, the Company’s qualified employee pension plan lump sum payments exceeded a threshold of service and interest cost, which resulted in a pension settlement loss of $172 million and $122 million, pre-tax, respectively, and was recorded as part of operating costs and expenses in the Corporate and Other segment. The net periodic costs for the pension plans inclusive of pension settlement losses were $257 million and $255 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Common share repurchases On October 31, 2018, the Board authorized a new $3.00 billion common share repurchase program that is expected to be completed by April 2020. As of December 31, 2018, there was $2.07 billion remaining on the repurchase program.
Adopted Accounting Standards
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“recognition and measurement accounting standard”) Beginning January 1, 2018, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in realized capital gains and losses. Limited partnerships previously reported using the cost method are now reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net investment income. See the Investments section of this Item for further details.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers Beginning January 1, 2018, we adopted the revenue from contracts with customers accounting standard, which revises the criteria for revenue recognition and impacted the Service Businesses segment by increasing deferred revenue by approximately $160 million with a corresponding increase in DAC for protection plans that are sold directly to retailers prior to January 1, 2018. The anticipated impact of these adjustments offset and do not impact net income, but impact premium and DAC comparability trends as they are recognized over the life contracts where management hasof the ability to changepolicy.
See Note 2 of the crediting rate, subject to a contractual minimum. Other products, including equity-indexed, variable and immediate annuities, equity-indexed and variable life, and institutional products totaling $5.95 billion of contractholder funds, have been excluded fromconsolidated financial statements for additional details on the analysis because management does not have the ability to change the crediting rate or the minimum crediting rate is not considered meaningful in this context.adopted accounting standards.


The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg39


2018 Form 10-K

($ in millions)
Weighted
average
guaranteed
crediting
rates
 
Weighted
average
current
crediting
rates
 
Contractholder
funds
Annuities with annual crediting rate resets3.08% 3.09% $5,771
Annuities with multi-year rate guarantees (1):
     
Resettable in next 12 months1.53
 2.89
 392
Resettable after 12 months1.35
 3.27
 1,536
Interest-sensitive life insurance4.02
 4.09
 7,645
Consolidated net income
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Revenues      
Property and casualty insurance premiums $34,048
 $32,300
 $31,307
Life premiums and contract charges 2,465
 2,378
 2,275
Other revenue 939
 883
 865
Net investment income (1)
 3,240
 3,401
 3,042
Realized capital gains and losses:      
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses (13) (146) (313)
OTTI losses reclassified (from) to other comprehensive income (1) (4) 10
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings (14) (150) (303)
Sales and valuation changes on equity investments and derivatives

 (863) 595
 213
Total realized capital gains and losses (1)
 (877) 445
 (90)
Total revenues 39,815

39,407

37,399
       
Costs and expenses      
Property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense (22,839) (21,929) (22,221)
Life contract benefits (1,973) (1,923) (1,857)
Interest credited to contractholder funds (654) (690) (726)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (5,222) (4,784) (4,550)
Operating costs and expenses (5,869) (5,442) (4,939)
Amortization of purchased intangible assets (105) (99) (32)
Restructuring and related charges (83) (109) (30)
Goodwill impairment 
 (125) 
Interest expense (332) (335) (295)
Total costs and expenses (37,077)
(35,436)
(34,650)
       
Gain on disposition of operations 6
 20
 5
Income tax expense (2)
 (492) (802) (877)
Net income 2,252

3,189

1,877
       
Preferred stock dividends (148) (116) (116)
Net income applicable to common shareholders $2,104

$3,073

$1,761

(1) 
These contractsDue to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, limited partnerships previously reported using the cost method are now reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net investment income and equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in valuation changes on equity investments in realized capital gains and losses. See the Investments section of this Item and Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for further details.
(2)
Beginning January 1, 2018, the Tax Legislation reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. 2018 and 2017 results include interest rate guarantee periods which are typically 5, 7 or 10 years.a Tax Legislation benefit of $29 million and $506 million, respectively. 2017 results also include a tax benefit of $63 million related to the adoption of the new accounting standard for share-based payments on January 1, 2017.
Investing activity will continue to decrease our portfolio yield as long as market yields remain below the current portfolio yield. In the Allstate Financial segment, the portfolio yield has been less impacted by reinvestment in the current low interest rate environment, as much of the investment cash flows have been used to fund the managed reduction in spread-based liabilities. The declines in both invested assets and portfolio yield are expected to result in lower net investment income in future periods.
As of December 31, 2015, Allstate Financial has fixed income securities not subject to prepayment with an amortized cost of $22.86 billion and $4.04 billion of commercial mortgage loans, of which approximately 4.6% and 4.5%, respectively, are expected to mature in 2016. Additionally, for asset-backed securities (“ABS”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) that have the potential for prepayment and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity, we received periodic principal payments of $608 million in 2015. To the extent portfolio cash flows are reinvested into fixed income securities, the average pre-tax investment yield of 5.4% is expected to decline due to lower market yields. We shortened the maturity profile of the fixed income securities in Allstate Financial to make the portfolio less sensitive to rising interest rates. Proceeds from the sale of longer duration fixed income securities that were invested in shorter duration fixed income securities and public equity securities are expected to lower net investment income and portfolio yields. Over time, we will shift to performance-based investments in which a greater proportion of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance, to more appropriately match the long-term nature of our immediate annuity liabilities and improve long-term economic results. We anticipate higher long-term returns on these investments.
40 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com
As of December 31, 2015, Property-Liability has fixed income securities not subject to prepayment with an amortized cost of $28.53 billion and $296 million of commercial mortgage loans, of which approximately 9.5% and 36.3%, respectively, are expected to mature in 2016. Additionally, for ABS, RMBS and CMBS securities that have the potential for prepayment and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity, we received periodic principal payments of $582 million in 2015. We have maintained a shorter maturity profile of the fixed income securities in Property-Liability so the portfolio is less sensitive to rising

31


interest rates. This approach to reducing interest rate risk resulted in realized capital gains in 2013, but contributed to lower portfolio yields as sales proceeds were invested at lower market yields. The portfolio yield will respond more quickly to changes in market interest rates as a result of its shorter maturity profile. The average pre-tax investment yield of 3.4% may decline to the extent reinvestment is at lower market yields.
In order to mitigate the unfavorable impact that the current and changing interest rate environment could have on investment results, we are:
Property-Liability 2018 Form 10-K
Managing our exposure to interest rate risk by maintaining a shorter maturity profile in the Property-Liability portfolio which will also result in the yield responding more quickly to changes in market interest rates.
Reducing the risk that rising interest rates will negatively impact the value of fixed income securities by reducing the Allstate Financial portfolio maturity profile.
Shifting the portfolio mix over time to have less reliance on investments whose returns come primarily from interest payments to investments in which we have ownership interests and a greater proportion of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance.
Investing for the specific needs and characteristics of Allstate’s businesses.
We expect volatility in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from changes in unrealized net capital gains and losses and unrecognized pension cost.
These topics are discussed in more detail in the respective sections of the MD&A.

32


PROPERTY-LIABILITY 2015 HIGHLIGHTS
Property-Liability net income applicable to common shareholders was $1.69 billion in 2015 compared to $2.43 billion in 2014.Operations
Property-Liability premiums written totaled $30.87 billion in 2015, an increase of 4.2% from $29.61 billion in 2014.
The Property-Liability loss ratio was 69.4 in 2015 compared to 67.2 in 2014.
Catastrophe losses were $1.72 billion in 2015 compared to $1.99 billion in 2014.
Property-Liability prior year reserve reestimates totaled $81 million unfavorable in 2015 compared to $84 million favorable in 2014.
Property-Liability underwriting income was $1.56 billion in 2015 compared to $1.77 billion in 2014. Underwriting income, a measure not based on GAAP, is defined below.
Property-Liability investments were $38.48 billion as of December 31, 2015, a decrease of 1.5% from $39.08 billion as of December 31, 2014. Net investment income was $1.24 billion in 2015, a decrease of 4.9% from $1.30 billion in 2014.
Net realized capital losses were $237 million in 2015 compared to net realized capital gains of $549 million in 2014.
PROPERTY-LIABILITY OPERATIONS
Overview Our Property-Liability operations consist of two reportingreportable segments: Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages. Allstate Protection comprises three brands where we accept underwriting risk: Allstate, Esurance and Encompass. Allstate Protection is principally engaged in the sale of personal property and casualty insurance, primarily private passenger auto and homeowners insurance, to individuals in the United States and Canada. Discontinued Lines and Coverages includes results from property-liability insurance coverage that we no longer write and results for certain commercial and other businesses in run-off. These segments are consistent with the groupings of financial information that management uses to evaluate performance and to determine the allocation of resources.
UnderwritingWe do not allocate Property-Liability investment income, a measure that is not based on GAAPrealized capital gains and is reconciledlosses, or assets to net income applicable to common shareholders below, is calculated as premiums earned, less claimsthe Allstate Protection and claims expense (“losses”), amortization of DAC, operating costsDiscontinued Lines and expenses and restructuring and related charges, as determined using GAAP. We use this measure in our evaluation of results of operations to analyze the profitability ofCoverages segments. Management reviews assets at the Property-Liability insurance operations separately from investment results. It is also an integral component of incentive compensation. It is usefullevel for investors to evaluate the components of income separately and in the aggregate when reviewing performance. Net income applicable to common shareholders is the GAAP measure most directly comparable to underwriting income. Underwriting income should not be considered as a substitute for net income applicable to common shareholders and does not reflect the overall profitability of the business.decision-making purposes.
The table below includes GAAP operating ratios we use to measure our profitability. We believe that they enhance an investor’s understanding of our profitability. They are calculated as follows:
Claims and claims expense (“loss”)
Loss ratio - :the ratio of claims and claims expense to premiums earned. Loss ratios include the impact of catastrophe losses.
Expense ratio -: the ratio of amortization of DAC, operating costs and expenses and restructuring and related charges, less other revenue to premiums earned.
Combined ratio -: the ratio of claims and claims expense, amortization of DAC, operating costs and expenses, and restructuring and related charges, less other revenue to premiums earned. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. The difference between 100% and the combined ratio represents underwriting income as a percentage of premiums earned, or underwriting margin.
We have also calculated the following impacts of specific items on the GAAP operating ratios because of the volatility of these items between fiscal periods.
Effect of catastrophe losses on combined ratio -: the percentageratio of catastrophe losses included in claims and claims expense to premiums earned. This ratio includes prior year reserve reestimates of catastrophe losses.
Effect of prior year reserve reestimates on combined ratio -: the percentageratio of prior year reserve reestimates included in claims and claims expense to premiums earned. This ratio includes prior year reserve reestimates of catastrophe losses.
Effect of amortization of purchased intangible assets on combined and expense ratio -: the percentageratio of amortization of purchased intangible assets to premiums earned. Amortization of purchased intangible assets is reported in operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Effect of restructuring and related charges on combined ratio -: the percentageratio of restructuring and related charges to premiums earned.
Effect of Discontinued Lines and Coverages on combined ratio -: the ratio of claims and claims expense and operating costs and expenses in the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment to Property-Liability premiums earned. The sum of the effect

33


of Discontinued Lines and Coverages on the combined ratio and the Allstate Protection combined ratio is equal to the Property-Liability combined ratio.
Summarized financial data, a reconciliation of underwriting income to net income applicable to common shareholders, and GAAP operating ratios for our

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg41


2018 Form 10-KProperty-Liability operations are presented in the following table.

Summarized financial dataSummarized financial data
($ in millions, except ratios)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written$30,871
 $29,614
 $28,164
 $33,555
 $31,648
 $30,891
           
Revenues           
Premiums earned$30,309
 $28,929
 $27,618
 $32,950
 $31,433
 $30,727
Other revenue 738
 703
 688
Net investment income1,237
 1,301
 1,375
 1,464
 1,478
 1,253
Realized capital gains and losses(237) 549
 519
 (639) 401
 (6)
Total revenues31,309
 30,779
 29,512
 34,513
 34,015
 32,662
           
Costs and expenses           
Claims and claims expense(21,034) (19,428) (17,911) (22,495) (21,566) (21,968)
Amortization of DAC(4,102) (3,875) (3,674) (4,475) (4,205) (4,053)
Operating costs and expenses(3,575) (3,838) (3,752) (4,545) (4,262) (4,145)
Restructuring and related charges(39) (16) (63) (76) (91) (29)
Total costs and expenses(28,750) (27,157) (25,400) (31,591) (30,124) (30,195)
           
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations
 16
 (1)
Gain on disposition of operations (1)
 
 14
 
Income tax expense(869) (1,211) (1,357) (581) (1,318) (806)
Net income applicable to common shareholders$1,690

$2,427

$2,754
 $2,341

$2,587

$1,661
           
Underwriting income$1,559
 $1,772
 $2,218
 $2,097
 $2,012
 $1,220
Net investment income1,237
 1,301
 1,375
 1,464
 1,478
 1,253
Income tax expense on operations(952) (1,040) (1,177) (715) (1,119) (812)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax(154) 357
 339
 (500) 272
 
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax
 37
 (1)
Gain on disposition of operations, after-tax 
 9
 
Tax Legislation expense (5) (65) 
Net income applicable to common shareholders$1,690

$2,427

$2,754
 $2,341

$2,587

$1,661
           
Catastrophe losses (1)
$1,719
 $1,993
 $1,251
Catastrophe losses (2)
 $2,855
 $3,228
 $2,571
           
GAAP operating ratios           
Claims and claims expense ratio69.4
 67.2
 64.9
 68.2
 68.6
 71.5
Expense ratio25.5
 26.7
 27.1
Expense ratio (3)
 25.4
 25.0
 24.5
Combined ratio94.9
 93.9
 92.0
 93.6
 93.6
 96.0
Effect of catastrophe losses on combined ratio (1)
5.7
 6.9
 4.5
Effect of prior year reserve reestimates on combined ratio (1)
0.3
 (0.3) (0.4)
Effect of catastrophe losses on combined ratio 8.7
 10.3
 8.4
Effect of prior year reserve reestimates on combined ratio (4)
 (0.8) (1.6) (0.1)
Effect of catastrophe losses included in prior year reserve reestimates on combined ratio 0.1
 
 
Effect of amortization of purchased intangible assets on combined ratio0.2
 0.2
 0.3
 
 
 0.1
Effect of restructuring and related charges on combined ratio0.1
 0.1
 0.2
 0.2
 0.3
 0.1
Effect of Discontinued Lines and Coverages on combined ratio0.2
 0.4
 0.5
 0.2
 0.3
 0.3

(1) 
2017 results represented the conclusion of a contractual arrangement related to the sale of Sterling Collision Centers, Inc. in 2014.
(2)
Prior year reserve reestimates included in catastrophe losses totaled $15$25 million unfavorable, $18 million favorable $43and $6 million unfavorable in 2018, 2017and $882016, respectively.
(3)
Other revenue is deducted from operating costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
(4)
Prior year favorable reserve reestimates totaled $253 million favorable, $505 million and $21 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The effect



42 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Property-Liability 2018 Form 10-K


Net investment income decreased 0.9% or $14 million to $1.46 billion in 2018 from $1.48 billion in 2017 after increasing 18.0% in 2017 compared to 2016. The 2018 decrease was primarily due to lower performance-based investment results, primarily from limited partnerships, partially offset by higher market-based portfolio income. The 2017 increase benefited from strong performance-based results, primarily from limited partnerships, an increase in invested assets and stable market-based yields, partially offset by higher employee-related expenses. Limited partnership income includes asset appreciation and sales of underlying investments.
Net investment income
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Fixed income securities $943
 $909
 $870
Equity securities 121
 122
 95
Mortgage loans 17
 12
 11
Limited partnership interests (1)
 378
 432
 269
Short-term investments 40
 17
 9
Other 123
 100
 89
Investment income, before expense 1,622
 1,592
 1,343
Investment expense (2) (3)
 (158) (114) (90)
Net investment income $1,464
 $1,478
 $1,253
(1)
Due to the adoption of catastrophethe recognition and measurement accounting standard, limited partnerships previously reported using the cost method are now reported at fair valuewith changes in fair value recognized in net investment income.
(2)
Investment expense includes $45 million, $22 million and $19 million of investee level expenses in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and has increased compared to prior year primarily due to growth in real estate investments. Investee level expenses include depreciation and asset level operating expenses on directly held real estate and other consolidated investments.
(3)
Investment expense includes $18 million, $4 million and zero related to the portion of reinvestment income on securities lending collateral paid to the counterparties in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Realized capital gains and losses Net realized capital losses in 2018, primarily related to decreases in the valuation of equity investments and losses on sales of fixed income securities. Realized capital gains and losses in 2017 primarily related to net gains on sales, as well as gains from valuation changes in public securities held in certain limited partnerships, partially offset by impairment and change in intent write-downs, and derivative valuation losses.
Components of realized capital gains (losses) and the related tax effect
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Impairment write-downs (1)
 $(5) $(56) $(130)
Change in intent write-downs (1)
 
 (44) (56)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings (5) (100) (186)
Sales (1)
 (148) 531
 185
Valuation of equity investments (1)(2)
 (522) 
 
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments 36
 (30) (5)
Realized capital gains and losses, pre-tax (639) 401
 (6)
Income tax benefit (expense) 139
 (129) 6
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax $(500) $272
 $
(1)
Due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in valuation of equity investments and are no longer included in prior year reserve reestimates onimpairment write-downs, change in intent write-downs and sales.
(2)
2018 results include $447 million of declines in the combined ratio totaled zero, 0.1 unfavorablevaluation of equity investments and 0.3 favorable$75 million of declines in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.value primarily related to certain limited partnerships where the underlying assets are predominately public equity securities.


34


ALLSTATE PROTECTION SEGMENT
Overview and strategyThe Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg43


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection

Allstate Protection segment primarily sells privateSegment
Private passenger auto, homeowners, and homeownersother personal lines insurance products are offered to individualsconsumers through agencies and directly through contact centers and the internet. These products are marketed under the Allstate®, Esurance® and Encompass® brand names.
online. Our strategy is to position our productsproduct offerings and distribution systemschannels to meet the changingcustomers’ evolving needs of the customer in managingand help them manage the risks they face. This includes customers who want local advice and assistance and those who are self-directed. In addition, there are customers who are brand-sensitive and those who are brand-neutral. Our strategy is to serve all four of these consumer segments with unique products and in innovative ways while leveragingFor additional information on our claims, pricing and operational capabilities. When we do not offer a product our customers need, we may make available non-proprietary products that meet their needs.
We utilize specific customer value propositions for each brand to improve our competitive position and performance. Over time, delivering on these customer value propositions may include investments in resources and require significant changes to our products, service, capabilities and processes.
Our strategy for the Allstate brand centers around customers who prefer local personal advice and service and are brand-sensitive. Our customer-focused strategy for the Allstate brand aligns targeted marketing, product innovation, distribution effectiveness, and pricing toward acquiring and retaining an increased share of our target customers. This refers to consumers who want to purchase multiple products from one insurance provider including auto, homeowners and financial products, who potentially present more favorable prospects for profitability over the course of their relationships with us.
The Allstate brand utilizes marketing delivered to target customers to promote our strategic priorities, with messaging that communicates the value of our “Good Hands®”, the importance of having proper coverage by highlighting our comprehensive product and coverage options, and the ease of doing business with Allstate and Allstate agencies.
The Allstate brand differentiates itself from competitors by offering a comprehensive range of innovative product options and features through a network of agencies that provide local advice and service. We are undergoing a focused multi-year effort to position agents, licensed sales professionals and financial specialists as trusted advisors to better serve customers who prefer local and personalized advice. This means they have a local presence that instills confidence; know their customers and understand the unique needs of their households; help them assess the potential risks they face; provide local expertise and personalized guidance on how to protect what matters most to them by offering customized solutions; and support them when they have changes in their lives and during their times of need. To ensure agencies have the resources, capacity and support needed to serve customers at this level, we are deploying education and support focused on relationship initiation and insurance and retirement expertise and are continuing efforts to enhance agency capabilities with customer-centric technology while simplifying and automating service processes to enable agencies to focus more time in an advisory role.
Product features include Allstate Your Choice Auto® with options such as Accident Forgiveness, Deductible Rewards®, Safe Driving Bonus® and New Car Replacement, and Allstate House and Home® that provides options of coverage for roof damage including graduated coverage and pricing based on roof type and age. In addition, we offer a Claim Satisfaction GuaranteeSM that promises a return of premium to Allstate brand auto insurance customers dissatisfied with their claims experience. Our Drivewise® program, available in 48 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2015, uses a mobile application or an in-car device to capture driving behaviors and reward customers for driving safely. The Drivewise mobile application also provides customers with information and tools to encourage safer driving and incentivize through driving challenges. Beginning in 2015, Drivewise offers Allstate Rewards®, a program that provides reward points for safe driving. We will continue to focus on developing and introducing products and services that benefit today’s consumers and further differentiate Allstate and enhance the customer experience. We plan to deepen customer relationships through value-added customer interactions and expanding our presence in households with multiple products by providing financial protection for customer needs. In certain areas with higher risk of catastrophes or where customers do not meet our standard underwriting profile, we offer a homeowners product from North Light Specialty Insurance Company (“North Light”), our excess and surplus lines carrier that operates under different regulatory rules. When an Allstate product is not available, we may make available non-proprietary products for customers through brokering arrangements. For example, in hurricane exposed areas, Allstate agencies sell non-proprietary property insurance products to customers who prefer to use a single agent for all their insurance needs.
We are undergoing a focused effort to enhance our effectiveness and efficiency by implementing processes and standards to elevate the level and consistency of our customer experience. We continue to enhance technology to improve customer service, facilitate the introduction of new products and services, improve the handling of claims and reduce infrastructure costs related to supporting agencies. These actions and others are designed to optimize the effectiveness of our distribution and service channels by increasing the productivity of the Allstate brand’s exclusive agencies.
Other personal lines sold under the Allstate brand include renter, condominium, landlord, boat, umbrella and manufactured home insurance policies. Commercial lines include insurance products for small business owners. Other business lines include Allstate Roadside Services that provides roadside assistance products, including Good Hands RescueSM; Allstate Dealer Services

35


that provides service contracts and other products sold in conjunction with auto lending and vehicle sales transactions; and Ivantage that is a general agency for Allstate exclusive agencies.
Our strategy for the Esurance brand focuses on self-directed consumers. To best serve these customers, Esurance develops its technology, website and mobile capabilities to continuously improve its hassle-free purchase and claims experience and offer innovative product options and features. Esurance continues to develop additional products to complement its auto line of business and provide a more comprehensive solution to its customers. Esurance also continues to invest in geographic expansion of its products. Esurance expanded its homeowners products in 2015 from 14 to 25 states and renters from 19 to 20 states. Esurance continues to focus on increasing its preferred driver mix, while raising marketing effectiveness to support growth and profitability. Esurance’s DriveSense® program, available in 32 states as of December 31, 2015, enables participating customers to be eligible for discounts based on driving performance as measured by a device installed in the vehicle. Esurance Pay Per Mile® usage-based insurance product was piloted in September 2015 and gives customers flexibility to customize their insurance and pay based on the number of miles they drive.
Our strategy for the Encompass brand centers around offering broad coverage options specifically tailored to the mass affluent market while simplifying the insurance experience by packaging products into a single annual household (“package”) policy with one premium, one bill, one policy deductible, one renewal date and one advisor - an independent insurance agent. These features appeal to the approximately 35 million mass affluent households in the U.S., with their higher average limits and preference for professional advice regarding coverage needs and risk solutions. Package policies represent over 85% of premiums written where they are offered, with concentrations in suburban and urban areas throughout the country. Package policies currently are not offered in Massachusetts, North Carolina and Texas. In pursuit of this strategy and outlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and Segment Information.
Underwriting results

  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written $33,555
 $31,648
 $30,888
Premiums earned $32,950
 $31,433
 $30,727
Other revenue 738
 703
 688
Claims and claims expense (22,408) (21,470) (21,863)
Amortization of DAC (4,475) (4,205) (4,053)
Other costs and expenses (4,542) (4,259) (4,143)
Restructuring and related charges (76) (91) (29)
Underwriting income $2,187
 $2,111
 $1,327
Catastrophe losses $2,855
 $3,228
 $2,571
       
Underwriting income (loss) by line of business      
Auto $1,681
 $1,298
 $156
Homeowners 457
 658
 1,075
Other personal lines (1)
 94
 124
 160
Commercial lines (87) (19) (110)
Other business lines (2)
 49
 51
 53
Answer Financial (7) (1) (7)
Underwriting income $2,187
 $2,111
 $1,327
(1)
Other personal lines include renters, condominium, landlord and other personal lines products.
(2)
Other business lines represent Ivantage, a general agency for Allstate exclusive agencies. Ivantage provides agencies a solution for their customers when coverage through Allstate brand underwritten products is not available. 

44 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Allstate Protection 2018 Form 10-K


Changes in underwriting results from prior year by component and by line of business (1) 
  For the years ended December 31,
  Auto Homeowners Other personal lines Commercial lines 
Allstate Protection (2)
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Underwriting income (loss) - prior year $1,298
 $156
 $658
 $1,075
 $124
 $160
 $(19) $(110) $2,111
 $1,327
Changes in underwriting income (loss) from:                    
Increase (decrease) premiums earned 1,092
 614
 207
 53
 58
 50
 160
 (11) 1,517
 706
Increase (decrease) other revenue 30
 10
 3
 
 4
 1
 (2) 
 35
 15
(Increase) decrease incurred claims and claims expense (“losses”):                    
Incurred losses, excluding catastrophe losses and reserve reestimates (623) 623
 (262) (46) (71) (29) (137) 51
 (1,093) 599
Catastrophe losses, excluding reserve reestimates 336
 (150) 92
 (526) (13) (12) 1
 7
 416
 (681)
Catastrophe reserve reestimates 24
 7
 (72) 18
 4
 (5) 1
 4
 (43) 24
Non-catastrophe reserve reestimates (59) 328
 (73) 89
 4
 (5) (90) 39
 (218) 451
             Losses subtotal (322) 808
 (315) (465) (76) (51) (225) 101
 (938) 393
(Increase) decrease expenses (417) (290) (96) (5) (16) (36) (1) 1
 (538) (330)
Underwriting income (loss) $1,681
 $1,298
 $457
 $658
 $94
 $124
 $(87) $(19) $2,187
 $2,111
(1)
The 2018 column presents changes in 2018 compared to 2017. The 2017 column presents changes in 2017 compared to 2016.
(2)
Includes other business lines underwriting income of $49 million and $51 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and Answer Financial underwriting loss of $7 million and $1 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Underwriting income totaled $2.19 billion in 2018, a 3.6% increase from $2.11 billion in 2017, primarily due to achieve its financial objectives, Encompass is partnering with dedicated independent agency professionals who understand the needs of our risk sensitive consumers. We are seeking to diversify through new business writings in states where the risk return opportunities meet our requirements, while aggressively executing pricing, underwriting, and other actions to manage risk and ensure adequate profitability.
Answer Financial, a personal lines insurance agency, serves self-directed, brand-neutral consumers who want a choice between insurance carriers and offers comparison quotes for auto and homeowners insurance from approximately 25 insurance companies through its website and over the phone. It receives commissions for this service.
Our pricing and underwriting strategies and decisions for all of our brands are primarily designed to achieve appropriate returns along with enhancing our competitive position. Our sophisticated pricing methodology allows us to attract and retain customers in multiple risk segments. A combination of underwriting information, pricing and discounts are also used to achieve a more competitive position. Our pricing strategy involves marketplace pricing and underwriting decisions that are based on these risk evaluation factors and an evaluation of competitors to the extent permissible by applicable law.
We continue to manage our property catastrophe exposure with the goal of providing shareholders an acceptable return on the risks assumed in our property business and to reduce the variability of our earnings. Our property business includes personal homeowners, commercial property and other property insurance lines. As of December 31, 2015, we have less than a 1% likelihood of exceeding average annual aggregateincreased premiums earned, lower catastrophe losses and improved auto claim frequency, partially offset by $2higher claim severity, operating costs and expenses and lower favorable prior year reserve reestimates. Underwriting income totaled $2.11 billion net of reinsurance,in 2017, a 59.1% increase from hurricanes$1.33 billion in 2016, primarily due to increased premiums earned, lower loss costs and earthquakes, based on modeled assumptions and applications currently available. The use of different assumptions and updates to industry models, and updates to our risk transfer program, could materially change the projected loss. Our growth strategies include areas previously restricted where we believe we can earn an appropriate return for the risk and as a result our exposure may increase, but remain lower than $2 billion as noted above. In addition, we have exposure to severe weather events which impacthigher favorable prior year reserve reestimates, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses.
Property catastrophe exposure management includes purchasing reinsurance to provide coverage for known exposure to hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, fires following earthquakes and other catastrophes. We are also working to promote measures to prevent and mitigate losses and make homes and communities more resilient, including enactment of stronger building codes and effective enforcement of those codes, adoption of sensible land use policies, and development of effective and affordable methods of improving the resilience of existing structures.
Pricing of property products is typically intended to establish returns that we deem acceptable over a long-term period. Losses, including losses from catastrophic events and weather-related losses (such as wind, hail, lightning and freeze losses not meeting our criteria to be declared a catastrophe), are accrued on an occurrence basis within the policy period. Therefore, in any reporting period, loss experience from catastrophic events and weather-related losses may contribute to negative or positive underwriting performance relative to the expectations we incorporated into the products’ pricing. We pursue rate increases where indicated, taking into consideration potential customer disruption, the impact on our ability to market our auto lines, regulatory limitations, our competitive position and profitability, using a methodology that appropriately addresses the changing costs of losses from catastrophes such as severe weather and the net cost of reinsurance.



36


Allstate Protection outlook
Allstate Protection will continue to focus on its strategy of offering differentiated products and services to our customers while maintaining pricing discipline.
Allstate Protection will continue to take actions to improve auto profitability by increasing prices, evaluating underwriting standards, managing expenses, and managing loss cost through focus on claims process excellence.
Allstate Protection will continue to grow homeowners policies without significantly increasing catastrophe exposure.
We expect that volatility in the level of catastrophes we experience will contribute to variation in our underwriting results; however, this volatility will be mitigated due to our catastrophe management actions, including the purchase of reinsurance.
We will continue the implementation of our trusted advisor strategy, enabling agencies to more fully deliver on the Allstate brand customer value proposition.
We will continue to modernize our operating model to efficiently deliver our customer value propositions.
We will invest in building and acquiring long-term growth platforms.
Premiums written is the amount of premiums charged for policies issued during a fiscal period. Premiums are considered earned and are included in the financial results on a pro-rata basis over the policy period. The portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of the policies is recorded as unearned premiums on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
A reconciliation of premiums written to premiums earned is shown in the following table.
The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg45


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection

($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Premiums written:     
Allstate Protection$30,871
 $29,613
 $28,164
Discontinued Lines and Coverages
 1
 
Property-Liability premiums written30,871

29,614

28,164
Increase in unearned premiums(549) (723) (572)
Other(13) 38
 26
Property-Liability premiums earned$30,309

$28,929

$27,618
Premiums earned:     
Allstate Protection$30,309
 $28,928
 $27,618
Discontinued Lines and Coverages
 1
 
Property-Liability$30,309
 $28,929
 $27,618
Premiums written and earned by line of business

  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written      
Auto $23,367
 $22,042
 $21,425
Homeowners 7,698
 7,350
 7,240
Other personal lines 1,831
 1,768
 1,724
Subtotal – Personal lines 32,896
 31,160
 30,389
Commercial lines 659
 488
 499
Total premiums written $33,555
 $31,648
 $30,888
Reconciliation of premiums written to premiums earned:      
Increase in unearned premiums (544) (258) (181)
Other (61) 43
 20
Total premiums earned $32,950
 $31,433
 $30,727
       
Auto $22,970
 $21,878
 $21,264
Homeowners 7,517
 7,310
 7,257
Other personal lines 1,808
 1,750
 1,700
Subtotal – Personal lines 32,295
 30,938
 30,221
Commercial lines 655
 495
 506
Total premiums earned $32,950
 $31,433
 $30,727
PremiumsAuto insurance premiums written by brand are showntotaled $23.37 billion in 2018, a 6.0% increase from $22.04 billion in 2017, following a 2.9% increase in 2017 from $21.43 billion in 2016.
Homeowners insurance premiums written totaled $7.70 billion in 2018, a 4.7% increase from $7.35 billion in 2017, following a 1.5% increase from $7.24 billion in 2016. Excluding the following table.cost of catastrophe reinsurance, which is recorded as a reduction to premiums, premiums written increased 4.3% in 2018 compared to 2017. For a more detailed discussion on reinsurance, see the Claims and Claims Expense Reserves section of this Item and Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.
Unearned premium balance and the time frame in which we expect to recognize these premiums as earned

($ in millions) as of December 31, % earned after
 2018 2017 Three months Six months Nine months Twelve months
Allstate brand:            
Auto $5,635
 $5,344
 71.1% 96.6% 99.2% 100.0%
Homeowners 3,908
 3,745
 43.3% 75.4% 94.1% 100.0%
Other personal lines 917
 895
 43.4% 75.3% 94.1% 100.0%
Commercial lines 250
 246
 44.0% 75.2% 93.9% 100.0%
Total Allstate brand 10,710
 10,230
 58.1% 86.7% 96.8% 100.0%
Esurance brand:            
Auto 471
 404
 74.4% 99.1% 99.8% 100.0%
Homeowners 53
 42
 43.4% 75.5% 94.2% 100.0%
Other personal lines 2
 2
 43.5% 75.4% 94.1% 100.0%
Total Esurance brand 526
 448
 71.1% 96.6% 99.2% 100.0%
Encompass brand:            
Auto 275
 275
 43.9% 75.7% 94.2% 100.0%
Homeowners 212
 216
 43.8% 75.7% 94.2% 100.0%
Other personal lines 42
 44
 44.1% 75.8% 94.2% 100.0%
Total Encompass brand 529
 535
 43.8% 75.7% 94.2% 100.0%
Allstate Protection unearned premiums $11,765
 $11,213
 58.1% 86.6% 96.8% 100.0%


46 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Allstate Protection 2018 Form 10-K


($ in millions)Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand Allstate Protection
Combined ratios by line of businessCombined ratios by line of business
 For the years ended December 31,
 Loss ratio 
Expense ratio (1)
 Combined ratio
2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Auto$18,445
 $17,504
 $16,752
 $1,576
 $1,499
 $1,308
 $641
 $665
 $641
 $20,662
 $19,668
 $18,701
 67.0
 68.9
 74.7
 25.7
 25.2
 24.6
 92.7
 94.1
 99.3
Homeowners6,711
 6,536
 6,289
 30
 9
 
 497
 506
 461
 7,238
 7,051
 6,750
 69.5
 67.2
 61.3
 24.4
 23.8
 23.9
 93.9
 91.0
 85.2
Other personal lines (1)
1,586
 1,569
 1,539
 7
 5
 2
 106
 109
 104
 1,699
 1,683
 1,645
Subtotal – Personal lines26,742
 25,609
 24,580
 1,613
 1,513
 1,310
 1,244
 1,280
 1,206
 29,599
 28,402
 27,096
Other personal lines 66.2
 64.0
 62.9
 28.6
 28.9
 27.7
 94.8
 92.9
 90.6
Commercial lines516
 494
 466
 
 
 
 
 
 
 516
 494
 466
 91.5
 75.5
 93.9
 21.8
 28.3
 27.8
 113.3
 103.8
 121.7
Other business lines (2)
756
 717
 602
 
 
 
 
 
 
 756
 717
 602
Total$28,014
 $26,820
 $25,648
 $1,613
 $1,513
 $1,310
 $1,244
 $1,280
 $1,206
 $30,871
 $29,613
 $28,164
 68.0
 68.3
 71.2
 25.4
 25.0
 24.5
 93.4
 93.3
 95.7

(1) 
Other personal lines include renter, condominium, landlordrevenue is deducted from operating costs and other personal lines products.expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
(2)
Other business lines include Allstate Roadside Services, Allstate Dealer Services and other business lines.
Premiums earned by brand are shown in the following table.
($ in millions)Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand Allstate Protection
 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Auto$18,191
 $17,234
 $16,578
 $1,562
 $1,455
 $1,245
 $657
 $655
 $626
 $20,410
 $19,344
 $18,449
Homeowners6,613
 6,415
 6,183
 19
 3
 
 504
 486
 430
 7,136
 6,904
 6,613
Other personal lines1,577
 1,551
 1,527
 7
 5
 2
 108
 106
 100
 1,692
 1,662
 1,629
Subtotal – Personal lines26,381
 25,200
 24,288
 1,588
 1,463
 1,247
 1,269
 1,247
 1,156
 29,238
 27,910
 26,691
Commercial lines510
 476
 456
 
 
 
 
 
 
 510
 476
 456
Other business lines561
 542
 471
 
 
 
 
 
 
 561
 542
 471
Total$27,452
 $26,218
 $25,215
 $1,588
 $1,463
 $1,247
 $1,269
 $1,247
 $1,156
 $30,309
 $28,928
 $27,618

37


The following table shows the unearned premium balance as of December 31 and the time frame in which we expect to recognize these premiums as earned.
($ in millions)    % earned after
 2015 2014 Three months Six months Nine months Twelve months
Allstate brand:           
Auto$4,947
 $4,766
 71.0% 96.4% 99.1% 100.0%
Homeowners3,685
 3,607
 43.4% 75.6% 94.2% 100.0%
Other personal lines837
 833
 43.5% 75.5% 94.1% 100.0%
Commercial lines259
 254
 44.2% 75.4% 93.9% 100.0%
Other business lines837
 642
 18.8% 33.0% 44.9% 54.7%
Total Allstate brand10,565
 10,102
 55.3% 83.1% 93.6% 97.3%
Esurance brand:           
Auto385
 371
 73.7% 98.5% 99.6% 100.0%
Homeowners17
 6
 43.4% 75.6% 94.2% 100.0%
Other personal lines2
 2
 43.5% 75.4% 94.2% 100.0%
Total Esurance brand404
 379
 73.1% 98.0% 99.5% 100.0%
Encompass brand:           
Auto329
 345
 44.0% 75.7% 94.2% 100.0%
Homeowners267
 274
 44.0% 76.0% 94.3% 100.0%
Other personal lines54
 57
 44.1% 75.9% 94.2% 100.0%
Total Encompass brand650
 676
 44.0% 75.8% 94.2% 100.0%
Allstate Protection unearned premiums$11,619
 $11,157
 55.2% 83.1% 93.8% 97.5%

Premium measures and statistics that are used to analyze the business are calculated and described below.

PIF:    Policy counts are based on items rather than customers. A multi-car customer would generate multiple item (policy) counts, even if all cars were insured under one policy.
Average premium-gross written (“average premium”):    Gross premiums written divided by issued item count. Gross premiums written include the impacts from discounts, surcharges and ceded reinsurance premiums and exclude the impacts from mid-term premium adjustments and premium refund accruals. Average premiums represent the appropriate policy term for each line. Allstate and Esurance brands policy terms are 6 months for auto and 12 months for homeowners. Encompass brand policy terms are 12 months for auto and homeowners.
Renewal ratio:    Renewal policies issued during the period, based on contract effective dates, divided by the total policies issued 6 months prior for auto (12 months prior for Encompass brand) or 12 months prior for homeowners.
New issued applications:    Item counts of automobiles or homeowners insurance applications for insurance policies that were issued during the period, regardless of whether the customer was previously insured by another Allstate Protection brand. Allstate brand includes automobiles added by existing customers when they exceed the number allowed on a policy, which in 2014 and 2015 was either four or ten depending on the state. As of 2015 year-end, all states allow ten automobiles on a policy.

















38


Auto premiums written totaled $20.66 billion in 2015, a 5.1% increase from $19.67 billion in 2014, following a 5.2% increase in 2014 from $18.70 billion in 2013.
 Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand
 2015  2014  2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
PIF (thousands)20,326
  19,916
  19,362
 1,415
 1,424
 1,286
 723
 790
 774
Average premium (1)
$492
  $479
  $468
 $516
 $499
 $485
 $945
 $895
 $880
Renewal ratio (%)88.6
  88.9
  88.6
 79.5
 79.5
 80.7
 77.3
 79.7
 78.7
Approved rate changes (2):
                   
# of locations50
(6) 
 46
(6) 
 39
 37
 38
 31
 30
 29
 29
Total brand (%) (3)
5.3
  2.3
  1.9
 7.1
 6.0
 4.8
 9.4
 6.6
 5.9
Location specific (%) (4)(5)
7.6
  3.2
  3.2
 9.3
 6.9
 6.5
 11.1
 7.9
 7.0

(1)
Policy term is six months for Allstate and Esurance brands and twelve months for Encompass brand.
(2)
Rate changes that are indicated based on loss trend analysis to achieve a targeted return will continue to be pursued. Rate changes do not include rating plan enhancements, including the introduction of discounts and surcharges that result in no change in the overall rate level in the state. These rate changes do not reflect initial rates filed for insurance subsidiaries initially writing business in a state. Rate changes for Allstate brand for the 2013 period exclude Canada and specialty auto.
(3)
Represents the impact in the states and Canadian provinces where rate changes were approved during the period as a percentage of total brand prior year-end premiums written.
(4)
Represents the impact in the states and Canadian provinces where rate changes were approved during the period as a percentage of its respective total prior year-end premiums written in those same locations.
(5)
Allstate brand operates in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 Canadian provinces. Esurance brand operates in 43 states and 1 Canadian province. Encompass brand operates in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Based on historical premiums written in those states and Canadian provinces, rate changes approved for auto totaled $1.11 billion, $520 million and $379 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(6)
2015 and 2014 includes 5 and 4 Canadian provinces, respectively, and the District of Columbia.
Allstate brand auto premiums written totaled $18.45 billion in 2015, a 5.4% increase from $17.50 billion in 2014. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
2.1% or 410 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. Allstate brand auto PIF increased in 39 states, including 8 out of our largest 10 states, as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014.
2.3% decrease in new issued applications to 2,962 thousand in 2015 from 3,033 thousand in 2014. A change was implemented this year allowing a greater number of autos on a single policy, which reduced the new issued application growth rate by 3.2 points. Without this change, new issued applications would have increased 0.9% in 2015 from 2014.
2.7% increase in average premium in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to rate increases. Based on historical premiums written, rate changes approved for auto totaled $942 million in 2015 compared to $399 million in 2014. These amounts do not assume customer choices such as non-renewal or changes in policy terms which might reduce future premiums. Fluctuation in the Canadian exchange rate has reduced premiums written and average premium growth rates in 2015 by 0.7 points.
0.3 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2015 compared to 2014.
We regularly monitor profitability trends and take appropriate pricing actions, underwriting actions, manage loss cost through focus on claims process excellence and targeted expense spending reductions to achieve adequate returns. Given current loss trends, we have responded with a multi-faceted approach to improve profitability.
We increased and accelerated rate filings broadly across the country. Approximately 30% of the Allstate brand rate increases approved in 2015 were earned in 2015, with the remainder expected to be earned in 2016 and 2017. We continue to aggressively pursue rate increases to respond to higher loss trends, subject to regulatory processes and review.
We made underwriting guideline adjustments in geographic areas and customer segments experiencing less than acceptable returns which are reducing the number of new issued applications and slowing growth. Underwriting guideline adjustments vary by geographic area and include restrictions on business with no prior insurance as well as business with prior accidents and violations. Changes in down payment requirements and coverage plan adjustments have also been implemented. These changes are intended to increase underwriting margin and can be modified as we achieve targeted underwriting results in these segments.



39


Allstate brand auto premiums written totaled $17.50 billion in 2014, a 4.5% increase from $16.75 billion in 2013. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
2.9% or 554 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.
10.3% increase in new issued applications to 3,033 thousand in 2014 from 2,749 thousand in 2013.
2.4% increase in average premium in 2014 compared to 2013.
0.3 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2014 compared to 2013.
Esurance brand auto premiums written totaled $1.58 billion in 2015, a 5.1% increase from $1.50 billion in 2014. Profit improvement actions impacting growth include rate increases, underwriting guideline adjustments, and decreased marketing in select geographies to manage risks. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
0.6% or 9 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014.
16.1% decrease in new issued applications to 627 thousand in 2015 from 747 thousand in 2014 due to a decrease in marketing activities and an increase in rates. Quote volume declined reflecting lower advertising spend. The conversion rate (the percentage of actual issued policies to completed quotes) decreased 0.3 points in 2015 compared to 2014.
3.4% increase in average premium in 2015 compared to 2014.
The renewal ratio in 2015 was comparable to 2014.
Esurance brand auto premiums written totaled $1.50 billion in 2014, a 14.6% increase from $1.31 billion in 2013. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
10.7% or 138 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.
New issued applications of 747 thousand in 2014 was comparable to 2013. An increase in quote volume driven by the new advertising program was offset by a decrease in conversion rate (the percentage of completed quotes to actual issued policies) primarily due to rate actions. Rate actions are taken where profit margin targets are not being achieved. The rate changes in 2014 were taken in states and risk categories to improve profit margin while managing customer retention.
2.9% increase in average premium in 2014 compared to 2013.
1.2 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease in the renewal ratio during 2014 was due to the impact of rate increases and growth in states with lower retention, partially offset by an increase in the amount of business past its first renewal. Retention may continue to be impacted as a result of expansion initiatives that increase the areas in which Esurance writes business. Retention at first renewal was 70.4% during 2014 compared to 72.8% in 2013. The renewal ratio on business subsequent to first renewal was 82.7% during 2014 compared to 84.1% in 2013.
Encompass brand auto premiums written totaled $641 million in 2015, a 3.6% decrease from $665 million in 2014. Profit improvement actions impacting growth include increasing rates, enhancing pricing sophistication and underwriting guideline adjustments. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
8.5% or 67 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014.
39.3% decrease in new issued applications to 82 thousand in 2015 from 135 thousand in 2014.
5.6% increase in average premium in 2015 compared to 2014.
2.4 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2015 compared to 2014. Encompass sells a high percentage of package policies that include both auto and homeowners; therefore, declines in one coverage can contribute to declines in the other.
Encompass brand auto premiums written totaled $665 million in 2014, a 3.7% increase from $641 million in 2013. Factors impacting premiums written were the following.
2.1% or 16 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.
12.9% decrease in new issued applications to 135 thousand in 2014 from 155 thousand in 2013 primarily due to profit improvement actions including rate changes, underwriting guideline adjustments, and agency-level actions to manage risks and ensure profitability.
1.7% increase in average premium in 2014 compared to 2013.
1.0 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2014 compared to 2013 due to adverse impacts from run-off effects of Florida in the prior year. A higher percentage of package auto policies renewed. Package policies typically have higher retention rates.

40


Homeowners premiums written totaled $7.24 billion in 2015, a 2.7% increase from $7.05 billion in 2014, following a 4.5% increase in 2014 from $6.75 billion in 2013. Excluding the cost of catastrophe reinsurance, premiums written increased 2.3% in 2015 compared to 2014. For a more detailed discussion on reinsurance, see the Property-Liability Claims and Claims Expense Reserves section of the MD&A and Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.
 Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand
 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2015 2014 2013
PIF (thousands)6,174
 6,106
 6,077
 32
 10
 338
 365
 356
Average premium (1)
$1,155
 $1,140
 $1,115
 $833
 $811
 $1,555
 $1,457
 $1,374
Renewal ratio (%) (1) (2)
88.5
 88.4
 87.7
 72.7
 N/A
 82.5
 85.6
 86.6
Approved rate changes (3):
               
# of locations36
(5) 
37
(5) 
41
 N/A
 N/A
 27
 23
 31
Total brand (%)2.8
 1.7
 3.6
 N/A
 N/A
 6.5
 4.7
 7.4
Location specific (%) (4)
5.0
 4.7
 5.2
 N/A
 N/A
 8.8
 8.9
 8.2

(1)
Policy term is twelve months.
(2)
Esurance’s retention ratios will appear lower due to its underwriting process. Customers can enter into a policy without a physical inspection. During the underwriting review period, a number of polices may be canceled if upon inspection the condition is unsatisfactory. Esurance’s retention ratio was 91.9% on policies that passed the underwriting review period.
(3)
Includes rate changes approved based on our net cost of reinsurance. Rate changes for Allstate brand for 2013 exclude Canada.
(4)
Allstate brand operates in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 Canadian provinces. Esurance brand operates in 25 states. Encompass brand operates in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Based on historical premiums written in those states and Canadian provinces, rate changes approved for homeowners totaled $225 million, $147 million and $254 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(5)
Includes 4 Canadian provinces in both 2015 and 2014.

N/A reflects not applicable.
Allstate brand homeowners premiums written totaled $6.71 billion in 2015, a 2.7% increase from $6.54 billion in 2014. We continue to be disciplined in how we manage margins as we increase rates and implement other actions to maintain or improve returns where required. Growth actions planned include continuing to implement our House & Home® product, leveraging agency sales practices focused on multi-line households, increasing availability in coastal markets, improving penetration in underserved markets in the middle of the country and targeted advertising campaigns. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
1.1% or 68 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 due primarily to increases in new issued applications. Allstate brand homeowners PIF increased in 32 states, including 7 out of our largest 10 states, as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014.
7.7% increase in new issued applications to 781 thousand in 2015 from 725 thousand in 2014.
1.3% increase in average premium in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to rate changes and increasing insured home valuations due to inflationary costs. Fluctuation in the Canadian exchange rate has reduced premiums written and average premium growth rates in 2015 by 0.5 points.
0.1 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2015 compared to 2014.
$19 million decrease in the cost of our catastrophe reinsurance program to $370 million in 2015 from $389 million in 2014. Catastrophe reinsurance premiums are recorded primarily in Allstate brand and are a reduction of premium.
Premiums written for Allstate’s House and Home product, our redesigned homeowners new business offering currently available in 74% of total states, with the greatest success in Texas and several of our other top ten states, totaled $1.46 billion in 2015 compared to $934 million in 2014.
In states with severe weather and risk, our excess and surplus lines carrier North Light as well as non-proprietary products will remain a critical component to our overall homeowners strategy to profitably grow and serve our customers.
Allstate brand homeowners premiums written totaled $6.54 billion in 2014, a 3.9% increase from $6.29 billion in 2013. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
0.5% or 29 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 due to increases in new issued applications and retention.
16.0% increase in new issued applications to 725 thousand in 2014 from 625 thousand in 2013.
2.2% increase in average premium in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to rate changes as well as increasing insured home valuations.
0.7 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2014 compared to 2013.

41


$36 million decrease in the cost of our catastrophe reinsurance program to $389 million in 2014 from $425 million in 2013.
Esurance brand homeowners premiums written totaled $30 million in 2015 compared to $9 million in 2014. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
22 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014.
New issued applications totaled 28 thousand in 2015 compared to 11 thousand in 2014.
As of December 31, 2015, Esurance is writing homeowners insurance in 25 states with lower hurricane risk that have lower average premium.
Esurance brand homeowners premiums written totaled $9 million in 2014. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
New issued applications totaled 11 thousand in 2014.
As of December 31, 2014, Esurance was writing homeowners insurance in 14 states with lower hurricane risk that have lower average premium.
Encompass brand homeowners premiums written totaled $497 million in 2015, a 1.8% decrease from $506 million in 2014. Profit improvement actions impacting growth include increasing rates, enhancing pricing sophistication and underwriting guideline adjustments. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
7.4% or 27 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014.
31.4% decrease in new issued applications to 48 thousand in 2015 from 70 thousand in 2014.
6.7% increase in average premium in 2015 compared to 2014.
3.1 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2015 compared to 2014. Encompass sells a high percentage of package policies that include both auto and homeowners; therefore, declines in one coverage can contribute to declines in the other.
Encompass brand homeowners premiums written totaled $506 million in 2014, a 9.8% increase from $461 million in 2013. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
2.5% or 9 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.
11.4% decrease in new issued applications to 70 thousand in 2014 from 79 thousand in 2013 due to profit improvement actions including rate changes, underwriting guideline adjustments, and agency-level actions.
6.0% increase in average premium in 2014 compared to 2013.
1.0 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2014 compared to 2013.
Other personal lines    Allstate brand other personal lines premiums written totaled $1.59 billion in 2015, a 1.1% increase from $1.57 billion in 2014, following a 1.9% increase in 2014 from $1.54 billion in 2013. The increase in 2015 primarily relates to renters insurance and the increase in 2014 primarily relates to renter and condominium insurance.
Commercial lines premiums written totaled $516 million in 2015, a 4.5% increase from $494 million in 2014, following a 6.0% increase in 2014 from $466 million in 2013. The increase in 2015 was driven by higher renewals and increased average premiums. The increase in 2014 was driven by higher renewals and increased new business resulting from a new business owner policy product.
Other business lines premiums written totaled $756 million in 2015, a 5.4% increase from $717 million in 2014, following a 19.1% increase in 2014 from $602 million in 2013. The increase in 2015 was primarily due to increased sales of vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection, and other products at Allstate Dealer Services, partially offset by a decline in Allstate Roadside Services premiums. The increase in 2014 was primarily due to increased sales of vehicle service contracts at Allstate Dealer Services, and new and expanded contracts where Allstate Roadside Services provides roadside assistance to third party company’s customer bases.

42


Underwriting results are shown in the following table.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Premiums written$30,871
 $29,613
 $28,164
Premiums earned$30,309
 $28,928
 $27,618
Claims and claims expense(20,981) (19,315) (17,769)
Amortization of DAC(4,102) (3,875) (3,674)
Other costs and expenses(3,573) (3,835) (3,751)
Restructuring and related charges(39) (16) (63)
Underwriting income$1,614
 $1,887
 $2,361
Catastrophe losses$1,719
 $1,993
 $1,251
Underwriting income (loss) by line of business     
Auto$23
 $604
 $668
Homeowners1,431
 1,097
 1,422
Other personal lines175
 150
 198
Commercial lines(40) 9
 41
Other business lines33
 40
 51
Answer Financial(8) (13) (19)
Underwriting income$1,614
 $1,887
 $2,361
Underwriting income (loss) by brand     
Allstate brand$1,812
 $2,235
 $2,551
Esurance brand(164) (259) (218)
Encompass brand(26) (76) 47
Answer Financial(8) (13) (19)
Underwriting income$1,614
 $1,887
 $2,361
The following tables summarize the differences in underwriting results from the prior year. The 2015 column presents differences in 2015 compared to 2014. The 2014 column presents differences in 2014 compared to 2013. The components of the increase (decrease) in underwriting income (loss) by line of business are shown in the following table.
($ in millions)Auto Homeowners Other personal lines Commercial lines 
Allstate Protection (1)
 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Underwriting income (loss) prior period$604
 $668
 $1,097
 $1,422
 $150
 $198
 $9
 $41
 $1,887
 $2,361
  Changes in underwriting income (loss)
    from:
                   
    Premiums earned1,066
 895
 232
 291
 30
 33
 34
 20
 1,381
 1,310
    Incurred claims and claims expense
          (“losses”):
                   
       Incurred losses, excluding catastrophe
          losses and reserve reestimates
(1,491) (678) (62) (114) (42) (21) (65) (10) (1,658) (868)
       Catastrophe losses excluding reserve
          reestimates
80
 (94) 128
 (446) 2
 (55) 6
 (16) 216
 (611)
                    
       Non-catastrophes reserve reestimates(265) 59
 (13) 7
 18
 6
 (19) (5) (282) 64
       Catastrophes reserve reestimates(3) (58) 66
 (41) (2) (21) (3) (11) 58
 (131)
          Total reserve reestimates(268) 1
 53
 (34) 16
 (15) (22) (16) (224) (67)
             Subtotal losses(1,679) (771) 119
 (594) (24) (91) (81) (42) (1,666) (1,546)
                    
    Expenses32
 (188) (17) (22) 19
 10
 (2) (10) 12
 (238)
Underwriting income (loss)$23
 $604
 $1,431
 $1,097
 $175
 $150
 $(40) $9
 $1,614
 $1,887

(1) Includes other business lines underwriting income of $33 million and $40 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and Answer Financial underwriting loss of $8 million and $13 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively.





43


The components of the increase (decrease) in underwriting income (loss) by brand are shown in the following table.
($ in millions)Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand
 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Underwriting income (loss) prior period$2,235
 $2,551
 $(259) $(218) $(76) $47
  Changes in underwriting income (loss) from:           
    Premiums earned1,234
 1,003
 125
 216
 22
 91
    Incurred claims and claims expense (“losses”):           
       Incurred losses, excluding catastrophe losses and reserve
          reestimates
(1,563) (652) (76) (152) (19) (64)
       Catastrophe losses excluding reserve reestimates160
 (509) 6
 (8) 50
 (94)
            
       Non-catastrophes reserve reestimates(264) 71
 2
 16
 (20) (23)
       Catastrophes reserve reestimates55
 (120) (1) 
 4
 (11)
          Total reserve reestimates(209) (49) 1
 16
 (16) (34)
             Subtotal losses(1,612) (1,210) (69) (144) 15
 (192)
            
    Expenses(45) (109) 39
 (113) 13
 (22)
Underwriting income (loss)$1,812
 $2,235
 $(164) $(259) $(26) $(76)
For more information, see the previous discussions of premiums written and the combined, loss and expense ratio discussion below.
Combined ratios by brand are shown in the following table.
 Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand Allstate Protection
 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Loss ratio68.7
 65.8
 63.6
 75.1
 76.8
 78.5
 73.5
 76.0
 65.4
 69.2
 66.8
 64.4
Expense ratio24.7
 25.7
 26.3
 35.2
 40.9
 39.0
 28.5
 30.1
 30.5
 25.5
 26.7
 27.1
Combined ratio93.4
 91.5
 89.9
 110.3
 117.7
 117.5
 102.0
 106.1
 95.9
 94.7
 93.5
 91.5





























44


Loss ratios by brand and line of business are analyzed in the following table.
 Auto Homeowners Other personal lines Commercial lines Total
 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Allstate brand                             
Loss ratio (1)
74.5
 69.2
 68.5
 55.6
 58.7
 53.4
 60.9
 61.7
 58.6
 78.4
 67.0
 60.7
 68.7
 65.8
 63.6
Effect of catastrophe losses on
   combined ratio
1.3
 1.6
 1.0
 18.3
 21.4
 15.6
 8.1
 8.2
 3.5
 5.1
 6.1
 0.4
 5.8
 6.9
 4.7
Effect of prior year reserve
   reestimates on combined ratio
0.2
 (1.2) (1.2) (0.3) 0.4
 
 0.5
 2.1
 1.8
 0.4
 (4.2) (7.9) 0.1
 (0.7) (0.9)
Effect of catastrophe losses included
   in prior year reserve reestimates
   on combined ratio
(0.1) (0.1) (0.3) (0.1) 1.0
 0.4
 (0.1) (0.2) (1.7) 1.0
 0.4
 (2.0) (0.1) 0.1
 (0.3)
                              
Esurance brand                             
Loss ratio (1)
75.3
 76.8
 78.5
 63.2
 66.7
 
 57.1
 60.0
 50.0
 
 
 
 75.1
 76.8
 78.5
Effect of catastrophe losses on
combined ratio
0.7
 1.3
 0.9
 15.8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 0.9
 1.3
 0.9
Effect of prior year reserve
reestimates on combined ratio
(1.1) (1.1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (1.1) (1.1) 
Effect of catastrophe losses included
in prior year reserve reestimates
on combined ratio

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 0.1
 
 
                              
Encompass brand                             
Loss ratio (1)
77.0
 77.1
 73.5
 64.9
 74.7
 56.3
 92.6
 75.5
 54.0
 
 
 
 73.5
 76.0
 65.4
Effect of catastrophe losses on
combined ratio
1.1
 3.2
 0.3
 19.3
 28.2
 12.6
 6.5
 6.6
 4.0
 
 
 
 8.7
 13.2
 5.2
Effect of prior year reserve
reestimates on combined ratio
0.3
 (2.0) (4.8) (1.0) 0.4
 (1.2) 9.3
 1.9
 (8.0) 
 
 
 0.6
 (0.7) (3.7)
Effect of catastrophe losses included
in prior year reserve reestimates
on combined ratio
(0.1) (0.2) (0.5) (0.2) 0.7
 (1.3) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (0.1) 0.1
 (0.7)
                              
Allstate Protection                             
Loss ratio (1)
74.7
 70.1
 69.3
 56.3
 59.9
 53.5
 62.9
 62.6
 58.2
 78.4
 67.0
 60.7
 69.2
 66.8
 64.4
Effect of catastrophe losses on
combined ratio
1.2
 1.7
 0.9
 18.4
 21.8
 15.4
 7.9
 8.1
 3.5
 5.1
 6.1
 0.4
 5.7
 6.9
 4.5
Effect of prior year reserve
reestimates on combined ratio
0.1
 (1.2) (1.3) (0.4) 0.4
 (0.1) 1.1
 2.0
 1.2
 0.4
 (4.2) (7.9) 0.1
 (0.7) (1.0)
Effect of catastrophe losses included
in prior year reserve reestimates
on combined ratio
(0.1) (0.1) (0.4) 
 0.9
 0.3
 (0.1) (0.3) (1.5) 1.0
 0.4
 (2.0) 
 0.1
 (0.3)

(1)
Ratios are calculated using the premiums earned for the respective line of business.
Auto loss ratio for the Allstate brand increased 5.3 points in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to higher claim frequency and severity and unfavorable reserve reestimates, partially offset by increased premiums earned and decreased catastrophe losses. Auto loss ratio for the Allstate brand increased 0.7 points in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to increased catastrophe losses.
Gross frequency is calculated as the number of claim notices received in the period divided by the average earned policies in force of the respective insurance coverage in force. The rate of change in gross frequency is the year over year percent increase or decrease in gross frequency for the period.
Gross frequency in the bodily injury coverage increased 5.9% in 2015 compared to 2014. Approximately 90% of individual states experienced a year over year increase in their rate of bodily injury gross frequency in 2015 when compared to 2014. Gross frequency in the bodily injury coverage in 2014 was comparable to 2013.
Gross frequency in the property damage coverage increased 6.3% in 2015 compared to 2014. Approximately 95% of individual states experienced a year over year increase in their rate of property damage gross frequency in 2015 when compared to 2014. Gross frequency in the property damage coverage increased 0.5% in 2014 compared to 2013. We continue to see an increase in miles driven in part due to increased employment, which has adversely impacted property damage gross frequency in 2015. Other factors believed to be contributing to higher frequency are distracted driving and more technology in vehicles.

45


Paid claim severity is calculated by dividing the sum of paid losses and loss expenses by claims closed with a payment during the period. The rate of change in paid severity is the year over year percent increase or decrease in paid claim severity for the period. Bodily injury coverage paid claim severities decreased 1.6% and property damage coverage paid claim severities increased 4.4% in 2015 compared to 2014. Changes in bodily injury and property damage paid claim severity increases were consistent with historical comparisons to inflationary indices, after adjusting for normal volatility due to changes in state mix and payment timing. Bodily injury and property damage coverage paid claim severities increased 2.7% and 4.1%, respectively, in 2014 compared to 2013. Severity results in 2014 increased in line with historical Consumer Price Index trends.
Esurance brand auto loss ratio decreased 1.5 points in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to increases in average premiums earned and lower catastrophe losses, partially offset by higher claim frequency and severity across several coverages. Esurance brand auto loss ratio decreased 1.7 points in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to rate actions and favorable reserve reestimates related to personal injury protection losses.
Encompass brand auto loss ratio decreased 0.1 points in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to lower catastrophe losses and increased premiums earned. Encompass brand auto loss ratio increased 3.6 points in 2014 compared to 2013, due to increased catastrophe losses and lower favorable reserve reestimates, partially offset by increased premiums earned.
Homeowners loss ratio for the Allstate brand decreased 3.1 points to 55.6 in 2015 from 58.7 in 2014, primarily due to lower catastrophe losses, decreased claim frequency excluding catastrophe losses and increased premiums earned. Claim frequency excluding catastrophe losses decreased 2.3% in 2015 compared to 2014. Paid claim severity excluding catastrophe losses increased 4.3% in 2015 compared to 2014. Homeowners loss ratio for the Allstate brand increased 5.3 points to 58.7 in 2014 from 53.4 in 2013, primarily due to higher catastrophe losses, partially offset by increased premiums earned. Claim frequency excluding catastrophe losses decreased 0.3% in 2014 compared to 2013. Paid claim severity excluding catastrophe losses increased 7.7% in 2014 compared to 2013.
Encompass brand homeowners loss ratio decreased 9.8 points in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to lower catastrophe losses and increased premiums earned. Encompass brand homeowners loss ratio increased 18.4 points in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to higher catastrophe losses. Several catastrophes occurred in areas where Encompass has a higher concentration of policyholders in 2014.
Loss ratios by line of business

  For the years ended December 31,
  Loss ratio 
Effect of catastrophe losses on
combined ratio
 Effect of prior year reserve reestimates on combined ratio Effect of catastrophe losses included in prior year reserve reestimates on combined ratio
  2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Auto 67.0
 68.9
 74.7
 1.6
 3.3
 2.7
 (2.0) (2.2) (0.7) (0.2) (0.1) 
Homeowners 69.5
 67.2
 61.3
 30.0
 31.2
 24.4
 0.2
 (1.8) (0.3) 0.9
 (0.1) 0.2
Other personal lines 66.2
 64.0
 62.9
 12.1
 11.9
 11.3
 (0.4) 0.1
 (0.5) 
 0.2
 (0.1)
Commercial lines 91.5
 75.5
 93.9
 3.4
 4.8
 6.9
 16.5
 3.8
 12.2
 
 0.2
 1.0
Total 68.0
 68.3
 71.2
 8.7
 10.3
 8.4
 (1.0) (1.9) (0.4) 0.1
 (0.1) 
Catastrophe losses were $1.72$2.86 billion in 20152018, compared to $1.99$3.23 billion in 20142017 and $1.25$2.57 billion in 2013.
2016. We define a “catastrophe” as an event that produces pre-tax losses before reinsurance in excess of $1 million and involves multiple first party policyholders, or a winter weather event that produces a number of claims in excess of a preset, per-event threshold of average claims in a specific area, occurring within a certain amount of time following the event. Catastrophes are caused by various natural events including high winds, winter storms and freezes, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, tropical storms, tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanoes. We are also exposed to man-made catastrophic events, such as certain types of terrorism or industrial accidents. The nature and level of catastrophes in any period cannot be reliably predicted.
Catastrophe losses in 2015 by the size of event are shown in the following table.
($ in millions)           
 
Number
of Events
   
Claims
and claims
expense
   Combined ratio impact Average catastrophe loss per event
Size of catastrophe loss           
Greater than $250 million
 % $
  % 
 $
$101 million to $250 million3
 3.5
 376
 21.9
 1.2
 125
$50 million to $100 million8
 9.4
 488
 28.4
 1.6
 61
Less than $50 million74
 87.1
 870
 50.6
 2.9
 12
Total85
 100.0% 1,734
 100.9
 5.7
 20
Prior year reserve reestimates    (15) (0.9) 
  
Total catastrophe losses    $1,719
 100.0 % 5.7
  









46


Catastrophe losses by the type of event are shown in the following table.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
 Number of events   Number of events   Number of events  
Hurricanes/Tropical storms1
 $21
 1
 $2
 1
 $14
Tornadoes2
 152
 2
 99
 3
 169
Wind/Hail72
 1,274
 70
 1,429
 64
 1,089
Wildfires6
 51
 5
 19
 5
 41
Other events4
 236
 7
 401
 3
 26
Prior year reserve reestimates  (15)   43
   (88)
Total catastrophe losses85
 $1,719
 85
 $1,993
 76
 $1,251
Expense ratio for Allstate Protection decreased 1.2 points in 2015 compared to 2014. The impact of specific costs and expenses on the expense ratio are shown in the following table.
 Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand Allstate Protection
 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Amortization of DAC14.0
 13.7
 13.6
 2.5
 2.7
 2.7
 18.4
 18.8
 18.3
 13.6
 13.4
 13.3
Advertising expense2.0
 2.5
 2.8
 12.6
 17.4
 14.8
 0.4
 0.4
 0.4
 2.5
 3.2
 3.2
Amortization of purchased intangible assets
 
 
 2.2
 3.3
 4.9
 
 
 
 0.2
 0.2
 0.3
Other costs and expenses8.6
 9.5
 9.7
 17.9
 17.5
 16.6
 9.6
 10.7
 11.5
 9.1
 9.8
 10.1
Restructuring and related charges0.1
 
 0.2
 
 
 
 0.1
 0.2
 0.3
 0.1
 0.1
 0.2
Total expense ratio24.7

25.7

26.3

35.2

40.9

39.0

28.5

30.1

30.5

25.5

26.7

27.1
Allstate brand expense ratio decreased 1.0 point in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease primarily related to expense spending reductions in advertising and professional services costs, partially offset by an increase in the amortization of acquisition costs. Expense reductions were primarily related to actions that could be modified as margins return to targeted underwriting results. Amortization of DAC primarily includes agent remuneration and premium taxes. Allstate agency total incurred base commissions, variable compensation and bonuses in 2015 were higher than 2014.
Allstate brand expense ratio decreased 0.6 points in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to lower advertising expenditures and lower employee related costs, including pension expense, partially offset by higher amortization of DAC. Amortization of DAC increased in 2014 compared to 2013 and Allstate agency total incurred base commissions, variable compensation and bonus was higher than 2013.
Esurance brand expense ratio decreased 5.7 points in 2015 compared to 2014. Esurance advertising expenses decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 in conjunction with our profitability actions. The Esurance brand expense ratio also includes purchased intangible assets that are amortized on an accelerated basis with over 80% of the amortization taking place by 2016. Other costs and expenses, including salaries of telephone sales personnel and other underwriting costs related to customer acquisition, were higher in 2015 than 2014.
Esurance brand expense ratio increased 1.9 points in 2014 compared to 2013. Esurance advertising expenses in 2014 were higher than 2013 due to increased spending related to the launch of a new advertising campaign, the homeowners advertising launch in 2014 and additional advertising to achieve short-term growth and long-term brand positioning. Other costs and expenses, related to acquisition include salaries of telephone sales personnel and other underwriting costs, in 2014 were comparable to 2013.
Esurance uses a direct distribution model, therefore its primary acquisition-related costs are advertising as opposed to commissions. Esurance incurs substantially all of its acquisition costs in the year of policy inception. As a result, the Esurance expense ratio will be higher during periods of increased advertising expenditures. Esurance continued to invest in geographic expansion and additional products and capabilities. The expenses related to expansion initiatives contributed approximately 4.0 points in 2015 compared to 5.2 points to the total expense ratio in 2014. Advertising expenses included 1.1 points in 2015 and 1.9 points in 2014 related to expansion initiatives. Other costs and expenses included 2.9 points in 2015 and 3.3 points in 2014 related to expansion initiatives. Expenses related to expansion initiatives includes costs incurred to expand beyond our initial 30 states at acquisition, adding new products such as homeowners, motorcycle, and usage based insurance and expanding into the Canadian market. Esurance’s annual combined ratio is below 100, excluding amortization of purchased intangible assets, after the year of policy inception (in which substantially all acquisition costs are incurred), driven by pricing changes and customer mix. We manage the direct to consumer business based on its profitability over the life-time of the policy.
Encompass brand expense ratio decreased 1.6 points in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to agency compensation, employee compensation and technology costs. Expense improvement actions include reductions in technology and other costs, as

47


well as improving operating efficiency. The Encompass brand DAC amortization rate is higher on average than Allstate brand DAC amortization due to higher commission rates paid to independent agencies.
Encompass brand expense ratio decreased 0.4 points in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to lower employee related costs, including pension expense, partially offset by higher amortization of DAC.
DAC    We establish a DAC asset for costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance policies, principally agents’ remuneration and premium taxes. For the Allstate Protection business, DAC is amortized to income over the period in which premiums are earned. The DAC balance as of December 31 by brand and product type are shown in the following table.
Catastrophe losses in 2018 by the size of event
($ in millions) 
Number
of Events
   
Claims
and claims
expense
   Combined ratio impact Average catastrophe loss per event
Size of catastrophe loss            
Greater than $250 million 1
 0.8% $469
 16.4% 1.4
 $469
$101 million to $250 million 5
 4.3
 769
 26.9
 2.3
 154
$50 million to $100 million 9
 7.7
 694
 24.3
 2.1
 77
Less than $50 million 102
 87.2
 898
 31.5
 2.8
 9
Total 117
 100.0% 2,830
 99.1
 8.6
 24
Prior year reserve reestimates     25
 0.9
 0.1
  
Total catastrophe losses     $2,855
 100.0% 8.7
  
($ in millions)Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand Allstate Protection
 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Auto$644
 $609
 $10
 $10
 $59
 $62
 $713
 $681
Homeowners504
 491
 
 
 42
 43
 546
 534
Other personal lines110
 109
 
 
 8
 9
 118
 118
Commercial lines33
 34
 
 
 
 
 33
 34
Other business lines619
 453
 
 
 
 
 619
 453
Total DAC$1,910
 $1,696
 $10
 $10
 $109
 $114
 $2,029
 $1,820
Catastrophe losses by the type of event

  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) Number of events 2018 Number of events 2017 Number of events 2016
Hurricanes/Tropical storms 3
 $200
 3
 $613
 2
 $156
Tornadoes 3
 17
 3
 100
 2
 7
Wind/Hail 99
 1,752
 93
 1,973
 72
 2,255
Wildfires 10
 745
 10
 536
 8
 92
Other events 2
 116
 2
 24
 2
 55
Prior year reserve reestimates   25
   (18)   6
Total catastrophe losses 117
 $2,855
 111
 $3,228
 86
 $2,571

Income tax expenseThe Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpgincluded $28 million related to our adoption of new accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects in first quarter 2015.47


Gain on disposition2018 Form 10-K of $37 million, after-tax, in 2014 primarily relates to the sale of Sterling Collision Centers, Inc.Allstate Protection

Catastrophe management
Historical catastrophe experience   For the last ten years, the average annual impact of catastrophes on our Property-Liability loss ratio was 7.78.4 points, but it has varied from 4.5 points to 14.7 points. The average annual impact of catastrophes on the homeowners loss ratio for the last ten years was 31.132.0 points. Over time, we have limited our aggregate insurance exposure to catastrophe losses in certain regions of the country that are subject to high levels of natural catastrophes. Limitations includecatastrophes, limited by our participation in various state facilities. For further discussion of these facilities, such assee Note 14 of the California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”), which provides insurance for California earthquake losses; the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which provides reimbursements to participating insurers for certain qualifying Florida hurricane losses; and other state facilities, such as wind pools.consolidated financial statements. However, the impact of these actions may be diminished by the growth in insured values, and the effect of state insurance laws and regulations. In addition, in various states we are required to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities and joint underwriting associations that provide insurance coverage to individuals or entities that otherwise are unable to purchase such coverage from private insurers. Because of our participation in these and other state facilities such as wind pools, we may be exposed to losses that surpass the capitalization of these facilities and to assessments from these facilities.
We have continued to take actions to maintain an appropriate level of exposure to catastrophic events while continuing to meet the needs of our customers, including the following:
Continuing to limit or not offer new homeowners, manufactured home and landlord package policy business in certain coastal geographies.
Increased capacity in our brokerage platform for customers not offered an Allstate policy.
In 2015, North Light, our surplus lines company that operates under different regulatory rules, expanded operations to one new state, bringing the total to 43 states.
In certain states, we have been ceding wind exposure related to insured property located in wind pool eligible areas.
We ceased writing new homeowners and landlord package policy business in California in 2007; however, later in 2016, we will startbegan to write a limited number of homeowners policies in select areas of the state. Meanwhile, we willCalifornia. We continue to renew current policyholders and allow replacement policies for existing customers who buy a new home, or change their residence to rental property. For landlord package policiesAdditionally, we allow replacement policies on an exception basis, and offer a small number of new landlord package policies in order to accommodate current personal umbrella policy customers.
write homeowners coverage through North Light began writing homeowners in California in February 2013. AnySpecialty Insurance Company (“North Light”), which includes earthquake coverage provided under these writings (other than fire following earthquakes) that is currently ceded via quota share reinsurance.
We ceasedIn certain states, we have been ceding wind exposure related to insured property located in wind pool eligible areas.
Starting in the second quarter of 2017, we began writing newa limited number of homeowners businesspolicies in select areas of Florida in 2011 beyond a modest stance forand continue to support existing customers who replace their currently-insured home with an acceptable property. The Encompass companies operatingwithdrew from property lines in Florida withdrew from the property lines in 2009.
Tropical cyclone deductibles are generally higher than all peril deductibles and are in place for a large portion of coastal insured properties.

48


Auto physical damage coverage generally includes coverage for flood-related loss. We have additional catastrophe exposure, beyond the property lines, for auto customers who have purchased physical
damage coverage. Auto physical damage coverage generally includes coverage for flood-related loss. We manage this additional exposure through inclusion of auto losses in our nationwide reinsurance program, (which excludesincluding Florida personal lines automobile business, as of June 1, 2016. New Jersey and Florida). New Jerseyis excluded from the nationwide reinsurance program, but auto losses are included in our New Jersey reinsurance program.
We offer a homeowners policy available in 42 states and the District of Columbia (“D.C.”), Allstate House and Home®, that provides options of coverage for roof damage, including graduated coverage and pricing based on roof type and age.
Designed a homeowners new business offering, Allstate House and Home, that provides options of coverage for roof damage including graduated coverage and pricing based on roof type and age. Allstate House and Home is currently available in 37 states.
Hurricanes
We consider the greatest areas of potential catastrophe losses due to hurricanes generally to be major metropolitan centers in counties along the eastern and gulf coasts of the United States. Usually, the average premium on a property policy near these coasts is greater than in other areas. However, average premiums are often not considered commensurate with the inherent risk of loss. In addition and as explained in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements, in various states Allstate is subject to assessments from assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities and joint underwriting associations providing insurance for wind related property losses.
We have addressed our risk of hurricane loss by, among other actions, purchasing reinsurance for specific states and on a countrywide basis for our personal lines property insurance in areas most exposed to hurricanes, limiting personal homeowners, landlord package policy and manufactured home new business writings in coastal areas in southern and eastern states, implementing tropical cyclone deductibles where appropriate, and not offering continuing coverage on certain policies in coastal counties in certain states. We continue to seek appropriate returns for the risks we write. This may require further actions, similar to those already taken, in geographies where we are not getting appropriate returns. However, we may maintain or opportunistically increase our presence in areas where we achieve adequate risk adjusted returns and do not materially increase our hurricane risk.can be achieved.
Earthquakes
We do not offer earthquake coverage in most states and actions taken to reduce our exposure from earthquake losses are complete. We purchased reinsurance in the state of Kentucky and entered into arrangements in many states to make earthquake coverage available through non-proprietary insurers.
states. We retain approximately 30,00023,000 PIF with earthquake coverage, primarily in Kentucky, due to regulatory and other reasons. We purchase reinsurance in Kentucky and enter into arrangements in many states to make earthquake coverage available through our brokerage platform.
We continue to have exposure to earthquake risk on certain policies that do not specifically exclude coverage for earthquake losses, including our auto policies, and to fires following earthquakes. Allstate policyholders in the state of California are offered homeowners coverage through the CEA,California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”), a privately-financed, publicly-managed state agency created to provide insurance coverage for earthquake damage. Allstate is subject to assessments from the CEA under certain circumstances as explained in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements. While North Light writes property policies in California, which can include

48 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Allstate Protection 2018 Form 10-K


earthquake coverage, this coverage is 100% ceded via quota share reinsurance.
Fires Following Earthquakes
Under a standard homeowners policy we cover fire losses, including those caused by an earthquake. Actions taken related to our risk of loss from fires following earthquakes include restrictive underwriting guidelines in California for new business writings, purchasing reinsurance for Kentucky personal lines property risks, and purchasing nationwide occurrence reinsurance, excluding Florida and New Jersey.
Wildfires
Actions taken related to managing our risk of loss from wildfires include changing homeowners underwriting requirements in certain states and purchasing nationwide occurrence reinsurance. We also havereinsurance, new and renewal inspection programs to identify homes thatand remediate wildfire risk as well as leveraging contemporary underwriting tools in select areas.  While these programs are susceptibledesigned to wildfires.mitigate risk, the exposure to wildfires still
Reinsurance
exists. We continue to manage ourexposure and seek appropriate returns for the risks we write. For example, despite writing a limited number of homeowner risks in select geographies in California over the last three years, our overall homeowner exposures in California have declined approximately 50% since 2007.
To manage the exposure, this may require further actions, similar to those already taken, in geographies where we are not achieving appropriate returns. However, we may maintain or opportunistically increase our presence in areas where adequate risk adjusted returns can be achieved.
Reinsurance A description of our current catastrophe reinsurance program appears in Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.

Expense ratio increased 0.4 points in 2018 compared to 2017.
Expense ratios by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Auto 25.7
 25.2
 24.6
Homeowners 24.4
 23.8
 23.9
Other personal lines 28.6
 28.9
 27.7
Commercial lines 21.8
 28.3
 27.8
Total expense ratio (1)
 25.4
 25.0
 24.5
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from other costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Impact of specific costs and expenses on the expense ratio
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Amortization of DAC 13.6
 13.4
 13.2
Advertising expense 2.5
 2.2
 2.5
Amortization of purchased intangible assets 
 
 0.1
Other costs and expenses 9.1
 9.1
 8.6
Restructuring and related charges 0.2
 0.3
 0.1
Total expense ratio (1)
 25.4
 25.0
 24.5
(1) Other revenue is deducted from other costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Deferred acquisition costs    We establish a DAC asset for costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance policies, principally agency remuneration and premium taxes. DAC is amortized to income over the period in which premiums are earned.
DAC balance as of December 31 by product type

($ in millions) 2018 2017
Auto $845
 $789
Homeowners 599
 558
Other personal lines 141
 132
Commercial lines 33
 31
Total DAC $1,618
 $1,510

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg49


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection

The following table presents premiums written, PIF and underwriting income (loss) by line of business for Allstate brand, Esurance brand, Encompass brand and Allstate Protection as of or for the year ended December 31, 2018. Detailed analysis of underwriting results, premiums written and earned, and the combined ratios, including loss and expense ratios, are discussed in the brand sections below.
Premiums written, policies in force and underwriting income (loss)
($ in millions) Allstate brand Esurance brand Encompass brand Allstate Protection
Premiums written Amount Percent to total brand Amount Percent to total brand Amount Percent to total brand Amount Percent to total
Auto $20,991
 68.6 % $1,839
 94.4% $537
 52.8 % $23,367
 69.6 %
Homeowners 7,199
 23.5
 101
 5.2
 398
 39.2
 7,698
 22.9
Other personal lines 1,742
 5.7
 8
 0.4
 81
 8.0
 1,831
 5.5
Commercial lines 659
 2.2
 
 
 
 
 659
 2.0
Total $30,591
 100.0 % $1,948
 100.0% $1,016
 100.0 % $33,555
 100.0 %
                 
Percent to total Allstate Protection   91.2 %   5.8%   3.0 %   100.0 %
                 
PIF (thousands)                
Auto 20,104
 65.2 % 1,488
 91.4% 502
 61.3 % 22,094
 66.4 %
Homeowners 6,186
 20.1
 95
 5.8
 239
 29.2
 6,520
 19.6
Other personal lines 4,295
 13.9
 46
 2.8
 78
 9.5
 4,419
 13.3
Commercial lines 231
 0.8
 
 
 
 
 231
 0.7
Total 30,816
 100.0 % 1,629
 100.0% 819
 100.0 % 33,264
 100.0 %
                 
Percent to total Allstate Protection   92.6 %   4.9%   2.5 %   100.0 %
                 
Underwriting income (loss)                
Auto $1,681
 76.2 % $(11) 44.0% $11
 84.6 % $1,681
 76.9 %
Homeowners 472
 21.4
 (14) 56.0
 (1) (7.7) 457
 20.9
Other personal lines 91
 4.1
 
 
 3
 23.1
 94
 4.3
Commercial lines (87) (3.9) 
 
 
 
 (87) (4.0)
Other business lines 49
 2.2
 
 
 
 
 49
 2.2
Answer Financial 
 
 
 
 
 
 (7) (0.3)
Total $2,206
 100.0 % $(25) 100.0% $13
 100.0 % $2,187
 100.0 %
When analyzing premium measures and statistics for all three brands the following calculations are used as described below.
PIF:  Policy counts are based on items rather than customers. A multi-car customer would generate multiple item (policy) counts, even if all cars were insured under one policy. Commercial lines PIF for the agreement with a transportation network company reflects corporate contracts as opposed to individual driver counts.
New issued applications: Item counts of automobile or homeowner insurance applications for insurance policies that were issued during the period, regardless of whether the customer was previously insured by another Allstate Protection brand. Allstate brand includes automobiles added by existing customers when they exceed the number allowed (currently 10) on a policy.


Average premium-gross written (“average premium”):  Gross premiums written divided by issued item count. Gross premiums written include the impacts from discounts, surcharges and ceded reinsurance premiums and exclude the impacts from mid-term premium adjustments and premium refund accruals. Average premiums represent the appropriate policy term for each line. Allstate and Esurance brand policy terms are 6 months for auto and 12 months for homeowners. Encompass brand policy terms are generally 12 months for auto and homeowners.
Renewal ratio:  Renewal policy item counts issued during the period, based on contract effective dates, divided by the total policy item counts issued 6 months prior for auto (generally 12 months prior for Encompass brand) or 12 months prior for homeowners.

50 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Allstate Protection: Allstate brand 2018 Form 10-K

DISCONTINUED LINES AND COVERAGES SEGMENT
allstatebrandcolora14.jpg
OverviewAllstate brand products are sold primarily through Allstate exclusive agencies and serve customers who prefer local personalized advice and service and are brand-sensitive. In 2018, the Allstate brand represented 91.2% of the Allstate Protection segment’s written premium. For additional information on our strategy and outlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and Segment Information.
Underwriting results
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written $30,591
 $28,885
 $28,059
Premiums earned $30,058
 $28,631
 $27,865
Other revenue 582
 559
 545
Claims and claims expense (20,296) (19,352) (19,750)
Amortization of DAC (4,242) (3,963) (3,791)
Other costs and expenses (3,828) (3,591) (3,385)
Restructuring and related charges (68) (83) (27)
Underwriting income $2,206
 $2,201
 $1,457
Catastrophe losses $2,701
 $2,985
 $2,424
       
Underwriting income (loss) by line of business      
Auto $1,681
 $1,331
 $250
Homeowners 472
 725
 1,098
Other personal lines (1)
 91
 113
 166
Commercial lines (87) (19) (110)
Other business lines (2)
 49
 51
 53
Underwriting income $2,206
 $2,201
 $1,457
(1)
Other personal lines include renters, condominium, landlord and other personal lines products.
(2)
Other business lines represent Ivantage.
Changes in underwriting results from prior year by component (1)
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Underwriting income - prior year $2,201
 $1,457
Changes in underwriting income (loss) from:    
Increase (decrease) premiums earned 1,427
 766
Increase (decrease) other revenue 23
 14
(Increase) decrease incurred claims and claims expense (“losses”):    
Incurred losses, excluding catastrophe losses and reserve reestimates (1,002) 506
Catastrophe losses, excluding reserve reestimates 311
 (583)
Catastrophe reserve reestimates (27) 22
Non-catastrophe reserve reestimates (226) 453
Losses subtotal (944) 398
(Increase) decrease expenses (501) (434)
Underwriting income $2,206
 $2,201
(1) The 2018 column presents changes in 2018 compared to 2017. The 2017 column presents changes in 2017 compared to 2016.
Underwriting income totaled $2.21 billion in 2018, a 0.2% increase from $2.20 billion in 2017, primarily due to increased premiums earned, lower catastrophe losses and improved auto claim frequency, partially offset by higher claim severity, agency and employee-related compensation costs and advertising costs and lower favorable non-catastrophe prior year reserve reestimates.
Underwriting income totaled $2.20 billion in 2017, a 51.1% increase from $1.46 billion in 2016, primarily due to increased premiums earned, lower claim frequency and higher favorable prior year reserve reestimates, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses and agency and employee-related compensation costs.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg51


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection: Allstate brand

Premiums written and earned by line of business

  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written      
Auto $20,991
 $19,859
 $19,209
Homeowners 7,199
 6,865
 6,730
Other personal lines 1,742
 1,673
 1,621
Subtotal – Personal lines 29,932
 28,397
 27,560
Commercial lines 659
 488
 499
Total $30,591
 $28,885
 $28,059
Premiums earned      
Auto $20,662
 $19,676
 $19,031
Homeowners 7,025
 6,811
 6,736
Other personal lines 1,716
 1,649
 1,592
Subtotal – Personal lines 29,403
 28,136
 27,359
Commercial lines 655
 495
 506
Total $30,058
 $28,631
 $27,865
Auto premium measures and statistics
  2018 2017 2016
PIF (thousands) 20,104
 19,580
 19,742
New issued applications (thousands) 2,933
 2,520
 2,312
Average premium $570
 $550
 $523
Renewal ratio (%) 88.5
 87.6
 87.8
Approved rate changes (1):
      
# of locations (2)
 47
 49
 53
Total brand (%) (3)
 1.1
 4.0
(6) 
7.2
Location specific (%) (4)(5)
 2.9
 6.0
(6) 
8.1
(1)
Rate changes do not include rating plan enhancements, including the introduction of discounts and surcharges that result in no change in the overall rate level in a location. These rate changes do not reflect initial rates filed for insurance subsidiaries initially writing business in a location.
(2)
Allstate brand operates in 50 states, D.C. and 5 Canadian provinces.
(3)
Represents the impact in the states, D.C. and Canadian provinces where rate changes were approved during the period as a percentage of total brand prior year-end premiums written.
(4)
Represents the impact in the states, D.C. and Canadian provinces where rate changes were approved during the period as a percentage of their respective total prior year-end premiums written in those same locations.
(5)
Based on historical premiums written in the locations noted above, rate changes approved for auto totaled $215 million, $773 million and $1.33 billion in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(6)
Includes a rate increase in California in first and fourth quarter 2017. Excluding California, Allstate brand auto total brand and location specific rate changes were 2.7% and 4.7% in 2017.
Auto insurance premiums written totaled $20.99 billion in 2018, a 5.7% increase from $19.86 billion in 2017. Factors impacting premiums written were:
2.7% or 524 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017. The rate of PIF change compared to the prior year improved throughout 2018. Auto PIF increased in 40 states, including 8 of our largest 10 states, as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.
0.9 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2018 compared to 2017. 48 states, including 9 of our largest 10 states, experienced increases in the renewal ratio in 2018 compared to 2017.
16.4% increase in new issued applications in 2018 compared to 2017. 43 states, including 9 of our largest 10 states, experienced increases in new issued applications in 2018 compared to 2017, with 34 states experiencing double digit increases.
3.6% increase in average premium in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to rate increases approved in 2017.
Auto insurance premiums written totaled $19.86 billion in 2017, a 3.4% increase from $19.21 billion in 2016. Factors impacting premiums written were:
0.8% or 162 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. The rate of PIF change compared to the prior year improved throughout 2017. Auto PIF increased in 18 states, including 3 of our largest 10 states, as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.
9.0% increase in new issued applications in 2017 compared to 2016. 38 states, including 9 of our largest 10 states, experienced increases in new issued applications in 2017 compared to 2016, with 20 states experiencing double digit increases.
5.2% increase in average premium in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to rate increases.

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Allstate Protection: Allstate brand 2018 Form 10-K


0.2 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2017 compared to 2016. 20 states, including 3 of our largest 10 states, experienced increases in the renewal ratio in 2017 compared to 2016.

Homeowners premium measures and statistics

 
  2018 2017 2016 
PIF (thousands) 6,186
 6,088
 6,120
 
New issued applications (thousands) 826
 733
 712
 
Average premium $1,231
 $1,197
 $1,177
 
Renewal ratio (%) 88.0
 87.3
 87.8
 
Approved rate changes (1):
       
# of locations (2)
 40
 30
 40
 
Total brand (%) 2.7
 1.8
 1.1
(4) 
Location specific (%) (3)
 4.3
 3.7
 2.2
(4) 
(1)
Includes rate changes approved based on our net cost of reinsurance.
(2)
Allstate brand operates in 50 states, D.C., and 5 Canadian provinces.
(3)
Based on historical premiums written in the locations noted above, rate changes approved for homeowners totaled $189 million, $122 million and $75 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(4)
Includes the impact of a rate decrease in California in first quarter 2016. Excluding California, Allstate brand homeowners total brand and location specific rate changes were 2.1% and 5.1% in 2016, respectively.
Homeowners insurance premiums written totaled $7.20 billion in 2018, a 4.9% increase from $6.87 billion in 2017. Factors impacting premiums written were:
1.6% or 98 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017. Allstate brand homeowners PIF increased in 32 states, including 5 of our largest 10 states, as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.
0.7 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2018 compared to 2017. Of our largest 10 states, 9 experienced an increase in the renewal ratio in 2018 compared to 2017.
12.7% increase in new issued applications in 2018 compared to 2017. Of our largest 10 states, 8 experienced increases in new issued applications in 2018 compared to 2017.
2.8% increase in average premium in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to rate increases and increasing insured home valuations due to inflation.
$19 million decrease in the cost of our catastrophe reinsurance program to $264 million in 2018 from $283 million in 2017. Catastrophe placement premiums are recorded primarily in the Allstate brand and are a reduction of premium.
Premiums written for Allstate’s House and Home product, our homeowners offering currently available in 42 states and D.C., totaled $2.87 billion in 2018 compared to $2.34 billion in 2017.
Homeowners insurance premiums written totaled $6.87 billion in 2017, a 2.0% increase from $6.73 billion in 2016. Factors impacting premiums written were:
0.5% or 32 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. Allstate brand homeowners PIF increased in 20 states, including 4 of our largest 10 states, as of
December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.
2.9% increase in new issued applications in 2017 compared to 2016. Of our largest 10 states, 6 experienced increases in new issued applications in 2017 compared to 2016.
1.7% increase in average premium in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to rate changes and increasing insured home valuations due to inflation.
0.5 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2017 compared to 2016. Of our largest 10 states, 1 experienced an increase in the renewal ratio in 2017 compared to 2016.
$52 million decrease in the cost of our catastrophe reinsurance program to $283 million in 2017 from $335 million in 2016.
Other personal lines premiums written totaled $1.74 billion in 2018, a 4.1% increase from $1.67 billion in 2017, following a 3.2% increase in 2017 from $1.62 billion in 2016. The increase in 2018 was primarily due to increases in personal umbrella and condominium insurance premiums, partially offset by agreements to transfer our auto residual market obligations to third party carriers. The increase in 2017 was primarily due to increases in personal umbrella insurance premiums.
Commercial lines premiums written totaled $659 million in 2018, a 35.0% increase from $488 million in 2017, following a 2.2% decrease in 2017 from $499 million in 2016. The increase in 2018 was due to the agreement with a transportation network company to provide commercial auto insurance coverage in select states, partially offset by profit improvement actions. The decrease in 2017 was driven by decreased new business and lower renewals due to profit improvement actions, partially offset by increased average premiums.

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2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection: Allstate brand

Combined ratios by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
  Loss ratio 
Expense ratio (1)
 Combined ratio
  2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Auto 66.2
 68.1
 74.5
 25.7
 25.1
 24.2
 91.9
 93.2
 98.7
Homeowners 69.5
 66.2
 61.0
 23.8
 23.2
 22.7
 93.3
 89.4
 83.7
Other personal lines 66.5
 64.3
 62.0
 28.2
 28.8
 27.6
 94.7
 93.1
 89.6
Commercial lines 91.5
 75.5
 93.9
 21.8
 28.3
 27.8
 113.3
 103.8
 121.7
Total 67.6
 67.6
 70.9
 25.1
 24.7
 23.9
 92.7
 92.3
 94.8
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from operating costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Loss ratios by line of business

  For the years ended December 31,
  Loss ratio Effect of catastrophe losses Effect of prior year reserve reestimates Effect of catastrophe losses included in prior year reserve reestimates
  2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Auto 66.2
 68.1
 74.5
 1.6
 3.4
 2.8
 (2.1) (2.5) (0.7) (0.2) (0.1) (0.1)
Homeowners 69.5
 66.2
 61.0
 30.5
 30.7
 24.6
 
 (1.9) (0.3) 0.7
 (0.1) 0.1
Other personal lines 66.5
 64.3
 62.0
 12.3
 12.2
 11.8
 0.5
 0.7
 (0.9) (0.1) 0.2
 (0.2)
Commercial lines 91.5
 75.5
 93.9
 3.4
 4.8
 6.9
 16.5
 3.8
 12.2
 
 0.2
 1.0
Total 67.6
 67.6
 70.9
 9.0
 10.4
 8.7
 (1.1) (2.0) (0.4) 
 
 
Frequency and severity statistics, which are influenced by driving patterns, inflation and other factors, are provided to describe the trends in loss costs of the business. Our reserving process incorporates changes in loss patterns, operational statistics and changes in claims reporting processes to determine our best estimate of recorded reserves. We use the following statistics to evaluate losses:
Paid claim frequency (1) is calculated as annualized notice counts closed with payment in the period divided by the average of PIF with the applicable coverage during the period.
Gross claim frequency (1) is calculated as annualized notice counts received in the period divided by the average of PIF with the applicable coverage during the period. Gross claim frequency includes all actual notice counts, regardless of their current status (open or closed) or their ultimate disposition (closed with a payment or closed without payment).
Paid claim severity is calculated by dividing the sum of paid losses and loss expenses by claims closed with a payment during the period.

Percent change in frequency or severity statistics is calculated as the amount of increase or decrease in the paid or gross claim frequency or severity in the current period compared to the same period in the prior year divided by the prior year paid or gross claim frequency or severity.
(1)
Frequency statistics exclude counts associated with catastrophe events.
Paid claim frequency trends will often differ from gross claim frequency trends due to differences in the timing of when notices are received and when claims are settled. For property damage claims, paid frequency trends reflect smaller differences as timing between opening and settlement is generally less. For bodily injury, gross frequency trends reflect emerging trends since the difference in timing between opening and settlement is much greater and gross frequency does not experience the same volatility in quarterly
fluctuations seen in paid frequency. In evaluating frequency, we typically rely upon paid frequency trends for physical damage coverages such as property damage and gross frequency for casualty coverages such as bodily injury to provide an indicator of emerging trends in overall claim frequency while also providing insights for our analysis of severity.
We are continuing to implement new technology and process solutions to provide continued loss cost accuracy, efficient processing and enhanced customer experiences that are simple, fast and produce high degrees of satisfaction. We have opened several Digital Operating Centers to handle auto physical damage claims countrywide utilizing our virtual estimation capabilities, which includes estimating damage through photos and video with the use of QuickFoto Claim® and Virtual AssistSM. We are also leveraging virtual capabilities to handle property claims by estimating damage through video with Virtual Assist and aerial imagery using satellites, airplanes and drones. These organizational and process changes impact frequency and severity statistics as changes in claim opening and closing practices and shifts in timing, if any, can impact comparisons to prior periods.
Auto loss ratio decreased 1.9 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to increased premiums earned, lower catastrophe losses and improved claim frequency, partially offset by higher claim severity and lower favorable non-catastrophe prior year reserve reestimates. Auto loss ratio decreased 6.4 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to increased premiums earned, lower claim frequency and higher favorable prior year reserve reestimates, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses and higher claim severity.
Property damage paid claim frequency decreased 1.7% in 2018 compared to 2017, following a decrease of 5.2% in 2017 compared to 2016. 36 states experienced

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Allstate Protection: Allstate brand 2018 Form 10-K


a year over year decrease in property damage paid claim frequency in 2018 when compared to 2017. Property damage paid claim severities increased 5.9% in 2018 compared to 2017, following an increase of 4.5% in 2017 compared to 2016 due to the impact of higher costs to repair more sophisticated, newer model vehicles, higher third-party subrogation demands and increased costs associated with total losses.
Bodily injury gross claim frequency decreased 2.0% in 2018 compared to 2017, following a decrease of 4.8% in 2017 compared to 2016. Bodily injury severity trends have been impacted by higher medical costs, which after adjusting for company specific claims practices, policy provisions and coverage limits, generally increased consistent with medical care inflation indices.
Homeowners loss ratio increased 3.3 points to 69.5 in 2018 from 66.2 in 2017, primarily due to higher paid claim frequency and severity and lower favorable non-catastrophe prior year reserve reestimates, partially offset by increased premiums earned. Paid claim frequency excluding catastrophe losses increased 4.8% in 2018 compared to 2017 driven by weather related claims. Paid claim severity excluding catastrophe losses increased 5.5% in 2018 compared to 2017. Homeowner paid claim severity can be impacted by both the mix of perils and the magnitude of specific losses paid during the year. Homeowners loss ratio increased 5.2 points to 66.2 in 2017 from 61.0 in 2016, primarily due to higher catastrophe losses, partially
offset by higher favorable prior year reserve reestimates and increased premiums earned. Paid claim frequency excluding catastrophe losses decreased 0.1% in 2017 compared to 2016. Paid claim severity excluding catastrophe losses increased 5.0% in 2017 compared to 2016.
Other personal lines loss ratioincreased 2.2 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to higher loss costs, including catastrophe losses, partially offset by increased premiums earned. Other personal lines loss ratio increased 2.3 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to unfavorable prior year reserve reestimates, higher catastrophe losses and higher claim severity, partially offset by increased premiums earned.
Commercial lines loss ratioincreased 16.0 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to higher unfavorable non-catastrophe prior year reserve reestimates related to auto bodily injury coverages, partially offset by increased premiums earned. Commercial lines recorded losses related to an agreement with a transportation network company and are based on original pricing expectations given limited loss experience. Commercial lines loss ratio decreased 18.4 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to lower unfavorable prior year reserve reestimates, lower claim frequency and lower catastrophe losses.

Expense ratios by line of business

  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Auto 25.7
 25.1
 24.2
Homeowners 23.8
 23.2
 22.7
Other personal lines 28.2
 28.8
 27.6
Commercial lines 21.8
 28.3
 27.8
Total expense ratio (1)
 25.1
 24.7
 23.9
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from other costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Impact of specific costs and expenses on the expense ratio
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Amortization of DAC 14.1
 13.8
 13.6
Advertising expense 2.2
 2.0
 2.1
Other costs and expenses (1)
 8.6
 8.6
 8.1
Restructuring and related charges 0.2
 0.3
 0.1
Total expense ratio 25.1
 24.7
 23.9
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from other costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Expense ratio increased 0.4 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to higher agency and employee-related compensation costs and higher advertising costs. Amortization of DAC primarily includes agent remuneration and premium taxes. Allstate agency total incurred base commissions, variable compensation and bonuses in 2018 were higher than 2017. Commercial lines expense ratio decreased 6.5 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to a lower expense ratio on business with a transportation network company.
Expense ratio increased 0.8 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to higher agency and employee-related compensation costs and restructuring and related costs. Amortization of DAC primarily includes agency remuneration and premium taxes.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg55


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection: Esurance brand

esurancelogo1a10.jpg
Esurance brand products are sold directly to self-directed, brand-sensitive consumers online and through call centers. We manage the direct-to-customer business based on its profitability over the lifetime of the customer relationship. In 2018, the Esurance brand represented 5.8% of the Allstate Protection segment’s written premium. For additional information on our strategy and outlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and Segment Information.
Underwriting results
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written $1,948
 $1,728
 $1,689
Premiums earned $1,869
 $1,712
 $1,660
Other revenue 80
 67
 62
Claims and claims expense (1,443) (1,329) (1,258)
Amortization of DAC (43) (41) (41)
Other costs and expenses (487) (462) (547)
Restructuring and related charges (1) (3) 
Underwriting loss $(25) $(56) $(124)
Catastrophe losses $52
 $50
 $36
       
Underwriting income (loss) by line of business      
Auto $(11) $(37) $(65)
Homeowners (14) (20) (59)
Other personal lines 
 1
 
Underwriting loss $(25) $(56) $(124)
Changes in underwriting results from prior year by component (1)

  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Underwriting income (loss) - prior year $(56) $(124)
Changes in underwriting income (loss) from:    
Increase (decrease) premiums earned 157
 52
Increase (decrease) other revenue 13
 5
(Increase) decrease incurred claims and claims expense (“losses”):    
Incurred losses, excluding catastrophe losses and reserve reestimates (110) (37)
Catastrophe losses, excluding reserve reestimates 1
 (15)
Catastrophe reserve reestimates (3) 1
Non-catastrophe reserve reestimates (2) (20)
Losses subtotal (114) (71)
(Increase) decrease expenses (25) 82
Underwriting loss $(25) $(56)
(1) The 2018 column presents changes in 2018 compared to 2017. The 2017 column presents changes in 2017 compared to 2016.
Underwriting loss totaled $25 million in 2018, an improvement from $56 million in 2017, primarily due to increased premiums earned, partially offset by higher claim severities and additional marketing spend.
Underwriting loss totaled $56 million in 2017, an improvement from $124 million in 2016, primarily due to increased premiums earned, decreased homeowners marketing and lower amortization of purchased intangible assets, partially offset by lower favorable prior year reserve reestimates and higher catastrophe losses.


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Allstate Protection: Esurance brand 2018 Form 10-K


Premiums written and earned by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written      
Auto $1,839
 $1,641
 $1,625
Homeowners 101
 79
 56
Other personal lines 8
 8
 8
Total $1,948
 $1,728
 $1,689
Premiums earned      
Auto $1,771
 $1,636
 $1,610
Homeowners 90
 68
 42
Other personal lines 8
 8
 8
Total $1,869
 $1,712
 $1,660
Auto premium measures and statistics

  2018 2017 2016
PIF (thousands) 1,488
 1,352
 1,391
New issued applications (thousands) 633
 484
 597
Average premium $605
 $574
 $547
Renewal ratio (%) 83.3
 81.5
 79.4
Approved rate changes (1):
      
# of locations (2)
 30
 39
 33
Total brand (%) (3)
 1.8
 4.8
 4.2
Location specific (%) (4) (5)
 2.7
 5.5
 6.1
(1)
Rate changes do not include rating plan enhancements, including the introduction of discounts and surcharges that result in no change in the overall rate level in a location. These rate changes do not reflect initial rates filed for insurance subsidiaries initially writing business in a location.
(2)
Esurance brand operates in 43 states. In the second quarter of 2018, Esurance discontinued its operations in Canada.
(3)
Represents the impact in the states where rate changes were approved during the period as a percentage of total brand prior year-end premiums written.
(4)
Represents the impact in the states where rate changes were approved during the period as a percentage of their respective total prior year-end premiums written in those same locations.
(5)
Based on historical premiums written in the locations noted above, rate changes approved for auto totaled $28 million, $78 million and $65 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Auto insurancepremiums written totaled $1.84 billion in 2018, a 12.1% increase from $1.64 billion in 2017. Factors impacting premiums written were:
10.1% or 136 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.
1.8 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to improved customer experience.
30.8% increase in new issued applications in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to improvements in the sales process as well as increases in quote volume driven in part by additional marketing spend.
5.4% increase in average premium in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to rate changes and changes in business mix.
Auto insurance premiums writtentotaled $1.64 billion in 2017, a 1.0% increase from $1.63 billion in 2016. Factors impacting premiums written were:
2.8% or 39 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.
18.9% decrease in new issued applications in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to the impact of rate increases, decreased marketing activities and underwriting guideline changes.
4.9% increase in average premium in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to rate changes and changes in business mix.
2.1 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to improved customer experience.

.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg57


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection: Esurance brand

Homeowners premium measures and statistics
  2018 2017 2016
PIF (thousands) 95
 79
 58
New issued applications (thousands) 32
 34
 37
Average premium $982
 $917
 $875
Renewal ratio (%) (1) 
 85.3
 85.5
 82.6
Approved rate changes (2):
      
# of locations (3)
 6
 3
 1
Total brand (%) 2.1
 4.5
 (0.5)
Location specific (%) (4)
 6.9
 18.5
 (10.0)
(1)
Esurance’s renewal ratios exclude the impact of risk related cancellations. Customers can enter into a policy without a physical inspection. During the underwriting review period, a number of policies may be canceled if upon inspection the condition is unsatisfactory.
(2)
Includes rate changes approved based on our net cost of reinsurance.
(3)
Esurance brand operates in 31 states. In the second quarter of 2018, Esurance discontinued its operations in Canada.
(4)
Based on historical premiums written in the locations noted above, rate changes approved for homeowners totaled $2 million and $3 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Rate changes were only approved in Texas in 2016.
Homeowners insurancepremiums written totaled $101 million in 2018 compared to $79 million in 2017. Factors impacting premiums written were:
16 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.
2 thousand decrease in new issued applications in 2018 compared to 2017.
7.1% increase in average premium in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to increased premium distribution in higher average premium states and rate increases. As of December 31, 2018, Esurance continues to write homeowners insurance in 31 states with lower hurricane risk, contributing to lower average premium compared to the industry.
Homeowners insurance premiums written totaled $79 million in 2017 compared to $56 million in 2016. Factors impacting premiums written were:
21 thousand increase in PIF as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.
3 thousand decrease in new issued applications in 2017 compared to 2016 due to reduced marketing activities.
4.8% increase in average premium in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to increased premium distribution in higher average premium states and rate changes. As of December 31, 2017, Esurance writes homeowners insurance in 31 states with lower hurricane risk, contributing to lower average premium compared to the industry.

Combined ratios by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
  Loss ratio 
Expense ratio (1)
 Combined ratio
  2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Auto 77.0
 77.5
 75.8
 23.6
 24.8
 28.2
 100.6
 102.3
 104.0
Homeowners 83.4
 83.8
 78.6
 32.2
 45.6
 161.9
 115.6
 129.4
 240.5
Total 77.2
 77.6
 75.8
 24.1
 25.7
 31.7
 101.3
 103.3
 107.5
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from operating costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Loss ratios by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
  Loss ratio Effect of catastrophe losses Effect of prior year reserve reestimates Effect of catastrophe losses included in prior year reserve reestimates
  2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Auto 77.0
 77.5
 75.8
 1.5
 2.1
 1.5
 0.1
 0.1
 (1.3) 
 
 
Homeowners 83.4
 83.8
 78.6
 27.8
 23.5
 28.6
 2.2
 (3.0) 
 2.2
 (1.5) 
Total 77.2
 77.6
 75.8
 2.8
 2.9
 2.2
 0.2
 (0.1) (1.3) 0.1
 (0.1) 
Auto loss ratio decreased 0.5 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to increased premiums earned, and lower catastrophe losses, partially offset by higher claim severity. Auto loss ratio increased 1.7 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to unfavorable prior year reserve reestimates in 2017 compared to favorable prior year reserve reestimates in 2016 and higher catastrophe losses.
Catastrophe losses were $52 million in 2018 compared to $50 million in 2017 and $36 million in 2016.

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Allstate Protection: Esurance brand 2018 Form 10-K


Expense ratios by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Auto 23.6
 24.8
 28.2
Homeowners 32.2
 45.6
 161.9
Total expense ratio (1)
 24.1
 25.7
 31.7
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from other costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Impact of specific costs and expenses on the expense ratio
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Amortization of DAC 2.3
 2.4
 2.5
Advertising expense 8.7
 8.3
 11.2
Amortization of purchased intangible assets 0.1
 0.2
 1.4
Other costs and expenses (1)
 12.9
 14.6
 16.6
Restructuring and related charges 0.1
 0.2
 
Total expense ratio 24.1
 25.7
 31.7
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from other costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Expense ratiodecreased 1.6 points in 2018 compared to 2017. Other costs and expenses, including salaries of telephone sales personnel and other underwriting costs related to customer acquisition, were lower in 2018 compared to 2017 due to the continued implementation of process efficiencies. Esurance uses a direct distribution model, therefore its primary acquisition-related costs are advertising as opposed to commissions. Esurance advertising expense ratio increased 0.4 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to a new marketing campaign launched during the second half of 2018 and increased spending on targeted growth opportunities.
We manage our advertising spend to ensure our acquisition costs meet our targeted returns. Esurance incurs substantially all of its acquisition costs in the year of policy inception. As a result, the Esurance expense ratio will be higher or lower depending on the advertising expenditures incurred. Esurance’s annual combined ratio is below 100 after the year of policy inception (in which substantially all acquisition costs are incurred).
Expense ratio decreased 6.0 points in 2017 compared to 2016. Esurance advertising expense ratio decreased 2.9 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to reductions in homeowners marketing. Other costs and expenses, including salaries of phone sales personnel and other underwriting costs related to customer acquisition, were lower in 2017 compared to 2016 due to the implementation of process efficiencies. Expense ratio includes amortization of purchased intangible assets from the original acquisition in 2011.
Starting in 2017, the portion of the remaining purchased intangible asset related to the Esurance brand name was classified as an infinite-lived intangible and is no longer being amortized, but instead tested for impairment on an annual basis.


The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg59


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection: Encompass brand

encompassa30.jpg
Encompass products are sold through independent agencies that serve brand-neutral customers who prefer personal service and support from an independent agent. In 2018, the Encompass brand represented 3.0% of the Allstate Protection segment’s written premium. For additional information on our strategy and outlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and Segment Information.
Underwriting results
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written $1,016
 $1,035
 $1,140
Premiums earned $1,023
 $1,090
 $1,202
Other revenue 5
 6
 6
Claims and claims expense (669) (789) (855)
Amortization of DAC (190) (201) (221)
Other costs and expenses (149) (134) (130)
Restructuring and related charges (7) (5) (1)
Underwriting income (loss) $13
 $(33) $1
Catastrophe losses $102
 $193
 $111
       
Underwriting income (loss) by line of business      
Auto $11
 $4
 $(29)
Homeowners (1) (47) 36
Other personal lines 3
 10
 (6)
Underwriting income (loss) $13
 $(33) $1
Changes in underwriting results from prior year by component (1)
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Underwriting income (loss) - prior year $(33) $1
Changes in underwriting income (loss) from:    
Increase (decrease) premiums earned (67) (112)
Increase (decrease) other revenue (1) 
(Increase) decrease incurred claims and claims expense (“losses”):    
Incurred losses, excluding catastrophe losses and reserve reestimates 19
 130
Catastrophe losses, excluding reserve reestimates 104
 (83)
Catastrophes reserve reestimates (13) 1
Non-catastrophe reserve reestimates 10
 18
Losses subtotal 120
 66
(Increase) decrease expenses (6) 12
Underwriting income (loss) $13
 $(33)
(1) The 2018 column presents changes in 2018 compared to 2017. The 2017 column presents changes in 2017 compared to 2016.
Underwriting income totaled $13 million in 2018 compared to an underwriting loss of $33 million in 2017. The improvement was primarily due to lower catastrophe losses and improved auto claim frequency, partially offset by decreased premiums earned.
Underwriting loss totaled $33 million in 2017 compared to underwriting income of $1 million in 2016, primarily due to higher homeowners catastrophe losses, partially offset by improved auto loss costs.

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Allstate Protection: Encompass brand 2018 Form 10-K


Premiums written and earned by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written      
Auto $537
 $542
 $591
Homeowners 398
 406
 454
Other personal lines 81
 87
 95
Total $1,016
 $1,035
 $1,140
Premiums earned      
Auto $537
 $566
 $623
Homeowners 402
 431
 479
Other personal lines 84
 93
 100
Total $1,023
 $1,090
 $1,202
Auto premium measures and statistics
  2018 2017 2016
PIF (thousands) 502
 530
 622
New issued applications (thousands) 76
 52
 54
Average premium $1,118
 $1,079
 $1,008
Renewal ratio (%) (1)
 74.9
 73.4
 75.0
Approved rate changes (2):
      
# of locations (3)
 17
 27
 24
Total brand (%) (4)
 2.4
 6.2
 10.5
Location specific (%) (5)(6)
 4.8
 7.8
 14.3
(1)
Encompass announced a plan to exit business in Massachusetts in the second quarter of 2017 and previously announced a plan to exit business in North Carolina in the first half of 2016, which impacted the renewal ratio. Excluding Massachusetts and North Carolina, the renewal ratios were 76.5 points in 2018 compared to 74.5 points in 2017 and 75.0 points in 2016.
(2)
Rate changes that are indicated based on loss trend analysis to achieve a targeted return will continue to be pursued. Rate changes do not include rating plan enhancements, including the introduction of discounts and surcharges that result in no change in the overall rate level in a location. These rate changes do not reflect initial rates filed for insurance subsidiaries initially writing business in a location.
(3)
Encompass brand operates in 40 states and D.C.
(4)
Represents the impact in the states and D.C. where rate changes were approved during the period as a percentage of total brand prior year-end premiums written.
(5)
Represents the impact in the states and D.C. where rate changes were approved during the period as a percentage of their respective total prior year-end premiums written in those same locations.
(6)
Based on historical premiums written in the locations noted above, rate changes approved for auto totaled $13 million, $37 million and $68 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Auto insurance premiums written totaled $537 million in 2018, a 0.9% decrease from $542 million in 2017. Factors impacting premiums written were:
5.3% or 28 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.
1.5 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2018 compared to 2017, as profit improvement actions have moderated. Encompass sells a high percentage of package policies that include both auto and homeowners; therefore, declines in one product can contribute to declines in the other.
46.2% or 24 thousand increase in new issued applications in 2018 compared to 2017.
3.6% increase in average premium in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to rate changes. Encompass brand policy terms are generally 12 months for auto.
Auto insurance premiums written totaled $542 million in 2017, an 8.3% decrease from $591 million in 2016. Factors impacting premiums written were:
14.8% or 92 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.
3.7% decrease in new issued applications in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to rate changes.
7.0% increase in average premium in 2017 compared to 2016.
1.4 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to profit improvement actions taken, including exiting states with inadequate returns.


The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg61


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Protection: Encompass brand

Homeowners premium measure and statistics
  2018 2017 2016
PIF (thousands) 239
 254
 295
New issued applications (thousands) 37
 30
 34
Average premium $1,724
 $1,684
 $1,639
Renewal ratio (%) (1)
 80.0
 78.5
 79.8
Approved rate changes (2):
      
# of locations (3)
 20
 21
 19
Total brand (%) 4.7
 4.8
 5.1
Location specific (%) (4)
 8.1
 8.4
 9.0
(1)
Encompass announced a plan to exit business in Massachusetts in the second quarter of 2017 and previously announced a plan to exit business in North Carolina in the first half of 2016, which has impacted the renewal ratio. Excluding Massachusetts and North Carolina, the renewal ratios were 80.8 points in 2018 compared to 79.0 points in 2017 and 79.9 points in 2016.
(2)
Includes rate changes approved based on our net cost of reinsurance.
(3)
Encompass brand operates in 40 states and D.C.
(4)
Based on historical premiums written in the locations noted above, rate changes approved for homeowner totaled $20 million, $23 million and $27 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Homeowners insurance premiums written totaled $398 million in 2018, a 2.0% decrease from $406 million in 2017. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
5.9% or 15 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.
1.5 point increase in the renewal ratio in 2018 compared to 2017, as profit improvement actions have moderated. Encompass sells a high percentage of package policies that include both auto and homeowners; therefore, declines in one product can contribute to declines in the other.
23.3% or 7 thousand increase in new issued applications in 2018 compared to 2017.
2.4% increase in average premium in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to rate changes.
Homeowners insurance premiums writtentotaled $406 million in 2017, a 10.6% decrease from $454 million in 2016. Factors impacting premiums written were the following:
13.9% or 41 thousand decrease in PIF as of December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.
11.8% decrease in new issued applications in 2017 compared to 2016.
2.7% increase in average premium in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to rate changes.
1.3 point decrease in the renewal ratio in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to profit improvement actions taken to exit states with inadequate returns.

Combined ratios by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
  Loss ratio 
Expense ratio (1)
 Combined ratio
  2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Auto 65.2
 68.6
 76.1
 32.8
 30.7
 28.6
 98.0
 99.3
 104.7
Homeowners 66.9
 80.3
 63.5
 33.3
 30.6
 29.0
 100.2
 110.9
 92.5
Other personal lines 59.5
 59.1
 77.0
 36.9
 30.1
 29.0
 96.4
 89.2
 106.0
Total 65.4
 72.4
 71.1
 33.3
 30.6
 28.8
 98.7
 103.0
 99.9
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from operating costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Loss ratios by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
  Loss ratio Effect of catastrophe losses Effect of prior year reserve reestimates Effect of catastrophe losses included in prior year reserve reestimates
  2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Auto 65.2
 68.6
 76.1
 1.1
 2.1
 1.6
 (1.8) (1.1) 
 (0.2) (0.2) (0.4)
Homeowners 66.9
 80.3
 63.5
 22.1
 40.1
 20.3
 3.2
 0.5
 
 3.0
 
 0.5
Other personal lines 59.5
 59.1
 77.0
 8.3
 8.6
 4.0
 (16.7) (10.8) 5.0
 1.2
 
 
Total 65.4
 72.4
 71.1
 10.0
 17.7
 9.2
 (1.1) (1.3) 0.4
 1.2
 (0.1) 
Auto loss ratio decreased 3.4 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to lower claim frequency, lower catastrophe losses, higher favorable
non-catastrophe prior year reserve reestimates and a slower decline in premiums earned. Auto loss ratio decreased 7.5 points in 2017 compared to 2016,

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Allstate Protection: Encompass brand 2018 Form 10-K


primarily due to lower frequency and severity, and favorable prior year reserve reestimates, partially offset by higher catastrophe losses.
Homeowners loss ratio decreased 13.4 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to lower catastrophe losses, partially offset by decreased
premiums earned. Homeowners loss ratio increased 16.8 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to higher catastrophe losses.

Expense ratios by line of business
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Auto 32.8
 30.7
 28.6
Homeowners 33.3
 30.6
 29.0
Other personal lines 36.9
 30.1
 29.0
Total expense ratio (1)
 33.3
 30.6
 28.8
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from other costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Impact of specific costs and expenses on the expense ratio
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Amortization of DAC 18.5
 18.3
 18.4
Advertising expense 0.2
 0.2
 0.2
Other costs and expenses (1)
 13.9
 11.6
 10.1
Restructuring and related charges 0.7
 0.5
 0.1
Total expense ratio 33.3
 30.6
 28.8
(1)
Other revenue is deducted from other costs and expenses in the expense ratio calculation.
Expense ratio increased 2.7 points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to decreased premiums earned, increased investment in technology and higher employee-related compensation costs. The Encompass brand DAC amortization rate is higher on average than Allstate brand due to higher commission rates paid to independent agencies.


Expense ratio increased 1.8 points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to higher employee-related and technology costs, and restructuring and related charges.


The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg63


2018 Form 10-KDiscontinued Lines and Coverages

Discontinued Lines and Coverages Segment
The Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment includes results from property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance coverage that we no longer write and results for certain commercial and other businesses in run-off.primarily relates to policies written during the 1960s through the mid-1980s. Our exposure to asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims is reportedarises principally from direct excess commercial insurance, assumed reinsurance coverage, direct primary commercial insurance and other businesses in this segment. We have assigned management of this segment to a designated group of professionals with expertise in claims handling, policy coverage interpretation, exposure identificationrun-off. For additional information on our strategy and reinsurance collection. As part of its responsibilities, this group may at times be engaged in policy buybacks, settlementsoutlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and reinsurance assumed and ceded commutations.Segment Information.
Summarized underwriting results for the years ended December 31 are presented in the following table.
Underwriting ResultsUnderwriting Results
 For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written$
 $1
 $
Premiums written (1)
 $
 $
 $3
           
Premiums earned$
 $1
 $
 $
 $
 $
Claims and claims expense(53) (113) (142) (87) (96) (105)
Operating costs and expenses(2) (3) (1) (3) (3) (2)
Underwriting loss$(55)
$(115)
$(143) $(90)
$(99)
$(107)
(1)
Primarily represents retrospective reinsurance premium recognized when billed.
Underwriting losses of $55$90 million in 20152018 primarily related to our annual reserve review using established industry and actuarial best practices resultingpractices. The annual review resulted in a $39unfavorable reestimates of $76 million, unfavorable reestimate of asbestos reserves, a $1 million unfavorable reestimate of environmental reserves and a $9 million unfavorable reestimate of other exposure reserves, partially offset by a $5 million decrease in allowance for future uncollectible reinsurance. The cost of administering claims settlements totaled $10including $44 million for 2015, $10asbestos exposures, primarily related to new reported information, changes in our projections of reported claims and settlement agreements, including bankruptcy proceedings; $20 million for 2014,environmental exposures and $13 million for 2013.
Underwriting losses of $115 million in 2014 primarily related to our annual review using established industry and actuarial best practices resulting in an $87 million unfavorable reestimate of asbestos reserves, a $15 million unfavorable reestimate of environmental reserves and a $3 million increase in allowance for future uncollectible reinsurance, partially offset by a $3 million favorable reestimate of other exposure reserves.
Underwriting losses of $143 million in 2013 related to a $74 million unfavorable reestimate of asbestos reserves, a $30 million unfavorable reestimate of environmental reserves and a $30 million unfavorable reestimate of other exposure reserves, primarily as a result of our annual review using established industry and actuarial best practices,exposures, partially offset by a $1 million decrease in the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance.
Underwriting losses of $99 million in 2017 primarily related to our annual reserve review, resulting in unfavorable reestimates of $85 million, including $61 million for asbestos exposures, $10 million for
environmental exposures and $27 million for other exposures, partially offset by a $13 million decrease in the allowance for future uncollectableuncollectible reinsurance.
Underwriting losses of $107 million in 2016 primarily related to our annual reserve review, resulting in unfavorable reestimates of $96 million, including a $67 million unfavorable reestimate of asbestos exposures, a $23 million unfavorable reestimate of environmental exposures and a $6 million increase in the allowance for future uncollectible reinsurance with other exposures essentially unchanged.
The cost of administering claims settlements totaled $11 million, $11 million and $10 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 Reserves for asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims before and after the effects of reinsurance
($ in millions)  December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
Asbestos claims    
Gross reserves $1,266
 $1,296
Reinsurance (400) (412)
Net reserves 866
 884
Environmental claims    
Gross reserves 209
 199
Reinsurance (39) (33)
Net reserves 170
 166
Other discontinued lines    
Gross reserves 389
 398
Reinsurance (34) (41)
Net reserves 355
 357
Total    
Gross reserves 
 1,864
 1,893
Reinsurance 
 (473) (486)
Net reserves $1,391
 $1,407


64 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Discontinued Lines and Coverages 2018 Form 10-K


Reserves by type of exposure before and after the effects of reinsurance
($ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Direct excess commercial insurance    
    Gross reserves (1)
 $973
 $997
    Reinsurance (2)
 (355) (378)
    Net reserves 618
 619
Assumed reinsurance coverage    
    Gross reserves (3)
 625
 622
    Reinsurance (4)
 (53) (38)
    Net reserves 572
 584
Direct primary commercial insurance    
    Gross reserves (5)
 171
 177
    Reinsurance (6)
 (48) (48)
    Net reserves 123
 129
Other run-off business    
    Gross reserves 19
 24
    Reinsurance (16) (21)
    Net reserves 3
 3
Unallocated loss adjustment expenses    
    Gross reserves 76
 73
    Reinsurance (1) (1)
    Net reserves 75
 72
Total    
    Gross reserves 1,864
 1,893
    Reinsurance (473) (486)
    Net reserves $1,391
 $1,407
(1) Gross reserves as of December 31, 2018 comprised 67% case reserves and 33% incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) reserves. Approximately 75% of the total gross case reserves are subject to settlement agreements. In 2018, total gross payments from case reserves were $105 million with approximately 88% attributable to settlements.  Reserves as of December 31, 2017, comprised 65% case reserves and 35% IBNR reserves.
(2)Ceded reserves as of December 31, 2018 comprised 78% case reserves and 22% IBNR reserves. Approximately 82% of the total ceded case reserves are subject to settlement agreements. In 2018, reinsurance billings of ceded case reserves were $55 million with approximately 84% attributable to settlements.  Reserves as of December 31, 2017, comprised 76% case reserves and 24% IBNR reserves.
(3) Gross reserves as of December 31, 2018 comprised 34% case reserves and 66% IBNR reserves. In 2018, total gross payments from case reserves were $39 million. Reserves as of December 31, 2017, comprised 31% case reserves and 69% IBNR reserves.
(4)Ceded reserves as of December 31, 2018 comprised 37% case reserves and 63% IBNR reserves. In 2018, reinsurance billings of ceded case reserves were $5 million. Reserves as of December 31, 2017, comprised 36% case reserves and 64% IBNR reserves.
(5)Gross reserves as of December 31, 2018 comprised 58% case reserves and 42% IBNR reserves. In 2018, total gross payments from case reserves were $8 million. Reserves as of December 31, 2017, comprised 54% case reserves and 46% IBNR reserves.
(6)Ceded reserves as of December 31, 2018 comprised 78% case reserves and 22% IBNR reserves. In 2018, reinsurance billings of ceded case reserves were $1 million. Reserves as of December 31, 2017, comprised 76% case reserves and 24% IBNR reserves.
Total net reserves were $1.39 billion, including $693 million or 50% of estimated IBNR reserves as of December 31, 2018 compared to total net reserves of $1.41 billion, including $733 million or 52% of estimated IBNR reserves as of December 31, 2017.
Total gross payments were $156 million and $192 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily related to payments on settlement agreements reached with several insureds on large claims, mainly asbestos related losses, where the scope of coverages has been agreed upon.
The claims associated with these settlement agreements are expected to be substantially paid out over the next several years as qualified claims are submitted by these insureds. Reinsurance collections were $62 million and $67 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively.
See the Property-Liability Claims and Claims Expense Reserves section of the MD&Athis Item for a more detailed discussion.
Discontinued Lines
The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg65


2018 Form 10-KService Businesses

Service Businesses Segment
servicebusinessesa02.jpg
Service Businesses comprise SquareTrade, Arity, InfoArmor, Allstate Roadside Services and Coverages outlookAllstate Dealer Services. In 2018, Service Businesses represented 3.3% of total revenue, 65.1% of total PIF and less than 1.0% of total adjusted net income. We offer consumer product protection plans, device and mobile data collection services and analytic solutions, identity protection, roadside assistance, and finance and insurance products (including vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection waivers, road hazard tire and wheel and paintless dent repair protection).
We may continue to experience asbestos and/or environmental lossesStarting in the future. These losses could be duefourth quarter of 2018, the Service Businesses segment includes the results of InfoArmor, a leading provider of identity protection to the potential adverse impactmore than 1 million employees and their family members at over 1,400 firms, which was acquired on October 5, 2018. For additional information on our strategy and outlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and Segment Information.
Summarized financial information
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Premiums written $1,431
 $1,094
 $709
       
Revenues      
Premiums $1,098
 $867
 $580
Intersegment insurance premiums and service fees (1)
 122
 110
 105
Other revenue 82
 66
 64
Net investment income 27
 16
 13
Realized capital gains and losses (11) 
 
Total revenues 1,318
 1,059
 762
       
Costs and expenses      
Claims and claims expense (351) (369) (258)
Amortization of DAC (463) (296) (214)
Operating costs and expenses (511) (467) (287)
Amortization of purchased intangible assets (94) (92) 
Restructuring and related charges (2)
 (4) (13) 
Total costs and expenses (1,423) (1,237) (759)
       
Income tax benefit 20
 193
 
Net (loss) income applicable to common shareholders $(85) $15
 $3
       
Adjusted net income (loss) $2
 $(59) $3
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (9) 
 
Amortization of purchased intangible assets, after-tax (74) (60) 
Tax Legislation (expense) benefit (4) 134
 
Net (loss) income applicable to common shareholders $(85) $15
 $3
       
SquareTrade (3)
 $23
 $(22) $
Arity (14) (15) 11
InfoArmor (3)
 1
 
 
Allstate Roadside Services (23) (20) (12)
Allstate Dealer Services 15
 (2) 4
Adjusted net income (loss) $2
 $(59) $3
       
SquareTrade (3)
 68,588
 38,719
 
InfoArmor (3)
 1,040
 
 
Allstate Roadside Services 663
 699
 768
Allstate Dealer Services 3,896
 4,088
 4,142
Policies in force as of December 31 (in thousands) 74,187
 43,506
 4,910
(1)
Primarily related to Arity and Allstate Roadside Services and are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements.
(2)
2018 related to organizational changes at Allstate Roadside Services and 2017 related to a one-time contract termination of a SquareTrade European vendor.
(3)
SquareTrade was acquired on January 3, 2017 and InfoArmor was acquired on October 5, 2018.

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Service Businesses 2018 Form 10-K


Net loss applicable to common shareholders was $85 million in 2018 compared to net income applicable to common shareholders of new information relating to new$15 million and additional claims or the impact$3 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. 2018 and 2017 results include a tax expense of resolving unsettled claims based on unanticipated events such as litigation or legislative, judicial$4 million and regulatory actions. Environmental losses may also increase as the resulta tax benefit of additional funding for environmental site cleanup. Because of our annual review, we believe that our reserves are appropriately established based on available information, technology, laws and regulations.
We anticipate progress in the resolution of certain bankruptcies related to insureds with asbestos claims, reducing the industry’s asbestos related claims exposures.
We continue to address challenges$134 million, respectively, related to the concentration of insurance and reinsurance industry legacy claims into companies who specialize in the runoff of this business.
PROPERTY-LIABILITY INVESTMENT RESULTSTax Legislation.
Net investmentAdjusted net income The following table presents net investment income.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Fixed income securities$885
 $860
 $912
Equity securities81
 95
 136
Mortgage loans15
 17
 20
Limited partnership interests262
 346
 365
Short-term investments5
 4
 3
Other75
 65
 38
Investment income, before expense1,323

1,387

1,474
Investment expense(86) (86) (99)
Net investment income$1,237
 $1,301
 $1,375

50


The average pre-tax investment yields for the years ended December 31 are presentedwas $2 million in the following table. Pre-tax yield is calculated as investment income, generally before investment expense (including dividend income in the case of equity securities) divided by the average of investment balances at the end of each quarter during the year. For the purposes of the pre-tax yield calculation, income for directly held real estate, timber and other consolidated investments is net of asset level operating expenses (direct expenses of the assets reported in investment expense). For investments carried at fair value, investment balances exclude unrealized capital gains and losses.
 2015 2014 2013
Fixed income securities: tax-exempt2.4% 2.6% 3.4%
Fixed income securities: tax-exempt equivalent3.5
 3.8
 5.0
Fixed income securities: taxable3.1
 2.9
 3.2
Equity securities2.9
 2.9
 3.8
Mortgage loans4.5
 4.3
 4.2
Limited partnership interests10.4
 13.1
 12.2
Total portfolio3.4
 3.6
 4.0
Net investment income decreased 4.9% or $64 million to $1.24 billion in 2015 from $1.30 billion in 2014 after decreasing 5.4% in 20142018 compared to 2013.an adjusted net loss of $59 million in 2017 and an adjusted net income of $3 million in 2016. The 2015 decreaseimprovement in 2018 was primarily due to lower limited partnership income, a decline in average investment balancesincreased revenue at SquareTrade, improved loss experience at SquareTrade and Allstate Dealer Services and lower prepayment fee income and litigation proceeds,restructuring charges in 2018 compared to 2017, partially offset by higher taxable fixedloss costs at Allstate Roadside Services. The loss in 2017 compared to income portfolio yields. The 2014 decreasein 2016 was primarily due to lower fixed income yieldsinvestments in Arity’s research and equity dividends.development, strategic investments in SquareTrade and Allstate Roadside Services, a SquareTrade restructuring charge and Hurricane Harvey’s impacts on Allstate Dealer Services.
Total revenues increased 24.5% or $259 million to $1.32 billion in 2018 from $1.06 billion in 2017. The decrease in fixed income yieldsincrease was primarily due to reinvestmentSquareTrade’s growth through its U.S. retail and international channels and increased premiums earned on Allstate Dealer Services’ vehicle service contracts. 2018 revenue also includes $101 million for SquareTrade protection plans sold directly to retailers prior to January 1, 2018 for which SquareTrade is deemed to be the principal. This increase in revenue is due to the adoption of the revenue from contracts with customers accounting standard and is offset by corresponding increases in amortization of DAC.
Premiums written increased 30.8% or $337 million to $1.43 billion in 2018 from $1.09 billion in 2017, primarily due to continued growth at yields lower thanSquareTrade, including the overall portfolio yield.addition of a leading U.S. retailer in third quarter 2018. Premiums written increased 54.3% or $385 million to $1.09 billion in 2017 from $709 million in 2016, primarily due to the acquisition of SquareTrade and growth through its U.S. retail channel, partially offset by decreases in premiums written at Allstate Roadside Services.
Net realized capital gains and losses are presentedPremiums written in 2019 will benefit from the full year impact of the addition of a leading U.S. retailer, but will be partially offset by the loss of existing retailer relationships in the following table.normal course of business.
SquareTrade and Allstate Dealer Services issue contractual liability insurance policies or guaranteed asset protection reimbursement insurance policies to cover the liabilities of their products where required by state regulations.  The products offered through SquareTrade and Allstate Dealer Services fall under the regulation of departments of insurance in many states with requirements for filing of forms and rates varying by product and by state.
PIF increased 70.5% or 30.7 million to 74.2 million as of December 31, 2018 compared to 43.5 million as of December 31, 2017 due to continued growth at SquareTrade, including the addition of a leading U.S.
retailer, and the acquisition of InfoArmor. PIF increased by 38.6 million to 43.5 million as of December 31, 2017 compared to 4.9 million as of December 31, 2016 due to the acquisition of SquareTrade.
Intersegment premiums and service fees of $122 million in 2018 increased from $110 million and $105 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, primarily related to increased auto connections through Arity’s device and mobile data collection services and analytic solutions.
Other revenue of $82 million in 2018 increased from $66 million and $64 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, primarily due to the acquisition of InfoArmor in 2018.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Impairment write-downs$(132) $(21) $(39)
Change in intent write-downs(156) (169) (124)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings(288)
(190)
(163)
Sales and other85
 789
 706
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments(34) (50) (24)
Realized capital gains and losses, pre-tax(237)
549

519
Income tax benefit (expense)83
 (192) (180)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax$(154)
$357

$339
Claims and claims expense decreased 4.9% to $351 million in 2018 from $369 million in 2017, primarily due to improved loss experience at SquareTrade and Allstate Dealer Services, including a decrease in catastrophe losses as Allstate Dealer Services was impacted by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, partially offset by higher loss costs at Allstate Roadside Services. Claims and claims expense increased 43.0% to $369 million in 2017 from $258 million in 2016, primarily due to the acquisition of SquareTrade on January 3, 2017.
For a further discussionAmortization of net realized capital gains and losses, seeDAC increased 56.4% or $167 million to $463 million in 2018 from $296 million in 2017, including $101 million in 2018 related to the Investments sectionadoption of the MD&A.revenue from contracts with customers accounting standard. The remaining increase of $66 million is due to the growth experienced at SquareTrade and Allstate Dealer Services.
Operating costs and expenses increased 9.4% to $511 million in 2018 from $467 million in 2017, primarily due to higher product and advertising costs at SquareTrade, higher costs for device data collection services, investments in research and business expansion at Arity and the addition of InfoArmor. Operating costs and expenses increased 62.7% to $467 million in 2017 from $287 million in 2016, primarily due to the acquisition of SquareTrade on January 3, 2017, Allstate Roadside Services increase in strategic investments in the Good Hands Rescue Network, and investments in Arity’s research and business expansion.
Amortization of purchased intangible assetsrelates to the acquisitions of SquareTrade and InfoArmor. We recognized $555 million of intangible assets for SquareTrade and we recorded amortization expense of $81 million in 2018 compared to $92 million in 2017. We recognized $257 million of intangible assets for InfoArmor and we recorded amortization expense of $13 million in 2018.



The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg67


PROPERTY-LIABILITY CLAIMS AND CLAIMS EXPENSE RESERVES
Property-Liability underwriting
2018 Form 10-KClaims and Claims Expense Reserves

Claims and Claims Expense Reserves
Underwriting results are significantly influenced by estimates of property-liability claims and claims expense reserves. For a description of our reserve process, see Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements andstatements. Further, for a further description of our reserving policies and the potential variability in our reserve estimates, see the Application of Critical Accounting Estimates section of the MD&A. These reserves are an estimate of amounts necessary to settle all outstanding claims, including incurred but not reported (“IBNR”)IBNR claims, as of the reporting date.

The facts and circumstances leading to our reestimates of reserves relate to revisions to the development factors used to predict how losses are likely to develop from the end of a reporting period until all claims have been paid. Reestimates occur because actual losses are likely different than those predicted by the estimated development factors used in prior reserve estimates. As of December 31, 2015, the impact of a reserve reestimation corresponding to a one percent increase or decrease in net reserves would be a decrease or increase of approximately $117 million in net income applicable to common shareholders.
We believe the net loss reserves for Allstate Protection exposures are appropriately established based on available facts, technology, laws and regulations.
The table below shows total reserves net of reinsurance recoverables (“net reserves”) as of December 31 by line of business.
Total reserves, net of recoverables (“net reserves”), as of December 31, by line of business

Total reserves, net of recoverables (“net reserves”), as of December 31, by line of business

($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Allstate brand$14,974
 $14,214
 $14,225
 $17,272
 $16,826
 $16,108
Esurance brand717
 649
 575
 862
 777
 740
Encompass brand770
 754
 747
 691
 758
 749
Total Allstate Protection16,461
 15,617
 15,547
 18,825
 18,361
 17,597
Discontinued Lines and Coverages1,516
 1,612
 1,646
 1,391
 1,407
 1,445
Total Property-Liability$17,977
 $17,229
 $17,193
 20,216
 19,768
 19,042
Service Businesses 52
 86
 24
Total net reserves $20,268
 $19,854
 $19,066

51
The year-end 2018 gross reserves of $27.42 billion for insurance claims and claims expense were $8.52 billion more than the net reserve balance of $18.90 billion recorded on the basis of statutory accounting practices for reports provided to state regulatory authorities. The principal differences are recoverables from third parties totaling $7.16 billion, including $5.37 billion of indemnification recoverables related to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (“MCCA”), that reduce reserves for statutory reporting, but are


recorded as assets for GAAP reporting, and a liability for the reserves of the Canadian subsidiaries for $1.26 billion that are a component of our consolidated reserves, but not included in our U.S. statutory reserves. The tables below show net reserves representing the estimated cost of outstanding claims as they were recorded at the beginning of years 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016, and the effect of reestimates in each year.
($ in millions)January 1 reserves
 2015 2014 2013
Allstate brand$14,214
 $14,225
 $14,364
Esurance brand649
 575
 470
Encompass brand754
 747
 807
Total Allstate Protection15,617

15,547

15,641
Discontinued Lines and Coverages1,612
 1,646
 1,637
Total Property-Liability$17,229

$17,193

$17,278
($ in millions, except ratios)2015 2014 2013
Net reserves


Net reserves


Reserve reestimate (1)
 
Effect on combined ratio (2)
 
Reserve reestimate (1)
 
Effect on combined ratio (2)
 
Reserve reestimate (1)
 
Effect on combined ratio (2)
 January 1 reserves
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Allstate brand$38
 0.1
 $(171) (0.6) $(220) (0.8) $16,826
 $16,108
 $14,953
Esurance brand(17) 
 (16) (0.1) 
 
 777
 740
 717
Encompass brand7
 
 (9) 
 (43) (0.2) 758
 749
 770
Total Allstate Protection28
 0.1
 (196) (0.7) (263) (1.0) 18,361

17,597

16,440
Discontinued Lines and Coverages53
 0.2
 112
 0.4
 142
 0.6
 1,407
 1,445
 1,516
Total Property-Liability (3)
$81

0.3

$(84)
(0.3)
$(121)
(0.4)
Reserve reestimates, after-tax$53
   $(55)   $(79)  
Consolidated net income applicable to common
shareholders
$2,055
   $2,746
   $2,263
  
Reserve reestimates as a % of consolidated net
income applicable to common shareholders
(2.6)%   2.0%   3.5%  
Total Property-Liability 19,768

19,042

17,956
Service Businesses 86
 24
 21
Total net reserves $19,854
 $19,066
 $17,977



68 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Claims and Claims Expense Reserves 2018 Form 10-K


Impact of reserve reestimates by brand on combined ratio and underwriting income


($ in millions, except ratios) 2018 2017 2016
  
Reserve reestimate (4)
 
Effect on combined ratio (5)
 
Reserve reestimate (4)
 
Effect on combined ratio (5)
 
Reserve reestimate (4)
 
Effect on combined ratio (5)
Allstate brand (1)
 $(332) (1.0) $(585) (1.8) $(110) (0.3)
Esurance brand (2)
 3
 
 (2) 
 (21) (0.1)
Encompass brand (3)
 (11) 
 (14) (0.1) 5
 
Total Allstate Protection (340) (1.0) (601) (1.9) (126) (0.4)
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 87
 0.2
 96
 0.3
 105
 0.3
Total Property-Liability (6)
 (253)
(0.8)
(505)
(1.6)
(21)
(0.1)
Service Businesses (2) 
 2
 
 4
 
Total $(255)   $(503)   $(17)  
Reserve reestimates, after-tax $(201)   $(327)   $(11)  
Consolidated net income applicable to common shareholders $2,104
   $3,073
   $1,761
  
Reserve reestimates as a % impact on consolidated net income applicable to common shareholders 9.6%   10.6%   0.6%  
(1)
Impact of reserve reestimates on Allstate brand underwriting income were 15.0%, 26.6% and 7.5% in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2)
Impact of reserve reestimates on Esurance brand underwriting loss were (12.0)%, 3.6% and 16.9% in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(3)
Impact of reserve reestimates on Encompass brand underwriting income (loss) were 84.6% and 42.4% in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Impact on results in 2016 were not meaningful.
(4) 
Favorable reserve reestimates are shown in parentheses.
(2)(5) 
Ratios are calculated using Property-Liabilityproperty and casualty premiums earned.
(3)(6) 
Prior year reserve reestimates included in catastrophe losses totaled $15$25 million unfavorable, $18 million favorable $43and $6 million unfavorable in 2018, 2017and $88 million favorable in 2015, 2014 and 2013,2016, respectively. The effect of catastrophe losses included in prior year reserve reestimates on the combined ratio totaled zero, 0.1 unfavorable and 0.3 favorable in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following tables reflect the accident years to which the reestimates shown above are applicable by line of business.applicable. Favorable reserve reestimates are shown in parentheses.
2015 Prior year reserve reestimates
2018 prior year reserve reestimates
($ in millions) 2013 & prior 2014 2015 2016 2017 Total
Allstate brand $(61) $(50) $(25) $(146) $(50) $(332)
Esurance brand (5) (6) 9
 13
 (8) 3
Encompass brand (12) (11) (15) 1
 26
 (11)
Total Allstate Protection (78) (67) (31) (132) (32) (340)
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 87
 
 
 
 
 87
Total Property-Liability 9
 (67) (31) (132) (32) (253)
Service Businesses 
 
 
 
 (2) (2)
Total $9
 $(67) $(31) $(132) $(34) $(255)
2017 prior year reserve reestimates2017 prior year reserve reestimates
($ in millions)2005 & prior 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total 2012 & prior 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total
Allstate brand$39
 $(1) $(17) $(15) $(58) $(21) $(74) $(29) $42
 $172
 $38
 $3
 $(99) $(103) $(121) $(265) $(585)
Esurance brand
 (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (3) (2) (5) (2) (17) (3) (1) (12) 1
 13
 (2)
Encompass brand(2) (2) (2) (2) (1) (2) 1
 2
 12
 3
 7
 (6) (1) (4) (1) (2) (14)
Total Allstate Protection37
 (4) (20) (18) (60) (24) (76) (29) 49
 173
 28
 (6) (101) (119) (121) (254) (601)
Discontinued Lines and Coverages53
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 53
 96
 
 
 
 
 96
Total Property-Liability$90
 $(4) $(20) $(18) $(60) $(24) $(76) $(29) $49
 $173
 $81
 90
 (101) (119) (121) (254) (505)
Service Businesses 
 
 
 
 2
 2
Total $90
 $(101) $(119) $(121) $(252) $(503)
2014 Prior year reserve reestimates
The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg69


2018 Form 10-KClaims and Claims Expense Reserves

2016 prior year reserve reestimates2016 prior year reserve reestimates
($ in millions)2004 & prior 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total 2011 & prior 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
Allstate brand$(38) $(10) $(11) $2
 $(20) $37
 $(86) $(35) $(99) $89
 $(171) $(11) $(52) $(69) $(40) $62
 $(110)
Esurance brand
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (9) 6
 (13) (16) (7) (3) (5) (9) 3
 (21)
Encompass brand2
 1
 
 1
 (1) (2) (2) (5) (6) 3
 (9) (25) 7
 3
 14
 6
 5
Total Allstate Protection(36) (9) (11) 3
 (21) 35
 (88) (49) (99) 79
 (196) (43) (48) (71) (35) 71
 (126)
Discontinued Lines and Coverages112
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 112
 105
 
 
 
 
 105
Total Property-Liability$76
 $(9) $(11) $3
 $(21) $35
 $(88) $(49) $(99) $79
 $(84) 62
 (48) (71) (35) 71
 (21)
Service Businesses 
 
 
 
 4
 4
Total $62
 $(48) $(71) $(35) $75
 $(17)






52


2013 Prior year reserve reestimates
($ in millions)2003 & prior 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total
Allstate brand$56
 $5
 $(33) $(44) $(45) $(32) $(59) $(16) $(70) $18
 $(220)
Esurance brand
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Encompass brand2
 1
 1
 (1) (1) (5) (4) (4) (14) (18) (43)
Total Allstate Protection58
 6
 (32) (45) (46) (37) (63) (20) (84) 
 (263)
Discontinued Lines and Coverages142
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 142
Total Property- Liability$200
 $6
 $(32) $(45) $(46) $(37) $(63) $(20) $(84) $
 $(121)
Allstate brand prior year reserve reestimates were $38 million unfavorable in 2015, $171 million favorable in 2014 and $220 million favorable in 2013. In 2015, this was primarily due to severity development for bodily injury coverage for recent years that was more than expected and litigation settlements from older years. In 2014, this was primarily due to severity development that was better than expected. In 2013, this was primarily due to severity development that was better than expected and catastrophe reserve reestimates.
These trends are primarily responsible for revisions to loss development factors, as described above, used to predict how losses are likely to develop from the end of a reporting period until all claims have been paid. Because these trends cause actual losses to differ from those predicted by the estimated development factors used in prior reserve estimates, reserves are revised as actuarial studies validate new trends based on the indications of updated development factor calculations.
The impact of these reestimates on the Allstate brand underwriting income is shown in the table below.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Reserve reestimates$38
 $(171) $(220)
Allstate brand underwriting income1,812
 2,235
 2,551
Reserve reestimates as a % of underwriting income(2.1)% 7.7% 8.6%
Esurance brand prior year reserve reestimates were $17 million favorable in 2015 and $16 million favorable in 2014. In 2015 and 2014, this was primarily due to severity development that was better than expected for liability coverages. There were no prior year reserve reestimates for Esurance in 2013.
The impact of these reestimates on the Esurance brand underwriting loss is shown in the table below.
($ in millions)2015 2014
Reserve reestimates$(17) $(16)
Esurance brand underwriting loss(164) (259)
Reserve reestimates as a % of underwriting loss10.4% 6.2%
Encompass brand prior year reserve reestimates were $7 million unfavorable in 2015, $9 million favorable in 2014 and $43 million favorable in 2013. In 2015, this was primarily due to severity development that was more than expected for personal umbrella policies. In 2014, this was primarily due to severity development that was better than expected. In 2013, this was related to lower than anticipated claim settlement costs and favorable catastrophe reserve reestimates.
The impact of these reestimates on the Encompass brand underwriting (loss) income is shown in the table below.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Reserve reestimates$7
 $(9) $(43)
Encompass brand underwriting (loss) income(26) (76) 47
Reserve reestimates as a % of underwriting (loss) income(26.9)% 11.8% 91.5%








53


Allstate Protection
The tables below show Allstate Protection net reserves representing the estimated cost of outstanding claims as they were recorded at the beginning of years 2015, 2014,2018, 2017, and 2013,2016, and the effect of reestimates in each year.
Net reserves by lineNet reserves by line
 January 1 reserves
($ in millions)January 1 reserves 2018 2017 2016
2015 2014 2013
Auto$11,698
 $11,616
 $11,383
 $14,051
 $13,530
 $12,459
Homeowners1,849
 1,821
 2,008
 2,205
 1,990
 1,937
Other personal lines1,502
 1,512
 1,596
 1,489
 1,456
 1,490
Commercial lines549
 576
 627
 616
 621
 554
Other business lines19
 22
 27
Total Allstate Protection$15,617
 $15,547
 $15,641
 $18,361
 $17,597
 $16,440
Impact of reserve reestimates by line on combined ratio and underwriting incomeImpact of reserve reestimates by line on combined ratio and underwriting income
($ in millions, except ratios)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Reserve reestimate Effect on combined ratio Reserve reestimate Effect on combined ratio Reserve reestimate Effect on combined ratio Reserve reestimate Effect on combined ratio Reserve reestimate Effect on combined ratio Reserve reestimate Effect on combined ratio
Auto$30
 0.1
 $(238) (0.8) $(237) (0.9) $(455) (1.3) $(490) (1.5) $(155) (0.5)
Homeowners(24) (0.1) 29
 0.1
 (5) 
 14
 
 (131) (0.4) (24) (0.1)
Other personal lines18
 0.1
 34
 0.1
 19
 
 (7) 
 1
 
 (9) 
Commercial lines2
 
 (20) (0.1) (36) (0.1) 108
 0.3
 19
 
 62
 0.2
Other business lines2
 
 (1) 
 (4) 
Total Allstate Protection$28

0.1

$(196)
(0.7)
$(263)
(1.0) $(340)
(1.0)
$(601)
(1.9)
$(126)
(0.4)
Underwriting income$1,614
   $1,887
   $2,361
   $2,187
   $2,111
   $1,327
  
Reserve reestimates as a % of underwriting income(1.7)%   10.4%   11.1%  
Reserve reestimates as a % impact on underwriting income 15.5%   28.5%   9.5%  
Auto
Prior year reserve reestimates are developed based on factors that are calculated quarterly and periodically throughout the year for data elements such as claims reported and settled, paid losses and paid losses combined with case reserves. These data elements are primarily responsible for revisions to loss development factors used to predict how losses are likely to develop from the end of a reporting period until all claims have been paid. When actual development of these data elements is different than the historical development pattern used in 2015a prior period reserve estimate, reserves are revised as actuarial studies validate new trends based on the indications of updated development factor calculations. On-going claims organizational and process changes that are occurring are considered within our estimation process.
Favorable reserve reestimates for auto in 2018 primarily related to continued favorable personal lines auto injury coverage development, offset by strengthening in our commercial lines and personal injury protection (“PIP”) coverage, including an unfavorable ruling against the insurance industry related to Florida PIP.  Auto liability claims process
changes implemented in prior years, including a program requiring enhanced documentation of injuries and related medical treatments, have resulted in favorable severity trends compared to those originally estimated as we continue to develop greater experience in settling claims under these programs. The impact of these program changes have begun to moderate.  Unfavorable results for commercial lines in 2018 were primarily due to non-catastrophe auto loss development being higher than anticipated in previous estimates.
Favorable reserve reestimates for auto and homeowners in 2017 were primarily related to a reduction in claim severity developmentestimates for bodily injury coverageliability coverages.  Auto liability claims process changes implemented in prior years also impacted 2017 results.  Auto liability legislative reforms, higher limits and longer settlement periods in Canada resulted in uncertainty that has developed favorably as loss experience emerges.  Unfavorable results for recent years that was more than expected and litigation settlements from older years for Allstate brand. Auto reserve reestimatescommercial lines in 2014 and 20132017 were primarily due to claimnon-catastrophe auto loss development being higher than anticipated in previous estimates.

70 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Claims and Claims Expense Reserves 2018 Form 10-K


Favorable auto reserve reestimates in 2016 were primarily due to severity development for auto liability coverages that was better than expected.
Favorable homeowners reserve reestimates in 20152016 were primarily due to favorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates. Unfavorable homeowners reserve reestimates in 2014 were primarily dueseverity development for liability coverages related to unfavorable catastrophe reserve reestimates. Favorable homeowners reserve reestimates in 2013 were primarily due to favorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates.
the timing of payments. Other personal lines reserve reestimates in 2015, 2014 and 20132016 were primarily the result ofdue to non-catastrophe loss development higherlower than anticipated in previous estimates.
Commercial lines reserve reestimates in 2015 were primarily the result of non-catastrophe loss development higher than anticipated in previous estimates. Commercial lines reserve reestimates in 2014 and 20132016 were primarily due to favorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates.severity development for auto bodily injury coverage that was more than expected.




















54Estimating the ultimate cost of claims and claims expenses is an inherently uncertain and complex process involving a high degree of judgment and is subject to the evaluation of numerous variables.


Pending, new and closed claims for Allstate Protection are summarized in the following table for the years ended December 31. The increaseincreases in pending claims as of December 31, 20152018 compared to December 31, 2014 relates2017 were primarily due to increases in the amount of time to settle auto frequencyliability claims and growth.growth in the business. The increaseincreases in pending claims as of December 31, 20142017 compared to December 31, 2013 relates2016 were primarily due to growth and auto frequency.increases in the amount of time to settle claims.
Summary of pending new and closed claims for Allstate ProtectionSummary of pending new and closed claims for Allstate Protection
Number of claims2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Auto           
Pending, beginning of year487,227
 473,703
 472,078
 538,424
 534,531
 521,890
New6,752,401
 6,330,940
 5,902,746
 6,494,554
 6,448,747
 6,844,491
Total closed(6,717,738) (6,317,416) (5,901,121) (6,443,276) (6,444,854) (6,831,850)
Pending, end of year521,890
 487,227
 473,703
 589,702
 538,424
 534,531
Homeowners           
Pending, beginning of year33,648
 37,420
 48,418
 37,294
 34,691
 38,865
New714,562
 759,794
 711,883
 810,919
 898,512
 818,084
Total closed(709,345) (763,566) (722,881) (806,559) (895,909) (822,258)
Pending, end of year38,865
 33,648
 37,420
 41,654
 37,294
 34,691
Other personal lines           
Pending, beginning of year15,494
 17,004
 42,969
 17,077
 14,937
 15,835
New307,011
 204,549
 197,424
 212,061
 242,427
 219,053
Total closed(306,670) (206,059) (223,389) (211,309) (240,287) (219,951)
Pending, end of year15,835
 15,494
 17,004
 17,829
 17,077
 14,937
Commercial lines           
Pending, beginning of year11,836
 10,422
 10,242
 10,416
 11,518
 11,837
New74,942
 65,970
 58,697
 72,326
 55,308
 73,139
Total closed(74,941) (64,556) (58,517) (70,203) (56,410) (73,458)
Pending, end of year11,837
 11,836
 10,422
 12,539
 10,416
 11,518
Total Allstate Protection           
Pending, beginning of year548,205
 538,549
 573,707
 603,211
 595,677
 588,427
New7,848,916
 7,361,253
 6,870,750
 7,589,860
 7,644,994
 7,954,767
Total closed(7,808,694) (7,351,597) (6,905,908) (7,531,347) (7,637,460) (7,947,517)
Pending, end of year588,427
 548,205
 538,549
 661,724
 603,211
 595,677
Discontinued Lines and Coverages
We conduct an annual review in the third quarter of each year to evaluate and establish asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines reserves. Reserves are recorded in the reporting period in which they are determined. Using established industry and actuarial best practices and assuming no change in the
regulatory or economic environment, this detailed and comprehensive methodology determines reserves based on assessments of the characteristics of exposure (e.g. claim activity, potential liability, jurisdiction, products versus non-products exposure) presented by policyholders.
Reserve reestimates for the Discontinued Lines and Coverages are shown in the table below.
Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserve reestimatesDiscontinued Lines and Coverages reserve reestimates
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
January 1 reserves Reserve reestimate January 1 reserves Reserve reestimate January 1 reserves Reserve reestimate January 1 reserves Reserve reestimate January 1 reserves Reserve reestimate January 1 reserves Reserve reestimate
Asbestos claims$1,014
 $39
 $1,017
 $87
 $1,026
 $74
 $884
 $44
 $912
 $61
 $960
 $67
Environmental claims203
 1
 208
 15
 193
 30
 166
 20
 179
 10
 179
 23
Other discontinued lines395
 13
 421
 10
 418
 38
 357
 23
 354
 25
 377
 15
Total Discontinued Lines and Coverages$1,612

$53

$1,646

$112

$1,637

$142
Total $1,407

$87

$1,445

$96

$1,516

$105
Underwriting loss  $(55)   $(115)   $(143)   $(90)   $(99)   $(107)
Reserve reestimates as a % of underwriting loss  (96.4)%   (97.4)%   (99.3)%
Reserve additions for asbestos in 20152018 were primarily related to a settlement with a large insured and morenew reported information, changes
in our projections of reported claims than expected. and settlement agreements, including bankruptcy proceedings.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg71


2018 Form 10-KClaims and Claims Expense Reserves

Reserve additions for asbestos in 20142017 were primarily related to morenew reported claims than expectedinformation and increased severitysettlement agreements, including claims from certain large insurance programs.bankruptcy proceedings. Reserve additions for asbestos in 20132016 were primarily related to a cedent’s settlement with a bankrupt insured of asbestosbusiness and claim development, new reported information on insured’s claims, in excess of a previously advised amountexpanded expected exposure periods and loss trends from other claims.legal settlements including insured’s bankruptcy proceedings.
Reserve additions for environmental in 20142018 were primarily related to expected greater loss activity for future claims. Reserve additions for environmental in 2017 and 2016 were primarily related to greater reported loss activity than expected. Reserve additions for environmental in 2013 were primarily related to an adverse court ruling for site-specific disputed coverage.



55


The table below summarizes reserves and claim activity for asbestos and environmental claims before (Gross) and after (Net) the effects of reinsurance for the past three years.
Reserves and claim activity before (Gross) and after (Net) the effects of reinsuranceReserves and claim activity before (Gross) and after (Net) the effects of reinsurance
($ in millions, except ratios)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Asbestos claims                       
Beginning reserves$1,492
 $1,014
 $1,495
 $1,017
 $1,522
 $1,026
 $1,296
 $884
 $1,356
 $912
 $1,418
 $960
Incurred claims and claims expense51
 39
 124
 87
 84
 74
 89
 44
 79
 61
 96
 67
Claims and claims expense paid(125) (93) (127) (90) (111) (83) (119) (62) (139) (89) (158) (115)
Ending reserves$1,418

$960

$1,492

$1,014

$1,495

$1,017
 $1,266

$866

$1,296

$884

$1,356

$912
                       
Annual survival ratio11.3
 10.3
 11.7
 11.3
 13.5
 12.3
 10.6
 14.0
 9.3
 9.9
 8.6
 7.9
3-year survival ratio11.7
 10.8
 12.5
 12.1
 14.2
 14.5
 9.1
 9.7
 9.2
 8.9
 9.9
 9.2
                       
Environmental claims                       
Beginning reserves$267
 $203
 $268
 $208
 $241
 $193
 $199
 $166
 $219
 $179
 $222
 $179
Incurred claims and claims expense(13) 1
 22
 15
 44
 30
 30
 20
 9
 10
 24
 23
Claims and claims expense paid(32) (25) (23) (20) (17) (15) (20) (16) (29) (23) (27) (23)
Ending reserves$222

$179

$267

$203

$268

$208
 $209

$170

$199

$166

$219

$179
                       
Annual survival ratio6.9
 7.2
 11.6
 10.2
 15.8
 13.9
 10.5
 10.6
 6.9
 7.2
 8.1
 7.8
3-year survival ratio9.3
 9.0
 14.1
 12.7
 14.9
 13.9
 8.4
 8.2
 6.9
 6.9
 8.1
 7.8
                       
Combined environmental and asbestos claims                       
Annual survival ratio10.4
 9.7
 11.7
 11.1
 13.8
 12.5
 10.6
 13.3
 8.9
 9.4
 8.5
 7.9
3-year survival ratio11.3
 10.4
 12.7
 12.2
 14.3
 14.4
 9.0
 9.5
 8.8
 8.5
 9.6
 8.9
Percentage of IBNR in ending reserves  56.9% 

 56.9% 

 55.4%   49.6% 

 52.7% 

 56.7%
The survival ratio is calculated by taking our ending reserves divided by payments made during the year. This is a commonly used but extremely simplistic and imprecise approach to measuring the adequacy of asbestos and environmental reserve levels. Many factors, such as mix of business, level of coverage provided and settlement procedures have significant impacts on the amount of environmental and asbestos claims and claims expense reserves, claim payments and the resultant ratio. As payments result in
corresponding reserve reductions, survival ratios can be expected to vary over time.
In 20152018, the asbestos and 2014,environmental net 3-year survival ratio increased due to lower claim payments associated with settlement agreements. In 2017 and 2016, the asbestos and environmental net 3-year survival ratio decreased due to increased claim payments.
Our net asbestos reserves by type of exposure and total reserve additions are shown inpayments associated with settlement agreements expected to be substantially paid out over the following table.next several years.
Net asbestos reserves by type of exposure and total reserve additionsNet asbestos reserves by type of exposure and total reserve additions
($ in millions)December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Active policy-holders Net reserves % of reserves Active policy-holders Net reserves % of reserves Active policy-holders Net reserves % of reserves Active policy-holders Net reserves % of reserves Active policy-holders Net reserves % of reserves Active policy-holders Net reserves % of reserves
Direct policyholders:                                   
Primary48
 $10
 1% 44
 $8
 1% 53
 $7
 1% 51
 $12
 1% 48
 $10
 1% 51
 $9
 1%
Excess298
 248
 26
 296
 265
 26
 301
 267
 26
 295
 309
 36
 296
 308
 35
 297
 266
 29
Total346

258

27

340

273

27

354

274

27
Total case reserves 346

321

37

344

318

36

348

275

30
Assumed reinsurance  156
 16
 
 166
 16
   171
 17
   138
 16
   117
 13
   125
 14
IBNR  546
 57
 
 575
 57
   572
 56
   407
 47
   449
 51
   512
 56
Total net reserves  $960
 100%   $1,014
 100%   $1,017
 100%   $866
 100%   $884
 100%   $912
 100%
Total reserve additions  $39
     $87
     $74
     $44
     $61
     $67
  
During the last three years, 40 direct primary
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Claims and excess policyholders reported new claims, and claims of 47 policyholdersClaims Expense Reserves 2018 Form 10-K


At December 31, 2018, there were closed, decreasing the number of346 active policyholders with open asbestos claims. 
Active policyholders increased by 7 during the period. There was a net increase of 6 policyholders2 in 2015,2018, including 15 new13 policyholders reporting newasbestos claims for the first time and the closing of 9 policyholders’ claims. There was a net decrease of 14all claims for 11 policyholders.
Active policyholders decreased by 4 in 2014,2017, including 13 new10 policyholders reporting newasbestos claims for the first time and the closing of 27 policyholders’ claims. There was a net increase of 1all claims for 14 policyholders.
Active policyholders increased by 2 in 2013,2016, including 12 new17 policyholders reporting newasbestos claims for the first time and the closing of 11 policyholders’ claims.all claims for 15 policyholders.
IBNR net reserves decreased $29$42 million as of December 31, 20152018 compared to December 31, 2014. As2017, due to the transfer of December 31, 2015 and 2014 IBNR represented 57%to case reserves through settlement agreements with insureds on large claims where the scope of total net asbestos reserves.coverages have been agreed. IBNR provides for reserve development of known claims and future reporting of additional unknown claims from current policyholders and ceding companies.

56


Pending, new, total closed and closed without payment claims for asbestos and environmental exposures for the years ended December 31 are summarized in the following table.
Claims counts for asbestos and environmental exposures

Claims counts for asbestos and environmental exposures

 For the years ended December 31,
Number of claims2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Asbestos           
Pending, beginning of year7,306
 7,444
 7,447
 6,659
 6,883
 7,151
New530
 727
 736
 427
 406
 477
Total closed(685) (865) (739)
Closed (646) (630) (745)
Pending, end of year7,151

7,306

7,444
 6,440

6,659

6,883
Closed without payment398
 433
 451
 446
 377
 373
           
Environmental           
Pending, beginning of year3,552
 3,717
 3,676
 3,351
 3,399
 3,504
New347
 381
 464
 335
 375
 292
Total closed(395) (546) (423)
Closed (457) (423) (397)
Pending, end of year3,504

3,552

3,717
 3,229

3,351

3,399
Closed without payment254
 369
 299
 320
 299
 211
Property-Liability reinsurance cededReinsurance and indemnification programs  For Allstate Protection, weWe utilize reinsurance to reduce exposure to catastrophe risk and manage capital, and to support the required statutory surplus and the insurance financial strength ratings of certain subsidiaries such as Castle Key Insurance Company (“CKIC”) and Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company.Company (“ANJ”). We purchase significant reinsurance to manage our aggregate countrywide exposure to an acceptable level. The price and terms of reinsurance and the credit quality of the reinsurer are considered in the purchase process, along with whether the price can be appropriately reflected in the
costs that are considered in setting future rates charged to policyholders. We have also participate in various reinsurance mechanisms, including industry pools and facilities, which are backed by the financial resources of the property-liability insurance company market participants, and have historically purchased reinsurance to mitigate long-tail liability lines, including environmental, asbestos and other discontinued lines exposures. We retain primary liability as a direct insurer for all risks ceded to reinsurers. The Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association providesalso participate in various indemnification for losses over a retention levelmechanisms, including state-based industry pool or facility programs mandating participation by insurers offering certain coverage in their state and under the federal government National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). See Note 10 of the Federal Government pays all covered claims and certain qualifying claim expenses.consolidated financial statements for additional details on these programs.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg73



2018 Form 10-KClaims and Claims Expense Reserves



























57


Our reinsurance recoverable balances are shown in the following table as of December 31, net of the allowance we have established for uncollectible amounts.
($ in millions)



Standard & Poor’s financial strength rating (1)
 
Reinsurance
recoverable on paid and unpaid claims, net
 
   2015  2014 
Industry pools and facilities       
Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association (“MCCA”)N/A $4,664
(2 
) 
 $4,419
(2 
) 
New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association (“PLIGA”)N/A 500
  508
 
North Carolina Reinsurance FacilityN/A 71
  60
 
National Flood Insurance ProgramN/A 27
  7
 
Other  3
  2
 
Subtotal  5,265
  4,996
 
        
Other reinsurance       
Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”)A+ 183
  202
 
Westport Insurance CorporationAA- 62
  65
 
New England Reinsurance CorporationN/A 32
  33
 
Clearwater Insurance CompanyN/A 28
  27
 
R&Q Reinsurance CompanyN/A 26
  28
 
Bedivere Insurance CompanyN/A 23
  23
 
Other, including allowance for future uncollectible reinsurance recoverables  360
  409
 
Subtotal  714
  787
 
Total Property-Liability  $5,979
  $5,783
 
Reinsurance and indemnification recoverable balances net of the allowance established for uncollectible amounts
  
S&P financial strength rating (1)
 
Reinsurance or indemnification
recoverable on paid and unpaid claims, net
($ in millions)  2018 2017
Indemnification programs      
State-based industry pool or facility programs      
MCCA (2)
 N/A $5,400
 $5,261
New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association (“PLIGA”) N/A 461
 493
North Carolina Reinsurance Facility N/A 86
 86
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”) N/A 104
 19
Other   9
 6
Federal Government - NFIP
 N/A 31
 88
Subtotal   6,091
 5,953
       
Catastrophe reinsurance recoverables      
Renaissance Reinsurance Limited A+ 65
 1
Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation AA- 39
 
Arch Reinsurance Limited A+ 37
 
Other   412
 10
Subtotal   553
 11
       
Other reinsurance recoverables (3)
      
Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) (4)
 A+ 165
 167
Westport Insurance Corporation AA- 60
 61
TIG Insurance Company N/A 35
 31
Other, including allowance for future uncollectible recoverables   344
 326
Subtotal   604
 585
Total Property-Liability   7,248
 6,549
Service Businesses   18
 18
Total   $7,266
 $6,567

(1) 
N/A reflects no S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) rating available.
(2) 
As of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, MCCA includes $29$30 million and $32$27 million of reinsurance recoverable on paid claims, respectively, and $4.61$5.37 billion and $4.39$5.23 billion of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims, respectively.
(3)
Other reinsurance recoverables primarily relate to asbestos, environmental and other liability exposures.
(4)
As of December 31, 2018, case reserves for Lloyd’s were 69% of the reinsurance recoverable for unpaid claims.
Reinsurance and indemnification recoverables include an estimate of the amount of property-liability insurance claims and claims expense reserves that are ceded under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, including incurred but not reported unpaid losses. We calculate our ceded reinsurance estimateand indemnification estimates based on the terms of each applicable reinsurance agreement, including an estimate of how IBNR losses will ultimately be ceded under the agreement. We also consider other limitations and coverage exclusions under our reinsurance agreements. Accordingly, our estimate of reinsurance recoverables is subject to similar risks and uncertainties as our estimate of reserves for property-liability claims and claims expense. We believe the recoverables are appropriately established; however, as our underlying reserves continue to develop, the amount ultimately recoverable may vary from amounts currently recorded. We regularly evaluate the reinsurers and the respective amounts recoverable,of our reinsurance recoverables, and a provision for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables is recorded, if needed. The establishment of reinsurance recoverables and the related allowance for uncollectible reinsurance is also an inherently uncertain process involving estimates. Changes in estimates
could result in additional changes to the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Indemnification recoverables are considered collectible based on the industry pool and facility enabling legislation and the Company has not had any credit losses related to these programs. We also have not experienced credit losses on our catastrophe reinsurance programs. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance primarily relates to other reinsurance programs primarily related to our Discontinued Lines and Coverages reinsurance recoverables andsegment. This allowance was $80$65 million and $95$70 million as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014, respectively. The allowance for Discontinued Lines2017, respectively, which represents 11.8% and Coverages represents 11.9% and 12.9%12.0% of the related reinsurance recoverable balances as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. The allowance is based upon our ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, changes in reinsurer credit standing, and other relevant factors. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, we may become involved in coverage disputes with certain of our reinsurers whichthat may ultimately result in lawsuits and arbitrations brought by or against such reinsurers to determine the parties’

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Claims and Claims Expense Reserves 2018 Form 10-K


rights and obligations under the various reinsurance agreements. We employ dedicated specialists to manage reinsurance collections and disputes. We also consider recent developments in commutation activity between reinsurers and cedents, and recent trends in arbitration and litigation outcomes in disputes between cedents and reinsurers in seeking to maximize our reinsurance recoveries.
Adverse developments in the insurance industry have led to a decline in the financial strength of some of our reinsurance carriers, causing amounts recoverable from them and future claims ceded to them to be considered a higher risk. There has also been consolidation activity in the industry, which
causes reinsurance risk across the industry to be concentrated among fewer companies. In addition, some companies have segregated asbestos, environmental, and other discontinued lines exposures into

58


separate legal entities with dedicated capital. Regulatory bodies in certain cases have supported these actions. We are unable to determine the impact, if any, that these developments will have on the collectability of reinsurance recoverables in the future.
For a detailed description of the MCCA, PLIGA and Lloyd’s, see Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2015, other than the recoverable balances listed in the table above, no other amount due or estimated to be due from any single Property-Liability reinsurer was in excess of $21 million.
The effects of reinsurance ceded on our property-liability premiums earned and claims and claims expense for the years ended December 31 are summarized in the following table.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Ceded property-liability premiums earned$1,006
 $1,030
 $1,069
      
Ceded property-liability claims and claims expense     
Industry pool and facilities     
MCCA$337
 $1,042
 $954
National Flood Insurance Program120
 38
 289
PLIGA9
 158
 356
Other78
 69
 63
Subtotal industry pools and facilities544

1,307

1,662
Other58
 86
 55
Ceded property-liability claims and claims expense$602

$1,393

$1,717
Effects of reinsurance ceded and indemnification programs on our premiums earned and claims and claims expense

  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Allstate Protection - Premiums      
Indemnification programs      
State-based industry pool or facility programs      
MCCA $77
 $73
 $73
PLIGA 9
 9
 8
FHCF 10
 11
 12
Other 90
 108
 99
Federal Government - NFIP
 258
 263
 274
Catastrophe reinsurance 344
 344
 381
Other reinsurance programs 54
 
 
Total Allstate Protection 842
 808
 847
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 
 
 
Total Property-Liability 842
 808
 847
Service Businesses 174
 163
 140
Total effect on premiums earned $1,016
 $971
 $987
       
Allstate Protection - Claims      
Indemnification programs      
State-based industry pool or facility programs      
MCCA $233
 $410
 $386
PLIGA (6) 3
 20
FHCF 148
 19
 
Other 90
 89
 82
Federal Government - NFIP
 118
 1,116
 537
Catastrophe reinsurance 
 604
 46
 (9)
Other reinsurance programs 40
 
 
Total Allstate Protection 1,227

1,683

1,016
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 57
 35
 27
Total Property-Liability 1,284
 1,718
 1,043
Service Businesses 94
 89
 73
Total effect on claims and claims expense $1,378

$1,807

$1,116
In 2015,2018, 2017 and 2016, ceded property-liability premiums earned decreased $24 million,increased primarily due to decreasedincreased indemnification program reinsurance premium rates and a decrease in policies written for the National Flood Insurance ProgramNFIP.
In 2018, ceded claims and the MCCA. In 2014, ceded property-liability premiums earnedclaims expenses decreased $39$429 million, primarily due to decreased reinsurance premium rates and acquiring additional reinsurancehigher amounts related to the NFIP in the capital markets. MCCA2017. In 2017, ceded premiums were $84 million, $99 million and $101 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Ceded property-liability claims and claims expense decreased in 2015expenses increased $691 million, primarily due to lower reserve increases forhigher amounts related to the MCCANFIP related to claims as a result of Hurricanes Harvey and PLIGA programs.Irma. Ceded property-liability claims and claims expense decreasedexpenses increased in 2014
2016, primarily due to lowerhigher amounts cededrelated to the National Flood Insurance Program and lower reserve increases forNFIP as the PLIGA program.
Reserve increases in the PLIGA program in 2015 are attributable to limited personal injury protection coverage on policies written prior to 2004. Reserve increases in the PLIGA program in 2014 are attributable to unlimited personal injury protection coverage on policies written prior to 1991. The ceded claims reflects increased longer term paid loss trends due to increased costsresult of medical care and increased longevity of claimants. New claims for this cohort of policies are unlikely and pending claims are expected to decline.Louisiana flooding.
Our claim reserve development experience is similar toconsistent with the MCCAMCCA’s overall experience with reported and pending claims increasing in recent years. Moreover, the MCCA has reported severity increasing with nearly 60%57% of reimbursements for attendant and residential care services. Michigan’s unique no-fault automotor vehicle insurance law provides unlimited lifetime coverage for medical expenses resulting from motor vehicle accidents. The reserve

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg75


2018 Form 10-KClaims and Claims Expense Reserves

increases in the MCCA program are attributable to an increased recognition of longer term paid loss trends. The paid loss trends are rising due to increased costs in medical and attendant care and increased longevity of claimants. As a result of continuing to originate auto
motor vehicle policies in Michigan with unlimited personal injury protection coverage, we expect pendingthe number of MCCA covered claims and losses to increase each year.
The table below summarizes reserves and claim activity for Michigan personal injury protection claims before (gross) and after (net) the effects of MCCA reinsurance for the years ended December 31.
Michigan personal injury protection reserve and claim activity before and after the effects of MCCA recoverables

Michigan personal injury protection reserve and claim activity before and after the effects of MCCA recoverables

 
For the years ended December 31,

 2018 2017 2016
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Beginning reserves$4,804
 $417
 $3,798
 $365
 $2,866
 $299
 $5,799
 $565
 $5,443
 $522
 $5,121
 $486
Incurred claims and claims expense-current year526
 200
 420
 178
 417
 181
 449
 189
 513
 195
 578
 214
Incurred claims and claims expense-prior years37
 26
 819
 19
 731
 13
 9
 35
 117
 25
 8
 (15)
Claims and claims expense paid-current year (2)
(56) (55) (46) (45) (44) (42)
Claims and claims expense paid-prior years (2)
(190) (102) (187) (100) (172) (86)
Ending reserves$5,121
(1) 
 $486
 $4,804
(1) 
 $417
 $3,798
(1) 
 $365
Claims and claims expense paid-current year (1)
 (52) (51) (54) (53) (60) (58)
Claims and claims expense paid-prior years (1)
 (230) (133) (220) (124) (204) (105)
Ending reserves (2)
 $5,975
 $605
 $5,799
 $565
 $5,443
 $522

(1) 
Reserves for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, comprise 86% case reserves (claims with a file review conducted) and 14% IBNR. Reserves for the year ended December 31, 2013 comprise 66% case reserves and 34% IBNR.
(2)
Paid claims and claims expenses reported in the table for the current and prior year,years, recovered from the MCCA totaled $89$98 million, $88$97 million and $88$101 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

(2)
Gross reserves for the year ended December 31, 2018, comprise 88% case reserves and 12% IBNR. Gross reserves for the year ended December 31, 2017, comprise 87% case reserves and 13% IBNR. Gross reserves for the year ended December 31, 2016 comprise 85% case reserves and 15% IBNR. The MCCA does not require member companies to report ultimate case reserves.
59


Pending MCCA claims differ from most personal lines insurance pending claims as other personal lines policies have coverage limits and incurred claims settle in shorter periods. Claims are considered pending as long as payments are continuing pursuant to an outstanding MCCA claim, which can be for a claimant’s lifetime. ClaimsMany of these injuries are catastrophic in
nature, resulting in serious permanent disabilities that require attendant and residential care for periods that may span decades. A significant portion of the ultimate incurred claim reserves and the recoverables can be attributed to a small number of catastrophic claims that occurred more than 5five years ago and continue to be paid often includepay lifetime benefits. Pending, new and closed claims for Michigan personal injury protection exposures, including those covered and not covered by the MCCA reinsurance, for the years ended December 31 are summarized in the following table.
Number of claims2015 2014 2013
Pending, new and closed claims for Michigan personal injury protection exposures

Pending, new and closed claims for Michigan personal injury protection exposures

 For the years ended December 31,
Number of claims (1)
 2018 2017 2016
Pending, beginning of year4,936
 4,684
 4,029
 4,983
 5,388
 5,127
New8,956
 8,620
 8,531
 7,858
 8,494
 9,577
Total closed(8,765) (8,368) (7,876)
Closed (8,029) (8,899) (9,316)
Pending, end of year5,127

4,936

4,684
 4,812

4,983

5,388
(1)
Total claims includes those covered and not covered by the MCCA indemnification.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, approximately 1,2501,645 of our pending claims have been reported to the MCCA, of which approximately 65%50% represents claims that occurred more than 5 years ago. There are 6875 Allstate brand claims with reserves in excess of $15 million as of December 31, 20152018, which comprise approximately 40%37% of the gross ending reserves in the table above. As a result, significant developments with a single claimant can result in volatility in prior year incurred claims.
Intercompany reinsuranceWe enter into certain intercompany insurance and reinsurance transactions for the Property-Liability operations in order to maintain underwriting control and manage insurance risk among various legal entities. These reinsurance agreements have been approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Catastrophe reinsurance
Our catastrophe reinsurance program is designed, utilizing our risk management methodology, to address our exposure to catastrophes nationwide. Our program is designed to provide reinsurance protection for catastrophes resulting from multiple perils including hurricanes, windstorms, hail, tornados,tornadoes, fires following earthquakes, earthquakes and wildfires. These reinsurance agreements are part of our catastrophe management strategy, which is intended to provide our shareholders an acceptable return on the risks assumed in our property business, and to reduce variability of earnings, while providing protection to our customers.
We anticipate completing the placement of our 20162019 nationwide catastrophe reinsurance program in the second quarter of 2016.2019. We expect the program will be similar to our 20152018 nationwide catastrophe reinsurance program.program, but will evaluate opportunities to improve the economic terms and conditions. For further details of the existing 20152018 program, see Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.

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ALLSTATE FINANCIAL 2015 HIGHLIGHTS
Allstate Life 2018 Form 10-K

Allstate Financial net income applicable to common shareholders was $663 million in 2015 compared to $631 million in 2014.
Allstate Financial premiums and contract charges on underwritten products, including traditional life, interest-sensitive life and accident and health insurance, totaled $2.14 billion in 2015, an increase of 0.5% from $2.13 billion in 2014.
Allstate Financial investments totaled $36.79 billion as of December 31, 2015, reflecting a decrease of $2.02 billion from $38.81 billion as of December 31, 2014. Net investment income decreased 11.6% to $1.88 billion in 2015 from $2.13 billion in 2014.
Allstate Financial net realized capital gains totaled $267 million in 2015 compared to $144 million in 2014.
Allstate Financial contractholder funds totaled $21.30 billion as of December 31, 2015, reflecting a decrease of $1.23 billion from $22.53 billion as of December 31, 2014.
On April 1, 2014, we sold Lincoln Benefit Life Company’s (“LBL”) life insurance business generated through independent master brokerage agencies, and all of LBL’s deferred fixed annuity and long-term care insurance business to Resolution Life Holdings, Inc. Therefore, 2014 includes LBL’s results for one quarter.

60


ALLSTATE FINANCIAL SEGMENTSegment
Overview and strategy  The Allstate Financial segment sellsLife offers traditional, interest-sensitive and variable life insuranceinsurance. In 2018, Allstate Life represented 4.8% of total revenue, 1.8% of total PIF and voluntary accident10.1% of total adjusted net income. Our target customers prefer local personalized advice and health insurance products. We serve our customers through Allstate exclusive agenciesservice and exclusive financial specialists, and workplace enrolling independent agents. We previously offered and continue to have in force fixed annuities such as deferred and immediate annuities, and institutional products consisting of funding agreements sold to unaffiliated trusts that use them to back medium-term notes. Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialists have a portfolio of non-proprietary products to sell, including mutual funds, fixed and variable annuities, disability insurance and long-term care insurance, to help meet customer needs.
Allstate Financial brings value to The Allstate Corporation in three principal ways: through improving the economics of the Protection business through increased customer loyalty and deepened customer relationships based on cross selling Allstate Financial products to existing customers, bringing new customers to Allstate, and profitable growth. Allstate Financial’s strategy is focused on expanding Allstate customer relationships, growing the number of products delivered to customers through Allstate exclusive agencies and Allstate Benefits (our workplace distribution business), managing the run-off of our in-force annuity products while taking actions to improve returns, and emphasizing capital efficiency and shareholder returns.
The strategy for our life insurance business centers on the continuation of efforts to fully integrate the business into the Allstate brand customer value proposition and modernizing our operating model. The life insurance product portfolio and sales process are being redesigned with a focus on clear and distinct positioning to meet the varied needs of Allstate customers. Our product positioning will provide solutions to help meet customer needs during various life stages ranging from basic mortality protection to more complex mortality and financial planning solutions. Basic mortality protection solutions will be provided through less complex products, such as term and whole life insurance, sold through exclusive agents and licensed sales professionals to deepen customer relationships. More advanced mortality and financial planning solutions will be provided primarily through exclusive financial specialists with an emphasisbrand-sensitive. For additional information on our more complex offerings, such as universal life insurance products. Sales producer educationstrategy and technology improvements are being made to ensure agencies have the toolsoutlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and information needed to help customers meet their needs and build personal relationships as trusted advisors. Additionally, tools will be made available to consumers to help them understand their needs and encourage interaction with their local agencies.
Our employer relationships through Allstate Benefits also afford opportunities to offer Allstate products to more customers and grow our business. Allstate Benefits is an industry leader in the voluntary benefits market, offering a broad range of products, including critical illness, accident, cancer, hospital indemnity, disability and universal life. Allstate Benefits differentiates itself by offering a broad product portfolio, flexible enrollment solutions and technology (including significant presence on private exchanges), and its strong national accounts team, as well as the well-recognized Allstate brand. We are investing in new generation enrollment and administrative technology to improve our customer experience and modernize our operating model.
Market trends for voluntary benefits are favorable as the market has nearly doubled in size since 2006, driven by the ability of voluntary benefits to fill gaps from employers seeking to contain rising health care costs, by providing lower cost benefits, and shifting costs to employees. Allstate Benefits has introduced new products and enhanced existing products to address these gaps by providing protection for catastrophic events such as a critical illness, accident or hospital stay. We are expanding our group life capabilities to broaden our product portfolio. Originally a provider of voluntary benefits to small and mid-sized businesses, Allstate Benefits now provides benefit solutions to companies of all sizes and industries including the large account voluntary benefits marketplace.
Allstate Benefits is partnering with other Allstate Protection Emerging Businesses to expand our small business presence and enhance small business enrollment capabilities and technology. Additionally, we are increasing Allstate exclusive agency engagement to drive cross selling of voluntary benefits products, and developing opportunities for revenue growth through new product and fee income offerings. The Allstate Benefits strategy for growth also includes expansion in the national accounts market by increasing the number of sales, enrollment technology and account management personnel and expanding independent agent distribution in targeted geographic locations for increased new sales. Allstate Benefits new business written premiums increased 6.0% and 5.0% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Allstate Benefits also expanded into the Canadian market in 2015.
Our in force deferred and immediate annuity business has been adversely impacted by the historically low interest rate environment. Our immediate annuity business has also been impacted by medical advancements that have resulted in annuitants living longer than anticipated when many of these contracts were originated. We have initiated a mortality study for our structured settlement annuities with life contingencies, which is expected to be completed in 2016, to update our mortality assumptions concerning these trends. Allstate Financial focuses on the distinct risk and return profiles of the specific products outstanding when developing investment and liability management strategies. The level of legacy deferred annuities in force has been significantly reduced and the investment portfolio and annuity crediting rates are proactively managed to improve the profitability of the business while providing appropriate levels of liquidity. The investment portfolio supporting our immediate annuities is managed to ensure the assets match the characteristics of the liabilities and provide the long-term returns needed to support this business. We continue to increase investments in which we have ownership interests and a greater proportion of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset

61


or operating performance to more appropriately match the long-term nature of our immediate annuities. To transition our annuity business to a more efficient variable cost structure, we continue to assess additional utilization of outsourcing arrangements for the administration of the business.
Allstate Financial outlook
Our growth initiatives continue to focus on increasing the number of customers served through our proprietary Allstate agency and Allstate Benefits channels.
We expect lower investment spread on annuities due to the continuing managed reduction in contractholder funds, the low interest rate environment and investment maturity profile shortening actions.
Allstate Financial will continue to focus on improving long-term returns on our in-force annuity products and managing the impacts of historically low interest rates. We anticipate a continuation of our asset allocation strategy for long-term immediate annuities to have less reliance on investments whose returns come primarily from interest payments to investments in which we have ownership interests and a greater proportion of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance, including performance-based investments. While we anticipate higher returns on these investments over time, the investment income can vary significantly between periods.
Allstate Financial has limitations on the amount of dividends Allstate Financial companies can pay without prior insurance department approval.
Allstate Financial continues to review strategic options to reduce exposure and improve returns of the spread-based businesses. As a result, we may take additional operational and financial actions that offer return improvement and risk reduction opportunities.
Summary analysis  Summarized financial data for the years ended December 31 is presented in the following table.Segment Information.
Summarized financial informationSummarized financial information
 For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Revenues           
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges$2,158
 $2,157
 $2,352
Premiums and contract charges $1,315
 $1,280
 $1,250
Other revenue 119
 114
 113
Net investment income1,884
 2,131
 2,538
 505
 489
 482
Realized capital gains and losses267
 144
 74
 (14) 5
 (38)
Total revenues4,309

4,432

4,964
 1,925
 1,888
 1,807
           
Costs and expenses           
Life and annuity contract benefits(1,803) (1,765) (1,917)
Contract benefits (809) (765) (742)
Interest credited to contractholder funds(761) (919) (1,278) (285) (282) (285)
Amortization of DAC(262) (260) (328) (132) (134) (131)
Operating costs and expenses(472) (466) (565) (369) (352) (338)
Restructuring and related charges
 (2) (7) (3) (2) (1)
Total costs and expenses(3,298)
(3,412)
(4,095) (1,598) (1,535) (1,497)
           
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations3
 (90) (687)
Income tax expense(351) (299) (87)
Income tax (expense) benefit (73) 224
 (91)
Net income applicable to common shareholders$663

$631

$95
 $254
 $577
 $219
           
Life insurance$248
 $242
 $15
Accident and health insurance85
 105
 87
Annuities and institutional products330
 284
 (7)
Adjusted net income $289
 $253
 $247
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (11) 2
 (24)
DAC and DSI amortization related to realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (8) (10) (4)
Tax Legislation (expense) benefit (16) 332
 
Net income applicable to common shareholders$663

$631

$95
 $254
 $577
 $219
           
Allstate Life$229
 $232
 $2
Allstate Benefits104
 115
 100
Allstate Annuities330
 284
 (7)
Net income applicable to common shareholders$663

$631

$95
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits as of December 31 $2,677
 $2,636
 $2,578
           
Investments as of December 31$36,792
 $38,809
 $39,105
Investments classified as held for sale as of December 31
 
 11,983
Contractholder funds as of December 31 $7,656
 $7,608
 $7,464
      
Policies in force as of December 31 by distribution channel (in thousands)      
Allstate agencies 1,831
 1,822
 1,804
Closed channels 191
 204
 219
Total 2,022
 2,026
 2,023
Net income applicable to common shareholders was $663$254 million, $577 million and $219 million in 2015 compared to $6312018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 2018 and 2017 results include a tax expense of $16 million in 2014. The increase primarily relates to higher net realized capital gains and the loss on dispositiona tax benefit of $332 million, respectively, related to the LBL sale in 2014, partially offset by lower net investment income and the reduction in business due to the sale of LBL on April 1, 2014. Net income applicable to common shareholders in 2014 included an after-tax loss on disposition of LBL totaling $60 million. Excluding the loss on disposition as well as theTax Legislation.
Adjusted net income of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $28was $289 million net income applicablein 2018 compared to common shareholders$253 million in 20152017. The increase was comparable to 2014, primarily due to higher net realized capital gains, higher lifea lower effective tax rate from the Tax Legislation and annuity premiums and contract

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charges, and lower interest credited to contractholder funds offsetting lower net investment income and higher life and annuity contract benefits.
Net income applicable to common shareholders was $631 million in 2014 compared to $95 million in 2013. The increase primarily relates to lower loss on disposition charges related to the LBL sale, partially offset by the reduction in business due to the sale of LBL on April 1, 2014. Net income applicable to common shareholders in 2014 and 2013 included an after-tax loss on disposition of LBL totaling $60 million and $521 million, respectively. Excluding the loss on disposition as well as the net income of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $116 million, net income applicable to common shareholders increased $191 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to lower interest credited to contractholder funds, higher net realized capital gains, lower operating costs and expenses, lower amortization of DAC, and higher life and annuity premiums and contract charges, partially offset by higher life and annuity contract benefits and lowerbenefits.
Adjusted net investment income.
Analysis of revenues  Total revenues decreased 2.8% or $123income was $253 million in 20152017 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $211 million, total revenues increased 2.1% or $88$247 million in 2015 compared to 2014,2016. The increase was primarily due to higher net realized capital gains and higher life and annuity premiums and contract
charges, partially offset by lower net investment income. Total revenues decreased 10.7%higher contract benefits and operating costs and expenses.
Premiums and contract chargesincreased 2.7% or $532$35 million in 20142018 compared to 2013. Excluding results2017. The increase primarily relates to growth in traditional life insurance as well as lower reinsurance premiums ceded. Approximately 85% of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $651 million, total revenues increased 2.8% or $119 million in 2014 comparedAllstate Life’s traditional life insurance premium relates to 2013, due to higher net realized capital gains and higherterm life and annuity premiumsinsurance products.
Premiums and contract charges partially offset by lower net investment income.
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges  Premiums represent revenues generated fromincreased 2.4% or $30 million in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase primarily relates to higher traditional life insurance immediate annuities with life contingencies, and accident and health insurance products that have significant mortality or morbidity risk. Contract charges are revenues generated from interest-sensitive and variable life insurance and fixed annuities for which deposits are classifiedrenewal premiums as contractholder funds or separate account liabilities. Contract charges are assessed against the contractholder account values for maintenance, administration, costwell as lower levels of insurance and surrender prior to contractually specified dates.reinsurance premiums ceded.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg77
The following table summarizes life and annuity premiums and contract charges by product for the years ended December 31.

2018 Form 10-KAllstate Life

($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Underwritten products     
Traditional life insurance premiums$505
 $476
 $455
Accident and health insurance premiums2
 8
 26
Interest-sensitive life insurance contract charges716
 781
 991
Subtotal — Allstate Life1,223

1,265

1,472
Traditional life insurance premiums37
 35
 36
Accident and health insurance premiums778
 736
 694
Interest-sensitive life insurance contract charges106
 98
 95
Subtotal — Allstate Benefits921

869

825
Total underwritten products2,144

2,134

2,297
      
Annuities     
Immediate annuities with life contingencies premiums
 4
 37
Other fixed annuity contract charges14
 19
 18
Total — Allstate Annuities14

23

55
      
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges (1)
$2,158

$2,157

$2,352
Premiums and contract charges by product
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Traditional life insurance premiums $600
 $568
 $533
Accident and health insurance premiums 2
 2
 2
Interest-sensitive life insurance contract charges 713
 710
 715
Premiums and contract charges (1)
 $1,315
 $1,280
 $1,250

(1) 
Contract charges related to the cost of insurance totaled $550$493 million $593, $487 million and $725$488 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
Total premiums and contract charges
Contract benefits increased $15.8% or $44 million in 20152018 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $85 million, premiums2017, primarily due to higher claim experience on both traditional and contract chargesinterest-sensitive life insurance. Contract benefits increased $863.1% or $23 million in 20152017 compared to 2014,2016, primarily due to growth in Allstate Benefits accident and health insurance business as well as increased traditionalin force.
Our annual review of assumptions in 2018 resulted in a $1 million increase in reserves primarily for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance renewal premiums. The growth at Allstate Benefitsdue to higher than anticipated policyholder persistency. In 2017, the review resulted in a $12 million increase in reserves, primarily relatesfor secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance due to accident, critical illnessincreased projected exposure to benefits paid under secondary guarantees resulting from continued low interest rates.
Benefit spread reflects our mortality and hospital indemnity products.
Totalmorbidity results using the difference between premiums and contract charges earned for the cost of insurance and contract benefits (“benefit spread”). Benefit spreaddecreased 8.3% or $1952.1% to $286 million in 20142018 compared to 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $254 million, premiums and contract charges increased $59$292 million in 20142017, primarily due to higher claim experience, partially offset by growth in traditional life insurance premiums. Benefit spread increased 3.9% to
$292 million in 2017 compared to 2013,$281 million in 2016, primarily due to growth in Allstate Benefits accidentbusiness in force.
Investment spread reflects the difference between net investment income and health insurance businessinterest credited to contractholder funds (“investment spread”) and is used to analyze the impact of net investment income and interest credited to contractholders on net income. Investment spreadincreased traditional life insurance premiums6.3% to $220 million in 2018 compared to $207 million in 2017, primarily due to higher renewalsnet investment income, partially offset by higher credited interest. Investment spread increased 5.1% to $207 million in 2017 compared to $197 million in 2016, primarily due to higher net investment income and sales through lower credited interest.
Amortization of DAC decreased 1.5% or $2 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to lower gross profits on interest-sensitive life insurance, partially offset by amortization acceleration in 2018 compared to amortization deceleration in 2017 for changes in assumptions. Amortization of DAC increased 2.3% or $3 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to higher net realized capital gains and gross profits, partially offset by higher amortization deceleration for changes in assumptions.
Components of amortization of DAC
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Amortization of DAC before amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses and changes in assumptions $117
 $134
 $131
Amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses (1)
 10
 14
 6
Amortization acceleration (deceleration) for changes in assumptions (‘‘DAC unlocking’’) 5
 (14) (6)
Total amortization of DAC $132
 $134
 $131
(1)
The impact of realized capital gains and losses on amortization of DAC is dependent upon the relationship between the assets that give rise to the gain or loss and the product liability supported by the assets. Fluctuations result from changes in the impact of realized capital gains and losses on actual and expected gross profits.
Our annual comprehensive review of assumptions underlying estimated future gross profits for our interest-sensitive life contracts covers assumptions for mortality, persistency, expenses, investment returns, including capital gains and losses, interest crediting rates to policyholders, and the effect of any hedges.
In 2018, the review resulted in an acceleration of DAC amortization (decrease to income) of $5 million. DAC amortization acceleration primarily related to the investment margin component of estimated gross profits and was due to lower projected investment returns. This was partially offset by DAC amortization deceleration (increase to income) for changes in the
benefit margin due to a decrease in projected mortality.
In 2017, the review resulted in a deceleration of DAC amortization of $14 million. DAC amortization deceleration primarily related to the benefit margin component of estimated gross profits and was due to a decrease in projected mortality. This was partially offset by DAC amortization acceleration for changes in the investment margin due to continued low interest rates and lower projected investment returns.
In 2016, the review resulted in a deceleration of DAC amortization of $6 million. DAC amortization deceleration for changes in the investment margin was due to increased projected investment margins from a

78 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Allstate agencies,Life 2018 Form 10-K

favorable asset portfolio mix. DAC amortization deceleration for changes in the expense margin related primarily to variable life insurance and was due to a decrease in projected expenses.
Changes in DAC
($ in millions) Traditional life and accident and health Interest-sensitive life insurance Total
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Balance, beginning of year $465
 $438
 $687
 $762
 $1,152
 $1,200
Acquisition costs deferred 65
 66
 65
 66
 130
 132
Amortization of DAC before amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses and changes in assumptions (1)
 (41) (39) (76) (95) (117) (134)
Amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses (1)
 
 
 (10) (14) (10) (14)
Amortization (acceleration) deceleration for changes in assumptions (“DAC unlocking”) (1)
 
 
 (5) 14
 (5) 14
Effect of unrealized capital gains and losses (2)
 
 
 150
 (46) 150
 (46)
Ending balance $489
 $465
 $811
 $687
 $1,300
 $1,152
(1)
Included as a component of amortization of DAC on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
Represents the change in the DAC adjustment for unrealized capital gains and losses. The DAC adjustment represents the amount by which the amortization of DAC would increase or decrease if the unrealized gains and losses in the respective product portfolios were realized.
Operating costs and expensesincreased4.8% or $17 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to higher technology and employee-related costs and higher commissions on non-proprietary product sales.
Operating costs and expenses increased 4.1% or $14 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to
higher employee related costs and higher net distribution expenses reflecting increased regulatory compliance costs, partially offset by lower premiums on immediate annuities with life contingencies due to discontinuing new sales January 1, 2014. non-deferrable commissions.
Analysis of reserves and contractholder funds
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Traditional life insurance $2,539
 $2,460
 $2,398
Accident and health insurance 138
 176
 180
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits $2,677
 $2,636
 $2,578

The growth at Allstate Benefits primarily relates to accident and critical illness products and an increase in the number of employer groups.Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg79

63

2018 Form 10-KAllstate Life

Contractholder funds represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance, fixed annuities and funding agreements.insurance. The balance of contractholder funds is equal to the cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals maturities and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses.
The following table shows the changes in contractholder funds for the years ended December 31.
Change in contractholder fundsChange in contractholder funds
 For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Contractholder funds, beginning balance$22,529
 $24,304
 $39,319
 $7,608
 $7,464
 $7,359
Contractholder funds classified as held for sale, beginning balance
 10,945
 
Total contractholder funds, including those classified as held for sale22,529

35,249

39,319
           
Deposits      965
 973
 991
Interest-sensitive life insurance1,004
 1,059
 1,378
Fixed annuities199
 274
 1,062
Total deposits1,203

1,333

2,440
           
Interest credited760
 919
 1,295
 284
 282
 284
           
Benefits, withdrawals, maturities and other adjustments     
Benefits, withdrawals and other adjustments      
Benefits(1,077) (1,197) (1,535) (232) (241) (245)
Surrenders and partial withdrawals(1,278) (2,273) (3,299) (259) (254) (250)
Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products(1) (2) (1,799)
Contract charges(818) (881) (1,112) (704) (704) (705)
Net transfers from separate accounts7
 7
 12
 6
 4
 4
Other adjustments (1)
(30) 36
 (72) (12) 84
 26
Total benefits, withdrawals, maturities and other adjustments(3,197)
(4,310)
(7,805)
     
Contractholder funds sold in LBL disposition
 (10,662) 
Contractholder funds classified as held for sale, ending balance
 
 (10,945)
Total benefits, withdrawals and other adjustments (1,201) (1,111) (1,170)
Contractholder funds, ending balance$21,295
 $22,529
 $24,304
 $7,656
 $7,608
 $7,464

(1) 
The table above illustrates the changes in contractholder funds, which are presented gross of reinsurance recoverables on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The table above is intended to supplement our discussion and analysis of revenues, which are presented net of reinsurance on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result, the net change in contractholder funds associated with products reinsured is reflected as a component of the other adjustments line.
Contractholder funds decreased 5.5% and 7.3% in 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily due to the continued runoff of our deferred fixed annuity business that we stopped offering beginning January 1, 2014.
Contractholder deposits decreased 9.8%0.8% in 20152018 compared to 2014, primarily due2017, and 1.8% in 2017 compared to lower additional deposits on fixed annuities2016. The weighted average guaranteed crediting rate and lower deposits onweighted average current crediting rate for our interest-sensitive life insurance due to the LBL sale. Contractholder deposits decreased 45.4% in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to no longer offering fixed annuity products beginning January 1, 2014, as well as lower deposits on interest-sensitivecontracts, excluding variable life, insurance due to the LBL sale.
Surrenders and partial withdrawals on deferred fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life insurance products decreased 43.8% to $1.28 billion in 2015 from $2.27 billion in 2014, primarily due to the continued runoff of our deferred annuity business and the LBL sale. Additionally, 2014 had elevated surrenders on fixed annuities resulting from a large number of contracts reaching the 30-45 day period (typically at their 5 or 6 year anniversary) during which there is no surrender charge. Surrenders and partial withdrawals on deferred fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life insurance products decreased 31.1% to $2.27 billion in 2014 from $3.30 billion in 2013, primarily due to the LBL sale. The surrender and partial withdrawal rate on deferred fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life insurance products, based on the beginning of year contractholder funds, was 7.1% in 2015 compared to 9.9% in 2014 and 10.2% in 2013.
Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products included a $1.75 billion maturity in 2013. There are $85 million of institutional products outstandingboth 3.9% as of December 31, 2015.2018.

80 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Allstate Life 2018 Form 10-K


Allstate Life reinsurance ceded

In the normal course of business, we seek to limit aggregate and single exposure to losses on large risks by purchasing reinsurance. In addition, we have used reinsurance to effect the disposition of certain blocks of business.



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Net investment incomeWe retain primary liability as a direct insurer for the years endedall risks ceded to reinsurers. As of December 31, are presented2018, approximately 15% of our face amount of life insurance in the following table.force was reinsured.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Fixed income securities$1,296
 $1,561
 $1,986
Equity securities29
 22
 13
Mortgage loans213
 248
 352
Limited partnership interests287
 267
 175
Short-term investments3
 2
 1
Other114
 100
 114
Investment income, before expense1,942
 2,200
 2,641
Investment expense(58) (69) (103)
Net investment income$1,884
 $2,131
 $2,538
      
Allstate Life$490
 $519
 $622
Allstate Benefits71
 72
 72
Allstate Annuities1,323
 1,540
 1,844
Net investment income$1,884
 $2,131
 $2,538
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer      
  
S&P financial strength rating (1)
 Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid benefits
   
    For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)   2018 2017
RGA Reinsurance Company AA- $210
 $229
Swiss Re Life and Health America, Inc. AA- 156
 159
Munich American Reassurance AA- 87
 91
Transamerica Life Group AA- 76
 77
Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc. (2)
 N/A 66
 87
John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company AA- 53
 54
Triton Insurance Company N/A 45
 47
American Health & Life Insurance Co. N/A 34
 37
Lincoln National Life Insurance AA- 25
 28
Security Life of Denver A 24
 27
SCOR Global Life AA- 14
 17
American United Life Insurance Company AA- 13
 14
Other (3)
   20
 25
Total   $823
 $892
Net investment income decreased 11.6% or $247 million to $1.88 billion in 2015 from $2.13 billion in 2014. Excluding $126 million related to the LBL business for first quarter 2014, net investment income decreased $121 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to lower average investment balances, fixed income portfolio yields, and prepayment fee income and litigation proceeds, partially offset by higher limited partnership income. In 2015 we shortened the maturity profile of the fixed income securities in Allstate Financial to make the portfolio less sensitive to rising interest rates. The approximately $2 billion of proceeds from the sale of longer duration fixed income securities were invested in shorter duration fixed income securities and public equity securities that are expected to contribute lower net investment income and portfolio yields. Over time, we will shift the majority of the proceeds to performance-based investments in which a greater proportion of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance, to more appropriately match the long-term nature of our immediate annuity liabilities and improve long-term economic results. We anticipate higher long-term returns on these investments. While the dispositions generated net realized capital gains, investment income will be impacted by lower yields on the reinvested proceeds until repositioned to performance-based investments.
Net investment income decreased 16.0% or $407 million to $2.13 billion in 2014 from $2.54 billion in 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $397 million, net investment income decreased $10 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to lower average investment balances, partially offset by higher limited partnership income.
The average pre-tax investment yields were 5.4% for 2015, 5.6% for 2014 and 5.1% for 2013.
Net realized capital gains and losses for the years ended December 31 are presented in the following table.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Impairment write-downs$(63) $(11) $(33)
Change in intent write-downs(65) (44) (19)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings(128)
(55)
(52)
Sales and other385
 185
 112
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments10
 14
 14
Realized capital gains and losses, pre-tax267

144

74
Income tax expense(94) (50) (28)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax$173

$94

$46
      
Allstate Life$1
 $4
 $(5)
Allstate Benefits
 1
 (1)
Allstate Annuities172
 89
 52
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax$173
 $94
 $46
For further discussion of realized capital gains and losses, see the Investments section of the MD&A.
Analysis of costs and expenses  Total costs and expenses decreased 3.3% or $114 million in 2015 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $168 million, total costs and expenses increased $54 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to higher life and annuity contract benefits, partially offset by lower interest credited to contractholder funds. Total costs and expenses decreased 16.7% or $683 million in 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $475 million, total costs and expenses decreased $208 million in 2014 compared to

65


2013, primarily due to lower interest credited to contractholder funds, lower operating costs and expenses and lower amortization of DAC, partially offset by higher life and annuity contract benefits.
Life and annuity contract benefits increased 2.2% or $38 million in 2015 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $65 million, life and annuity contract benefits increased $103 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to unfavorable life insurance mortality experience and growth at Allstate Benefits. Our 2015 annual review of assumptions resulted in a $4 million increase in reserves primarily for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance due to higher than anticipated retention on guaranteed interest-sensitive life business.
Life and annuity contract benefits decreased 7.9% or $152 million in 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $173 million, life and annuity contract benefits increased $21 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to worse mortality experience on life insurance and growth at Allstate Benefits. Our 2014 annual review of assumptions resulted in an $11 million increase in reserves primarily for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance due to increased projected exposure to secondary guarantees.
We analyze our mortality and morbidity results using the difference between premiums and contract charges earned for the cost of insurance and life and annuity contract benefits excluding the portion related to the implied interest on immediate annuities with life contingencies (“benefit spread”). This implied interest totaled $511 million, $521 million and $527 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The benefit spread by product group for the years ended December 31 is disclosed in the following table.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Life insurance$250
 $287
 $301
Accident and health insurance(10) (8) (18)
Subtotal — Allstate Life240

279

283
Life insurance24
 17
 21
Accident and health insurance396
 397
 356
Subtotal — Allstate Benefits420

414

377
Allstate Annuities(80) (85) (77)
Total benefit spread$580

$608

$583
Benefit spread decreased 4.6% or $28 million in 2015 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $(1) million, benefit spread decreased $29 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to unfavorable life insurance mortality experience, partially offset by higher life insurance premiums.
Benefit spread increased 4.3% or $25 million in 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $11 million, benefit spread increased $36 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to growth in Allstate Benefits accident and health insurance and higher premiums and cost of insurance contract charges on life insurance, partially offset by worse mortality experience on life insurance and immediate annuities.
Interest credited to contractholder funds decreased 17.2% or $158 million in 2015 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $90 million, interest credited to contractholder funds decreased 8.2% or $68 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to lower average contractholder funds and lower interest crediting rates. Interest credited to contractholder funds decreased 28.1% or $359 million in 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $270 million, interest credited to contractholder funds decreased $89 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to lower average contractholder funds and lower interest crediting rates. Valuation changes on derivatives embedded in equity-indexed annuity contracts that are not hedged increased interest credited to contractholder funds by $2 million in 2015 compared to $22 million in 2014 and $24 million in 2013.
In order to analyze the impact of net investment income and interest credited to contractholders on net income, we monitor the difference between net investment income and the sum of interest credited to contractholder funds and the implied interest on immediate annuities with life contingencies, which is included as a component of life and annuity contract benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Operations (“investment spread”).









66


The investment spread by product group for the years ended December 31 is shown in the following table.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Life insurance$130
 $93
 $93
Accident and health insurance5
 8
 14
Net investment income on investments supporting capital76
 110
 113
Subtotal — Allstate Life211

211

220
Life insurance10
 10
 12
Accident and health insurance11
 11
 11
Net investment income on investments supporting capital14
 15
 14
Subtotal — Allstate Benefits35

36

37
Annuities and institutional products238
 320
 342
Net investment income on investments supporting capital130
 146
 158
Subtotal — Allstate Annuities368

466

500
Investment spread before valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged614
 713
 757
Valuation changes on derivatives embedded in equity-indexed annuity contracts that are not hedged(2) (22) (24)
Total investment spread$612

$691

$733
Investment spread before valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged decreased 13.9% or $99 million in 2015 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $46 million, investment spread before valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged decreased $53 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to lower net investment income, partially offset by lower credited interest. Investment spread before valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged decreased 5.8% or $44 million in 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for the second through fourth quarter of 2013 of $149 million, investment spread before valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged increased $105 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to higher limited partnership income, higher fixed income yields and lower crediting rates, partially offset by the continued managed reduction in our spread-based business in force.
To further analyze investment spreads, the following table summarizes the weighted average investment yield on assets supporting product liabilities and capital, interest crediting rates and investment spreads. For purposes of these calculations, investments, reserves and contractholder funds classified as held for sale were included for periods prior to April 1, 2014. Investment spreads may vary significantly between periods due to the variability in investment income, particularly for immediate fixed annuities where the investment portfolio includes limited partnerships.
 
Weighted average
investment yield
 
Weighted average
interest crediting rate
 
Weighted average
investment spreads
 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Interest-sensitive life insurance5.2% 5.3% 5.1% 3.9% 3.9% 3.8% 1.3% 1.4% 1.3%
Deferred fixed annuities and institutional products4.3
 4.5
 4.5
 2.8
 2.9
 2.9
 1.5
 1.6
 1.6
Immediate fixed annuities with and without life contingencies7.0
 7.3
 6.9
 5.9
 6.0
 6.0
 1.1
 1.3
 0.9
Investments supporting capital, traditional life and other products4.0
 4.4
 4.0
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a










67


The following table summarizes our product liabilities as of December 31 and indicates the account value of those contracts and policies for which an investment spread is generated.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Immediate fixed annuities with life contingencies$8,714
 $8,904
 $8,928
Other life contingent contracts and other3,533
 3,476
 3,458
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits$12,247

$12,380

$12,386
      
Interest-sensitive life insurance$7,975
 $7,880
 $7,777
Deferred fixed annuities9,748
 10,860
 12,524
Immediate fixed annuities without life contingencies3,226
 3,450
 3,675
Institutional products85
 85
 85
Other261
 254
 243
Contractholder funds$21,295

$22,529

$24,304
      
Liabilities held for sale$

$

$12,839
The following table summarizes reserves and contractholder funds for Allstate Life, Allstate Benefits and Allstate Annuities as of December 31.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Allstate Life$2,535
 $2,481
 $2,509
Allstate Benefits897
 874
 855
Allstate Annuities8,815
 9,025
 9,022
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits$12,247
 $12,380
 $12,386
      
Allstate Life$7,226
 $7,130
 $7,016
Allstate Benefits942
 929
 919
Allstate Annuities13,127
 14,470
 16,369
Contractholder funds$21,295
 $22,529
 $24,304
Amortization of DAC  The components of amortization of DAC for the years ended December 31 are summarized in the following table.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Amortization of DAC before amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses, valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged and changes in assumptions$256
 $263
 $298
Amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses (1) and valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged
5
 5
 7
Amortization acceleration (deceleration) for changes in assumptions (“DAC unlocking”)1
 (8) 23
Total amortization of DAC$262

$260

$328
      
Allstate Life$133
 $140
 $223
Allstate Benefits124
 112
 102
Allstate Annuities5
 8
 3
Total amortization of DAC$262
 $260
 $328

(1) 
The impactN/A reflects no S&P rating available.
(2)
Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc. was last rated by S&P in 2009 and A.M. Best removed their rating in 2011.  Scottish Re (U.S.), Inc. remains current on claims payments to Allstate.
(3)
As of realized capital gainsDecember 31, 2018 and losses on amortization2017, the other category includes $9 million and $19 million, respectively, of DAC is dependent upon the relationship between the assets that give rise to the gainrecoverables due from reinsurers rated A- or loss and the product liability supportedbetter by the assets. Fluctuations result from changes in the impact of realized capital gains and losses on actual and expected gross profits.S&P.
Amortization
We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of DAC increased 0.8% or $2reinsurers in order to determine our risk of recoverability on an individual and aggregate basis, and a provision for uncollectible reinsurance is recorded if needed. No amounts have been deemed unrecoverable in the three-years ended December 31, 2018.
We enter into certain intercompany reinsurance transactions for the Allstate Life operations in order to maintain underwriting control and manage insurance risk among various legal entities. These reinsurance agreements have been approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg81


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Benefits

Allstate Benefits Segment
allbenefitsgradver4proposa10.jpg
Allstate Benefits offers voluntary benefits products, including life, accident, critical illness, short-term disability and other health products. In 2018, Allstate Benefits represented 3.0% of total revenue, 3.7% of total PIF and 4.2% of total adjusted net income. Our target customers are middle market consumers with family financial protection needs. For additional information on our strategy and outlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and Segment Information.
Summarized financial information
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Revenues      
Premiums and contract charges $1,135
 $1,084
 $1,011
Net investment income 77
 72
 71
Realized capital gains and losses (9) 1
 (5)
Total revenues 1,203
 1,157
 1,077
       
Costs and expenses      
Contract benefits (595) (564) (509)
Interest credited to contractholder funds (35) (35) (36)
Amortization of DAC (145) (142) (145)
Operating costs and expenses (285) (266) (240)
Restructuring and related charges 
 (3) 
Total costs and expenses (1,060) (1,010) (930)
       
Income tax expense (30) (1) (51)
Net income applicable to common shareholders $113
 $146
 $96
       
Adjusted net income $119
 $95
 $100
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (7) 
 (4)
DAC and DSI amortization related to realized capital gains and losses, after-tax 1
 
 
Tax Legislation benefit 
 51
 
Net income applicable to common shareholders $113
 $146
 $96
       
Benefit ratio (1)
 52.4
 52.0
 50.3
       
Operating expense ratio (2)
 25.1
 24.5
 23.7
       
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits as of December 31 $1,007
 $979
 $940
       
Contractholder funds as of December 31 $898
 $890
 $881
       
Policies in force as of December 31 by product type (in thousands) 4,208
 4,033
 3,755
(1)
Benefit ratio is calculated as contract benefits divided by premiums and contract charges.
(2)
Operating expense ratio is calculated as operating costs and expenses divided by premiums and contract charges.
Net income applicable to common shareholders was $113 million, $146 million and $96 million in 20152018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 2017 results include a tax benefit of $51 million related to the Tax Legislation.
Adjusted net income was $119 million in 2018 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $5 million, amortization of DAC increased $7$95 million in 2015 compared to 2014,2017. The increase was primarily due to amortization acceleration for changeshigher premiums and a lower effective tax rate from the Tax Legislation, partially offset by higher contract benefits and operating costs and expenses.
Adjusted net income was $95 million in assumptions in 20152017 compared to amortization deceleration$100 million in 2014.2016. The decrease was
primarily due to higher contract benefits and operating costs and expenses, partially offset by higher premiums and contract charges.
Premiums and contract charges increased 4.7% or $51 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily related to growth in hospital indemnity (included in other health), accident and critical illness products.
Premiums and contract charges increased 7.2% or $73 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily related to growth in critical illness, short-term disability and accident products.

82 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Allstate Benefits 2018 Form 10-K


Premiums and contract charges by product
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Life $155
 $155
 $154
Accident 297
 280
 270
Critical illness 476
 468
 443
Short-term disability 108
 102
 78
Other health 99
 79
 66
Premiums and contract charges 
 $1,135
 $1,084
 $1,011
New annualized premium sales (annualized premiums at initial customer enrollment) decreased 12.4% to $389 million in 2018 and increased 11.6% to $444 million in 2017. The decrease in 2018 relates to increased competition and higher initial enrollments for certain accounts in the prior year.
PIF increased 4.3% to 4,208 thousand as of December 31, 2018 compared to 4,033 thousand as of December 31, 2017. PIF increased 7.4% to 4,033 thousand as of December 31, 2017 compared to 3,755 thousand as of December 31, 2016.
Contract benefits increased 5.5% or $31 million in 2018 compared to 2017 and 10.8% or $55 million in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase in both periods was primarily due to higher claim experience and growth.
Benefit ratio increased to 52.4 in 2018 compared to 52.0 in 2017 due to higher claim experience related to life products, partially offset by lower claim experience in hospital indemnity products. Benefit ratio increased to 52.0 in 2017 compared to 50.3 in 2016 due to higher
claims experience in health products, including critical illness and accident.
Amortization of DAC increased 2.1% or $3 million to $145 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to growth, partially offset by a favorable adjustment associated with our annual review of assumptions. Amortization of DAC decreased 20.7%2.1% or $68$3 million to $142 million in 20142017 compared to 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $1 million, amortization of DAC decreased $67 million in 2014 compared to 2013,2016, primarily due to lower amortization deceleration for changes inassociated with our annual comprehensive review of assumptions in 2014 compared to amortization acceleration in 2013,and lower lapses, partially offset by higher amortization on accident and health insurance resulting fromrelated to growth.
Our annual comprehensive review of assumptions underlying estimated future gross profits for our interest-sensitive life fixed annuities and other investment contracts covers assumptions for persistency, mortality, expenses, investment returns, including

68


capital gains and losses, interest crediting rates to policyholders, and the effect of any hedges in all product lines. In 2015, the review resulted in an acceleration of DAC amortization (charge to income) of $1 million related to interest-sensitive life insurance.
In 2014, the review resulted in a deceleration of DAC amortization (credit(increase to income) of $8 million. Amortization deceleration of $10$4 million relatedin 2018 compared to interest-sensitive life insurance and was primarily due to a decrease in projected expenses, partially offset by increased projected mortality. Amortization acceleration of $2 million related to fixed annuities and was primarily due to a decrease in projected gross profits.
In 2013, the review resulted in an acceleration of DAC amortization (decrease to income) of $23 million. Amortization acceleration of $38$1 million related to interest-sensitive life insurance and was primarily due to an increase$4 million in projected mortality2017 and expenses, partially offset by increased projected investment margins. Amortization deceleration of $12 million related to fixed annuities and was primarily due to an increase in projected investment margins. Amortization deceleration of $3 million related to variable life insurance.2016, respectively.
The changes in DAC for the years ended December 31 are detailed in the following table.
($ in millions)Traditional life and accident and health Interest-sensitive life insurance Fixed annuities Total
 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Balance, beginning of year$753
 $711
 $905
 $991
 $47
 $45
 $1,705
 $1,747
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance
 13
 
 700
 
 30
 
 743
Total, including those classified as held for sale753

724

905

1,691

47

75

1,705

2,490
Acquisition costs deferred178
 167
 107
 113
 
 
 285
 280
Amortization of DAC before amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses, valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged and changes in assumptions (1)
(139) (125) (111) (130) (6) (8) (256) (263)
Amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses and valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged (1)

 
 (6) (8) 1
 3
 (5) (5)
Amortization (acceleration) deceleration for changes in assumptions (“DAC unlocking”) (1)

 
 (1) 10
 
 (2) (1) 8
Effect of unrealized capital gains and losses (2)

 
 99
 (97) 5
 (1) 104
 (98)
Sold in LBL disposition
 (13) 
 (674) 
 (20) 
 (707)
Ending balance$792

$753

$993

$905

$47

$47

$1,832

$1,705
Changes in DAC
  For the years ended
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Balance, beginning of year $542
 $526
Acquisition costs deferred 150
 158
Amortization of DAC before amortization relating to changes in assumptions (1)
 (150) (141)
Amortization relating to realized capital gains and losses (1)
 1
 
Amortization deceleration (acceleration) for changes in assumptions (“DAC unlocking”) (1)
 4
 (1)
Effect of unrealized capital gains and losses (2)
 2
 
Ending balance $549
 $542

(1) 
Included as a component of amortization of DAC on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) 
Represents the change in the DAC adjustment for unrealized capital gains and losses. The DAC adjustment represents the amount by which the amortization of DAC would increase or decrease if the unrealized gains and losses in the respective product portfolios were realized.
Operating costs and expenses
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Non-deferrable commissions $109
 $98
 $91
General and administrative expenses 176
 168
 149
Total operating costs and expenses $285
 $266
 $240
Operating costs and expenses increased 1.3%7.1% or $6$19 million in 20152018 compared to 2014. Excluding results of the LBL business for first quarter 2014 of $8 million, operating2017, primarily due to higher non-deferrable commissions (associated with growth in premiums and contract charges) and employee-related costs and expenses increased $14 million in 2015 compared to 2014. consistent with growth.
Operating costs and expenses decreased 17.5%increased 10.8% or $99$26 million in 20142017 compared to 2013. Excluding results of the LBL business for second through fourth quarter 2013 of $31 million, operating2016, primarily due to higher employee-related costs and expenses decreased $68 millionnon-deferrable commissions related to growth, as well as higher technology expenses.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg83


2018 Form 10-KAllstate Benefits

Operating expense ratio increased to 25.1 in 20142018 compared to 2013.24.5 in 2017, primarily due to policy growth and investments in the business. Operating expense ratio increased to 24.5 in 2017 compared to 23.7 in 2016.
The following table summarizes operating costsAnalysis of reserves and expenses for the years ended December 31.contractholder funds
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Non-deferrable commissions$95
 $99
 $103
General and administrative expenses325
 314
 398
Taxes and licenses52
 53
 64
Total operating costs and expenses$472

$466

$565
      
Restructuring and related charges$
 $2
 $7
      
Allstate Life$212
 $232
 $282
Allstate Benefits222
 206
 199
Allstate Annuities38
 28
 84
Total operating costs and expenses$472

$466

$565
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Traditional life insurance $269
 $262
 $247
Accident and health insurance 738
 717
 693
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits $1,007
 $979
 $940
GeneralContractholder funds relate to interest-sensitive life insurance and administrative expenses increased 3.5% or $11totaled $898 million in 2015as of December 31, 2018 compared to 2014, primarily due to increased expenses at $890 million as of December 31, 2017 and $881 million as of December 31, 2016.
Allstate Benefits relatingreinsurance ceded  
The vast majority of our reinsurance relates to employee costs, reinsurance expense allowances paid to LBL for business reinsured to Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) after the sale, and a guaranty fund accrual release in the prior year period, partially offset by lower technology costs.

69


General and administrative expenses decreased 21.1% or $84 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to actions to improve strategic focus and modernize the operating model. This included the sale of LBL, exiting the master brokerage agency distribution channel, discontinuing sales of proprietary annuity products, and other rightsizing and profitability actions.
Income tax expense included $17 million related to our adoption of new accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects in first quarter 2015.
Reinsurance ceded  In the normal course of business, we seek to limit aggregate and single exposure to losses on large risks by purchasing reinsurance. In addition, Allstate Financial has used reinsurance to effect the disposition of certainour long-term care and other closed blocks of business.business several years ago. We retain primary liability as a direct insurer for all risks ceded to reinsurers. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 21% and 23%, respectively, of our face amount of life insurance in force was reinsured. Additionally, we ceded substantially all of the risk associated with our variable annuity business.
Our reinsurance recoverables, summarized by reinsurer as of December 31, are shown in the following table.
($ in millions)
Standard & Poor’s financial strength rating (1)
 Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid benefits
  
   2015 2014
Prudential Insurance Company of AmericaAA- $1,438
 $1,461
RGA Reinsurance CompanyAA- 268
 262
Swiss Re Life and Health America, Inc.AA- 153
 160
Munich American ReassuranceAA- 103
 98
Scottish Re GroupN/A 94
 82
Mutual of Omaha InsuranceAA- 85
 92
Transamerica Life GroupAA- 83
 84
Manulife Insurance CompanyAA- 56
 57
Triton Insurance CompanyN/A 51
 53
American Health & Life Insurance Co.N/A 43
 22
Lincoln National Life InsuranceAA- 34
 37
Security Life of DenverA 31
 84
General Re Life CorporationAA+ 23
 26
SCOR Global LifeAA- 18
 17
Paul Revere Life Insurance CompanyA 2
 116
Other (2)
  57
 56
Total  $2,539
 $2,707
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer
  S&P financial strength rating Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid benefits
   
    For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)   2018 2017
Mutual of Omaha Insurance AA- $71
 $68
General Re Life Corporation AA+ 19
 19
Other (1)
   5
 5
Total   $95
 $92

(1) 
N/A reflects no Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) rating available.
(2)
As of both December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, the other category includes $47$4 million and $44 million, respectively, of recoverables due from reinsurers with an investment grade credit rating fromrated A- or better by S&P.
We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of reinsurers in order to determine our risk of recoverability on an individual and aggregate basis, and a provision for uncollectible reinsurance is recorded if needed. No amounts have been deemed unrecoverable in the three-years ended December 31, 2015.2018.
We enter into certain intercompany reinsurance transactions for the Allstate FinancialBenefits operations in order to maintain underwriting control and manage insurance risk among various legal entities. These reinsurance agreements have been approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

7084 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Allstate Annuities 2018 Form 10-K


Allstate Annuities Segment
Allstate Annuities consists primarily of deferred fixed annuities and immediate fixed annuities (including standard and sub-standard structured settlements). In 2018, Allstate Annuities represented 2.4% of total revenue, 0.2% of total PIF and 4.6% of total adjusted net income. We exited the continuing sale of annuities over an eight year period from 2006 to 2014, reflecting our expectations of declining returns. This segment is in run-off, and we manage it with a focus on increasing economic value through our investment strategy. For additional information on our strategy and outlook, see Part I, Item 1. Business - Strategy and Segment Information.

INVESTMENTS 2015 HIGHLIGHTS
Investments
Summarized financial information
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Revenues      
Contract charges $15
 $14
 $14
Net investment income 1,096
 1,305
 1,181
Realized capital gains and losses (166) 44
 (38)
Total revenues 945
 1,363
 1,157
       
Costs and expenses      
Contract benefits (569) (594) (606)
Interest credited to contractholder funds (334) (373) (405)
Amortization of DAC (7) (7) (7)
Operating costs and expenses (32) (35) (32)
Total costs and expenses (942) (1,009) (1,050)
       
Gain on disposition of operations 6
 6
 5
Income tax benefit (expense) 66
 58
 (36)
Net income applicable to common shareholders $75
 $418
 $76
       
Adjusted net income $130
 $204
 $101
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (131) 28
 (26)
Valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, after-tax 3
 
 (2)
Gain on disposition of operations, after-tax 4
 4
 3
Tax Legislation benefit 69
 182
 
Net income applicable to common shareholders $75
 $418
 $76
       
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits as of December 31 $8,524
 $8,934
 $8,721
       
Contractholder funds as of December 31 $9,817
 $10,936
 $11,915
       
Policies in force as of December 31 (in thousands)      
Deferred annuities 127
 142
 156
Immediate annuities 84
 89
 95
Total 211
 231
 251
Net income applicable to common shareholders was $75 million, $418 million and $76 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 2018 and 2017 results include a tax benefit of $69 million and $182 million, respectively, related to the Tax Legislation.
Adjusted net income was $130 million in 2018 compared to $204 million in 2017. The decrease was primarily due to lower net investment income, driven by performance-based investment results and decreased average investment balances, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate from the Tax Legislation, decreased interest credited to contractholder funds and lower contract benefits.
Adjusted net income was $204 million in 2017 compared to $101 million in 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher net investment income, lower
interest credited to contractholder funds and lower contract benefits.
Net investment income decreased 16.0% or $209 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to lower performance-based investment results, mainly from limited partnerships, and lower average investment balances. Net investment income increased 10.5% or $124 million in 2017 compared to 2016, benefiting from strong performance-based investment results, primarily from limited partnerships, partially offset by lower average investment balances as a result of a decrease in contractholder funds.
The investment portfolio supporting immediate annuities is managed to ensure the assets match the characteristics of the liabilities and provide the long-term returns needed to support this business. To better match the long-term nature of our immediate

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2018 Form 10-KAllstate Annuities

annuities, we use performance-based investments in which we have ownership interests, and a greater proportion of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance. Performance-based income can vary significantly between periods and is influenced by economic conditions, equity market performance, comparable public company earnings multiples, capitalization rates, operating performance of the underlying investments and the timing of asset sales.
Net realized capital losses in 2018 primarily related to decreased valuation of equity investments and losses on sales of fixed income securities. Net realized capital gains in 2017 primarily related to net gains on sales, as well as gains from valuation changes in public securities held in certain limited partnerships, partially offset by impairment write-downs and derivative valuation losses. Net realized capital losses in 2016 primarily related to impairment write-downs, partially offset by net gains on sales in connection with ongoing portfolio management.
Contract benefits decreased 4.2% or $25 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to immediate annuity mortality experience that was favorable in comparison to the prior year. Contract benefits decreased 2.0% or $12 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to immediate annuity mortality experience.
Our annual review of assumptions in 2018 resulted in a $2 million increase in reserves primarily for guaranteed withdrawal benefits on equity-indexed annuities due to higher projected guaranteed benefits. In 2017, the review resulted in a $1 million increase in reserves.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, our premium deficiency and profits followed by losses evaluations
for our immediate annuities with life contingencies concluded that no adjustments were required to be recognized. For further detail on these evaluations, see Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits estimation in the Application of Critical Accounting Estimates section.
Benefit spread reflects our mortality results using the difference between contract charges earned and contract benefits excluding the portion related to the implied interest on immediate annuities with life contingencies. This implied interest totaled $77.76$492 million, $501 million and $511 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Total benefit spread was $(68) million, $(84) million and $(86) million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Interest credited to contractholder funds decreased 10.5% or $39 million in 2018 compared to 2017 and decreased 7.9% or $32 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to lower average contractholder funds. Valuation changes on derivatives embedded in equity-indexed annuity contracts that are not hedged decreased interest credited to contractholder funds by $3 million in 2018 compared to increases of $1 million in 2017 and $3 million in 2016.
Investment spread reflects the difference between net investment income and the sum of interest credited to contractholder funds and the implied interest on immediate annuities with life contingencies, which is included as a component of contract benefits and is used to analyze the impact of net investment income and interest credited to contractholders on net income.
Investment spread
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Investment spread before valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged $267
 $432
 $268
Valuation changes on derivatives embedded in equity-indexed annuity contracts that are not hedged 3
 (1) (3)
Total investment spread $270
 $431
 $265
Investment spread before valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged decreased 38.2% to $267 million in 2018 compared to $432 million in 2017, primarily due to lower investment income, mainly from limited partnership interests, partially offset by lower credited interest.
Investment spread before valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged increased 61.2% to $432 million in 2017 compared to $268 million in 2016, primarily due to higher net investment income and lower credited interest.


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Allstate Annuities 2018 Form 10-K


To further analyze investment spreads, the following table summarizes the weighted average investment yield on assets supporting product liabilities, interest crediting rates and investment spreads. Investment spreads may vary significantly between periods due to the variability in investment income, particularly for immediate fixed annuities where the investment portfolio includes performance-based investments.
Analysis of investment spread
  
Weighted average
investment yield
 
Weighted average
interest crediting rate
 
Weighted average
investment spreads
  2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Deferred fixed annuities 4.1% 4.2% 4.1% 2.8% 2.8% 2.8% 1.3% 1.4% 1.3%
Immediate fixed annuities with and without life contingencies 6.4
 8.0
 6.5
 6.0
 6.0
 5.9
 0.4
 2.0
 0.6
The following table summarizes the weighted average guaranteed crediting rates and weighted average current crediting rates as of December 31, 2018 for certain fixed annuities where management has the ability to change the crediting rate, subject to a contractual minimum. Other products, including equity-indexed, variable and immediate annuities totaling $4.37 billion of contractholder funds, have been excluded from the analysis because management does not have the ability to change the crediting rate or the minimum crediting rate is not considered meaningful in this context.
Weighted average guaranteed crediting rates and weighted average current crediting rates
($ in millions) Weighted average guaranteed crediting rates Weighted average current crediting rates 
Contractholder
funds
Annuities with annual crediting rate resets 3.14% 3.14% $4,585
Annuities with multi-year rate guarantees (1):
      
Resettable in next 12 months 1.27
 3.23
 198
Resettable after 12 months 2.14
 2.67
 660
(1)
These contracts include interest rate guarantee periods which are typically 5, 6 or 10 years.
Operating costs and expensesdecreased 8.6% or $3 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to a reduction in premium tax accruals and lower employee-related costs.

Operating costs and expensesincreased 9.4% or $3 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to higher guaranty fund expenses. 2016 included a reduction in the accrual for anticipated guaranty fund expenses.
Analysis of reserves and contractholder funds
Product liabilities
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Immediate fixed annuities with life contingencies      
Sub-standard structured settlements and group pension terminations (1)
 $4,990
 $5,284
 $5,029
Standard structured settlements and SPIA (2)
 3,425
 3,565
 3,592
Other 109
 85
 100
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits $8,524
 $8,934
 $8,721
       
Deferred fixed annuities $7,156
 $8,128
 $8,921
Immediate fixed annuities without life contingencies 2,525
 2,700
 2,874
Other 136
 108
 120
Contractholder funds $9,817
 $10,936
 $11,915
(1)
Comprises structured settlement annuities for annuitants with severe injuries or other health impairments which increased their expected mortality rate at the time the annuity was issued (“sub-standard structured settlements”) and group annuity contracts issued to sponsors of terminated pension plans.
(2)
Comprises structured settlement annuities for annuitants with standard life expectancy (“standard structured settlements”) and single premium immediate annuities (“SPIA”) with life contingencies.





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2018 Form 10-KAllstate Annuities

Contractholder funds represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as fixed annuities and funding agreements. The balance of contractholder funds is equal to the cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals, maturities and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses.
Changes in contractholder funds
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Contractholder funds, beginning balance $10,936
 $11,915
 $13,070
       
Deposits 15
 28
 42
       
Interest credited 331
 370
 403
       
Benefits, withdrawals, maturities and other adjustments      
Benefits (587) (638) (705)
Surrenders and partial withdrawals (854) (723) (780)
Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products 
 
 (86)
Contract charges (9) (9) (9)
Net transfers from separate accounts 
 1
 1
Other adjustments (1)
 (15) (8) (21)
Total benefits, withdrawals, maturities and other adjustments (1,465) (1,377) (1,600)
Contractholder funds, ending balance $9,817
 $10,936
 $11,915
(1)
The table above illustrates the changes in contractholder funds, which are presented gross of reinsurance recoverables on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The table above is intended to supplement our discussion and analysis of revenues, which are presented net of reinsurance on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result, the net change in contractholder funds associated with products reinsured is reflected as a component of the other adjustments line.
Contractholder funds decreased 10.2% and 8.2% in 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily due to the continued runoff of our deferred fixed annuity business. We discontinued the sale of annuities but still accept additional deposits on existing contracts.
Surrenders and partial withdrawals increased 18.1% to $854 million in 2018 from $723 million in 2017. Surrenders and partial withdrawals decreased 7.3% to $723 million in 2017 from $780 million in 2016. 2018 had elevated surrenders on fixed annuities resulting from an increased number of contracts reaching the 30-45 day period (typically at their 5, 7 or 10 year anniversary) during which there is no surrender charge. The surrender and partial withdrawal rate on deferred fixed annuities, based on the beginning of year contractholder funds, was 11.4% in 2018 compared to 8.7% in 2017 and 8.6% in 2016.
Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products included an $85 million maturity in 2016. There were no institutional products outstanding as of December 31, 2018, 2017 or 2016.
Allstate Annuities reinsurance ceded
We ceded substantially all of the risk associated with our variable annuity business to Prudential Insurance Company of America (“Prudential”). Our reinsurance recoverables from Prudential totaled $1.36 billion and $1.35 billion as of December 31, 2015, decreasing2018 and 2017, respectively. We also have reinsurance recoverables from $81.11 billionother reinsurers of $17 million as of both December 31, 2014.2018 and 2017.
Unrealized net capital gains totaled $1.03 billionWe retain primary liability as a direct insurer for all risks ceded to reinsurers. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of reinsurers in order to determine our risk of recoverability on an individual and aggregate basis, and a provision for uncollectible reinsurance is recorded if needed. No amounts have been deemed unrecoverable in the three-years ended December 31, 2015, decreasing from $3.17 billion as of December 31, 2014.2018.
Net investment income was $3.16 billion in 2015, a decrease of 8.8% from $3.46 billion in 2014.
Net realized capital gains were $30 million in 2015 compared to $694 million in 2014.
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INVESTMENTS
Investments 2018 Form 10-K


Investments
Overview and strategy  The return on our investment portfolios is an important component of our financial results.ability to offer good value to customers, fund business improvements and create value for shareholders. Investment portfolios are held for the Property-Liability, Service Businesses, Allstate FinancialLife, Allstate Benefits, Allstate Annuities, and Corporate and Other operations. While taking into consideration the investment portfolio in aggregate, the management of the underlying portfolios is significantly influenced by the nature of each respective business and its corresponding liability profile. For each operation,business, we identify a strategic asset allocation which considers both the nature of the liabilities and the risk and return characteristics of the various asset classes in which we invest. This allocation is informed by our long-term and market expectations, as well as other considerations such as risk appetite, portfolio diversification, duration, desired liquidity and capital. Within appropriate ranges relative to strategic allocations, tactical allocations are made in consideration of prevailing and potential future market conditions. We manage risks that involve uncertainty related to interest rates, credit spreads, equity returns and currency exchange rates.
The Property-Liability portfolio emphasizes protection of principal and consistent income generation, within a total return framework. This approach has produced competitive returns over the long term and is designed to ensure financial strength and stability for paying claims, while maximizing economic value and surplus growth. Products, with lower liquidity needs, such as auto insurance and discontinued lines and coverages, with lower liquidity needs and capital create capacity to invest in less liquid higher yielding fixed income securities, andperformance-based investments such as limited partnerships, as well asand equity securities. Products with higher liquidity needs, such as homeowners insurance, are invested primarily in high quality liquid fixed income securities.
The Service Businesses portfolio is focused on protection of principal and consistent income generation, within a total return framework. The portfolio is largely comprised of fixed income securities with a lesser allocation to equity securities and short-term investments.
The Allstate FinancialLife portfolio is comprised of assets chosen to generate returns to support corresponding liabilities within an asset-liability framework that targets an appropriate return on capital. This portfolio is well diversified and primarily consists of longer duration fixed income securities and commercial mortgage loans.
The Allstate Benefits portfolio is focused on generating an appropriate return on capital. The portfolio is largely comprised of fixed income securities and commercial mortgage loans with a small allocation to equity securities.
The Allstate Annuities portfolio is managed to ensure the assets match the characteristics of the
liabilities. For longer-term immediate annuity liabilities, we invest primarily in performance-based investments such as limited partnerships and other equity investments.securities. For shorter-term annuity and life insurance liabilities, we invest primarily in interest-bearing investments, such as fixed income securities and commercial mortgage loans.loans with maturity profiles aligned with liability cash flow requirements.
The Corporate and Other portfolio balances unique liquidity needs related to the overall corporate capital structure with the pursuit of returns.
Within each segment, we utilize four high leveltwo primary strategies to manage risks and returns and to position our portfolio to take advantage of market opportunities while attempting to mitigate adverse effects. As strategies and market conditions evolve, the asset allocation may change or assets may movebe moved between strategies.
Market-Based CoreMarket-based strategy seeks to deliver predictive earnings aligned to business needs throughstrategies include investments primarily in public fixed income and equity.equity securities. Market-based core seeks to deliver predictable earnings aligned to business needs and returns consistent with the markets in which we invest. Private fixed income assets, such as commercial mortgages, bank loans and privately placed debt that provide liquidity premiums are also included in this category. As of December 31, 2015, 83% of the portfolio follows this strategy with 86% in fixed income securities and mortgage loans and 7% in equity securities, including $1 billion of equity securities that we may not hold for a period of time sufficient to recover unrealized losses.
Market-Based ActiveMarket-based active strategy seeks to outperform within the public markets through tactical positioning and by taking advantage of short-term opportunities. This strategycategory may generate results that meaningfully deviate from those achieved by market indices, both favorably and unfavorably. The portfolio primarily includes public fixed income and equity. As of December 31, 2015, 10% of the portfolio follows this strategy with 82% in fixed income securities and 9% in equity securities, including $728 million of equity securities that we may not hold for a period of time sufficient to recover unrealized losses.
Performance-Based Long-TermPerformance-based (“PBLT”) strategy seeks to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns overand supplement market risk with idiosyncratic risk. Returns are impacted by a longer horizon. The achieved return is a functionvariety of bothfactors including general macroeconomic and public market conditions andas public benchmarks are often used in the valuation of underlying investments. Variability in earnings will also result from the performance of the underlying assets or businesses.business and the timing of sales of those investments. Earnings from the sales of investments may be recorded as net investment income or realized capital gains and losses. The portfolio, which primarily includes private equity and real estate infrastructure, timber and agriculture-related assets,with a majority being limited partnerships, is diversified across a number of characteristics, including managers or partners, vintage years, strategies, geographies (including international) and industry sectors or property types. These investments are generally illiquid in nature, often require specialized expertise, typically involve a third party manager, and may offer the potential to add valueoften enhance returns and income through transformation at the company or property level. AsA portion of December 31, 2015, 7% of the portfolio follows this strategy with 89%these investments seek returns in limited partnership interests.
Performance-Based Opportunisticstrategy seeks to earn attractive returns by making investmentsmarkets or asset classes that involve asset dislocationsare dislocated or special situations, oftenprimarily in private markets. The portfolio primarily includes distressed and event driven assets primarily in fixed income and equity.

71


Investments outlookOutlook
The FOMC raisedIn December 2018, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) tightened monetary policy by setting the new target range for the federal funds rate

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2018 Form 10-KInvestments

at 2-1/4 percent to 2-1/2 percent and maintained their inflation target of 2 percent.  The FOMC noted that some further gradual increases in the federal funds rate in December 2015 forwill be consistent with sustained expansion of economic activity, strong labor market conditions, and inflation near the first time since December 2008, and in January 2016, the FOMC left the rate unchanged. We anticipate that interest rates will continue to increase but remain below historic averages for an extended periodtarget of time and that financial markets will continue to have periods of high volatility and less liquidity. Invested assets and income are expected to decline in line with reductions in contractholder funds for the Allstate Financial segment. Additionally, investment income will decline as a result of maturity profile shortening in 2015 to reduce the risk of rising interest rates in Allstate Financial and as we continue to invest and reinvest investment proceeds at market yields that are below the current portfolio yield.2 percent.  We plan to focus on the following priorities:
Expanding our capabilities in performance-based investing to increaseEnhance investment portfolio returns through use of a dynamic capital allocation framework and capital creation and taking advantage of increased market volatility through higher allocation to market-based active strategies.focus on tax efficiency.
ContinueLeverage our broad capabilities to shift the portfolio mix to include more performance-based investments, primarily private equity, real estate, infrastructure, timber and agriculture-related assets. A greater proportion of the return on these investments is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance. While we anticipateearn higher risk-adjusted returns on these investments over time, the investment income can vary significantly between periods.capital.
InvestingInvest for the specific needs and characteristics of Allstate’s businesses, including its corresponding liability profile.
We continue to increase performance-based investments in our Property-Liability portfolio, consistent with our ongoing strategy to have a greater
proportion of return derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance.
Invested assets and market-based income are expected to decline with reductions in contractholder funds and income related to performance-based investments will result in variability of earnings for the Allstate Annuities segment.
Portfolio composition by reporting segmentAdopted Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities   The compositionBeginning January 1, 2018, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in realized capital gains and losses.
Limited partnerships previously reported using the cost method are now reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net investment income.
See Note 2 of the investment portfolios by reporting segment as of December 31, 2015 is presented in the following table.consolidated financial statements.
Portfolio composition and strategy by reporting segment (1)
Portfolio composition and strategy by reporting segment (1)
 As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)
Property-Liability (5)
 
Allstate Financial (5)
 
Corporate
and Other (5)
 Total Property-Liability Service Businesses Allstate Life 
Allstate Benefits 
 Allstate Annuities 
Corporate
and Other
 Total
  Percent to total   Percent to total   Percent to total   Percent to total
Fixed income securities (1)
$29,732
 77.3% $26,038
 70.8% $2,178
 87.6% $57,948
 74.5%
Equity securities (2)
3,480
 9.0
 1,599
 4.4
 3
 0.1
 5,082
 6.5
Fixed income securities (2)
 $32,143
 $981
 $7,463
 $1,224
 $14,242
 $1,117
 $57,170
Equity securities (3)
 3,488
 131
 40
 51
 1,299
 27
 5,036
Mortgage loans296
 0.8
 4,042
 11.0
 
 
 4,338
 5.6
 390
 
 1,867
 205
 2,208
 
 4,670
Limited partnership interests (3)
2,575
 6.7
 2,295
 6.2
 4
 0.2
 4,874
 6.3
Limited partnership interests 4,222
 
 
 
 3,283
 
 7,505
Short-term investments (4)
959
 2.5
 861
 2.3
 302
 12.1
 2,122
 2.7
 1,759
 91
 187
 27
 638
 325
 3,027
Other1,437
 3.7
 1,957
 5.3
 
 
 3,394
 4.4
 1,632
 
 1,252
 302
 666
 
 3,852
Total$38,479

100.0%
$36,792

100.0%
$2,487

100.0%
$77,758

100.0% $43,634
 $1,203

$10,809

$1,809

$22,336

$1,469
 $81,260
              
Percent to total 53.7% 1.5% 13.3% 2.2% 27.5% 1.8% 100.0%
              
Market-based core $30,689
 $1,203
 $10,809
 $1,809
 $17,548
 $1,469
 $63,527
Market-based active 8,451
 
 
 
 1,245
 
 9,696
Performance-based 4,494
 
 
 
 3,543
 
 8,037
Total $43,634
 $1,203
 $10,809
 $1,809
 $22,336
 $1,469
 $81,260

(1) 
Balances reflect the elimination of related party investments between segments.
(2)
Fixed income securities are carried at fair value. Amortized cost basis for these securities was $29.89$32.44 billion $25.15, $984 million, $7.36 billion $2.16, $1.24 billion, $14.00 billion, $1.11 billion and $57.20$57.13 billion for Property-Liability, Service Businesses, Allstate Financial,Life, Allstate Benefits, Allstate Annuities, Corporate and Other, and in Total, respectively.
(2)
Equity securities are carried at fair value. Cost basis for these securities was $3.24 billion, $1.57 billion, $3 million and $4.81 billion for Property-Liability, Allstate Financial, Corporate and Other, and in Total, respectively.
(3) 
We have commitments to invest
Equity securities are carried at fair value. The fair value of equity securities held as of December 31, 2018, was $547 million in additional limited partnership interests totaling $1.28 billion, $1.27 billionexcess of cost. These net gains were primarily concentrated in the consumer goods, technology and $2.55 billion for Property-Liability, Allstate Financialbanking sectors. Beginning January 1, 2018, the periodic changes in fair value are reflected in realized capital gains and in Total, respectively.losses.
(4) 
Short-term investments are carried at fair value. Amortized cost basis for these investments was $959 million, $861 million, $302 million and $2.12 billion for Property-Liability, Allstate Financial, Corporate and Other, and in Total, respectively.
(5)
Balances reflect the elimination of related party investments between segments.
Investments totaled $77.76$81.26 billion as of December 31, 2015,2018, decreasing from $81.11$82.80 billion as of December 31, 2014,2017, primarily due to common share repurchases, a decline inlower fixed income and equity valuations, resulting from widening credit spreadsissuances and an increase in risk-free interest rates,redemptions of debt and preferred stock, net reductions in contractholder funds, dividends paid to shareholders and a decline in equity valuations.
The Property-Liability investment portfolio totaled $38.48 billion asthe acquisition of December 31, 2015, decreasing from $39.08 billion as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to dividends paid by Allstate Insurance Company (“AIC”) to The Allstate Corporation (the “Corporation”) and a decline in fixed income and equity valuations,InfoArmor, partially offset by positive operating cash flows.
The Allstate Financial investment portfolio totaled $36.79 billion as of December 31, 2015, decreasing from $38.81 billion as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to a decline in fixed income valuations, net reductions in contractholder funds and dividends paid by ALIC to AIC.
The Corporate and Other investment portfolio totaled $2.49 billion as of December 31, 2015, decreasing from $3.22 billion as of December 31, 2014, primarily due to common share repurchases and dividends paid to shareholders, partially offset by dividends paid by AIC to the Corporation.
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Investments 2018 Form 10-K


72


Portfolio composition by investment strategy  The following table presents the investment portfolio by strategy as of December 31, 2015.
Portfolio composition by investment strategyPortfolio composition by investment strategy
 As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)Total Market-Based Core Market-Based Active 
Performance-Based
Long-Term
 Performance-Based Opportunistic Market-based core Market-based active Performance-based Total
Fixed income securities$57,948
 $51,175
 $6,691
 $47
 $35
 $48,903
 $8,193
 $74
 $57,170
Equity securities5,082
 4,210
 764
 77
 31
 4,253
 522
 261
 5,036
Mortgage loans4,338
 4,338
 
 
 
 4,670
 
 
 4,670
Limited partnership interests4,874
 364
 
 4,510
 
 489
 158
 6,858
 7,505
Short-term investments2,122
 1,631
 491
 
 
 2,346
 681
 
 3,027
Other3,394
 2,783
 183
 415
 13
 2,866
 142
 844
 3,852
Total$77,758
 $64,501
 $8,129
 $5,049
 $79
 $63,527
 $9,696
 $8,037
 $81,260
% of total  83% 10% 7% 
                 
Property-Liability$38,479
 $28,525
 $7,137
 $2,764
 $53
% of Property-Liability  74% 19% 7% %
Allstate Financial$36,792
 $33,490
 $992
 $2,284
 $26
% of Allstate Financial  91% 3% 6% %
Corporate & Other$2,487
 $2,486
 $
 $1
 $
% of Corporate & Other  100% % % %
Percent to total 78.2% 11.9% 9.9% 100.0%
        
Unrealized net capital gains and losses        
Fixed income securities $149
 $(112) $(1) $36
Other (3) 
 
 (3)
Total $146
 $(112) $(1) $33
During 2015,2018, strategic actions focused on optimizing portfolio yield, return and risk in the lowrising interest rate environment. In
We continued to increase performance-based investments in the Property-Liability portfolio, we maintainedportfolio.
We modestly increased the shorter maturity profile of our fixed income securities established in 2013. In the Allstate Financial portfolio, we reduced the portfolio’s maturity profile and invested proceeds from the sale of longer duration fixed income securities in shorterour Property-Liability portfolio at a duration fixed income securitiesof 4.1 years, while maintaining duration at 5.6 and public equity securities. These actions have reduced our exposure to rising interest rates. We continue increasing our performance-based investments in both4.2 years for the Property-LiabilityAllstate Life and Allstate FinancialAnnuities portfolios, consistent with our ongoing strategy to have a greater proportion of ownership ofrespectively.
In the Allstate Annuities portfolio, invested assets and market-based income declined with reductions in contractholder funds. Performance-based investments and equity investments. In Allstate Financial’s portfolio, performance-based and other equity investmentssecurities will continue to be allocated primarily to the longer-term immediate annuity liabilities to improvereduce the risk that investment returns on those products. Shorter-termare below levels required to meet their funding needs while shorter-term annuity and life insurance liabilities will continue to be invested primarily in interest-bearing investments, such as fixed income securities and commercial mortgage loans.market-based investments.
Fixed income securities by type are listed in the following table.
Fixed income securities by typeFixed income securities by type
 Fair value as of December 31,
($ in millions)Fair value as of December 31, 2015 Percent to total investments Fair value as of December 31, 2014 Percent to total investments 2018 2017
U.S. government and agencies$3,922
 5.0% $4,328
 5.3% $5,517
 $3,616
Municipal7,401
 9.5
 8,497
 10.5
 9,169
 8,328
Corporate41,827
 53.8
 42,144
 52.0
 40,136
 44,026
Foreign government1,033
 1.4
 1,645
 2.0
 747
 1,021
ABS2,327
 3.0
 3,978
 4.9
RMBS947
 1.2
 1,207
 1.5
CMBS466
 0.6
 615
 0.8
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”) 1,045
 1,272
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) 464
 578
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) 70
 128
Redeemable preferred stock25
 
 26
 
 22
 23
Total fixed income securities$57,948

74.5%
$62,440

77.0% $57,170

$58,992
Fixed income securities are rated by third party credit rating agencies and/or are internally rated. As of December 31, 2015, 85.1%2018, 90.8% of the consolidated fixed income securities portfolio was rated investment grade, which is defined as a security having a rating of Aaa, Aa, A or Baa from Moody’s, a rating of AAA, AA, A or BBB from S&P, Fitch, Dominion, Kroll or Realpoint, a comparable rating of aaa, aa, a or bbb from A.M. Best,another nationally recognized rating agency, or a comparable internal rating if an externally provided rating is not available. Credit ratings below these designations are
considered low credit quality or below investment grade, which includes high yield bonds. Fixed income securities are rated by third party credit rating agencies, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), and/or are internally rated. Market prices for certain securities may have credit spreads which imply higher or lower credit quality than the current third party rating. Our initial investment decisions and ongoing monitoring procedures for fixed income securities are based on a thorough due diligence process which includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the credit quality, sector, structure, and liquidity risks of each issue.

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73

2018 Form 10-KInvestments

The following table summarizes the fair value and unrealized net capital gains and losses for fixed income securities by investment grade and below investment grade classifications as of December 31, 2015.
Fair value and unrealized net capital gains (losses) for fixed income securities by credit qualityFair value and unrealized net capital gains (losses) for fixed income securities by credit quality
 As of December 31, 2018
 Investment grade Below investment grade Total
($ in millions)Investment grade Below investment grade Total 
Fair
value
 Unrealized gain/(loss) 
Fair
value
 Unrealized gain/(loss) 
Fair
value
 Unrealized gain/(loss)
Fair
value
 Unrealized gain/(loss) 
Fair
value
 Unrealized gain/(loss) 
Fair
value
 Unrealized gain/(loss)
U.S. government and agencies$3,922
 $86
 $
 $
 $3,922
 $86
 $5,517
 $131
 $
 $
 $5,517
 $131
Municipal        
 
         
 
Tax exempt4,829
 90
 45
 (4) 4,874
 86
 6,969
 6
 31
 
 7,000
 6
Taxable2,461
 275
 66
 8
 2,527
 283
 2,133
 201
 36
 (1) 2,169
 200
Corporate        
 
        ��
 
Public25,631
 285
 4,771
 (251) 30,402
 34
 26,435
 (160) 2,835
 (136) 29,270
 (296)
Privately placed8,673
 253
 2,752
 (134) 11,425
 119
 8,966
 (10) 1,900
 (94) 10,866
 (104)
Foreign government1,027
 50
 6
 
 1,033
 50
 738
 8
 9
 
 747
 8
ABS        
 
         
 
Collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”)709
 (14) 68
 (21) 777
 (35) 246
 (3) 23
 
 269
 (3)
Consumer and other asset-backed
securities (“Consumer and other ABS”)
1,530
 2
 20
 1
 1,550
 3
 765
 
 11
 (1) 776
 (1)
RMBS        
 
         
 
U.S. government sponsored entities
(“U.S. Agency”)
199
 7
 
 
 199
 7
 81
 1
 
 
 81
 1
Non-agency68
 1
 680
 82
 748
 83
 35
 1
 348
 85
 383
 86
CMBS235
 6
 231
 22
 466
 28
 30
 
 40
 7
 70
 7
Redeemable preferred stock25
 3
 
 
 25
 3
 22
 1
 
 
 22
 1
Total fixed income securities$49,309

$1,044

$8,639

$(297)
$57,948

$747
 $51,937

$176

$5,233

$(140)
$57,170

$36
Municipal bonds, including tax exempt and taxable securities, totaled $7.40$9.17 billion as of December 31, 20152018 with 99.3% rated investment grade and an unrealized net capital gain of $369$206 million. The municipal bond portfolio includes general obligations of state and local issuers and revenue bonds (including pre-refunded bonds, which are bonds for which an irrevocable trust has been established to fund the remaining payments of principal and interest).
The following table summarizes by state the fair value, amortized cost and credit rating of our municipal bonds, excluding $414 million of pre-refunded bonds, as of December 31, 2015.
($ in millions)

State
State general obligation Local general obligation 
Revenue (1)
 
Fair
value
 Amortized cost 
Average
credit
rating
Texas$18
 $337
 $289
 $644
 $591
 Aa
New York10
 108
 419
 537
 519
 Aa
California74
 185
 180
 439
 394
 Aa
Florida87
 36
 273
 396
 380
 Aa
Washington223
 2
 165
 390
 376
 Aa
Oregon92
 191
 59
 342
 308
 Aa
Michigan153
 8
 116
 277
 269
 Aa
Pennsylvania65
 48
 130
 243
 237
 Aa
Arizona
 68
 155
 223
 208
 A
New Jersey101
 34
 87
 222
 206
 A
All others790
 686
 1,798
 3,274
 3,150
 Aa
Total$1,613

$1,703

$3,671

$6,987

$6,638
 Aa

(1)
The nature of the activities supporting revenue bonds is diversified and includes transportation, health care, industrial development, housing, higher education, utilities, recreation/convention centers and other activities.
Our practice for acquiring and monitoring municipal bonds is predominantly based on the underlying credit quality of the primary obligor. We currently rely on the primary obligor to pay all contractual cash flows and are not relying on bond insurers for payments. As a result of downgrades in the insurers’ credit ratings, the ratings of the insured municipal bonds generally reflect the underlying ratings of the primary obligor. As of December 31, 2015, 99.6% of our insured municipal bond portfolio is rated investment grade.
Corporate bonds, including publicly traded and privately placed, totaled $41.83$40.14 billion as of December 31, 2015,2018, with 88.2% rated investment grade and an unrealized net capital gainloss of $153$400 million. Privately placed securities primarily consist of corporate issued senior debt securities that are directly negotiated with the borrower or are in unregistered form.

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Our $11.43$10.87 billion portfolio of privately placed securities is diversified by issuer, industry sector and country. The portfolio is made up of 459448 issuers. Privately placed corporate obligations may contain structural security features such as financial covenants and call protections that provide investors greater protection against credit deterioration, reinvestment risk or fluctuations in interest rates than those typically found in publicly registered debt securities. Additionally, investments in these securities are made
after due diligence of the issuer, typically including discussions with senior management and on-site visits to company facilities. Ongoing monitoring includes direct periodic dialog with senior management of the issuer and continuous monitoring of operating performance and financial position. Every issue not rated by an independent rating agency is internally rated with a formal rating affirmation at least once a year.
Our corporate bonds portfolio includes $7.52$4.74 billion of below investment grade bonds, $2.75$1.90 billion of which are privately placed. These securities are diversified by issuer and industry sector. The below investment grade corporate bonds portfolio is made up of 291287 issuers. We employ fundamental analyses of issuers and sectors along with macro and asset class views to identify investment opportunities. This results in a portfolio with broad exposure to the high yield market yet with an emphasis on idiosyncratic positions reflective of our views of market conditions and opportunities.
Foreign government securities securities totaled $1.03 billion$747 million as of December 31, 2015,2018, with 99.4%98.8% rated investment grade and an unrealized net capital gain of $50$8 million. Of these securities, 59.8%78.2% are in Canadian governmental and provincial securities (53.8%(73.8% of which are held by our Canadian companies), 22.3%19.9% are backed by the U.S. government and the remaining 17.9%1.9% are highly diversified in other foreign governments.
ABS, RMBS and CMBS are structured securities that are primarily collateralized by consumer or corporate borrowings and residential and commercial real estate loans. The cash flows from the underlying collateral paid to the securitization trust are generally applied in a pre-determined order and are designed so that each security issued by the trust, typically referred to as a “class”, qualifies for a specific original rating.

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Investments 2018 Form 10-K


For example, the “senior” portion or “top” of the capital structure, or rating class, which would originally qualify for a rating of Aaa typically has priority in receiving principal repayments on the underlying collateral and retains this priority until the class is paid in full. In a sequential structure, underlying collateral principal repayments are directed to the most senior rated Aaa class in the structure until paid in full, after which principal repayments are directed to the next most senior Aaa class in the structure until it is paid in full. Senior Aaa classes generally share any losses from the underlying collateral on a pro-rata basis after losses are absorbed by classes with lower original ratings. The payment priority and class subordination included in these securities serves as credit enhancement for holders of the senior or top portions of the structures. These securities continue to retain the payment priority features that existed at the origination of the securitization trust. Other forms of credit enhancement may include structural features embedded in the securitization trust, such as overcollateralization, excess spread and bond insurance. The underlying collateral may contain fixed interest rates, variable interest rates (such as adjustable rate mortgages), or both fixed and variable rate features.
ABS, including CDO and Consumer and other ABS, totaled $2.33$1.05 billion as of December 31, 2015,2018, with 96.2%96.7% rated investment grade and an unrealized net capital loss of $32$4 million. Credit risk is managed by monitoring the performance of the underlying collateral. Many of the securities in the ABS portfolio have credit enhancement with features such as overcollateralization, subordinated structures, reserve funds, guarantees and/or insurance.
CDO totaled $777$269 million as of December 31, 2015,2018, with 91.2%91.4% rated investment grade and an unrealized net capital loss of $35$3 million. CDO consist of obligations collateralized by cash flow CDO, which are structures collateralized primarily by below investment grade senior secured corporate loans.
Consumer and other ABS totaled $1.55 billion$776 million as of December 31, 2015,2018, with 98.7%98.6% rated investment grade. Consumer and other ABS consists of $819$264 million of consumer auto, $497$215 million of credit card and $234 $297
million of other ABS with unrealized net capital losses of $3$1 million, $1 million and an unrealized net capital lossesgain of $1 million and unrealized net capital gains of $7 million, respectively.
RMBS totaled $947$464 million as of December 31, 2015,2018, with 28.2%25.0% rated investment grade and an unrealized net capital gain of $90$87 million. The RMBS portfolio is subject to interest rate risk, but unlike other fixed income securities, is additionally subject to prepayment risk from the underlying residential mortgage loans. RMBS consists of a U.S. Agency portfolio having collateral issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and a non-agency portfolio consisting of securities collateralized by Prime, Alt-A and Subprime loans. The non-agency portfolio totaled $748$383 million as of December 31, 2015,2018, with 9.1% rated investment grade and an unrealized net capital gain of $83$86 million.
CMBS totaled $466$70 million as of December 31, 2015,2018, with 50.4%42.9% rated investment grade and an unrealized net capital gain of $28$7 million. The CMBS portfolio is subject to credit risk and has a sequential paydown structure. Of the CMBS investments 95.7% are primarily traditional conduit transactions collateralized by commercial mortgage loans, broadly diversified across property types and geographical area. The remainder consists of non-traditional CMBS such as privately placed, small balance transactions.


75


Equity securities primarily include common stocks, exchange traded and mutual funds, non-redeemable preferred stocks and real estate investment trust equity investments. Certain exchange traded and mutual funds have fixed income securities as their underlying investments. The equity securities portfolio was $5.08$5.04 billion as of December 31, 2015, with an unrealized net capital gain of $276 million. As of December 31, 2015, equity securities that we may not hold for a period of time sufficient to recover unrealized losses totaled $1.7 billion, which is discussed further in the realized capital gains and losses section.2018.
Mortgage loans, which are primarily held in the Allstate Financial portfolio,life and annuity portfolios, totaled $4.34$4.67 billion as of December 31, 20152018 and primarily comprise loans secured by first mortgages on developed commercial real estate. Key considerations used to manage our exposure include property type and geographic diversification. For further detail on our mortgage loan portfolio, see Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements.
Limited partnership interests include interests in private equity funds, and co-investments, real estate funds and joint ventures, and other funds. The following table presents carrying value and other information about our limited partnership interests as of December 31, 2015.
($ in millions)Private equity Real estate Other Total
Cost method of accounting (“Cost”)$982
 $172
 $
 $1,154
Equity method of accounting (“EMA”)2,362
 994
 364
 3,720
Total$3,344

$1,166

$364

$4,874
Number of managers108
 37
 12
 157
Number of individual investments199
 80
 17
 296
Largest exposure to single investment$147
 $81
 $206
 $206
Carrying value and other information for limited partnership interests
  As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions) 
Limited partnership interests (1)(2)
 Number of managers Number of individual investments Largest exposure to single investment
Private equity $5,724
 145
 287
 $187
Real estate 1,134
 38
 78
 109
Other 647
 11
 12
 316
Total $7,505

194

377


(1)
Due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, limited partnerships previously reported using the cost method are now reported at fair value. See Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.
(2)
We have commitments to invest in additional limited partnership interests totaling $3.03 billion.
Short-term investments totaled $2.12$3.03 billion as of December 31, 2015.2018, which includes securities lending collateral of $1.19 billion.
Other investments primarily comprise $1.57$1.35 billion of bank loans, $905$891 million of policy loans, $422$791 million of real estate, $620 million of agent loans (loans issued

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2018 Form 10-KInvestments

to exclusive Allstate agents) and $53$117 million of derivatives as of December 31, 2015.2018. For further detail on our use of derivatives, see Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements.
Unrealized net capital gains totaled $1.03$33 million as of December 31, 2018 compared to $2.63 billion as of December 31, 2015 compared to $3.17 billion as of December 31, 2014. The decrease for fixed income securities was primarily due to wider credit spreads, an increase in risk-free interest rates and the realization of unrealized net capital gains through sales. The decrease for equity securities was primarily due to negative equity market performance and the realization of unrealized net capital gains through sales, partially offset by the realization of unrealized net capital losses through write-downs.2017.
The following table presents unrealized net capital gains and losses as of December 31.
Unrealized net capital gains (losses)Unrealized net capital gains (losses)
 As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
U.S. government and agencies$86
 $136
 $131
 $36
Municipal369
 620
 206
 275
Corporate153
 1,758
 (400) 1,030
Foreign government50
 102
 8
 16
ABS(32) 7
 (4) 6
RMBS90
 99
 87
 98
CMBS28
 42
 7
 4
Redeemable preferred stock3
 4
 1
 2
Fixed income securities747
 2,768
 36
 1,467
Equity securities276
 412
Equity securities (1)
 
 1,160
Derivatives6
 (2) (3) (1)
EMA limited partnerships(4) (5)
Equity method of accounting (“EMA”) limited partnerships
 
 1
Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax$1,025
 $3,173
 $33
 $2,627
(1)
Due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in realized capital gains and losses and are no longer included in the table above. Upon adoption of the new guidance on January 1, 2018, $1.16 billion of pre-tax unrealized net capital gains for equity securities were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained income. See Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.
We have a comprehensive portfolio monitoring process to identify and evaluate each fixed income and equity security that may be other-than-temporarily impaired. The process includes a quarterly review of all securities to identify instances where the fair value of a security compared to its amortized cost (for fixed income securities) or cost (for equity securities) is below established thresholds. The process also includes the monitoring of other impairment indicators such as ratings, ratings downgrades and payment defaults. The securities identified, in addition to other securities for which we may have a concern, are evaluated for potential other-than-temporary impairment using all reasonably available information relevant to the collectability or recovery of the security. Inherent in our evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment for these fixed income and equity securities are assumptions and estimates about the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer. Some of the factors that may be considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary are: 1) the financial condition, near-

76


termnear-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry specific market conditions and trends, geographic location and
implications of rating agency actions and offering prices; 2) the specific reasons that a security is in an unrealized loss position, including overall market conditions which could affect liquidity; and 3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost. All investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 20152018 were included in our portfolio monitoring process for determining whether declines in value were other than temporary.
The unrealized net capital gain for the fixed income portfolio totaled $747$36 million, comprised of $1.71 billion$993 million of gross unrealized gains and $960$957 million of gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2015.2018. This is compared to an unrealized net capital gain for the fixed income portfolio totaling $2.77$1.47 billion, comprised of $3.08$1.75 billion of gross unrealized gains and $314$283 million of gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2014.2017. Fixed income valuations decreased primarily due to an increase in risk-free interest rates and wider credit spreads.
Gross unrealized gains and losses on fixed income securities by type and sector as of December 31, 2015 are provided in the following table.
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Investments 2018 Form 10-K


Gross unrealized gains (losses) on fixed income securities by type and sectorGross unrealized gains (losses) on fixed income securities by type and sector
 As of December 31, 2018
 Amortized cost Gross unrealized Fair value
($ in millions)Amortized cost Gross unrealized Fair value Gains Losses 
 Gains Losses 
Corporate:               
Consumer goods (cyclical and non-cyclical) $12,224
 $78
 $(285) $12,017
Capital goods 4,725
 34
 (116) 4,643
Utilities 5,410
 208
 (104) 5,514
Banking 3,929
 8
 (69) 3,868
Energy$4,549
 $52
 $(345) $4,256
 2,315
 36
 (66) 2,285
Consumer goods (cyclical and non-cyclical)12,103
 210
 (119) 12,194
Communications 2,740
 19
 (66) 2,693
Technology 2,678
 7
 (61) 2,624
Financial services 2,403
 25
 (46) 2,382
Basic industry1,880
 28
 (103) 1,805
 1,970
 30
 (46) 1,954
Utilities4,605
 323
 (64) 4,864
Technology3,040
 37
 (57) 3,020
Communications3,132
 64
 (57) 3,139
Capital goods4,023
 112
 (46) 4,089
Banking3,462
 39
 (42) 3,459
Transportation1,677
 73
 (27) 1,723
 1,794
 41
 (26) 1,809
Financial services2,673
 63
 (16) 2,720
Other530
 31
 (3) 558
 348
 4
 (5) 347
Total corporate fixed income portfolio41,674

1,032

(879)
41,827
 40,536

490

(890)
40,136
U.S. government and agencies3,836
 90
 (4) 3,922
 5,386
 137
 (6) 5,517
Municipal7,032
 389
 (20) 7,401
 8,963
 249
 (43) 9,169
Foreign government983
 50
 
 1,033
 739
 13
 (5) 747
ABS2,359
 11
 (43) 2,327
 1,049
 6
 (10) 1,045
RMBS857
 100
 (10) 947
 377
 89
 (2) 464
CMBS438
 32
 (4) 466
 63
 8
 (1) 70
Redeemable preferred stock22
 3
 
 25
 21
 1
 
 22
Total fixed income securities$57,201

$1,707

$(960)
$57,948
 $57,134

$993

$(957)
$57,170
The consumer goods, utilities energy and capital goods sectors comprise 29%30%, 12%, 10%14% and 10%12%, respectively, of the carrying value of our corporate fixed income securities portfolio as of December 31, 2015.2018. The energy, consumer goods, basic industrycapital goods and utilities sectors had the highest concentration of gross unrealized losses in our corporate fixed income securities portfolio as of December 31, 2015.2018. In general, the gross unrealized losses are related to wideningan increase in market yields, which may include increased risk-free interest rates and/or wider credit spreads or increasing risk-free interest ratessince the time of initial
purchase. Similarly, gross unrealized gains reflect a decrease in market yields since the time of initial purchase.
Global oil prices have declined significantly since September 30, 2014 and natural gas and other commodity values have also declined significantly in 2015. Among commodity exposed companies, those in the metal and mining sectors have experienced the largest decline in values of their debt. In the fixed income and equity securities tables above and below, oil and natural gas exposure is reflected within the energy sector and metals and mining exposure is reflected within the basic industry sector. Within these sectors, we continue to monitor the impact to our investment portfolio for those companies that may be adversely affected, both directly and indirectly. If oil, natural gas and commodity prices remain at depressed levels for an extended period or decline further, certain issuers and investments may come under duress and may result in an increase in other-than-temporary impairments.
Corporate fixed income and equity securities with gross unrealized losses that have direct exposure to the energy sector, have an aggregate carrying value of $3.15 billion and gross unrealized losses of $377 million as of December 31, 2015. 83% of the corporate fixed income securities with direct exposure to the energy sector were investment grade as of December 31, 2015. Of the remaining below investment grade fixed income securities with gross unrealized losses that have a direct exposure to the energy sector, $35 million had been in an unrealized loss position for twelve or more consecutive months as of December 31, 2015. Additionally, private equity limited partnership interests with exposure to energy totaled approximately $350 million as of December 31, 2015.

77


Corporate fixed income and equity securities with gross unrealized losses that have direct exposure to the metals and mining sectors, have an aggregate carrying value of $468 million and gross unrealized losses of $81 million as of December 31, 2015. Approximately 55% of the $437 million of corporate fixed income securities with direct exposure to the metals and mining sectors were investment grade as of December 31, 2015.
The following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed income securities by type and investment grade classification as of December 31, 2015.
($ in millions)Investment grade Below investment grade Total
 
Fair
value
 Gross unrealized losses 
Fair
value
 Gross unrealized losses 
Fair
value
 Gross unrealized losses
U.S. government and agencies$1,874
 $(4) $
 $
 $1,874
 $(4)
Municipal802
 (6) 44
 (14) 846
 (20)
Corporate:        
 
   Energy2,320
 (188) 676
 (157) 2,996
 (345)
   Consumer goods (cyclical and non-cyclical)4,028
 (43) 1,657
 (76) 5,685
 (119)
   Basic industry768
 (47) 347
 (56) 1,115
 (103)
   Utilities1,004
 (30) 257
 (34) 1,261
 (64)
   Technology989
 (23) 500
 (34) 1,489
 (57)
   Communications702
 (11) 859
 (46) 1,561
 (57)
   Capital goods1,065
 (26) 562
 (20) 1,627
 (46)
   Banking1,528
 (34) 43
 (8) 1,571
 (42)
   Transportation520
 (22) 71
 (5) 591
 (27)
   Financial services735
 (7) 265
 (9) 1,000
 (16)
   Other43
 (3) 
 
 43
 (3)
Total corporate fixed income portfolio13,702
 (434) 5,237
 (445) 18,939
 (879)
Foreign government42
 
 2
 
 44
 
ABS1,984
 (22) 73
 (21) 2,057
 (43)
RMBS72
 (1) 122
 (9) 194
 (10)
CMBS17
 
 60
 (4) 77
 (4)
Total fixed income securities$18,493
 $(467) $5,538
 $(493) $24,031
 $(960)


























78


The following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses for below investment grade corporate fixed income securities by sector and credit rating as of December 31, 2015.
($ in millions)Less than 12 months
 Ba B Caa or lower Total
 Fair value Gross unrealized losses Fair value Gross unrealized losses Fair value Gross unrealized losses Fair value Gross unrealized losses
Corporate:               
   Energy$426
 $(72) $148
 $(49) $3
 $(1) $577
 $(122)
   Consumer goods (cyclical and non-cyclical)793
 (25) 749
 (29) 25
 (6) 1,567
 (60)
   Basic industry277
 (46) 35
 (1) 14
 (2) 326
 (49)
   Utilities95
 (10) 123
 (18) 17
 (1) 235
 (29)
   Technology273
 (11) 131
 (5) 21
 (4) 425
 (20)
   Communications467
 (21) 344
 (17) 28
 (3) 839
 (41)
   Capital goods325
 (5) 202
 (10) 22
 (2) 549
 (17)
   Banking5
 
 
 
 
 
 5
 
   Transportation21
 (1) 50
 (4) 
 
 71
 (5)
   Financial services240
 (6) 10
 
 11
 (2) 261
 (8)
     Subtotal$2,922
 $(197) $1,792
 $(133) $141
 $(21) $4,855
 $(351)
                
 12 months or more
 Ba B Caa or lower Total
 Fair value Gross unrealized losses Fair value Gross unrealized losses Fair value Gross unrealized losses Fair value Gross unrealized losses
Corporate:               
   Energy$90
 $(24) $9
 $(11) $
 $
 $99
 $(35)
   Consumer goods (cyclical and non-cyclical)16
 (3) 65
 (9) 9
 (4) 90
 (16)
   Basic industry21
 (7) 
 
 
 
 21
 (7)
   Utilities8
 (2) 1
 (1) 13
 (2) 22
 (5)
   Technology13
 (5) 59
 (8) 3
 (1) 75
 (14)
   Communications6
 (1) 14
 (4) 
 
 20
 (5)
   Capital goods
 
 11
 (3) 2
 
 13
 (3)
   Banking38
 (8) 
 
 
 
 38
 (8)
   Financial services4
 (1) 
 
 
 
 4
 (1)
     Subtotal$196
 $(51) $159
 $(36) $27
 $(7) $382
 $(94)
                
Total$3,118
 $(248) $1,951
 $(169) $168
 $(28) $5,237
 $(445)
Unrealized losses on below investment grade corporate fixed income securities are primarily related to widening credit spreads or increasing risk-free interest rates since the time of initial purchase. Of the unrealized losses on below investment grade corporate fixed income securities, 21.1% relate to securities that had been in an unrealized loss position for a period of twelve or more consecutive months as of December 31, 2015. Unrealized losses were concentrated in the energy, consumer goods and basic industry sectors.








79


The unrealized net capital gain for the equity portfolio totaled $276 million, comprised of $415 million of gross unrealized gains and $139 million of gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2015. This is compared to an unrealized net capital gain for the equity portfolio totaling $412 million, comprised of $467 million of gross unrealized gains and $55 million of gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2014.
Gross unrealized gains and losses on equity securities by sector as of December 31, 2015 are provided in the table below.
($ in millions)Amortized cost Gross unrealized Fair value
  Gains Losses 
Energy$255
 $12
 $(32) $235
Consumer goods (cyclical and non-cyclical)1,319
 131
 (22) 1,428
Banking352
 35
 (17) 370
Financial services822
 53
 (13) 862
Capital goods415
 25
 (13) 427
Basic industry160
 9
 (10) 159
Technology500
 58
 (10) 548
Communications259
 15
 (9) 265
Transportation74
 9
 (5) 78
Utilities114
 4
 (3) 115
Index-based funds393
 56
 (3) 446
Real estate121
 7
 (2) 126
Emerging market equity funds22
 1
 
 23
Total equity securities$4,806

$415

$(139)
$5,082
Within the equity portfolio, the unrealized losses were primarily concentrated in the energy, consumer goods and banking sectors. The unrealized losses were company and sector specific.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, we have not made the decision to sell and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell fixed income securities with unrealized losses before recovery of the amortized cost basis. As of December 31, 2015, we have the intent and ability to hold equity securities with unrealized losses for a period of time sufficient for them to recover.


Net investment incomeThe following table presents net investment income for the years ended December 31.Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg95


2018 Form 10-KInvestments

Net investment incomeNet investment income

For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
2018
2017
2016
Fixed income securities$2,218
 $2,447
 $2,921

$2,077

$2,078

$2,060
Equity securities110
 117
 149

170

174

137
Mortgage loans228
 265
 372

217

206

217
Limited partnership interests549
 614
 541
Limited partnership interests (1)

705

889

561
Short-term investments9
 7
 5

73

30

16
Other192
 170
 161

272

236

222
Investment income, before expense3,306

3,620

4,149

3,514

3,613

3,213
Investment expense(150) (161) (206)
Investment expense (2) (3)

(274)
(212)
(171)
Net investment income$3,156

$3,459

$3,943

$3,240

$3,401

$3,042










Market-based core
$2,431

$2,360

$2,340
Market-based active
303

301

262
Performance-based
780

952

611
Investment income, before expense
$3,514

$3,613

$3,213
(1)
Due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, limited partnerships previously reported using the cost method are now reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net investment income.
(2)
Investment expense includes $71 million, $40 million and $36 million of investee level expenses in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and has increased compared to prior year primarily due to growth in real estate investments. Investee level expenses include depreciation and asset level operating expenses on directly held real estate and other consolidated investments.
(3)
Investment expense includes $28 million, $10 million and $1 million related to the portion of reinvestment income on securities lending collateral paid to the counterparties in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Net investment income decreased 8.8%4.7% or $303$161 million in 20152018 compared to 2014,2017, after decreasing 12.3%increasing 11.8% or $484$359 million in 20142017 compared to 2013.2016. The 20152018 decrease was primarily due to lower average investment balances including the sale of LBL on April 1, 2014, lowerperformance-based results, primarily from limited partnership income, lower yields due to maturity profile shortening in the Allstate Financial portfolio, and lower prepayment fee income and litigation proceeds, partially offset by an increased allocation to high yield investments and lower investment expenses. Net investment income in 2015 includes $65 million related to prepayment fee income and litigation proceeds compared to $114 million in 2014. These items may vary significantly from period to period and may not recur. The 2014 decrease was primarily due to lower average investment balances relating to the sale of LBL on April 1, 2014, lower fixed income yields and equity dividends,partnerships, partially offset by higher market-based income. The
2017 increase benefited from strong performance-based results, primarily from limited partnership income.








80partnerships, an increase in invested assets and stable market-based yields, partially offset by higher employee-related expenses.


Realized capital gains and losses  The following table presents the components of realized capital gains and losses and the related tax effect for the years ended December 31.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Impairment write-downs$(195) $(32) $(72)
Change in intent write-downs(221) (213) (143)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings(416)
(245)
(215)
Sales and other470
 975
 819
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments(24) (36) (10)
Realized capital gains and losses, pre-tax30

694

594
Income tax expense(11) (243) (209)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax$19

$451

$385
Performance-based investment income
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Limited partnerships      
Private equity $582
 $725
 $455
Real estate 123
 164
 106
Performance-based - limited partnerships 705
 889
 561
       
Non-limited partnerships      
Private equity 9
 19
 9
Real estate 66
 44
 41
Performance-based - non-limited partnerships 75
 63
 50
       
Total      
Private equity 591
 744
 464
Real estate 189
 208
 147
Total performance-based $780
 $952
 $611
       
Investee level expenses (1)
 $(64) $(35) $(32)
(1)
Investee level expenses include depreciation and asset level operating expenses reported in investment expense.
Performance-based investment income decreased 18.1% or $172 million in 2018 compared to an increase of 55.8% or $341 million in 2017. The 2018 decrease reflects lower asset appreciation and fewer gains on sales of underlying investments held by limited partnerships compared to prior year. The 2017 increase reflects asset appreciation, sales of underlying investments, and the continued growth of our performance-based portfolio.
The five highest contributing performance-based investments in 2018 and 2017 generated investment income of $159 million and $210 million, respectively. Performance-based results and income can vary significantly between periods and are influenced by economic conditions, equity market performance, comparable public company earnings multiples, capitalization rates, operating performance of the underlying investments and the timing of asset sales.

96 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Investments 2018 Form 10-K


Components of realized capital gains (losses) and the related tax effect
  For the year December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Impairment write-downs      
    Fixed income securities $(10) $(26) $(44)
    Equity securities (1)
 
 (38) (125)
    Mortgage Loans 
 (1) 
    Limited partnership interests (3) (32) (56)
    Other investments (1) (5) (9)
       Total impairment write-downs (14) (102) (234)
Change in intent write-downs (1)
 
 (48) (69)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings (14)
(150)
(303)
Sales (1)
 (215) 641
 213
Valuation of equity investments (1)
 (691) 
 
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments 43
 (46) 
Realized capital gains and losses, pre-tax (877)
445

(90)
Income tax benefit (expense) 189
 (147) 34
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax $(688)
$298

$(56)
       
Market-based core $(794) $309
 $(40)
Market-based active (152) 177
 21
Performance-based 69
 (41) (71)
Realized capital gains and losses, pre-tax $(877) $445
 $(90)
(1)
Due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in valuation of equity investments and are no longer included in impairment write-downs, change in intent write-downs and sales.
Realized capital losses in 2018 related primarily to decreased valuation of equity investments and sales of fixed income securities.
Impairment write-downs, which include changes totaled $14 million, $102 million and $234 million in the mortgage loan valuation allowance, for the years ended December 31 are presented2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Impairment write-downs on limited partnership interests and fixed income securities in the following table.2018 and 2017 related to investment specific circumstances.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Fixed income securities$(75) $(24) $(49)
Equity securities(59) (6) (12)
Mortgage loans4
 5
 11
Limited partnership interests(51) (7) (18)
Other investments(14) 
 (4)
Impairment write-downs$(195)
$(32)
$(72)
Impairment write-downs on fixed income securities in 20152016 were primarily driven by corporate fixed income securities impacted by issuer specific circumstances includingcircumstances. Limited partnership write-downs primarily related to investments with exposure to oil and natural gas, defaulted special assessment municipal bonds, and collateralized loan obligationsthe energy sector, partially offset by the recovery in value of a limited partnership that experienced deterioration in expected cash flows. was previously written-down.
Equity securities were written down in 2017 and 2016 primarily due to the length of time and extent to which fair value was below cost, considering our assessment of the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuer, including relevant industry conditions and trends. Limited partnership write-downs primarily related to twoBeginning January 1, 2018, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in valuation of equity investments that have been impacted by the declineand are no longer included in natural gas prices. Impairment write-downsimpairment write-downs.
Salesresulted in the above table include $97$215 million of net realized capital losses and $641 million and $18 million of investments with exposure to the energy sector and metals and mining exposure in the basic industry sector, respectively.
Impairment write-downs on fixed income securities in 2014 were primarily driven by collateralized loan obligations that experienced deterioration in expected cash flows and municipal and corporate fixed income securities impacted by issuer specific circumstances. Limited partnership write-downs primarily related to cost method limited partnerships that experienced declines in portfolio valuations deemed to be other than temporary. Equity securities were written down primarily due to the length of time and extent to which fair value was below cost, considering our assessment of the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuer, including relevant industry conditions and trends. The valuation allowance on mortgage loans as of December 31, 2014 decreased compared to December 31, 2013 primarily due to reversals related to impaired loan payoffs.
Impairment write-downs on fixed income securities in 2013 were primarily driven by CMBS that experienced deterioration in expected cash flows and municipal bonds impacted by issuer specific circumstances. Limited partnership write-downs primarily related to cost method limited partnerships that experienced declines in portfolio valuations deemed to be other than temporary. Equity securities were written down primarily due to the length of time and extent to which fair value was below cost, considering our assessment of the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuer, including relevant industry conditions and trends. The valuation allowance on mortgage loans as of December 31, 2013 decreased compared to December 31, 2012 primarily due to reversals related to loans no longer deemed impaired.
Change in intent write-downs totaled $221 million, $213 million and $143 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change in intent write-downs in 2015 reflect market volatility and our preference to maintain flexibility to reposition the portfolio, as well as a higher allocation to our market-based active strategy. Change in intent losses are primarily related to equity securities that we may not hold for a period of time sufficient to recover unrealized losses. As of December 31, 2015, these holdings totaled $1.7 billion and we recognized change in intent write-downs of $215 million in 2015. Unrealized gains reflect certain of our previously written-down equity securities which recovered in value. The change in intent write-downs in 2014 and 2013 were primarily related to the repositioning and ongoing portfolio management of our equity securities. For certain equity securities managed by third parties, we do not retain decision making authority as it pertains to selling securities that are in an unrealized loss position and therefore we recognize any unrealized loss at the end of the period through a charge to earnings. As of December 31, 2015, these holdings totaled $47 million and we recognized change in intent write-downs of $6 million in 2015.

81


Sales and other generated $470 million, $975 million and $819 million of net realized capital gains in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
Sales and other in 2015 included sales of longer duration2018 related primarily to fixed income securities in connection with the maturity profile shorteningongoing portfolio management.
Sales in Allstate Financial2017 and 2016 included sales of equity and fixed income securities in connection with ongoing portfolio management, as well as lossesgains from valuation changes in public securities held in certain limited partnerships. Sales and other in 2014 primarily relatedfirst quarter 2016 included $105 million of losses on $1.90 billion of sales to equity and fixed income securities in connection with ongoing portfolio management. Sales and other in 2013 primarily related to equity securities in connection with portfolio repositioning and ongoing portfolio management and municipal and corporate fixed income securities in conjunction with reducingreduce our exposure to interest rate riskthe energy, metals and mining sectors.
Valuation of equity investments resulted in losses of $691 million in 2018, which included $594 million of declines in the Property-Liability portfolio.valuation of equity securities and $97 million of declines in value primarily for certain limited partnerships where the underlying assets are predominately public equity securities.
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments generated net realized capitalgains of $43 million in 2018, losses of $24 million, $36 million and $10$46 million in 2015, 2014,2017 and 2013, respectively. The net realized capitalgains and losses that netted to zero in 20152016. 2018 primarily comprised gains on foreign currency contracts due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar and gains on equity options used for risk management due to a decrease in equity indices, partially offset by losses on total return swaps and equity options and futures used for asset replication due to decreases in equity indices. 2017 primarily comprised losses on foreign currency contracts due to the weakening of the Canadian Dollar. The net realized capital losses in 2014 primarily comprisedU.S. dollar and losses on equity futures used for risk management due to increases in equity indices and lossesindices. 2016 primarily comprised gains on foreign currency contracts due to the weakeningstrengthening of the Canadian dollar. The net realized capital losses in 2013 primarily comprisedU.S. dollar, offset by losses on equity futures used for risk management due to increases in equity indices and losses on credit default swaps due to the tightening of credit spreads on the underlying credit names.

Performance-based long-term investmentsThe Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpgprimarily include private equity, real estate, infrastructure, timber and agriculture-related assets and are materially reflected through our limited partnership investments.97
The following table presents investment income

2018 Form 10-KInvestments

Realized capital gains (losses) for performance-based investments
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Impairment write-downs $(3) $(32) $(90)
Change in intent write-downs 
 
 (1)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings (3) (32) (91)
Sales 7
 15
 9
Valuation of equity investments 36
 
 
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments 29
 (24) 11
Total performance-based $69
 $(41) $(71)
Performance based investments generated realized capital gains of $69 million in 2018 and realized capital gainslosses of $41 million and losses for PBLT investments for the years ended December 31.
($ in millions)Investment income Realized capital gains and losses
 2015 2014 2015 2014
Limited partnerships       
   Private equity$402
 $391
 $(46) $(40)
   Real estate158
 211
 (4) 53
   Timber and agriculture-related(1) 
 
 
        PBLT - limited partnerships (1)
559
 602
 (50) 13
        
Other       
   Private equity1
 
 6
 
   Real estate22
 14
 (3) 7
   Timber and agriculture-related7
 9
 1
 
        PBLT - other30
 23
 4
 7
        
Total       
   Private equity403
 391
 (40) (40)
   Real estate180
 225
 (7) 60
   Timber and agriculture-related6
 9
 1
 
        Total PBLT$589
 $625
 $(46) $20
        
Asset level operating expenses (2)
$(19) $(14)    

(1)
Other limited partnership interests are located in the market-based core investing strategy and are not included in the performance-based long-term table above. Investment income was $(10) million and $12 million and realized capital gains and losses were $(43) million and zero in 2015 and 2014, respectively, for these limited partnership interests.
(2)
Asset level operating expenses are netted against income for directly held real estate, timber and other consolidated investments for purposes of the pre-tax yield calculations.
PBLT investments produced investment income of $589$71 million in 2015 compared to $625 million in 2014. The decrease2017 and 2016, respectively. 2018 primarily related to lower incomeincreased valuation on real estateequity investments due to modest returns compared to significant returns in 2014. Partially offsetting the decrease was higher incomeand gains on valuation and settlements of derivative instruments. 2017 included impairment write-downs on private equity investments dueand derivative losses related to net returns from the diversified portfolio along with strong distributions as acquirer access to financing and an active global merger and acquisition market facilitated the saleshedging of underlying investments, which more thanforeign currency risk, partially offset a decline in valuationsby gains on sale of real estate investments. 2016 included impairment write-downs on certain investments with exposure to the energy sector.sector, partially offset by the recovery in value of a limited partnership that was previously written-down.
Realized capital losses on PBLT investments in 2015 were $46 million compared to realized capital gains of $20 million in 2014. Included in 2015 were impairment write-downs primarily related to two energy related investments that have been impacted by a decline in natural gas prices.
Economic conditions and equity market performance are reflected in PBLT investment results and we continue to expect this income to vary significantly between periods.
98 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com

82

Market Risk 2018 Form 10-K

MARKET RISK
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, commodity prices or currency exchange rates. Adverse changes to these rates and prices may occur due to changes in fiscal policy, the economic climate, the liquidity of a market or market segment, insolvency or financial distress of key market makers or participants or changes in market perceptions of credit worthiness and/or risk tolerance. Our primary market risk exposures are to changes in interest rates, credit spreads and equity prices. We also have direct and indirect exposure to commodity price changes through our diversified investments in timber, agriculture, infrastructure and energy primarily held in limited partnership interests and consolidated subsidiaries.
The active management of market risk is integral to our results of operations. We may use the following approaches to manage exposure to market risk within defined tolerance ranges: 1) rebalancing existing asset or liability portfolios, 2) changing the type of investments purchased in the future and 3) using derivative instruments to modify the market risk characteristics of existing assets and liabilities or assets expected to be purchased. For a more detailed discussion of our use of derivative financial instruments, see Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements.
Overview  In formulating and implementing guidelines for investing funds, we seek to earn attractive risk-adjusted returns that enhance our ability to offer competitive rates and prices to customers while contributing to attractive and stable profits and long-term capital growth. Accordingly, our investment decisions and objectives are a function ofinformed by the underlying risks and product profiles of each business.
profiles. Investment policies define the overall framework for managing market and other investment risks, including accountability and controls over risk management activities. Subsidiaries that conduct investment activities follow policies that have been approved by their respective boards of directors. These investment policiesdirectors and which specify the investment limits and strategies that are appropriate given the liquidity, surplus, product profile and regulatory requirements of the subsidiary. Executive oversight of investment activities is conducted primarily through the subsidiaries’ boards of directors and legal entity investment committees, and aggregate portfolio risks are overseen by our board of directors and its committees.
For Allstate Financial, itslife and annuity products, the asset-liability management (“ALM”) policies further define the overall framework for managing market and investment risks.risks and are approved by the subsidiaries’ respective boards of directors. ALM focuses on strategies to enhance yields, mitigate market risks and optimize capital to improve profitability and returns for Allstate Financial while factoring inincorporating future expected cash requirements to repay liabilities. Allstate Financial ALM activities follow asset-liability policies that have been approved by their respective boards of directors. These ALM policies specify limits, ranges and/or targets for investments that best meet Allstate Financial’s business objectives in light of itsthe unique demands and characteristics of the product liabilities.liabilities and are intended to result in a prudent, methodical and effective adjudication of market risk and return.
We use widely-accepted quantitative and qualitative market-based approaches to measure, monitor and manage market risk. We evaluate our exposure to market risk through the use ofexposure using multiple measures including but not limited to duration, value-at-risk, scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis. Duration measures the price sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates. For example, if interest rates increase 100 basis points, the fair value of an asset with a duration of 5 is expected to decrease in value by 5%. Value-at-risk is a statistical estimate of the probability that the change in fair value of a portfolio will exceed a certain amount over a given time horizon. Scenario analysis estimates the potential changes in the fair value of a portfolio that could occur under different hypothetical market conditions defined by changes to multiple market risk factors: interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices or currency exchange rates. Sensitivity analysis estimates the potential changes in the fair value of a portfolio that could occur under different hypothetical shocks to a market risk factor. to:
Duration, a measure of the price sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates
Value-at-risk, a statistical estimate of the probability that the change in fair value of a portfolio will exceed a certain amount over a given time horizon
Scenario analysis, an estimate of the potential changes in the fair value of a portfolio that could occur under hypothetical market conditions defined by changes to multiple market risk factors: interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices or currency exchange rates
Sensitivity analysis, an estimate of the potential changes in the fair value of a portfolio that could occur using hypothetical shocks to a market risk factor
In general, we establish investment portfolio asset allocation and market risk limits for the Property-Liability and Allstate Financial businesses based upon a combination of duration, value-at-risk, scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis. The asset allocation limits place restrictions on the total funds that may be invested within an asset class. Comprehensive day-to-day management of market risk within defined tolerance ranges occurs as portfolio managers buy and sell within their respective markets based upon the acceptable boundaries established by investment policies. For Allstate Financial, this day-to-day management is integrated with and informed by the activities of the ALM organization. This integration is intended to result in a prudent, methodical and effective adjudication of market risk and return, conditioned by the unique demands and dynamics of Allstate Financial’s product liabilities and supported by the continuous application of advanced risk technology and analytics.
Although we apply a similar overall philosophy to market risk, the underlying business frameworks and the accounting and regulatory environments may differ considerably between the Property-Liabilityour products and Allstate Financial businesses affectingtherefore affect investment decisions and risk parameters.
Interest rate risk is the risk that we will incur a loss due to adverse changes in interest rates relative to the characteristics of our interest bearinginterest-bearing assets and liabilities. Interest rate risk includes risks related to changes in U.S. Treasury yields and other key risk-free reference yields. This risk arises from many of our primary activities, as we invest substantial funds in interest-sensitive assets and issue interest-sensitive liabilities. Interest rate risk includes risks relatedChanges in interest rates can have favorable and unfavorable effects on our results. For example, increases in rates can improve investment income, but decrease the fair value of our fixed income securities portfolio and increase policyholder surrenders requiring us to changesliquidate assets. Decreases in U.S. Treasuryrates could increase the fair value of our fixed income securities portfolio while decreasing investment income due to reinvesting at lower market yields and other key risk-free reference yields.accelerating pay-downs and prepayments of certain investments.
For our corporate debt, we monitor market interest rates and evaluate refinancing opportunities as maturity dates approach. To mitigate this risk, we ladder the maturity dates of our debt. For our noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, we monitor market dividend rates and evaluate opportunities to redeem or refinance on or after specified dates. For further detail regarding our debt and our preferred stock, see Note 12 of the consolidated financial

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg99


2018 Form 10-KMarket Risk

statements and the Capital Resources and Liquidity section of this Item.
We manage the interest rate risk in our assets relative to the interest rate risk in our liabilities and our assessment of overall economic and capital risk. One of the measures used to quantify this exposure is duration. The difference in the duration of our assets relative to our liabilities is our duration gap. To calculate the duration gap between assets and liabilities, we project asset and liability cash flows and calculate their net present value using a risk-free market interest rate adjusted for credit quality, sector attributes, liquidity and other specific risks. Duration is calculated by revaluing these cash flows at alternative interest rates and determining the percentage change in aggregate fair value. The cash flows used in this calculation include the expected maturity

83


and repricing characteristics of our derivative financial instruments, all other financial instruments, and certain other items including, unearned premiums, property-liability insurance claims and claims expense reserves, annuity liabilities and other interest-sensitive liabilities.
The projections include assumptions (based upon historical market experience and our experience) that reflect the effect of changing interest rates on the prepayment, lapse, leverage and/or option features of instruments, where applicable. The preceding assumptions relate primarily to callable municipal and corporate bonds, fixed rate single and flexible premium deferred annuities, mortgage-backed securities and municipal housing bonds. Additionally, the calculations include assumptions regarding the renewal of property-liability policies.property and casualty products.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the difference between our asset and liability duration was a (1.25)(1.16) gap compared to a (1.26)(2.16) gap as of December 31, 2014.2017. The calculation excludes traditional and interest-sensitive life insurance and accident and health insurance products that are not considered financial instruments. A negative duration gap indicates that the fair value of our liabilities is more sensitive to interest rate movements than the fair value of our assets, while a positive duration gap indicates that the fair value of our assets is more sensitive to interest rate movements than the fair value of our liabilities. The Property-Liability segment generally maintains a positive duration gap between its assets and liabilities dueDue to the relatively short duration of our property and casualty liabilities, primarily related to auto and homeowners claims, which are its primarythe investments generally maintain a positive duration gap between assets and liabilities. The Allstate Financial segmentIn contrast, for our annuity products the duration gap may have abe positive or negative duration gap, as the duration of its assets and liabilities vary with its product mixbased on the characteristics of the products in-force and investing activity. As of December 31, 2015, Property-Liability2018, property and casualty products had a positive duration gap while Allstate Financialannuity products had a negative duration gap.
InTo reduce the managementrisk that investment returns are below levels required to meet the funding needs of certain liabilities, we are executing our performance-based strategy that supplements market risk with idiosyncratic risk. We are using these investments, supporting the Property-Liability business, we adherein addition to an objectivepublic equity securities, to support a portion of emphasizing safety of principalour property and consistency of income within a total return framework. This approach is designedcasualty products and
long-term annuity liabilities. Shorter-term annuity liabilities will continue to ensure our financial strength and stability for paying claims, while maximizing economic value and surplus growth.
For the Allstate Financial business, we seek to invest premiums, contract charges and depositsbe invested in market-based investments to generate future cash flows that will fund future claims, benefits and expenses, and that will earn stable returns across a wide variety of interest rate and economic scenarios. To achieve this objective and limit interest rate risk for Allstate Financial, we adhere to a philosophy of managing the duration of assets and related liabilities within predetermined tolerance levels. This philosophy is executed using duration targets for fixed incomePerformance-based investments and may also include interest rate swaps, futures, forwards, caps, floors and swaptionspublic equity securities are generally not interest-bearing; accordingly, using them to reduce the interest rate risk resulting from mismatches between existing assets andsupport interest-bearing liabilities and financial futures and other derivative instruments to hedge the interest rate risk of anticipated purchases and sales of investments.contributes toward a negative duration gap.
Based upon the information and assumptions used in the duration calculation, and market interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2015,2018, we estimate that a 100 basis point immediate, parallel increase in interest rates (“rate shock”) would increase the net fair value of the assets andnet of liabilities by $963$889 million, compared to an increase of $991 million$1.65 billion as of December 31, 2014,2017, reflecting year to year changes in duration and the amount of assets and liabilities. The selection of a 100 basis point immediate, parallel change in interest rates should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.
The estimate excludes the traditional and interest-sensitive life insurance and accident and health insurance products that are not considered financial instruments and the $9.86$11.07 billion of assets supporting them and the associated liabilities. The $9.86$11.07 billion of assets excluded from the calculation decreasedincreased from $9.91$11.06 billion as of December 31, 2014.2017. Based on assumptions described above, in the event of a 100 basis point immediate increase in interest rates, the assets supporting life insurancethe excluded products would decrease in value by $558$593 million compared to a decrease of $583$620 million as of December 31, 2014.
2017. To the extent that conditions differ from the assumptions we used in these calculations, duration and rate shock measures could be significantly impacted. Additionally, our calculations assume that the current relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates (the term structure of interest rates) will remain constant over time. As a result, these calculations may not fully capture the effect of non-parallel changes in the term structure of interest rates and/or large changes in interest rates.
Credit spread risk is the risk that we will incur a loss due to adverse changes in credit spreads (“spreads”). Credit spread is the additional yield on fixed income securities and loans above the risk-free rate (typically referenced as the yield on U.S. Treasury securities) that market participants require to compensate them for assuming credit, liquidity and/or prepayment risks. The magnitude of the spread will depend on the likelihood that a particular issuer will default (“credit risk”).default. This risk arises from many of our primary activities, as we invest substantial funds in spread-sensitive fixed income assets.
We manage the spread risk in our assets. One of the measures used to quantify this exposure is spread duration. Spread duration measures the price sensitivity of the assets to changes in spreads. For example, if spreads increase 100 basis points, the fair value of an asset exhibiting a

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Market Risk 2018 Form 10-K


spread duration of 5 is expected to decrease in value by 5%.
Spread duration is calculated similarly to interest rate duration. As of December 31, 2015,2018, the spread duration of Property-Liability assets was 3.38,4.28, compared to 3.243.99 as of December 31, 2014, and the spread duration of Allstate Financial assets was 4.91, compared to 5.81 as of December 31, 2014.2017. Based upon the information and assumptions we use in this spread duration calculation, and market spreads in effect as of December 31, 2015,2018, we estimate that a 100 basis point immediate, parallel increase in spreads across all asset classes, industry sectors and credit ratings (“spread shock”) would decrease the net fair value of the assets by $2.52$2.49 billion compared to $2.91$2.46 billion as of December 31, 2014.2017. Reflected in the spread duration calculation are the effects of our tactical actionspositions that

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include the use of credit default swaps to manage spread risk. The selection of a 100 basis point immediate parallel change in spreads should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.
Equity price risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in the general levels of the equity markets. As of December 31, 2015,2018, we held $4.98$4.78 billion in common stocks and exchange traded and mutual funds and $4.98$7.76 billion in other securitiesinvestments with equity risk (including primarily limited partnership interests and non-redeemable preferred securities), compared to $3.99$6.33 billion and $4.64$7.03 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. 68.3%2017. 68.4% of the common stocks and exchange traded and mutual funds and 53.4%57.2% of the other securities with equity risk are in Property-Liabilitysupported property and casualty products as of December 31, 2015,2018, compared to 74.8%71.1% and 55.8%54.8%, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.2017.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, our portfolio of common stocks and other securitiesinvestments with equity risk had a cash market portfolio beta of 1.17,1.07, compared to a beta of 1.211.03 as of December 31, 2014.2017. Beta represents a widely used methodology to describe, quantitatively, an investment’s market risk characteristics relative to an index such as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Price Index (“S&P 500”). Based on the beta analysis, we estimate that if the S&P 500 increases or decreases by 10%, the fair value of our equity investments will increase or decrease by 11.7%10.7%, respectively. Based upon the information and assumptions we used to calculate beta as of December 31, 2015,2018, we estimate that an immediate increase or decrease in the S&P 500 of 10% would increase or decrease the net fair value of our equity investments by $1.17$1.34 billion, of which approximately 40% relates to public securities, compared to $1.05$1.37 billion as of December 31, 2014. 2017.
We periodically use put options to reduce equity price risk or call options to adjust our equity risk profile. Put options provide an offset to declines in equity market values below a targeted level, while call options provide participation in equity market appreciation above a targeted level. Options can expire, terminate early or the option can be exercised. If the equity index does not fall below the put’s strike price or rise above the call’s strike price, the maximum loss on purchased puts and calls is limited to the amount of the premium paid. Based on the equity put and call
options in place at December 31, 2018, we would recognize $18 million of losses in the event of a 10% increase in the S&P 500 index and $28 million in gains in the event of a 10% decrease.
The selection of a 10% immediate increase or decrease in the S&P 500 should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.
The beta of our common stocks and other securitiesinvestments with equity risk was determined by calculating the change in the fair value of the portfolio resulting from stressing the equity market up and down 10%. For limited partnership interests, quarterly changes in fair values may not be highly correlated to equity indices in the short-term and changes in value of these investments are generally recognized on a three-month delay due to the availability of the related investee financial statements. The illustrations noted above may not reflect our actual experience if the future composition of the portfolio (hence its beta) and correlation relationships differ from the historical relationships.
As of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, we had separate account assets related to variable annuity and variable life contracts with account values totaling $3.66$2.81 billion and $4.40$3.44 billion, respectively. Equity risk exists for contract charges based on separate account balances and guarantees for death and/or income benefits provided by our variable products. In 2006, we disposed of substantially all of the variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial Inc. and therefore mitigated this aspect of our risk. Equity risk for our variable life business relates to contract charges and policyholder benefits. Total direct and assumed variable life contract charges for 20152018 and 20142017 were $40$44 million and $47$41 million, respectively. Separate account liabilities related to variable life contracts were $69$68 million and $77$70 million as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.
As of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017, we had $1.42$1.83 billion and $1.49$1.85 billion, respectively, in equity-indexed life and annuity liabilities that provide customers with interest crediting rates based on the performance of the S&P 500. We hedge the majority of the risk associated with these liabilities using equity-indexed options and futures and eurodollar futures, maintaining risk within specified value-at-risk limits.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This risk primarily arises from our foreign equity investments, including common stocks, limited partnership interests, and our Canadian, Northern Ireland and Indian operations. We use foreign currency derivative contracts to partially offset this risk.
As of December 31, 2018, we also have investments$96 million in certain fixed income securities and emerging market fixed income funds that are denominated in foreign currencies; however,currencies, of which approximately 0.4% used derivatives are used to hedge approximately 87% of this foreign currency risk.

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2018 Form 10-KMarket Risk

As of December 31, 2015,2018, we had $1.97$2.10 billion in foreign currency denominated equity investments, $780including the impact of foreign currency derivative contracts, $860 million net investment in our foreign subsidiaries, primarily related to our Canadian operations, and $17$96 million in unhedged non-dollarnon-U.S. dollar fixed income securities. These amounts were $1.35$2.18 billion, $843 million,$1.02 billion, and $283$112 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. 71% of the foreign currency exposure is in the Property-Liability business.2017.
Based upon the information and assumptions used, including the impact of foreign currency derivative contracts, as of December 31, 2015,2018, we estimate that a 10% immediate unfavorable change in each of the foreign currency exchange rates to which we are exposed would decrease the value of our foreign currency denominated instruments by $278$306 million, compared with an estimated $235$326 million decrease as of December 31, 2014.2017. The selection of a 10% immediate decrease in all currency exchange rates should not be construed as our prediction of future market events, but only as an illustration of the potential effect of such an event.
The modeling technique we use to report our currency exposure does not take into account correlation among foreign currency exchange rates. Even though we believe it is very unlikely that all of the foreign currency exchange rates that we are exposed to would simultaneously decrease by 10%, we nonetheless stress test our portfolio under this and other hypothetical extreme adverse market scenarios. Our actual experience may differ from these results because of assumptions we have used or because significant liquidity and market events could occur that we did not foresee.

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
We have
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans 2018 Form 10-K


Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
Our defined benefit pension plans which cover most full-time employees, certain part-time employees and employee-agents. Benefits are based primarily on a cash balance formula,formula; however, certain participants have a significant portion of their benefits attributable to a former final average pay formula. 92%87% of the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) of our primary qualified employee plan is related to the former final average pay formula. See Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements for a complete discussion of these plans and their effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs are calculated using various actuarial assumptions and methodologies. These assumptions include discount rates, compensation increases, health care cost trend rates, inflation, expected returns on plan assets, mortality and other factors. The assumptions utilized in recording the obligations under our pension plans represent our best estimates and we believe they are reasonable based on information as to historical experience and performance as well as other factors that might cause future expectations to differ from past trends.
2019 change in pension and other postretirement plan accounting At January 1, 2019, we changed our accounting principle for recognizing actuarial gains and losses and expected return on plan assets for our pension and other postretirement plans may be amended or terminated at any time. Any revisions could result in significant changes to our obligationsa more preferable policy under U.S. GAAP. Prior to 2019, actuarial gains and our obligation to fund the plans.
We report unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. It represents the after-tax differences between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for other postretirement plans that have not yet beenlosses were recognized as a component of net periodic cost. AsAOCI, and were generally amortized into earnings in future periods. Under the new principle, actuarial gains and losses will be immediately recognized through earnings (“fair value accounting”).
In addition, we changed our policy for recognizing expected returns on plan assets by eliminating the permitted accounting practice allowing the five-year smoothing of December 31, 2015, unrecognizedequity returns and moving to an unadjusted fair value method.
We believe that fair value accounting is preferable as it provides greater transparency of our economic obligations in accounting results and better aligns with the fair value accounting principles by recognizing the effects of economic and interest rate changes on pension and other postretirement benefit cost totaled $1.32 billion comprising $1.52 billionplan assets and liabilities in the year in which the gains and losses are incurred. These changes will be applied retrospectively thereby requiring restatement of unrecognized costs relatedprior periods presented and upon adoption will have no impact on shareholders’ equity or book value per share.
Differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions After the January 1, 2019 change to pension benefits and a $209 million gain related to other postretirement benefits. The unrecognizedfair value accounting, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions will affect our pension and other postretirement benefit cost decreased by $48 million as of December 31, 2015 from $1.36 billion as of December 31, 2014.obligations and future expense. The measurement of the unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost can vary based upon the fluctuations in the fair value of plan assets and the actuarial assumptions used for the plans as discussed below. The reduction in the unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost is primarily relatedprimary factors contributing to actuarial assumptionsgains and census data updates, including increaseslosses are 1) changes in the discount rate assumptions, partially offset by lump sum payments at discount rates lower than actuarial assumptionsused to value pension and asset returns that were less than expected.
The components of net periodic pension cost for all pension plans for the years ended December 31 arepostretirement obligations as follows:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Service cost$114
 $96
 $140
Interest cost258
 262
 265
Expected return on plan assets(424) (398) (394)
Amortization of:     
Prior service credit(56) (58) (28)
Net actuarial loss190
 127
 235
Settlement loss31
 54
 277
Net periodic cost$113

$83

$495
The service cost component is the actuarial present value of the benefits attributed by the plans benefit formula to services rendered by the employees during the period. Interest cost is the increase in the PBO in the period due to the passage of time at the discount rate. Interest cost fluctuates as the discount rate changes and is also impacted by the related change in the size of the PBO. The decrease or increase in the PBO due to an increase or decrease in the discount rate is deferred and decreases or increases the net actuarial loss. It is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income as unrecognized pension benefit cost and may be amortized.
The expected return on plan assets is determined as the product ofmeasurement date, 2) differences between the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the adjusted fair value of plan assets, referred to as the market-related value of plan assets. To determine the market-related value, the fair value of plan assets is adjusted annually so that differences between changes in the fair value of equity securities and hedge fund limited partnerships and the expected long-term rate of return on these securities are recognized into the market-related value of plan assets over a five year period. We believe this is consistent with the long-term nature of pension obligations.
When the actual return on plan assets, exceeds the expected return on plan assets it reduces the net actuarial loss; when the expected return exceeds the actual return it increases the net actuarial loss. It is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income as unrecognized pension benefit cost and may be amortized. The market-related value adjustment represents the current difference between actual returns and expected returns on equity securities and hedge fund limited partnerships recognized over a five year period. The market-related value adjustment is a deferred net loss of $139 million as of December 31, 2015. The expected return on plan assets fluctuates when the market-related value of plan assets changes and when the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption changes.3)
Amortization of net actuarial loss in pension cost is recorded when the net actuarial loss excluding the unamortized market-related value adjustment exceeds 10% of the greater of the PBO or the market-related value of plan assets. The amount of amortization is equal to the excess divided by the average remaining service period for active employees for each plan, which approximates 10 years for Allstate’s largest plan. As a result, the effect of
changes in the PBO duedemographic assumptions, including mortality, and 4) participant experience different from demographic assumptions.
Impact of assumption changes to changes in the discount rate and changes in the fair value of plan assets may be experienced in our net periodic pension cost in periods subsequentand benefit costs, following a retrospective change to those in which the fluctuations actually occur.

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Net actuarial loss fluctuates as the discount rate fluctuates, as the actual return on plan assets differ from the expected long-term rate of return on plans assets, and as actual plan experience differs from other actuarial assumptions. Net actuarial loss related to changes in the discount rate will change when interest rates change and from amortization of net actuarial loss when there is an excess sufficient to qualify for amortization. Net actuarial loss related to changes in the fair value of plan assets will change when plan assets change in fair value and when there is an excess sufficient to qualify for amortization. Other net actuarial loss will change over time due to changes in other valuation assumptions and the plan participants or when there is an excess sufficient to qualify for amortization.
An increase in the discount rate decreased the net actuarial loss by $465 million in 2015, a decrease in the discount rate increased the net actuarial loss by $576 million in 2014, and an increase in the discount rate decreased the net actuarial loss by $593 million in 2013. The difference between actual and expected returns on plan assets increased the net actuarial loss by $466 million in 2015 and decreased the loss by $144 million and $172 million in 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Settlement charges are non-cash charges that accelerate the recognition of unrecognized pension benefit cost, that would have been incurred in subsequent periods, when plan payments, primarily lump sums from qualified pension plans, exceed a threshold of service and interest cost for the period. The value of lump sums paid in 2015 were higher than 2014, in the primary employee plan, but did not exceed the settlement charge threshold. The value of lump sums paid in 2014 were lower as fewer employees retired than in 2013. The value of lump sums paid to employees electing retirement in 2013 was elevated due to historically low interest rates. Voluntary retirement activity during the fourth quarter of 2013 was almost five times the typical level.
Net periodic pension cost in 2016 is estimated to be $150 million including expected settlement charges of $31 million primarily for agent lump sum payments. Expected returns on plan assets and amortization of prior service credits partially offset the other components of pension cost. The increase is primarily due to higher interest costs as a result of increases in discount rates. Pension expense is reported consistent with other types of employee compensation and as a result is included in claims expense, operating costs and expenses and investment expense. Net periodic pension cost increased in 2015 to $113 million compared to $83 million in 2014 due to higher amortization of net actuarial loss offset by a higher expected return on assets. Net periodic pension cost decreased in 2014 to $83 million compared to $495 million in 2013 due to a decrease in service cost from the new benefit formula, a decrease in the amortization expense for the prior year’s net actuarial losses which decreased due to a higher discount rate used to value the pension plan and lower settlement charges from fewer lump sum payments. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, net pension cost included non-cash settlement charges resulting from lump sum distributions. Settlement charges are likely to continue for some period in the future as we settle our remaining agent pension obligations by making lump sum distributions to agents. The settlement charge threshold for our primary employee plan is lower beginning in 2014 due to the new benefit formula and low interest rates and as a result a lower amount of lump sum benefits may trigger settlement charges in the future. If interest rates increase in 2016, there may be an increase in employees electing retirement, which could trigger settlement charges in 2016.
We anticipate that the net actuarial loss for our pension plans will exceed 10% of the greater of the PBO or the market-related value of assets in 2016 and into the foreseeable future, resulting in additional amortization and net periodic pension cost. The net actuarial loss will be amortized over the remaining service life of active employees (approximately 10 years) or will reverse with increases in the discount rate or better than expected returns on plan assets.
Amounts recorded for net periodic pension cost and accumulated other comprehensive income are significantly affected by changes in the assumptions used to determine the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. accounting The discount rate is based on rates at which expected pension benefits attributable to past employee service could effectively be settled on a present value basis at the measurement date. We develop the assumed discount rate by utilizing the weighted average yield of a theoretical dedicated portfolio derived from non-callable bonds and bonds with a make-whole provision available in the Bloomberg corporate bond universe having ratings of at least “AA” by S&P or at least “Aa” by Moody’s on the measurement date with cash flows that match expected plan benefit requirements. Significant changes in discount rates, such as those caused by changes in the credit spreads, yield curve, the mix of bonds available in the market, the duration of selected bonds and expected benefit payments, may result in volatility in pension cost and accumulated other comprehensive income.cost.
Holding other assumptions constant, a hypothetical decrease of 100 basis points in the discount rate would result in an increase of $33$612 million, pre-tax, in net periodic pension cost and a $426 million after-tax, increase in the unrecognized pension cost liability recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2015, compared to an increase of $31 million, pre-tax, in net periodic pension cost and a $444 million, after-tax, increase in the unrecognized pension cost liability as of December 31, 2014.2018. A hypothetical increase of 100 basis points in the discount rate would decrease net periodic pension cost by $30$515 million, pre-tax, and would decrease the unrecognized pension cost liability recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income by $360 million, after-tax, as of December 31, 2015, compared to a decrease in net periodic pension cost of $29 million, pre-tax, and a $377 million, after-tax, decrease in the unrecognized pension cost liability recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2014.2018. This non-symmetrical range results from the non-linear relationship between discount rates and pension obligations, and changes in the amortization of unrealized net actuarial gains and losses.obligations.

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The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on plan assets. While this rate reflects long-term assumptions and is consistent with long-term historical returns, sustained changes in the market or changes in the mix of plan assets may lead to revisions in the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets that may result in variability of pension cost. Differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets are a componentimmediately recognized through earnings upon the annual remeasurement in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis as triggering events warrant remeasurement. Short-term asset performance can differ significantly from the expected rate of net actuarial loss and are recordedreturn, especially in accumulated other comprehensive income.volatile markets.
Holding other assumptions constant, a hypothetical decrease of 100 basis points in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would result in an increase of $54 million in pension cost as of December 31, 2015, compared to $57 million as of December 31, 2014. A hypothetical increaseor decrease of 100 basis points in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would result in a decrease or increase, respectively, of $55 million, pre-tax, in net periodic pension cost of $54 million as of December 31, 2015, compared to $57 million as of December 31, 2014.2018.
The primary qualified plansAssumed health care cost trend rates have unrealized net gains as of December 31, 2015 of $219 million, a decrease of $291 million fromsignificant effect on the prior year. $283 million of unrealized gains are related to equity securities as of December 31, 2015 compared to $413 million as of December 31, 2014. During 2015,amounts reported for the two primary qualified plans realized capital gains of $138 million. Given the Plan’s exposure to anpostretirement health care plans. A one percentage-point increase in interestassumed health care cost trend rates the plans continue to maintain a shortened durationwould increase net periodic benefit cost for other postretirement benefits by $27 million. A one

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2018 Form 10-KPension and Other Postretirement Plans

percentage-point decrease in the fixed income portfolio.assumed health care cost trend rates would decrease net periodic benefit cost for other postretirement benefits by $24 million.
We targetTarget funding levels are established in accordance with applicable regulations, including those under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”)for U.S. pension plans, and generally accepted actuarial principles. Our funding levels were within our targeted range as of December 31, 2015.2018. In 2015,2018, we contributed $125$16 million to our unfunded non-qualified plans and zero to the qualified funded pension plans. We expect to contribute $129$26 million and zero to these plans, respectively, for the 20162019 fiscal year to maintain the plans’ funded status.year. This estimate could change significantly following either an improvement or decline in investment markets.
Participating subsidiaries fund the Plans’ contributions under our master services cost sharing agreement. In addition, as a result of joint and several pension liability rules under the IRC and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, many liabilities that arise in connection with pension plans are joint and several across all members of a controlled group of entities.
GOODWILL
Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquiring businesses over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The goodwill balances were $823 million and $396 million as of December 31, 2015 for the Allstate Protection segment and the Allstate Financial segment, respectively. Our reporting units are equivalent to our reporting segments, Allstate Protection and Allstate Financial. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based on which unit is expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.market conditions.
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. We perform our annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year based upon data as of the close of the third quarter. We also review goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as deteriorating or adverse market conditions, indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may exceed its implied fair value.
Impairment testing requires the use of estimates and judgments. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the second step of the goodwill test is required. In such instances, the implied fair value of the goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be determined in a business acquisition. The excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill would be recognized as an impairment and recorded as a charge against net income.
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To estimate the fair value of our reporting units for our annual impairment test, we initially utilize a stock price and market capitalization analysis and apportion the value between our reporting units using peer company price to book multiples. If the stock price and market capitalization analysis does not result in the fair value of the reporting unit exceeding its carrying value, we may also utilize a peer company price to earnings multiples analysis and/or a discounted cash flow analysis to supplement the stock price and market capitalization analysis. If a combination of valuation techniques are utilized, the analyses would be weighted based on management’s judgment of their relevance given current facts and circumstances.
The stock price and market capitalization analysis takes into consideration the quoted market price of our outstanding common stock and includes a control premium, derived from historical insurance industry acquisition activity, in determining the estimated fair value of the consolidated entity before allocating that fair value to individual reporting units. The total market capitalization of the consolidated entity is allocated to the individual reporting units using book value multiples derived from peer company data for the respective reporting units. The peer company price to earnings multiples analysis takes into consideration the price earnings multiples of peer companies for each reporting unit and estimated income from our strategic plan. The discounted cash flow analysis utilizes long term assumptions for revenue growth, capital growth, earnings projections including those used in our strategic plan, and an appropriate discount rate. We apply significant judgment when determining the fair value of our reporting units and when assessing the relationship of market capitalization to the estimated fair value of our reporting units. The valuation analyses described above are subject to critical judgments and assumptions and may be potentially sensitive to variability. Estimates of fair value are

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inherently uncertain
Capital Resources and represent management’s reasonable expectation regarding future developments. These estimatesLiquidity 2018 Form 10-K


Capital Resources and the judgments and assumptions utilized may differ from future actual results. Declines in the estimated fair value of our reporting units could result in goodwill impairments in future periods which may be material to our results of operations but not our financial position.
During fourth quarter 2015, we completed our annual goodwill impairment test using information as of September 30, 2015. The stock price and market capitalization analysis resulted in the fair value of our reporting units exceeding their respective carrying values. The results of this analysis are supported by the operating performance of the individual reporting units as well as their respective industry sector’s performance. Goodwill impairment evaluations indicated no impairment as of December 31, 2015 and no reporting unit was at risk of having its carrying value including goodwill exceed its fair value.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY 2015 HIGHLIGHTS
Shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2015 was $20.03 billion, a decrease of 10.2% from $22.30 billion as of December 31, 2014.
On January 2, 2015, April 1, 2015, July 1, 2015 and October 1, 2015, we paid common shareholder dividends of $0.28, $0.30, $0.30 and $0.30, respectively. On November 19, 2015, we declared a common shareholder dividend of $0.30 payable on January 4, 2016. On February 12, 2016, we declared a common shareholder dividend of $0.33 payable on April 1, 2016.
In 2015, we returned $3.3 billion to shareholders through a combination of common stock dividends and repurchasing 10.2% of our beginning-of-year-outstanding shares. As of December 31, 2015, there was $532 million remaining on the $3 billion common share repurchase program.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITYLiquidity
Capital resourcesconsist of shareholders’ equity and debt, representing funds deployed or available to be deployed to support business operations or for general corporate purposes. The following table summarizes our capital resources as of December 31.
Capital resources      
 As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Preferred stock, common stock, treasury stock, retained income and other shareholders’ equity items$20,780
 $21,743
 $20,434
 $22,869
 $22,245
 $20,989
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(755) 561
 1,046
 (1,557) 306
 (416)
Total shareholders’ equity20,025

22,304

21,480
 21,312

22,551

20,573
Debt (1)
5,124
 5,140
 6,141
Debt 6,451
 6,350
 6,347
Total capital resources$25,149

$27,444

$27,621
 $27,763

$28,901

$26,920
     
Ratio of debt to shareholders’ equity25.6% 23.0% 28.6% 30.3% 28.2% 30.9%
Ratio of debt to capital resources20.4% 18.7% 22.2% 23.2% 22.0% 23.6%

(1)
Due to the adoption of new accounting guidance related to the presentation of debt issuance costs, long-term debt is reported net of debt issuance costs. All prior periods have been adjusted.
Shareholders’ equity decreased in 2015,2018, primarily due to common share repurchases, decreased net unrealized net capital gains on investments, common share repurchases and dividends paid to shareholders, partially offset by net income.income and issuance of preferred stock. In 2015,2018, we paid dividends of $483$614 million and $116$134 million related to our common and preferred shares, respectively. Shareholders’ equity increased in 2014,2017, primarily due to net income, the issuance of preferred stock and increased unrealized net capital gains on investments partially offset by common share repurchases, an increase in theand lower unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit costcosts, partially offset by common share repurchases and dividends paid to shareholders.
DebtPreferred stock and debt issuances   In May 2015, Federal Home Loan Bank advancesOn March 29, 2018, we issued 23,000 shares of $85.625% Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series G, for aggregate proceeds of $575 million, were repaid. In August 2015, we repurchased principal amounts of $11$250 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2021 and $250 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2023. The proceeds of these issuances were for general corporate purposes, including the redemption, repayment or repurchase of certain preferred stock or debt.
Redemption and repayment of preferred stock and debt On May 13, 2018, we redeemed our $224 million Series B 6.125% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures. We have noDebentures at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal.
On May 15, 2018, we repaid $176 million of 6.75% Senior Debentures at maturity.
On October 15, 2018, we redeemed all 15,400 shares of our Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C and the corresponding depository shares for $385 million. The redemption price in excess of the carrying value for the preferred shares was recognized as part of preferred stock dividends on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity.
For additional details on these transactions, see Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements.
Debt $317 million of senior debt maturities until 2018.is scheduled to mature in May 2019. As of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, there were no outstanding commercial paper
borrowings. For further information on outstanding debt, see Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements.
Capital resources comprise an increased mix of preferred stock and subordinated debt due to issuances in 2013 and 2014 and the completion of a tender offer to repurchase debt in 2013. As of December 31, 2015, capital resources includes $1.75 billion or 7.0% of preferred stock and $2.04 billion or 8.1% of subordinated debt, a total of 15.1% compared to 13.8% as of December 31, 2014 and 10.2% as of December 31, 2013. These resources increase our strategic flexibility by decreasing our debt to shareholders’ equity ratio, which is one determinant of borrowing capacity.
Common share repurchases In March 2015, we commencedOn October 31, 2018, the Board authorized a $3new $3.00 billion common share repurchase program that is expected to be completed by July 2016.April 2020. Funding for the repurchase program may include potential preferred stock issuances of up to $1.00 billion. As of December 31, 2015,2018, there was $532 million$2.07 billion remaining on the common share repurchase program.
In February 2015,November 2018, we completed a $2.5the $2.00 billion common share repurchase program that commenced in February 2014. August 2017.
In December 2018, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), to purchase $1.00 billion of our outstanding common stock. Under the ASR agreement, we paid $1.00 billion upfront and initially acquired 10.7 million shares. The actual number of shares we repurchase under this ASR agreement, and the average price paid per share, will be determined at the completion of the ASR agreement based on the volume weighted average price of Allstate’s common stock during the period of Wells Fargo’s purchases. This ASR agreement is expected to be completed on or before May 2019.
During 2015,2018, we repurchased 42.825.0 million common shares for $2.80 billion in the market.$2.20 billion. The common share repurchases were completed through open market transactions and ASR agreements.

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Since 1995, we have acquired 645707 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $28.23$33.33 billion, primarily as part of various stock repurchase programs. We have reissued 127141 million common shares since 1995, primarily associated with our equity incentive plans, the 1999 acquisition of American Heritage Life Investment Corporation and the 2001 redemption of certain mandatorily redeemable preferred securities. Since 1995, total common shares outstanding has decreased by 518567 million shares or 57.6%63.1%, primarily due to our repurchase programs.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg105


2018 Form 10-KCapital Resources and Liquidity

Common shareholder dividends On January 2, 2018, April 2, 2018, July 2, 2018 and October 1, 2018, we paid common shareholder dividends of $0.37, $0.46, $0.46 and $0.46, respectively. On November 16, 2018, we declared a common shareholder dividend of $0.46,
payable on January 2, 2019. On February 8, 2019, we declared a common shareholder dividend of $0.50, payable on April 1, 2019.

Financial ratings and strength  The following table summarizes our senior long-term debt, commercial paper and insurance financial strength ratings as of December 31, 2015.
Senior long-term debt, commercial paper and insurance financial strength ratings
As of December 31, 2018
 Moody’s 
Standard &
Poor’s
S&P Global Ratings
 A.M. Best
The Allstate Corporation (debt)A3 A- a-a
The Allstate Corporation (short-term issuer)P-2 A-1A-2 AMB-1AMB-1+
Allstate Insurance Company (insurance financial strength)Aa3 AA- A+
Allstate Life Insurance Company (insurance financial strength)A1 A+ A+
Allstate Assurance Company (insurance financial strength)A1N/AA+
Our ratings are influenced by many factors including our operating and financial performance, asset quality, liquidity, asset/liability management, overall portfolio mix, financial leverage (i.e., debt), exposure to risks such as catastrophes and the current level of operating leverage. The preferred stock and subordinated debentures are viewed as having a common equity component by certain rating agencies and are given equity credit up to a pre-determined limit in our capital structure as determined by their respective methodologies. These respective methodologies consider the existence of certain terms and features in the instruments such as the noncumulative dividend feature in the preferred stock.
In February 2015, A.M. Best affirmed The Allstate Corporation’s debt and short-term issuer ratings of a- and AMB-1, respectively, and the insurance financial strength ratings of A+ for AIC and ALIC. The outlook for the ratings remained stable. In June 2015,August 2018, Moody’s affirmed The Allstate Corporation’s debt and short-term issuer ratings of A3 and P-2, respectively, and the insurance financial strength ratings of Aa3 for AIC and A1 for ALIC.both Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) and Allstate Assurance Company (“AAC”). The outlook for the ratings remainedis stable. In July 2015,August 2018, S&P affirmed The Allstate Corporation’s debt and short-term issuer ratings of A- and A-1,A-2, respectively, and the insurance financial strength ratings of AA- for AIC and A+ for ALIC. The outlook for the ratings remainedis stable. In April 2018, A.M. Best upgraded The Allstate Corporation’s debt and short-term issuer ratings of a- and AMB-1 to a and AMB-1+, respectively, and affirmed the insurance financial strength ratings of A+ for AIC, ALIC and AAC. The outlook for the ratings is stable.
We have distinct and separately capitalized groups of subsidiaries licensed to sell property and casualty insurance in New Jersey and Florida that maintain separate group ratings. The ratings of these groups are influenced by the risks that relate specifically to each group. Many mortgage companies require property owners to have insurance from an insurance carrier with a secure financial strength rating from an accredited rating agency. In February 2015,April 2018, A.M. Best affirmed the Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company,ANJ, which writes auto and homeowners insurance, rating of A-.A, and affirmed the North Light, our excess and surplus lines carrier, rating of A+. The outlook for thisthe ANJ rating and North Light rating is stable. Allstate New Jersey Insurance CompanyANJ also has a Financial Stability Rating® of A from Demotech, which was
affirmed in October 2015.November 2018. In July 2015,February 2018, A.M. Best affirmed the Castle Key Insurance Company,CKIC, which underwrites personal lines property insurance in Florida, rating of B-. The outlook for the rating was revised to stable from negative. Castle Key Insurance CompanyCKIC also has a Financial Stability Rating® of AA’ from Demotech whichthat was affirmed in October 2015.November 2018. ANJ, North Light and CKIC do not have support agreements with AIC.
Beginning in 2015, Allstate Financial uses a separately capitalized subsidiary, Allstate Assurance Company (“AAC”), to write certainAllstate’s domestic property and casualty and life insurance subsidiaries prepare their statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance department of the applicable state of domicile. Statutory surplus is a measure that is often used as a basis for determining dividend paying capacity, operating leverage and premium growth capacity, and it is also reviewed by rating agencies in determining their ratings.
The property and casualty business sold by Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialists.is comprised of 29 insurance companies, each of which has individual company dividend limitations. As AAC launched its products throughout the nation, LBL ceased writing that type of new business for Allstate Financial. LBL life business sold through the Allstate agency channel and all LBL payout annuity business continuesDecember 31, 2018, total statutory surplus is $18.15 billion compared to be reinsured and serviced by ALIC. AAC has a financial strength rating of A from A.M. Best and A1 by Moody’s$18.63 billion as of December 31, 2015.2017. Property and casualty subsidiaries surplus was $14.33 billion as of December 31, 2018, compared to $14.90 billion as of December 31, 2017. Life insurance subsidiaries surplus was $3.82 billion as of December 31, 2018, compared to $3.73 billion as of December 31, 2017.
ALIC, AIC, AACThe National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) has developed financial relationships or tests known as the Insurance Regulatory Information System to assist state insurance regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies and identifying companies that require special attention or actions by state insurance regulators. The NAIC analyzes financial data provided by insurance companies using prescribed ratios, each with defined “usual ranges”. Additional regulatory scrutiny may occur if a company’s ratios fall outside the usual ranges for four or more of the ratios. Our domestic insurance companies have no significant departure from these ranges.


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Capital Resources and Liquidity 2018 Form 10-K


Liquidity sources and usesOur potential sources and uses of funds principally include the following activities below.
Activities for potential sources of funds
Property-
Liability
Service Businesses
Allstate
Life
Allstate BenefitsAllstate Annuities
Corporate
and Other
Receipt of insurance premiumsüüüüü
Recurring service feesüü
Contractholder fund depositsüüü
Reinsurance and indemnification program recoveriesüüüüü
Receipts of principal, interest and dividends on investmentsüüüüüü
Sales of investmentsüüüüüü
Funds from securities lending, commercial paper and line of credit agreementsüü
     ü

ü
Intercompany loansüüüü
ü

ü
Capital contributions from parentüüü
ü

ü
Dividends or return of capital from subsidiariesüü
    ü

ü
Tax refunds/settlementsüüüüüü
Funds from periodic issuance of additional securitiesü
Receipt of intercompany settlements related to employee benefit plansü
Activities for potential uses of funds
Property-
Liability
Service Businesses
Allstate
Life
Allstate BenefitsAllstate Annuities
Corporate
and Other
Payment of claims and related expensesü
ü

Payment of contract benefits, maturities, surrenders and withdrawalsüüü
Reinsurance cessions and indemnification program paymentsüü��üü
Operating costs and expensesüüüüüü
Purchase of investmentsüüüüüü
Repayment of securities lending, commercial paper and line of credit agreementsüüüü
Payment or repayment of intercompany loansüüüüüü
Capital contributions to subsidiariesüüüü
Dividends or return of capital to shareholders/parent companyüüüüüü
Tax payments/settlementsüüüüü
Common share repurchasesü
Debt service expenses and repaymentüü
Payments related to employee and employee-agent benefit plansüüüüüü
Payments for acquisitionsüüüüüü
We actively manage our financial position and liquidity levels in light of changing market, economic, and business conditions. Liquidity is managed at both the entity and enterprise level across the Company, and is assessed on both base and stressed level liquidity needs. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet these needs. Additionally, we have existing intercompany agreements in place that facilitate liquidity management across the Company to enhance flexibility.
As of December 31, 2018, we held $8.96 billion of cash, U.S. government and agencies fixed income securities, and public equity securities (excluding non-redeemable preferred stocks and foreign equities)
which, under normal market conditions, we would expect to be able to liquidate within one week. In addition, we regularly estimate how much of the total portfolio, which includes high quality corporate fixed income and municipal holdings, can be reasonably liquidated within one quarter. These estimates are subject to considerable uncertainty associated with evolving market conditions. As of December 31, 2018, estimated liquidity available within one quarter without generating significant net realized capital losses was $21.34 billion. As of December 31, 2018, gross unrealized losses related to fixed income securities totaled $957 million.

The Allstate Corporation areallstatelogohandsa18.jpg107


2018 Form 10-KCapital Resources and Liquidity

Certain remote events and circumstances could constrain our liquidity. Those events and circumstances include, for example, a catastrophe resulting in extraordinary losses, a downgrade in our senior long-term debt ratings to non-investment grade status, or a downgrade in AIC’s or ALIC’s financial strength ratings. The rating agencies also consider the interdependence of our individually rated entities; therefore, a rating change in one entity could potentially affect the ratings of other related entities.
The Allstate Corporation is party to an Amended and Restated Intercompany Liquidity Agreement (“Liquidity Agreement”) with certain subsidiaries, which include, but are not limited to, ALIC and AIC. The Liquidity Agreement allows for short-term advances of funds to be made between parties for liquidity and other general corporate purposes. The Liquidity Agreement does not establish a commitment to advance funds on the part of any party. ALIC and AIC each serve as a lender and borrower, AAC servescertain other subsidiaries serve only as a borrower,borrowers, and the Corporation serves only as a lender. AIC also has a capital support agreement with ALIC. Under the capital support agreement, AIC is committed to provideproviding capital to ALIC to maintain an adequate capital level. The maximum amount of potential funding under each of these agreements is $1.00 billion.
In addition to the Liquidity Agreement, the Corporation also has an intercompany loan agreement with certain of its subsidiaries, which include, but are not limited to, AIC and ALIC. The amount of intercompany loans available to the Corporation’s subsidiaries is at the discretion of the Corporation. The maximum amount of loans the Corporation will have outstanding to all its eligible subsidiaries at any given point in time is limited to $1.00 billion. The Corporation may use commercial paper borrowings, bank lines of credit and securities lending to fund intercompany borrowings.
Allstate’s domestic property-liability and life insurance subsidiaries prepare their statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance department of the applicable state of domicile. Statutory surplus is a measure that is often used as a basis for determining dividend paying capacity, operating leverage and premium growth capacity, and it is also reviewed by rating agencies in determining their ratings. Property-Liability is comprised

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of 29 companies, each of which has individual company dividend limitations. As of December 31, 2015, total statutory surplus is $16.49 billion compared to $17.32 billion as of December 31, 2014. Property-Liability surplus was $13.33 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared to $14.41 billion as of December 31, 2014. Allstate Financial surplus was $3.16 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared to $2.91 billion as of December 31, 2014. In 2015, we initiated a mortality study for our structured settlement annuities with life contingencies, which is expected to be completed in 2016. The study thus far indicates that annuitants may be living longer and receiving benefits for a longer period than originally estimated. The preliminary results of the study were incorporated in the statutory reserving process and led to a $244 million increase in statutory reserves as of December 31, 2015. This decreased Allstate Financial’s surplus by approximately $175 million, after-tax.
The ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus is a common measure of operating leverage used in the property-casualty insurance industry and serves as an indicator of a company’s premium growth capacity. Ratios in excess of 3 to 1 are typically considered outside the usual range by insurance regulators and rating agencies, and for homeowners and related coverages that have significant net exposure to natural catastrophes, a ratio of 1 to 1 is typically within the usual range. AIC’s combined premium to surplus ratio was 1.9x as of December 31, 2015 compared to 1.7x as of December 31, 2014.
The NAIC has also developed a set of financial relationships or tests known as the Insurance Regulatory Information System to assist state insurance regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies and identifying companies that require special attention or actions by state insurance regulators. The NAIC analyzes financial data provided by insurance companies using prescribed ratios, each with defined “usual ranges”. Additional regulatory scrutiny may occur if a company’s ratios fall outside the usual ranges for four or more of the ratios. Our domestic insurance companies have no significant departure from these ranges.
Liquidity sources and uses  Our potential sources of funds principally include activities shown in the following table.
Property-
Liability
Allstate
Financial
Corporate
and Other
Receipt of insurance premiumsXX
Contractholder fund depositsX
Reinsurance recoveriesXX
Receipts of principal, interest and dividends on investmentsXXX
Sales of investmentsXXX
Funds from securities lending, commercial paper and line of credit agreementsXXX
Intercompany loansXXX
Capital contributions from parentXX
Dividends or return of capital from subsidiariesXX
Tax refunds/settlementsXXX
Funds from periodic issuance of additional securitiesX
Receipt of intercompany settlements related to employee benefit plansX
Our potential uses of funds principally include activities shown in the following table.
Property-
Liability
Allstate
Financial
Corporate
and Other
Payment of claims and related expensesX
Payment of contract benefits, maturities, surrenders and withdrawalsX
Reinsurance cessions and paymentsXX
Operating costs and expensesXXX
Purchase of investmentsXXX
Repayment of securities lending, commercial paper and line of credit agreementsXXX
Payment or repayment of intercompany loansXXX
Capital contributions to subsidiariesXX
Dividends or return of capital to shareholders/parent companyXXX
Tax payments/settlementsXX
Common share repurchasesX
Debt service expenses and repaymentXXX
Payments related to employee and agent benefit plansXXX
We actively manage our financial position and liquidity levels in light of changing market, economic, and business conditions. Liquidity is managed at both the entity and enterprise level across the Company, and is assessed on both base and stressed level liquidity needs. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet these needs. Additionally, we have existing intercompany agreements in place that facilitate liquidity management across the Company to enhance flexibility.

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As of December 31, 2015, we held $7.56 billion of cash, U.S. government and agencies fixed income securities, and public equity securities (excluding non-redeemable preferred stocks and foreign equities) which, under normal market conditions, we would expect to be able to liquidate within one week. In addition, we regularly estimate how much of the total portfolio, which includes high quality corporate fixed income and municipal holdings, can be reasonably liquidated within one quarter. These estimates are subject to considerable uncertainty associated with evolving market conditions. As of December 31, 2015, estimated liquidity available within one quarter without generating significant net realized capital losses was $20.91 billion. As of December 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to fixed income and equity securities totaled $1.10 billion.
Parent company capital capacity  At the parent holding company level, we have deployable assets totaling $2.62$1.50 billion as of December 31, 20152018, comprising cash and investments that are generally saleable within one quarter. The substantial earnings capacity of the operating subsidiaries is the primary source of capital generation for the Corporation. In 2016,
The payment of dividends by AIC to The Allstate Corporation is limited by Illinois insurance law to formula amounts based on statutory net income and statutory surplus, as well as the timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding twelve months. Based on the greater of 2018 statutory net income or 10% of statutory surplus, the maximum amount of dividends that AIC will have the capacitybe able to pay, dividends currentlywithout prior Illinois Department of Insurance approval, at a given point in time in 2019 is estimated at $1.71$2.73 billion, without prior regulatory approval. less dividends paid during the preceding twelve months measured at that point in time. Notification and approval of intercompany lending activities are also required by the Illinois Department of Insurance for those transactions that exceed formula amounts based on statutory admitted assets and statutory surplus.
This provides funds for the parent company’s fixed charges and other corporate purposes. In addition, we have access to $1.00 billion of funds from either commercial paper issuance or an unsecured revolving credit facility.
In 2015,Intercompany dividends were paid in 2018, 2017 and 2016 between the following companies: AIC, paid dividends totaling $2.31 billion to its parent, Allstate Insurance Holdings, LLC (“AIH”), which then paid $2.30 billion of dividends to the Corporation. In 2014, AIC paid dividends totaling $2.47 billion to its parent, AIH, which then paid $2.46 billion of dividends to the Corporation. In December 2014, AIC repurchased 2,967 common shares held by its parent, AIH, for an aggregate cash price of $1.20 billion, pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Agreement between AIC and AIH entered into as of December 9, 2014. A subsequent return of capital totaling $1.20 billion was paid by AIH to the Corporation, in December 2014. In 2013, AIC paid dividends totaling $1.95 billion to its parent, AIH which then paid the same amount of dividends to the Corporation. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, ALIC, paid $103 million, $700 million and $700 million, respectively, of returns of capital, repayments of surplus notes and dividends to AIC. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, American Heritage Life Insurance Company paid dividends totaling $80 million, $106 million(“AHL”) and $74 million, respectively, to Allstate Financial Insurance Holdings Corporation which then paid zero, $42 million and $40 million, respectively, of dividends to the Corporation. There were no capital contributions paid by the Corporation to AIC in 2015, 2014 and 2013. There were no capital contributions by AIC to ALIC in 2015, 2014 or 2013.(“AFIHC”).
Intercompany dividends
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
AIC to AIH $2,874
 $1,555
 $1,905
AIH to the Corporation 2,897
 1,613
 1,865
ALIC to AIC 250
 600
 
AHL to AFIHC 55
 70
 55
Dividends may not be paid or declared on our common stock and shares of common stock may not be repurchased unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on our preferred stock have been declared and paid or provided for. We are prohibited from declaring or paying dividends on our preferred stock if we fail to meet specified capital adequacy, net income or shareholders’ equity levels, except out of the net proceeds of common stock issued during the 90 days prior to the date of declaration. As of December 31, 2015,2018, we satisfied all of the tests with no current restrictions on the payment of preferred stock dividends. There were no capital contributions paid by the Corporation to AIC in 2018, 2017 or 2016. There were no capital contributions by AIC to ALIC in 2018, 2017 or 2016.
The terms of our outstanding subordinated debentures also prohibit us from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on our common or preferred stock or redeeming, purchasing, acquiring, or making liquidation payments on our common stock or preferred stock if we have elected to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures, subject to certain limited exceptions. In 2015,2018, we did not defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures.
Additional borrowings to support liquidity are as follows:
The Corporation has access to a commercial paper facility with a borrowing limit of $1.00 billion to cover short-term cash needs. As of December 31, 2015,2018, there were no balances outstanding and therefore the remaining borrowing capacity was $1.00 billion; however, the outstanding balance can fluctuate daily.
The Corporation, AIC and ALIC have access to a $1.00 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that is available for short-term liquidity requirements. In April 2015, we extended theThe maturity date of this facility tois April 2020.2021. The facility is fully subscribed among 11 lenders with the largest commitment being $115 million. The commitments of the lenders are several and no lender is responsible for any other lender’s commitment if such lender fails to make a loan under the facility. This facility contains an increase provision that would allow up to an additional $500

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Capital Resources and Liquidity 2018 Form 10-K


million of borrowing. This facility has a financial covenant requiring that we not exceed a 37.5% debt to capitalization ratio as defined in the agreement. This ratio was 12.0%16.0% as of December 31, 2015.2018. Although the right to borrow under the facility is not subject to a minimum rating requirement, the costs of maintaining the facility and borrowing under it are based on the ratings of our senior unsecured, unguaranteed long-term debt. There were no borrowings under the credit facility during 2015.2018.
The Corporation has access to a universal shelf registration statement that was filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 30, 2015.that expires in 2021. We can use this shelf registration to issue an unspecified amount of debt securities, common stock (including 519568 million shares of treasury stock as of December 31, 2015)2018), preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and securities of trust subsidiaries. The specific terms of any securities we issue under this registration statement will be provided in the applicable prospectus supplements.



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Liquidity exposure Contractholder funds were $21.30$18.37 billion as of December 31, 2015. The following table summarizes contractholder funds by their contractual withdrawal provisions as of December 31, 2015.2018.
Contractholder funds by contractual withdrawal provisions    
($ in millions)  Percent to total December 31, 2018 Percent to total
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal$3,424
 16.1% $2,848
 15.5%
Subject to discretionary withdrawal with adjustments:       
Specified surrender charges (1)
5,630
 26.4
 4,753
 25.9
Market value adjustments (2)
1,891
 8.9
 996
 5.4
Subject to discretionary withdrawal without adjustments (3)
10,350
 48.6
 9,774
 53.2
Total contractholder funds (4)
$21,295
 100.0% $18,371
 100.0%

(1) 
Includes $1.86 billion$870 million of liabilities with a contractual surrender charge of less than 5% of the account balance.
(2) 
$1.28 billion512 million of the contracts with market value adjusted surrenders have a 30-45 day period at the end of their initial and subsequent interest rate guarantee periods (which are typically 1, 5, 7 or 10 years) during which there is no surrender charge or market value adjustment. $325$225 million of these contracts have their 30-45 day window period in 2016.2019.
(3) 
88%89% of these contracts have a minimum interest crediting rate guarantee of 3% or higher.
(4) 
Includes $812$732 million of contractholder funds on variable annuities reinsured to The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial Inc., in 2006.
Retail life and annuity products may be surrendered by customers for a variety of reasons. Reasons unique to individual customers include a current or unexpected need for cash or a change in life insurance coverage needs. Other key factors that may impact the likelihood of customer surrender include the level of the contract surrender charge, the length of time the contract has been in force, distribution channel, market interest rates, equity market conditions and potential tax implications.
In addition, the propensity for retail life insurance policies to lapse is lower than it is for fixed annuities because of the need for the insured to be re-underwritten upon policy replacement.
The surrender and partial withdrawal rate on deferred fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life insurance products, based on the beginning of year contractholder funds, was 7.1%7.2% and 9.9%6.1% in 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. Allstate Financial strivesWe strive to promptly pay customers who request cash surrenders; however, statutory regulations generally provide up to six months in most states to fulfill surrender requests.
Our asset-liability management practices enable us to manage the differences between the cash flows generated by our investment portfolio and the expected cash flow requirements of our life insurance and annuity product obligations.
Certain remote events and circumstances could constrain our liquidity. Those events and circumstances include, for example, a catastrophe resulting in extraordinary losses, a downgrade in our senior long-term debt ratings to non-investment grade status, a downgrade in AIC’s financial strength ratings, or a downgrade in ALIC’s financial strength ratings. The rating agencies also consider the interdependence of our individually rated entities; therefore, a rating change in one entity could potentially affect the ratings of other related entities.
The following table summarizes consolidated cash flow activities by segment.
($ in millions)
Property-Liability (1)
 
Allstate Financial (1)
 
Corporate and Other (1)
 Consolidated
 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Net cash provided by (used in):                       
Operating activities$3,198
 $2,765
 $3,058
 $383
 $720
 $1,068
 $35
 $(249) $116
 $3,616
 $3,236
 $4,242
Investing activities(839) 99
 (1,858) 867
 2,315
 3,833
 714
 (793) (395) 742
 1,621
 1,580
Financing activities52
 (3) 38
 (1,275) (2,274) (4,393) (3,297) (2,598) (1,598) (4,520) (4,875) (5,953)
Net decrease in consolidated cash                  $(162)
$(18)
$(131)

(1)
Business unit cash flows reflect the elimination of intersegment dividends, contributions and borrowings.
Property-Liability  Higher cash provided by operating activities in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to increased premiums partially offset by higher claims payments, higher contributions to benefit plans, lower net investment income and higher income tax payments. Lower cash provided by operating activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to higher claim payments, the proceeds received in 2013 from the surrender of company owned life insurance and higher income tax payments, partially offset by increased premiums and lower contributions to benefit plans.
Cash used in investing activities in 2015 compared to cash provided by investing activities in 2014 was primarily the result of decreased sales of securities, partially offset by decreased purchases of securities. Cash provided by investing activities in 2014 compared to cash used in investing activities in 2013 was primarily the result of increased sales of securities and short-term investments, partially offset by increased purchases of securities. Increased sales and purchases of securities resulted from more active portfolio management.

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Allstate Financial  Lower cash provided by operating activities in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to lower net investment income and higher income tax payments, partially offset by higher premiums on accident and health and traditional life insurance products. Lower cash provided by operating activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to lower net investment income and higher income tax payments, partially offset by higher premiums on accident and health and traditional life insurance products.
Lower cash provided by investing activities in 2015 compared to 2014 was the result of lower cash used in financing activities due to lower contractholder fund disbursements. Lower cash was provided by investing activities in 2014 compared to 2013 as proceeds from the sale of LBL and higher sales of investments were more than offset by lower collections and higher purchases of investments. Lower collections resulted from funding a large institutional product maturity in 2013 from the portfolio.
Lower cash used in financing activities in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to lower contractholder benefits and withdrawals on fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life insurance, partially offset by lower deposits. Lower cash used in financing activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to a $1.75 billion institutional product maturity in 2013 and lower contractholder benefits and withdrawals on fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life insurance, partially offset by lower deposits. For quantification of the changes in contractholder funds, see the Allstate Financial Segment section of the MD&A.
Corporate and Other  Fluctuations in the Corporate and Other operating cash flows were primarily due to the timing of intercompany settlements. Investing activities primarily relate to investments in the parent company portfolio. Financing cash flows of the Corporate and Other segment reflect actions such as fluctuations in dividends to shareholders of The Allstate Corporation common share repurchases, short-term debt, repayment of debtallstatelogohandsa18.jpg109


2018 Form 10-KCapital Resources and proceeds from the issuance of debt and preferred stock; therefore, financing cash flows are affected when we increase or decrease the level of these activities.Liquidity

Contractual obligations and commitmentsOur contractual obligations as of December 31, 20152018, and the payments due by period are shown in the following table.
Contractual obligations and payments due by periodContractual obligations and payments due by period
 As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 4-5 years Over 5 years Total Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years Over 3 years to 5 years Over 5 years
Liabilities for collateral (1)
$840
 $840
 $
 $
 $
 $1,458
 $1,458
 $
 $
 $
Contractholder funds (2)
41,138
 2,774
 4,816
 4,020
 29,528
 37,570
 2,185
 4,094
 3,736
 27,555
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits (2)
35,912
 1,311
 2,517
 2,372
 29,712
 38,787
 1,425
 2,661
 2,428
 32,273
Long-term debt (3)
12,258
 287
 745
 833
 10,393
 13,429
 625
 843
 1,320
 10,641
Capital lease obligations (4)
5
 5
 
 
 
Operating leases (4)
630
 132
 192
 131
 175
 650
 139
 217
 144
 150
Unconditional purchase obligations (4)
574
 225
 209
 134
 6
 568
 287
 274
 6
 1
Defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit
plans (4)(5)
1,035
 41
 111
 116
 767
 958
 47
 113
 117
 681
Reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims
expense (6)
23,869
 10,472
 7,765
 2,834
 2,798
Reserve for property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense (6)
 27,423
 12,498
 8,692
 3,040
 3,193
Other liabilities and accrued expenses (7)(8)
4,054
 3,996
 35
 14
 9
 5,918
 5,634
 259
 12
 13
Net unrecognized tax benefits (9)
7
 7
 
 
 
 70
 58
 12
 
 
Total contractual cash obligations$120,322

$20,090

$16,390

$10,454

$73,388
 $126,831

$24,356

$17,165

$10,803

$74,507

(1) 
Liabilities for collateral are typically fully secured with cash or short-term investments. We manage our short-term liquidity position to ensure the availability of a sufficient amount of liquid assets to extinguish short-term liabilities as they come due in the normal course of business, including utilizing potential sources of liquidity as disclosed previously.
(2) 
Contractholder funds represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life and fixed annuities, including immediate annuities without life contingencies, and institutional products.contingencies. The reserve for life-contingent contract benefits relates primarily to traditional life insurance, immediate annuities with life contingencies and voluntary accident and health insurance. These amounts reflect the present value of estimated cash payments to be made to contractholders and policyholders. Certain of these contracts, such as immediate annuities without life contingencies, and institutional products, involve payment obligations where the amount and timing of the payment isare essentially fixed and determinable. These amounts relate to (i) policies or contracts where we are currently making payments and will continue to do so and (ii) contracts where the timing of a portion or all of the payments has been determined by the contract. Other contracts, such as interest-sensitive life, fixed deferred annuities, traditional life insurance and voluntary accident and health insurance, involve payment obligations where a portion or all of the amount and timing of future payments is uncertain. For these contracts, we are not currently making payments and will not make payments until (i) the occurrence of an insurable event such as death or illness or (ii) the occurrence of a payment triggering event such as the surrender or partial withdrawal on a policy or deposit contract, which is outside of our control. For immediate annuities with life contingencies, the amount of future payments is uncertain since payments will continue as long as the annuitant lives. We have estimated the timing of payments related to these contracts based on historical experience and our expectation of future payment patterns. Uncertainties relating to these liabilities include mortality, morbidity, expenses, customer lapse and withdrawal activity, estimated additional deposits for interest-sensitive life contracts, and renewal premium for life policies, which may significantly impact both the timing and amount of future payments. Such cash outflows reflect adjustments for the estimated timing of mortality, retirement, and other appropriate factors, but are undiscounted with respect to interest. As a result, the sum of the cash outflows shown for all years in the table exceeds the corresponding liabilities of $21.30$18.37 billion for contractholder funds and $12.25$12.21 billion for reserve for life-contingent contract benefits as included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2018. The liability amount in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position reflects the discounting for interest as well as adjustments for the timing of other factors as described above. Future premium collections are not included in the amounts presented in the table above.

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contract benefits as included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2015. The liability amount in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position reflects the discounting for interest as well as adjustments for the timing of other factors as described above.
(3) 
Amount differs from the balance presented on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 20152018, because the long-term debt amount above includes interest and excludes debt issuance costs.
(4) 
Our payment obligations relating to capital lease obligations, operating leases, unconditional purchase obligations and pension and other postretirement benefits (“OPEB”) contributions are managed within the structure of our intermediate to long-term liquidity management program.
(5) 
The pension plans’ obligations in the next 12 months represent our planned contributions to certain unfunded non-qualified plans where the benefit obligation exceeds the assets, and the remaining years’ contributions are projected based on the average remaining service period using the current underfunded status of the plans. The OPEB plans’ obligations are estimated based on the expected benefits to be paid. These liabilities are discounted with respect to interest, and as a result the sum of the cash outflows shown for all years in the table exceeds the corresponding liability amount of $549$510 million included in other liabilities and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
(6) 
Reserve for property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense is an estimate of amounts necessary to settle all outstanding claims, including claims that have been IBNR as of the balance sheet date. We have estimated the timing of these payments based on our historical experience and our expectation of future payment patterns. However, the timing of these payments may vary significantly from the amounts shown above, especially for IBNR claims. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts whichthat are our best estimates. The reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense includes loss reserves related to asbestos and environmental claims as of December 31, 2015, of $1.42 billion and $222 million, respectively.
(7) 
Other liabilities primarily include accrued expenses and certain benefit obligations and claim payments and other checks outstanding. Certain of these long-term liabilities are discounted with respect to interest, as a result the sum of the cash outflows shown for all years in the table exceeds the corresponding liability amount by $7$4 million.

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Capital Resources and Liquidity 2018 Form 10-K


(8) 
Balance sheet liabilities not included in the table above include unearned and advance premiums of $12.99$15.29 billion and gross deferred tax liabilities of $1.93 billion.$1.58 billion. These items were excluded as they do not meet the definition of a contractual liability as we are not contractually obligated to pay these amounts to third parties. Rather, they represent an accounting mechanism that allows us to present our financial statements on an accrual basis. In addition, other liabilities of $223$252 million were not included in the table above because they did not represent a contractual obligation or the amount and timing of their eventual payment was sufficiently uncertain.
(9) 
Net unrecognized tax benefits represent our potential future obligation to the taxing authority for a tax position that was not recognized in the consolidated financial statements. We believe it is reasonably possible that the liability balance will not significantly increasea decrease of up to $58 million in unrecognized tax benefits may occur within the next twelve months.months due to IRS settlements. The resolution of this obligation may be for an amount different than what we have accrued.
Our contractual commitments as of December 31, 2015 and the periods in which the commitments expire are shown in the following table.
Contractual commitments and periods in which commitments expireContractual commitments and periods in which commitments expire
 As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 4-5 years Over 5 years Total Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years Over 3 years to 5 years Over 5 years
Other commitments – conditional$135
 $68
 $20
 $1
 $46
 $280
 $81
 $97
 $45
 $57
Other commitments – unconditional2,587
 143
 141
 220
 2,083
 3,028
 243
 270
 333
 2,182
Total commitments$2,722

$211

$161

$221

$2,129
 $3,308

$324

$367

$378

$2,239
Contractual commitments represent investment commitments such as private placements, limited partnership interests municipal bonds and other loans. Limited partnership interests are typically funded over the commitment period which is shorter than the contractual expiration date of the partnership and as a result, the actual timing of the funding may vary.
We have agreements in place for services we conduct, generally at cost, between subsidiaries relating to insurance, reinsurance, loans and capitalization. All material intercompany transactions have been appropriately eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany transactions among insurance subsidiaries and affiliates have been approved by the appropriate departments of insurance as required.
For a more detailed discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements, see Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements.

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ENTERPRISE RISK AND RETURN MANAGEMENT
2018 Form 10-KEnterprise Risk and Return Management

Enterprise Risk and Return Management
In addition to the normal risks of the business, Allstate is subject to significant risks as an insurer and a provider of other products and financial services. These risks are discussed in more detail in the Risk Factors section of this document. We regularly identify, measure, monitor and report all significant risks. The major categories of enterprise risks are insurance, financial, investment, operational and strategic.
Allstate manages enterprise risk under an integratedthese risks through Enterprise Risk and Return Management (“ERRM”) framework with risk-return principles, governance modelingpractices, culture, and analytics, and importantly, transparent management dialogue. This framework provides a comprehensive view of risks and opportunities and is used by senior leaders and business managers to provideactivities that are performed on an integrated, enterprise-wide basis, following our risk and return insightprinciples. Our legal and drive strategiccapital structures are designed to manage capital and business decisions. Allstate’s risk management strategies adapt to changes in business and market environments and seek to optimize returns. Allstate continually validates and improves its ERRM practices by benchmarking and securing external perspectives for our processes.
solvency on a legal entity basis. Our risk-return principles define how we operate and guide decision-making around risk and return. These principles state that first and foremost, our priority is to protect solvency, comply with laws and act with integrity. Building upon this foundation, we strive to build strategic value and optimize risksrisk and returns.return.
Governance ERRM governance includes board oversight, an executive management committee structure, and enterprise and business unit chief risk officers (“CROs”). officers.
The Allstate Corporation Board of Directors (“Allstate Board”) has overall responsibility for oversight of management’s design and implementation of ERRM, including integration with strategy and operations. ERRM.
The Risk and Return Committee (“RRC”) of the Allstate Board oversees effectiveness of the ERRM framework, governance structure and decision-making, while focusing on the

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Company’s overall risk and return position. profile.
The Audit Committee oversees effectiveness of management’s control framework for risks. risks and cybersecurity.
The Enterprise Risk &and Return Council (“ERRC”) is Allstate’s senior risk management committee that directs ERRM by establishing risk-return targets, determining economic capital levels and directing integrated strategies and actions from an enterprise perspective. The ERRC consists of Allstate’s chief executive officer and president, vice chair, chief financial officer, business unit presidents, chief investment and corporate strategy officer, enterprise andchief risk officer, general counsel, treasurer, vice president of operational risk, business unit chief risk officers, and business unit chief financial officers, general counselofficers.
Other key committees work with the ERRC to direct ERRM activities, including the Operating Committee, the Operational Risk Council, the Corporate Asset Liability Committee, legal entity liability governance committees, and treasurer.legal entity investment committees.
CROsKey risks are appointedassessed and reported quarterly through a comprehensive ERRM risk dashboard prepared for senior management and the enterprise and for Allstate Protection, Allstate Financial, Allstate Investments, andRRC. The
risk dashboard communicates alignment of Allstate’s technology organization. Collectively, the CROs create an integrated approach torisk profile with risk and return principles while providing a perspective on quarterly risk position. Dashboard discussion promotes active engagement with management to ensure risk management practices and strategiesthe RRC. Internal controls over key risks are aligned with Allstate’s overall enterprise objectives. Various enterprise riskmanaged and return committees with CRO,reported to senior management and cross-functionalthe Audit Committee of the Company through a semiannual risk control dashboard. Annually, we communicate with both the Allstate Board and the RRC about economic capital and risks related to the strategic plan, operating plan, and incentive compensation programs.
Framework We apply these principles using an integrated ERRM framework that focuses on measurement, transparency and dialogue. Our framework provides a comprehensive view of risks and is used by senior management and business representation governmanagers to drive strategic and business decisions. We continually validate and improve our ERRM practices by benchmarking and obtaining external perspectives.
Allstate’s risk appetite is integrated with planning through our economic capital framework. Management and the ERRC rely on internal and external perspectives to determine an appropriate level of target economic capital. Internal perspectives include enterprise solvency and volatility measures, stress scenarios, model assumptions, and management judgment. External considerations include NAIC risk-based capital as well as S&P’s, Moody’s, and A.M. Best’s capital adequacy measurement. Our economic capital reflects management’s view of key risks.the aggregate level of capital necessary to satisfy stakeholder interests, manage Allstate’s risk profile and maintain financial strength over a multi-year time horizon. The impact of strategic initiatives on enterprise risk is evaluated through the economic capital framework.
The NAIC has adopted the Risk Management and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment Model Act (“ORSA Model Act”), which has been enacted by our insurance subsidiaries’ domiciliary states. The ORSA Model Act requires that insurers maintain a risk management framework and conduct an internal own risk and solvency assessment of the insurer’s material risks in normal and stressed environments. The assessment must be documented in a confidential annual summary report, a copy of which must be made available to regulators as required or upon request.
The enterprise risk appetite is cascaded into individual risk limits which set boundaries on the amount of risk we are willing to accept from one specific risk category before escalating for further management discussion and action. Risk limits are established based upon expected returns, volatility, potential tail losses, and impact on the enterprise portfolio. To effectively operate within risk limits and for risk-return optimization, business units establish risk limits and capital targets specific to their businesses. Allstate’s risk management strategies adapt to changes in business and market environments.

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Enterprise Risk and Return Management 2018 Form 10-K


ProcessOur shared ERRM framework establishes a basis for transparency and dialogue across the organizationenterprise and for continuous learning by embedding theour risk and return management culture of identifying, measuring, managing, monitoring and reporting risks.
Our ERRM governance is supported with an analytic frameworkrisks within the organization. Allstate designs business and enterprise strategies that seek to optimize risk-adjusted returns on capital. Risks are managed at both the legal entity and enterprise level. A summary of our process to manage significanteach of our major risk categories follows:
Insurance risk management addresses fluctuations in the timing, frequency, and severity of benefits, expenses, and premiums relative to the return expectations at the time of pricing inclusive of systemic risk, concentration of insurance investment,exposures, policy terms, reinsurance coverage, and claims handling practices. This includes credit risk that arises when an external party fails to meet a contractual obligation such as reinsurance for ceded claims.
Insurance risk exposures include our operating results and financial conditions, claims frequency and severity, catastrophes and severe weather, and mortality and morbidity risk.
Insurance risk exposures are measured and monitored with different approaches including:
Stochastic methods: measures and monitors risks such as natural catastrophes and severe weather. We develop probabilistic estimates of risk based on our exposures, historical observed volatility and/or industry-recognized models in the case of catastrophe risk.
Scenario analysis: measures and monitors risks and estimated losses due to extreme but plausible insurance-related events such as multiple hurricanes and/or wildfires. Scenarios evaluated include combined multiple event scenarios across risk categories and time periods, considering the effects of macroeconomic conditions.
Financial risk management addresses the risk of insufficient cash flows to meet corporate or policyholder needs, risk of inadequate aggregate capital or capital within any subsidiary, inability to access capital markets or risk associated with a business counterparty default.
Financial risk exposures include capital resources and liquidity sources and uses.
We actively manage our capital and liquidity levels in light of changing market, economic, and business conditions. Our capital position, capital generation capacity, and targeted risk profile provide strategic and operational risk exposures and optimize returns on risk-adjusted capital. Management and the ERRC use enterprise stochastic modeling, risk expertise and judgment to determine an appropriate level of targeted enterprise economic capital to hold considering a broad range of risk objectives and external constraints. These include limiting risks of financial stress, insolvency, likelihood of capital stress and volatility, maintaining stakeholder value and financial strength ratings and satisfying regulatory and rating agency risk-based capital requirements. Potential risk events that we consider for capital evaluations include catastrophe and pandemic events and investment market shocks. flexibility.
We generally assess solvency on a statutory accounting basis, but also consider GAAP volatility. Current enterprise economic capital, which exceeds economic targeted levels, approximatesis based on a combination of total statutory surplus and deployable invested assets at the parent holding company level which were $16.49$18.15 billion and $2.62$1.50 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.2018.
Investment risk management addresses financial loss due to changes in the valuations of assets held in the Allstate investment portfolio. Such losses may be caused by macro developments, such as rising interest rates, widening credit spreads, and falling equity prices, or could be specific to individual investments in the portfolio. These losses can encompass both daily market volatility and permanent impairments of capital due to credit defaults and equity write-downs.
Investment risk exposures include interest rate risk, credit spread risk, equity price risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Investment risk exposures are measured and monitored in a number of ways including:
Sensitivity analysis: measures the impact from a unit change in a market risk input.
Stochastic and probabilistic estimation of potential losses: combines portfolio risk exposures with historical or recent market volatilities and correlations to assess the potential span of future investment results.
Scenario analysis: measures material adverse outcomes such as shock scenarios applied to credit, public and private equity markets. Some of the stress scenarios are a combination of multiple scenarios across risk categories and over multiple time periods, considering the effects of macroeconomic conditions.
Operational risk managementaddresses loss as a result of the failure of people, processes, systems and culture. Operational risk exposures include human resources, privacy, regulatory compliance, ethics, fraud, system availability, cybersecurity, data quality, disaster recovery and business continuity.
Operational risk is managed at the enterprise and business unit levels, with business units identifying, measuring, monitoring, managing, and reporting these and other operational risks at a more detailed level.
Strategic risk managementaddresses loss associated with inadequate or flawed business planning or strategy setting, including product mix, mergers or acquisitions and market positioning, and unexpected changes within the market or regulatory environment in which Allstate operates. This includes reputational risk, which is the potential for negative publicity regarding a company’s conduct or business practices to adversely impact its profitability, operations, consumer base, or require costly litigation and other defensive measures.
We manage strategic risk through the Allstate Board and senior management strategy reviews that include a risk and return assessment of our strategic plans and ongoing monitoring of our strategic actions and the external competitive environment. Using our governance and analyticthe ERRM framework, Allstate designs business and enterprise strategies that seek to optimize risk-adjusted returns on risk-adjusted capital. Examples include reducing exposureeconomic capital for risk types including interest rate risk, credit risk to rising interest rates; improving auto profitability; shifting our investment portfolio mix over time to have less reliance onequity investments with returns that come primarily from interest payments to investments in which we have ownership interestsidiosyncratic return potential, auto profitability, and a greater proportiongrowing property exposure.

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2018 Form 10-KApplication of return is derived from idiosyncratic asset or operating performance;Critical Accounting Estimates and accelerating homeowners growth while maintaining profitability.Other Disclosures
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Application of Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. The most critical estimates, presented in the order they appear in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, include those used in determining:
Fair value of financial assets
Impairment of fixed income and equity securities
Deferred policy acquisition costs amortization
Evaluation of goodwill for impairment
Reserve for property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense estimation
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits estimation
In making these determinations, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to our businesses and operations. It is reasonably likely that changes in these estimates could occur from period to period and result in a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
A brief summary of each of these critical accounting estimates follows. For a more detailed discussion of the effect of these estimates on our consolidated financial statements, and the judgments and assumptions related to these estimates, see the referenced sections of this document. For a completemore detailed summary of our significant accounting policies, see the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Fair value of financial assetsFair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We are responsible for the determination of fair value of financial assets and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. We use independent third-party valuation service providers, broker quotes and internal pricing methods to determine fair values. We obtain or calculate only one single quote or price for each financial instrument.
Valuation service providers typically obtain data about market transactions and other key valuation model inputs from multiple sources and, through the use of proprietary models, produce valuation information in the form of a single fair value for individual fixed income and other securities for which a fair value has been requested under the terms of our agreements. The inputs used by

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the valuation service providers include, but are not limited to, market prices from recently completed transactions and transactions of comparable securities, interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, liquidity spreads, currency rates, and
other information, as applicable. Credit and liquidity spreads are typically implied from completed transactions and transactions of comparable securities. Valuation service providers also use proprietary discounted cash flow models that are widely accepted in the financial services industry and similar to those used by other market participants to value the same financial instruments. The valuation models take into account, among other things, market observable information as of the measurement date, as described above, as well as the specific attributes of the security being valued including its term, interest rate, credit rating, industry sector, and where applicable, collateral quality and other issue or issuer specific information. Executing valuation models effectively requires seasoned professional judgment and experience. For certain equity securities, valuation service providers provide market quotations for completed transactions on the measurement date. In cases where market transactions or other market observable data is limited, the extent to which judgment is applied varies inversely with the availability of market observable information.
For certain of our financial assets measured at fair value, where our valuation service providers cannot provide fair value determinations, we obtain a single non-binding price quote from a broker familiar with the security who, similar to our valuation service providers, may consider transactions or activity in similar securities among other information. The brokers providing price quotes are generally from the brokerage divisions of leading financial institutions with market making, underwriting and distribution expertise regarding the security subject to valuation.
The fair value of certain financial assets, including privately placed corporate fixed income securities and certain free-standing derivatives, for which our valuation service providers or brokers do not provide fair value determinations, is determineddeveloped using valuation methods and models widely accepted in the financial services industry. Our internal pricing methods are primarily based on models using discounted cash flow methodologies that develop a single best estimate of fair value. Our models generally incorporate inputs that we believe are representative of inputs other market participants would use to determine fair value of the same instruments, including yield curves, quoted market prices of comparable securities or instruments, published credit spreads, and other applicable market data as well as instrument-specific characteristics that include, but are not limited to, coupon rates, expected cash flows, sector of the issuer, and call provisions. JudgmentBecause judgment is required in developing these fair values. As a result, the fair valuevalues of these financial assets, they may differ from the amount actually received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Moreover, the use of different valuation assumptions may have a material effect on the financial assets’ fair values.
For most of our financial assets measured at fair value, all significant inputs are based on or corroborated by market observable data, and

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Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

significant management judgment does not affect the periodic determination of fair value. The determination of fair value using discounted cash flow models involves management judgment when significant model inputs are not based on or corroborated by market observable data. However, where market observable data is available, it takes precedence, and as a result, no range of reasonably likely inputs exists from which the basis of a sensitivity analysis could be constructed.
We gain assurance that our financial assets are appropriately valued through the execution of various processes and controls designed to ensure the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies, including inputs and assumptions, and compliance with accounting standards. For fair values received from third parties or internally estimated, our processes and controls are designed to ensure that the valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistently applied, the inputs and assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are accurately recorded. For example, on a continuing basis, we assess the reasonableness of individual fair values that have stale security prices or that exceed certain thresholds as compared to previous fair values received from valuation service providers or brokers or derived from internal models. We perform procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, processes and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, we may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from
valuation service providers or brokers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities. We perform ongoing price validation procedures such as back-testing of actual sales, which corroborate the various inputs used in internal models to market observable data. When fair value determinations are expected to be more variable, we validate them through reviews by members of management who have relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions.
We also perform an analysis to determine whether there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset when compared to normal market activity, and if so, whether transactions may not be orderly. Among the indicators we consider in determining whether a significant decrease in the volume and level of market activity for a specific asset has occurred include the level of new issuances in the primary market, trading volume in the secondary market, level of credit spreads over historical levels, bid-ask spread, and price consensuses among market participants and sources. If evidence indicates that prices are based on transactions that are not orderly, we place little, if any, weight on the transaction price and will estimate fair value using an internal model. As of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, we did not adjust fair values provided by our valuation service providers or brokers or substitute them with an internal model for such securities.



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The following table identifies fixed income and equity securities and short-term investments as of December 31, 2015 by source of fair value determination.
Fixed income, equity securities and short-term investments by source of fair value determinationFixed income, equity securities and short-term investments by source of fair value determination
 December 31, 2018
($ in millions)Fair value Percent to total Fair value 
Percent
to total
Fair value based on internal sources$3,791
 5.8% $3,138
 4.8%
Fair value based on external sources (1)
61,361
 94.2
 62,095
 95.2
Total$65,152
 100.0% $65,233
 100.0%

(1) 
Includes $1.32 billion$379 million that are valued using broker quotes.quotes and $268 million that are valued using quoted prices or quoted net asset values from deal sponsors.
For additional detail on fair value measurements, see Note 6 of the consolidated financial statements.
Impairment of fixed income and equity securitiesFor investmentsfixed income securities classified as available for sale,available-for-sale, the difference between fair value and amortized cost, for fixed income securities and cost for equity securities, net of certain other items and deferred income taxes (as disclosed in Note 5)5 of the consolidated financial statements), is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and is not reflected in the operating results of any period until reclassified to net income upon the consummation of a transaction with an unrelated third party or when a write-down is recorded due to an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. We have a comprehensive portfolio monitoring process to identify and evaluate each fixed income and equity security whose carrying value may be other-than-temporarily impaired.
For each fixed income security in an unrealized loss position, we assess whether management with the appropriate authority has made the decision to sell or
whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis for reasons such as liquidity, contractual or regulatory purposes. If a security meets either of these criteria, the security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings.
If we have not made the decision to sell the fixed income security and it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the fixed income security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, we evaluate whether we expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. We use our best estimate of future cash flows expected to be collected from the fixed income security, discounted at the security’s original or current effective rate, as appropriate, to calculate a recovery value and determine whether a credit loss exists. The determination of cash flow estimates is inherently subjective and methodologies may vary depending on facts and circumstances specific to the security. All reasonably available information relevant to the

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2018 Form 10-KApplication of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures

collectability of the security, including past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable assumptions and forecasts, areis considered when developing the estimate of cash flows expected to be collected. That information generally includes, but is not limited to, the remaining payment terms of the security, prepayment speeds, foreign exchange rates, the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer, expected defaults, expected recoveries, the value of underlying collateral, vintage, geographic concentration, available reserves or escrows, current subordination levels, third party guarantees and other credit enhancements. Other information, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings, financial condition of the bond insurer for insured fixed income securities, and other market data relevant to the realizability of contractual cash flows, may also be considered. The estimated fair value of collateral will be used to estimate recovery value if we determine that the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for ultimate settlement. If the estimated recovery value is less than the amortized cost of the security, a credit loss exists and an other-than-temporary impairment for the difference between the estimated recovery value and amortized cost is recorded in earnings. The portion of the unrealized loss related to factors other than credit remains classified in accumulated other comprehensive income.AOCI. If we determine that the fixed income security does not have sufficient cash flow or other information to estimate a recovery value for the security, we may conclude that the entire decline in fair value is deemed to be credit related and the loss is recorded in earnings.
There are a number of assumptions and estimates inherent in evaluating impairments of equity securities and determining if they are other than temporary, including: 1) our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; 2) the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry specific market conditions and trends, geographic location and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices; 3) the specific reasons that a security is in an unrealized loss position, including overall market conditions which could affect liquidity; and 4) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost.
Once assumptions and estimates are made, any number of changes in facts and circumstances could cause us to subsequently determine that a fixed income or equity security is other-than-temporarily impaired, including: 1) general economic conditions that are worse than previously forecastedforecast or that have a greater adverse effect on a particular issuer or industry sector than originally estimated; 2) changes in the facts and circumstances related to a particular issue or issuer’s ability to meet all of its contractual obligations; and 3) changes in facts and circumstances that result in management’s decision to sell or result in our assessment that it is more likely than not we will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis of a fixed income security or causes a change in our ability or intent to hold an equity security until it recovers in value.basis. Changes in assumptions, facts and circumstances could result in additional charges to earnings in future periods to the extent that losses are realized. The charge to earnings, while potentially significant to net income, would not have a significant effect on shareholders’ equity, since our fixed income securities are designated

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as available for saleavailable-for-sale and carried at fair value and as a result, any related unrealized loss, net of deferred income taxes and related DAC, deferred sales inducement costs and reserves for life-contingent contract benefits, would already be reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI in shareholders’ equity.
The determination of the amount of other-than-temporary impairment is an inherently subjective process based on periodic evaluations of the factors described above. Such evaluations and assessments
are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. We update our evaluations regularly and reflect changes in other-than-temporary impairments in our results of operations as such evaluations are revised. The use of different methodologies and assumptions in the determination of the amount of other-than-temporary impairments may have a material effect on the amounts recognized and presented within the consolidated financial statements.
For additional detail on investment impairments, see Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements.
Deferred policy acquisition costs amortizationWe incur significant costs in connection with acquiring insurance policies and investment contracts. In accordance with GAAP, costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance policies and investment contracts are deferred and recorded as an asset on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
DAC related to property-liabilityproperty and casualty contracts is amortized into income as premiums are earned, typically over periods of six or twelve months. The amortization methodologymonths for DACpersonal lines policies or generally one to five years for protection plans and other contracts (primarily related to Allstate Financial policiesfinance and contracts includes significant assumptions and estimates.insurance products).
DAC related to traditional life and voluntary accident and health insurance is amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies in proportion to the estimated revenues on such business. Significant assumptions relating to estimated premiums, investment returns, as well as mortality, persistency and expenses to administer the business are established at the time the policy is issued and are generally not revised during the life of the policy. The assumptions for determining the timing and amount of DAC amortization are consistent with the assumptions used to calculate the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits. Any deviations from projected business in force resulting from actual policy terminations differing from expected levels and any estimated premium deficiencies may result in a change to the rate of amortization in the period such events occur. Generally, the amortization periods for these policies approximatesapproximate the estimated lives of the policies. The recovery of DAC is dependent upon the future profitability of the business. We periodically review the adequacy of reserves and recoverability of DAC for these policies on an aggregate basis using actual experience. We aggregate allexperience and current assumptions. Prior to fourth quarter 2017, we evaluated our traditional life insurance products and immediate annuities with life contingencies on an aggregate basis. In conjunction with the segment changes that occurred in the analysis.fourth quarter of 2017, traditional life insurance products, immediate annuities with life contingencies, and voluntary accident and health insurance products are reviewed individually. In the event actual experience is significantlyand current assumptions are adverse compared to the original assumptions and a premium deficiency is determined to exist, any remaining unamortized DAC balance must be expensed to the extent not recoverable and a premium deficiency reserve may be required if the remaining

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Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

DAC balance is insufficient to absorb the deficiency. In 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, our reviews concluded that no premium deficiency adjustments were necessary, primarily due to projected profit from traditional life insurance more than offsettingnecessary. For additional detail on reserve adequacy, see the projected losses in immediate annuities with life contingencies.Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits estimation section.
DAC related to interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities is amortized in proportion to the incidence of the total present value of gross profits, which includes both actual historical gross profits (“AGP”) and estimated future gross profits (“EGP”) expected to be earned over the estimated lives of the contracts. The amortization is net of interest on the prior period DAC balance using rates established at the inception of the contracts. Actual amortization periods generally range from 15-30 years; however, incorporating estimates of the rate of customer surrenders, partial withdrawals and deaths generally results in the majority of the DAC being amortized during the surrender charge period, which is typically 10-20 years for interest-sensitive life and 5-10 years for fixed annuities.life. The cumulativerate of DAC amortization is reestimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to income when there is a difference between the incidence of actual versus expected gross profits in a reporting period or when there is a change in total EGP.
AGP and EGP primarily consist of the following components: contract charges for the cost of insurance less mortality costs and other benefits (benefit margin); investment income and realized capital gains and losses less interest credited (investment margin); and surrender and other contract charges less maintenance expenses (expense margin). The principal assumptions for determining the amount of EGP are mortality, persistency, mortality, expenses, investment returns, including capital gains and losses on assets supporting contract liabilities, interest crediting rates to contractholders, and the effects of any hedges, and these assumptions are reasonably likely to have the greatest impact on the amount of DAC amortization. Changes in these assumptions can be offsetting and we are unable to reasonably predict their future movements or offsetting impacts over time.
Each reporting period, DAC amortization is recognized in proportion to AGP for that period adjusted for interest on the prior period DAC balance.
This amortization process includes an assessment of AGP compared to EGP, the actual amount of business remaining in force and realized capital gains and losses on investments supporting the product liability. The impact of realized capital gains and losses on amortization of DAC depends upon which product liability is supported by the assets that give rise to the gain or loss. If the AGP is greater than EGP in the period, but the total EGP is unchanged, the amount of DAC amortization will generally increase, resulting in a current period decrease to earnings. The opposite result generally occurs when the AGP is

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less than the EGP in the period, but the total EGP is unchanged. However, when DAC amortization or a component of gross profits for a quarterly period is potentially negative (which would result in an increase of the DAC balance) as a result of negative AGP, the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the potential negative amortization are considered to determine whether it is appropriate for recognition in the consolidated financial statements. Negative amortization is only recorded when the increased DAC balance is determined to be recoverable based on facts and circumstances. For products whose supporting investments are exposed to capital losses in excess of our expectations which may cause periodic AGP to become temporarily negative, EGP and AGP utilized in DAC amortization may be modified to exclude the excess capital losses.
Annually, we review and update the assumptions underlying the projections of EGP, including mortality, persistency, mortality, expenses, investment returns, comprising investment income and realized capital gains and losses, interest crediting rates and the effect of any hedges, using our experience and industry experience. At each reporting period, we assess whether any revisions to assumptions used to determine DAC amortization are required. These reviews and updates may result in amortization acceleration or deceleration, which are referred to as “DAC unlocking”. If the update of assumptions causes total EGP to increase, the rate of DAC amortization will generally decrease, resulting in a current period increase to earnings. A decrease to earnings generally occurs when the assumption update causes the total EGP to decrease.
The following table provides the effect on DAC amortization of changes in assumptions relating to the gross profit components of investment margin, benefit margin and expense margin during the years ended December 31.
Effect on DAC amortization of changes in assumptions relating to gross profit componentsEffect on DAC amortization of changes in assumptions relating to gross profit components
 For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Investment margin$2
 $11
 $(17) $10
 $12
 $(1)
Benefit margin1
 35
 15
 (11) (23) 1
Expense margin(2) (54) 25
 2
 (2) (2)
Net acceleration (deceleration)$1
 $(8) $23
 $1
 $(13) $(2)
In 2015,2018, DAC amortization acceleration for changes in the investment margin component of EGP related to interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to lower projected investment returns. The accelerationdeceleration related to benefit margin primarily related to interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to a true up of actual inforce data. The deceleration related to expense margin primarily related to interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to a decrease in projected expenses.mortality.
In 2014,2017, DAC amortization acceleration for changes in the investment margin component of EGP related to interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuitieswas due to continued low interest rates and lower projected investment returns. The deceleration related to benefit margin primarily related to interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to lowera decrease in projected mortality.

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2018 Form 10-KApplication of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures

In 2016, DAC amortization deceleration for changes in the investment margin component of EGP related to interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to increased projected investment returns.margins from a favorable asset portfolio mix. The acceleration related to benefit margin primarily related to interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to an increase in projected mortality.lower than expected persistency on non-guaranteed products. The expense margin deceleration related to expense margin primarily related to interest-sensitive
variable life insurance and was due to a decrease in projected expenses.
In 2013, DAC amortization deceleration for changes in the investment margin component of EGP primarily related to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to increased projected investment margins. The acceleration related to benefit margin was primarily due to interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to an increase in projected mortality. The acceleration related to expense margin related to interest-sensitive life insurance and was due to an increase in projected expenses.
The following table displays the sensitivity of reasonably likely changes in assumptions included in the gross profit components of investment margin or benefit margin to amortization of the DAC balance as of December 31, 2015.2018.
($ in millions)Increase/(reduction) in DAC Increase/(reduction)
Increase in future investment margins of 25 basis points$52
 $57 
Decrease in future investment margins of 25 basis points$(58)  (63) 
   
Decrease in future life mortality by 1%$14
 $15 
Increase in future life mortality by 1%$(14)  (16) 
Any potential changes in assumptions discussed above are measured without consideration of correlation among assumptions. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to add them together in an attempt to estimate overall variability in amortization.amortization.
For additional detail related to DAC, see the Allstate FinancialLife Segment section of the MD&A.
Evaluation of goodwill for impairment Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquiring businesses over the fair value of the net assets acquired, less any impairment of goodwill recognized. Our goodwill reporting units are equivalent to our reportable segments: Allstate Protection, Service Businesses, Allstate Life and Allstate Benefits to which goodwill has been assigned.
Goodwill by reporting unit
  As of December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Allstate Protection $810
 $810
Service Businesses 1,449
 1,100
Allstate Life 175
 175
Allstate Benefits 96
 96
Total $2,530
 $2,181
Goodwill is recognized when acquired and allocated to reporting units based on which unit is expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. We perform our annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year based upon data as of the close of the third quarter. We also review goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as deteriorating or adverse market conditions, indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may exceed its implied fair value. Goodwill impairment is measured and recognized as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The goodwill impairment analysis is performed at the reporting unit level which is equal to our reportable segments. The fair value of our goodwill reporting units exceeded their carrying values.
Upon acquisition, the purchase price of the acquired business is assumed to be its fair value. Subsequently, we estimate the fair value of our businesses in each goodwill reporting unit, utilizing a combination of widely accepted valuation techniques including a stock price and market capitalization analysis, discounted cash flow (“DCF”) calculations and an estimate of a business’s fair value using market to book multiples derived from peer company analysis. The stock price and market capitalization analysis takes into consideration the quoted market price of our outstanding common stock and includes a control premium, derived from relevant historical acquisition activity, in determining the estimated fair value of the consolidated entity before allocating that fair value to individual reporting units. The DCF analysis utilizes long term assumptions for revenues, investment income, benefits, claims, other operating expenses and income taxes to produce projections of both income and cash flows available for dividends that are present valued using weighted average cost of capital. Market to book multiples represent the mean market to book multiple for selected peer companies with operations similar to our goodwill reporting units to which the multiple is applied. The outputs from these methods are weighted based on the nature of the business and the relative amount of market observable assumptions supporting the estimates. The computed values are then weighted to reflect the fair value estimate based on the specific attributes of each goodwill reporting unit.
Estimating the fair value of reporting units is a subjective process that involves the use of significant estimates by management. Changes in market inputs or other events impacting the fair value of these businesses, including discount rates, operating results, investment returns, strategies and growth rate assumptions or increases in the level of equity required to support these businesses, could result in goodwill impairments, resulting in a charge to income. Most of our goodwill reporting units are comprised of a combination of legacy and acquired businesses and as a result have substantial internally generated and unrecognized intangibles and fair values that significantly exceed their carrying values. Our Service Businesses goodwill reporting unit is more heavily comprised of newly acquired businesses and as

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Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

a result does not have a significant excess of fair value over its carrying value. Therefore, this reporting unit may be more susceptible to goodwill impairment based on changes to growth or margin assumptions.
The most significant assumptions utilized in the determination of the estimated fair value of the Service Businesses reporting unit are the earnings growth rate and discount rate. The growth rate utilized in our fair value estimates is consistent with our plans to grow these businesses rapidly over the near-term with more moderated growth rates in later years.
The discount rate, which is consistent with the weighted average cost of capital expected by a market participant, is based upon industry specific required rates of return, including consideration of both debt and equity components of the capital structure. Our discount rate may be impacted by changes in the risk free rate, cost of debt, equity risk premium and entity specific risks.
Changes in our growth assumptions, including the risk of loss of key customers, or adverse changes in the discount rates could result in a decline in fair value and result in a goodwill impairment charge.
Reserve for property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense estimation Reserves are established to provide for the estimated costs of paying claims and claims expenses under insurance policies we have issued. Property-Liability underwritingUnderwriting results are significantly influenced by estimates of property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense reserves. These reserves are an estimate of amounts necessary to settle all outstanding claims, including IBNR, as of the financial statement date.
Characteristics of reservesReserves are established independently of business segment management for each business segment and line of business based on estimates of the ultimate cost to settle claims, less losses that have been paid. The significant lines of business are auto, homeowners, and other personal lines for Allstate Protection, and asbestos, environmental, and other

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discontinued lines for Discontinued Lines and Coverages. Allstate Protection’s claims are typically reported promptly with relatively little reporting lag between the date of occurrence and the date the loss is reported. Auto and homeowners liability losses generally take an average of about two years to settle, while auto physical damage, homeowners property and other personal lines have an average settlement time of less than one year. Discontinued Lines and Coverages involve long-tail losses, such as those related to asbestos and environmental claims, which often involve substantial reporting lags and extended times to settle.
Reserves are the difference between the estimated ultimate cost of losses incurred and the amount of paid losses as of the reporting date. Reserves are estimated for both reported and unreported claims, and include estimates of all expenses associated with processing and settling all incurred claims. We update most of our reserve estimates quarterly and as new information becomes available or as events emerge that may affect the
resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior reserve estimates (reserve reestimates), which may be material, are determined by comparing updated estimates of ultimate losses to prior estimates, andwith the differences are recorded as property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period such changes are determined. Estimating the ultimate cost of claims and claims expenses is an inherently uncertain and complex process involving a high degree of judgment and is subject to the evaluation of numerous variables.
The actuarial methods used to develop reserve estimates Reserve estimates are derived by using several different actuarial estimation methods that are variations on one primary actuarial technique. The actuarial technique is known as a “chain ladder” estimation process in which historical loss patterns are applied to actual paid losses and reported losses (paid losses plus individual case reserves established by claim adjusters) for an accident year or a report year to create an estimate of how losses are likely to develop over time. An accident year refers to classifying claims based on the year in which the claims occurred. A report year refers to classifying claims based on the year in which the claims are reported. Both classifications are used to prepare estimates of required reserves for payments to be made in the future. The key assumptions affecting our reserve estimates comprise data elements including claim counts, paid losses, case reserves, and development factors calculated with this data.
See Discontinued and Lines and Coverages reserve estimates section for specific disclosures of industry and actuarial best practices for this segment.
In the chain ladder estimation technique, a ratio (development factor) is calculated which compares current period results to results in the prior period for each accident year. A three-year or two-year average development factor, based on historical results, is usually multiplied by the current period experience to estimate the development of losses of each accident year into the next time period. The development factors for the future time periods for each accident year are compounded over the remaining future periods to calculate an estimate of ultimate losses for each accident year. The implicit assumption of this technique is that an average of historical development factors is predictive of future loss development, as the significant size of our experience database achieves a high degree of statistical credibility in actuarial projections of this type. The effects of inflation are implicitly considered in the reserving process, the implicit assumption being that a multi-year average development factor includes an adequate provision. Occasionally, unusual aberrations in loss patterns are caused by external and internal factors such asThe development factor estimation methodology may require modification when data changes indue to changing claim reporting practices, changing claim settlement patterns, unusually large losses, process changes, legalexternal regulatory or regulatory changes, and other influences.financial influences, or contractual coverage changes. In these instances, analysessituations, actuarial estimation techniques are applied to appropriately modify the “chain ladder” assumptions.  These actuarial techniques are

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2018 Form 10-KApplication of alternateCritical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures

necessary to analyze the effects of changing loss data to develop modified development factor selectionsselections. The actuarial estimation techniques include exclusion of unusual losses or aberrations and adjustment of historical data to present conditions.  Actuarially modified patterns of development are performed to evaluatecalculated with the effect of these factors and actuarialadjusted historical data.  Actuarial judgment is then applied to make appropriate development factor assumptions needed to develop a best estimate of gross ultimate losses. These developments are discussed further in the Allstate brand loss ratio disclosures in the Allstate Protection Segment section of the MD&A.
How reserve estimates are established and updatedReserve estimates are developed at a very detailed level, and the results of these numerous micro-level best estimates are aggregated to form a consolidated reserve estimate. For example, over one thousand actuarial estimates of the types described above are prepared each quarter to estimate losses for each line of insurance, major components of losses (such as coverages and perils), major states or groups of states and for reported losses and IBNR. The actuarial methods described above are used to analyze the settlement patterns of claims by determining the development factors for specific data elements that are necessary components of a reserve estimation process. Development factors are calculated quarterly and periodically throughout the year for data elements such as claim counts reported and settled, paid losses, and paid losses combined with case reserves. The calculation of development factors from changes in these data elements also impacts claim severity trends, which is a common industry reference used to explain changes in reserve estimates.trends. The historical development patterns for these data elements are used as the assumptions to calculate reserve estimates.
Often, several different estimates are prepared for each detailed component, incorporating alternative analyses of changing claim settlement patterns and other influences on losses, from which we select our best estimate for each component, occasionally incorporating additional analyses and actuarial judgment, as described above. These micro-level estimates are not based on a single set of assumptions. Actuarial judgments that may be applied to these components of certain micro-level estimates generally do not have a material impact on the consolidated level of reserves. Moreover, this detailed
micro-level process does not permit or result in a compilation of a company-wide roll up to generate a range of needed loss reserves that would be meaningful. Based on our review of these estimates, our best estimate of required reserves for each state/line/coverage component is recorded for each accident year, and the required reserves for each component are summed to create the reserve balance carried on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Reserves are reestimated quarterly and periodically throughout the year, by combining historical results with current actual results to calculate new development factors. This process continuously incorporates the historic and latest actual trends, and other underlying changes in the data elements used to calculate reserve estimates. New development factors are likely to differ from previous

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development factors used in prior reserve estimates because actual results (claims reported or settled, losses paid, or changes to case reserves) occur differently than the implied assumptions contained in the previous development factor calculations. If claims reported, paid losses, or case reserve changes are greater or less than the levels estimated by previous development factors, reserve reestimates increase or decrease. When actual development of these data elements is different than the historical development pattern used in a prior period reserve estimate, a new reserve is determined. The difference between indicated reserves based on new reserve estimates and recorded reserves (the previous estimate) is the amount of reserve reestimate and is recognized as an increase or decrease in property-liability insurance claims and claims expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Total Property-Liability net reserve reestimates, after-tax, as a percent ofimpact on net income applicable to common shareholders were (2.6)% unfavorable in 2015, 2.0%9.6% favorable in 2014 and 3.5%2018, 10.6% favorable in 2013.2017 and 0.6% favorable in 2016. The 3-year average of net reserve reestimates as a percentage of total reserves was a favorable 0.2% for Property-Liability, a favorable 0.9%1.9% for Allstate Protection, and an unfavorable 6.4%6.8% for Discontinued Lines and Coverages and an unfavorable 2.5% for Service Businesses, each of these results being consistent within a reasonable actuarial tolerance for ourthe respective businesses. A more detailed discussion of reserve reestimates is presented in the Property-Liability Claims and Claims Expense Reserves section of the MD&A.
The following table shows net claims
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Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and claims expense reserves by segment and line of business as of December 31:Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

Net claims and claims expense reserves by segment and line of businessNet claims and claims expense reserves by segment and line of business
 As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Allstate Protection           
Auto$12,459
 $11,698
 $11,616
 $14,378
 $14,051
 $13,530
Homeowners1,937
 1,849
 1,821
 2,157
 2,205
 1,989
Other lines2,065
 2,070
 2,110
 2,290
 2,105
 2,078
Total Allstate Protection16,461
 15,617
 15,547
 18,825
 18,361
 17,597
Discontinued Lines and Coverages           
Asbestos960
 1,014
 1,017
 866
 884
 912
Environmental179
 203
 208
 170
 166
 179
Other discontinued lines377
 395
 421
 355
 357
 354
Total Discontinued Lines and Coverages1,516
 1,612
 1,646
 1,391
 1,407
 1,445
Total Property-Liability$17,977
 $17,229
 $17,193
Total Service Businesses 52
 86
 24
Total net claims and claims expense reserves $20,268
 $19,854
 $19,066
Allstate Protection reserve estimatesestimate
Factors affecting reserve estimates Reserve estimates are developed based on the processes and historical development trends described above. These estimates are considered in conjunction with known facts and interpretations of circumstances and factors including our experience with similar cases, actual claims paid, historical trends involving claim payment patterns and pending levels of unpaid claims, loss management programs, product mix and contractual terms, changes in law and regulation, judicial decisions, and economic conditions. When we experience changes of the type previously mentioned, we may need to apply actuarial judgment in the determination and selection of development factors considered more reflective of the new trends, such as combining shorter or longer periods of historical results with current actual results to produce development factors based on two-year, three-year, or longer development periods to reestimate our reserves. For example, if a legal change is expected to have a significant impact on the development of claim severity for a coverage which is part of a particular line of insurance in a specific state, actuarial judgment is applied to determine appropriate development factors that will most accurately reflect the expected impact on that specific estimate. Another example would be when a change in economic conditions is expected to affect the cost of repairs to damaged autos or property for a particular line, coverage, or state, actuarial judgment is applied to determine appropriate development factors to use in the reserve estimate that will most accurately reflect the expected impacts on severity development.
As claims are reported, for certain liability claims of sufficient size and complexity, the field adjusting staff establishes case reserve estimates of ultimate cost, based on their assessment of facts and circumstances related to each individual claim. For other claims which occur in large volumes and settle in a relatively short time frame, it is not practical or efficient to set case reserves for each claim, and a statistical case reserve is set for these claims based on estimation techniques described above. In the normal course of business, we may also supplement our claims processes by utilizing third party adjusters, appraisers, engineers, inspectors, and other professionals and information sources to
assess and settle catastrophe and non-catastrophe related claims.
Historically, the case reserves set by the field adjusting staff have not proven to be an entirely accurate estimate of the ultimate cost of claims. To provide for this, a development reserve is estimated using the processes described above, and allocated to pending claims as a supplement to case reserves. Typically, the case, including statistical case, and supplemental development reserves comprise about 90% of total reserves.
Another major component of reserves is IBNR. Typically, IBNR, which comprises about 10% of total reserves. IBNR can be a small percentage of reserves for relatively short-term claims, such as auto physical damage claims, or a large percentage of reserves for claims that have uncertain payout requirements over a long period of time, such as auto injury and MCCA claims. All major components of reserves are affected by changes in claim frequency as well as claim severity.
Generally, the initial reserves for a new accident year are established based on actual claim frequency and severity assumptions for different business segments, lines and coverages based on historical relationships to relevant inflation indicators. Reserves for

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prior accident years are statistically determined using processes described above. Changes in auto claim frequency may result from changes in mix of business, the rate of distracted driving, miles driven or other macroeconomic factors. Changes in auto current year claim severity are generally influenced by inflation in the medical and auto repair sectors of the economy and the effectiveness and efficiency of our claim practices. We mitigate these effects through various loss management programs. Injury claims are affected largely by medical cost inflation while physical damage claims are affected largely by auto repair cost inflation and used car prices. For auto physical damage coverages, we monitor our rate of increase in average cost per claim against the Maintenanceauto maintenance, repair, parts and Repairequipment price index and the Parts and Equipment price index and other external indices. We believe our claim settlement initiatives, such as improvements to the claim review and settlement process, the use of special investigative units to detect fraud and handle suspect claims, litigation management and defense strategies, as well as various other loss management

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2018 Form 10-KApplication of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures

initiatives underway, contribute to the mitigation of injury and physical damage severity trends.
Changes in homeowners current year claim severity are generally influenced by inflation in the cost of building materials, the cost of construction and property repair services, the cost of replacing home furnishings and other contents, the types of claims that qualify for coverage, deductibles, other economic and environmental factors and the effectiveness and efficiency of our claim practices. We employ various loss management programs to mitigate the effect of these factors.
As loss experience for the current year develops for each type of loss, it is monitored relative to initial assumptions until it is judged to have sufficient statistical credibility. From that point in time and forward, reserves are reestimated using statistical actuarial processes to reflect the impact actual loss trends have on development factors incorporated into the actuarial estimation processes. Statistical credibility is usually achieved by the end of the first calendar year; however, when trends for the current accident year exceed initial assumptions sooner, they are usually determined to be credible, and reserves are increased accordingly.
The very detailed processes for developing reserve estimates, and the lack of a need and existence of a common set of assumptions or development factors, limits aggregate reserve level testing for variability of data elements. However, by applying standard actuarial methods to consolidated historic accident year loss data for major loss types, comprising auto injury losses, auto physical damage losses and homeowner losses, we develop variability analyses consistent with the way we develop reserves by measuring the potential variability of development factors, as described in the section titled “Potential Reserve Estimate Variability” below.
Causes of reserve estimate uncertainty Since reserves are estimates of unpaid portions of claims and claims expenses that have occurred, including IBNR losses, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophe losses, requires regular reevaluation and refinement of estimates to determine our ultimate loss estimate.
At each reporting date, the highest degree of uncertainty in estimates for most of our losses from ongoing businesses arise from claims remaining to be settled for the current accident year and the most recent preceding accident year. The greatest degree of uncertainty exists in the current accident year because the current accident year contains the greatest proportion of losses that have not been reported or settled but must be estimated as of the current reporting date. Most of these losses relate to damaged property such as automobiles and homes, and medical care for injuries from accidents. During the first year after the end of an accident year, a large portion of the total losses for that accident year are settled. When accident year losses paid through the end of the first year following the initial accident year are incorporated into updated actuarial estimates, the
trends inherent in the settlement of claims emerge more clearly. Consequently, this is the point in time at which we tend to make our largest reestimates of losses for an accident year. After the second year, the losses that we pay for an accident year typically relate to claims that are more difficult to settle, such as those involving serious injuries or litigation. Private passenger auto insurance provides a good illustration of the uncertainty of future loss estimates: our typical annual percentage payout of reserves remaining at December 31 for an accident year is approximately 45% in the first year after the end of the accident year, 20% in the second year, 15% in the third year, 10% in the fourth year, and the remaining 10% thereafter.
Reserves for catastrophe losses Property-Liability claims and claims expense reserves also include reserves for catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses are an inherent risk of the property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance industry that have contributed, and will continue to contribute, to potentially material year-to-year fluctuations in our results of operations and financial position. We define a “catastrophe” as an event that produces pre-tax losses before reinsurance in excess of $1 million and involves multiple first party policyholders, or a winter weather event that produces a number of claims in excess of a preset, per-event threshold of average claims in a specific area, occurring within a certain amount of time following the event. Catastrophes are caused by various natural events including high winds, winter storms and freezes, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, tropical storms, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanoes. We are also exposed to man-made catastrophic events, such as certain types of terrorism or industrial accidents. The nature and level of catastrophes in any period cannot be reliably predicted.
The estimation of claims and claims expense reserves for catastrophe losses also comprises estimates of losses from reported claims and IBNR, primarily for damage to property. In general, our estimates for catastrophe reserves are based on claim adjuster inspections and the application of historical loss development factors as described above. However, depending on the nature of the catastrophe, the estimation process can be further complicated. For example, for hurricanes, complications could include the inability of insureds to promptly report losses, limitations placed on claims adjusting staff affecting their ability to inspect losses,

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determining whether losses are covered by our homeowners policy (generally for damage caused by wind or wind driven rain) or specifically excluded coverage caused by flood, estimating additional living expenses, and assessing the impact of demand surge, exposure to mold damage, and the effects of numerous other considerations, including the timing of a catastrophe in relation to other events, such as at or near the end of a financial reporting period, which can affect the availability of information needed to estimate reserves for that reporting period. In these situations, we may need to adapt our practices to accommodate these circumstances in order to determine a best estimate of our losses from a catastrophe. As anFor example, in 2005 to complete an estimateestimates for certain areas affected by Hurricane Katrina andcatastrophes not yet inspected by our claims adjusting staff, or where we believed our historical loss

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Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

development factors were not predictive, we reliedrely on analysis of actual claim notices received compared to total PIF, as well as visual, governmental and third party information, including aerial photos using drones and satellites, area observations, and data on wind speed and flood depth to the extent available.
Potential reserve estimate variability The aggregation of numerous micro-level estimates for each business segment, line of insurance, major components of losses (such as coverages and perils), and major states or groups of states for reported losses and IBNR forms the reserve liability recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Because of this detailed approach to developing our reserve estimates, there is not a single set of assumptions that determinedetermines our reserve estimates at the consolidated level. Given the numerous micro-level estimates for reported losses and IBNR, management does not believe the processes that we follow will produce a statistically credible or reliable actuarial reserve range that would be meaningful. Reserve estimates, by their very nature, are very complex to determine and subject to significant judgment, and do not represent an exact determination for each outstanding claim. Accordingly, as actual claims, paid losses, and/or case reserve results emerge, our estimate of the ultimate cost to settle will be different than previously estimated.
To develop a statistical indication of potential reserve variability within reasonably likely possible outcomes, an actuarial technique (stochastic modeling) is applied to the countrywide consolidated data elements for paid losses and paid losses combined with case reserves separately for injury losses, auto physical damage losses, and homeowners losses excluding catastrophe losses. Based on the combined historical variability of the development factors calculated for these data elements, an estimate of the standard error or standard deviation around these reserve estimates is calculated within each accident year for the last twentytwelve years for each type of loss. The variability of these reserve estimates within one standard deviation of the mean (a measure of frequency of dispersion often viewed to be an acceptable level of accuracy) is believed by management to represent a reasonable and statistically probable measure of potential variability. Based on our products and coverages, historical experience, the statistical credibility of our extensive data and stochastic modeling of actuarial chain ladder methodologies used to develop reserve estimates, we estimate that the potential variability of our Allstate Protection reserves, excluding reserves for catastrophe losses, within a reasonable probability of other possible outcomes, may be approximately plus or minus 4%, or plus or minus $500$750 million in net income applicable to common shareholders. A lower level of variability exists for auto injury losses, which comprise approximately 80% of reserves, due to their relatively stable development patterns over a longer duration of time required to settle claims. Other types of losses, such as auto physical damage, homeowners losses and other personal lines losses, which comprise about 20% of reserves, tend to have greater variability but are
settled in a much shorter period of time. Although this evaluation reflects most reasonably likely outcomes, it is possible the final outcome may fall below or above these amounts. Historical variability of reserve estimates is reported in the Property-Liability Claims and Claims Expense Reserves section of the MD&A.
Reserves for Michigan and New Jersey unlimited personal injury protection Property-Liability claimsClaims and claims expense reserves include reserves for Michigan mandatory unlimited personal injury protection which is a mandatory coverage that provides unlimited personal injury protection to covered insureds involved in certain auto and motorcyclequalifying motor vehicle accidents. The administration of this program is through the MCCA, a private,state-mandated, non-profit association created by the state of which all insurers actively writing automobile coverage in Michigan the MCCA. Due to increasing costs of providing healthcare related to serious injuries and advances in medical care extending the duration of treatment, the estimation processes have been enhanced and assumptions for this reserve balance have been contemporized to the current validated conditions.are members.
The comprehensive process employed to estimate MCCA covered losses involves a number of activities including the comprehensive review and interpretation of MCCA actuarial reports, other MCCA members’ reports and our personal injury protection loss trends which have increased in severity over time. A significant portion of incurred claim reserves can be attributed to a small number of catastrophic claims and thus a large portion of the recoverable is similarly concentrated. We refined our ultimate claim reserve estimation techniques in 2011 through 2014, including relying more on paid loss development methods and increasing our view of future claim development and longevity of claimants, as a result of conductingconduct comprehensive claim file reviews to develop case reserve type estimates of specific claims, which have increased our view of future claim development and other estimation refinements. In 2015,longevity of claimants. Each year, we updatedupdate the actuarial estimate of our ultimate reserves and recoverables. We report our paid and unpaid claims and case reserves, which include our best estimate of the ultimate claim cost, excluding IBNR to the MCCA based on theirMCCA requirements. The MCCA has its own reserving estimates based on its own reserve methodologies, which may not align with our estimations. The MCCA does not provide participatingmember companies with its estimate of a company’s claim costs. We continue to update each comprehensive claim file case reserve estimate when there is a significant change in the status of the claimant, or once every three years if there have been no significant changes. A significant portion of incurred claim reserves can be attributed to a small number of catastrophic claims and thus a large portion of the recoverable is similarly concentrated.
We provide similar personal injury protection coverage in New Jersey for auto policies issued or renewed in New Jersey prior to 1991 that is administered by PLIGA. In 2013, we adoptedWe use similar actuarial estimating techniques as for the MCCA exposures

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to estimate loss reserves for unlimited personal injury protection coverage for policies covered by PLIGA. Upon completion of our comprehensive review in 2014, we updated our reserve estimation techniques and factors, similar to the processes followed to develop the MCCA reserves, which resulted in an increase in reserves for unlimited personal injury protection coverage for policies covered by the PLIGA. We continue to update our estimates for these claims as the status of claimantsclaimant’s changes. However, unlimited coverage was no longer offered after 1991, therefore no new claimants are being added.
Reserve estimates are confidential and proprietary and by their nature are very complex to determine and subject to significant judgments, andjudgments. Reserve estimates do not represent an exact determination for each outstanding claim. Claims may be subject to litigation. As actual claims, paid losses and/or case reserve results emerge, our estimate of the ultimate cost to settle may be materially greater or less than previously estimated amounts.
Adequacy of reserve estimates We believe our net claims and claims expense reserves are appropriately

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2018 Form 10-KApplication of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures

established based on available methodologies, facts, technology, laws and regulations. We calculate and record a single best reserve estimate, in conformance with generally accepted actuarial standards and practices, for each line of insurance, its components (coverages and perils) and state, for reported losses and for IBNR losses, and as a result we believe that no other estimate is better than our recorded amount. Due to the uncertainties involved, the ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on our best estimates.
Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserve estimates
Characteristics of Discontinued Lines exposure Our exposure to asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims arisesarise principally from assumed reinsurance coverage written during the 1960s through the mid-1980s, including reinsurance on primary insurance written on large U.S. companies, and from direct excess commercial insurance written from 1972 through 1985, including substantial excess general liability coverages on large U.S. companies. Additional exposure stems from direct primary commercial insurance written during the 1960s through the mid-1980s. Asbestos claims relate primarily to bodily injuries asserted by peopleclaimants who were exposed to asbestos or products containing asbestos. Environmental claims relate primarily to pollution and related clean-up costs. Other discontinued lines exposures primarily relate to general liability and product liability mass tort claims, such as those for medical devices and other products, workers’ compensation claims and claims for various other coverage exposures other than asbestos and environmental.
In 1986, the general liability policy form used by us and others in the property-liabilityproperty and casualty industry was amended to introduce an “absolute pollution exclusion,” which excluded coverage for environmental damage claims, and to add an asbestos exclusion. Most general liability policies issued prior to 1987 contain annual aggregate limits for product liability coverage. General liability policies issued in 1987 and thereafter contain annual aggregate limits for product liability coverage and annual aggregate limits for all coverages. Our experience to date is that these policy form changes have limited the extent of our exposure to environmental and asbestos claim risks.
Our exposure to liability for asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines losses manifests differently depending on whether it arises from assumed reinsurance coverage, direct excess commercial insurance or direct primary commercial insurance. The direct insurance coverage we provided that covered asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines was substantially “excess” in nature.
Direct excess commercial insurance and reinsurance involve coverage written by us for specific layers of protection above retentions and other insurance plans. The nature of excess coverage and reinsurance provided to other insurers limits our exposure to loss to specific layers of protection in excess of policyholder retention on primary insurance
plans. Our exposure is further limited by the significant reinsurance that we had purchased on our direct excess business.
Our assumed reinsurance business involved writing generally small participations in other insurers’ reinsurance programs. The reinsured losses in which we participate may be a proportion of all eligible losses or eligible losses in excess of defined retentions. The majority of our assumed reinsurance exposure, approximately 85%, is for excess of loss coverage, while the remaining 15% is for pro-rata coverage.
Our direct primary commercial insurance business did not include coverage to large asbestos manufacturers. This business comprises a cross section of policyholders engaged in many diverse business sectors located throughout the country.
How reserve estimates are established and updated We conduct an annual review in the third quarter to evaluate and establish asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines reserves. Changes to reserves are recorded in the reporting period in which they are determined. Using established industry and actuarial best practices and assuming no change in the regulatory or economic environment, this detailed and comprehensive methodology determines asbestos reserves based on assessments of the characteristics of exposure (i.e. claim activity, potential liability, jurisdiction, products versus non-products exposure) presented by individual policyholders, and determines environmental reserves based on assessments of the characteristics of exposure (i.e. environmental damages, respective shares of liability of potentially responsible parties, appropriateness and cost of remediation) to pollution and related clean-up costs. The number and cost of these claims isare affected by intense advertising by trial lawyers

105


seeking asbestos plaintiffs, and entities with asbestos exposure seeking bankruptcy protection as a result of asbestos liabilities, initially causing a delay in the reporting of claims, often followed by an acceleration and an increase in claims and claims expenses as settlements occur.
After evaluating our insureds’ probable liabilities for asbestos and/or environmental claims, we evaluate our insureds’ coverage programs for such claims. We consider our insureds’ total available insurance coverage, including the coverage we issued. We also consider relevant judicial interpretations of policy language and applicable coverage defenses or determinations, if any.
Evaluation of both the insureds’ estimated liabilities and our exposure to the insureds depends heavily on an analysis of the relevant legal issues and litigation environment. This analysis is conducted by our specialized claims adjusting staff and legal counsel. Based on these evaluations, case reserves are established by claims adjusting staff and actuarial analysis is employed to develop an IBNR reserve, which includes estimated potential reserve development and claims that have occurred but have not been reported. As of both December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, IBNR was 56.9%50% and

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Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures 2018 Form 10-K

53%, respectively, of combined net asbestos and environmental reserves.
For both asbestos and environmental reserves, we also evaluate our historical direct net loss and expense paid and incurred experience to assess any emerging trends, fluctuations or characteristics suggested by the aggregate paid and incurred activity.
Other Discontinued Lines and Coverages
The following table shows reserves forCharacteristics of other discontinued lines which provide for remaining loss and loss expense liabilities related to business no longer written by us, other than asbestos and environmental, as of December 31.exposures
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Other mass torts$162
 $167
 $183
Workers’ compensation88
 94
 105
Commercial and other127
 134
 133
Other discontinued lines$377
 $395
 $421
Other mass torts describesincludes direct excess commercial and
reinsurance general liability coverage provided for cumulative injury losses other than asbestos and environmental. Workers’ compensation and commercial and other include run-off from discontinued direct primary, direct excess commercial and reinsurance commercial insurance operations of various coverage exposures other than asbestos and environmental. Reserves are based on considerations similar to those described above, as they relate to the characteristics of specific individual coverage exposures.
Reserves for other discontinued lines
  As of December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Other mass torts $148
 $150
 $142
Workers’ compensation 69
 73
 76
Commercial and other 138
 134
 136
Other discontinued lines $355
 $357
 $354
Potential reserve estimate variability Establishing Discontinued Lines and Coverages net loss reserves for asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims is subject to uncertainties that are much greater than those presented by other types of property-liabilityproperty and casualty claims. Among the complications are lack of historical data, long reporting delays, uncertainty as to the number and identity of insureds with potential exposure and unresolved legal issues regarding policy coverage; unresolved legal issues regarding the determination, availability and timing of exhaustion of policy limits; plaintiffs’ evolving and expanding theories of liability; availability and collectability of recoveries from reinsurance; retrospectively determined premiums and other contractual agreements; estimates of the extent and timing of any contractual liability; the impact of bankruptcy protection sought by various asbestos producers and other asbestos defendants; and other uncertainties. There are also complex legal issues concerning the interpretation of various insurance policy provisions and whether those losses are covered, or were ever intended to be covered, and could be recoverable through retrospectively determined premium, reinsurance or other contractual agreements. Courts have reached different and sometimes inconsistent conclusions as to when losses are deemed to have occurred and which policies provide coverage; what types of losses are covered; whether there is an insurer obligation to defend; how policy limits are determined; how policy exclusions and conditions are applied and interpreted; and whether clean-up costs represent insured property damage. Our reserves for asbestos and environmental exposures could be affected by tort reform, class action litigation, and other potential legislation and judicial decisions. Environmental exposures could also be affected by a change in the existing federal Superfund law and similar state statutes. There can be no assurance that any reform legislation will be enacted or that any such legislation will provide for a fair, effective and cost-efficient system for settlement of asbestos or environmental claims. We believe these issues are not likely to be resolved in the near future, and the ultimate costs may vary materially from the
amounts currently recorded resulting in material changes in loss reserves. Historical variability of reserve estimates is demonstrated in the Property-Liability Claims and Claims Expense Reserves section of the MD&A.
Adequacy of reserve estimates Management believes its net loss reserves for environmental, asbestos and other discontinued lines exposures are appropriately established based on available facts, technology, laws, regulations, and assessments of other pertinent factors and characteristics of exposure (i.e. claim activity, potential liability, jurisdiction, products versus non-products exposure) presented by individual policyholders, assuming no change in the legal, legislative or economic environment. Due to the uncertainties and factors described above, management believes it is not practicable to develop a meaningful range for any such additional net loss reserves that may be required.

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Further discussion of reserve estimates For further discussion of these estimates and quantification of the impact of reserve estimates, reserve reestimates and assumptions, see Notes 8 and 14 toof the consolidated financial statements and the Property-Liability Claims and Claims Expense Reserves section of the MD&A.
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits estimationDue to the long term nature of traditional life insurance, life-contingent immediate annuities and voluntary accident and health insurance products, benefits are payable over many years; accordingly, the reserves are calculated as the present value of future expected benefits to be paid, reduced by the present value of future expected net premiums.Long-term actuarial assumptions of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, policy terminations and expenses are used when establishing the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits payable under these insurance policies. These assumptions, which for traditional life insurance are applied using the net level premium method, include provisions for adverse deviation and generally vary by characteristics such as type of coverage, year of issue and policy duration. Future investment yield assumptions are determined

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2018 Form 10-KApplication of Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Disclosures

based upon prevailing investment yields as well as estimated reinvestment yields. Mortality, morbidity and policy termination assumptions are based on our experience and industry experience. Expense assumptions include the estimated effects of inflation and expenses to be incurred beyond the premium-paying period. These assumptions are established at the time the policy is issued, are consistent with assumptions for determining DAC amortization for these policies, and are generally not changed during the policy coverage period. However, if actual experience emerges in a manner that is significantly adverse relative to the original assumptions, adjustments to DAC or reserves may be required resulting in a charge to earnings which could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition.
We periodically review the adequacy of reserves and recoverability of DAC for these policies on an aggregate basis using actual experience.experience and current assumptions. In the event actual experience is significantlyand current assumptions are adverse compared to the original assumptions and a premium deficiency is determined to exist, any remaining unamortized DAC balance must be expensed to the extent not recoverable and the establishment of a premium deficiency reserve may be required.
Prior to fourth quarter 2017, we evaluated our traditional life insurance products and immediate annuities with life contingencies on an aggregate basis. In 2015, 2014conjunction with the segment changes that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017, traditional life insurance products, immediate annuities with life contingencies, and 2013,voluntary accident and health insurance are reviewed individually. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, our reviews concluded that no premium deficiency
adjustments were necessary, primarily due to projected profit fromnecessary. As of December 31, 2018, traditional life insurance more than offsettingand accident and health insurance both have a substantial sufficiency. As of December 31, 2018, there is marginal sufficiency in the projected losses inevaluation of immediate annuities with life contingencies. contingencies which has been adversely impacted primarily by sub-standard structured settlement mortality expectations. The sufficiency represents approximately 4% of applicable reserves for Allstate Annuities as of December 31, 2018. Additional reserves may be required in future periods if the evaluation results in a premium deficiency.
In 2015 there was an increase in projected profit from traditional life insurance and an increase in projected losses in immediate2016, we completed a mortality study for our structured settlement annuities with life contingencies. The study indicated that annuitants are living longer and receiving benefits for a longer period than originally estimated due to medical advances and access to medical care. The results of the study were included in the premium deficiency and profits followed by losses evaluations as of December 31, 2016, and no adjustments were recognized.
In 2016, there was a favorable change in the long-term investment yield assumptions due to investment strategy changes to increase performance-based investments and equity securities. The favorable impact of higher long-term investment yield assumptions more than offset the impact of unfavorable mortality assumptions. The investment strategy changes for immediate annuities are discussed further in the Allstate Annuities Segment section of the MD&A.
The following table displays the sensitivity of changes in the future investment yield assumption included in the annuity premium deficiency evaluation to the sufficiency balance as of December 31, 2018.
($ in millions) 
Increase/(reduction)
in sufficiency
 
Change in sufficiency as a percentage of applicable reserves

Increase in future investment yields of 25 basis points $198 3%
Decrease in future investment yields of 25 basis points $(205) (3)%
We also review these policies on an aggregate basis for circumstances where projected profits would be recognized in early years followed by projected losses in later years. In 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, our reviews concluded that there were no projected losses following projected profits in each year of the projection period.long-term projection.
We will continue to monitor the experience of our traditional life insurance and immediate annuities. In 2015, we initiated a mortality study for our structured settlement annuities with life contingencies, which is expected to be completed in 2016. The study thus far indicates that annuitants may be living longer and receiving benefits for a longer period than originally estimated. The preliminary results of the study were considered in the premium deficiency and profits followed by losses evaluations described above. We anticipate that mortality, investment and reinvestment yields, and policy terminations are the factors that would be most likely to require premium deficiency adjustments to these reserves or related DAC. Mortality rates and investment and reinvestment yields are the factors that would be most likely to require a profits followed by losses liability accrual.
For further detail on the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits, see Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements.





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REGULATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
2018 Form 10-K


Regulation and Legal Proceedings
We are subject to extensive regulation and we are involved in various legal and regulatory actions, all of which have an effect on specific aspects of our business. For a detailed discussion of the legal and regulatory actions in which we are involved, see Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements.
PENDING ACCOUNTING STANDARDSPending Accounting Standards
There are several pending accounting standards that we have not implemented because the implementation date has not yet occurred. For a discussion of these pending standards, see Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.
The effect of implementing certain accounting standards on our financial results and financial condition is often based in part on market conditions at the time of implementation of the standard and other factors we are unable to determine prior to implementation. For this reason, we are sometimes unable to estimate the effect of certain pending accounting standards until the relevant authoritative body finalizes these standards or until we implement them.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Information required for Item 7A is incorporated by reference to the material under the caption “Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

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2018 Form 10-K

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Financial Statements

 Page
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 
 
   
 
Note 1General
Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 3Acquisitions
Note 4Reportable Segments
Note 5Investments
Note 6Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Note 7Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance Sheet Financial Instruments
Note 8Reserve for Property and Casualty Insurance Claims and Claims Expense
Note 9Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds
Note 10Reinsurance and Indemnification
Note 11Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Note 12Capital Structure
Note 13Company Restructuring
Note 14Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities
Note 15Income Taxes
Note 16Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations
Note 17Benefit Plans
Note 18Equity Incentive Plans
Note 19Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Note 20Other Comprehensive Income
Note 21Quarterly Results (unaudited)
   
 

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THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in millions, except per share data)Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
Revenues     
Property-liability insurance premiums (net of reinsurance ceded of $1,006, $1,030 and $1,069)$30,309
 $28,929
 $27,618
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges (net of reinsurance ceded of $332, $416 and $639)2,158
 2,157
 2,352
Net investment income3,156
 3,459
 3,943
Realized capital gains and losses:     
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses(452) (242) (207)
OTTI losses reclassified to (from) other comprehensive income36
 (3) (8)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings(416)
(245)
(215)
Sales and other realized capital gains and losses446
 939
 809
Total realized capital gains and losses30

694

594
 35,653

35,239

34,507
Costs and expenses     
Property-liability insurance claims and claims expense (net of reinsurance ceded of $602, $1,393 and $1,717)21,034
 19,428
 17,911
Life and annuity contract benefits (net of reinsurance ceded of $219, $356 and $355)1,803
 1,765
 1,917
Interest credited to contractholder funds (net of reinsurance ceded of $25, $26 and $27)761
 919
 1,278
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs4,364
 4,135
 4,002
Operating costs and expenses4,081
 4,341
 4,387
Restructuring and related charges39
 18
 70
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 1
 491
Interest expense292
 322
 367
 32,374
 30,929
 30,423
      
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations3
 (74) (688)
      
Income from operations before income tax expense3,282

4,236

3,396
      
Income tax expense1,111
 1,386
 1,116
      
Net income2,171

2,850

2,280
      
Preferred stock dividends116
 104
 17
      
Net income applicable to common shareholders$2,055

$2,746

$2,263
      
Earnings per common share:     
Net income applicable to common shareholders per common share - Basic$5.12
 $6.37
 $4.87
Weighted average common shares - Basic401.1
 431.4
 464.4
Net income applicable to common shareholders per common share - Diluted$5.05
 $6.27
 $4.81
Weighted average common shares - Diluted406.8
 438.2
 470.3
Cash dividends declared per common share$1.20
 $1.12
 $1.00


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Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
  Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions, except per share data)

 2018 2017 2016
Revenues      
Property and casualty insurance premiums (net of reinsurance ceded and indemnification programs of $1,016, $971 and $987) $34,048
 $32,300
 $31,307
Life premiums and contract charges (net of reinsurance ceded of $290, $303 and $309) 2,465
 2,378
 2,275
Other revenue 939
 883
 865
Net investment income 3,240
 3,401
 3,042
Realized capital gains and losses:      
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses (13) (146) (313)
OTTI losses reclassified (from) to other comprehensive income ("OCI") (1) (4) 10
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings (14)
(150)
(303)
Sales and valuation changes on equity investments and derivatives (863) 595
 213
Total realized capital gains and losses (877)
445

(90)
Total revenues 39,815

39,407

37,399
       
Costs and expenses      
Property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense
(net of reinsurance ceded and indemnification programs of $1,378, $1,807 and $1,116)
 22,839
 21,929
 22,221
Life contract benefits (net of reinsurance ceded of $240, $179 and $208) 1,973
 1,923
 1,857
Interest credited to contractholder funds (net of reinsurance ceded of $24, $25 and $26) 654
 690
 726
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 5,222
 4,784
 4,550
Operating costs and expenses 5,869
 5,442
 4,939
Amortization of purchased intangible assets 105
 99
 32
Restructuring and related charges 83
 109
 30
Goodwill impairment 
 125
 
Interest expense 332
 335
 295
Total costs and expenses 37,077
 35,436
 34,650
       
Gain on disposition of operations 6
 20
 5
       
Income from operations before income tax expense 2,744

3,991

2,754
       
Income tax expense 492
 802
 877
       
Net income 2,252

3,189

1,877
       
Preferred stock dividends 148
 116
 116
       
Net income applicable to common shareholders $2,104

$3,073

$1,761
       
Earnings per common share:      
Net income applicable to common shareholders per common share - Basic $6.05
 $8.49
 $4.72
Weighted average common shares - Basic 347.8
 362.0
 372.8
Net income applicable to common shareholders per common share - Diluted $5.96
 $8.36
 $4.67
Weighted average common shares - Diluted 353.2
 367.8
 377.3





See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2018 Form 10-KFinancial Statements

The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016
2015 2014 2013
Net income$2,171
 $2,850
 $2,280
 $2,252
 $3,189
 $1,877
           
Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax           
Changes in:           
Unrealized net capital gains and losses(1,306) 280
 (1,188) (754) 319
 433
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments(58) (40) (32) (55) 47
 10
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost48
 (725) 1,091
 (144) 307
 (104)
Other comprehensive loss, after-tax(1,316) (485) (129)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax (953) 673
 339
           
Comprehensive income$855

$2,365

$2,151
 $1,299

$3,862

$2,216

































See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 December 31,
($ in millions, except par value data)December 31, 2018 2017
2015 2014
Assets       
Investments       
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,201 and $59,672)$57,948
 $62,440
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $4,806 and $3,692)5,082
 4,104
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $57,134 and $57,525) $57,170
 $58,992
Equity securities, at fair value (cost $4,489 and $5,461) 5,036
 6,621
Mortgage loans4,338
 4,188
 4,670
 4,534
Limited partnership interests4,874
 4,527
 7,505
 6,740
Short-term, at fair value (amortized cost $2,122 and $2,540)2,122
 2,540
Short-term, at fair value (amortized cost $3,027 and $1,944) 3,027
 1,944
Other3,394
 3,314
 3,852
 3,972
Total investments77,758
 81,113
 81,260
 82,803
Cash495
 657
 499
 617
Premium installment receivables, net5,544
 5,465
 6,154
 5,786
Deferred policy acquisition costs3,861
 3,525
 4,784
 4,191
Reinsurance recoverables, net8,518
 8,490
Reinsurance and indemnification recoverables, net 9,565
 8,921
Accrued investment income569
 591
 600
 569
Property and equipment, net1,024
 1,031
 1,045
 1,072
Goodwill1,219
 1,219
 2,530
 2,181
Other assets2,010
 1,992
 3,007
 2,838
Separate Accounts3,658
 4,396
 2,805
 3,444
Total assets$104,656
 $108,479
 $112,249
 $112,422
Liabilities       
Reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense$23,869
 $22,923
Reserve for property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense $27,423
 $26,325
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits12,247
 12,380
 12,208
 12,549
Contractholder funds21,295
 22,529
 18,371
 19,434
Unearned premiums12,202
 11,655
 14,510
 13,473
Claim payments outstanding842
 784
 1,007
 875
Deferred income taxes90
 715
 425
 782
Other liabilities and accrued expenses5,304
 5,653
 7,737
 6,639
Long-term debt5,124
 5,140
 6,451
 6,350
Separate Accounts3,658
 4,396
 2,805
 3,444
Total liabilities84,631
 86,175
 90,937
 89,871
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 7, 8 and 14)
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity       
Preferred stock and additional capital paid-in, $1 par value, 25 million shares authorized, 72.2 thousand issued and outstanding, and $1,805 aggregate liquidation preference1,746
 1,746
Common stock, $.01 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized and 900 million issued, 381 million and 418 million shares outstanding9
 9
Preferred stock and additional capital paid-in, $1 par value, 25 million shares authorized, 79.8 thousand and 72.2 thousand issued and outstanding, $1,995 and $1,805 aggregate liquidation preference 1,930
 1,746
Common stock, $.01 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized and 900 million issued, 332 million and 355 million shares outstanding 9
 9
Additional capital paid-in3,245
 3,199
 3,310
 3,313
Retained income39,413
 37,842
 45,708
 43,162
Deferred ESOP expense(13) (23)
Treasury stock, at cost (519 million and 482 million shares)(23,620) (21,030)
Deferred Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) expense
 (3) (3)
Treasury stock, at cost (568 million and 545 million shares) (28,085) (25,982)
Accumulated other comprehensive income:       
Unrealized net capital gains and losses:       
Unrealized net capital gains and losses on fixed income securities with OTTI56
 72
 75
 85
Other unrealized net capital gains and losses608
 1,988
 (51) 1,981
Unrealized adjustment to DAC, DSI and insurance reserves(44) (134) (26) (404)
Total unrealized net capital gains and losses620
 1,926
 (2) 1,662
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments(60) (2) (64) (9)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost(1,315) (1,363) (1,491) (1,347)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(755) 561
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("AOCI") (1,557) 306
Total shareholders’ equity20,025

22,304
 21,312

22,551
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$104,656

$108,479
 $112,249

$112,422

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

111The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg131



THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
2018 Form 10-KFinancial Statements

The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
($ in millions)Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
      
Preferred stock par value$

$

$
      
Preferred stock additional capital paid-in     
Balance, beginning of year1,746
 780
 
Preferred stock issuance
 966
 780
Balance, end of year1,746

1,746

780
      
Common stock9
 9
 9
      
Additional capital paid-in     
Balance, beginning of year3,199
 3,143
 3,162
Equity incentive plans activity46
 56
 (19)
Balance, end of year3,245

3,199

3,143
      
Retained income     
Balance, beginning of year37,842
 35,580
 33,783
Net income2,171
 2,850
 2,280
Dividends on common stock(484) (484) (466)
Dividends on preferred stock(116) (104) (17)
Balance, end of year39,413

37,842

35,580
      
Deferred ESOP expense     
Balance, beginning of year(23) (31) (41)
Payments10
 8
 10
Balance, end of year(13) (23) (31)
      
Treasury stock     
Balance, beginning of year(21,030) (19,047) (17,508)
Shares acquired(2,804) (2,306) (1,845)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net214
 323
 306
Balance, end of year(23,620) (21,030) (19,047)
      
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income     
Balance, beginning of year561
 1,046
 1,175
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses(1,306) 280
 (1,188)
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments(58) (40) (32)
Change in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost48
 (725) 1,091
Balance, end of year(755) 561
 1,046
Total shareholders’ equity$20,025

$22,304

$21,480






  Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
       
Preferred stock par value $

$

$
Preferred stock additional capital paid-in      
Balance, beginning of year 1,746
 1,746
 1,746
Preferred stock issuance 557
 
 
Preferred stock redemption (373) 
 
Balance, end of year 1,930

1,746

1,746
       
Common stock par value 9
 9
 9
Common stock additional capital paid-in      
Balance, beginning of year 3,313
 3,303
 3,245
Forward contract on accelerated share repurchase agreement (105) (45) 
Equity incentive plans activity 102
 55
 58
Balance, end of year 3,310

3,313

3,303
       
Retained income      
Balance, beginning of year 43,162
 40,678
 39,413
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 1,088
 
 
Net income 2,252
 3,189
 1,877
Dividends on common stock (declared per share of $1.84, $1.48 and $1.32) (646) (540) (496)
Dividends on preferred stock (148) (116) (116)
Reclassification of tax effects due to change in accounting principle 
 (49) 
Balance, end of year 45,708

43,162

40,678
       
Deferred ESOP expense      
Balance, beginning of year (3) (6) (13)
Payments 
 3
 7
Balance, end of year (3) (3) (6)
       
Treasury stock      
Balance, beginning of year (25,982) (24,741) (23,620)
Shares acquired (2,198) (1,423) (1,341)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net 95
 182
 220
Balance, end of year (28,085) (25,982) (24,741)
       
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)      
Balance, beginning of year 306
 (416) (755)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (910) 
 
Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses (754) 319
 433
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments (55) 47
 10
Change in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost (144) 307
 (104)
Reclassification of tax effects due to change in accounting principle 
 49
 
Balance, end of year (1,557) 306
 (416)
Total shareholders’ equity $21,312

$22,551

$20,573









See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016
2015 2014 2013
Cash flows from operating activities           
Net income$2,171
 $2,850
 $2,280
 $2,252
 $3,189
 $1,877
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:           
Depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items371
 366
 368
 511
 483
 382
Realized capital gains and losses(30) (694) (594) 877
 (445) 90
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 1
 491
(Gain) loss on disposition of operations(3) 74
 688
Gain on disposition of operations (6) (20) (5)
Interest credited to contractholder funds761
 919
 1,278
 654
 690
 726
Goodwill impairment 
 125
 
Changes in:        
 
Policy benefits and other insurance reserves473
 541
 (55) 469
 302
 631
Unearned premiums638
 766
 602
 915
 463
 362
Deferred policy acquisition costs(239) (220) (268) (296) (214) (165)
Premium installment receivables, net(134) (257) (205) (396) (131) (42)
Reinsurance recoverables, net(178) (1,068) (729) (656) (211) (264)
Income taxes(119) 205
 573
 (356) (245) 417
Other operating assets and liabilities(95) (247) (187) 1,207
 328
 (16)
Net cash provided by operating activities3,616
 3,236
 4,242
 5,175
 4,314
 3,993
Cash flows from investing activities           
Proceeds from sales           
Fixed income securities28,693
 34,609
 21,243
 33,183
 25,341
 25,061
Equity securities3,754
 6,755
 3,173
 6,859
 6,504
 5,546
Limited partnership interests1,101
 1,473
 1,045
 764
 1,125
 881
Mortgage loans6
 10
 24
Other investments545
 406
 151
 533
 274
 262
Investment collections           
Fixed income securities4,432
 3,736
 5,908
 3,466
 4,194
 4,533
Mortgage loans538
 1,106
 1,020
 529
 600
 501
Other investments293
 191
 275
 488
 642
 421
Investment purchases           
Fixed income securities(30,758) (38,759) (24,087) (36,960) (31,145) (27,990)
Equity securities(4,960) (5,443) (3,677) (5,936) (6,585) (5,950)
Limited partnership interests(1,343) (1,398) (1,312) (1,679) (1,440) (1,450)
Mortgage loans(687) (501) (538) (664) (646) (646)
Other investments(902) (972) (1,084) (864) (999) (885)
Change in short-term investments, net385
 272
 (427) (505) 2,610
 (2,446)
Change in other investments, net(52) 46
 97
 (98) (30) (51)
Purchases of property and equipment, net(303) (288) (207) (277) (299) (313)
Disposition (acquisition) of operations
 378
 (24)
Net cash provided by investing activities742
 1,621
 1,580
Acquisition of operations (558) (1,356) 
Net cash used in investing activities (1,719) (1,210) (2,526)
Cash flows from financing activities           
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
 2,271
 498
 
 1,236
Repayments of long-term debt(20) (1,006) (2,627)
Redemption and repayment of long-term debt (400) 
 (17)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
 965
 781
 557
 
 
Redemption of preferred stock (385) 
 
Contractholder fund deposits1,052
 1,184
 2,174
 1,010
 1,025
 1,049
Contractholder fund withdrawals(2,327) (3,446) (6,556) (1,967) (1,890) (2,087)
Dividends paid on common stock(483) (477) (352) (614) (525) (486)
Dividends paid on preferred stock(116) (87) (6) (134) (116) (116)
Treasury stock purchases(2,808) (2,301) (1,834) (2,303) (1,495) (1,337)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net130
 266
 170
 73
 135
 164
Excess tax benefits on share-based payment arrangements45
 41
 38
 
 
 32
Other7
 (14) (12) 91
 (57) 36
Net cash used in financing activities(4,520) (4,875) (5,953) (3,574) (2,923) (1,526)
Net decrease in cash(162) (18) (131)
Net (decrease) increase in cash (118) 181
 (59)
Cash at beginning of year657
 675
 806
 617
 436
 495
Cash at end of year$495
 $657
 $675
 $499
 $617
 $436
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

113The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg133


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.     General
Note 1General
Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Allstate Corporation (the “Corporation”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, primarily Allstate Insurance Company (“AIC”), a property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance company with various property-liabilityproperty and casualty and life and investment subsidiaries, including Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) (collectively referred to as the “Company” or “Allstate”). These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
To conform to the current year presentation, certain amounts in the prior year notes to consolidated financial statements have been reclassified.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Legislation”) became effective, permanently reducing the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning January 1, 2018. As a result, the corporate tax rate is not comparable between periods.  
Nature of operations
Allstate is engaged, principally in the United States, in the property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance and life insurance business. businesses. Allstate is one of the country’s largest personal property and casualty insurers and is organized into seven reportable segments: Allstate Protection, Discontinued Lines and Coverages, Service Businesses, Allstate Life, Allstate Benefits, Allstate Annuities, and Corporate and Other.
Allstate’s primary business is the sale of private passenger auto and homeowners insurance. The Company also sellsoffers several other personal property
and casualty insurance products, select commercial property and casualty coverages, consumer product protection plans, device and mobile data collection services and analytic solutions, roadside assistance, finance and insurance products, life insurance, and voluntary accident and health insurance.insurance and identity protection. Allstate primarily distributes its products through exclusive agencies, financial specialists, independent agencies and brokers, major retailers, contact centers and the internet.
The Allstate Protection segment principally sells private passenger autoRisks and homeowners insurance, with earned premiums accounting for 85% of Allstate’s 2015 consolidated revenues. Allstate was the country’s second largest personal property and casualty insurer as of December 31, 2014. Allstate Protection, through several companies, is authorized to sell certain property-liability products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Company is also authorized to sell certain insurance products in Canada. For 2015, the top geographic locations for premiums earned by the Allstate Protection segment were Texas, California, New York and Florida. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5% of premiums earned for Allstate Protection.uncertainties
Allstate has exposure to catastrophes, an inherent risk of the property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance business, which have contributed, and will continue to contribute, to material year-to-year fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations and financial position (see Note 8). The nature and level of catastrophic loss caused by natural events (high winds, winter storms, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, tropical storms, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanoes) and man-made events (terrorism and industrial accidents) experienced in any period cannot be predicted and could be material to results of operations and financial position. The Company considers the greatest areas of potential catastrophe losses due to wildfires to generally be in the states of California, Colorado, Arizona and Texas. The Company considers the greatest areas of potential catastrophe losses due to hurricanes to generally be major metropolitan centers in counties along the eastern and gulf coasts of the United States. The Company considers the greatest areas of potential catastrophe losses due to hailstorms to generally be in the states of Texas, Illinois, Colorado and Georgia. The Company considers the greatest areas of potential catastrophe losses due to earthquakes and fires following earthquakes to be major metropolitan areas near fault lines in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, South Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee. The Company also has exposure to asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims (see NoteNotes 8 and 14).
The Allstate Financial segment sells traditional, interest-sensitive and variable life insurance and voluntary accident and health insurance products. The Company previously offered and continues to have in force fixed annuities such as deferred and immediate annuities, and institutional products consisting of funding agreements sold to unaffiliated trusts that use them to back medium-term notes.
Allstate Financial, through several companies, is authorized to sell life insurance and retirement products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Voluntary accident and health insurance products are also sold in Canada. For 2015, the top geographic locations for statutory premiums and annuity considerations for the Allstate Financial segment were New York, Texas, Florida and California. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5% of statutory premiums and annuity considerations for Allstate Financial. Allstate Financial distributes its products through Allstate exclusive agencies and exclusive financial specialists, and workplace enrolling independent agents.
Allstate has exposure to market risk as a result of its investment portfolio. Market risk is the risk that the Company will incur realized and unrealized net capital losses due to adverse changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices or currency exchange rates. The Company’s primary market risk exposures are to changes in interest rates, credit spreads and equity prices. Interest rate risk is the risk that the Company will incur a loss due to adverse changes in interest rates relative to the interest rate characteristics of its interest bearing assets and liabilities. This risk arises from many of the Company’s primary activities, as it invests substantial funds in interest-sensitive assets and issues interest-sensitive liabilities. Interest rate risk includes risks related to changes in U.S.
Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
114


Treasury yields and other key risk-free reference yields. Credit spread risk is the risk that the Company will incur a loss due to adverse changes in credit spreads. This risk arises from many of the Company’s primary activities, as the Company invests substantial funds in spread-sensitive fixed income assets. Equity price risk is the risk that the Company will incur losses due to adverse changes in the general levels of the equity markets.
The Company monitors economic and regulatory developments that have the potential to impact its business. Federal and state laws and regulations affect the taxation of insurance companies and life insurance products. Congress and various state legislatures from time to time consider legislation that would reduce or eliminate the favorable policyholder tax treatment currently applicable to life insurance. Congress and various state legislatures also consider proposals to reduce the taxation of certain products or investments that may compete with life insurance. Legislation that increases the taxation on insurance products or reduces the taxation on competing products could lessen the advantage or create a disadvantage for certain of the Company’s products making them less competitive. Such proposals, if adopted, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or Allstate Financial’s ability to sell such products and could result in the surrender of some existing contracts and policies. In addition, changes in the federal estate tax laws could negatively affect the demand for the types of life insurance used in estate planning.
2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Investments
Fixed income securities include bonds, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and redeemable preferred stocks. Fixed income securities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available for saleavailable-for-sale and are carried at fair value. The difference between amortized cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes and related life and annuity deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), deferred sales inducement costs (“DSI”) and reserves for life-contingent contract benefits, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.AOCI. Cash received from calls and make-whole payments is reflected as a component of
proceeds from sales and cash received from maturities and pay-downs is reflected as a component of investment collections within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Equity securities primarily include common stocks, exchange traded and mutual funds, non-redeemable preferred stocks and real estate investment trust equity investments. Certain exchange traded and mutual funds have fixed income securities as their underlying investments. Equity securities are designated as available for sale and are carried at fair value. Equity securities without readily determinable or estimable fair values are measured using the measurement alternative, which is cost less impairment, if any, and adjustments resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The difference between cost andperiodic change in fair value net of deferred income taxes,equity securities is reflected as a componentrecognized within realized capital gains and losses on the Consolidated Statements of accumulated other comprehensive income.Operations effective January 1, 2018.
Mortgage loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized premium or discount and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans when it is probable that contractual principal and interest will not be collected.
Investments in limited partnership interests are primarily accounted for in accordance with the equity method of accounting (“EMA”) and include interests in private equity funds, and co-investments, real estate funds and joint ventures, and other funds. WhereInvestments in limited partnership interests purchased prior to January 1, 2018, where the Company’s interest is so minor that it exercises virtually no influence over operating and financial policies, investments in limited partnership interests are accounted for in accordance withat fair value primarily utilizing the cost method of accounting; all other investments in limited partnership interests are accounted for in accordance with the equity method of accountingnet asset value (“EMA”NAV”). as a practical expedient to determine fair value.
Short-term investments, including commercial paper, U.S. Treasury bills, money market funds commercial paper and other short-term investments, are carried at fair value. Other investments primarily consist of bank loans, policy loans, real estate, agent loans and derivatives. Bank loans are primarily senior secured corporate loans and are carried at amortized cost. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances and were $905 million and $909 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.balances. Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Agent loans are loans issued to exclusive Allstate agents and are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of valuation allowances and unamortized deferred fees or costs. Derivatives are carried at fair value.
Investment income primarily consists of interest, dividends, income from limited partnership interests, rental income from real estate, and income from certain derivative transactions. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method and dividends are recorded at the ex-dividend date. Interest income for ABS, RMBS and CMBS is determined considering estimated pay-downs, including prepayments, obtained from third party data sources and internal estimates. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. For ABS, RMBS and CMBS of high credit quality with fixed interest rates, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. For all others, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. Accrual of income is suspended for other-than-temporarily impaired fixed income securities when the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be received is not reasonably estimable. Accrual of income is suspended for mortgage loans, bank loans and agent loans that are in default or when full and timely collection of principal and interest payments is not probable. Cash receipts on investments on nonaccrual status are generally recorded as a reduction of carrying value. Income from cost method limited partnership interests carried at fair value is recognized based upon receiptthe changes in fair value of amounts distributed by the partnerships. investee’s equity primarily determined using NAV.
Income from EMA limited partnership

115


interests is recognized based on the Company’s share of the partnerships’ net income, including unrealized gains and losses, andearnings. Income from EMA limited partnership interests is generally recognized on a three month delay due to the availability of the related financial statements.statements from investees.
Realized capital gains and losses include gains and losses on investment sales, write-downs in value due to other-than-temporary declines in fair value, adjustments to valuation allowances on mortgage loans and agent loans, valuation changes of equity investments, including equity securities and certain limited partnerships where the underlying assets are predominately public equity securities, and periodic changes in fair value and settlements of certain derivatives including hedge ineffectiveness. Realized capital gains and losses on investment sales are determined on a specific identification basis.
Derivative and embedded derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, futures (interest rate and equity), options (including swaptions), interest rate caps, warrants and rights, foreign currency swaps, foreign currency forwards, total return swaps and certain investment risk transfer reinsurance agreements, and certain bond forward purchase commitments.agreements. Derivatives required to be separated from the host instrument and accounted for as derivative financial instruments (“subject to bifurcation”) are embedded in certain fixed income securities, equity-indexed life and annuity contracts and reinsured variable annuity contracts and certain funding agreements.contracts.
All derivatives are accounted for on a fair value basis and reported as other investments, other assets, other liabilities and accrued expenses or contractholder funds. Embedded derivative instruments subject to bifurcation are also accounted for on a fair value basis and are reported together with the host contract. The change in fair value of derivatives embedded in certain fixed income securities and subject to bifurcation is reported in realized capital gains and losses. The change in fair value of derivatives embedded in life and annuity product contracts and subject to bifurcation is reported in life and annuity contract benefits or interest credited to contractholder funds. Cash flows from embedded derivatives subject to bifurcation and derivatives receiving hedge accounting are reported consistently with the host contracts and hedged risks, respectively, within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash flows from other derivatives are reported in cash flows from investing activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
When derivatives meet specific criteria, they may be designated as accounting hedges and accounted for as fair value, cash flow, foreign currency fair value or foreign currency cash flow hedges. The hedged item may be either all or a specific portion of a recognized asset, liability or an unrecognized firm commitment attributable to a particular risk for fair value hedges. At the inception of the hedge, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and risk management objective and strategy. The documentation identifies the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged and

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg135


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

the methodology used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging instrument in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value attributable to the hedged risk. For a cash flow hedge, this documentation includes the exposure to changes in the variability in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. The Company does not exclude any component of the change in fair value of the hedging instrument from the effectiveness assessment. At each reporting date, the Company confirms that the hedging instrument continues to be highly effective in offsetting the hedged risk. Ineffectiveness in fair value hedges and cash flow hedges, if any, is reported in realized capital gains and losses.
Fair value hedges    The change in fair value of hedging instruments used in fair value hedges of investment assets or a portion thereof is reported in net investment income, together with the change in fair value of the hedged items. The change in fair value of hedging instruments used in fair value hedges of contractholder funds liabilities or a portion thereof is reported in interest credited to contractholder funds, together with the change in fair value of the hedged items. Accrued periodic settlements on swaps are reported together with the changes in fair value of the related swaps in net investment income or interest credited to contractholder funds. The amortized cost for fixed income securities, the carrying value for mortgage loans or the carrying value of thea designated hedged liability is adjusted for the change in fair value of the hedged risk.
Cash flow hedges    For hedging instruments used in cash flow hedges, the changes in fair value of the derivatives representing the effective portion of the hedge are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income.AOCI. Amounts are reclassified to net investment income, realized capital gains and losses or interest expense as the hedged or forecasted transaction affects income. Accrued periodic settlements on derivatives used in cash flow hedges are reported in net investment income. The amount reported in accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI for a hedged transaction is limited to the lesser of the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative less the amount reclassified to income, or the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative needed to offset the cumulative change in the expected future cash flows on the hedged transaction from inception of the hedge less the derivative gain or loss previously reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI to income. If the Company expects at any time that the loss reported in accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI would lead to a net loss on the combination of the hedging instrument and the hedged transaction which may not be recoverable, a loss is recognized immediately in realized capital gains and losses. If an impairment loss is recognized on an asset or an additional obligation is incurred on a liability involved in a hedge transaction, any offsetting gain in accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI is reclassified and reported together with the impairment loss or recognition of the obligation.
Termination of hedge accounting    If, subsequent to entering into a hedge transaction, the derivative becomes ineffective (including if the hedged item is sold or otherwise extinguished, the occurrence of a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer

116


probable or
the hedged asset becomes other-than-temporarily impaired), the Company may terminate the derivative position. The Company may also terminate derivative instruments or redesignate them as non-hedge as a result of other events or circumstances. If the derivative instrument is not terminated when a fair value hedge is no longer effective, the future gains and losses recognized on the derivative are reported in realized capital gains and losses. When a fair value hedge is no longer effective, is redesignated as non-hedge or when the derivative has been terminated, the fair value gain or loss on the hedged asset, liability or portion thereof which has already beenpreviously recognized in income while the hedge was in place and used to adjust the amortized cost forof hedged fixed income securities, the carrying value forof hedged mortgage loans or the carrying value of thea hedged liability, is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged asset, liability or portion thereof, and reflected in net investment income or interest credited to contractholder funds beginning in the period that hedge accounting is no longer applied. If the hedged item in a fair value hedge is an asset that has become other-than-temporarily impaired, the adjustment made to the amortized cost for fixed income securities or the carrying value for mortgage loans is subject to the accounting policies applied to other-than-temporarily impaired assets.
When a derivative instrument used in a cash flow hedge of an existing asset or liability is no longer effective or is terminated, the gain or loss recognized on the derivative is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI to income as the hedged risk impacts income. If the derivative instrument is not terminated when a cash flow hedge is no longer effective, the future gains and losses recognized on the derivative are reported in realized capital gains and losses. When a derivative instrument used in a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction is terminated because it is probable the forecasted transaction will not occur, the gain or loss recognized on the derivative is immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI to realized capital gains and losses in the period that hedge accounting is no longer applied.
Non-hedge derivative financial instruments    For derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied, the income statement effects, including fair value gains and losses and accrued periodic settlements, are reported either in realized capital gains and losses or in a single line item together with the results of the associated asset or liability for which risks are being managed.
Securities loaned
The Company’s business activities include securities lending transactions, which are used primarily to generate net investment income. The proceeds received in conjunction with securities lending transactions are reinvested in short-term investments.investments or fixed income securities. These transactions are short-term in nature, usually 30 days or less.
The Company receives cash collateral for securities loaned in an amount generally equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of domestic and foreign securities,

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


respectively, and records the related obligations to return the collateral in other liabilities and accrued expenses. The carrying value of these obligations approximates fair value because of their relatively short-term nature. The Company monitors the market value of securities loaned on a daily basis and obtains additional collateral as necessary under the terms of the agreements to mitigate counterparty credit risk. The Company maintains the right and ability to repossess the securities loaned on short notice.
Recognition of premium revenues and contract charges, and related benefits and interest credited
Property-liabilityProperty and casualty insurance premiums include premiums from personal lines policies, protection plans, other contracts (primarily finance and insurance products) and roadside assistance.
Personal lines insurance premiums are deferred and earned on a pro-rata basis over the terms of the policies, typically periods of six or twelve months.
Revenues related to protection plans, other contracts (primarily finance and insurance products) and roadside assistance are deferred and earned over the term of the contract in a manner that recognizes revenue as obligations under the contracts are performed. Revenues from these products are classified as premiums as the products are backed by insurance. Protection plans and finance and insurance premiums are recognized using a cost-based incurrence method over the term of the contracts, which is generally over one to five years. Roadside assistance premiums are recognized evenly over the term of the contract as performance obligations are fulfilled.
The portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies is recorded as unearned premiums. Premium installment receivables, net, represent premiums written and not yet collected, net of an allowance for uncollectible premiums. The Company regularly evaluates premium installment receivables and adjusts its valuation allowance as appropriate. The valuation allowance for uncollectible premium installment receivables was $90 million and $83$77 million as of both December 31, 20152018 and 2014, respectively.2017.
Traditional life insurance products consist principally of products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, primarily term and whole life insurance products. Voluntary accident and health insurance products are expected to remain in force for an extended period and therefore are primarily classified as long-duration contracts. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. Benefits are reflected in life and annuity contract benefits and recognized in relation to premiums, so that profits are recognized over the life of the policy.policy in relation to premiums.
Immediate annuities with life contingencies, including certain structured settlement annuities, provide insurance protectionbenefits over a period that extends beyond the period during which premiums are collected. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when received at the inception of the contract. Benefits and expenses are recognized in relation to
premiums. Profits from these policies come primarily from investment income, which is recognized over the life of the contract.
Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and single premium life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed and guaranteed. The terms that may be changed include premiums paid by the contractholder, interest credited to the contractholder account balance and contract charges assessed against the contractholder account balance. Premiums from these contracts are reported as contractholder fund deposits. Contract charges consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for the cost of insurance (mortality risk), contract administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually

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specified dates. These contract charges are recognized as revenue when assessed against the contractholder account balance. Life and annuity contractContract benefits include life-contingent benefit payments in excess of the contractholder account balance.
Contracts that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from mortality or morbidity are referred to as investment contracts. Fixed annuities, including market value adjusted annuities, equity-indexed annuities and immediate annuities without life contingencies, and funding agreements (primarily backing medium-term notes) are considered investment contracts. Consideration received for such contracts is reported as contractholder fund deposits. Contract charges for investment contracts consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for maintenance, administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates, and are recognized when assessed against the contractholder account balance.
Interest credited to contractholder funds represents interest accrued or paid on interest-sensitive life and investment contracts. Crediting rates for certain fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts are adjusted periodically by the Company to reflect current market conditions subject to contractually guaranteed minimum rates. Crediting rates for indexed life and annuities and indexed funding agreements are generally based on a specified interest rate index or an equity index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P”&P 500”) 500 Index.. Interest credited also includes amortization of DSI expenses. DSI is amortized into interest credited using the same method used to amortize DAC.
Contract charges for variable life and variable annuity products consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balances for contract maintenance, administration, mortality, expense and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates. Contract benefits incurred for variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits. Substantially all of the Company’s variable annuity business is ceded through reinsurance agreements and the contract charges and contract benefits related thereto are reported net of reinsurance ceded.
Other revenue presentation
Concurrent with the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

revenue from contracts with customers and the Company’s objective of providing more information related to revenues for our Service Businesses, the Company revised the presentation of total revenue to include other revenue. Previously, components of other revenue were presented within operating costs and expenses and primarily represented fees collected from policyholders relating to premium installment payments, commissions on sales of non-proprietary products, fee-based services and other revenue transactions. Other revenue is recognized when performance obligations are fulfilled. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current separate presentation of other revenue.
Deferred policy acquisition and sales inducement costs
Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal property-liability insurance life insurancepolicies and investment contracts are deferred and recorded as DAC. These costs are principally agents’agency’s and brokers’ remuneration, premium taxes and certain underwriting expenses. DSI costs, which are deferred and recorded as other assets, relate to sales inducements offered on sales to new customers, principally on fixed annuity and interest-sensitive life contracts. These sales inducements are primarily in the form of additional credits to the customer’s account balance or enhancements to interest credited for a specified period which are in excess of the rates currently being credited to similar contracts without sales inducements. All other acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and included in operating costs and expenses. DAC associated with property-liability insurance is amortized into income as premiums are earned, typically over periods of six or twelve months, and is included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. DAC associated with property-liability insurance is periodically reviewed for recoverability and adjusted if necessary. Future investment income is considered in determining the recoverability of DAC. Amortization of DAC associated with life insurance and investment contracts is included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and is described in more detail below. DSI is amortized into income using the same methodology and assumptions as DAC and is included in interest credited to contractholder funds. All other acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and included in operating costs and expenses.
For property and casualty insurance, DAC is amortized into income as premiums are earned, typically over periods of six or twelve months for personal lines policies or generally one to five years for protection plans and other contracts (primarily related to finance and insurance products), and is included in amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. DAC associated with property and casualty insurance is periodically reviewed for recoverability and adjusted if necessary. Future investment income is considered in determining the recoverability of DAC.
For traditional life and voluntary accident and health insurance, DAC is amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies in proportion to the estimated revenues on such business. Assumptions used in the amortization of DAC and reserve calculations are established at the time the policy is issued and are generally not revised during the life of the policy. Any deviations from projected business in force resulting from actual policy terminations differing from expected levels and any estimated premium deficiencies may result in a change to the rate of amortization in the period such events occur. Generally, the amortization periods for these policies approximates the estimated lives of the policies. The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of DAC for these policies on an aggregate basis using actual experience. Theexperience and current assumptions. Prior to fourth
quarter 2017, the Company aggregates allevaluated traditional life insurance products and immediate annuities with life contingencies on an aggregate basis. In conjunction with the segment changes that occurred in the analysis.fourth quarter of 2017, traditional life insurance products, immediate annuities with life contingencies, and voluntary accident and health insurance products are reviewed individually. If actual experience is significantlyand current assumptions are adverse compared to the original assumptions and a premium deficiency is determined to exist, any remaining unamortized DAC balance would be expensed to the extent not recoverable and the establishment of a premium deficiency reserve may be required.
For interest-sensitive life insurance, and fixed annuities, DAC and DSI are amortized in proportion to the incidence of the total present value of gross profits, which includes both actual historical gross profits (“AGP”) and estimated future gross profits (“EGP”) expected to be earned over the estimated lives of the contracts. The amortization is net of interest on the prior period DAC balance using rates established at the inception of the contracts. Actual amortization periods generally range from 15-30 years; however, incorporating estimates of the rate of customer surrenders, partial withdrawals and deaths generally results in the majority of the DAC being amortized during the surrender charge period, which is typically 10-20 years for interest-sensitive life and 5-10 years for fixed annuities.life. The cumulativerate of DAC and DSI amortization is reestimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to income when there is a difference between the incidence of actual versus expected gross profits in a reporting period or when there is a change in total EGP. When DAC or DSI amortization or a component of gross profits for a quarterly period is potentially negative (which would result in an increase of the DAC or DSI balance) as a result of negative AGP, the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the potential negative amortization are considered to determine whether it is appropriate for recognition in the consolidated financial statements. Negative amortization is only recorded when the increased DAC or DSI balance is

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determined to be recoverable based on facts and circumstances. Recapitalization of DAC and DSI is limited to the originally deferred costs plus interest.
AGP and EGP primarily consist of the following components: contract charges for the cost of insurance less mortality costs and other benefits; investment income and realized capital gains and losses less interest credited; and surrender and other contract charges less maintenance expenses. The principal assumptions for determining the amount of EGP are mortality, persistency, mortality, expenses, investment returns, including capital gains and losses on assets supporting contract liabilities, interest crediting rates to contractholders, and the effects of any hedges. For products whose supporting investments are exposed to capital losses in excess of the Company’s expectations which may cause periodic AGP to become temporarily negative, EGP and AGP utilized in DAC and DSI amortization may be modified to exclude the excess capital losses.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


The Company performs quarterly reviews of DAC and DSI recoverability for interest-sensitive life and fixed annuity contracts in the aggregate using current assumptions. If a change in the amount of EGP is significant, it could result in the unamortized DAC or DSI not being recoverable, resulting in a charge which is included as a component of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs or interest credited to contractholder funds, respectively.
The DAC and DSI balances presented include adjustments to reflect the amount by which the amortization of DAC and DSI would increase or decrease if the unrealized capital gains or losses in the respective product investment portfolios were actually realized. The adjustments are recorded net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive income.AOCI. DAC, DSI and deferred income taxes determined on unrealized capital gains and losses and reported in accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI recognize the impact on shareholders’ equity consistently with the amounts that would be recognized in the income statement on realized capital gains and losses.
Customers of the Company may exchange one insurance policy or investment contract for another offered by the Company, or make modifications to an existing investment, life or property-liabilityproperty and casualty contract issued by the Company. These transactions are identified as internal replacements for accounting purposes. Internal replacement transactions determined to result in replacement contracts that are substantially unchanged from the replaced contracts are accounted for as continuations of the replaced contracts. Unamortized DAC and DSI related to the replaced contracts continue to be deferred and amortized in connection with the replacement contracts. For interest-sensitive life and investment contracts, the EGP of the replacement contracts are treated as a revision to the EGP of the replaced contracts in the determination of amortization of DAC and DSI. For traditional life and property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance policies, any changes to unamortized DAC that result from replacement contracts are treated as prospective revisions. Any costs associated with the issuance of replacement contracts are characterized as maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Internal replacement transactions determined to result in a substantial change to the replaced contracts are accounted for as an extinguishment of the replaced contracts, and any unamortized DAC and DSI related to the replaced contracts are eliminated with a corresponding charge to amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs or interest credited to contractholder funds, respectively.
The costs assigned to the right to receive future cash flows from certain business purchased from other insurers are also classified as DAC in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The costs capitalized represent the present value of future profits expected to be earned over the lives of the contracts acquired. These costs are amortized as profits emerge over the lives of the acquired business and are periodically evaluated for recoverability. The present value of future profits was $58$45 million and $66$47 million as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.
Amortization expense of the present value of future profits was $8$2 million, $13$6 million and $16$5 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
Reinsurance and Indemnification
ReinsuranceIn the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit aggregate and single exposure to losses on large risks by purchasing reinsurance. The Company has also used reinsurance to effect the disposition of certain blocks of business. The Company also participates in various reinsurance mechanisms, including industry pools and facilities, which are backed by the financial resources of the property-liability insurance company market participants. The amounts reported as reinsurance recoverables include amounts billed to reinsurers on losses paid as well as estimates of amounts expected to be recovered from reinsurers on insurance liabilities and contractholder funds that have not yet been paid. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses are estimated based upon assumptions consistent with those used in establishing the liabilities related to the underlying reinsured contracts. Insurance liabilities are reported gross of reinsurance recoverables. Reinsurance premiums are generally reflected in income in a manner consistent with the recognition of premiums on the reinsured contracts. For catastrophe coverage, the cost of reinsurance premiums is recognized ratably over the contract period to the extent coverage remains available. Reinsurance does not extinguish the Company’s primary liability under the policies written. Therefore, the Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers, including their activities with respect to claim settlement practices and commutations, and establishes allowances for uncollectible reinsurance as appropriate.

Indemnification The Company also participates in various indemnification mechanisms, including industry pools and facilities, which are backed by the financial resources of the property and casualty insurance company market participants. Indemnification recoverables are considered collectible based on the industry pool and facility enabling legislation.

The amounts reported as reinsurance and indemnification recoverables include amounts billed to reinsurers and indemnitors on losses paid as well as estimates of amounts expected to be recovered from reinsurers and indemnitors on insurance liabilities and contractholder funds that have not yet been paid. Reinsurance and indemnification recoverables on unpaid losses are estimated based upon assumptions consistent with those used in establishing the liabilities related to the underlying contracts. Insurance liabilities are reported gross of reinsurance and indemnification recoverables. Reinsurance and indemnification premiums are generally reflected in income in a manner consistent with the recognition of premiums on the associated contracts. For catastrophe coverage, the cost of reinsurance premiums is recognized ratably over the contract period to the extent coverage remains available.

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Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid for acquiring businesses over the fair value of the net assets acquired.acquired, less any impairment of goodwill recognized. The Company’s goodwill balances were $823 million and $396 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 for the Allstate Protection segment and the Allstate Financial segment, respectively. The Company’s reporting units are equivalent to its reportingreportable segments, Allstate Protection, Service Businesses, Allstate Life and Allstate Financial. Benefits to which goodwill has been assigned.
Goodwill by reporting unit
   As of December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Allstate Protection $810
 $810
Service Businesses 1,449
 1,100
Allstate Life 175
 175
Allstate Benefits 96
 96
Total $2,530
 $2,181

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Goodwill is recognized when acquired and allocated to reporting units based on which unit is expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year based upon data as of the close of the third quarter. Goodwill impairment is measured and recognized as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The Company also reviews goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as deteriorating or adverse market conditions, indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill may exceed its implied fair value. The goodwill impairment analysis is performed at the reporting unit level.
To estimateIn fourth quarter 2017, the Company adopted new reportable segments, which required the Company to evaluate goodwill, including the allocation of goodwill to any new reporting units on a relative fair value basis. The reallocation was computed using fair values for the goodwill reporting units determined using discounted cash flow (“DCF”) calculations and market to book multiples derived from a peer company analysis as described below. In conjunction with the reallocation of goodwill, the Company recognized $125 million of goodwill impairment related to the goodwill allocated to the Allstate Annuities reporting unit reflecting a market-based valuation. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units exceeded their carrying values.
Upon acquisition, the purchase price of the acquired business is assumed to be its fair value. Subsequently, the Company estimates the fair value of itsthe businesses in each goodwill reporting units, the Company may utilizeunit, utilizing a combination of widely accepted valuation techniques including a stock price and market capitalization analysis, discounted cash flowDCF calculations and an estimate of a business’s fair value using market to book multiples derived from peer company price to earnings multiples analysis. The stock price and market capitalization analysis takes into consideration the quoted market price of the Company’s outstanding common stock and includes a control premium, derived from relevant historical insurance industry acquisition activity, in determining the estimated fair value of the consolidated entity before allocating that fair value to individual reporting units. The discounted cash flowDCF analysis utilizes long term assumptions for revenuerevenues, investment income, benefits, claims, other operating expenses and income taxes to produce projections of both income and cash flows available for dividends that are present valued using weighted average cost of capital. Market to book multiples represent the mean market to book multiple for selected peer companies with operations similar to the Company’s goodwill reporting units to which the multiple is applied. The outputs from these methods are weighted based on the nature of the business and the relative amount of market observable assumptions supporting the estimates. The computed values are then weighted to
reflect the fair value estimate based on the specific attributes of each goodwill reporting unit.
Estimating the fair value of reporting units is a subjective process that involves the use of significant estimates by management. Changes in market inputs or other events impacting the fair value of these businesses, including discount rates, operating results, investment returns, strategies and growth rate assumptions or increases in the level of equity required to support these businesses, could result in goodwill impairments, resulting in a charge to income. Most of the goodwill reporting units are comprised of a combination of legacy and acquired businesses and as a result have substantial internally generated and unrecognized intangibles and fair values that significantly exceed their carrying values. The Service Businesses goodwill reporting unit is more heavily comprised of newly acquired businesses and as a result does not have a significant excess of fair value over its carrying value. Therefore, this reporting unit may be more susceptible to goodwill impairment based on changes to growth or margin assumptions.
The most significant assumptions utilized in the determination of the estimated fair value of the Service Businesses reporting unit are the earnings growth rate and discount rate. The growth rate utilized by the Company for fair value estimates is consistent with plans to grow these businesses rapidly over the near-term with more moderated growth rates in later years.
The discount rate, which is consistent with the weighted average cost of capital growth, earnings projectionsexpected by a market participant, is based upon industry specific required rates of return, including those usedconsideration of both debt and equity components of the capital structure. The discount rate may be impacted by changes in the risk free rate, cost of debt, equity risk premium and entity specific risks.
Changes in the Company’s strategic plan,growth assumptions, including the risk of loss of key customers, or adverse changes in the discount rates could result in a decline in fair value and result in a goodwill impairment charge.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets (reported in other assets) consist of capitalized costs primarily related to acquired customer relationships, trade names and licenses, technology and other assets. The estimated useful lives of customer relationships, technology and other intangible assets are generally 10 years, 5 years and 7 years, respectively. Intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization expense is calculated using an appropriate discount rate. The peer company price to earnings multiples analysis takes into consideration the price to earnings multiples of peer companies for each reporting unitaccelerated amortization method. Amortization expense on intangible assets was $105 million, $99 million and estimated income from the Company’s strategic plan.
Goodwill impairment evaluations indicated no impairment$32 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Accumulated amortization on intangible assets was $572 million and $467 million as of December 31, 20152018 and 2017, respectively. Trade names and licenses are considered to have an indefinite useful life and are reviewed for impairment at least annually or 2014.more frequent if circumstances arise that indicate an impairment may have occurred. An impairment is

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


recognized if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value.
Intangible assets by type
   As of December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Customers relationships $530
 $396
Trade names and licenses 143
 143
Technology and other 40
 17
Total $713
 $556
Property and equipment
Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Included in property and equipment are capitalized costs related to computer software licenses and software developed for internal use. These costs generally consist of certain external payroll and payroll related costs. Certain facilities and equipment held under capital leases are also classified as property and equipment with the related lease obligations recorded as liabilities. Property and equipment depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally 3 to 10 years for equipment and 40 years for real property. Depreciation expense is reported in operating costs and expenses. Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment was $2.09$2.41 billion and $2.12$2.27 billion as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. Depreciation expense on property and equipment was $255$299 million, $228$290 million and $208$267 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The Company reviews its property and equipment for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Income taxes
The income tax provision is calculatedIncome taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method under the liability method. Deferredwhich deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differencerecognized for temporary differences between the financial statementreporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates. The principal assets and liabilities giving rise to such differences are DAC, unearned premiums, investments (including unrealized capital gains and losseslosses) and insurance reserves. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established when thereit is uncertainty thatmore likely than not such assets will not be realized. The Company recognizes interest expense related to income tax matters in income tax expense and penalties in other expense.
ReservesReserve for property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense and life-contingent contract benefits
The reserve for property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense is the estimate of amounts necessary to settle all reported and unreported incurred claims for the ultimate cost of insured property-liabilityproperty and casualty losses, based upon the facts of each case and the Company’s experience with similar cases. Estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation are deducted from the reserve for claims and claims expense. The establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophe losses, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. Reserve estimates are primarily derived using an actuarial estimation process in which historical loss patterns are applied to actual paid losses and reported losses (paid
losses plus individual case reserves established by claim adjusters) for an accident or report year to create an estimate of how losses are likely to develop over time. Development factors are calculated quarterly and periodically throughout the year for data elements such as claims reported and settled, paid losses, and paid losses combined with case reserves. The historical development patterns for these data elements are used as the assumptions to calculate reserve estimates, including the reserves for reported and unreported claims. Reserve estimates are regularly reviewed and updated, using the most current information available. Any resulting reestimates are reflected in current results of operations.
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits
The reserve for life-contingent contract benefits payable under insurance policies, including traditional life insurance, life-contingent immediate annuities and voluntary accident and health insurance products, is computed on the basis of long-term actuarial assumptions of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, policy terminations and expenses. These assumptions, which for traditional life insurance are applied using the net level premium method, include provisions for adverse deviation and generally vary by characteristics such as type of coverage, year of issue and policy duration. The assumptions are established at the time the policy is issued and are generally not changed during the life of the policy. The Company periodically reviews the adequacy of reserves for these policies on an aggregate basis using actual experience.experience and current assumptions. If actual experience is significantlyand current assumptions are adverse compared to the original assumptions and a premium deficiency is determined to exist, any remaining unamortized DAC balance would be expensed to the extent not recoverable and the establishment of a premium deficiency reserve may be required. Prior to fourth quarter 2017, the Company evaluated traditional life insurance products and immediate annuities with life contingencies on an aggregate basis. In conjunction with the Company’s segment changes that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017, traditional life insurance products, immediate annuities with life contingencies, and voluntary accident and health insurance are reviewed individually. The Company also reviews these policies for circumstances where projected profits would be recognized in early years followed by projected losses in later years. If this circumstance exists, the Company will accrue a liability, during the period of profits, to offset the losses at such time as the future losses are expected to commence using a method updated prospectively over time. To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities would result in a premium deficiency if those gains were realized, the

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related increase in reserves for certain immediate annuities with life contingencies is recorded net of tax as a reduction of unrealized net capital gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income.AOCI.
Contractholder funds
Contractholder funds represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

interest-sensitive life insurance, fixed annuities and funding agreements. Contractholder funds primarily comprise cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals, maturities and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses. Contractholder funds also include reserves for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and certain fixed annuity contracts and reserves for certain guarantees on reinsured variable annuity contracts.
Separate accounts
Separate accounts assets are carried at fair value. The assets of the separate accounts are legally segregated and available only to settle separate accountaccounts contract obligations. Separate accounts liabilities represent the contractholders’ claims to the related assets and are carried at an amount equal to the separate accounts assets. Investment income and realized capital gains and losses of the separate accounts accrue directly to the contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Deposits to and surrenders and withdrawals from the separate accounts are reflected in separate accounts liabilities and are not included in consolidated cash flows.
Absent any contract provision wherein the Company provides a guarantee, variable annuity and variable life insurance contractholders bear the investment risk that the separate accounts’ funds may not meet their stated investment objectives. Substantially all of the Company’s variable annuity business was reinsured beginning in 2006.
Legal contingencies
The Company reviews its lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings on an ongoing basis. The Company establishes accruals for such matters at management’s best estimate when the Company assesses that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company’s assessment of whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on its assessment of the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals. The Company does not include potential recoveries in its estimates of reasonably possible or probable losses. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.
Long-term debt
Long-term debt includes senior notes, senior debentures, subordinated debentures and junior subordinated debentures issued by the Corporation. Unamortized debt issuance costs are reported in long-term debt and are amortized over the expected period the debt will remain outstanding.
Deferred Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)ESOP expense
Deferred ESOP expense represents the remaining unrecognized cost of shares acquired by the Allstate ESOP to pre-fund a portion of the Company’s contribution to the Allstate 401(k) Savings Plan.
Equity incentive plans
The Company has equity incentive plans under which the Company grants nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units and performance stock awards (“equity awards”) to certain employees and directors of the Company. The Company measures the fair value of equity awards at the award date and recognizes the expense over the shorter of the period in which the requisite service is rendered or retirement eligibility is attained. The expense for performance stock awards is adjusted each period to reflect the performance factor most likely to be achieved at the end of the performance period. The Company uses a binomial lattice model to determine the fair value of employee stock options.
Off-balance sheet financial instruments
Commitments to invest, commitments to purchase private placement securities, commitments to extend loans, financial guarantees and credit guarantees have off-balance sheet risk because their contractual amounts are not recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (see NoteNotes 7 and Note 14).
Consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”)
The Company consolidates VIEs when it is the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the variable interest holder in a VIE with both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive benefits, that could potentially be significant to the VIE.



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Foreign currency translation
The local currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is deemed to be the functional currency of the country in which these subsidiaries operate. The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of a reporting period for assets and liabilities and at average exchange rates during the period for results of operations.
The unrealized gains and losses from the translation of the net assets are recorded as unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments and included in accumulated other comprehensive income.AOCI. Changes in unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income.OCI. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are reported in operating costs and expenses and have not been material.


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Earnings per common share
Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including unvestedvested unissued participating restricted stock units. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding. For the Company, dilutive potential common shares consist of outstanding stock options and unvested non-participating restricted stock units and contingently issuable performance stock awards.
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31 is presented in the following table.
($ in millions, except per share data)2015 2014 2013
Numerator:     
Net income$2,171
 $2,850
 $2,280
Less: Preferred stock dividends116
 104
 17
Net income applicable to common shareholders (1)
$2,055
 $2,746
 $2,263
      
Denominator:     
Weighted average common shares outstanding401.1
 431.4
 464.4
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:     
Stock options4.0
 4.7
 4.1
Restricted stock units (non-participating) and performance stock awards1.7
 2.1
 1.8
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding406.8
 438.2
 470.3
      
Earnings per common share – Basic$5.12
 $6.37
 $4.87
Earnings per common share – Diluted$5.05
 $6.27
 $4.81
_____________________________
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions, except per share data) 2018 2017 2016
Numerator:      
Net income $2,252
 $3,189
 $1,877
Less: Preferred stock dividends 148
 116
 116
Net income applicable to common shareholders (1)
 $2,104
 $3,073
 $1,761
       
Denominator:      
Weighted average common shares outstanding 347.8
 362.0
 372.8
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:      
Stock options 3.6
 4.3
 3.2
Restricted stock units (non-participating) and performance stock awards 1.8
 1.5
 1.3
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding 353.2
 367.8
 377.3
       
Earnings per common share – Basic $6.05
 $8.49
 $4.72
Earnings per common share – Diluted $5.96
 $8.36
 $4.67
(1) 
Net income applicable to common shareholders is net income less preferred stock dividends.
The effect of dilutive potential common shares does not include the effect of options with an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per common share because their exercise prices exceed the average market price of Allstate common shares during the period or for which the unrecognized compensation cost would have an anti-dilutive effect. OptionsOutstanding options to purchase 2.22.0 million, 3.01.5 million and 8.83.8 million Allstate common shares with exercise prices ranging from $57.98 to $71.29, $49.96 to $67.61in 2018, 2017 and $40.49 to $62.42,2016, respectively, were outstanding in 2015, 2014anti-dilutive and 2013, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share in those years.under the treasury stock method.
Adopted accounting standardstandards
AccountingRecognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new FASB guidance requiring equity investments, including equity securities and limited partnership interests not accounted for Investmentsunder the equity method of accounting or that do not result in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
In January 2014,consolidation to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The guidance clarifies that an entity should evaluate the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which allows entities that investrealizability of deferred tax assets related to available-for-sale fixed income securities in certain qualified affordable housing projects through limited liability entitiescombination with the option to account for these investments using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the entity amortizes the initial costentity’s other deferred tax assets. The Company’s adoption of the investmentnew FASB guidance included adoption of the relevant elements of Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments, issued in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense or benefit. AdoptionFebruary 2018.
Upon adoption of the new guidance in the first quarteron January 1, 2018, $1.16 billion of 2015 resultedpre-tax unrealized net capital gains for equity securities were reclassified from AOCI to retained income. The after-tax change in a one-time $45 million increase in income tax expense.
Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance that amends the accounting for debt issuance costs. The amended guidance requires that debt issuance costs relatedequity securities did not affect the Company’s total shareholders’ equity and the unrealized net capital gains of $910 million reclassified to aretained income will never be recognized debt liability be presented as a direct reduction in the carrying amountnet income.
Upon adoption of the debt liability. The amortization of debt issuance costs should be classified as interest expense. In August 2015, the FASB expanded the guidance on debt issuance costs to address debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit agreements. The guidance allows

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reporting entities to defer and present debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company adopted the new guidance on a retrospective basisJanuary 1, 2018, the carrying value of cost method limited
partnership interests increased $224 million pre-tax, to fair value. The after-tax cumulative-effect increase in the fourth quarterretained income of 2015. The impact of the retrospective adjustments on the previously issued December 31, 2014 consolidated statement of financial position was a $54$177 million decrease in both other assets and long-term debt. The adoption had no impact onincreased the Company’s resultsshareholders’ equity but will never be recognized in net income thereby negatively impacting calculations of operations.returns on equity.
Pending accounting standards
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014,Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new FASB issued guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. Insurance contracts are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. The Company’s principal activities impacted by the new guidance are those related to the issuance of protection plans for consumer products and automobiles and service contracts that provide roadside assistance. Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized and amortized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs.
Adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective approach resulted in the recognition of an immaterial after-tax net cumulative effect increase to the beginning balance of retained income. In addition to the net cumulative effect, the

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Company also recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position an increase of approximately $160 million pre-tax in unearned premiums with a corresponding $160 million pre-tax increase in DAC for protection plans sold directly to retailers prior to January 1, 2018 for which SquareTrade Holding Company, Inc. (“SquareTrade”) is deemed to be the principal in the transaction. This impact offsets fully and did not impact retained income at the date of adoption.
Presentation of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefits Costs
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new FASB guidance requiring identification, on the statement of operations or in disclosures, the line items in which the components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits costs are presented. The new guidance permits only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization where applicable. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
Goodwill Impairment
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment which removes the second step of the goodwill impairment test that requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the new guidance, goodwill impairment will be measured and recognized as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The revised guidance does not affect a reporting entity’s ability to first assess qualitative factors by reporting unit to determine whether to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis, with the effects, if any, recognized in net income in the period of adoption. The Company elected to early adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2018. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
Pending accounting standards
Accounting for Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance revising the accounting for leases. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability for all leases other than those with a term less than one year. The lease liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. A ROU asset will be based on the lease liability adjusted for qualifying initial direct costs. The Company currently estimates that the recognition of the ROU asset and lease liability will result in an increase in both total assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of approximately $500 million. The new guidance requires sellers in a sale-leaseback transaction to recognize the entire gain from the sale of an underlying asset at the time the sale is recognized rather than over the leaseback term. The carrying value of unrecognized gains on sale-leaseback transactions
executed prior to January 1, 2019 are approximately $20 million, after-tax, and will be recorded as an increase to retained income at adoption.
The expense of operating leases under the new guidance will be recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis by adjusting the amortization of the ROU asset to produce a straight-line expense when combined with the interest expense on the lease liability. For finance leases, the expense components are computed separately and produce greater up-front expense compared to operating leases as interest expense on the lease liability is higher in early years and the ROU asset is amortized on a straight-line basis. Lease classification will be based on criteria similar to those currently applied. The accounting model for lessors will be similar to the current model with modifications to reflect definition changes for components such as initial direct costs. Lessors will continue to classify leases as operating, direct financing, or sales-type. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 20172018, and will be implemented using the optional transition method that allows application of the transition provisions at the adoption date instead of the earliest date presented.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance which revises the credit loss recognition criteria for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost, including reinsurance recoverables. The new guidance replaces the existing incurred loss recognition model with an expected loss recognition model. The objective of the expected credit loss model is for the reporting entity to recognize its estimate of expected credit losses for affected financial assets in a valuation allowance deducted from the amortized cost basis of the related financial assets that results in presenting the net carrying value of the financial assets at the amount expected to be applied retrospectively.collected. The reporting entity must consider all relevant information available when estimating expected credit losses, including details about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts over the life of an asset. Financial assets may be evaluated individually or on a pooled basis when they share similar risk characteristics. The measurement of credit losses for available-for-sale debt securities measured at fair value is not affected except that credit losses recognized are limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost and the carrying value adjustment is recognized through a valuation allowance and not as a direct write-down. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and for most affected instruments must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach, with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to beginning retained income. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption.
Accounting for Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the FASB issued amendments intended to better align hedge accounting with an

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


organization’s risk management activities. The amendments expand hedge accounting for nonfinancial and financial risk components and revise the measurement methodologies to better align with an organization’s risk management activities. Separate presentation of hedge ineffectiveness is eliminated to provide greater transparency of the full impact of hedging by requiring presentation of the results of the hedged item and hedging instrument in a single financial statement line item. In addition, the amendments are designed to reduce complexity by simplifying the manner in which assessments of hedge effectiveness may be performed. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The presentation and disclosure guidance is effective on a prospective basis. The impact of adoption which is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
AccountingChanges to the Disclosure Requirements for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service PeriodDeferred Benefit Plans
In June 2014,August 2018, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition and not reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation costs should reflect the amount attributableamendments to modify certain disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. Disclosure additions relate to the periodsweighted-average interest crediting rates for whichcash balance plans and other plans with interest crediting rates and explanations for significant gains and losses related to changes in the requisite service has been rendered. Total compensation expense recognized during and afterbenefit obligation for the requisite service period (which may differ from the vesting period) should reflect the number of awardsperiod. Disclosures to be removed include those that identify amounts that are expected to vestbe reclassified out of AOCI and should be adjusted to reflectinto the numberincome statement in the coming year and the anticipated impact of awards that ultimately vest.a one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rate on service and interest cost and on the accumulated benefit obligation. The guidance isamendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015.2020. The Company’s existing accounting policy for performance targets that affect the vesting of share-based payment awards is consistent with the proposed guidance and as such the impactimpacts of adoption is not expectedare to impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position.disclosures only.
Amendments to the Consolidation AnalysisAccounting for Long-Duration Insurance Contracts
In February 2015,August 2018, the FASB issued guidance affectingrevising the consolidation evaluationaccounting for limited partnerships and similar entities, fees paid to a decision maker or service provider, and variable interests in a variable interest entity held by related partiescertain long-duration insurance contracts. The new guidance changes the measurement of the Company’s reserves for traditional life, life-contingent immediate annuities and certain voluntary accident and health insurance products. Under the new guidance, measurement assumptions, including those for mortality, morbidity and policy terminations, will be required to be reviewed and updated at least annually. The effect of updating measurement assumptions other than the discount rate are required to be determined on a retrospective basis and reported in net income. In addition, cash flows under the new guidance are required to be discounted using an upper medium grade fixed income instrument yield that is updated through OCI at each reporting enterprise. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company isdate. These changes will replace current GAAP, which utilizes assumptions set at policy issuance until such time as the assumptions result in reserves that are deficient when compared to reserves computed using current assumptions. Under current GAAP, premium deficiency reserves are recognized in the process of assessing the impact of adoption which is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. 
Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts
In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance requiring expanded disclosures for insurance entities that issue short-duration contracts. The expanded disclosures are designed to provide additional insight into an insurance entity’s significant estimates made in measuring the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. The disclosures include information about incurred and paid claims development by accident year, on a net basis after reinsurance, for the number of years claims incurred typically remain outstanding, not to exceed ten years. Each period presented in the disclosure about claims development that precedes the current reporting period is considered required supplementary information. The expanded disclosures also include information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions, a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development to the carrying amount of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, the total amount of incurred but not reported liabilities plus expected development, claims frequency information including the methodology used to determine claim frequency and claim duration. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively. deficiency, if any, computed using current assumptions.
The new guidance affects disclosures onlyrequires DAC and other capitalized balances currently amortized in proportion to premiums or gross profits to be amortized on a constant level basis over the expected term for all long-duration insurance contracts. DAC will havenot be subject to loss recognition testing but will be reduced when actual experience exceeds expected experience (i.e. as a result of unexpected contract terminations). The new guidance will no impactlonger require adjustments to DAC and deferred sales inducement costs (“DSI”) related to unrealized gains and losses on investment securities supporting the Company’s results of operations or financial position.related business.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring equity investments, including equity securities and limited partnership interests, thatMarket risk benefit product features are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting or result in consolidationrequired to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognizedrecorded in net income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values may be measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable priceincome with the exception of changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment offair value attributable to changes in the same issuer. When a qualitative assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values indicates that impairment exists, the carrying value isCompany’s own credit risk, which are required to be adjustedrecognized in OCI. Substantially all of the Company’s market risk benefits are reinsured and therefore these impacts are not expected to fair value, if lower. be material to the Company.
The guidance clarifies that an entity should evaluate the realizability of a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale fixed income securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The guidance also changes certain disclosure requirements.

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Thenew guidance is effective for interim and annualto be included in the comparable financial statements issued in reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and2020, thereby requiring restatement of prior periods presented. Early adoption is to be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained income as of the beginning of the period of adoption.permitted. The new guidance will be applied to affected contracts and DAC on the basis of existing carrying amounts at the earliest period presented or it may be applied retrospectively using actual historical experience as of contract inception. The new guidance for market risk benefits is required to be adopted retrospectively.
The Company is evaluating the anticipated impacts of applying the new guidance to both retained income and AOCI. While the requirements of the new guidance represent a material change from existing GAAP, the underlying economics of the business and related cash flows are unchanged. The Company has not completed its evaluation of the specific impacts of adopting the new guidance, but anticipates the financial statement impact of migrating from existing GAAP to equity investments without readily determinable fair values isthat required by the new guidance to be material, largely attributed to the impact of transitioning from an original investment-based discount rate to one based on an upper-medium grade fixed income investment yield and updates to mortality assumptions that had previously been locked in at issuance. The Company expects the most significant impacts will occur in the run-off annuity segment. The revised accounting for DAC will be applied prospectively using the new model and any DAC effects existing in AOCI as a result of applying existing GAAP at the date of adoption. adoption will be reversed.    

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 3Acquisitions
InfoArmor On October 5, 2018, the Company isacquired InfoArmor, Inc. (“InfoArmor”), a leading provider of identity protection in the processemployee benefits market, for $525 million in cash. InfoArmor primarily offers identity protection to employees and their family members through voluntary benefit programs at over 1,400 firms, including more than 100 of evaluating the impactFortune 500 companies. Starting in the fourth quarter of adoption. The most significant impact is expected to be2018, the change in accounting for equity securities and cost method limited partnership interests.
3.    DispositionService Businesses segment includes the results of InfoArmor.
On April 1, 2014,In connection with the InfoArmor acquisition, the Company sold Lincoln Benefit Life Company (“LBL”), LBL’s life insurance business generated through independent master brokerage agencies, and allrecorded goodwill of LBL’s deferred fixed annuity and long-term care insurance business to Resolution Life Holdings, Inc. The gross sale price was $797 million, representing $596 million of cash and the retention of tax benefits. The loss on disposition was $698 million, pre-tax ($521 million, after-tax), and $101 million, pre-tax ($60 million, after-tax), in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The loss on disposition in 2014 included a $22 million, pre-tax, reduction in goodwill.
4.    Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Non-cash investing activities include $131 million, $120$318 million and $322 million related to modificationsintangible assets of certain mortgage loans, fixed income securities, limited partnership interests and other investments, as well as mergers completed with equity securities in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a $89 million obligation to fund a limited partnership investment in 2015. Non-cash financing activities$257 million. The intangible assets include $74 million, $47$225 million and $94$32 million related to the issuance of Allstate common sharesacquired customer relationships and technology, respectively.
PlumChoice On November 30, 2018, the Company acquired PlumChoice, Inc. (“PlumChoice”) for vested equity awards$30 million in 2015, 2014cash to provide technical support services to SquareTrade’s customers and 2013, respectively.
Liabilities for collateral received insmall businesses. In conjunction with the Company’s securities lending program were $829PlumChoice acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $23 million.
SquareTrade On January 3, 2017, the Company acquired SquareTrade, a consumer product protection plan provider that distributes through many of America’s major retailers and Europe’s mobile operators, for $1.40 billion in cash. SquareTrade provides protection plans covering a variety of consumer products including TVs, smartphones and computers. This acquisition broadened Allstate’s unique product offerings to better meet consumers’ needs.
In connection with the SquareTrade acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $1.10 billion, commissions paid to retailers (reported in deferred
policy acquisition costs) of $66 million, $780intangible assets (reported in other assets) of $555 million, contractual liability insurance policy premium expenses (reported in other assets) of $205 million, unearned premiums of $389 million, and $609net deferred income tax liability of $138 million. These amounts reflect re-measurement adjustments to the fair value of the opening balance sheet assets and liabilities.
Of the $555 million assigned to intangible assets, $465 million was attributable to acquired customer relationships. Intangible assets also included $69 million assigned to the SquareTrade trade name which is considered to have an indefinite useful life. The amortization expense of intangible assets in 2018 and 2017 were $94 million and $92 million, respectively.
Amortization expense of intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter
($ in millions) InfoArmor SquareTrade
2019 $50
 $72
2020 44
 62
2021 38
 52
2022 31
 42
2023 25
 34
Thereafter 56
 50
Total amortization
$244
 $312
Customer relationship valuation methodology The value of the customer relationships intangible asset was determined using an income approach that considered cash flows and profits expected to be generated by the acquired relationships, a discount rate reflecting the relative risk of achieving the anticipated cash flows and profits, the time value of money, and other factors.
Note 4Reportable Segments
The Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews financial performance and makes decisions about the allocation of resources based on the following seven reportable segments: Allstate Protection, Discontinued Lines and Coverages, Service Businesses, Allstate Life, Allstate Benefits, Allstate Annuities, and Corporate and Other. These segments are described below and align with the Company’s key product and service offerings.
Allstate Protection principally offers private passenger auto and homeowners insurance in the United States and Canada, with earned premiums accounting for 83% of Allstate’s 2018 consolidated revenues. Allstate Protection is authorized to sell certain property and casualty products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia (“D.C.”), Puerto Rico and Canada. For 2018, the top U.S. geographic locations for premiums earned by the Allstate Protection segment were Texas, California, New York and Florida. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5% of premium earned for Allstate Protection. Revenues from external customers generated outside the United
States were $1.20 billion, $1.13 billion and $1.08 billion in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Discontinued Lines and Coverages includes property and casualty insurance coverage that primarily relates to policies written during the 1960s through the mid-1980s. Our exposure to asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims arises principally from direct excess commercial insurance, assumed reinsurance coverage, direct primary commercial insurance and other businesses in run-off.
Service Businesses comprise SquareTrade, Arity, InfoArmor, Allstate Roadside Services and Allstate Dealer Services and offer consumer product protection plans, device and mobile data collection services and analytic solutions, identity protection, roadside assistance, and finance and insurance products (including vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection waivers, road hazard tire and wheel and paintless dent repair protection). The Service Businesses primarily operate in the U.S., with certain

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


businesses offering services in Europe, Canada and Puerto Rico. Revenues from external customers generated outside the United States relate to consumer product protection plans sold primarily in the European Union and were $61 million and $35 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Allstate Lifeoffers traditional, interest-sensitive and variable life insurance products. Allstate Life is authorized to sell life insurance products in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. For 2018, the top geographic locations for statutory direct life insurance premiums were New York, California, Texas, Florida and Illinois. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5% of statutory direct life insurance premiums.
Allstate Benefits offers voluntary benefits products, including life, accident, critical illness, short-term disability and other health products. Allstate Benefits is authorized to sell its products in all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Canada. For 2018, the top geographic locations for statutory direct accident and health insurance premiums were Florida, Texas, North Carolina and New York. No other jurisdiction accounted for more than 5% of statutory direct accident and health insurance premiums. Revenues from external customers generated outside the United States relate to voluntary accident and health insurance sold in Canada and were not material.
Allstate Annuities consists primarily of deferred fixed annuities and immediate annuities (including standard and sub-standard structured settlements). This segment is in run-off. The Company also previously offered institutional products consisting of funding agreements sold to unaffiliated trusts that used them to back medium-term notes. There were no institutional products outstanding as of December 31, 2015, 20142018 or 2017.
Corporate and 2013, respectively,Other comprises holding company activities and certain non-insurance operations, including expenses associated with strategic initiatives.
Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments comprise Property-Liability. The Company does not allocate investment income, realized capital gains and losses, or assets to the Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments. Management reviews assets at the Property-Liability, Service Businesses, Allstate Life, Allstate Benefits, Allstate Annuities, and Corporate and Other levels for decision-making purposes.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are reportedthe same as those described in other liabilities and accrued expenses. Obligations to return cash collateral for over-the-counter (“OTC”) and cleared derivatives were $11 million, $2 million and $15 million asNote 2. The effects of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, andintersegment transactions are reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses or other investments. The accompanying cash flows are included in cash flows from operating activitieseliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows along withsegment results, except for services provided by Service Businesses to Allstate Protection that are not eliminated as management considers those transactions in assessing the activities resulting from managementresults of the proceeds, whichrespective segments.
Measuring segment profit or loss
The measure of segment profit or loss used in evaluating performance is underwriting income for the years ended December 31 areAllstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments and adjusted net income for the Service Businesses, Allstate Life, Allstate Benefits, Allstate Annuities, and Corporate and Other segments. A reconciliation of these measures to net income applicable to common shareholders is provided below.
Underwriting income is calculated as follows:premiums earned and other revenue, less claims and claims expenses (“losses”), amortization of DAC, operating costs and expenses, and restructuring and related charges as determined using GAAP.
Adjusted net income is net income applicable to common shareholders, excluding:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Net change in proceeds managed     
Net change in short-term investments$(59) $(167) $190
Operating cash flow (used) provided(59) (167) 190
Net change in cash1
 9
 (6)
Net change in proceeds managed$(58)
$(158)
$184
      
Net change in liabilities     
Liabilities for collateral, beginning of year$(782) $(624) $(808)
Liabilities for collateral, end of year(840) (782) (624)
Operating cash flow provided (used)$58

$158

$(184)
5.    Investments
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax, except for periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, which are reported with realized capital gains and losses but included in adjusted net income
Valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, after-tax

Amortization of DAC and DSI, to the extent they resulted from the recognition of certain realized capital gains and losses or valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, after-tax
  Business combination expenses and the amortization of purchased intangible assets, after-tax
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax
Adjustments for other significant non-recurring, infrequent or unusual items, when (a) the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably unlikely to recur within two years, or (b) there has been no similar charge or gain within the prior two years
Fair values

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for fixed income securities are as follows:Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg147


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   Gross unrealized  
($ in millions)
Amortized
cost
 Gains Losses 
Fair
value
December 31, 2015       
U.S. government and agencies$3,836
 $90
 $(4) $3,922
Municipal7,032
 389
 (20) 7,401
Corporate41,674
 1,032
 (879) 41,827
Foreign government983
 50
 
 1,033
ABS2,359
 11
 (43) 2,327
RMBS857
 100
 (10) 947
CMBS438
 32
 (4) 466
Redeemable preferred stock22
 3
 
 25
Total fixed income securities$57,201
 $1,707
 $(960) $57,948
        
December 31, 2014       
U.S. government and agencies$4,192
 $139
 $(3) $4,328
Municipal7,877
 645
 (25) 8,497
Corporate40,386
 1,998
 (240) 42,144
Foreign government1,543
 102
 
 1,645
ABS3,971
 38
 (31) 3,978
RMBS1,108
 112
 (13) 1,207
CMBS573
 44
 (2) 615
Redeemable preferred stock22
 4
 
 26
Total fixed income securities$59,672
 $3,082
 $(314) $62,440
Reportable segments revenue information
  
For the years ended December 31,

($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Property-Liability      
Insurance premiums      
Auto $22,970
 $21,878
 $21,264
Homeowners 7,517
 7,310
 7,257
Other personal lines 1,808
 1,750
 1,700
Commercial lines 655
 495
 506
Allstate Protection 32,950
 31,433
 30,727
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 
 
 
Total Property-Liability insurance premiums 32,950
 31,433
 30,727
Other revenue 738
 703
 688
Net investment income 1,464
 1,478
 1,253
Realized capital gains and losses (639) 401
 (6)
Total Property-Liability 34,513
 34,015
 32,662
       
Service Businesses      
Consumer product protection plans 503
 295
 
Roadside assistance 263
 268
 310
Finance and insurance products 332
 304
 270
Intersegment premiums and service fees (1)
 122
 110
 105
Other revenue 82
 66
 64
Net investment income 27
 16
 13
Realized capital gains and losses (11) 
 
Total Service Businesses 1,318
 1,059
 762
       
Allstate Life      
Traditional life insurance premiums 600
 568
 533
Accident and health insurance premiums 2
 2
 2
Interest-sensitive life insurance contract charges 713
 710
 715
Other revenue 119
 114
 113
Net investment income 505
 489
 482
Realized capital gains and losses (14) 5
 (38)
Total Allstate Life 1,925
 1,888
 1,807
       
Allstate Benefits      
Traditional life insurance premiums 44
 42
 40
Accident and health insurance premiums 980
 928
 857
Interest-sensitive life insurance contract charges 111
 114
 114
Net investment income 77
 72
 71
Realized capital gains and losses (9) 1
 (5)
Total Allstate Benefits 1,203
 1,157
 1,077
       
Allstate Annuities      
Fixed annuities contract charges 15
 14
 14
Net investment income 1,096
 1,305
 1,181
Realized capital gains and losses (166) 44
 (38)
Total Allstate Annuities 945
 1,363
 1,157
       
Corporate and Other      
Net investment income 71
 41
 42
Realized capital gains and losses (38) (6) (3)
Total Corporate and Other 33
 35
 39
Intersegment eliminations (1)
 (122) (110) (105)
Consolidated revenues $39,815
 $39,407
 $37,399
Scheduled maturities(1) Intersegment insurance premiums and service fees are primarily related to Arity and Allstate Roadside Services and are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
The scheduled maturities for fixed income securities are as follows as of December 31, 2015:

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


($ in millions)
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
Due in one year or less$4,030
 $4,050
Due after one year through five years26,999
 27,337
Due after five years through ten years16,885
 16,778
Due after ten years5,633
 6,043
 53,547
 54,208
ABS, RMBS and CMBS3,654
 3,740
Total$57,201
 $57,948
Reportable segments financial performance
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Property-Liability      
Allstate Protection $2,187
 $2,111
 $1,327
Discontinued Lines and Coverages (90) (99) (107)
Total underwriting income 2,097
 2,012
 1,220
Net investment income 1,464
 1,478
 1,253
Income tax expense on operations (715) (1,119) (812)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (500) 272
 
Gain on disposition of operations, after-tax 
 9
 
Tax Legislation expense (5) (65) 
Property-Liability net income applicable to common shareholders 2,341
 2,587
 1,661
       
Service Businesses      
Adjusted net income (loss) 2
 (59) 3
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (9) 
 
Amortization of purchased intangible assets, after-tax (74) (60) 
Tax Legislation (expense) benefit (4) 134
 
Service Businesses net (loss) income applicable to common shareholders (85) 15
 3
       
Allstate Life      
Adjusted net income 289
 253
 247
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (11) 2
 (24)
DAC and DSI amortization related to realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (8) (10) (4)
Tax Legislation (expense) benefit (16) 332
 
Allstate Life net income applicable to common shareholders 254
 577
 219
       
Allstate Benefits      
Adjusted net income 119
 95
 100
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (7) 
 (4)
DAC and DSI amortization related to realized capital gains and losses, after-tax 1
 
 
Tax Legislation benefit 
 51
 
Allstate Benefits net income applicable to common shareholders 113
 146
 96
       
Allstate Annuities      
Adjusted net income 130
 204
 101
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (131) 28
 (26)
Valuation changes on embedded derivatives not hedged, after-tax 3
 
 (2)
Gain on disposition of operations, after-tax 4
 4
 3
Tax Legislation benefit 69
 182
 
Allstate Annuities net income applicable to common shareholders 75
 418
 76
       
Corporate and Other      
Adjusted net loss (542) (399) (292)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax (30) (4) (2)
Goodwill impairment 
 (125) 
Business combination expenses, after-tax (7) (14) 
Tax Legislation expense (15) (128) 
Corporate and Other net loss applicable to common shareholders (594) (670) (294)
       
Consolidated net income applicable to common shareholders $2,104
 $3,073
 $1,761



The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg149


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Additional significant financial performance data      
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Amortization of DAC      
Property-Liability $4,475
 $4,205
 $4,053
Service Businesses 463
 296
 214
Allstate Life 132
 134
 131
Allstate Benefits 145
 142
 145
Allstate Annuities 7
 7
 7
Consolidated $5,222
 $4,784
 $4,550
       
Income tax expense (benefit)      
Property-Liability $581
 $1,318
 $806
Service Businesses (20) (193) 
Allstate Life 73
 (224) 91
Allstate Benefits 30
 1
 51
Allstate Annuities (66) (58) 36
Corporate and Other (106) (42) (107)
Consolidated $492
 $802
 $877
Impacts of Tax Legislation            
  Income tax expense (benefit) before Tax Legislation Tax Legislation expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) after Tax Legislation
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Income tax expense (benefit)            
Property-Liability $576
 $1,253
 $5
 $65
 $581
 $1,318
Service Businesses (24) (59) 4
 (134) (20) (193)
Allstate Life 57
 108
 16
 (332) 73
 (224)
Allstate Benefits 30
 52
 
 (51) 30
 1
Allstate Annuities 3
 124
 (69) (182) (66) (58)
Corporate and Other (121) (170) 15
 128
 (106) (42)
Consolidated $521
 $1,308
 $(29) $(506) $492
 $802
Interest expense is primarily incurred in the Corporate and Other segment. Capital expenditures for long-lived assets are generally made in Property-Liability as the Company does not allocate assets to the Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments. A portion of these long-lived assets are used by entities included in the Service Businesses, Allstate Life, Allstate Benefits, Allstate Annuities and Corporate and Other segments and, accordingly, are charged to expenses in proportion to their use.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Reportable segment total assets and investments (1)
    
  As of December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Assets    
Property-Liability $61,947
 $60,197
Service Businesses 5,473
 4,531
Allstate Life 13,613
 14,107
Allstate Benefits 2,822
 2,766
Allstate Annuities 26,798
 28,836
Corporate and Other 1,596
 1,985
Consolidated $112,249
 $112,422
   
Investments    
Property-Liability $43,634
 $43,183
Service Businesses 1,203
 954
Allstate Life 10,809
 11,210
Allstate Benefits 1,809
 1,776
Allstate Annuities 22,336
 23,722
Corporate and Other 1,469
 1,958
Consolidated $81,260
 $82,803
(1)
The balances reflect the elimination of related party investments between segments.
Note 5Investments
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value for fixed income securities
  
Amortized
cost
 Gross unrealized 
Fair
value
($ in millions)  Gains Losses 
December 31, 2018        
U.S. government and agencies $5,386
 $137
 $(6) $5,517
Municipal 8,963
 249
 (43) 9,169
Corporate 40,536
 490
 (890) 40,136
Foreign government 739
 13
 (5) 747
ABS 1,049
 6
 (10) 1,045
RMBS 377
 89
 (2) 464
CMBS 63
 8
 (1) 70
Redeemable preferred stock 21
 1
 
 22
Total fixed income securities $57,134
 $993
 $(957) $57,170
         
December 31, 2017        
U.S. government and agencies $3,580
 $56
 $(20) $3,616
Municipal 8,053
 311
 (36) 8,328
Corporate 42,996
 1,234
 (204) 44,026
Foreign government 1,005
 27
 (11) 1,021
ABS 1,266
 13
 (7) 1,272
RMBS 480
 101
 (3) 578
CMBS 124
 6
 (2) 128
Redeemable preferred stock 21
 2
 
 23
Total fixed income securities $57,525
 $1,750
 $(283) $58,992

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg151


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Scheduled maturities for fixed income securities
  As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions) 
Amortized
cost
 
Fair
value
Due in one year or less $3,344
 $3,348
Due after one year through five years 27,862
 27,742
Due after five years through ten years 17,033
 16,773
Due after ten years 7,406
 7,728
  55,645
 55,591
ABS, RMBS and CMBS 1,489
 1,579
Total $57,134
 $57,170
Actual maturities may differ from those scheduled as a result of calls and make-whole payments by the issuers. ABS, RMBS and CMBS are shown separately because of the potential for prepayment of principal prior to contractual maturity dates.

Net investment income
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Fixed income securities $2,077
 $2,078
 $2,060
Equity securities 170
 174
 137
Mortgage loans 217
 206
 217
Limited partnership interests (1)(2)
 705
 889
 561
Short-term investments 73
 30
 16
Other 272
 236
 222
Investment income, before expense 3,514
 3,613
 3,213
Investment expense (274) (212) (171)
Net investment income $3,240
 $3,401
 $3,042
(1)
Due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, limited partnerships previously reported using the cost method are now reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net investment income.
(2)
Includes net investment income of $451 million for EMA limited partnership interests and $254 million for limited partnership interests carried at fair value for 2018.









124


Net investment income
Net investment income for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
Realized capital gains (losses) by asset type
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Fixed income securities $(237) $94
 $(91)
Equity securities (594) 255
 23
Mortgage loans 2
 1
 
Limited partnership interests (101) 132
 (21)
Derivatives 46
 (46) 3
Other 7
 9
 (4)
Realized capital gains and losses $(877) $445
 $(90)
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Fixed income securities$2,218
 $2,447
 $2,921
Equity securities110
 117
 149
Mortgage loans228
 265
 372
Limited partnership interests549
 614
 541
Short-term investments9
 7
 5
Other192
 170
 161
Investment income, before expense3,306
 3,620
 4,149
Investment expense(150) (161) (206)
Net investment income$3,156
 $3,459
 $3,943
Realized capital gains (losses) by transaction type
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Impairment write-downs (1)
 $(14) $(102) $(234)
Change in intent write-downs (1)
 
 (48) (69)
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings (14) (150) (303)
Sales (1)
 (215) 641
 213
Valuation of equity investments (1) (2)
 (691) 
 
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments 43
 (46) 
Realized capital gains and losses $(877) $445
 $(90)
(1)
Due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, equity securities are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in valuation of equity investments and are no longer included in impairment write-downs, change in intent write-downs and sales.
(2)
Includes valuation of equity securities and certain limited partnership interests where the underlying assets are predominately public equity securities.
Realized capital gains and losses
Realized capital gains and losses by asset type for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K

($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Fixed income securities$212
 $130
 $262
Equity securities(50) 582
 327
Mortgage loans6
 2
 20
Limited partnership interests(93) 13
 (5)
Derivatives(21) (38) (10)
Other(24) 5
 
Realized capital gains and losses$30
 $694
 $594
Realized capital gains and losses by transaction type for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Impairment write-downs$(195) $(32) $(72)
Change in intent write-downs(221) (213) (143)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings(416) (245) (215)
Sales and other470
 975
 819
Valuation and settlements of derivative instruments(24) (36) (10)
Realized capital gains and losses$30
 $694
 $594

Gross gains of $915 million, $1.10 billion and $968$120 million and gross losses of $399$347 million $169were realized on sales of fixed income securities during 2018. Gross gains of $737 million and $175$631 million and gross losses of $276 million and $461 million were realized on sales of fixed income and equity securities during 2015, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
Other-than-temporary impairment losses by asset type forThe following table presents the years endednet pre-tax appreciation (decline) during 2018 of equity securities and limited partnership interests carried at fair value still held as of December 31, are as follows:2018, recognized in net income.
Net appreciation (decline) recognized in net income
  For the year ended
($ in millions) December 31, 2018
Equity securities $(261)
Limited partnership interests carried at fair value 249
Total $(12)
OTTI losses by asset typeOTTI losses by asset type
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net Gross Included in OCI Net
Fixed income securities:                                   
Municipal$(17) $4
 $(13) $(10) $
 $(10) $(24) $(5) $(29) $
 $
 $
 $(1) $(3) $(4) $
 $
 $
Corporate(61) 11
 (50) (7) 
 (7) 
 
 
 (4) 2
 (2) (9) 3
 (6) (33) 9
 (24)
ABS(33) 22
 (11) (12) 1
 (11) 
 (2) (2) (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3) (6) 
 (6)
RMBS1
 (1) 
 6
 (4) 2
 (3) 2
 (1) (1) 
 (1) (2) (3) (5) 
 (1) (1)
CMBS(1) 
 (1) (1) 
 (1) (32) (3) (35) (3) (1) (4) (9) 1
 (8) (15) 2
 (13)
Total fixed income securities(111) 36
 (75) (24) (3) (27) (59) (8) (67) (9) (1) (10) (22) (4) (26) (54) 10
 (44)
Equity securities(279) 
 (279) (196) 
 (196) (137) 
 (137)
Equity securities (1)
 
 
 
 (86) 
 (86) (194) 
 (194)
Mortgage loans4
 
 4
 5
 
 5
 11
 
 11
 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1) 
 
 
Limited partnership interests(51) 
 (51) (27) 
 (27) (18) 
 (18)
Limited partnership interests (1)
 (3) 
 (3) (32) 
 (32) (56) 
 (56)
Other(15) 
 (15) 
 
 
 (4) 
 (4) (1) 
 (1) (5) 
 (5) (9) 
 (9)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses$(452)
$36

$(416)
$(242)
$(3)
$(245)
$(207)
$(8)
$(215)
OTTI losses $(13)
$(1)
$(14)
$(146)
$(4)
$(150)
$(313)
$10

$(303)
(1)
Due to the adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard, equity securities and limited partnerships previously reported using the cost method are now reported at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income and are no longer included in the table above.

OTTI losses included in AOCI at the time of impairment for fixed income securities which were not included in earnings
($ in millions) December 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Municipal $(5) $(5)
Corporate (2) 
ABS (10) (15)
RMBS (67) (77)
CMBS (2) (4)
Total $(86) $(101)


125


The total amount of other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income at the time of impairment for fixed income securities, which were not included in earnings, are presented in the following table. The amount excludes $233amounts exclude $180 million and $208 million as of both December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively, of net unrealized gains related to changes in valuation of the fixed income securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.
($ in millions)December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
Municipal$(9) $(8)
Corporate(7) 
ABS(23) (2)
RMBS(102) (108)
CMBS(6) (5)
Total$(147) $(123)
Rollforward of the cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings for fixed income securities held
  As of December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance $(226) $(318) $(392)
Additional credit loss for securities previously other-than-temporarily impaired (7) (18) (21)
Additional credit loss for securities not previously other-than-temporarily impaired (3) (8) (23)
Reduction in credit loss for securities disposed or collected 30
 116
 117
Change in credit loss due to accretion of increase in cash flows 2
 2
 1
Ending balance $(204)
$(226)
$(318)
Rollforwards of the cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings for fixed income securities held as of December 31 are as follows:
The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg153


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Beginning balance$(380) $(513) $(617)
Additional credit loss for securities previously other-than-temporarily impaired(30) (6) (30)
Additional credit loss for securities not previously other-than-temporarily impaired(45) (18) (19)
Reduction in credit loss for securities disposed or collected60
 95
 150
Reduction in credit loss for securities the Company has made the decision to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell
 
 2
Change in credit loss due to accretion of increase in cash flows3
 3
 1
Reduction in credit loss for securities sold in LBL disposition
 59
 
Ending balance$(392)
$(380)
$(513)

The Company uses its best estimate of future cash flows expected to be collected from the fixed income security, discounted at the security’s original or current effective rate, as appropriate, to calculate a recovery value and determine whether a credit loss exists. The determination of cash flow estimates is inherently subjective and methodologies may vary depending on facts and circumstances specific to the security. All reasonably available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable assumptions and forecasts, are considered when developing the estimate of cash flows expected to be collected. That information generally includes, but is not limited to, the remaining payment terms of the security, prepayment speeds, foreign exchange rates, the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer, expected defaults, expected recoveries, the value of underlying collateral, vintage, geographic concentration of underlying collateral, available reserves or escrows, current subordination levels, third party guarantees and other credit
enhancements. Other information, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings, financial condition of the bond insurer for insured fixed income securities, and other market data relevant to the realizability of contractual cash flows, may also be considered. The estimated fair value of collateral will be used to estimate recovery value if the Company determines that the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for ultimate settlement. If the estimated recovery value is less than the amortized cost of the security, a credit loss exists and an other-than-temporary impairmentOTTI for the difference between the estimated recovery value and amortized cost is recorded in earnings. The portion of the unrealized loss related to factors other than credit remains classified in accumulated other comprehensive income.AOCI. If the Company determines that the fixed income security does not have sufficient cash flow or other information to estimate a recovery value for the security, the Company may conclude that the entire decline in fair value is deemed to be credit related and the loss is recorded in earnings.









126


Unrealized net capital gains and losses
Unrealized net capital gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
  Gross unrealized  
Unrealized net capital gains and losses included in AOCIUnrealized net capital gains and losses included in AOCI
($ in millions)
Fair
value
 Gains Losses Unrealized net gains (losses) 
Fair
value
 Gross unrealized Unrealized net gains (losses)
December 31, 2015 
December 31, 2018 
Fair
value
 Gains Losses Unrealized net gains (losses)
Fixed income securities$57,948
 $1,707
 $(960) $747
 $993
 $(957) 
Equity securities5,082
 415
 (139) 276
Short-term investments2,122
 
 
 
 3,027
 
 
 
Derivative instruments (1)
10
 10
 (4) 6
EMA limited partnerships (2)
      (4)
Derivative instruments 
 
 (3) (3)
EMA limited partnerships (1)
       
Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax      1,025
       33
Amounts recognized for:               
Insurance reserves (3)
      
DAC and DSI (4)
      (67)
Insurance reserves (2)
       
DAC and DSI (3)
       (33)
Amounts recognized      (67)       (33)
Deferred income taxes      (338)       (2)
Unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax      $620
       $(2)

(1)
Included in the fair value of derivative instruments are $6 million classified as assets and $(4) million classified as liabilities.
(2) 
Unrealized net capital gains and losses for limited partnership interests represent the Company’s share of EMA limited partnerships’ other comprehensive income.OCI. Fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses are not applicable.
(3)(2) 
The insurance reserves adjustment represents the amount by which the reserve balance would increase if the net unrealized gains in the applicable product portfolios were realized and reinvested at current lower interest rates, resulting in a premium deficiency. Although the Company evaluates premium deficiencies on the combined performance of life insurance and immediate annuities with life contingencies, theThis adjustment primarily relates to structured settlement annuities with life contingencies in addition to annuity buy-outs and certain payout annuities with life contingencies.(a type of immediate fixed annuities).
(4)(3) 
The DAC and DSI adjustment balance represents the amount by which the amortization of DAC and DSI would increase or decrease if the unrealized gains or losses in the respective product portfolios were realized.
  Gross unrealized  
Unrealized net capital gains and losses included in AOCIUnrealized net capital gains and losses included in AOCI
($ in millions)
Fair
value
 Gains Losses Unrealized net gains (losses) 
Fair
value
 Gross unrealized Unrealized net gains (losses)
December 31, 2014 
December 31, 2017 
Fair
value
 Gains Losses Unrealized net gains (losses)
Fixed income securities$62,440
 $3,082
 $(314) $2,768
 $1,750
 $(283) 
Equity securities4,104
 467
 (55) 412
 6,621
 1,172
 (12) 1,160
Short-term investments2,540
 
 
 
 1,944
 
 
 
Derivative instruments (1)
2
 3
 (5) (2) 2
 2
 (3) (1)
EMA limited partnerships      (5)       1
Unrealized net capital gains and losses, pre-tax      3,173
       2,627
Amounts recognized for:               
Insurance reserves      (28)       (315)
DAC and DSI      (179)       (196)
Amounts recognized      (207)       (511)
Deferred income taxes      (1,040)       (454)
Unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax      $1,926
       $1,662

(1) 
Included in the fair value of derivative instruments are $3is $2 million classified as assets and $1 million classified as liabilities.


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K







127


Change in unrealized net capital gains and losses
The change in unrealized net capital gains and losses for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
Change in unrealized net capital gains (losses)Change in unrealized net capital gains (losses)
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Fixed income securities$(2,021) $866
 $(3,200) $(1,431) $204
 $516
Equity securities(136) (212) 164
Equity securities (1)
 
 651
 233
Derivative instruments8
 16
 4
 (2) (3) (4)
EMA limited partnerships1
 (2) (10) (1) 5
 
Investments classified as held for sale
 (190) 190
Total(2,148) 478
 (2,852) (1,434) 857
 745
Amounts recognized for:           
Insurance reserves28
 (28) 771
 315
 (315) 
DAC and DSI112
 (21) 254
 163
 (50) (79)
Amounts recognized140
 (49) 1,025
 478
 (365) (79)
Deferred income taxes702
 (149) 639
 202
 117
 (233)
(Decrease) increase in unrealized net capital gains and losses, after-tax$(1,306)
$280

$(1,188) $(754)
$609

$433
(1)
Upon adoption of the recognition and measurement accounting standard on January 1, 2018, $1.16 billion of pre-tax unrealized net capital gains for equity securities were reclassified from AOCI to retained income. See Note 2 for further details.
Portfolio monitoring
The Company has a comprehensive portfolio monitoring process to identify and evaluate each fixed income and equity security whose carrying value may be other-than-temporarily impaired.
For each fixed income security in an unrealized loss position, the Company assesses whether management with the appropriate authority has made the decision to sell or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis for reasons such as liquidity, contractual or regulatory purposes. If a security meets either of these criteria, the security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings.
If the Company has not made the decision to sell the fixed income security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed income security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company evaluates whether it expects to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The Company calculates the estimated recovery value by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows at the security’s original or current effective rate, as appropriate, and compares this to the amortized cost of the security. If the Company does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the fixed income security, the credit loss component of the impairment is recorded in earnings, with the
remaining amount of the unrealized loss related to other factors recognized in other comprehensive income.
For equity securities, the Company considers various factors, including whether it has the intent and ability to hold the equity security for a period of time sufficient to recover its cost basis. Where the Company lacks the intent and ability to hold to recovery, or believes the recovery period is extended, the equity security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings.
For fixed income and equity securities managed by third parties, either the Company has contractually retained its decision making authority as it pertains to selling securities that are in an unrealized loss position or it recognizes any unrealized loss at the end of the period through a charge to earnings.OCI.
The Company’s portfolio monitoring process includes a quarterly review of all securities to identify instances where the fair value of a security compared to its amortized cost (for fixed income securities) or cost (for equity securities) is below established thresholds. The process also includes the monitoring of other impairment indicators such as ratings, ratings downgrades and payment defaults. The securities identified, in addition to other securities for which the Company may have a concern, are evaluated for potential other-than-temporary impairmentOTTI using all reasonably available information relevant to the collectability or recovery of the security. Inherent in the Company’s evaluation of other-than-temporary impairmentOTTI for these fixed income and equity securities are assumptions and estimates about the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer. Some of the factors that may be considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary are: 1) the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry specific market conditions and trends, geographic location and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices; 2) the specific reasons that a security is in an unrealized loss position, including overall market conditions which could affect liquidity; and 3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost or cost.

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128

2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed income and equity securities by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.
Gross unrealized losses and fair value by type and length of time held in a continuous unrealized loss positionGross unrealized losses and fair value by type and length of time held in a continuous unrealized loss position
($ in millions)Less than 12 months 12 months or more   Less than 12 months 12 months or more  
Number of issues Fair value Unrealized losses Number of issues Fair value Unrealized losses Total unrealized losses Number of issues Fair value Unrealized losses Number of issues Fair value Unrealized losses Total unrealized losses
December 31, 2015             
December 31, 2018              
Fixed income securities                           
U.S. government and agencies53
 $1,874
 $(4) 
 $
 $
 $(4) 11
 $55
 $
 38
 $364
 $(6) $(6)
Municipal222
 810
 (6) 9
 36
 (14) (20) 943
 1,633
 (10) 1,147
 1,554
 (33) (43)
Corporate1,361
 17,915
 (696) 111
 1,024
 (183) (879) 1,735
 19,243
 (543) 645
 8,374
 (347) (890)
Foreign government9
 44
 
 
 
 
 
 7
 20
 (1) 27
 412
 (4) (5)
ABS133
 1,733
 (24) 20
 324
 (19) (43) 64
 454
 (5) 28
 161
 (5) (10)
RMBS88
 69
 
 176
 125
 (10) (10) 166
 30
 
 195
 52
 (2) (2)
CMBS13
 75
 (2) 1
 2
 (2) (4) 3
 7
 
 2
 
 (1) (1)
Redeemable preferred stock 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total fixed income securities1,879
 22,520
 (732) 317
 1,511
 (228) (960) 2,930
 $21,442
 $(559) 2,082
 $10,917
 $(398) $(957)
Equity securities265
 1,397
 (107) 37
 143
 (32) (139)
Total fixed income and equity securities2,144
 $23,917
 $(839) 354
 $1,654
 $(260) $(1,099)
Investment grade fixed income securities1,405
 $17,521
 $(362) 225
 $972
 $(105) $(467) 2,348
 $17,485
 $(331) 2,021
 $10,626
 $(360) $(691)
Below investment grade fixed income securities474
 4,999
 (370) 92
 539
 (123) (493) 582
 3,957
 (228) 61
 291
 (38) (266)
Total fixed income securities1,879
 $22,520
 $(732) 317
 $1,511
 $(228) $(960) 2,930
 $21,442
 $(559) 2,082
 $10,917
 $(398) $(957)
                           
December 31, 2014             
December 31, 2017              
Fixed income securities                           
U.S. government and agencies21
 $1,501
 $(3) 
 $
 $
 $(3) 66
 $2,829
 $(18) 18
 $182
 $(2) $(20)
Municipal252
 1,008
 (9) 19
 116
 (16) (25) 1,756
 3,143
 (24) 165
 349
 (12) (36)
Corporate576
 7,545
 (147) 119
 1,214
 (93) (240) 781
 11,616
 (102) 208
 3,289
 (102) (204)
Foreign government2
 13
 
 1
 19
 
 
 45
 580
 (10) 5
 44
 (1) (11)
ABS81
 1,738
 (11) 26
 315
 (20) (31) 57
 476
 (3) 9
 34
 (4) (7)
RMBS75
 70
 (1) 188
 156
 (12) (13) 118
 35
 (1) 181
 50
 (2) (3)
CMBS8
 33
 
 3
 32
 (2) (2) 2
 1
 
 6
 23
 (2) (2)
Redeemable preferred stock 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total fixed income securities1,015

11,908

(171)
356

1,852

(143)
(314) 2,826

18,680

(158)
592

3,971

(125)
(283)
Equity securities258
 866
 (53) 1
 11
 (2) (55) 127
 369
 (12) 2
 
 
 (12)
Total fixed income and equity securities1,273

$12,774

$(224)
357

$1,863

$(145)
$(369) 2,953

$19,049

$(170)
594

$3,971

$(125)
$(295)
Investment grade fixed income securities754
 $9,951
 $(71) 281
 $1,444
 $(87) $(158) 2,706
 $17,668
 $(134) 535
 $3,751
 $(98) $(232)
Below investment grade fixed income securities261
 1,957
 (100) 75
 408
 (56) (156) 120
 1,012
 (24) 57
 220
 (27) (51)
Total fixed income securities1,015

$11,908

$(171)
356

$1,852

$(143)
$(314) 2,826

$18,680

$(158)
592

$3,971

$(125)
$(283)
As of December 31, 2015, $7102018, $902 million of the $1.10 billion$957 million unrealized losses are related to securities with an unrealized loss position less than 20% of amortized cost or cost, the degree of which suggests that these securities do not pose a high risk of being other-than-temporarily impaired. Of the $710$902 million, $338$673 million are related to unrealized losses on investment grade fixed income securities and $94 million are related to equity securities. Of the remaining $278$229 million, $227$207 million have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. Investment grade is defined as a security having a rating of Aaa, Aa, A or Baa from Moody’s, a rating of AAA, AA, A or BBB from S&P Fitch, Dominion, Kroll or Realpoint,Global Ratings (“S&P”), a comparable rating of aaa, aa, a or bbb from A.M. Best,another nationally recognized rating agency, or a comparable internal rating if an externally provided rating is not available. Market prices for certain securities may have credit spreads which imply higher or lower credit quality than the current third party rating. Unrealized losses on investment grade securities are principally related to increasingan increase in market yields which may include increased risk-free interest rates and/or wideningwider credit spreads since the time of initial purchase. The
unrealized losses are expected to reverse as the securities approach maturity.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the remaining $389$55 million of unrealized losses are related to securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost or cost. Investment grade fixed income securities comprising $129$18 million of these unrealized losses were evaluated based on factors such as discounted cash flows and the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer and were determined to have adequate resources to fulfill contractual obligations. Of the $389$55 million, $215$37 million are related to below investment grade fixed income securities and $45 million are related to equity securities. Of these amounts, $16$3 million are related to below investment grade fixed income securities that had been in an unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost for a period of twelve or more consecutive months as of December 31, 2015.2018.

129


ABS, RMBS and CMBS in an unrealized loss position were evaluated based on actual and projected

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


collateral losses relative to the securities’ positions in the respective securitization trusts, security specific expectations of cash flows, and credit ratings. This evaluation also takes into consideration credit enhancement, measured in terms of (i) subordination from other classes of securities in the trust that are contractually obligated to absorb losses before the class of security the Company owns, and (ii) the expected impact of other structural features embedded in the securitization trust beneficial to the class of securities the Company owns, such as overcollateralization and excess spread, and (iii) for ABS and RMBS in an unrealized loss position, credit enhancements from reliable bond insurers, where applicable.spread. Municipal bonds in an unrealized loss position were evaluated based on the underlying credit quality of the primary obligor, obligation type and quality of the underlying assets. Unrealized losses on equity securities are primarily related to temporary equity market fluctuations of securities that are expected to recover.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the Company has not made the decision to sell and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell fixed income securities with unrealized losses before recovery of the amortized cost basis.
Limited partnerships
Investments in limited partnership interests include interests in private equity funds, real estate funds and other funds. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had the intent2018 and ability to hold equity securities with unrealized losses for a period of time sufficient for them to recover.
Limited partnerships
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014,2017, the carrying value of EMA limited partnerships totaled $5.73 billion and $5.41 billion, respectively, and
limited partnerships carried at fair value as of December 31, 2018, while at cost as of December 31, 2017, totaled $1.78 billion and $1.33 billion, respectively. Principal factors influencing carrying value appreciation or decline include operating performance, comparable public company earnings multiples, capitalization rates and the economic environment. For equity method limited partnerships, totaled $3.72 billion and $3.41 billion, respectively. Thethe Company recognizes an impairment loss for equity method limited partnerships when evidence demonstrates that the loss is other than temporary. Evidence of a loss in value that is other than temporary may include the absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or the inability of the investee to sustain a level of earnings that would justify the carrying amount of the investment.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the carrying Changes in fair value for cost method limited partnerships was $1.15 billionare recorded through net investment income and $1.12 billion, respectively. To determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the Company evaluates whether an impairment indicator has occurred in the period that may have a significant adverse effect on the carrying value of the investment. Impairment indicators may include: significantly reduced valuations of the investments held by the limited partnerships; actual recent cash flows received being significantly less than expected cash flows; reduced valuations based on financing completed at a lower value; completed sale of a material underlying investment at a price significantly lower than expected; or any other adverse events since the last financial statements received that might affect the fair value of the investee’s capital. Additionally, the Company’s portfolio monitoring process includes a quarterly review of all cost method limited partnerships to identify instances where the net asset value is below established thresholdstherefore are not tested for certain periods of time, as well as investments that are performing below expectations, for further impairment consideration. If a cost method limited partnership is other-than-temporarily impaired, the carrying value is written down to fair value, generally estimated to be equivalent to the reported net asset value.impairment.
Mortgage loans
The Company’s mortgage loans are commercial mortgage loans collateralized by a variety of commercial real estate property types located across the United States and totaled, net of valuation allowance, $4.34$4.67 billion and $4.19$4.53 billion as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. Substantially all of the commercial mortgage loans are non-recourse to the borrower.
The following table shows the principal geographic distribution of commercial real estate represented in the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio. No other state represented more than 5% of the portfolio as of December 31.
(% of mortgage loan portfolio carrying value)2015 2014
California21.3% 23.9%
Texas9.7
 8.0
New Jersey8.7
 8.0
Illinois7.1
 9.4
Florida5.3
 5.0
New York4.4
 5.9
The types of properties collateralizing the mortgage loans as of December 31 are as follows:
Principal geographic distribution of commercial real estate exceeding 5% of the mortgage loans portfolio
  As of December 31,
(% of mortgage loan portfolio carrying value) 2018 2017
California 16.4% 19.9%
Texas 14.9
 13.0
Illinois 7.8
 7.1
New Jersey 6.8
 7.6
Florida 6.1
 6.4
North Carolina 5.1
 4.0
(% of mortgage loan portfolio carrying value)2015 2014
Apartment complex26.4% 23.3%
Office buildings22.7
 24.3
Retail21.3
 22.2
Warehouse18.4
 17.8
Other11.2
 12.4
Total100.0% 100.0%


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The contractual maturities of the mortgage loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:
Types of properties collateralizing the mortgage loan portfolio
  As of December 31,
(% of mortgage loan portfolio carrying value) 2018 2017
Apartment complex 34.4% 30.9%
Office buildings 24.5
 23.8
Warehouse 15.8
 15.7
Retail 14.4
 18.0
Other 10.9
 11.6
Total 100.0% 100.0%
Contractual maturities of the mortgage loan portfolioContractual maturities of the mortgage loan portfolio
 As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)Number of loans Carrying value Percent Number of loans Carrying value Percent
201631
 $289
 6.7%
201734
 379
 8.7
201833
 392
 9.0
20199
 234
 5.4
 8
 $171
 3.7%
2020 13
 119
 2.6
2021 41
 566
 12.1
2022 32
 553
 11.8
Thereafter210
 3,044
 70.2
 189
 3,261
 69.8
Total317
 $4,338
 100.0% 283
 $4,670
 100.0%

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Mortgage loans are evaluated for impairment on a specific loan basis through a quarterly credit monitoring process and review of key credit quality indicators. Mortgage loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect the contractual principal and interest. Valuation allowances are established for impaired loans to reduce the carrying value to the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell or the present value of the loan’s expected future repayment cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. Impaired mortgage loans may not have a valuation allowance when the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell is higher than the carrying value. Valuation allowances are adjusted for subsequent changes in the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell or present value of the loan’s expected future repayment cash flows. Mortgage loans are charged off against their corresponding valuation allowances when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. The impairment evaluation is non-statistical in respect to
the aggregate portfolio but considers facts and circumstances attributable to each loan. It is not considered probable that additional impairment losses, beyond those identified on a specific loan basis, have been incurred as of December 31, 2015.2018.
Accrual of income is suspended for mortgage loans that are in default or when full and timely collection of principal and interest payments is not probable. Cash receipts on mortgage loans on nonaccrual status are generally recorded as a reduction of carrying value.
Debt service coverage ratio is considered a key credit quality indicator when mortgage loans are evaluated for impairment. Debt service coverage ratio represents the amount of estimated cash flows from the property available to the borrower to meet principal and interest payment obligations. Debt service coverage ratio estimates are updated annually or more frequently if conditions are warranted based on the Company’s credit monitoring process.
The following table reflects the carrying value of non-impaired fixed rate and variable rate mortgage loans summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution as of December 31:
Carrying value of non-impaired mortgage loans summarized by debt service coverage ratio distributionCarrying value of non-impaired mortgage loans summarized by debt service coverage ratio distribution
 As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
Debt service coverage ratio distributionFixed rate mortgage loans Variable rate mortgage loans Total Fixed rate mortgage loans Variable rate mortgage loans Total
Debt Service Coverage Ratio Distribution Fixed rate mortgage loans Variable rate mortgage loans Total Fixed rate mortgage loans Variable rate mortgage loans Total
Below 1.0$64
 $
 $64
 $110
 $
 $110
 $6
 $31
 $37
 $3
 $
 $3
1.0 - 1.25382
 
 382
 424
 
 424
 273
 
 273
 345
 
 345
1.26 - 1.501,219
 
 1,219
 1,167
 1
 1,168
 1,192
 
 1,192
 1,141
 30
 1,171
Above 1.502,667
 
 2,667
 2,450
 20
 2,470
 3,063
 101
 3,164
 2,949
 62
 3,011
Total non-impaired mortgage loans$4,332
 $
 $4,332
 $4,151
 $21
 $4,172
 $4,534
 $132
 $4,666
 $4,438
 $92
 $4,530
Mortgage loans with a debt service coverage ratio below 1.0 that are not considered impaired primarily relate to instances where the borrower has the financial capacity to fund the revenue shortfalls from the properties for the foreseeable term, the decrease in cash flows from the properties is considered temporary, or there are other risk mitigating circumstances such as additional collateral, escrow balances or borrower guarantees.
The net carrying value of impaired mortgage loans as of December 31 is as follows:
Net carrying value of impaired mortgage loansNet carrying value of impaired mortgage loans
 As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
Impaired mortgage loans with a valuation allowance$6
 $16
 $4
 $4
Impaired mortgage loans without a valuation allowance
 
 
 
Total impaired mortgage loans$6
 $16
 $4
 $4
Valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans$3
 $8
 $3
 $3
The average balance of impaired loans was $11$4 million, $27$7 million and $88$6 million during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.




131


The rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
Rollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loansRollforward of the valuation allowance on impaired mortgage loans
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance$8
 $21
 $42
 $3
 $3
 $3
Net decrease in valuation allowance(4) (5) (11)
Net increase in valuation allowance 
 1
 
Charge offs(1) (8) (8) 
 (1) 
Mortgage loans classified as held for sale
 
 (2)
Ending balance$3
 $8
 $21
 $3
 $3
 $3
Payments on all mortgage loans were current as of December 31, 20152018, 2017 and 2014.2016.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Municipal bonds
The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds. The following table shows the principal geographic distribution of municipal bond issuers represented in the Company’s portfoliobonds, including tax exempt and taxable securities, which totaled $9.17 billion and $8.33 billion as of December 31. No other31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The municipal bond portfolio includes general obligations of state represents more than 5%and local issuers and revenue bonds (including pre-refunded bonds, which are bonds for which an irrevocable trust has been established to fund the remaining payments of the portfolio.principal and interest).
Principal geographic distribution of municipal bond issuers exceeding 5% of the portfolioPrincipal geographic distribution of municipal bond issuers exceeding 5% of the portfolio
 As of December 31,
(% of municipal bond portfolio carrying value)2015 2014 2018 2017
Texas9.2% 9.1% 12.3% 9.6%
California 7.4
 7.0
Washington 6.2
 5.4
New York7.7
 6.7
 5.6
 6.9
California6.3
 9.1
Florida5.6
 5.9
 4.9
 6.5
Washington5.6
 4.2
Short-term investments
Short-term investments, including commercial paper, money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and other short-term investments, are carried at fair value. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the fair value of short-term investments totaled $3.03 billion and $1.94 billion, respectively.

Other investments
Other investments primarily consist of bank loans, policy loans, real estate, agent loans and derivatives. Bank loans are primarily senior secured corporate loans and are carried at amortized cost. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Agent loans are loans issued to exclusive Allstate agents and are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of valuation allowances and unamortized deferred fees or costs. Derivatives are carried at fair value.
Other investments by asset type
($ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Bank loans $1,350
 $1,702
Policy loans 891
 905
Real estate 791
 632
Agent loans 620
 538
Derivatives and other 200
 195
Total $3,852
 $3,972
Concentration of credit risk
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the Company is not exposed to any credit concentration risk of a single issuer and its affiliates greater than 10% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity.equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies.
Securities loaned
The Company’s business activities include securities lending programs with third parties, mostly large banks. As of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, fixed income and equity securities with a carrying value of $798 million$1.40 billion and $755 million,$1.09 billion, respectively, were on loan under these agreements. Interest income on collateral, net of fees, was $2$4 million, $7 million and $6 million in each of 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013.2016, respectively.
Other investment information
Included in fixed income securities are below investment grade assets totaling $8.64$5.23 billion and $6.69$7.57 billion as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, fixed income securities and short-term investments with a carrying value of $194$147 million were on deposit with regulatory authorities as required by law.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the carrying value of fixed income securities and other investments that were non-income producing was $26$99 million.

132


6.    
Note 6Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy for inputs used
in determining fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Assets and liabilities

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy based on the observability of inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1:    Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company can access.
Level 2:    Assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:
(a)Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
(b)Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or
(c)Valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3:    Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the assets and liabilities.
The availability of observable inputs varies by instrument. In situations where fair value is based on internally developed pricing models or inputs that are unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. The degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is typically greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In many instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market disruption. In periods of market disruption, the ability to observe prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments.
The Company is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. The Company gains assurance that assets and liabilities are appropriately valued through the execution of various processes and controls designed to ensure the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies, including inputs and assumptions, and compliance with accounting standards. For fair values received from third parties or internally estimated, the Company’s processes and controls are designed to ensure that the valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistently applied, the inputs and assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are accurately recorded. For example, on a continuing basis, the Company assesses the reasonableness of individual fair values that have stale security prices or that exceed certain thresholds as compared to previous fair values received from valuation service providers or
brokers or derived from internal models. The Company performs procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, processes and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or brokers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities. The Company performs ongoing price validation procedures such as back-testing of actual sales, which corroborate the various inputs used in internal models to market observable data. When fair value determinations are expected to be more variable, the Company validates them through reviews by members of management who have relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions.
The Company has two types of situations where investments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The first is where specific inputs significant to the fair value estimation models are not market observable. This primarily occurs in the Company’s use of broker quotes to value certain securities where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable, and the use of valuation models that use significant non-market observable inputs.
The second situation where the Company classifies securities in Level 3 is where quotes continue to be received from independent third-party valuation service providers and all significant inputs are market observable; however, there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset when compared to normal market activity such that the degree of market observability has declined to a point where categorization as a Level 3 measurement is considered appropriate. The indicators considered in determining whether a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for a specific asset has occurred include the level of new issuances in the primary market, trading volume in the secondary market, the level of credit spreads over historical levels, applicable bid-ask spreads, and price consensus among market participants and other pricing sources.
Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis, including investments such as mortgage loans, limited partnership interests, bank loans, agent loans and policy loans. Accordingly, such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to remeasurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting remeasurement is reflected in the

133


consolidated financial statements. In addition, derivatives embedded in fixed income securities are not disclosed in the hierarchy as free-standing derivatives since they are presented with the host contracts in fixed income securities.
In determining fair value, the Company principally uses the market approach which generally utilizes market transaction data for the same or similar instruments. To a lesser extent, the Company uses the income approach which involves determining fair values from discounted cash flow methodologies. For the majority of Level 2 and Level 3 valuations, a combination of the market and income approaches is used.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Summary of significant valuation techniques for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Level 1 measurements
Fixed income securities:  Comprise certain U.S. Treasury fixed income securities. Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access.
Equity securities:  Comprise actively traded, exchange-listed equity securities. Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access.
Short-term:  Comprise U.S. Treasury bills valued based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access and actively traded money market funds that have daily quoted net asset values for identical assets that the Company can access.
Separate account assets: Comprise actively traded mutual funds that have daily quoted net asset values that are readily determinable for identical assets that the Company can access. Net asset values for the actively traded mutual funds in which the separate account assets are invested are obtained daily from the fund managers.
Level 2 measurements
Fixed income securities:
U.S. government and agencies:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.
Municipal:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.
Corporate - public:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.
Corporate - privately placed:Valued using a discounted cash flow model that is widely accepted in the financial services industry and uses market observable inputs and inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. The primary inputs to the discounted cash flow model include an interest rate yield curve, as well as published credit spreads for similar assets in markets that are not active that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer.
Foreign government:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.
ABS - collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”) and ABS - consumer and other:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral performance and credit spreads. Certain ABS - CDO and ABS - consumer and other are valued based on non-binding broker quotes whose inputs have been corroborated to be market observable.
RMBS:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral performance and credit spreads.
CMBS:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, collateral performance and credit spreads.
Redeemable preferred stock:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, underlying stock prices and credit spreads.
Equity securities:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices or quoted net asset values for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active.
Short-term:  The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. For certain short-term investments, amortized cost is used as the best estimate of fair value.

134


Other investments: Free-standing exchange listed derivatives that are not actively traded are valued based on quoted prices for identical instruments in markets that are not active.
OTCOver-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives, including interest rate swaps, foreign currency swaps, total return swaps, foreign exchange forward contracts, certain options and certain credit default swaps, are valued using models that rely on inputs such as interest rate yield curves, implied volatilities, index price levels, currency rates, and counterparty credit spreads that are observable for substantially the full term of the contract. The valuation techniques underlying the models are widely accepted in the financial services industry and do not involve significant judgment.
Level 3 measurements
Fixed income securities:
Municipal:  Comprise municipal bonds that are not rated by third party credit rating agencies but are rated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”).agencies. The primary inputs to the valuation of these municipal bonds include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that exhibit less liquidity relative to those markets supporting Level 2 fair value measurements, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. Also included are municipal bonds valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

corroborated to be market observable and municipal bonds in default valued based on the present value of expected cash flows. Also includes auction rate securities (“ARS”) primarily backed by student loans that have become illiquid due to failures in the auction market and are valued using a discounted cash flow model that is widely accepted in the financial services industry and uses significant non-market observable inputs, including the anticipated date liquidity will return to the market.
Corporate - public and Corporate - privately placed: Primarily valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable. Also included are equity-indexed notes which are valued using a discounted cash flow model that is widely accepted in the financial services industry and uses significant non-market observable inputs, such as volatility. Other inputs include an interest rate yield curve, as well as published credit spreads for similar assets that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer.
ABS - CDO, ABS - consumer and other, RMBS and CMBS: Valued based on non-binding broker quotes received from brokers who are familiar with the investments and where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable.
Equity securities:The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices or quoted net asset values for identical or similar assets in markets that exhibit less liquidity relative to those markets supporting Level 2 fair value measurements.
Short-term:For certain short-term investments, amortized cost is used as the best estimate of fair value.
Other investments: Certain OTC derivatives, such as interest rate caps, certain credit default swaps and certain options (including swaptions), are valued using models that are widely accepted in the financial services industry. These are categorized as Level 3 as a result of the significance of non-market observable inputs such as volatility. Other primary inputs include interest rate yield curves and credit spreads.
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in certain life and annuity contracts are valued internally using models widely accepted in the financial services industry that determine a single best estimate of fair value for the embedded derivatives within a block of contractholder liabilities. The models primarily use stochastically determined cash flows based on the contractual elements of embedded derivatives, projected option cost and applicable market data, such as interest rate yield curves and equity index volatility assumptions. These are categorized as Level 3 as a result of the significance of non-market observable inputs.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
Mortgage loans written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing impairments are valued based on the fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell. Limited partnership interests written-down to
Investments excluded from the fair value in connection with recognizing other-than-temporary impairments are generally valued using net asset values.hierarchy









135


The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measuredLimited partnerships carried at fair value, on a recurringwhich do not have readily determinable fair values, use NAV provided by the investees and non-recurring basis asare excluded from the fair value hierarchy. These investments are generally not redeemable by the investees and generally cannot be sold without approval of the general partner. The Company receives distributions of income and proceeds from the liquidation of the underlying assets of the investees, which usually takes place in years 4-9 of the typical contractual life of 10-12 years. As of December 31, 2015.2018, the Company has commitments to invest $689 million in these limited partnership interests.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Assets and liabilities measured at fair valueAssets and liabilities measured at fair value
 As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 Counterparty and cash collateral netting Balance as of December 31, 2015 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 Counterparty and cash collateral netting Total
Assets                   
Fixed income securities:                   
U.S. government and agencies$3,056
 $861
 $5
   $3,922
 $5,085
 $432
 $
   $5,517
Municipal
 7,240
 161
   7,401
 
 9,099
 70
   9,169
Corporate - public
 30,356
 46
   30,402
 
 29,200
 70
   29,270
Corporate - privately placed
 10,923
 502
   11,425
 
 10,776
 90
   10,866
Foreign government
 1,033
 
   1,033
 
 747
 
   747
ABS - CDO
 716
 61
   777
 
 263
 6
   269
ABS - consumer and other
 1,500
 50
   1,550
 
 713
 63
   776
RMBS
 946
 1
   947
 
 464
 
   464
CMBS
 446
 20
   466
 
 44
 26
   70
Redeemable preferred stock
 25
 
   25
 
 22
 
   22
Total fixed income securities3,056
 54,046
 846
   57,948
 5,085
 51,760
 325
   57,170
Equity securities4,786
 163
 133
   5,082
 4,364
 331
 341
   5,036
Short-term investments615
 1,507
 
   2,122
 1,338
 1,659
 30
   3,027
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives
 65
 1
 $(13) 53
 
 139
 1
 (23) 117
Separate account assets3,658
 
 
   3,658
 2,805
 
 
   2,805
Other assets2
 
 1
   3
 2
 
 
   2
Total recurring basis assets12,117
 55,781
 981
 (13) 68,866
 $13,594
 $53,889
 $697
 $(23) $68,157
Non-recurring basis (1)

 
 55
   55
Total assets at fair value$12,117
 $55,781
 $1,036
 $(13) $68,921
% of total assets at fair value17.6% 80.9% 1.5%  % 100.0% 19.9% 79.1% 1.0%  % 100.0%
          
Investments reported at NAV         1,779
Total         $69,936
          
Liabilities                   
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$
 $
 $(299)   $(299) $
 $
 $(224)   $(224)
Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives(1) (23) (8) $7
 (25) (1) (62) 
 $6
 (57)
Total liabilities at fair value$(1) $(23) $(307) $7
 $(324)
Total recurring basis liabilities $(1) $(62) $(224) $6
 $(281)
% of total liabilities at fair value0.3% 7.1% 94.8% (2.2)% 100.0% 0.3% 22.1% 79.7% (2.1)% 100.0%





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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
  As of December 31, 2017
($ in millions) 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 Counterparty and cash collateral netting Total
Assets          
Fixed income securities:          
U.S. government and agencies $3,079
 $537
 $
   $3,616
Municipal 
 8,227
 101
   8,328
Corporate - public 
 31,963
 108
   32,071
Corporate - privately placed 
 11,731
 224
   11,955
Foreign government 
 1,021
 
   1,021
ABS - CDO 
 480
 99
   579
ABS - consumer and other 
 645
 48
   693
RMBS 
 578
 
   578
CMBS 
 102
 26
   128
Redeemable preferred stock 
 23
 
   23
Total fixed income securities 3,079
 55,307
 606
   58,992
Equity securities 6,032
 379
 210
   6,621
Short-term investments 264
 1,660
 20
   1,944
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives 
 132
 1
 (6) 127
Separate account assets 3,444
 
 
   3,444
Total recurring basis assets 12,819

57,478

837

(6)
71,128
Non-recurring basis (1)
 
 
 3
   3
Total assets at fair value $12,819

$57,478

$840

$(6)
$71,131
% of total assets at fair value 18.0% 80.8% 1.2%  % 100.0%
           
Liabilities          
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts $
 $
 $(286)   $(286)
Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives (1) (83) 
 $14
 (70)
Total recurring basis liabilities $(1) $(83) $(286) $14
 $(356)
% of total liabilities at fair value 0.3% 23.3% 80.3% (3.9)% 100.0%
(1) 
Includes $42$3 million of limited partnership interests and $13 million of other investments written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing other-than-temporary impairments.OTTI losses.


















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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


136


The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2014:
($ in millions)
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 Counterparty and cash collateral netting Balance as of December 31, 2014
Assets         
Fixed income securities:         
U.S. government and agencies$3,240
 $1,082
 $6
   $4,328
Municipal
 8,227
 270
   8,497
Corporate - public
 31,340
 214
   31,554
Corporate - privately placed
 9,913
 677
   10,590
Foreign government
 1,645
 
   1,645
ABS - CDO
 1,044
 104
   1,148
ABS - consumer and other
 2,738
 92
   2,830
RMBS
 1,206
 1
   1,207
CMBS
 592
 23
   615
Redeemable preferred stock
 26
 
   26
Total fixed income securities3,240
 57,813
 1,387
   62,440
Equity securities3,787
 234
 83
   4,104
Short-term investments692
 1,843
 5
   2,540
Other investments: Free-standing derivatives
 95
 2
 $(5) 92
Separate account assets4,396
 
 
   4,396
Other assets2
 
 1
   3
Total recurring basis assets12,117

59,985

1,478

(5)
73,575
Non-recurring basis (1)

 
 9
   9
Total assets at fair value$12,117

$59,985

$1,487

$(5)
$73,584
% of total assets at fair value16.5% 81.5% 2.0%  % 100.0%
          
Liabilities         
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$
 $
 $(323)   $(323)
Other liabilities: Free-standing derivatives(1) (50) (9) $22
 (38)
Total liabilities at fair value$(1) $(50) $(332) $22
 $(361)
% of total liabilities at fair value0.3% 13.8% 92.0% (6.1)% 100.0%

(1)
Includes $6 million of mortgage loans and $3 million of limited partnership interests written-down to fair value in connection with recognizing other-than-temporary impairments.













137


The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements.
Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements
($ in millions) Fair value 
Valuation
technique
 
Unobservable
input
 Range 
Weighted
average
December 31, 2018          
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts – Equity-indexed and forward starting options $(185) Stochastic cash flow model Projected option cost 1.0 - 2.2% 1.74%
           
December 31, 2017          
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts – Equity-indexed and forward starting options $(252) Stochastic cash flow model Projected option cost 1.0 - 2.2% 1.74%
($ in millions)         
 Fair value 
Valuation
technique
 
Unobservable
input
 Range 
Weighted
average
December 31, 2015         
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts — Equity-indexed and forward starting options$(247) Stochastic cash flow model Projected option cost 1.0 - 2.2% 1.76%
          
December 31, 2014         
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts — Equity-indexed and forward starting options$(278) Stochastic cash flow model Projected option cost 1.0 - 2.0% 1.76%
The embedded derivatives are equity-indexed and forward starting options in certain life and annuity products that provide customers with interest crediting rates based on the performance of the S&P 500. If the projected option cost increased (decreased), it would result in a higher (lower) liability fair value.
As of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, Level 3 fair value measurements of fixed income securities total $846$325 million and $1.39 billion,$606 million, respectively, and include $625$105 million and $1.03 billion,$271 million, respectively, of fixed income securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable and $96$44 million and $169$58 million,
respectively, of municipal fixed income securities that are not rated by third party credit rating agencies. The Company does not develop the unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value; therefore, these are not included in the table above. However, an increase (decrease) in credit spreads for fixed income securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes would result in a lower (higher) fair value, and an increase (decrease) in the credit rating of municipal bonds that are not rated by third party credit rating agencies would result in a higher (lower) fair value.




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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements



























138


The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2018Rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2018
 Balance as of December 31, 2017 Total gains (losses) included in: Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 
($ in millions)  Total gains (losses) included in:      
Net income (1)
 OCI  
Balance as of December 31, 2014 
Net income (1)
 OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 
Assets                     
Fixed income securities:                     
U.S. government and agencies$6
 $
 $
 $
 $
 
Municipal270
 (4) (7) 3
 (2)  $101
 $1
 $(2) $
 $(26) 
Corporate - public214
 
 
 
 (175)  108
 
 (3) 17
 (21) 
Corporate - privately placed677
 13
 (20) 13
 (106)  224
 (1) (3) 20
 (119) 
ABS - CDO104
 (1) 4
 43
 (52)  99
 
 1
 20
 (109) 
ABS - consumer and other92
 (1) 
 
 (98)  48
 
 1
 22
 (50) 
RMBS1
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS23
 
 
 
 
  26
 
 
 
 
 
Total fixed income securities1,387
 7
 (23) 59
 (433)  606
 
 (6) 79
 (325) 
Equity securities83
 (3) (5) 
 
  210
 37
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments5
 
 
 
 
  20
 
 
 
 
 
Free-standing derivatives, net(7) 1
 
 
 
  1
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets1
 
 
 
 
 
Total recurring Level 3 assets$1,469

$5

$(28)
$59

$(433)  $837

$37

$(6)
$79

$(325) 
Liabilities                     
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$(323) $19
 $
 $
 $
  $(286) $58
 $
 $
 $
 
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities$(323)
$19

$

$

$
  $(286)
$58

$

$

$
 
                     
Purchases Issues Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2015  Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2018 
Assets                     
Fixed income securities:                     
U.S. government and agencies$
 $
 $
 $(1) $5
 
Municipal
 
 (91) (8) 161
  $10
 $(8) $
 $(6) $70
 
Corporate - public11
 
 
 (4) 46
  10
 (38) 
 (3) 70
 
Corporate - privately placed79
 
 (74) (80) 502
  22
 (5) 
 (48) 90
 
ABS - CDO
 
 (2) (35) 61
  
 
 
 (5) 6
 
ABS - consumer and other70
 
 (5) (8) 50
  160
 (97) 
 (21) 63
 
RMBS
 
 
 
 1
 
CMBS12
 
 
 (15) 20
  1
 
 
 (1) 26
 
Total fixed income securities172
 
 (172) (151) 846
  203
 (148) 
 (84) 325
 
Equity securities69
 
 (11) 
 133
  109
 (15) 
 
 341
 
Short-term investments35
 
 (40) 
 
  55
 (45) 
 
 30
 
Free-standing derivatives, net
 
 
 (1) (7)
(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 1
(2 
) 
Other assets
 
 
 
 1
 
Total recurring Level 3 assets$276
 $
 $(223) $(152) $973
  $367
 $(208) $
 $(84) $697
 
Liabilities                     
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$
 $(2) $
 $7
 $(299)  $
 $
 $(2) $6
 $(224) 
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities$
 $(2) $
 $7
 $(299)  $
 $
 $(2) $6
 $(224) 

(1) 
The effect to net income totals $24$95 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $(8)$37 million in realized capital gains and losses, $13$63 million in net investment income, $26 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $(7)$(5) million in life and annuity contract benefits.
(2) 
Comprises $1$1 million of assets and $8 million of liabilities.assets.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K

The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2017Rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2017
 Balance as of December 31, 2016 Total gains (losses) included in: Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 
($ in millions)  Total gains (losses) included in:      
Net income (1)
 OCI 
Balance as of December 31, 2013 
Net income (1)
 OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 
Assets                     
Fixed income securities:                     
U.S. government and agencies$7
 $
 $
 $
 $
 
Municipal343
 (2) 18
 
 (17)  125
 (1) 7
 
 (6) 
Corporate1,109
 24
 (14) 89
 (125) 
ABS192
 1
 2
 49
 (144) 
Corporate - public 78
 
 
 4
 (30) 
Corporate - privately placed 263
 8
 (2) 30
 (49) 
ABS - CDO 27
 
 6
 60
 (190) 
ABS - consumer and other 42
 
 
 
 (90) 
RMBS2
 
 
 
 
  1
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS43
 (1) 
 5
 (4)  22
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable preferred stock1
 
 
 
 
 
Total fixed income securities1,697

22

6

143

(290)  558

7

11

94

(365) 
Equity securities132
 22
 (16) 
 (2)  163
 13
 4
 
 (4) 
Short-term investments
 
 
 
 
  15
 
 
 
 
 
Free-standing derivatives, net(5) 
 
 
 
  (2) 3
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 1
 
 
 
  1
 (1) 
 
 
 
Assets held for sale362
 (1) 2
 4
 (2) 
Total recurring Level 3 assets$2,186

$44

$(8)
$147

$(294)  $735

$22

$15

$94

$(369) 
Liabilities                     
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$(307) $(8) $
 $
 $
  $(290) $
 $
 $
 $
 
Liabilities held for sale(246) 17
 
 
 
 
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities$(553)
$9

$

$

$
  $(290)
$

$

$

$
 
                     
Sold in LBL disposition (3)
 
Purchases/Issues (4)
 Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2014  Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2017 
Assets                     
Fixed income securities:                     
U.S. government and agencies$
 $
 $
 $(1) $6
 
Municipal
 6
 (74) (4) 270
  8
 (29) 
 (3) 101
 
Corporate
 64
 (140) (116) 891
 
ABS
 119
 
 (23) 196
 
Corporate - public 60
 
 
 (4) 108
 
Corporate - privately placed 44
 (30) 
 (40) 224
 
ABS - CDO 219
 
 
 (23) 99
 
ABS - consumer and other 103
 
 
 (7) 48
 
RMBS
 
 
 (1) 1
  
 
 
 (1) 
 
CMBS4
 8
 (1) (31) 23
  6
 
 
 (2) 26
 
Redeemable preferred stock
 
 (1) 
 
 
Total fixed income securities4
 197
 (216) (176) 1,387
  440
 (59) 
 (80) 606
 
Equity securities
 83
 (136) 
 83
  48
 (14) 
 
 210
 
Short-term investments
 45
 (40) 
 5
  45
 (40) 
 
 20
 
Free-standing derivatives, net
 2
 
 (4) (7)
(2) 
 
 
 
 
 1
(2) 
Other assets
 
 
 
 1
  
 
 
 
 
 
Assets held for sale(351) 
 (8) (6) 
 
Total recurring Level 3 assets$(347) $327
 $(400) $(186) $1,469
  $533
 $(113) $
 $(80) $837
 
Liabilities                     
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$
 $(14) $
 $6
 $(323)  $
 $
 $(2) $6
 $(286) 
Liabilities held for sale230
 (4) 
 3
 
 
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities$230
 $(18) $
 $9
 $(323)  $
 $
 $(2) $6
 $(286) 

(1) 
The effect to net income totals $53$22 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $34$4 million in realized capital gains and losses, $13$19 million in net investment income, $(5)$(10) million in interest credited to contractholder funds $15and $9 million in life and annuity contract benefits and $(4) million in loss on disposition of operations.benefits.
(2) 
Comprises $2$1 million of assets and $9 million of liabilities.assets.
(3)

Includes transfers from held for sale that took place in first quarter 2014 of $4 million for CMBS and $(4) million for Assets held for sale.
(4)
Represents purchases for assets and issues for liabilities.

140The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg167


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2016Rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value during the year ended December 31, 2016
   Total gains (losses) included in:     
($ in millions)  Total gains (losses) included in:      Balance as of December 31, 2015 
Net income (1)
 OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 
Balance as of December 31, 2012 
Net income (1)
 OCI Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 
Assets                     
Fixed income securities:                     
U.S. government and agencies$8
 $
 $
 $
 $
  $5
 $
 $
 $
 $(4) 
Municipal965
 (33) 47
 6
 (63)  161
 12
 (10) 6
 (23) 
Corporate1,617
 35
 (32) 84
 (323) 
ABS251
 
 29
 29
 (86) 
Corporate - public 46
 
 
 41
 (43) 
Corporate - privately placed 502
 15
 18
 16
 (398) 
ABS - CDO 61
 1
 6
 10
 (43) 
ABS - consumer and other 50
 
 (3) 3
 (35) 
RMBS3
 
 
 
 
  1
 1
 
 
 
 
CMBS52
 (1) 2
 4
 
  20
 
 
 
 (1) 
Redeemable preferred stock1
 
 
 
 
 
Total fixed income securities2,897

1

46

123

(472)  846

29

11

76

(547) 
Equity securities171
 3
 7
 
 
  133
 (32) 12
 
 (12) 
Short-term investments 
 
 
 
 
 
Free-standing derivatives, net(27) 19
 
 
 
  (7) 6
 
 
 
 
Other assets1
 (1) 
 
 
  1
 
 
 
 
 
Assets held for sale
 (2) (6) 13
 (13) 
Total recurring Level 3 assets$3,042

$20

$47

$136

$(485)  $973

$3

$23

$76

$(559) 
Liabilities                     
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$(553) $89
 $
 $
 $
  $(299) $5
 $
 $
 $
 
Liabilities held for sale
 20
 
 
 
 
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities$(553)
$109

$

$

$
  $(299)
$5

$

$

$
 
                     
Transfer to held for sale 
Purchases/Issues (2)
 Sales Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2013  Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance as of December 31, 2016 
Assets                     
Fixed income securities:                     
U.S. government and agencies$
 $
 $
 $(1) $7
  $
 $
 $
 $(1) $
 
Municipal(51) 55
 (558) (25) 343
  22
 (40) 
 (3) 125
 
Corporate(244) 504
 (389) (143) 1,109
 
ABS(85) 174
 (82) (38) 192
 
Corporate - public 47
 (11) 
 (2) 78
 
Corporate - privately placed 181
 (15) 
 (56) 263
 
ABS - CDO 40
 (3) 
 (45) 27
 
ABS - consumer and other 35
 (5) 
 (3) 42
 
RMBS
 
 
 (1) 2
  
 (1) 
 
 1
 
CMBS(5) 11
 (19) (1) 43
  5
 
 
 (2) 22
 
Redeemable preferred stock
 
 
 
 1
 
Total fixed income securities(385) 744
 (1,048) (209) 1,697
  330
 (75) 
 (112) 558
 
Equity securities
 1
 (50) 
 132
  65
 (4) 
 1
 163
 
Short-term investments 15
 
 
 
 15
 
Free-standing derivatives, net
 9
 
 (6) (5)
(3 
) 
 
 
 
 (1) (2)
(2) 
Other assets
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 1
 
Assets held for sale385
 
 (10) (5) 362
 
Total recurring Level 3 assets$
 $754
 $(1,108) $(220) $2,186
  $410
 $(79) $
 $(112) $735
 
Liabilities                     
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$265
 $(111) $
 $3
 $(307)  $
 $
 $(3) $7
 $(290) 
Liabilities held for sale(265) (6) 
 5
 (246) 
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities$
 $(117) $
 $8
 $(553)  $
 $
 $(3) $7
 $(290) 

(1) 
The effect to net income totals $129$8 million and is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows: $3$(9) million in realized capital gains and losses, $18$12 million in net investment income, $40$(4) million in interest credited to contractholder funds $74and $9 million in life and annuity contract benefits and $(6) million in loss on disposition of operations.benefits.
(2) 
Represents purchases for assets and issues for liabilities.
(3)Comprises
Comprises $9$1 million of assets and $14$3 million of liabilities.
Transfers between level categorizations may occur due to changes in the availability of market observable inputs, which generally are caused by changes in market conditions such as liquidity, trading volume or
bid-ask spreads. Transfers between level categorizations may also occur due to changes in the valuation source. For example, insource, including situations where a fair value quote is not

141


provided by the Company’s independent

168 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


third-party valuation service provider and as a resultresulting in the price isbecoming stale or has been replaced with a broker quote whose inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable,observable. This situation will result in the transfer of a security is transferred into Level 3. Transfers in and out of level categorizations are reported as having occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurred. Therefore, for all transfers into Level 3, all realized and changes in unrealized gains and losses in the quarter of transfer are reflected in the Level 3 rollforward table.
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2015, 20142018, 2017 or 2013.2016.
Transfers into Level 3 during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 included situations where a fair value quote was not
provided by the Company’s independent third-party valuation service provider and as a result the price was stale or had been replaced with a broker quote where the inputs had not been corroborated to be market observable resulting in the security being classified as Level 3. Transfers out of Level 3 during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 included situations where a broker quote was used in the prior period and a fair value quote became available from the Company’s independent third-party valuation service provider in the current period. A quote utilizing the new pricing source was not available as of the prior period, and any gains or losses related to the change in valuation source for individual securities were not significant.
The following table provides the change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities held as of December 31.
Valuation changes included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities held as ofValuation changes included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities held as of
 December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Assets           
Fixed income securities:           
Municipal$(12) $(7) $(19) $
 $(3) $2
Corporate11
 11
 13
 
 1
 2
ABS2
 1
 (1)
RMBS
 (1) (1)
CMBS
 
 (2)
Total fixed income securities1

4

(10) 

(2)
4
Equity securities(4) 
 
 36
 13
 (32)
Free-standing derivatives, net1
 5
 10
 
 
 5
Other assets
 1
 (1) 
 (1) 
Assets held for sale
 
 (2)
Total recurring Level 3 assets$(2)
$10

$(3) $36

$10

$(23)
Liabilities           
Contractholder funds: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts$19
 $(8) $89
 $58
 $
 $5
Liabilities held for sale
 17
 20
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities$19

$9

$109
 $58

$

$5
The amounts in the table above represent the change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for the period of time that the asset or liability was held and determined to be in Level 3. These gains and losses total $17$94 million in 20152018 and are reported as follows: $(20)$36 million in realized capital gains and losses, $18 million in net investment income, $26$63 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $(7)$(5) million in life and annuity contract benefits. These gains and losses total $19$10 million in 20142017 and are reported as follows: $(3)$(8) million in realized capital gains and losses, $12$19 million in net investment income, $(5)$(10) million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $15$9 million in life and annuity contract benefits. These gains and losses total $106$(18) million in 20132016 and are reported as follows: $(9)$(36) million in realized capital gains and losses, $12$13 million in net investment income, $35$(4) million in interest credited to contractholder funds $74and $9 million in life and annuity contract benefits and $(6) million in loss on disposition of operations.benefits.
Presented below are the carrying values and fair value estimates of financial instruments not carried at fair value.
Financial assets
Carrying values and fair value estimates of financial instruments not carried at fair value
    December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
($ in millions) Fair value level 
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
 
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
Mortgage loans Level 3 $4,670
 $4,703
 $4,534
 $4,732
Bank loans Level 3 1,350
 1,298
 1,702
 1,704
Agent loans Level 3 620
 617
 538
 536
Financial liabilities
Carrying values and fair value estimates of financial instruments not carried at fair value
    December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
($ in millions) Fair value level 
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
 
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
Contractholder funds on investment contracts Level 3 $9,250
 $9,665
 $10,367
 $11,071
Long-term debt Level 2 6,451
 6,708
 6,350
 7,199
Liability for collateral Level 2 1,458
 1,458
 1,124
 1,124

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg169


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

($ in millions)December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
 
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
 
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
Mortgage loans$4,338
 $4,489
 $4,188
 $4,446
Cost method limited partnerships1,154
 1,450
 1,122
 1,488
Bank loans1,565
 1,527
 1,663
 1,638
Agent loans422
 408
 368
 361
The fair value of mortgage loans is based on discounted contractual cash flows or, if the loans are impaired due to credit reasons, the fair value of collateral less costs to sell. Risk adjusted discount rates are selected using current rates at which similar loans would

142


be made to borrowers with similar characteristics, using similar types of properties as collateral. The fair value of cost method limited partnerships is determined using reported net asset values. The fair value of bank loans, which are reported in other investments, is based on broker quotes from brokers familiar with the loans and current market conditions. The fair value of agent loans, which are reported in other investments, is based on discounted cash flow calculations that use discount rates with a spread over U.S. Treasury rates. Assumptions used in developing estimated cash flows and discount rates consider the loan’s credit and liquidity risks. The fair value measurements for mortgage loans, cost method limited partnerships, bank loans and agent loans are categorized as Level 3.
Financial liabilities
Note 7Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance Sheet Financial Instruments
($ in millions)December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
 
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
 
Carrying
value
 
Fair
value
Contractholder funds on investment contracts$12,424
 $12,874
 $13,734
 $14,390
Long-term debt5,124
 5,648
 5,140
 5,835
Liability for collateral840
 840
 782
 782
The fair value of contractholder funds on investment contracts is based on the terms of the underlying contracts incorporating current market-based crediting rates for similar contracts that reflect the Company’s own credit risk. Deferred annuities classified in contractholder funds are valued based on discounted cash flow models that incorporate current market-based margins and reflect the Company’s own credit risk. Immediate annuities without life contingencies and funding agreements are valued based on discounted cash flow models that incorporate current market-based implied interest rates and reflect the Company’s own credit risk. The fair value measurement for contractholder funds on investment contracts is categorized as Level 3.
The fair value of long-term debt is based on market observable data (such as the fair value of the debt when traded as an asset) or, in certain cases, is determined using discounted cash flow calculations based on current interest rates for instruments with comparable terms and considers the Company’s own credit risk. The liability for collateral is valued at carrying value due to its short-term nature. The fair value measurements for long-term debt and liability for collateral are categorized as Level 2.
7.    Derivative Financial Instruments and Off-balance sheet Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivatives for risk reduction and to increase investment portfolio returns through asset replication. Risk reduction activity is focused on managing the risks with certain assets and liabilities arising from the potential adverse impacts from changes in risk-free interest rates, changes in equity market valuations, increases in credit spreads and foreign currency fluctuations.
Asset replication refers to the “synthetic” creation of assets through the use of derivatives. The Company replicates fixed income securities using a combination of a credit default swap, index total return swap, or a foreign currency forward contract and one or more highly rated fixed income securities, primarily investment grade host bonds, to synthetically replicate the economic characteristics of one or more cash market securities. The Company replicates equity securities using futures, index total return swaps, and options to increase equity exposure.
Property-Liability may use interest rate swaps, swaptions, futures and options to manage the interest rate risks of existing investments. These instruments are utilized to change the duration of the portfolio in order to offset the economic effect that interest rates would otherwise have on the fair value of its fixed income securities. Fixed income index total return swaps are used to offset valuation losses in the fixed income portfolio during periods of declining market values. Credit default swaps are typically used to mitigate the credit risk within the Property-Liability fixed income portfolio. Equity index total return swaps, futures and options are used by Property-Liability to offset valuation losses in the equity portfolio during periods of declining equity market values. In addition, equity futures are used to hedge the market risk related to deferred compensation liability contracts. Forward contracts are primarily used by Property-Liability to hedge foreign currency risk associated with holding foreign currency denominated investments and foreign operations.
Allstate Financial utilizes several derivative strategies to manage risk. Asset-liability management is a risk management strategy that is principally employed by Allstate FinancialLife and Allstate Annuities to balance the respective interest-rate sensitivities of its assets and liabilities. Depending upon the attributes of the assets acquired and liabilities issued, derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps, caps, swaptions and futures are utilized to change the interest rate characteristics of existing assets and liabilities to ensure the relationship is maintained within specified ranges and to reduce exposure to rising or falling interest rates. Fixed income index total return swaps are used to offset valuation losses in the portfolio during periods of declining market values. Credit default swaps are typically used to mitigate the credit risk within the Allstate FinancialLife and Allstate Annuities fixed income portfolio. Financial futuresportfolios. Futures and interest rate swapsoptions are used to hedge anticipated asset purchases and liability issuances and futures and options for hedging the equity exposure contained in Allstate Financial’s equity indexed life and annuity product contracts that offer equity returns to contractholders. In addition, Allstate Financialthe Company uses equity index total return swaps, options and futures to
offset valuation losses in the equity portfolio during periods of declining equity market values. Interest rate swaps are used to hedge interest rate risk inherent in funding agreements. Foreign currency swaps and forwards are primarily used by Allstate Financial to reduce the foreign currency risk associated with holding foreign currency denominated investments.
The Company may also use derivatives to manage the risk associated with corporate actions, including the sale of a business. During 2014 and December 2013, swaptions were utilized to hedge the expected proceeds from the disposition of LBL.
Asset replication refers to the “synthetic” creation of assets through the use of derivatives. The Company replicates fixed income securities using a combination of a credit default swap or a foreign currency forward contract and one or more highly rated

143


fixed income securities, primarily investment grade host bonds, to synthetically replicate the economic characteristics of one or more cash market securities. The Company replicates equity securities using futures to increase equity exposure.
The Company also has derivatives embedded in non-derivative host contracts that are required to be separated from the host contracts and accounted for at fair value with changes in fair value of embedded derivatives reported in net income. The Company’s primary embedded derivatives are equity options in life and annuity product contracts, which provide returns linked to equity returnsindices to contractholders; conversion options in fixed income securities, which provide the Company with the right to convert the instrument into a predetermined number of shares of common stock; credit default swaps in synthetic collateralized debt obligations, which provide enhanced coupon rates as a result of selling credit protection; and equity-indexed notes containing equity call options, which provide a coupon payout that is determined using one or more equity-based indices.contractholders.
When derivatives meet specific criteria, they may be designated as accounting hedges and accounted for as fair value, cash flow, foreign currency fair value or foreign currency cash flow hedges. Allstate FinancialThe Company designates certain of its interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts and certain investment risk transfer reinsurance agreements as fair value hedges when the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting the risk of changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Allstate FinancialThe Company designates certain of its foreign currency swap contracts as cash flow hedges when the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting the exposure of variations in cash flows for the hedged risk that could affect net income. Amounts are reclassified to net investment income or realized capital gains and losses as the hedged item affects net income.
The notional amounts specified in the contracts are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and are generally not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these agreements. However, the notional amounts specified in credit default swaps where the Company has sold credit protection represent the maximum amount of potential loss, assuming no recoveries.
Fair value, which is equal to the carrying value, is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the derivative contracts at the reporting date. The carrying value amounts for OTC derivatives are further adjusted for the effects, if any, of enforceable master netting agreements and are presented on a net basis, by counterparty agreement, in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. For certain exchange traded and cleared derivatives, margin deposits are required as well as daily cash settlements of margin accounts. As of December 31, 2015, the Company pledged $20 million of cash in the form of margin deposits.
For those derivatives which qualify for fair value hedge accounting, net income includes the changes in the fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged risk, and therefore reflects any hedging ineffectiveness. For cash flow hedges, gains and losses are amortized from accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI and are reported in net income in the same period the forecasted transactions being hedged impact net income.
Non-hedge accounting is generally used for “portfolio” level hedging strategies where the terms of the individual hedged items do not meet the strict homogeneity requirements to permit the application of hedge accounting. For non-hedge derivatives, net income includes changes in fair value and accrued periodic settlements, when applicable. With the

170 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


exception of non-hedge derivatives used for asset replication and non-hedge embedded derivatives, all of the Company’s derivatives are evaluated for their ongoing effectiveness as either accounting hedge or
non-hedge derivative financial instruments on at least a quarterly basis.














144


The following table provides a summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as well as their reporting location in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2015.
Summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2018Summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2018
 
Volume (1)
      
($ in millions, except number of contracts) 
Volume (1)
      Balance sheet location Notional amount Number of contracts Fair value, net Gross asset Gross liability
Balance sheet location Notional amount Number of contracts Fair value, net Gross asset Gross liability
Asset derivatives                     
Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Foreign currency swap agreementsOther investments $45
 n/a
 $6
 $6
 $
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instrumentsDerivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments          Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Interest rate contracts                     
Interest rate cap agreementsOther investments 42
 n/a
 
 
 
Other investments $6
 n/a
 $
 $
 $
FuturesOther assets 
 1,330
 1
 1
 
Equity and index contracts                     
Options and warrants (2)
Other investments 
 3,730
 44
 44
 
Financial futures contractsOther assets 
 1,897
 2
 2
 
OptionsOther investments 
 11,131
 115
 115
 
FuturesOther assets 
 1,453
 1
 1
 
Total return index contracts           
Total return swap agreements - fixed incomeOther investments 7
 
 
 
 
Total return swap agreements - equity indexOther investments 61
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Foreign currency contracts                     
Foreign currency forwardsOther investments 185
 n/a
 1
 2
 (1)Other investments 258
 n/a
 10
 11
 (1)
Embedded derivative financial instruments          
Other embedded derivative financial instrumentsOther investments 1,000
 n/a
 
 
 
Credit default contracts                     
Credit default swaps — buying protectionOther investments 112
 n/a
 4
 5
 (1)
Credit default swaps — selling protectionOther investments 150
 n/a
 2
 2
 
Credit default swaps – buying protectionOther investments 136
 n/a
 (1) 2
 (3)
Other contracts                     
Other contractsOther investments 31
 n/a
 1
 1
 
Other contractsOther assets 3
 n/a
 1
 1
 
Subtotal 1,523

5,627

55

57

(2)
OtherOther investments 2
 n/a
 
 
 
Total asset derivatives $1,568

5,627

$61

$63

$(2)  $470

13,914

$124

$130

$(6)
                    
Liability derivatives                     
Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Foreign currency swap agreementsOther liabilities & accrued expenses $19
 n/a
 $4
 $4
 $
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instrumentsDerivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments          Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Interest rate contracts                     
Interest rate swap agreementsOther liabilities & accrued expenses 85
 n/a
 
 
 
Interest rate cap agreementsOther liabilities & accrued expenses 72
 n/a
 1
 1
 
Other liabilities & accrued expenses $31
 n/a
 $1
 $1
 $
FuturesOther liabilities & accrued expenses 
 1,300
 (1) 
 (1)
Equity and index contracts                     
Options and futuresOther liabilities & accrued expenses 
 4,406
 (7) 
 (7)Other liabilities & accrued expenses 
 10,956
 (50) 
 (50)
Total return index contracts           
Total return swap agreements - fixed incomeOther liabilities & accrued expenses 38
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Total return swap agreements - equity indexOther liabilities & accrued expenses 71
 
 (4) 
 (4)
Foreign currency contracts                     
Foreign currency forwardsOther liabilities & accrued expenses 361
 n/a
 (12) 1
 (13)Other liabilities & accrued expenses 341
 n/a
 10
 11
 (1)
Embedded derivative financial instruments                     
Guaranteed accumulation benefitsContractholder funds 481
 n/a
 (38) 
 (38)Contractholder funds 169
 n/a
 (25) 
 (25)
Guaranteed withdrawal benefitsContractholder funds 332
 n/a
 (14) 
 (14)Contractholder funds 210
 n/a
 (14) 
 (14)
Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contractsContractholder funds 1,781
 n/a
 (247) 
 (247)Contractholder funds 1,770
 n/a
 (185) 
 (185)
Other embedded derivative financial instrumentsContractholder funds 85
 n/a
 
 
 
Credit default contracts                     
Credit default swaps — buying protectionOther liabilities & accrued expenses 88
 n/a
 (2) 
 (2)
Credit default swaps — selling protectionOther liabilities & accrued expenses 105
 n/a
 (8) 
 (8)
Subtotal 3,390

4,406

(327)
2

(329)
Credit default swaps – buying protectionOther liabilities & accrued expenses 40
 n/a
 
 
 
Credit default swaps – selling protectionOther liabilities & accrued expenses 5
 n/a
 
 
 
Total liability derivatives 3,409

4,406

(323)
$6

$(329)  2,675

12,256

(269)
$12

$(281)
Total derivatives $4,977

10,033

$(262)      $3,145

26,170

$(145)    

(1) 
Volume for OTC and cleared derivative contracts is represented by their notional amounts. Volume for exchange traded derivatives is represented by the number of contracts, which is the basis on which they are traded. (n/a = not applicable)
(2)
In addition to the number of contracts presented in the table, the Company held 220 stock rights and warrants. Stock rights and warrants can be converted to cash upon sale of those instruments or exercised for shares of common stock.


The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg171


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements


145


The following table provides a summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as well as their reporting location in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2014.
Summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2017Summary of the volume and fair value positions of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2017
 
Volume (1)
      
($ in millions, except number of contracts) 
Volume (1)
      Balance sheet location Notional amount Number of contracts Fair value, net Gross asset Gross liability
Asset derivatives           
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instrumentsDerivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Interest rate contracts           
Interest rate cap agreementsOther investments $15
 n/a
 $
 $
 $
Equity and index contracts           
OptionsOther investments 
 6,316
 125
 125
 
FuturesOther assets 
 289
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts           
Foreign currency forwardsOther investments 52
 n/a
 1
 1
 
Credit default contracts           
Credit default swaps – buying protectionOther investments 105
 n/a
 (1) 
 (1)
Credit default swaps – selling protectionOther investments 80
 n/a
 1
 1
 
Other contracts           
OtherOther assets 3
 n/a
 
 
 
Total asset derivatives  $255
 6,605
 $126

$127

$(1)
Balance sheet location Notional amount Number of contracts Fair value, net Gross asset Gross liability          
Asset derivatives          
Liability derivatives           
Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instrumentsDerivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments          Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Foreign currency swap agreementsOther investments $85
 n/a
 $3
 $3
 $
Other liabilities & accrued expenses $19
 n/a
 $2
 $2
 $
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instrumentsDerivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments          Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Interest rate contracts                     
Interest rate cap agreementsOther investments 163
 n/a
 2
 2
 
Other liabilities & accrued expenses 30
 n/a
 1
 1
 
Equity and index contracts                     
Options and warrants (2)
Other investments 
 3,225
 83
 83
 
Financial futures contractsOther assets 
 2,204
 2
 2
 
Foreign currency contracts          
Foreign currency forwardsOther investments 471
 n/a
 (15) 1
 (16)
Embedded derivative financial instruments          
Other embedded derivative financial instrumentsOther investments 1,000
 n/a
 
 
 
Credit default contracts          
Credit default swaps — buying protectionOther investments 29
 n/a
 
 
 
Credit default swaps — selling protectionOther investments 100
 n/a
 2
 2
 
Other contracts          
Other contractsOther assets 3
 n/a
 1
 1
 
Subtotal 1,766

5,429

75

91

(16)
Total asset derivatives $1,851
 5,429
 $78

$94

$(16)
 
 
 
 
 
Liability derivatives          
Derivatives designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Foreign currency swap agreementsOther liabilities & accrued expenses $50
 n/a
 $(1) $
 $(1)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments          
Interest rate contracts          
Interest rate swap agreementsOther liabilities & accrued expenses 85
 n/a
 1
 1
 
Interest rate cap agreementsOther liabilities & accrued expenses 11
 n/a
 
 
 
Financial futures contractsOther liabilities & accrued expenses 
 700
 
 
 
Equity and index contracts          
OptionsOther liabilities & accrued expenses 
 3,960
 (23) 
 (23)
Options and futuresOther liabilities & accrued expenses 
 7,128
 (58) 
 (58)
Foreign currency contracts                     
Foreign currency forwardsOther liabilities & accrued expenses 228
 n/a
 (1) 2
 (3)Other liabilities & accrued expenses 650
 n/a
 (17) 3
 (20)
Embedded derivative financial instruments                     
Guaranteed accumulation benefitsContractholder funds 615
 n/a
 (32) 
 (32)Contractholder funds 225
 n/a
 (22) 
 (22)
Guaranteed withdrawal benefitsContractholder funds 425
 n/a
 (13) 
 (13)Contractholder funds 274
 n/a
 (12) 
 (12)
Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contractsContractholder funds 1,786
 n/a
 (278) 
 (278)Contractholder funds 1,774
 n/a
 (252) 
 (252)
Other embedded derivative financial instrumentsContractholder funds 85
 n/a
 
 
 
Credit default contracts                     
Credit default swaps — buying protectionOther liabilities & accrued expenses 420
 n/a
 (6) 1
 (7)
Credit default swaps — selling protectionOther liabilities & accrued expenses 205
 n/a
 (8) 2
 (10)
Credit default swaps – buying protectionOther liabilities & accrued expenses 136
 n/a
 (5) 
 (5)
Credit default swaps – selling protectionOther liabilities & accrued expenses 25
 n/a
 
 
 
Subtotal 3,860

4,660

(360)
6

(366)  3,114

7,128

(365)
4

(369)
Total liability derivatives 3,910

4,660

(361)
$6

$(367)  3,133

7,128

(363)
$6

$(369)
Total derivatives $5,761

10,089

$(283)      $3,388

13,733

$(237)    

(1) 
Volume for OTC and cleared derivative contracts is represented by their notional amounts. Volume for exchange traded derivatives is represented by the number of contracts, which is the basis on which they are traded. (n/a = not applicable)
Gross and net amounts for OTC derivatives (1)
    Offsets      
($ in millions) 
Gross
amount
 
Counter-
party
netting
 
Cash
collateral
(received)
pledged
 
Net
amount on
balance sheet
 
Securities
collateral
(received)
pledged
 
Net
amount
December 31, 2018            
Asset derivatives $25
 $(18) $(5) $2
 $
 $2
Liability derivatives (12) 18
 (12) (6) 
 (6)
             
December 31, 2017            
Asset derivatives $8
 $(7) $1
 $2
 $
 $2
Liability derivatives (26) 7
 7
 (12) 3
 (9)
(2)(1) 
In additionAll OTC derivatives are subject to the number of contracts presented in the table, the Company held 220 stock rights and warrants. Stock rights and warrants can be converted to cash upon sale of those instruments or exercised for shares of common stock.enforceable master netting agreements.


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146Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K



The following table provides gross and net amounts for the Company’s OTC derivatives, all of which are subject to enforceable master netting agreements.
($ in millions)  Offsets      
 
Gross
amount
 
Counter-
party
netting
 
Cash
collateral
(received)
pledged
 
Net
amount on
balance sheet
 
Securities
collateral
(received)
pledged
 
Net
amount
December 31, 2015           
Asset derivatives$21
 $(8) $(5) $8
 $(4) $4
Liability derivatives(25) 8
 (1) (18) 9
 (9)
December 31, 2014           
Asset derivatives$12
 $(22) $17
 $7
 $(4) $3
Liability derivatives(35) 22
 
 (13) 8
 (5)
Summary of the impacts of the foreign currency contracts in cash flow hedging relationships
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives during the period $1
 $(2) $
(Loss) gain recognized in OCI on derivatives during the term of the hedging relationship (3) (1) 2
Gain reclassified from AOCI into income (net investment income) 
 1
 1
Gain reclassified from AOCI into income (realized capital gains and losses) 3
 
 3
The following table provides a summary of the impacts of the Company’s foreign currency contracts in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31. Amortization of net gains from accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI related to cash flow hedges is expected to be a gainloss of $3less than $1 million during the next twelve months. There was no hedge ineffectiveness reported in realized gains and losses in 2015, 20142018, 2017 or 2013.2016.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Gain recognized in OCI on derivatives during the period$10
 $12
 $3
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives during the term of the hedging relationship6
 (2) (18)
Loss reclassified from AOCI into income (net investment income)(1) (2) (1)
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (realized capital gains and losses)3
 (2) 
Gains (losses) from valuation and settlements reported on derivatives not designated as accounting hedges
($ in millions) Realized capital gains (losses) Life contract benefits Interest credited to contractholder funds Operating costs and expenses Total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives
2018          
Interest rate contracts $(2) $
 $
 $
 $(2)
Equity and index contracts 21
 
 (24) (21) (24)
Embedded derivative financial instruments 
 (5) 67
 
 62
Foreign currency contracts 29
 
 
 (1) 28
Credit default contracts 2
 
 
 
 2
Total return swaps - fixed income (1) 
 
 
 (1)
Total return swaps - equity (6) 
 
 
 (6)
Total $43

$(5)
$43

$(22)
$59
           
2017          
Equity and index contracts $(15) $
 $47
 $28
 $60
Embedded derivative financial instruments 
 9
 (6) 
 3
Foreign currency contracts (27) 
 
 6
 (21)
Credit default contracts (4) 
 
 
 (4)
Total $(46)
$9

$41

$34

$38
           
2016          
Equity and index contracts $(12) $
 $18
 $19
 $25
Embedded derivative financial instruments 
 9
 
 
 9
Foreign currency contracts 17
 
 
 (35) (18)
Credit default contracts (5) 
 
 
 (5)
Total $

$9

$18

$(16)
$11

































147


The following tables present gainsIn 2018, 2017 and losses from valuation and settlements reported on derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2015, 2014 and 2013,2016, the Company had no derivatives used in fair value hedging relationships.
($ in millions)           
 Realized capital gains and losses Life and annuity contract benefits Interest credited to contractholder funds Operating costs and expenses Loss on disposition of operations Total gain (loss) recognized in net income on derivatives
2015           
Interest rate contracts$1
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $1
Equity and index contracts1
 
 (9) (1) 
 (9)
Embedded derivative financial instruments
 (7) 31
 
 
 24
Foreign currency contracts(24) 
 
 (8) 
 (32)
Credit default contracts(2) 
 
 
 
 (2)
Other contracts
 
 
 
 
 
Total$(24)
$(7)
$22

$(9)
$

$(18)
            
2014           
Interest rate contracts$(10) $
 $
 $
 $(4) $(14)
Equity and index contracts(18) 
 38
 9
 
 29
Embedded derivative financial instruments
 15
 (14) 
 
 1
Foreign currency contracts(9) 
 
 (8) 
 (17)
Credit default contracts1
 
 
 
 
 1
Other contracts
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Total$(36)
$15

$22

$1

$(4)
$(2)
            
2013           
Interest rate contracts$4
 $
 $
 $
 $(6) $(2)
Equity and index contracts(12) 
 94
 34
 
 116
Embedded derivative financial instruments(1) 74
 (75) 
 
 (2)
Foreign currency contracts(9) 
 
 7
 
 (2)
Credit default contracts8
 
 
 
 
 8
Other contracts
 
 (3) 
 
 (3)
Total$(10)
$74

$16

$41

$(6)
$115
The Company manages its exposure to credit risk by utilizing highly rated counterparties, establishing risk control limits, executing legally enforceable master netting agreements (“MNAs”) and obtaining collateral where appropriate. The Company uses MNAs for OTC derivative transactions that permit either party to net payments due for transactions and collateral is either pledged or obtained when certain predetermined exposure limits are exceeded. As of December 31, 2015,2018, counterparties pledged $14$21 million in cash and securitiescollateral to the Company, and the Company pledged $13$4 million in cash and securities to counterparties which includes $13$2 million of collateral posted under MNAs for contracts containing credit-risk-contingentcredit-risk contingent provisions that are in a liability position.position and $2 million of collateral posted under MNAs for contracts without credit-risk-contingent features. The Company has not incurred any losses on derivative financial instruments due to
counterparty nonperformance. Other derivatives, including futures and certain option contracts, are traded on organized exchanges which require margin deposits and guarantee the execution of trades, thereby mitigating any potential credit risk.
Counterparty credit exposure represents the Company’s potential loss if all of the counterparties concurrently fail to perform under the contractual terms of the contracts and all collateral, if any, becomes worthless. This exposure is measured by the fair value of OTC derivative contracts with a positive fair value at the reporting date reduced by the effect, if any, of legally enforceable master netting agreements.









148


The following table summarizes the counterparty credit exposureFor certain exchange traded and cleared derivatives, margin deposits are required as well as daily cash settlements of margin accounts. As of December 31, by counterparty credit rating as it relates2018, the Company pledged $277 million in the form of margin deposits.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg173


2018 Form 10-KNotes to the Company’s OTC derivatives.Consolidated Financial Statements

OTC derivatives counterparty credit exposure by counterparty credit ratingOTC derivatives counterparty credit exposure by counterparty credit rating
($ in millions) 2015 2014 2018 2017
Rating (1)
 Number of counter-parties 
Notional amount (2)
 
Credit exposure (2)
 
Exposure, net of collateral (2)
 Number of counter-parties 
Notional amount (2)
 
Credit exposure (2)
 
Exposure, net of collateral (2)
 Number of counter-parties 
Notional amount (2)
 
Credit exposure (2)
 
Exposure, net of collateral (2)
 Number of counter-parties 
Notional amount (2)
 
Credit exposure (2)
 
Exposure, net of collateral (2)
AA– 
 $
 $
 $
 1
 $18
 $1
 $
A+ 1
 $82
 $5
 $
 1
 $164
 $2
 $1
 3
 643
 19
 1
 3
 90
 3
 1
A 5
 375
 9
 6
 3
 118
 3
 2
 2
 121
 1
 
 
 
 
 
A– 1
 41
 3
 
 1
 8
 
 
BBB+ 2
 49
 
 1
 1
 11
 
 
BBB 
 
 
 
 1
 52
 
 
Total 9
 $547

$17

$7

7

$353

$5

$3
 5
 $764

$20

$1

4

$108

$4

$1

(1) 
Rating isAllstate uses the lower of S&P&P’s or Moody’s long term debt issuer ratings.
(2) 
Only OTC derivatives with a net positive fair value are included for each counterparty.
Market risk is the risk that the Company will incur losses due to adverse changes in market rates and prices. Market risk exists for all of the derivative financial instruments the Company currently holds, as these instruments may become less valuable due to adverse changes in market conditions. To limit this risk, the Company’s senior management has established risk control limits. In addition, changes in fair value of the derivative financial instruments that the Company uses for risk management purposes are generally offset by the change in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged risk component of the related assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions.
Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments contain credit-risk-contingent termination events, cross-default provisions and credit support annex agreements. Credit-risk-contingent termination events allow the counterparties to terminate the derivative agreement or a specific trade on certain dates if AIC’s, ALIC’s or Allstate Life Insurance Company of New
York’s (“ALNY”) financial strength credit ratings by Moody’s or S&P fall below a certain level. Credit-risk-contingent cross-default provisions allow the counterparties to terminate the derivative agreement if the Company defaults by pre-determined threshold amounts on certain debt instruments. Credit-risk-contingent credit support annex agreements specify the amount of collateral the Company must post to counterparties based on AIC’s, ALIC’s or ALNY’s financial strength credit ratings by Moody’s or S&P, or in the event AIC, ALIC or ALNY are no longer rated by either Moody’s or S&P.
The following summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments with termination, cross-default or collateral credit-risk-contingent features that are in a liability position as of December 31, as well as the fair value of assets and collateral that are netted against the liability in accordance with provisions within legally enforceable MNAs.
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
Gross liability fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features$21
 $16
 $11
 $28
Gross asset fair value of contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features and subject to MNAs(3) (4) (5) (17)
Collateral posted under MNAs for contracts containing credit-risk-contingent features(13) (7) (2) (6)
Maximum amount of additional exposure for contracts with credit-risk-contingent features if all features were triggered concurrently$5
 $5
 $4
 $5

174 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Credit derivatives – selling protection
Free-standing credit default swaps (“CDS”) are utilized for selling credit protection against a specified credit event.
A credit default swap (“CDS”) is a derivative instrument, representing an agreement between two parties to exchange the credit risk of a specified entity (or a group of entities), or an index based on the credit risk of a group of entities (all commonly referred to as the “reference entity” or a portfolio of “reference entities”), in return for a periodic premium. In selling
protection, CDSCDSs are used to replicate fixed income securities and to complement the cash market when credit exposure to certain issuers is not available or when the derivative alternative is less expensive than the cash market alternative. CDSCDSs typically have a five-year term.







149


The following table shows the CDS notional amounts by credit rating and fair value of protection sold.
CDS notional amounts by credit rating and fair value of protection soldCDS notional amounts by credit rating and fair value of protection sold
 Notional amount  
($ in millions)Notional amount   AA A BBB BB and lower Total Fair value
AA A BBB BB and lower Total Fair value
December 31, 2015           
December 31, 2018            
Single name                       
Corporate debt$20
 $10
 $45
 $
 $75
 $1
 $
 $
 $
 $5
 $5
 $
First-to-default Basket           
Municipal
 
 100
 
 100
 (8)
Total $

$

$

$5

$5

$
December 31, 2017            
Single name            
Corporate debt $
 $10
 $10
 $5
 $25
 $
Index                       
Corporate debt1
 20
 52
 7
 80
 1
 1
 19
 45
 15
 80
 1
Total$21

$30

$197

$7

$255

$(6) $1

$29

$55

$20

$105

$1
December 31, 2014           
Single name           
Corporate debt$20
 $15
 $90
 $
 $125
 $1
First-to-default Basket           
Municipal
 100
 
 
 100
 (9)
Index           
Corporate debt
 22
 52
 6
 80
 2
Total$20

$137

$142

$6

$305

$(6)
In selling protection with CDS, the Company sells credit protection on an identified single name, a basket of names in a first-to-default (“FTD”) structure or credit derivative index (“CDX”) that is generally investment grade, and in return receives periodic premiums through expiration or termination of the agreement. With single name CDS, this premium or credit spread generally corresponds to the difference between the yield on the reference entity’s public fixed maturity cash instruments and swap rates at the time the agreement is executed. With a FTD basket, because of the additional credit risk inherent in a basket of named reference entities, the premium generally corresponds to a high proportion of the sum of the credit spreads of the names in the basket and the correlation between the names. CDX is utilized to take a position on multiple (generally 125) reference entities. Credit events are typically defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay, or restructuring, depending on the nature of the reference entities. If a credit event occurs, the Company settles with the counterparty, either through physical settlement or cash settlement. In a physical
settlement, a reference asset is delivered by the buyer of protection to the Company, in exchange for cash payment at par, whereas in a cash settlement, the Company pays the difference between par and the prescribed value of the reference asset. When a credit event occurs in a single name or FTD basket (for FTD, the first credit event occurring for any one name in the basket), the contract terminates at the time of settlement. For CDX, the reference entity’s name incurring the credit event is removed from the index while the contract continues until expiration. The maximum payout on a CDS is the contract notional amount. A physical settlement may afford the Company with recovery rights as the new owner of the asset.
The Company monitors risk associated with credit derivatives through individual name credit limits at both a credit derivative and a combined cash instrument/credit derivative level. The ratings of individual names for which protection has been sold are also monitored.
Off-balance sheet financial instruments
The contractual amounts of off-balance sheet financial instruments as of December 31 are as follows:
Contractual amounts of off balance sheet financial instrumentsContractual amounts of off balance sheet financial instruments
 As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
Commitments to invest in limited partnership interests$2,551
 $2,429
 $3,028
 $3,121
Commitments to extend mortgage loans
 49
Private placement commitments89
 98
 47
 96
Municipal bond forward commitments36
 
Other loan commitments46
 46
 233
 97
In the preceding table, the contractual amounts represent the amount at risk if the contract is fully drawn upon, the counterparty defaults and the value of any underlying security becomes worthless. Unless noted otherwise, the Company does not require collateral or other security to support off-balance sheet financial instruments with credit risk.
Commitments to invest in limited partnership interests represent agreements to acquire new or additional participation in certain limited partnership investments. The Company enters into these agreements in the normal course of business. Because the investments in limited partnerships are not actively traded, it is not practical to estimate the fair value of these commitments.

150The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg175



Commitments
2018 Form 10-KNotes to extend mortgage loans are agreements to lend to a borrower provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. The Company enters into these agreements to commit to future loan fundings at a predetermined interest rate. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses.Consolidated Financial Statements

Private placement commitments represent conditional commitments to purchase private placement debt and private equity securities at a specified future date. The Company enters into these agreements in the normal course of business. The fair value of thesethe debt commitments generally cannot be estimated on the date the commitment is made as the terms and conditions of the underlying private placement securities are not yet final.
Municipal bond forward commitments represent purchases of newly issued debt Because the private equity securities with a settlement period in excess of a standard period of generally 30-60 days. The Company enters into these agreements in the normal course of business. Theare not actively traded, it is not practical to estimate fair value of these commitments, which is valued based on unadjusted quoted prices less contractual amounts, is $1 million as of December 31, 2015 and is reported as a derivative financial instrument.the commitments.
Other loan commitments are agreements to lend to a borrower provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. The Company enters into these agreements to commit to future loan fundings at predetermined interest rates. Commitments generally have either fixed or varying expiration dates or other termination clauses. The fair value of these commitments is insignificant.
8.    Reserve for Property-Liability Insurance Claims and Claims Expense
Note 8Reserve for Property and Casualty Insurance Claims and Claims Expense
The Company establishes reserves for claims and claims expense on reported and unreported claims of insured losses. The Company’s reserving process takes into account known facts and interpretations of circumstances and factors including the Company’s experience with similar cases, actual claims paid, historical trends involving claim payment patterns and pending levels of unpaid claims, loss management programs, product mix and contractual terms, changes in law and regulation, judicial decisions, and economic conditions. In the normal course of business, the Company may also supplement its claims processes by utilizing third party adjusters, appraisers, engineers, inspectors, and other professionals and information sources to assess and settle catastrophe and non-catastrophe related claims. The effects of inflation are implicitly considered in the reserving process.
Because reserves are estimates of unpaid portions of losses that have occurred, including incurred but not
reported (“IBNR”) losses, the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes and reserves for reinsurance and indemnification recoverables, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on management’s best estimates. The highest degree of uncertainty is associated with reserves for losses incurred in the current reporting period as it contains the greatest proportion of losses that have not been reported or settled. The Company regularly updates its reserve estimates as new information becomes available and as events unfold that may affect the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior year reserve estimates, which may be material, are reported in property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period such changes are determined.
Activity in the reserve for property-liability insurance claims and claims expense is summarized as follows:
Rollforward of reserve for property and casualty insurance claims and claims expenseRollforward of reserve for property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Balance as of January 1$22,923
 $21,857
 $21,288
 $26,325
 $25,250
 $23,869
Less reinsurance recoverables5,694
 4,664
 4,010
Less recoverables (1)
 (6,471) (6,184) (5,892)
Net balance as of January 117,229

17,193

17,278
 19,854

19,066

17,977
SquareTrade acquisition as of January 3, 2017

 
 17
 
Incurred claims and claims expense related to:           
Current year20,953
 19,512
 18,032
 23,094
 22,432
 22,238
Prior years81
 (84) (121) (255) (503) (17)
Total incurred21,034
 19,428
 17,911
 22,839
 21,929
 22,221
Claims and claims expense paid related to:           
Current year13,660
 12,924
 11,658
 (14,938) (14,194) (14,222)
Prior years6,626
 6,468
 6,338
 (7,487) (6,964) (6,910)
Total paid20,286

19,392

17,996
 (22,425)
(21,158)
(21,132)
Net balance as of December 3117,977
 17,229
 17,193
 20,268
 19,854
 19,066
Plus reinsurance recoverables5,892
 5,694
 4,664
Plus recoverables 7,155
 6,471
 6,184
Balance as of December 31$23,869
 $22,923
 $21,857
 $27,423
 $26,325
 $25,250
(1) Recoverables comprises reinsurance and indemnification recoverables. See Note 10 for further details.

176 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Reconciliation of total claims and claims expense incurred and paid by coverage December 31, 2018
($ in millions) Incurred Paid
Allstate Protection    
Auto insurance - liability coverage $8,413
 $(7,535)
Auto insurance - physical damage coverage 5,088
 (5,134)
Homeowners insurance 4,817
 (4,714)
Total auto and homeowners insurance 18,318
 (17,383)
Other personal lines 1,081
 (1,055)
Commercial lines 545
 (369)
Service Businesses 313
 (325)
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 73
 (91)
Unallocated loss adjustment expenses (“ULAE”) 2,540
 (2,635)
Claims incurred and paid from before 2014 (68) (398)
Other 37
 (169)
Total

 $22,839
 $(22,425)
Incurred claims and claims expense represents the sum of paid losses and reserve changes in the calendar year. This expense includes losses from catastrophes of $1.72$2.86 billion, $1.99$3.23 billion and $1.25$2.57 billion in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively, net of reinsurance and other recoveries (see Note 10).recoverables. Catastrophes are an inherent risk of the property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance business that have contributed to, and will continue to contribute to, material year-to-year fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

151


The Company calculates and records a single best reserve estimate for losses from catastrophes, in conformance with generally accepted actuarial standards. As a result, management believes that no other estimate is better than the recorded amount. Due to the uncertainties involved, including the factors described above, the ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on management’s best estimates. Accordingly, management believes that it is not practical to develop a meaningful range for any such changes in losses incurred.
During 2015,2018, incurred claims and claims expense related to prior years was primarily comprised of net decreases in auto reserves of $455 million, primarily related to a reduction in claim severity estimates for liability coverages, net increases in commercial lines of $108 million, net increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages of $87 million, net increases in homeowners reserves of $14 million and a net decrease in other reserves of $9 million. Incurred claims and claims expense includes unfavorable catastrophe loss reestimates of $25 million, net of recoverables.
During 2017, incurred claims and claims expense related to prior years was primarily comprised of net decreases in auto and homeowners reserves of $490 million and $131 million, respectively, primarily related to a reduction in claim severity estimates for liability coverages, net increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages of $96 million and net increases in other reserves of $22 million. Incurred claims and claims expense includes favorable catastrophe loss reestimates of $18 million, net of recoverables.
During 2016, incurred claims and claims expense related to prior years was primarily composed of net increasesdecreases in auto reserves of $30$155 million primarily due to claim severity development for bodily injury coverage that was morebetter than expected, and litigation settlements, net decreases in homeowners reserves of $24 million due to favorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates, net increases in other reserves of $22$57 million primarily due to unfavorable commercial business non-catastrophe losses, and net increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserves of $53 million. Incurred claims and claims expense includes favorable catastrophe loss reestimates of $15 million, net of reinsurance and other recoveries.
During 2014, incurred claims and claims expense related to prior years was primarily composed of net decreases in auto reserves of $238 million primarily due to claim severity development that was better than expected, net increases in homeowners reserves of $29 million due to unfavorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates, net increases in other reserves of $13 million, and net increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserves of $112$105 million. Incurred claims and claims expense includes unfavorable catastrophe loss reestimates of $43$6 million, net of reinsurancerecoverables.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg177


2018 Form 10-KFinancial Statements

The following presents information about incurred and other recoveries.
During 2013,paid claims development as of December 31, 2018, net of recoverables, as well as the cumulative number of reported claims and the total of IBNR reserves plus expected development on reported claims included in the net incurred claims amounts. See Note 2 for the accounting policy and methodology for determining reserves for claims and claims expense, relatedincluding both reported and IBNR claims. The cumulative number of reported claims is identified by coverage and excludes reported claims for industry pools and facilities where information is not available. The information about incurred and paid claims development for the 2014 to prior2018 years, was primarily composedand the average annual percentage payout of net decreases in auto reservesincurred claims by age as of $237 million primarily dueDecember 31, 2018, is presented as required supplementary information.
Auto insurance – liability coverage
($ in millions, except number of reported claims) Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of recoverables   IBNR reserves plus expected development on reported claims Cumulative number of reported claims
  For the years ended December 31, Prior year reserve reestimates As of December 31, 2018
  (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)    
Accident year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018  
2014 $7,727
 $7,833
 $7,797
 $7,727
 $7,661
 $(66) $471
 2,195,241
2015 
 8,741
 8,711
 8,656
 8,596
 (60) 1,044
 2,382,914
2016 
 
 9,007
 8,811
 8,711
 (100) 1,873
 2,396,876
2017 
 
 
 8,436
 8,369
 (67) 3,049
 2,204,093
2018 
 
 
 
 8,706
   5,484
 2,075,655
        Total
 $42,043
 $(293)    
Reconciliation to total prior year reserve reestimates recognized by line      
Prior year reserve reestimates for pre-2014 accident years (43)    
Prior year reserve reestimates for ULAE 8
    
Other (1)    
Total prior year reserve reestimates $(329)    
                 
  Cumulative paid claims and allocated claims adjustment expenses, net of recoverables      
  For the years ended December 31,      
  (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)        
Accident year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018      
2014 $3,168
 $5,308
 $6,247
 $6,813
 $7,190
      
2015 
 3,518
 5,828
 6,872
 7,552
      
2016 
 
 3,479
 5,759
 6,838
      
2017 
 
 
 3,143
 5,320
      
2018 
 
 
 
 3,222
      
        Total
 $30,122
      
All outstanding liabilities before 2014, net of recoverables 1,259
      
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of recoverables $13,180
      
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of recoverables, as of December 31, 2018
  1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years
Auto insurance  liability coverage
 40.2% 27.3% 12.6% 8.0% 4.7%


178 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to claim severity development that was better than expected, net decreases in homeowners reserves of $5 million dueConsolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Auto insurance – physical damage coverage
($ in millions, except number of reported claims) Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of recoverables   IBNR reserves plus expected development on reported claims Cumulative number of reported claims
  For the years ended December 31, Prior year reserve reestimates As of December 31, 2018
  (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)    
Accident year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018  
2014 $4,296
 $4,284
 $4,258
 $4,261
 $4,260
 $(1) $3
 4,144,633
2015 
 4,646
 4,675
 4,663
 4,654
 (9) 6
 4,389,912
2016 
 
 5,118
 5,045
 5,018
 (27) 6
 4,430,776
2017 
 
 
 5,111
 5,029
 (82) 1
 4,232,605
2018 
 
 
 
 5,207
   246
 4,150,524
        Total
 $24,168
 $(119)    
Reconciliation to total prior year reserve reestimates recognized by line      
Prior year reserve reestimates for pre-2014 accident years (3)    
Prior year reserve reestimates for ULAE (5)    
Other 1
    
Total prior year reserve reestimates $(126)    
                 
  Cumulative paid claims and allocated claims adjustment expenses, net of recoverables      
  For the years ended December 31,      
  (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)        
Accident year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018      
2014 $4,137
 $4,269
 $4,261
 $4,258
 $4,257
      
2015 
 4,501
 4,665
 4,652
 4,648
      
2016 
 
 4,881
 5,024
 5,012
      
2017 
 
 
 4,838
 5,029
      
2018 
 
 
 
 4,960
      
        Total
 $23,906
      
All outstanding liabilities before 2014, net of recoverables 9
      
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of recoverables $271
      
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of recoverables, as of December 31, 2018
  1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years
Auto insurance – physical damage coverage
 96.9% 3.1% (0.2)% % %


The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg179


2018 Form 10-KFinancial Statements

Homeowners insurance
($ in millions, except number of reported claims) Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of recoverables   IBNR reserves plus expected development on reported claims Cumulative number of reported claims
  For the years ended December 31, Prior year reserve reestimates As of December 31, 2018
  (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)    
Accident year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018  
2014 $3,589
 $3,636
 $3,640
 $3,609
 $3,599
 $(10) $52
 765,329
2015 
 3,553
 3,607
 3,548
 3,532
 (16) 79
 720,955
2016 
 
 3,952
 3,987
 3,949
 (38) 147
 812,785
2017 
 
 
 4,469
 4,611
 142
 370
 902,301
2018 
 
 
 
 4,739
   1,256
 743,408
        Total
 $20,430
 $78
    
Reconciliation to total prior year reserve reestimates recognized by line      
Prior year reserve reestimates for pre-2014 accident years (23)    
Prior year reserve reestimates for ULAE (50)    
Other 9
    
Total prior year reserve reestimates $14
    
                 
  Cumulative paid claims and allocated claims adjustment expenses, net of recoverables      
  For the years ended December 31,      
  (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)        
Accident year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018      
2014 $2,729
 $3,356
 $3,472
 $3,524
 $3,547
      
2015 
 2,583
 3,291
 3,394
 3,453
      
2016 
 
 2,942
 3,672
 3,802
      
2017 
 
 
 3,222
 4,241
      
2018 
 
 
 
 3,483
      
��       Total
 $18,526
      
All outstanding liabilities before 2014, net of recoverables 140
      
Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of recoverables $2,044
      
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of recoverables, as of December 31, 2018
  1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years
Homeowners insurance 74.7% 18.8% 2.9% 1.4% 0.7%



180 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to favorable non-catastrophe reserve reestimates, net decreases in other reserves of $21 million, and net increases in Discontinued Lines and Coverages reserves of $142 million. Incurred claims and claims expense includes favorable catastrophe loss reestimates of $88 million, net of reinsurance and other recoveries.Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables above to the reserve for property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense
($ in millions) As of December 31, 2018
Net outstanding liabilities  
Allstate Protection  
Auto insurance - liability coverage $13,180
Auto insurance - physical damage coverage 271
Homeowners insurance 2,044
Other personal lines 1,356
Commercial lines 766
Service Businesses 50
Discontinued Lines and Coverages (1)
 1,315
ULAE 1,286
Net reserve for property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense 20,268
   
Recoverables  
Allstate Protection  
Auto insurance - liability coverage 5,829
Auto insurance - physical damage coverage 12
Homeowners insurance 472
Other personal lines 195
Commercial lines 53
Service Businesses 12
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 473
ULAE 109
Total recoverables 7,155
Gross reserve for property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense $27,423
(1)
Discontinued Lines and Coverages includes business in run-off with a majority of the claims related to accident years more than 30 years ago. IBNR reserves represent $693 million of the total reserves as of December 31, 2018.

Management believes that the reserve for property-liabilityproperty and casualty insurance claims and claims expense, net of reinsurance recoverables, is appropriately established in the aggregate and adequate to cover the ultimate net cost of reported and unreported claims arising from losses which had occurred by the date of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on available facts, technology, laws and regulations.
Allstate’s reserves for asbestos claims were $866 million and $884 million, net of reinsurance recoverables of $400 million and $412 million, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Reserves for environmental claims were $170 million and $166 million, net of reinsurance recoverables of $39 million and $33 million, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For further discussion of asbestos and environmental reserves, see Note 14.
9.    Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds
As of December 31, the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits consists of the following:
($ in millions)2015 2014
Immediate fixed annuities:   
Structured settlement annuities$6,673
 $6,682
Other immediate fixed annuities2,041
 2,250
Traditional life insurance2,584
 2,521
Accident and health insurance844
 830
Other105
 97
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits$12,247
 $12,380
Note 9Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits and Contractholder Funds
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits
  As of December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
Immediate fixed annuities:    
Structured settlement annuities $6,701
 $6,994
Other immediate fixed annuities 1,714
 1,855
Traditional life insurance 2,808
 2,722
Accident and health insurance 876
 893
Other 109
 85
Total reserve for life-contingent contract benefits $12,208
 $12,549

The following table highlights the key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits:Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg181


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits
Product Mortality Interest rate Estimation method
Structured settlement annuities U.S. population with projected calendar year improvements; mortality rates adjusted for each impaired life based on reduction in life expectancy Interest rate assumptions range from 2.7%2.9% to 9.0% Present value of contractually specified future benefits
Other immediate fixed annuities 1983 group annuity mortality table with internal modifications; 1983 individual annuity mortality table; Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications; Annuity 2000 mortality table; 1983 individual annuity mortality table with internal modifications Interest rate assumptions range from 0%0.0% to 11.5% Present value of expected future benefits based on historical experience
Traditional life insurance Actual company experience plus loading Interest rate assumptions range from 2.5% to 11.3% Net level premium reserve method using the Company’s withdrawal experience rates; includes reserves for unpaid claims
Accident and health insurance Actual company experience plus loading Interest rate assumptions range from 3.0% to 7.0% Unearned premium; additional contract reserves for mortality risk and unpaid claims
Other:
Variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits (1)
 Annuity 2012 mortality table with internal modifications Interest rate assumptions range from 2.1%2.0% to 5.8% Projected benefit ratio applied to cumulative assessments

(1) 
In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (collectively “Prudential”).
To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed income securities would result in a premium deficiency had those gains actually been realized, a premium deficiency reserve is recorded for certain immediate annuities with life contingencies. A liability of $28 million is included in
The Company records an adjustment to the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits with respect to this deficiency as of December 31, 2014.that represents the amount by which the reserve balance would increase if the net unrealized gains in the applicable product investment portfolios were realized and reinvested at current lower interest rates, resulting in a premium deficiency. The offset to this liability is recorded as a reduction of the unrealized net capital gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income. TheAOCI.
In conjunction with the segment changes that occurred in 2017, the Company evaluated the need for a reserve adjustment separately for traditional life insurance and immediate annuities with life contingencies. As of December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a $315 million increase to the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits and a $249 million decrease to unrealized net capital gains, after-tax, included in shareholders’ equity. This liability iswas zero as of December 31, 2015.












1522018.


As of December 31, contractholder funds consist of the following:
Contractholder fundsContractholder funds
 As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
Interest-sensitive life insurance$7,975
 $7,880
 $8,229
 $8,190
Investment contracts:       
Fixed annuities12,974
 14,310
 9,681
 10,828
Funding agreements backing medium-term notes85
 85
Other investment contracts261
 254
 461
 416
Total contractholder funds$21,295
 $22,529
 $18,371
 $19,434
The following table highlights the key contract provisions relating
182 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to contractholder funds:Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Key contract provisions of contractholder funds
Product Interest rate Withdrawal/surrender charges
Interest-sensitive life insurance Interest rates credited range from 0%0.0% to 10.5% for equity-indexed life (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500) and 1.0% to 6.0% for all other products Either a percentage of account balance or dollar amount grading off generally over 20 years
Fixed annuities Interest rates credited range from 0%0.0% to 9.8% for immediate annuities; (8.0)% to 13.5%10.8% for equity-indexed annuities (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500); and 0.1% to 6.0% for all other products Either a declining or a level percentage charge generally over ten years or less. Additionally, approximately 19.2%13.5% of fixed annuities are subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals
Funding agreements backing medium-term notesInterest rate credited is a floating rate, currently 0%Not applicable
Other investment contracts:
Guaranteed minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits on variable (1) and fixed annuities and secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities
 Interest rates used in establishing reserves range from 1.7% to 10.3% Withdrawal and surrender charges are based on the terms of the related interest-sensitive life insurance or fixed annuity contract

(1) 
In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with Prudential.
Contractholder funds include funding agreements held by a VIE, Allstate Life Global Funding, that issued medium-term notes. The VIE’s primary assets are funding agreements used exclusively to back medium-term note programs.
Contractholder funds activity for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
Contractholder funds activityContractholder funds activity
 For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Balance, beginning of year$22,529
 $24,304
 $39,319
 $19,434
 $20,260
 $21,295
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance
 10,945
 
Total, including those classified as held for sale22,529
 35,249

39,319
Deposits1,203
 1,333
 2,440
 1,109
 1,130
 1,164
Interest credited760
 919
 1,295
 650
 687
 722
Benefits(1,077) (1,197) (1,535) (844) (901) (966)
Surrenders and partial withdrawals(1,278) (2,273) (3,299) (1,135) (999) (1,053)
Maturities of and interest payments on institutional products(1) (2) (1,799) 
 
 (86)
Contract charges(818) (881) (1,112) (824) (826) (829)
Net transfers from separate accounts7
 7
 12
 6
 5
 5
Other adjustments(30) 36
 (72) (25) 78
 8
Sold in LBL disposition
 (10,662) 
Classified as held for sale, ending balance
 
 (10,945)
Balance, end of year$21,295
 $22,529
 $24,304
 $18,371
 $19,434
 $20,260
The Company offered various guarantees to variable annuity contractholders. In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with Prudential. Liabilities for variable contract guarantees related to death benefits are included in the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits and the liabilities related to the income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits are included in contractholder funds. All liabilities for variable contract guarantees are reported on a gross basis on the balance sheet with a corresponding reinsurance recoverable asset for those contracts subject to reinsurance. In 2006, the Company disposed of substantially all of its variable annuity business through reinsurance agreements with Prudential.

153


Absent any contract provision wherein the Company guarantees either a minimum return or account value upon death, a specified contract anniversary date, partial withdrawal or annuitization, variable annuity and variable life insurance contractholders bear the investment risk that the separate accounts’ funds may not meet their stated investment objectives. The account balances of variable annuitiesannuity contracts’ separate accounts with guarantees included $3.22$2.47 billion and $3.82$3.02 billion of equity, fixed income and balanced mutual funds and $341$245 million and $467$322 million of money market mutual funds as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.




The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg183


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The table below presents information regarding the Company’s variable annuity contracts with guarantees. The Company’s variable annuity contracts may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the sum of amounts listed exceeds the total account balances of variable annuity contracts’ separate accounts with guarantees.
($ in millions)December 31, As of December 31,
2015 2014 2018 2017
In the event of death       
Separate account value$3,560
 $4,288
 $2,711
 $3,344
Net amount at risk (1)
$675
 $581
 $605
 $454
Average attained age of contractholders69 years
 69 years
 71 years
 70 years
At annuitization (includes income benefit guarantees)       
Separate account value$967
 $1,142
 $778
 $944
Net amount at risk (2)
$281
 $238
 $264
 $202
Weighted average waiting period until annuitization options availableNone
 None
 None
 None
For cumulative periodic withdrawals       
Separate account value$294
 $382
 $190
 $253
Net amount at risk (3)
$10
 $8
 $16
 $10
Accumulation at specified dates       
Separate account value$371
 $480
 $129
 $170
Net amount at risk (4)
$31
 $24
 $26
 $17
Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date4 years
 4 years
 4 years
 5 years

(1) 
Defined as the estimated current guaranteed minimum death benefit in excess of the current account balance as of the balance sheet date.
(2) 
Defined as the estimated present value of the guaranteed minimum annuity payments in excess of the current account balance.
(3) 
Defined as the estimated current guaranteed minimum withdrawal balance (initial deposit) in excess of the current account balance as of the balance sheet date.
(4) 
Defined as the estimated present value of the guaranteed minimum accumulation balance in excess of the current account balance.
The liability for death and income benefit guarantees is equal to a benefit ratio multiplied by the cumulative contract charges earned, plus accrued interest less contract excess guarantee benefit payments. The benefit ratio is calculated as the estimated present value of all expected contract excess guarantee benefits divided by the present value of all expected contract charges. The establishment of reserves for these guarantees requires the projection of future fund values, mortality, persistency and customer benefit utilization rates. These assumptions are periodically reviewed and updated. For guarantees related to death benefits, benefits represent the projected excess guaranteed minimum death benefit payments. For guarantees related to income benefits, benefits represent the present value of the minimum guaranteed annuitization benefits in excess of the projected account balance at the time of annuitization.
Projected benefits and contract charges used in determining the liability for certain guarantees are developed using models and stochastic scenarios that are also used in the development of estimated expected gross profits. Underlying assumptions for the liability related to income benefits include assumed future annuitization elections based on factors such as the extent of benefit to the potential annuitant, eligibility conditions and the annuitant’s attained age. The liability for guarantees is re-evaluated periodically, and adjustments are made to the liability balance through a charge or credit to life and annuity contract benefits.
Guarantees related to the majority of withdrawal and accumulation benefits are considered to be derivative financial instruments; therefore, the liability for these benefits is established based on its fair value.



184 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


154


The following table summarizes the liabilities for guarantees.
Summary of liabilities for guaranteesSummary of liabilities for guarantees
($ in millions)Liability for guarantees related to death benefits and interest-sensitive life products Liability for guarantees related to income benefits Liability for guarantees related to accumulation and withdrawal benefits Total Liability for guarantees related to death benefits and interest-sensitive life products Liability for guarantees related to income benefits Liability for guarantees related to accumulation and withdrawal benefits Total
Balance, December 31, 2014 (1)
$195
 $95
 $60
 $350
Balance, December 31, 2017 (1)
 $262
 $29
 $79
 $370
Less reinsurance recoverables98
 91
 45
 234
 87
 25
 34
 146
Net balance as of December 31, 201497

4

15

116
Net balance as of December 31, 2017 175

4

45

224
Incurred guarantee benefits20
 
 8
 28
 24
 
 13
 37
Paid guarantee benefits
 
 
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Net change20



8

28
 22
 
 13

35
Net balance as of December 31, 2015117
 4
 23
 144
Net balance as of December 31, 2018 197
 4
 58
 259
Plus reinsurance recoverables106
 64
 52
 222
 111
 35
 39
 185
Balance, December 31, 2015 (2)
$223

$68

$75

$366
Balance, December 31, 2018 (2)
 $308

$39

$97

$444
               
Balance, December 31, 2013 (3)
$377
 $113
 $65
 $555
Balance, December 31, 2016 (3)
 $244
 $44
 $77
 $365
Less reinsurance recoverables100
 99
 56
 255
 101
 40
 43
 184
Net balance as of December 31, 2013277

14

9

300
Net balance as of December 31, 2016 143

4

34

181
Incurred guarantee benefits34
 
 9
 43
 34
 
 11
 45
Paid guarantee benefits
 
 
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Sold in LBL disposition(214) (10) (3) (227)
Net change(180)
(10)
6

(184) 32



11

43
Net balance as of December 31, 201497
 4
 15
 116
Net balance as of December 31, 2017 175
 4
 45
 224
Plus reinsurance recoverables98
 91
 45
 234
 87
 25
 34
 146
Balance, December 31, 2014 (1)
$195

$95

$60

$350
Balance, December 31, 2017 (1)
 $262

$29

$79

$370

(1) 
Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 20142017 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $96$85 million, variable annuity income benefits of $92$26 million, variable annuity accumulation benefits of $32$22 million, variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $13$12 million and other guarantees of $117 million.$225 million.
(2) 
Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 20152018 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $105$109 million, variable annuity income benefits of $65$36 million, variable annuity accumulation benefits of $38$25 million, variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $14$14 million and other guarantees of $144 million.$260 million.
(3) 
Included in the total liability balance as of December 31, 20132016 are reserves for variable annuity death benefits of $98$100 million, variable annuity income benefits of $99$40 million, variable annuity accumulation benefits of $43$34 million, variable annuity withdrawal benefits of $13$9 million and other guarantees of $302 million.$182 million.

10.  Reinsurance
The effects of reinsurance on property-liability insurance premiums written and earned and life and annuity premiums and contract charges for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Property-liability insurance premiums written     
Direct$31,924
 $30,686
 $29,241
Assumed39
 48
 52
Ceded(1,092) (1,120) (1,129)
Property-liability insurance premiums written, net of reinsurance$30,871

$29,614

$28,164
Property-liability insurance premiums earned     
Direct$31,274
 $29,914
 $28,638
Assumed41
 45
 49
Ceded(1,006) (1,030) (1,069)
Property-liability insurance premiums earned, net of reinsurance$30,309
 $28,929
 $27,618
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges     
Direct$1,641
 $1,944
 $2,909
Assumed849
 629
 82
Ceded(332) (416) (639)
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges, net of reinsurance$2,158
 $2,157
 $2,352
Note 10Reinsurance and Indemnification
Effects of reinsurance and indemnification on property and casualty premiums written and earned and life premiums and contract charges
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Property and casualty insurance premiums written      
Direct $35,895
 $33,685
 $32,614
Assumed 99
 64
 47
Ceded (1,008) (1,007) (1,061)
Property and casualty insurance premiums written, net of recoverables $34,986
 $32,742
 $31,600
       
Property and casualty insurance premiums earned      
Direct $34,977
 $33,221
 $32,249
Assumed 87
 50
 45
Ceded (1,016) (971) (987)
Property and casualty insurance premiums earned, net of recoverables $34,048
 $32,300
 $31,307
       
Life premiums and contract charges      
Direct $2,001
 $1,894
 $1,766
Assumed 754
 787
 818
Ceded (290) (303) (309)
Life premiums and contract charges, net of recoverables $2,465
 $2,378
 $2,275


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Property-Liability
2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Property and casualty reinsurance and indemnification recoverables
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers and indemnitors as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $7.27 billion and $6.57 billion, respectively, including $111 million and $96 million, respectively, related to property and casualty losses paid by the Company and billed to reinsurers and indemnitors, and $7.15 billion and $6.47 billion, respectively, estimated by the Company with respect to ceded or indemnifiable unpaid losses (including IBNR), which are not billable until the losses are paid. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance was $65 million and $70 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and is primarily related to reinsurance recoverables arising from the Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment. Indemnification recoverables are considered collectible based on the industry pool and facility enabling legislation.
Property and casualty programs are grouped by the following characteristics:
1.Indemnification programs - industry pools, facilities or associations that are governed by state insurance statutes or regulations or the federal government.
2.Catastrophe reinsurance programs - reinsurance protection for catastrophe exposure nationwide and by specific states, as applicable.
3.Other reinsurance programs - reinsurance protection for asbestos, environmental and other liability exposures.
Property and casualty reinsurance is in place for the Allstate Protection, Discontinued Lines and Coverages and Service Businesses segments. The Company purchases reinsurance after evaluating the financial condition of the reinsurer as well as the terms and price of coverage.
Indemnification programs
The Company participates in state-based industry pools or facilities mandating participation by insurers offering certain coverage in their state, including the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (“MCCA”), the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association (“PLIGA”), the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (“NCRF”) and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”). When the Company pays qualifying claims under the coverage indemnified by a state’s pool or facility, the Company is reimbursed for the qualifying claim losses or expenses. Each state pool or facility may assess participating companies to collect sufficient amounts to meet its total indemnification requirements. The enabling legislation for each state’s pool or facility compels the pool or facility only to indemnify participating companies for qualifying claim losses or expenses; the state pool or facility does not underwrite the coverage or take on the ultimate risk of the indemnified business. As a pass through, these pools or facilities manage the receipt of assessments paid by participating companies and payment of indemnified amounts for covered claims presented by participating companies. The Company has not had
any credit losses related to these indemnification programs.
State-based industry pools or facilities
Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association The MCCA is a statutory indemnification mechanism for member insurers’ qualifying personal injury protection claims paid for the unlimited lifetime medical benefits above the applicable retention level for qualifying injuries from automobile, motorcycle and commercial vehicle accidents. Indemnification recoverables on paid and unpaid claims, including IBNR, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include $5.40 billion and $5.26 billion, respectively, from the MCCA for its indemnification obligation.
As required for member companies by the MCCA, the Company reports covered paid and unpaid claims to the MCCA when estimates of loss for a reported claim are expected to exceed the retention level, the claims involve certain types of severe injuries, or there are litigation demands received suggesting the claim value exceeds certain thresholds. The retention level is adjusted upward every other MCCA fiscal year by the lesser of 6% or the increase in the Consumer Price Index. The retention level will be $580 thousand per claim for the fiscal two-years ending June 30, 2021 compared to $555 thousand per claim for the fiscal two-years ending June 30, 2019.
The MCCA is obligated to fund the ultimate liability of member companies’ qualifying claims and claim expenses. The MCCA does not underwrite the insurance coverage or hold any underwriting risk. The MCCA is funded by participating member companies (companies actively writing motor vehicle coverage in Michigan) through a per vehicle annual assessment that is currently $192 per vehicle insured. The MCCA is required to assess an amount each year sufficient to cover members’ actuarially determined present value of expected payments on lifetime claims of all persons expected to be catastrophically injured in that year, its operating expenses, and adjustments for the amount of excesses or deficiencies in prior assessments. The assessment is incurred by the Company as policies are written and recovered as a component of premiums from our customers.
The MCCA indemnifies members as qualifying claims are paid and billed by members to the MCCA. Unlimited lifetime covered losses result in significant levels of ultimate incurred claim reserves being recorded by member companies along with offsetting indemnification recoverables. Disputes with claimants over coverage on certain reported claims can result in additional losses, which may be recoverable from the MCCA, excluding litigation expenses.
The MCCA prepares statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (“MI DOI”). The MI DOI has granted the MCCA a statutory permitted practice that expires in 2019 to discount its liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expense. As of June 30, 2018, the date of its most recent annual financial report, the MCCA had cash and invested

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


assets of $20.54 billion and an accumulated deficit of $2.92 billion. The permitted practice reduced the accumulated deficit by $47.24 billion.
New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association PLIGA serves as the statutory administrator of the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund (“UCJF”), Workers’ Compensation Security Fund and the New Jersey Surplus Lines Insurance Guaranty Fund.
In addition to its insolvency protection responsibilities, PLIGA reimburses insurers for unlimited excess medical benefits (“EMBs”) paid in connection with personal injury protection claims in excess of $75,000 for policies issued or renewed prior to January 1, 1991, and limited EMB claims in excess of $75,000 and capped at $250,000 for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 1991, to December 31, 2003.
A significant portion of the incurred claim reserves and the recoverables can be attributed to a small number of catastrophic claims. Assessments paid to PLIGA for the EMB program totaled $8.9 million in 2018. The amounts of paid and unpaid recoverables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $461 million and $493 million, respectively.
PLIGA annually assesses all admitted property and casualty insurers writing covered lines in New Jersey for PLIGA indemnification and expenses. PLIGA assessments may be recouped as a surcharge on premiums collected. PLIGA does not ultimately retain underwriting risk as it assesses member companies for their expected qualifying losses to provide funding for payment of its indemnification obligation to member companies for their actual losses. As a pass through, PLIGA facilitates these transactions of receipt of assessments paid by member companies and payment to member companies for covered claims presented by them for indemnification. As of December 31, 2018, the date of its most recent annual financial report, PLIGA had a fund balance of $250 million.
As statutory administrator of the UCJF, PLIGA provides compensation to qualified claimants for personal injury protection, bodily injury, or death caused by private passenger automobiles operated by uninsured or “hit and run” drivers. The UCJF also provides private passenger pedestrian personal injury protection benefits when no other coverage is available.
PLIGA annually collects a UCJF assessment from all admitted property and casualty insurers writing motor vehicle liability insurance in New Jersey for UCJF indemnification and expenses. UCJF assessments can be expensed as losses recoverable in rates as appropriate. As of December 31, 2018, the date of its most recent annual financial report, the UCJF fund had a balance of $41 million.
North Carolina Reinsurance Facility The NCRF provides automobile liability insurance to drivers that insurers are not otherwise willing to insure. All insurers licensed to write automobile insurance in North Carolina are members of the NCRF. Premiums, losses
and expenses are assigned to the NCRF. North Carolina law allows the NCRF to recoup operating losses for certain insureds through a surcharge to policyholders. As of September 30, 2018, the NCRF reported a deficit of $215 million in members’ equity. The NCRF implemented a loss recoupment surcharge on all private passenger policies effective October 1, 2018, through March 31, 2019. Member companies are assessed the recoupment surcharge. The loss recoupment surcharge will be adjusted on April 1, 2019, and discontinued once losses are recovered. The NCRF results are shared by the member companies in proportion to their respective North Carolina automobile liability writings. For the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2018, net income was $95 million, including $1.1 billion of earned premiums, $206 million of certain private passenger auto risk recoupment and $228 million of member loss recoupments. As of December 31, 2018, the NCRF recoverables on paid claims is $9.8 million and recoverables on unpaid claims is $76.4 million. Paid recoverable balances, if covered, are typically settled within sixty days of monthly filing.
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Allstate subsidiaries Castle Key Insurance Company (“CKIC”) and Castle Key Indemnity Company (“CKI”, and together with CKIC, “Castle Key”) participate in the mandatory coverage provided by the FHCF and therefore have access to reimbursement for certain qualifying Florida hurricane losses from the FHCF. Castle Key has exposure to assessments and pays annual premiums to the FHCF for this reimbursement protection. The FHCF has the authority to issue bonds to pay its obligations to participating insurers in excess of its capital balances. Payment of these bonds is funded by emergency assessments on all property and casualty premiums in the state, except workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, accident and health insurance and policies written under the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). The FHCF emergency assessments are limited to 6% of premiums per year beginning the first year in which reimbursements require bonding, and up to a total of 10% of premiums per year for assessments in the second and subsequent years, if required to fund additional bonding. The FHCF issued $2 billion in pre-event bonds in 2013 to build its capacity to reimburse member companies’ claims. The FHCF plans to fund these pre-event bonds through current FHCF cash flows. Pursuant to an Order issued by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FL OIR”), the emergency assessment is zero for all policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2015.
Annual premiums earned and paid under the FHCF agreement were $10 million, $11 million and $12 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Qualifying losses were $143 million and $19 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively. There were no qualifying losses incurred in 2016. The Company has access to reimbursement provided by the FHCF for 90% of qualifying personal property losses that exceed its current retention of $54 million for the two largest hurricanes and $18 million for other hurricanes, up to a maximum total of $172 million, effective from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. The

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

amounts recoverable from the FHCF totaled $104 million and $19 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Federal Government - National Flood Insurance Program NFIP is a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) whereby the Company sells and services NFIP flood insurance policies as an agent of FEMA and receives fees for its services. The Company is fully indemnified for claims and claim expenses and does not retain any ultimate risk for the indemnified business. The federal government is obligated to pay all claims and certain allocated loss adjustment expenses in accordance with the arrangement.
Congressional authorization for the NFIP is periodically evaluated and may be subjected to freezes, including when the federal government experiences a shutdown. Starting in 2017, FEMA established an NFIP reinsurance program to manage the future exposure of the NFIP through the transfer of risk to private reinsurance companies and capital market investors. Congress is evaluating the funding of the program as well as considering reforms to the program that would be incorporated in legislation to reauthorize the NFIP.
The amounts recoverable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $31 million and $88 million, respectively. Premiums earned under the NFIP include $258 million, $263 million and $274 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Qualifying losses incurred include $118 million, $1.12 billion and $537 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Catastrophe reinsurance
The Company’s reinsurance program is designed to provide reinsurance protection for catastrophes resulting from multiple perils including hurricanes, windstorms, hail, tornadoes, fires following earthquakes, earthquakes and wildfires.
The majority of our program comprises multi-year contracts, primarily placed in the traditional reinsurance market, such that generally one third of the program is renewed every year.
Coverage is generally purchased on a broad geographic, product line and multiple peril loss basis.
The Company purchases reinsurance from traditional reinsurance companies as well as the insurance linked securities market (e.g. “Property Claims Services Agreements” or “PCS Agreements”).
Florida property and New Jersey property and auto are each covered by separate agreements, as the risk of loss is different and our subsidiaries operating in these states are separately capitalized.
The Company has not experienced credit losses on its catastrophe reinsurance programs. The Company ceded premiums earned of $343 million, $344 million and $381 million under catastrophe reinsurance agreements in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The
Company has the following catastrophe reinsurance agreements in effect as of December 31, 2018:
The Nationwide Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Program (the “Nationwide Program”) provides $4.5 billion of reinsurance coverage subject to a $500 million retention and is subject to the amount of reinsurance placed in each of its nine layers. The Nationwide Program comprises four agreements: the Per Occurrence Excess Agreement, the 2014-1 PCS Agreement, the 2017-1 Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract and the 2018-1 Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract.
Per Occurrence Excess Agreement, which is placed in the traditional reinsurance market, reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by multiple perils in every state except New Jersey and only includes personal lines automobile excess catastrophe losses in Florida. The agreement comprises layers one through six and portions of layer eight. Coverage for each of the first through fifth layers comprises three contracts, with each contract providing one-third of 95% of the total layer limit and expiring May 31, 2019, May 31, 2020 and May 31, 2021. The contracts for each layers one through five include one mandatory reinstatement of limits per year, with premium required.
$517 million of reinsurance recoveries, including expenses, exhausted layers one through two and partially exhausted layer three due to the impact of the Camp Fire in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Company’s net loss also included $60 million of reinsurance premiums that were accelerated in conjunction with the reinstatement of these layers as of December 31, 2018, and $30 million of incremental reinstatement premiums to be recognized in 2019.
The sixth layer and eighth layer contracts placed in the traditional reinsurance market contain comparable contract terms and conditions as layers one through five. The sixth layer is 95% placed and comprises one contract expiring May 31, 2022. The contracts for layers one through six provide $3.07 billion in per occurrence reinsurance limits subject to a $500 million retention. Coverage for a portion of the eighth layer is provided by one contract expiring May 31, 2022. The contract provides a $446 million limit and is 29.37% placed. Unlike layer one through five contracts, the sixth and eighth layer contracts each contain an annual variable reset option which allows for the adjustment of each contract’s attachment and exhaustion levels within specified limits. The variable reset option requires a premium adjustment. The contracts for each of the first through fifth layers include one mandatory reinstatement of limits per year, with premium required. The sixth and eighth layer contracts each contain one mandatory reinstatement of limits over their seven year term with premium required. Reinsurance premiums for all contracts are subject to redetermination for exposure changes on an annual basis.
Another contract forming a portion of layer eight provides a $69 million limit in excess of a $2.75 billion retention, is 100% placed and expires May 31, 2019.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Reinsurance limits of 5% of $1.25 billion in excess of $2.75 billion are deemed in place. In addition, recoveries from contracts in layers six through and including layer eight inure to the benefit of this contract.
2014-1 PCS Excess Agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by hurricanes in 29 states and the District of Columbia, and earthquakes, including fires following earthquakes, in California, New York and Washington. The seventh layer contract is placed with a Bermuda insurance company, Sanders Re Ltd. (“Sanders Re”), which obtained funding from the insurance linked securities (“ILS”) market to collateralize the contract’s limit. The contract provides a $321 million limit in excess of a $3.07 billion retention and is 95% placed. The contract’s risk period ends May 21, 2019. Amounts payable under the contract are based on insured industry losses as reported by PCS and further adjusted to account for our exposures in reinsured areas. Reinsurance recoveries under the contract are limited to our ultimate net loss from a PCS-reported hurricane or earthquake. The contracts do not include a reinstatement of limits.
2017-1 Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess losses in 48 states and the District of Columbia, excluding Florida and initially New Jersey, caused by named storms, earthquakes and fires following earthquakes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, volcanic eruptions, and meteorite impacts. This contract is included in the eighth layer and reinsures actual losses to personal lines property business located in the covered territory and arising out of a covered event. Amounts payable for automobile losses are based on insured industry losses as reported by PCS and further adjusted to account for the Company’s auto exposures in reinsured areas. Reinsurance recoveries under the contract are limited to our ultimate net loss from a covered event subject to the contract’s limit. The contract’s risk period began March 31, 2017 and terminates on November 30, 2021. The contract provides a $571 million limit and is 65.63% placed between a $3.40 billion to $3.97 billion layer. The contract contains a variable reset option, which the ceding entities may invoke for risk periods subsequent to the first risk period and which allows for the annual adjustment of the contract’s attachment and exhaustion levels within specified limits. The variable reset option requires a premium adjustment. The contract does not include a restatement of limits.
2018-1 Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses in 48 states and the District of Columbia, excluding Florida and initially New Jersey, caused by named storms, earthquakes and fires following earthquakes, severe weather, wildfires, and other naturally occurring or man-made events determined to be a catastrophe by the Company. The ninth layer contract reinsures business located in the covered territory and arising out of a covered event. The contract’s risk period began April 1, 2018 and terminates on March 31, 2022. The contract provides
one limit of $500 million during its four-year term, which can be used on a per occurrence or aggregate basis. For each qualifying loss occurrence, the contract provides 100% of $500 million in reinsurance limits between a $4.00 billion to $4.50 billion layer for the April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 period. The contract also provides an aggregate limit of 100% of $500 million in reinsurance limits between a $3.75 billion to $4.25 billion layer subject to an annual retention of $3.75 billion. For each annual period beginning April 1, Company declared catastrophes occurring during such annual period involving two or more exposures and resulting in more than $1 million in losses to personal lines property and automobile business can be aggregated to erode the aggregate retention and qualify for coverage under the aggregate limit. Reinsurance recoveries from and including layers one through eight of the Nationwide Program inure to the benefit of the aggregate. Reinsurance recoveries collected under the per occurrence limit of this contract are not eligible for cession under the aggregate limit of this contract. Reinsurance recoveries for all loss occurrences and aggregate losses qualifying for coverage during the contract’s four-year risk period are limited to our ultimate net loss from a covered event and subject to the contract’s $500 million limit. The contract contains a variable reset option, which the ceding entities may invoke for risk periods subsequent to the first risk period which allows for the annual adjustment of the contract’s attachment and exhaustion levels within specified limits. The variable reset option requires a premium adjustment. The contract does not include a reinstatement of limits.
While the 2017-1 Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract and the 2018-1 Excess Catastrophe Contract do not provide reinsurance recoveries for New Jersey exposures for the risk period beginning March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2018, respectively, the contracts each allow for the inclusion of these exposures in the remaining risk periods if so elected and with premium due.
The following programs are designed apart from the Nationwide Program to address distinct exposures in certain states and markets. These programs are described below and are disregarded when determining coverage under the contracts included in the Nationwide Program.
The Company has a separate reinsurance program in Florida designed to cover personal lines property policies in Florida written through Castle Key, its separately capitalized wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement comprises five contracts, as described below, which reinsures Castle Key for personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in Florida. The agreement includes two contracts placed in the traditional market, CKIC’s and CKI’s reimbursement contracts with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“Mandatory FHCF contracts”), and the Sanders Re 2017-2 Contract (“Sanders Re 2017-2 contract”) placed in the ILS markets.

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Below FHCF Contract reinsures personal lines property excess catastrophe losses caused by multiple perils in Florida. The contract is 100% placed and provides three separate limits of $36 million in excess of a $20 million retention for each occurrence, of which two limits remain outstanding. One limit of $36 million was exhausted from the impact of Hurricane Michael in October 2018. The first reinstatement of limits is prepaid and the second or final reinstatement requires additional premium. Only the portion of the limit utilized to indemnify losses from an event mandatorily reinstates; the remaining reinstatement limit remains available and will be used as future events erode the per occurrence contract limit. Reinsurance premium is subject to redetermination for exposure changes.
Mandatory FHCF Contracts indemnify qualifying personal lines property losses caused by storms the National Hurricane Center declares to be hurricanes. The contracts provide 90% of $180 million of limits in excess of retention with no reinstatement of limits. The limits and retentions of the mandatory FHCF contracts are calculated independently for CKIC and CKI and are subject to re-measurement based on June 30, 2018 exposure data. For each of the two largest hurricanes, the retention is $56 million and retention equal to one third of that amount, or approximately $19 million, is applicable to all other hurricanes for the season beginning June 1, 2018. In addition, the FHCF’s retention is subject to adjustment upward or downward to an actual retention based on submitted exposures to the FHCF by all participants. $113 million of limit was exhausted from the impact of Hurricane Michael and $67 million of the limit remains outstanding.
Excess contract reinsures personal lines property excess catastrophe losses caused by multiple perils in Florida. The contract is a two-year term contract effective June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020 and provides $249 million of reinsurance limits each contract year. For the June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019 term, the contract provides one limit of $249 million in excess of a $20 million retention and is 100% placed. Recoveries from the Below FHCF contract and Mandatory FHCF contracts inure to the benefit of this contract. For the second contract year, the retention and inuring coverages can be adjusted, within a range and for a premium. The contract does not include a reinstatement of limits. $42 million of limit was exhausted for Hurricane Michael. Reinsurance premium is subject to redetermination for exposure changes.
Sanders Re 2017-2 is a three-year term contract with a risk period effective June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2020. It reinsures qualifying personal lines property losses caused by a named storm event, a severe thunderstorm event, an earthquake event, a wildfire event, a volcanic eruption event, or a meteorite impact event in Florida as events declared by various reporting agencies, including PCS and as defined in the contract. The contract provides limits of $200 million in excess of a $20 million retention and in excess of “stated reinsurance.” For the June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019 risk period, stated reinsurance is defined to
include the Below FHCF contract, the Mandatory FHCF contracts, which are deemed to exhaust due to loss occurrences subject to the non-FHCF contracts, and the Excess contract. Stated reinsurance is deemed to be provided on a multiple peril basis under the terms of the non-FHCF contracts and includes an erosion feature, which provides that upon the exhaustion of a portion of the stated reinsurance, coverage under the Sanders Re contract shall be concurrently placed above and contiguous to the unexhausted portion of the stated reinsurance, if any. The Sanders Re 2017-2 contract contains a variable reset option, which Castle Key may invoke for risk periods subsequent to the first risk period and which allows for the annual adjustment of the contract’s attachment and exhaustion levels. The variable reset option requires a premium adjustment. The contract does not contain a restatement of limits.
The Company’s New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Florida and Southeast States and California reinsurance agreements are described below.
New Jersey Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement comprises two existing contracts and a newly placed contract that reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses in New Jersey caused by multiple perils. The newly placed contract effective June 1, 2018, also includes coverage for commercial lines property and automobile (physical damage only) catastrophe losses.
The contracts expire May 31, 2019, May 31, 2020 and May 31, 2021, and provide 31.67%, 31.67% and 31.66%, respectively, of $400 million of limits excess of a provisional $139 million retention, a $142 million retention, and a $150 million retention, respectively. Each contract includes one mandatory reinstatement of limits per contract year with premium due. The reinsurance premium and retention are subject to redetermination for exposure changes on an annual basis.
Kentucky Earthquake Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance Contract is a three-year contract that reinsures personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in Kentucky caused by earthquakes and fires following earthquakes. The contract expires May 31, 2020 and provides three limits of $28 million in excess of a $2 million retention with two limits being available in any one contract year and is 95% placed. The reinsurance premium and retention are not subject to redetermination for exposure changes.
Aggregate Excess Catastrophe Florida and Southeast States Reinsurance Contract provides $250 million of reinsurance limits for losses to personal lines and commercial lines automobile business (physical damage only) arising out of multiple perils and provided such losses arise out of a company declared catastrophe and result in qualifying losses in the State of Florida. Once qualifying losses are incurred in the State of Florida, coverage is also provided for losses to personal lines and commercial lines automobile business (physical damage only) arising out of the same catastrophe and occurring in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Carolina. The $250 million of reinsurance limits is subject to a $250 million aggregate retention for losses arising out of one or all qualifying catastrophes commencing during the contract’s one-year term. The contract does not include a restatement of limits.
California E&S Earthquake Contract comprises one contract which reinsures personal lines property catastrophe losses in California caused by earthquake and insured by our excess and surplus lines insurer. The contract is a three-year contract that is effective June 30, 2018 and expires June 30, 2021. Unlike the contracts comprising the Nationwide Program, the E&S Earthquake agreement provides reinsurance on a 100% quota share basis with no retention. The agreement reinsures only shake damage resulting from the earthquake peril.
Other reinsurance programs
The Company’s other reinsurance programs relate to asbestos, environmental, and other liability exposures. These programs include reinsurance recoverables of $165 million and $167 million from Lloyd’s of London as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Excluding Lloyd’s of London, the largest reinsurance recoverable balance the Company had outstanding was $60 million and $61 million from Westport Insurance Corporation as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Developments in the insurance and reinsurance industries have fostered a movement to segregate asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines exposures into separate legal entities with dedicated capital. Regulatory bodies in certain cases have supported these actions. The Company is unable to determine the impact, if any, that these developments will have on the collectability of reinsurance recoverables in the future.
Property-Liability reinsurance recoverable
Total amounts recoverable from reinsurers as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $5.98 billion and $5.78 billion, respectively, including $86 million and $89 million, respectively, related to property-liability losses paid by the Company and billed to reinsurers, and $5.89 billion and $5.69 billion, respectively, estimated by the Company with respect to ceded unpaid losses (including IBNR), which are not billable until the losses are paid.
With the exception of the recoverable balances from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (“MCCA”), Lloyd’s of London, New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association (“PLIGA”) and other industry pools and facilities, the largest reinsurance recoverable balance the Company had outstanding was $62 million and $65 million from Westport Insurance Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. No other amount due or estimated to be due from any single property-liability reinsurer was in excess of $32 million and $34 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance was $80 million and $95 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is primarily related to the Company’s Discontinued Lines and Coverages segment.
Industry pools and facilities
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid claims including IBNR as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 includes $4.66 billion and $4.42 billion, respectively, from the MCCA. The MCCA is a mandatory insurance coverage and reinsurance indemnification mechanism for personal injury protection losses that provides indemnification for losses over a retention level that increases every other MCCA fiscal year. The retention level is $545 thousand per claim for the fiscal two-years ending June 30, 2017 compared to $530 thousand per claim for the fiscal two-years ending June 30, 2015. The MCCA is obligated to fund the ultimate liability for participating member companies qualifying claims and claims expenses. The MCCA operates similar to a reinsurance program and is funded by participating member companies through a per vehicle annual assessment. The MCCA has been legally authorized to assess participating member companies pursuant to enabling legislation that provides for annual determination and assessment. This assessment is included in the premiums charged to the Company’s customers and when collected, the Company remits the assessment to the MCCA. These assessments provide funds for the indemnification for losses described above. The MCCA is required to assess an amount each year sufficient to cover lifetime claims of all persons catastrophically injured in that year, its operating expenses, and adjustments for the amount of excesses or deficiencies in prior assessments. The MCCA prepares statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (“MI DOI”). The MI DOI has granted the MCCA a statutory permitted practice that expires in June of 2016 to discount its liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expense. As of June 30, 2015, the date of its most recent annual financial report, the permitted practice reduced the MCCA’s accumulated deficit by $50.64 billion to $691 million.
Allstate sells and administers policies as a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). The amounts recoverable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $27 million and $7 million, respectively. Ceded premiums earned include $293 million, $312 million and $316 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Ceded losses incurred include $120 million, $38 million and $289 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Under the arrangement, the Federal Government pays all covered claims and certain qualifying claim expenses.
The PLIGA, as the statutory administrator of the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund (“UCJF”), provides compensation to qualified claimants for personal injury protection, bodily injury, or death caused by private passenger automobiles operated by uninsured or “hit and run” drivers. The UCJF also provides private passenger stranger pedestrian personal injury protection benefits when no other coverage is available. The fund provides reimbursement to insurers for the medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage paid in excess of $75,000 with no limits for policies issued or renewed prior to January 1, 1991 and in excess of $75,000 and capped at $250,000 for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2004. The amounts recoverable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $500 million and $508 million, respectively.
Ceded premiums earned under the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”) agreement were $13 million, $11 million and $16 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There were no ceded losses incurred in 2015, 2014 or 2013. The Company has access to reimbursement provided by the FHCF for 90% of qualifying personal property losses that exceed its current retention of $63 million for the 2 largest hurricanes and $21 million for other hurricanes, up to a maximum total of $199 million effective from June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016. There were no amounts recoverable from the FHCF as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.


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Catastrophe reinsurance
The Company has the following catastrophe reinsurance agreements in effect as of December 31, 2015:
The Nationwide Per Occurrence Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance program (the “Nationwide program”) provides $4.42 billion of reinsurance coverage subject to a $500 million retention and subject to the amount of reinsurance placed in each of its ten layers. The Nationwide program comprises four agreements: The Per Occurrence Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement, the 2013-1 Property Claim Services (“PCS”) Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement, the 2014-1 PCS Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement, and the Buffer Layer Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement.
The Per Occurrence Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by multiple perils in all states except Florida and New Jersey and comprises layers one through six and a portion of layer nine of the program. Coverage for each of the first through fifth layers comprises three contracts, with each contract providing one-third of 95% of the total layer limit and expiring May 31, 2016, May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2018. The sixth layer is 95% placed and comprises one contract expiring May 31, 2022. The contracts for layers one through six cover $3.07 billion in per occurrence losses subject to a $500 million retention. Coverage for a portion of layer nine is through one contract expiring May 31, 2022 that provides 29% of $446 million or $131 million in limits excess of a $3.62 billion attachment level. All contracts include one reinstatement of limits with premium required.
The 2013-1 PCS Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by hurricanes in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and earthquakes, including fires following earthquakes, in California, New York and Washington and comprises portions of layers seven and nine of the program. The agreement comprises two contracts that expire May 3, 2017: a Class B Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 34% of $440 million or $150 million in limits excess of a $3.07 billion attachment level of the seventh layer, and a Class A Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 45% of $446 million or $200 million in limits excess of a $3.62 billion attachment level of the ninth layer. The contracts do not include a reinstatement of limits.
The 2014-1 PCS Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by hurricanes in 29 states and the District of Columbia, and earthquakes, including fires following earthquakes, in California, New York and Washington and comprises portions of layers seven and nine and layer ten of the program. The agreement comprises three contracts: a Class D Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 61% of $500 million or $305 million in limits excess of a $3.07 billion attachment level of the seventh layer, a Class C Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 26% of $446 million or $115 million in limits excess of a $3.62 billion attachment level of the ninth layer, and a Class B Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance contract provides 95% of $347 million or $330 million in limits excess of a $4.07 billion attachment level of the tenth layer. The Class D contract expires May 22, 2019 and the Class C and Class B contracts expire May 22, 2018. The contracts do not include a reinstatement of limits.
The Buffer Layer Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement reinsures personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses caused by multiple perils in all states except Florida and New Jersey and comprises a portion of layer seven and layer eight of the program. The agreement comprises two contracts that expire May 31, 2017: one contract provides 34% of $60 million or $20 million in limits excess of a $3.51 billion retention and one contract provides 95% of $50 million excess of a $3.57 billion retention. The contracts do not include a restatement of limits.
Losses recoverable under the Company’s New Jersey, Kentucky, California and Pennsylvania reinsurance agreements, described below, are disregarded when determining coverage under the contracts included in the Nationwide program.
The New Jersey Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement comprises three contracts. The contracts expire May 31, 2016, May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2018, and provide 32%, 32% and 32%, respectively, of $400 million of limits excess of a provisional $165 million retention, a $157 million retention, and a $150 million retention, respectively. The contracts reinsure personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses in New Jersey. All contracts contain one reinstatement of limits each year. The reinsurance premium and retention applicable to the agreement are subject to redetermination for exposure changes annually.
The Kentucky Earthquake Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in the state for earthquakes and fires following earthquakes effective June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2017. The agreement provides three limits of $25 million excess of a $5 million retention subject to two limits being available in any one contract year and is 95% placed.
The E&S Earthquake agreement comprises one three year term contract which reinsures personal lines property catastrophe losses in California caused by the peril of earthquake and insured by our excess and surplus lines insurer. The contract expires June 30, 2018. Unlike the contracts comprising the Nationwide Program, the E&S Earthquake agreement provides reinsurance on a 100% quota share basis with no retention. The contract allows for cession of policies providing earthquake coverage so long as the total amount of in-force building limits provided by those policies does not exceed $400 million. This cap

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limits the policies that are covered by the reinsurance and not the amount of loss eligible for cession which includes losses to dwellings, other structures, personal property, and additional living expenses on policies covered by this program. The agreement reinsures only shake damage resulting from earthquake peril.
The Pennsylvania Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement comprises a three-year term contract that provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in the state for multi-perils effective June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2018. The agreement provides three limits of $100 million excess of a $100 million retention subject to two limits being available in any one contract year and is 95% placed. The reinsurance premium and retention are not subject to redetermination for exposure changes.
The Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement comprises six contracts and includes our subsidiaries Castle Key Insurance Company (“CKIC”) and Castle Key Indemnity Company’s (“CKI”, and together with CKIC, “Castle Key”) participation in the mandatory Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (“FHCF”). The agreement reinsures Castle Key for personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in Florida. All contracts constituting the agreement, except one, the Sanders Re 2014-2 Class A contract, provide a one year term effective June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016 with reinsurance premium subject to redetermination for exposure changes. The Sanders Re 2014-2 contract is a three-year term contract with a risk period effective June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2017. With the exception of the mandatory FHCF contracts and the Sanders Re 2014-2 contract, all contracts provide reinsurance for qualifying losses to personal lines property arising out of multiple perils in addition to hurricanes. The mandatory FHCF contracts reinsure qualifying personal lines property losses caused by storms the National Hurricane Center declares to be hurricanes, and the Sanders Re 2014-2 contract reinsures qualifying losses to personal lines property caused by a named storm event, a severe thunderstorm event, or an earthquake event. These events are defined in the Sanders Re 2014-2 contract as events declared by various reporting agencies, including PCS, and in the case of a severe thunderstorm event, should PCS cease to report on severe thunderstorms, then such event will be deemed a severe thunderstorm if Castle Key has assigned a catastrophe code to such severe thunderstorm. The mandatory FHCF contracts include an estimated maximum provisional limit of 90% of $181 million or $163 million, in excess of a provisional retention of $66 million, and also include reimbursement of up to 5% eligible loss adjustment expenses. The limit and retention of the mandatory FHCF contracts were subject to re-measurement based on June 30, 2015 exposure data. In addition, the FHCF’s retention is subject to adjustment upward or downward to an actual retention based on submitted exposures to the FHCF by all participants. For each of the two largest hurricanes, the provisional retention is $66 million and a retention equal to one-third of that amount, or approximately $22 million, is applicable to all other hurricanes for the season beginning June 1, 2015. All contracts comprising the Florida Excess Catastrophe Reinsurance agreement, including the mandatory FHCF contracts, provide an estimated provisional limit of $707 million excess of a provisional $15 million retention.
The Company ceded premiums earned of $414 million, $437 million and $471 million under catastrophe reinsurance agreements in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Asbestos, environmental and other
Reinsurance recoverables include $183 million and $202 million from Lloyd’s of London as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Lloyd’s of London, through the creation of Equitas Limited (“Equitas”), implemented a restructuring to solidify its capital base and to segregate claims for years prior to 1993. In 2007, Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company, assumed responsibility for the EquitasEquitas’ claim liabilities through a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement and continues to runoff the EquitasEquitas’ claims.












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Allstate FinancialLife and annuity reinsurance recoverables
The Company’s Allstate Financial segmentCompany reinsures certain of itslife insurance and annuity risks to other insurers primarily under yearly renewable term, coinsurance, modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld agreements. These agreements result in a passing of the agreed-upon percentage of risk to the reinsurer in exchange for negotiated reinsurance premium payments. Modified coinsurance and coinsurance with funds withheld are similar to coinsurance, except that the cash and investments that support the liability for contract benefits are not transferred to the assuming company and settlements are made on a net basis between the companies.
For certain term life insurance policies issued prior to October 2009, Allstate Financialthe Company ceded up to 90% of the mortality risk depending on the year of policy issuance under coinsurance agreements to a pool of fourteen unaffiliated reinsurers. Effective October 2009, mortality risk on term business is ceded under yearly renewable term agreements under which Allstate Financialthe Company cedes mortality in excess of its retention, which is consistent with how Allstate Financialthe Company generally reinsures its permanent life insurance business. The following table summarizes those retention limits by period of policy issuance.
Retention limits by period of policy issuance
Period Retention limits
April 2015 through current 
Single life: $2 million per life
Joint life: no longer offered
April 2011 through March 2015 
Single life: $5 million per life, $3 million age 70 and over, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria
Joint life: $8 million per life, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria
July 2007 through March 2011 $5 million per life, $3 million age 70 and over, and $10 million for contracts that meet specific criteria
September 1998 through June 2007 $2 million per life, in 2006 the limit was increased to $5 million for instances when specific criteria were met
August 1998 and prior Up to $1 million per life
In addition, Allstate Financialthe Company has used reinsurance to effect the disposition of certain blocks of business. Allstate FinancialThe Company had reinsurance recoverables of $1.44$1.36 billion and $1.46$1.35 billionas of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively, due from Prudential related to the disposal of substantially all of its variable annuity business that was effected through reinsurance agreements. In 2015, life and annuity2018, premiums and contract charges of $94$72 million, contract benefits of $40$87 million, interest credited to contractholder funds of $21$20 million, and operating costs and expenses of $18$14 million were
ceded to Prudential. In 2014, life and annuity2017, premiums and contract charges of $109$76 million, contract benefits of $36$7 million, interest credited to contractholder funds of $21$20 million, and operating costs and expenses of $20$15 million were ceded to Prudential. In 2013, life and annuity2016, premiums and contract charges of $120$78 million, contract benefits of $139$21 million, interest credited to contractholder funds of $22$20 million, and operating costs and expenses of $23$15 million were ceded to Prudential. In addition, as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014, Allstate Financial2017, the Company had reinsurance recoverables of $148$118 million and $118$139 million,

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

respectively, due from subsidiaries of Citigroup (Triton Insurance and American Health and Life Insurance) and Scottish Re (U.S.) Inc. in connection with the disposition of substantially all of the direct response distribution business in 2003.
Allstate FinancialThe Company is the assuming reinsurer for LBL’sLincoln Benefit Life Company’s (“LBL’s”) life insurance business sold through the Allstate agency channel and LBL’s payout annuity business in force prior to the sale of LBL on April 1, 2014. Under the terms of the reinsurance agreement, the Company is required to
have a trust with assets greater than or equal to the statutory reserves ceded by LBL to the Company, measured on a monthly basis. As of December 31, 2015,2018, the trust held $5.32$5.94 billion of investments, which are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the gross life insurance in force was $437.13$450.60 billion of which $93.33$81.19 billion was ceded to the unaffiliated reinsurers.
Allstate Financial’s reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid benefits as of December 31 are summarized in the following table.
Reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid benefitsReinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid benefits
  As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
Annuities$1,457
 $1,594
 $1,381
 $1,370
Life insurance897
 916
 776
 817
Other185
 197
 142
 167
Total Allstate Financial$2,539
 $2,707
Total $2,299
 $2,354
As of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, approximately 92%93% and 94%92%, respectively, of Allstate Financial’sthe reinsurance recoverables are due from companies rated A- or better by S&P.
11.   Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
Deferred policy acquisition costs for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ in millions)2015
 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total
Balance, beginning of year$1,705
 $1,820
 $3,525
Acquisition costs deferred285
 4,311
 4,596
Amortization charged to income(262) (4,102) (4,364)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses104
 
 104
Balance, end of year$1,832

$2,029

$3,861
      
 2014
 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total
Balance, beginning of year$1,747
 $1,625
 $3,372
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance743
 
 743
Total, including those classified as held for sale2,490
 1,625
 4,115
Acquisition costs deferred280
 4,070
 4,350
Amortization charged to income(260) (3,875) (4,135)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses(98)


(98)
Sold in LBL disposition(707) 
 (707)
Balance, end of year$1,705
 $1,820
 $3,525
      
 2013
 Allstate Financial Property-Liability Total
Balance, beginning of year$2,225
 $1,396
 $3,621
Acquisition costs deferred364
 3,903
 4,267
Amortization charged to income(328) (3,674) (4,002)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses229
 
 229
Classified as held for sale(743) 
 (743)
Balance, end of year$1,747

$1,625

$3,372
DSI activity for Allstate Financial, which primarily relates to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts, for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
Note 11Deferred Policy Acquisition and Sales Inducement Costs
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Balance, beginning of year$44
 $42
 $41
Classified as held for sale, beginning balance
 28
 
Total, including those classified as held for sale44
 70
 41
Sales inducements deferred3
 4
 24
Amortization charged to income(4) (4) (7)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses2
 (3) 12
Sold in LBL disposition
 (23) 
Classified as held for sale, ending balance
 
 (28)
Balance, end of year$45

$44

$42
12.  Capital Structure
Debt
Total debt outstanding as of December 31 consisted of the following:
Deferred policy acquisition costs activity
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Balance, beginning of year $4,191
 $3,954
 $3,861
SquareTrade acquisition 
 66
 
Acquisition costs deferred (1)
 5,663
 5,001
 4,717
Amortization charged to income (1)
 (5,222) (4,784) (4,550)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses 152
 (46) (74)
Balance, end of year $4,784

$4,191

$3,954
($ in millions)2015 2014
6.75% Senior Debentures, due 2018$176
 $176
7.45% Senior Notes, due 2019 (1)
317
 317
3.15% Senior Notes, due 2023 (1)
500
 500
6.125% Senior Notes, due 2032 (1)
159
 159
5.35% Senior Notes due 2033 (1)
323
 323
5.55% Senior Notes due 2035 (1)
546
 546
5.95% Senior Notes, due 2036 (1)
386
 386
6.90% Senior Debentures, due 2038165
 165
5.20% Senior Notes, due 2042 (1)
62
 62
4.50% Senior Notes, due 2043 (1)
500
 500
5.10% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053500
 500
5.75% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053800
 800
6.125% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067241
 252
6.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067500
 500
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, due 2018
 8
Long-term debt total principal5,175
 5,194
Debt issuance costs(51) (54)
Total long-term debt5,124
 5,140
Short-term debt (2)

 
Total debt$5,124
 $5,140
Deferred sales inducement costs activity (2)
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Balance, beginning of year $36
 $40
 $45
Sales inducements deferred 
 
 1
Amortization charged to income (4) (4) (5)
Effect of unrealized gains and losses 2
 
 (1)
Balance, end of year $34

$36

$40

(1) 
Includes $152 million of acquisition costs deferred and $101 million of amortization charged to income related to the revenue from contracts with customers accounting standard adopted in 2018.
(2)
Deferred sales inducement costs primarily relate to fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts and are recorded as part of other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Note 12Capital Structure
Total debt outstanding
   As of December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017
6.75% Senior Debentures, due 2018 $
 $176
7.45% Senior Notes, due 2019 (1)
 317
 317
Floating Rate Senior Notes, due 2021(1)
 250
 
Floating Rate Senior Notes, due 2023 (1)
 250
 
3.15% Senior Notes, due 2023 (1)
 500
 500
Due after one year through five years 1,317
 993
3.28% Senior Notes, due 2026 (1)
 550
 550
Due after five years through ten years 550
 550
6.125% Senior Notes, due 2032 (1)
 159
 159
5.35% Senior Notes due 2033 (1)
 323
 323
5.55% Senior Notes due 2035 (1)
 546
 546
5.95% Senior Notes, due 2036 (1)
 386
 386
6.90% Senior Debentures, due 2038 165
 165
5.20% Senior Notes, due 2042 (1)
 62
 62
4.50% Senior Notes, due 2043 (1)
 500
 500
4.20% Senior Notes, due 2046 (1)
 700
 700
5.10% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053 500
 500
5.75% Subordinated Debentures, due 2053 800
 800
6.125% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067 
 224
6.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2067 500
 500
Due after ten years 4,641
 4,865
     
Long-term debt total principal 6,508
 6,408
Debt issuance costs (57) (58)
Total long-term debt 6,451
 6,350
Short-term debt (2)
 
 
Total debt $6,451
 $6,350
(1)
Senior Notes, with the exception of Senior Floating Notes (as defined below), are subject to redemption at the Company’s option in whole or in part at any time at the greater of either 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date or the discounted sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(2) 
The Company classifies any borrowings which have a maturity of twelve months or less at inception as short-term debt.
Debt maturities
Debt maturities for each of the next five years
and thereafter
($ in millions)  
2019 $317
2020 
2021 250
2022 
2023 750
Thereafter 5,191
Total long-term debt principal $6,508
On March 29, 2018, the Company issued $250 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2021 (“2021 Senior Floating Notes”) and $250 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2023 (“2023 Senior Floating Notes” and, together with the 2021 Senior Floating Notes, the “Senior Floating Notes”). The 2021 Senior Floating Notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three month LIBOR, reset quarterly on each interest
reset date, plus 0.43% per year and the 2023 Senior Floating Notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to three month LIBOR, reset quarterly on each interest reset date, plus 0.63% per year.  Interest on the Senior Floating Notes is payable quarterly in arrears on March 29, June 29, September 29 and December 29 of each year, which began on June 29, 2018.  The 2021 Senior Floating Notes will mature on March 29, 2021, and the 2023 Senior Floating Notes will mature on March 29, 2023. The Senior Floating Notes will not be redeemable prior to the applicable maturity dates. The proceeds of these issuances were used for eachgeneral corporate purposes, including the redemption of the next five yearsSeries B 6.125% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures (the “Series B Debentures”) on May 13, 2018 and thereafter asthe repayment at maturity of December 31, 2015 are as follows:the Company’s 6.75% Senior Debentures due May 15, 2018.
($ in millions) 
2016$
2017
2018176
2019317
2020
Thereafter4,682
Total long-term debt principal$5,175
During 2015 and 2014,On May 13, 2018, the Company repurchased principal debt amounts of $11redeemed its $224 million and $10 million, respectively. The Company recognizedSeries B Debentures at a loss on extinguishment of $1 million, pre-tax, in 2014, representing the excessredemption price equal to 100% of the repurchase price overoutstanding principal.

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

On May 15, 2018, the principalCompany repaid the write-off$176 million of 6.75% Senior Debentures at maturity. The repayment was equal to 100% of the unamortized debt issuance costs and other costs related to the repurchase transactions.outstanding principal.
The Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed (i) in whole at any time or in part from time to time on or after January 15, 2023 for the 5.10% Subordinated Debentures and August 15, 2023 for the 5.75% Subordinated Debentures at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption; provided that if the Subordinated Debentures are not redeemed in whole, at least $25 million aggregate principal amount must remain outstanding, or (ii) in whole, but not in part, prior to January 15, 2023 for the 5.10% Subordinated Debentures and August 15, 2023 for the 5.75% Subordinated Debentures, within 90 days after the occurrence of certain tax and rating agency events, at their principal amount or, if greater, a make-whole redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. The 5.75% Subordinated Debentures have this make-whole redemption price provision only when a reduction of equity credit assigned by a rating agency has occurred.
Interest on the 5.10% Subordinated Debentures is payable quarterly at the stated fixed annual rate to January 14, 2023, or any earlier redemption date, and then at an annual rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 3.165%. Interest on the 5.75% Subordinated Debentures is payable semi-annually at the stated fixed annual rate to August 14, 2023, or any earlier redemption date, and then quarterly at an annual rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 2.938%. The Company may elect to defer payment of interest on

159


the Subordinated Debentures for one or more consecutive interest periods that do not exceed five years. During a deferral period, interest will continue to accrue on the Subordinated Debentures at the then-applicable rate and deferred interest will compound on each interest payment date. If all deferred interest on the Subordinated Debentures is paid, the Company can again defer interest payments.
TheAs of December 31, 2018, the Company hashad outstanding $500 million of Series A 6.50% and $241 million of Series B 6.125% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures (together the “Debentures”(“Debentures”). The scheduled maturity datesdate for the Debentures areis May 15, 2057 and May 15, 2037 for Series A and Series B, respectively, with a final maturity date of May 15, 2067. The Debentures may be redeemed (i) in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2037 or May 15, 2017 for Series A and Series B, respectively, at theirthe principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, or (ii) in certain circumstances, in whole or in part, prior to May 15, 2037 and May 15, 2017 for Series A and Series B, respectively, at theirthe principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption or, if greater, a make-whole price.
Interest on the Debentures is payable semi-annually at the stated fixed annual rate to May 15, 2037, and May 15, 2017 for Series A and Series B, respectively, and then payable quarterly at an annual rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 2.12% and 1.935% for Series A and Series B, respectively.. The Company may elect at one or more times to defer payment of interest on the Debentures for one or more consecutive interest periods that do not exceed 10 years. Interest compounds during such deferral
periods at the rate in effect for each period. The interest deferral feature obligates the Company in certain circumstances to issue common stock or certain other types of securities if it cannot otherwise raise sufficient funds to make the required interest payments. The Company has reserved 75 million shares of its authorized and unissued common stock to satisfy this obligation.
The terms of the Company’s outstanding subordinated debentures prohibit the Company from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on common or preferred stock or redeeming, purchasing, acquiring, or making liquidation payments on common stock or preferred stock if the Company has elected to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures, subject to certain limited exceptions.
In connection with the issuance of the Debentures, the Company entered into a replacement capital covenantscovenant (“RCCs”RCC”). These covenants wereThis covenant was not intended for the benefit of the holders of the Debentures and could not be enforced by them. Rather, they wereit was for the benefit of holders of one or more other designated series of the Company’s indebtedness (“covered debt”), currently the 6.75% Senior5.75% Subordinated Debentures due 2018.2053. Pursuant to the RCCs,RCC, the Company has agreed that it will not repay, redeem, or purchase the Debentures on or before May 15, 2067 and May 15, 2047 for Series A and Series B, respectively, (or such earlier date on which the RCCs terminateRCC terminates by theirits terms) unless, subject to certain limitations, the Company has received net cash proceeds in specified amounts from the sale of common stock or certain other qualifying securities. The promises and covenants contained in the RCC will not apply if (i) S&P upgrades the Company’s issuer credit rating to A or above, (ii) the Company redeems the Debentures due to a tax event, (iii) after notice of redemption has been given by the Company and a market disruption event occurs preventing the Company from raising proceeds in accordance with the RCCs,RCC, or (iv) if the Company repurchases or redeems up to 10% of the outstanding principal of the Debentures in any one-year period, provided that no more than 25% will be so repurchased, redeemed or purchased in any ten-year period.
The RCCs terminateRCC terminates in 2067 and 2047 for Series A and Series B, respectively.2067. The RCCsRCC will terminate prior to theirits scheduled termination date if (i) the applicable series of Debentures isare no longer outstanding and the Company has fulfilled its obligations under the RCCsRCC or they areit is no longer applicable, (ii) the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding principal amount of the then-effective series of covered debt consent to agree to the termination of the RCCs,RCC, (iii) the Company does not have any series of outstanding debt that is eligible to be treated as covered debt under the RCCs,RCC, (iv) the applicable series of Debentures isare accelerated as a result of an event of default, (v) certain rating agency or change in control events occur, (vi) S&P, or any successor thereto, no longer assigns a solicited rating on senior debt issued or guaranteed by the Company, or (vii) the termination of the RCCsRCC would have no effect on the equity credit provided by S&P with respect to the Debentures. An event of default, as defined by the supplemental

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


indenture, includes default in the payment of interest or principal and bankruptcy proceedings.
To manage short-term liquidity, the Company maintains a commercial paper program and a credit facility as a potential source of funds. These include a $1.00 billion unsecured revolving credit facility and a commercial paper program with a borrowing limit of $1.00 billion. In April 2014,2016, the Company amendedextended the maturity date of the facility to April 2019 and also amended the option to extend the expiration by one year at the first and second anniversary of the amendment, upon approval of existing or replacement lenders.2021. This facility contains an increase provision that would allow up to an additional $500 million of borrowing. This facility has a financial covenant requiring the Company not to exceed a 37.5% debt to capitalization ratio as defined in the agreement. Although the right to borrow under the facility is not subject to a minimum rating requirement, the costs of maintaining the facility and borrowing under it are based on the ratings of the Company’s senior unsecured, unguaranteed long-term debt. The total amount outstanding at any point in time under the combination of the commercial paper program and the credit facility cannot exceed the amount that can be borrowed under the credit facility. No amounts were outstanding under the credit facility as of December 31, 20152018 or 2014.2017. The Company had no commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 20152018 or 2014.2017.
The Company paid $289$330 million, $332 million and $361$287 million of interest on debt in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

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The Company has $107had $260 million and $169 million of investment-related debt that is reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses as of December 31, 2015, including a commitment to fund a limited partnership of $89 million2018 and $18 million of debt related to other investments. The Company has an outstanding line of credit to fund the limited partnership.2017, respectively.
During 2015,2018, the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that expires in 2018.2021. The registration statement covers an unspecified amount of securities and can be used to issue debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and securities of trust subsidiaries.
Common stock
The Company had 900 million shares of issued common stock of which 381332 million shares were outstanding and 519568 million shares were held in treasury as of December 31, 2015.2018. In 2015,2018, the Company reacquired 43acquired 25 million shares at an average cost of $65.55$88.07 and reissued 62 million net shares under equity incentive plans.
Preferred stock
The following table summarizes the Company’s All outstanding preferred stock as of December 31, 2015. All representrepresents noncumulative perpetual preferred stock with a $1.00 par value per share and a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share.
($ in millions, except per share data)   Aggregate liquidation preference   Dividend Per Share Aggregate Dividend Payment
Total preferred stock outstandingTotal preferred stock outstanding
 As of December 31, 
Aggregate liquidation preference
($ in millions)
   
Dividend per depository share (1)
 Aggregate dividend payment ($ in millions)
 Shares Aggregate liquidation preference Dividend rate 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2018 2017 Dividend rate 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Series A 11,500
 5.625% $1.41
 $1.41
 $0.83
 $16
 $16
 $9
 11,500
 11,500
 $287.5
 $287.5
 5.625% $1.41
 $1.41
 $1.41
 $16
 $16
 $16
Series C 15,400
 385.0
 6.750% 1.69
 1.69
 0.49
 26
 26
 8
 
 15,400
 
 385.0
 6.750% 1.69
 1.69
 1.69
 26
(2) 
26
 26
Series D 5,400
 135.0
 6.625% 1.66
 1.79
 
 9
 10
 
 5,400
 5,400
 135.0
 135.0
 6.625% 1.66
 1.66
 1.66
 9
 9
 9
Series E 29,900
 747.5
 6.625% 1.66
 1.44
 
 49
 43
 
 29,900
 29,900
 747.5
 747.5
 6.625% 1.66
 1.66
 1.66
 49
 49
 49
Series F 10,000
 250.0
 6.250% 1.56
 0.92
 
 16
 9
 
 10,000
 10,000
 250.0
 250.0
 6.250% 1.56
 1.56
 1.56
 16
 16
 16
Series G 23,000
 
 575.0
 
 5.625% 1.41
 


 18
 
 
Total 72,200
 $1,805
   
 
 
 $116
 $104
 $17
 79,800
 72,200
 $1,995
 $1,805
   
 
 
 $134
(2) 
$116
 $116
(1)
Each depositary share represents a 1/1,000th interest in a share of preferred stock.
(2)
Excludes $13 million related to the excess of redemption price over carrying value recognized as part of preferred stock dividends on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity.
In March 2014,
On October 15, 2018, the Company issued 29,900redeemed all 15,400 shares of 6.625%its Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E,C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), par value $1.00 per share and liquidation preference $25,000 per share and the corresponding depositary shares for gross proceedsa total redemption payment of $747.5$385 million. In June 2014,The redemption price in excess of the carrying value for the preferred shares was recognized as part of preferred stock dividends on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity.
On March 29, 2018, the Company issued 10,00023,000 shares of 6.25%5.625% Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F,G, par value $1.00 per share
and liquidation preference $25,000 per share, for gross proceeds of $250$575 million. The proceeds of both issuancesthis issuance were used for general corporate purposes.purposes, including the redemption of the Series C Preferred Stock.
The preferred stock ranks senior to the Company’s common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and liquidation rights. The Company will pay dividends on the preferred stock on a noncumulative basis only when, as and if declared by the Company’s board of directors (or a duly authorized committee of the board) and to the extent that the Company has legally available funds to pay dividends. If dividends are declared on the preferred stock, they will be

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

payable quarterly in arrears at an annual fixed rate. Dividends on the preferred stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, in the event dividends are not declared on the preferred stock for payment on any dividend payment date, then those dividends will cease to be payable. If the Company has not declared a dividend before the dividend payment date for any dividend period, the Company has no obligation to pay dividends for that dividend period, whether or not dividends are declared for any future dividend period. No dividends may be paid or declared on the Company’s common stock and no shares of the Company’s common stock may be repurchased unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on the preferred stock have been declared and paid or provided for.
The Company is prohibited from declaring or paying dividends on preferred stock in excess of the amount of net proceeds from an issuance of common stock taking place within 90 days before a dividend declaration date if, on that dividend declaration date, either: (1) the risk-based capital ratios of the largest U.S. property-casualty insurance subsidiaries that collectively account for 80% or more of the net written premiums of U.S. property-casualty insurance business on a weighted average basis were less than 175% of their company action level risk-based capital as of the end of the most recent year; or (2) consolidated net income for the four-quarter period ending on the preliminary quarter end test date (the quarter that is two quarters prior to the most recently completed quarter) is zero or negative and consolidated shareholders’ equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income,AOCI, and subject to certain other adjustments relating to changes in U.S. GAAP) as of each of the preliminary quarter test date and the most recently completed quarter has declined by 20% or more from its level as measured at the end of the benchmark quarter (the date that is ten quarters prior to the most recently completed quarter). If the Company fails to satisfy either of these tests on any dividend declaration date, the restrictions on dividends will continue until the Company is able again to satisfy the test on a dividend declaration date. In
addition, in the case of a restriction arising under (2) above, the restrictions on dividends will continue until consolidated shareholders’ equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income,AOCI, and subject to certain other adjustments relating to changes in U.S. GAAP) has increased, or has declined by less than 20%, in either case as compared to its level at the end of the benchmark quarter for each dividend payment date as to which dividend restrictions were imposed.
The preferred stock does not have voting rights except with respect to certain changes in the terms of the preferred stock, in the case of certain dividend nonpayments, certain other fundamental corporate events, mergers or consolidations and as otherwise

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provided by law. If and when dividends have not been declared and paid in full for at least six quarterly dividend periods or their equivalent (whether or not consecutive), the authorized number of directors then constituting our board of directors will be increased by two. The holders of the preferred stock, together with the holders of all other affected classes and series of voting parity stock, voting as a single class, will be entitled to elect the two additional members of the board of directors of the Company, subject to certain conditions. The board of directors shall at no time have more than two preferred stock directors.
The preferred stock is perpetual and has no maturity date. The preferred stock is redeemable at the Company’s option in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2018 for Series A, October 15, 2018 for Series C, April 15, 2019 for Series D and E, and October 15, 2019 for Series F, and April 15, 2023 for Series G, at a redemption price of $25,000 per share of preferred stock, plus declared and unpaid dividends. Prior to June 15, 2018 for Series A, October 15, 2018 for Series C, April 15, 2019 for Series D and E, and October 15, 2019 for Series F, and April 15, 2023 for Series G, the preferred stock is redeemable at the Company’s option, in whole but not in part, within 90 days of the occurrence of certain rating agency events at a redemption price equal to $25,000 per share or, if greater, a make-whole redemption price, plus declared and unpaid dividends.
13.  Company Restructuring
Note 13Company Restructuring
The Company undertakes various programs to reduce expenses. These programs generally involve a reduction in staffing levels, and in certain cases, office closures. Restructuring and related charges primarily include employee terminationseverance and relocation benefits, and post-exit rent expenses in connection with these programs, and non-cash charges resulting from pension benefit payments made to agents and certain legal expenses and settlements incurred in connection with the 1999 reorganization of Allstate’s multiple
agency programs to a single exclusive agency program.program (“1999 reorganization”). The expenses related to these activities are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as restructuring and related charges, and totaled $39$83 million, $18$109 million and $70$30 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. Restructuring expenses in 20152018 primarily related to programsrealignment of certain employees to centralized talent centers as well as legal settlements and actions designedexpenses.

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Notes to transform business operations within the organization.Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K
The following table presents changes in the restructuring liability in 2015.

Restructuring activity during the periodRestructuring activity during the period
($ in millions)Employee costs Exit costs Total liability Employee costs Exit costs Total liability
Balance as of December 31, 2014$3
 $1
 $4
Restructuring liability as of December 31, 2017 $15
 $30
 $45
Expense incurred18
 10
 28
 50
 36
 86
Adjustments to liability(5) 
 (5) (1) (2) (3)
Payments applied against liability(15) (10) (25)
Balance as of December 31, 2015$1
 $1
 $2
Payments and non-cash pension settlements (35) (49) (84)
Restructuring liability as of December 31, 2018 $29
 $15
 $44
The payments applied against the liability for employee costs primarily reflect severance costs, and the payments for exit costs generally consist of post-exit rent expenses and contract termination penalties.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the cumulative amount incurred to date for active programs related to employee severance, relocation benefits and post-exit
rent expenses totaled $83$91 million for employee costs and $60$11 million for exit costs. The cumulative amounts exclude $59 million of employee costs and $115 million of exit costs related to the 1999 reorganization. In 2018, the Company settled the litigation related to the 1999 reorganization and therefore, this matter is no longer an active program.
14.  Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities
Leases
Note 14Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities
Leases
The Company leases certain office facilities, computer and computer equipment.office equipment, aircraft and automobiles. Total rent expense for all leases was $179$151 million, $187$149 million and $192$147 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable capital and operating leases with an initial or remaining term of more than one year as of December 31, 20152018 are as follows:in the following table:
($ in millions)Capital leases Operating leases  
2016$5
 $132
2017
 105
2018
 87
2019
 73
 $130
2020
 58
 121
2021 96
2022 80
2023 65
Thereafter
 175
 151
Total$5
 $630
 $643
Present value of minimum capital lease payments$5
  
Shared markets and state facility assessments
The Company is required to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities and joint underwriting associations in various states that provide insurance coverage to individuals or entities that otherwise are unable to purchase such coverage from

162


private insurers.
The Company routinely reviews its exposure to assessments from these plans, facilities and government programs. Underwriting results related to these arrangements, which tend to be adverse, have been immaterial to the Company’s results of operations. Because of the Company’s participation, it may be exposed to losses that surpass the capitalization of these facilities and/or assessments from these facilities.
Florida Citizens
Castle Key is subject to assessments from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in the state of Florida (“FL Citizens”), which was initially created by the state of Florida to provide
insurance to property owners unable to obtain coverage in the private insurance market. FL Citizens, at the discretion and direction of its Board of Governors (“FL Citizens Board”), can levy a regular assessment on assessable insurers and assessable insureds for a deficit in any calendar year up to a maximum of the greater of: 2% of the projected deficit or 2% of the aggregate statewide direct written premium for the prior calendar year. The base of assessable insurers includes all property and casualty premiums in the state, except workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, accident and health insurance and policies written under the NFIP. An insurer may recoup a regular assessment through a surcharge to policyholders. In order to recoup this assessment, an insurer must file for a policy surcharge with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FL OIR”)OIR at least fifteen days prior to imposing the surcharge on policies. If a deficit remains after the regular assessment, FL CitizensCitizens’ can also levy emergency assessments in the current and subsequent years. Companies are required to collect the emergency assessments directly from residential property policyholders and remit to FL Citizens as collected. Pursuant to an Order issued by the FL OIR,Currently, the emergency assessment is zero for all policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2015.
Louisiana Citizens
The Company is also subject to assessments from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“LA Citizens”). LA Citizens can levy a regular assessment on participating companies for a deficit in any calendar year up to a maximum of the greater of 10% of the calendar year deficit or 10% of Louisiana direct property premiums industry-wide for the prior calendar year. If the plan year deficit exceeds the amount that can be recovered through Regular Assessments, LA Citizens may fund the remaining deficit by issuing revenue assessment bonds in the capital markets.  LA Citizens then declares Emergency Assessments each year to provide debt service on the bonds until they are retired.  Companies writing assessable lines must surcharge their policyholders Emergency Assessments in the percentage established annually by LA Citizens and must remit amounts collected to the bond trustee on a quarterly basis.
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
Castle Key participates in the mandatory coverage provided by the FHCF and therefore has access to reimbursements on certain qualifying Florida hurricane losses from the FHCF (see Note 10), has exposure to Emergency assessments and pays annual premiums to the FHCF for this reimbursement protection. The FHCF has the authority to issue bonds to pay its obligationsoff bonds

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to insurers participatingConsolidated Financial Statements

issued in 2007 for the mandatory coverage in excesshurricanes of its capital balances. Payment of these bonds is funded by emergency assessments on all property and casualty premiums in the state, except workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, accident and health insurance and policies written under the NFIP. The FHCF emergency assessments are limited to 6% of premiums per year beginning the first year in which reimbursements require bonding, and up to a total of 10% of premiums per year for assessments in the second and subsequent years, if required to fund additional bonding. The FHCF issued $625 million in bonds in 2008, and the FL OIR ordered an emergency assessment of 1% of premiums collected for all policies renewed January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2010. The FHCF issued $676 million in bonds in 2010 and the FL OIR ordered an emergency assessment of 1.3% of premiums collected for all policies written or renewed January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014. Pursuant to an Order issued by the FL OIR, the emergency assessment is zero for all policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2015. The FHCF issued $2 billion in pre-event bonds in 2013 to build their capacity to reimburse member companies’ claims. The FHCF plans to fund these pre-event bonds through current FHCF cash flows.2005 will continue until 2025.
Facilities such as FL Citizens and LA Citizens and the FHCF are generally designed so that the ultimate cost is borne by policyholders; however, the exposure to assessments from these facilities and the availability of recoupments or premium rate increases may not offset each other in the Company’s financial statements. Moreover, even if they do offset each other, they may not offset each other in financial statements for the same fiscal period due to the ultimate timing of the assessments and recoupments or premium rate increases, as well as the possibility of policies not being renewed in subsequent years.
California Earthquake Authority
Exposure to certain potential losses from earthquakes in California is limited by the Company’s participation in the California Earthquake Authority (“CEA”), which provides insurance for California earthquake losses. The CEA is a privately-financed, publicly-managed state agency created to provide insurance coverage for earthquake damage. Insurers selling homeowners insurance in California are required to offer earthquake insurance to their customers either through their company or by participation in the CEA. The Company’s homeowners policies continue to include coverages for losses caused by explosions, theft, glass breakage and fires following an earthquake, which are not underwritten by the CEA.

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As of JuneSeptember 30, 2015,2018, the CEA’s capital balance was approximately $4.88$5.54 billion. Should losses arising from an earthquake cause a deficit in the CEA, an additional $668$682 million would be obtained from the proceeds of revenue bonds the CEA may issue, an existing $4.11$8.15 billion reinsurance layer, and finally, if needed, assessments on participating insurance companies. Participating insurers are required to pay an assessment, currently estimated not to exceed $1.66 billion, if the capital of the CEA falls below $350 million. Participating insurers are required to pay a second additional assessment, currently estimated not to exceed $238 million, if aggregate CEA earthquake losses exceed $11.56 billion and the capital of the CEA falls below $350 million. Within the limits previously described, the assessment could be intended to restore the CEA’s capital to a level of $350 million. There is no provision that allows insurers to recover assessments through a premium surcharge or other mechanism. The CEA’s projected aggregate claim paying capacity is $11.56$16.02 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 20152018 and if an event were to result in claims greater than its capacity, affected policyholders may be paid a prorated portion of their covered losses, paid on an installment basis, or no payments may be made if the claim paying capacity of the CEA is insufficient.
All future assessments on participating CEA insurers are based on their CEA insurance market share as of December 31 of the preceding year. As of December 31, 2014,2017, the Company’s market share of the CEA was 13.1%10.2%. The Company does not expect its CEA market share to materially change. At this level, the Company’s maximum possible CEA assessment would be $248$168.8 million during 2016.2019. These amounts are re-evaluated by the board of directors of the CEA on an annual basis. Accordingly, assessments from the CEA for a particular quarter or annual period may be material to the results of operations and cash flows, but not the
financial position of the Company. Management believes the Company’s exposure to earthquake losses in California has been significantly reduced as a result of its participation in the CEA.
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
The Company participates as a member of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (“TWIA”), which provides wind and hail property coverage to coastal risks unable to procure coverage in the voluntary market. Wind and hail coverage is written on a TWIA-issued policy. Under current law, as amended in 2009, to the extent losses exceed premiums and reinsurance, TWIA follows a funding structure first utilizing currently available funds set aside from periods (includingcurrent and prior years) in whichyears. Under the current law, to the extent losses exceed premiums exceeded losses. Once those fundsreceived from policyholders, TWIA utilizes a combination of reinsurance, TWIA issued securities, as well as member and available reinsurance are utilized, TWIA will issue up to $1 billion of securities, 30% of which will be repaid by participating insurers assessments and 70% of which will be repaid by surcharges on coastal property policies. After those funds are depleted, TWIA can issue $500 million of securities which will be repaid by participating insurer assessments. Participating companies’ maximum assessment is capped at $800 million annually. The Company’s current participation ratio is approximately 13% based upon its proportion of the premiums written. The TWIA board has not indicated the likelihood of any possible futurepolicyholder assessments to insurers at this time. However,fund loss payments.
During 2018, the TWIA Board announced assessments related to Hurricane Harvey for which the Company’s share was $37 million. These costs were recorded in property and casualty insurance claims and claims expense as catastrophe losses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Any assessments from TWIA for a particular quarter or annual period may be material to the results of operations and cash flows, but not to the financial position of the Company.
New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance GuarantyTexas Fair Plan Association
The PLIGA,Company participates as the statutory administratora member of the UCJF,Texas Fair Plan Association (“FAIR Plan”), which provides compensationresidential property insurance to qualified claimants for personal injury protection, bodily injury, or death causedinland areas designated as underserved by private passenger automobiles operated by uninsured or “hitthe Commissioner of Insurance and run” drivers.the applicant(s) are unable to procure coverage in the voluntary market. The UCJFFAIR Plan issues insurance policies, like an insurance company, and it also provides private passenger stranger pedestrian personal injury protection benefits when no other coverage is available. The fund provides reimbursement to insurers for the medical benefits portion of personal injury protection coverage paid in excess of $75,000 with no limits for policies issued or renewed prior to January 1, 1991functions as a pooling mechanism that allocates premiums, claims and in excess of $75,000 and capped at $250,000 for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2004. PLIGA annually assesses all admitted property and casualty insurers writing motor vehicle liability insurance in New Jersey for direct PLIGA expenses and UCJF reimbursements and expenses. Assessmentsback to the Company totaled $8.6 million in 2015.
North Carolina Reinsurance Facility
The North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (“NCRF”) provides automobile liability insurance to drivers that insurers are not otherwise willing to insure. All insurers licensed to write automobile insurance in North Carolina are membersindustry. As a result of the NCRF. The Company also collects NCRF surchargeslosses incurred related to Hurricane Harvey, in 2017 the FAIR Plan Board unanimously voted to approve its first ever member assessment of which the Company’s share was $8 million based on all automobile policiestotal direct premium written in Texas. Insurers are permitted to recover the state. Premium, losses and expenses cededassessment through either a premium surcharge applied to existing customers over a three-year period or increased rates, but the NCRF and surcharges are remittedability to fully recover the state. The NCRF results are sharedassessment may be impacted by the member companies in proportion to their respective North Carolina automobile liability writings. Member companies are assessedmarket conditions or collect based on their participation ratios which are determined annually. As of September 30, 2015, the NCRF reported a deficit of $69.9 million in members’ equity.other factors. 
North Carolina Joint Underwriters Association
The North Carolina Joint Underwriters Association (“NCJUA”) was created to provide property insurance for properties (other than the state’s beach and coastal areas) that insurers are not otherwise willing to insure. All insurers licensed to write property insurance in North Carolina are members of the NCJUA. Premiums, losses and expenses of the NCJUA are shared by the member companies in proportion to their respective North Carolina property insurance writings. Member companies are assessed whenparticipate in plan deficits occur, or collectsurpluses based on their participation ratios, which are determined annually. As of December 31, 2015, theThe Company hashad a $1.5$4.1 million receivable from the NCJUA reflectingat December 31, 2018 and had paid a plan surplus$5.3 million assessment in 2018,

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


representing our participation in the NCJUA’s deficit of $11.9$20.4 million fromfor all open years.

164


North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association
The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (“NCIUA”) provides windstorm and hail coverage as well as homeowners policies for properties located in the state’s beach and coastal areas that insurers are not otherwise willing to insure. All insurers licensed to write residential and commercial property insurance in North Carolina are members of the NCIUA. Members are assessed in proportion to their North Carolina residential and commercial property insurance writings, which is determined annually and varies by coverage, for plan deficits. The plan currently hasAs of December 31, 2018, the NCIUA had a surplus.surplus of $720.5 million. No member company shall be entitled to the distribution of any portion of the Association’s surplus. The Company does not recognize any interest related to this surplus. Legislation in 2009 capped insurers’ assessments for losses incurred in any calendar year at $1 billion. Subsequent to an industry assessment of $1 billion, if the plan continues to require funding, it may authorize insurers to assess a 10% surchargecatastrophe recovery charge on each property insurance policy statewide located in the state’s beach and coastal areas to be remitted to the plan.
Other programs The Company is also subject to assessments by the NCRF and the FHCF, which are described in Note 10.
Guaranty funds
Under state insurance guaranty fund laws, insurers doing business in a state can be assessed, up to prescribed limits, for certain obligations of insolvent insurance companies to policyholders and claimants. Amounts assessed to each company are typically related to its proportion of business written in each state. The Company’s policy is to accrue assessments when the entity for which the insolvency relates has met its state of domicile’s statutory definition of insolvency, the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable and the related premium upon which the assessment is based is written. In most states, the definition is met with a declaration of financial insolvency by a court of competent jurisdiction. In certain states there must also be a final order of liquidation. Since most states allow a credit against premium or other state related taxes for assessments, an asset is recorded based on paid and accrued assessments for the amount the Company expects to recover on the respective state’s tax return and is realized over the period allowed by each state. As of both December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, the liability balance included in other liabilities and accrued expenses was $13 million and $16 million, respectively.$12 million. The related premium tax offsets included in other assets were $14$16 million and $15$19 million as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.
Guarantees
The Company provides residual value guarantees on Company leased automobiles. If all outstanding leases were terminated effective December 31, 2015, the Company’s maximum obligation pursuant to these guarantees, assuming the automobiles have no residual value, would be $50 million as of December 31, 2015. The remaining term of each residual value guarantee is equal to the term of the underlying lease that ranges from less than one year to four years. Historically, the Company has not made any material payments pursuant to these guarantees.
The Company owns certain investments that obligate the Company to exchange credit risk or to forfeit principal due, depending on the nature or occurrence of specified credit events for the reference entities. In the event all such specified credit events were to occur, the Company’s maximum amount at risk on these investments, as measured by the amount of the aggregate initial investment, was $4 million as of December 31, 2015. The obligations associated with these investments expire at various dates on or before March 11, 2018.
Related to the sale of LBLLincoln Benefit Life Company on April 1, 2014, ALIC agreed to indemnify Resolution Life Holdings, Inc. in connection with certain representations, warranties and covenants of ALIC, and certain liabilities specifically excluded from the
transaction, subject to specific contractual limitations regarding ALIC’s maximum obligation. Management does not believe these indemnifications will have a material effect on results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company.
Related to the disposal through reinsurance of substantially all of Allstate Financial’sits variable annuity business to Prudential in 2006, the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, ALIC and ALNY, have agreed to indemnify Prudential for certain pre-closing contingent liabilities (including extra-contractual liabilities of ALIC and ALNY and liabilities specifically excluded from the transaction) that ALIC and ALNY have agreed to retain. In addition, the Company, ALIC and ALNY will each indemnify Prudential for certain post-closing liabilities that may arise from the acts of ALIC, ALNY and their agents, including certain liabilities arising from ALIC’s and ALNY’s provision of transition services. The reinsurance agreements contain no limitations or indemnifications with regard to insurance risk transfer and transferred all of the future risks and responsibilities for performance on the underlying variable annuity contracts to Prudential, including those related to benefit guarantees. Management does not believe this agreement will have a material effect on results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company.
In the normal course of business, the Company provides standard indemnifications to contractual counterparties in connection with numerous transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures. The types of indemnifications typically provided include indemnifications for breaches of representations and warranties, taxes and certain other liabilities, such as third party lawsuits. The indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business based on an assessment that the risk of loss would be remote. The terms of the indemnifications vary in duration and nature. In many cases, the maximum obligation is not explicitly stated and the contingencies triggering the obligation to indemnify have not occurred and are not expected to occur. Consequently, the maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnifications is not determinable. Historically, the Company has not made any material payments pursuant to these obligations.
The aggregate liability balance related to all guarantees was not material as of December 31, 2015.2018.

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Regulation and Compliancecompliance
The Company is subject to extensive laws, regulations, administrative directives, and regulatory actions. From time to time, regulatory authorities or legislative bodies seek to influence and restrict premium rates, require premium refunds to policyholders, require reinstatement of terminated policies, prescribe rules or guidelines on how affiliates compete in the marketplace, restrict the ability of insurers to cancel or non-renew policies, require insurers to continue to write new policies or limit their ability to write new policies, limit insurers’ ability to change coverage terms or to impose underwriting

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standards, impose additional regulations regarding agentagency and broker compensation, regulate the nature of and amount of investments, impose fines and penalties for unintended errors or mistakes, impose additional regulations regarding cybersecurity and privacy, and otherwise expand overall regulation of insurance products and the insurance industry. In addition, the Company is subject to laws and regulations administered and enforced by federal agencies, international agencies, and other organizations, including but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission,SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Company has established procedures and policies to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations, to foster prudent business operations, and to support financial reporting. The Company routinely reviews its practices to validate compliance with laws and regulations and with internal procedures and policies. As a result of these reviews, from time to time the Company may decide to modify some of its procedures and policies. Such modifications, and the reviews that led to them, may be accompanied by payments being made and costs being incurred. The ultimate changes and eventual effects of these actions on the Company’s business, if any, are uncertain.
Legal and regulatory proceedings and inquiries
The Company and certain subsidiaries are involved in a number of lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings arising out of various aspects of its business.
Background
These matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities, including the underlying facts of each matter; novel legal issues; variations between jurisdictions in which matters are being litigated, heard, or investigated; changes in assigned judges; differences or developments in applicable laws and judicial interpretations; judges reconsidering prior rulings; the length of time before many of these matters might be resolved by settlement, through litigation, or otherwise; adjustments with respect to anticipated trial schedules and other proceedings; developments in similar actions against other companies; the fact that some of the lawsuits are putative class actions in which a class has not been certified and in which the purported class may not be clearly defined; the fact that some of the lawsuits involve multi-state class actions in which the applicable law(s) for the claims at issue is in dispute and therefore unclear; and the current challenging legal environment faced by corporations and insurance companies.
The outcome of these matters may be affected by decisions, verdicts, and settlements, and the timing of such decisions, verdicts, and settlements, in other individual and class action lawsuits that involve the Company, other insurers, or other entities and by other legal, governmental, and regulatory actions that involve the Company, other insurers, or other entities. The outcome may also be affected by future state or
federal legislation, the timing or substance of which cannot be predicted.
In the lawsuits, plaintiffs seek a variety of remedies which may include equitable relief in the form of injunctive and other remedies and monetary relief in the form of contractual and extra-contractual damages. In some cases, the monetary damages sought may include punitive or treble damages. Often specific information about the relief sought, such as the amount of damages, is not available because plaintiffs have not requested specific relief in their pleadings. When specific monetary demands are made, they are often set just below a state court jurisdictional limit in order to seek the maximum amount available in state court, regardless of the specifics of the case, while still avoiding the risk of removal to federal court. In Allstate’s experience, monetary demands in pleadings bear little relation to the ultimate loss, if any, to the Company.
In connection with regulatory examinations and proceedings, government authorities may seek various forms of relief, including penalties, restitution, and changes in business practices. The Company may not be advised of the nature and extent of relief sought until the final stages of the examination or proceeding.
Accrual and disclosure policy
The Company reviews its lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings on an ongoing basis and follows appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions. The Company establishes accruals for such matters at management’s best estimate when the Company assesses that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not establish accruals for such matters when the Company does not believe both that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company’s assessment of whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on its assessment of the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals. The Company does not include potential recoveries in its estimates of reasonably possible or probable losses. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.

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The Company continues to monitor its lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and other legal proceedings for further developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and estimable, and accordingly accruable, or that could affect the amount of accruals that have been previously established. There may continue to be exposure to loss in excess of any amount accrued. Disclosure of the nature and amount of an accrual is made when there have been sufficient legal and factual developments such that the Company’s ability to resolve the matter would not be impaired by the disclosure of the amount of accrual.
When the Company assesses it is reasonably possible or probable that a loss has been incurred, it discloses the matter. When it is possible to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss above the amount accrued, if any, for the matters disclosed, that estimate is aggregated and disclosed. Disclosure is

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not required when an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss cannot be made.
For certain of the matters described below in the “Claims related proceedings” and “Other proceedings” subsections, the Company is able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss above the amount accrued, if any. In determining whether it is possible to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, the Company reviews and evaluates the disclosed matters, in conjunction with counsel, in light of potentially relevant factual and legal developments.
These developments may include information learned through the discovery process, rulings on dispositive motions, settlement discussions, information obtained from other sources, experience from managing these and other matters, and other rulings by courts, arbitrators or others. When the Company possesses sufficient appropriate information to develop an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss above the amount accrued, if any, that estimate is aggregated and disclosed below. There may be other disclosed matters for which a loss is probable or reasonably possible, but such an estimate is not possible. Disclosure of the estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss above the amount accrued, if any, for any individual matter would only be considered when there have been sufficient legal and factual developments such that the Company’s ability to resolve the matter would not be impaired by the disclosure of the individual estimate.
The Company currently estimates that the aggregate range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if any, for the disclosed matters where such an estimate is possible is zero to $875$100 million, pre-tax. This disclosure is not an indication of expected loss, if any. Under accounting guidance, an event is “reasonably possible” if the“the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely” and an event is “remote” if “the chance of the future event or events occurring is slight.” This estimate is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions, and known and unknown uncertainties. The matters underlying the estimate will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate. The estimate does not include matters or losses for which an estimate is not possible. Therefore, this estimate represents an estimate of possible loss only for certain matters meeting these criteria. It does not represent the Company’s maximum possible loss exposure. Information is provided below regarding the nature of all of the disclosed matters and, where specified, the amount, if any, of plaintiff claims associated with these loss contingencies.
Due to the complexity and scope of the matters disclosed in the “Claims related proceedings” and “Other proceedings” subsections below and the many uncertainties that exist, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted.predicted and in the Company’s judgment, a loss, in excess of amounts accrued, if any, is not probable. In the event of an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these matters, the ultimate
liability may be in excess of amounts currently accrued, if any, and may be material to the Company’s operating results or cash flows for a particular quarterly or annual period. However, based on information currently known to it, management believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters described below, as they are resolved over time, is not likely to have a material effect on the financial position of the Company.
Claims related proceedings
The Company is litigating twomanaging various disputes challenging the method in which it has applied deductibles relating to claims for personal injury protection benefits under Florida auto policies. These disputes include a putative class action casesand litigation involving individual plaintiffs.
Gail Pierce, et al. v. Allstate Insurance Company is a putative class action filed on August 13, 2013 in Californiathe Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit in whichand for Broward County, Florida. It is brought on behalf of all insureds and their health care provider assignees who submitted claims for personal injury protection under auto policies in effect from March 2008. In the policies at issue, the Company applied the personal injury protection deductible to health care provider charges after the Company reduced those charges for reasonableness. In Pierce and the individual matters, plaintiffs allege off-the-clock wageseek determinations that the Company must apply the personal injury protection deductible to the full amount charged by the providers. In addition to the difference in policy benefits that may result from applying the deductible to the full amount charged, plaintiffs also seek recovery of attorneys’ fees and hour claims. One case,costs pursuant to Florida statutes.
The question concerning how the personal injury protection deductible is to be applied under Florida law was recently decided by the Florida Supreme Court in a matter involving two classes, is pendinganother insurer, Progressive v. Florida Hospital. The Florida Supreme Court ruled in Los Angeles Superior Courtfavor of the providers, and was filedheld that under the Florida law, the personal injury protection deductible must be applied to the full amount charged by the providers before any other adjustments are applied. The Company has taken steps to comply with the Florida Supreme Court’s ruling in December 2007. In this case, one class includes auto field physical damage adjusters employed inincluding the staterecalculation of California from January 1, 2005 to the datebenefits recorded.
Other proceedings The case of final judgment, to the extent theJack Jimenez, et al. v. Allstate Insurance Company failed to pay for off-the-clock work to those adjusters who performed certain duties prior to their first assignments. The other class includes all non-exempt employees in California from December 19, 2006 until January 2010 who received pay statements from Allstate which allegedly did not comply with California law. The other case was filed in the U.S.United States District Court for the Central District of California in September 2010. In April 2012, the trial court certified the class, and Allstate appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On September 3, 2014, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the trial court’s decision to certify the class, and Allstate filed a motion for rehearing en banc. Allstate’s motion for rehearing en banc was denied and on January 27, 2015, Allstate filed a petition for a Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court. On June 15, 2015, the Supreme Court denied Allstate’s petition for a writ of certiorari. The case is scheduled for trial on September 27, 2016. In addition to30, 2010. Plaintiffs allege off-the-clock wage and hour claims the plaintiffs in this case allegeand other California Labor Code violations resulting from purported unpaid overtime. Plaintiffs seek recovery of unpaid compensation, liquidated damages, penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs. The court certified a class in this casethat includes all adjusters in the state of California, except auto field adjusters, from September 29, 2006 to final judgment. Plaintiffs in both cases seek recovery of unpaid compensation, liquidated damages, penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs. In additionAllstate’s appeals to the CaliforniaNinth Circuit Court of Appeals and then to the U.S. Supreme Court did not result in decertification. No trial date is calendared.
The stockholder derivative actions described below are disclosed pursuant to SEC disclosure requirements for these types of matters, and the

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putative class action has been disclosed because these matters involve similar allegations.
Biefeldt / IBEW Consolidated Action. Two separately filed stockholder derivative actions have been consolidated into a casesingle proceeding that is pending in the Circuit Court for Cook County, Illinois, Chancery Division. The original complaint in the first-filed of those actions, Biefeldt v. Wilson, et al., was filed on August 3, 2017, in that court by a plaintiff alleging that she is a stockholder of the Company. On June 29, 2018, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss that complaint for failure to make a pre-suit demand on the Allstate board before instituting the suit, but granted the plaintiff permission to file an amended complaint. The original complaint in IBEW Local No. 98 Pension Fund v. Wilson, et al., was filed on April 12, 2018, in the U.S.same court by another plaintiff alleging to be a stockholder of the Company. After the court issued its dismissal decision in the Biefeldt action, the plaintiffs agreed to consolidate the two actions and filed a consolidated amended complaint naming the Company’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, its former president, and certain present or former members of the board of directors. In that complaint, the plaintiffs allege that the directors and officer defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company in connection with allegedly material misstatements or omissions concerning the Company’s automobile insurance claim frequency statistics and the reasons for a claim frequency increase for Allstate brand auto insurance between October 2014 and August 3, 2015. The factual allegations are substantially similar to those at issue in In re The Allstate Corp. Securities Litigation. The plaintiffs further allege that a senior officer and several outside directors engaged in stock option exercises allegedly while in possession of material nonpublic information. The plaintiffs seek, on behalf of the Company, an unspecified amount of damages and various forms of equitable relief. Defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated complaint on September 24, 2018 for failure to make a demand on the Allstate board. The motion to dismiss was fully briefed as of December 10, 2018 and argument on the motion is scheduled for March 7, 2019.
In Sundquist v. Wilson, et al., another plaintiff alleging to be a stockholder of the Company filed a stockholder derivative complaint in the United States District Court for the EasternNorthern District of New York alleging that no-fault claim adjusters have been improperly classified as exempt employees under New York Labor Law and the Fair Labor Standards Act.Illinois on May 21, 2018. The case was filed in April 2011, and the plaintiffs are seeking unpaid wages, liquidated damages,

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injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. On September 16, 2014, the court certified a class of no-fault adjusters under New York Labor Law and refused to decertify a Fair Labor Standards Act class of no-fault adjusters. Notice to the class was issued in December 2015. The class members will have sixty days from the date of mailing to opt out of the class. In the Company’s judgment a loss is not probable.
The Florida personal injury protection statute permits insurers to pay personal injury protection benefits for reasonable medical expenses based on certain benefit reimbursement limitations which are authorized by the personal injury protection statute (generally referred to as “fee schedules”) resulting from automobile accidents. The Company is litigating one class action case in federal court in Illinois in which the plaintiffs allege that Allstate’s personal injury protection policies failed to include sufficient language providing notice of Allstate’s election to apply the fee schedules. This case is broughtplaintiff seeks, on behalf of health care providersthe Company, an unspecified amount of damages and insuredsvarious forms of equitable relief. The complaint names as defendants the Company’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, its former president, its former chief financial officer, who submitted claims for no-fault benefits under personal injury protection policies which were in effect from 2008 through 2012,is now the Company’s vice chairman, and were reimbursedcertain present or former members of the board of directors. The complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duty based on allegations similar to those asserted in In re TheAllstate Corp. Securities Litigation as well as state law “misappropriation” claims based on stock option transactions by the fee schedules. They seek a declaratory judgment that Allstate could not properly applyCompany’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, its former chief financial officer, who is now the fee schedulesCompany’s vice chairman, and seek damages forcertain members of the difference between what they allege areboard of
directors. Defendants moved to dismiss and/or stay the reasonable medical expenses payable under the personal injury protection coverage and the fee schedule amounts Allstate actually paid. They also seek recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs pursuant to Florida statutes.
In a Florida class action case,complaint on August 7, 2018. On December 4, 2018, the court granted summary judgment in favorthe defendants’ motion and stayed the case pending the resolution of the consolidated Biefeldt/IBEW matter.
Inre The Allstate on February 13, 2015, holding that Allstate’s language provided sufficient notice of an election to apply the fee schedules. Plaintiff appealed that ruling to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Plaintiff’s brief was due November 8, 2015. Instead of filingCorp. Securities Litigation is a brief, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case. The Illinoisputative class action case has been stayed by the Illinois federal court pending the outcome of several Florida state court appeals.
This fee schedule issue has been the subject of thousands of individual lawsuits filed against Allstate in Florida county courts. Four of those matters are on appeal to the Florida District Courts of Appeals. On March 18, 2015, the District Court of Appeal for the First District unanimously reversed a summary judgment that had been entered against Allstate, holding that Allstate’s language was clear and unambiguous and provided adequate notice of its intent to use the fee schedules. The plaintiff’s appeal to the Florida Supreme Court was stayed. On August 19, 2015, the District Court of Appeal for the Fourth District issued a divided decision (three separate opinions, two against Allstate and one dissenting opinion deeming Allstate’s language sufficient), holding that Allstate’s language was not sufficient. The District Court of Appeal for the Fourth District has certified that its decision is in direct conflict with the District Court of Appeal for the First District’s decision. Allstate’s motion for rehearing of the District Court of Appeal for the Fourth District’s decision was denied. Allstate’s notice to the Florida Supreme Court seeking to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of that court was accepted on January 20, 2016. Briefing has just commenced in this case. In the District Court of Appeal for the Second District, the court heard oral argument on September 22, 2015, and has taken the matter under advisement. In the District Court of Appeal for the Third District, the court heard oral argument on February 3,November 11, 2016 and has taken the matter under advisement. In the Company’s judgment, a loss is not probable.
Other proceedings
The Company is defending certain matters in the U.S.United States District Court for the EasternNorthern District of Pennsylvania relating toIllinois against the Company’s agency program reorganization announced in 1999.  The current focus in these matters relates to a releaseCompany and two of its officers asserting claims signed byunder the vast majorityfederal securities laws. Plaintiffs allege that they purchased Allstate common stock during the putative class period and suffered damages as the result of the former agents whose employment contracts were terminated inconduct alleged. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, costs, attorney’s fees, and other relief as the reorganization program.  These matters includecourt deems appropriate. Plaintiffs allege that the following:
Romero I: In 2001, approximately 32 former employee agents, on behalf of a putative class of approximately 6,300 former employee agents, filed a putative class action alleging claimsCompany and certain senior officers made allegedly material misstatements or omissions concerning claim frequency statistics and the reasons for age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), interference with benefits under ERISA, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty. Plaintiffs also assert a claim frequency increase for Allstate brand auto insurance between October 2014 and August 3, 2015. Plaintiffs’ further allege that a declaratory judgmentsenior officer engaged in stock option exercises during that time allegedly while in possession of material nonpublic information about Allstate brand auto insurance claim frequency. The Company, its chairman, president and chief executive officer, and its former president are the release of claims constitutes unlawful retaliation and should be set aside. Plaintiffs seek broad but unspecified “make whole relief,” including back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, liquidated damages, lost investment capital, attorneys’ fees and costs, and equitable relief, including reinstatement to employee agent status with all attendant benefits.
Romero II: A putative nationwide class action was also filed in 2001 by former employee agents alleging various violations of ERISA (“Romero II”). This action has been consolidated with Romero I. The Romero II plaintiffs, most of whom are also plaintiffs in Romero I, are challenging certain amendments tonamed defendants. After the Agents Pension Plan and seek to have service as exclusive agent independent contractors count toward eligibility for benefits under the Agents Pension Plan. Plaintiffs seek broad but unspecified “make whole” or other equitable relief, including loss of benefits as a result ofcourt denied their conversion to exclusive agent independent contractor status or retirement from the Company between November 1, 1999 and December 31, 2000. They also seek repeal of the challenged amendments to the Agents Pension Plan with all attendant benefits revised and recalculated for thousands of former employee agents, and attorneys’ fees and costs. The court granted the Company’s initial motion to dismiss on February 27, 2018, defendants answered the complaint. The Third Circuit Courtcomplaint, denying plaintiffs’ allegations that there was any misstatement or omission or other misconduct. On June 22, 2018, plaintiffs filed their motion for class certification, which was fully briefed as of Appeals reversed that dismissalJanuary 11, 2019 and remanded for further proceedings.

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Romero I and II consolidated proceedings: In 2004,is currently pending before the court. On September 12, 2018, the court ruled thatallowed the releaselead plaintiffs to amend their complaint to add the City of Providence Employee Retirement System as a proposed class representative. The amended complaint was voidable and certified classes of agents, including a mandatory class of agents who had signedfiled the release, for purposes of effectuating the court’s declaratory judgment that the release was voidable. In 2007, the court vacated its ruling and granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment on all claims. Plaintiffs appealed and in July 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated the trial court’s entry of summary judgment in the Company’s favor, remanded the case to the trial court for additional discovery, and instructed the trial court to first address the validity of the release after additional discovery. Following the completion of discovery limited to the validity of the release, the parties filed cross motions for summary judgment with respect to the validity of the release. On February 28, 2014, the trial court denied plaintiffs’ and the Company’s motions for summary judgment, concluding that the question of whether the releases were knowingly and voluntarily signed under a totality of circumstances test raised disputed issues of fact to be resolved at trial. Among other things, the court also held that the release, if valid, would bar all claims in Romero I and II. On May 23, 2014, plaintiffs moved to certify a class as to certain issues relating to the validity of the release. The court denied plaintiffs’ class certification motion on October 6, 2014, stating, among other things, that individual factors and circumstances must be considered to determine whether each release signer entered into the release knowingly and voluntarily. The court entered an order on December 11, 2014, (a) stating that the court’s October 6, 2014 denial of class certification as to release-related issues did not resolve whether issues relating to the merits of plaintiffs’ claims may be subject to class certification at a later time, and (b) holding that the court’s October 6, 2014 order restarted the running of the statute of limitation for any former employee agent who wished to challenge the validity of the release. In an order entered January 7, 2015, the court denied reconsideration of its December 11, 2014 order and clarified that all statutes of limitations to challenge the release would resume running on March 2, 2015. Since the Court’s January 7, 2015 order, a total of 459 additional individual plaintiffs have filed separate lawsuits similar to Romero I or sought to intervene in the Romero I action. Trial proceedings have commenced to determine the question of whether the releases of the original named plaintiffs in Romero I and II were knowingly and voluntarily signed. Additionally, plaintiffs asserted two equitable defenses to the release which were to be determined by the court and not the jury. As to the first trial proceeding involving ten plaintiffs, the jury reached verdicts on June 17, 2015 finding that two plaintiffs signed their releases knowingly and voluntarily and eight plaintiffs did not sign their releases knowingly and voluntarily. On January 28, 2016, the court entered its opinion and judgment finding in Allstate’s favor as to all ten plaintiffs on the two equitable defenses to the release. The trial result is not yet final and may be subject to further proceedings. The remaining two trials for the original Romero I and II plaintiffs were scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2015; however, these trials have been postponed. No new trial dates have been set and no other trials are currently scheduled. The Court has not yet addressed a schedule for deciding the validity of the release signed by the new plaintiffs. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Court granted defendants’ motions for partial dismissal and dismissed plaintiffs’ state law claims and federal retaliation claims. Plaintiffs’ other claims under the ADEA and ERISA remain. The Court’s orders are subject to further proceedings. On February 1, 2016, these cases were reassigned to a new judge.
Based on the trial court’s February 28, 2014 order in Romero I and II, if the validity of the release is decided in favor of the Company for any plaintiff, that would preclude any damages or other relief being awarded to that plaintiff. If the validity of the release is decided in favor of a plaintiff, further proceedings with respect to the merits of that plaintiff’s claims relating to the reorganization would have to occur before there could be any determination of liability or award of damages in either Romero I or Romero II. The final resolution of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and complexities including how individual trials, post trial motions and possible appeals with respect to the validity of the release will be resolved. Depending upon how these issues are resolved, the Company may or may not have to address the merits of plaintiffs’ claims relating to the reorganization and amendments to the Agents Pension Plan described herein. In the Company’s judgment, a loss is not probable.same day.
Asbestos and environmental
Allstate’s reserves for asbestos claims were $960 million and $1.01 billion, net of reinsurance recoverables of $458 million and $478 million, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Reserves for environmental claims were $179 million and $203 million, net of reinsurance recoverables of $43 million and $64 million, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Approximately 57% and 57% of the total net asbestos and environmental reserves as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were for incurred but not reported estimated losses.
Management believes its net loss reserves for asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines exposures are appropriately established based on available facts, technology, laws and regulations. However, establishing net loss reserves for asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims is subject to uncertainties that are much greater than those presented by other types of claims. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on management’s best estimate. Among the complications are lack of historical data, long reporting delays, uncertainty as to the number and identity of insureds with potential exposure and unresolved legal issues regarding policy coverage; unresolved legal issues regarding the determination, availability and timing of exhaustion of policy limits; plaintiffs’ evolving and expanding theories of liability; availability and collectability of recoveries from reinsurance; retrospectively determined premiums and other contractual agreements; estimates of the extent and timing of any contractual liability; the impact of bankruptcy protection sought by various asbestos producers and other asbestos

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defendants; and other uncertainties. There are also complex legal issues concerning the interpretation of various insurance policy provisions and whether those losses are covered, or were ever intended to be covered,

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and could be recoverable through retrospectively determined premium, reinsurance or other contractual agreements. Courts have reached different and sometimes inconsistent conclusions as to when losses are deemed to have occurred and which policies provide coverage; what types of losses are covered; whether there is an insurer obligation to defend; how policy limits are determined; how policy exclusions and conditions are applied and interpreted; and whether clean-up costs represent insured property damage. Further, insurers and claims administrators acting on behalf of insurers are increasingly pursuing evolving and expanding theories of reinsurance coverage for asbestos and environmental losses. Adjudication of reinsurance coverage is predominately
decided in confidential arbitration proceedings which may have limited precedential or predictive value further complicating management’s ability to estimate probable loss for reinsured asbestos and environmental claims. Management believes these issues are not likely to be resolved in the near future, and the ultimate costs may vary materially from the amounts currently recorded resulting in material changes in loss reserves. In addition, while the Company believes that improved actuarial techniques and databases have assisted in its ability to estimate asbestos, environmental, and other discontinued lines net loss reserves, these refinements may subsequently prove to be inadequate indicators of the extent of probable losses. Due to the uncertainties and factors described above, management believes it is not practicable to develop a meaningful range for any such additional net loss reserves that may be required.
15.  Income Taxes
Note 15Income Taxes
The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Tax liabilities and benefits realized by the consolidated group are allocated as generated by the respective entities.
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through income tax expense as changes in tax laws or rates are enacted.
Tax Legislation On December 22, 2017, the Tax Legislation became effective and impacted the Company generally in four areas:
1.Amended the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which among other items, permanently reduced the corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21% beginning January 1, 2018.  As a result, the corporate tax rate is not comparable between periods.
2.Changed international taxation to a modified territorial tax system whereby U.S. federal income taxes are generally eliminated on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, and certain earnings of controlled foreign corporations are included in U.S. federal taxable income.
3.Contained several other provisions, such as limitations of deductibility of executive compensation, meals and entertainment and lobbying expenses and changes to the dividends received deduction.
4.Affected the timing of certain tax deductions for reserves and deferred acquisition costs, but does not impact the Company’s overall income tax expense.
The Company recorded a net tax benefit of $506 million, recognized as a reduction to income tax expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. The net benefit was primarily due to re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities from 35% to 21%. This was partially offset by the transition to a modified territorial system for international taxation which required the Company to recognize a liability based on non-U.S. income from international subsidiaries that had not been repatriated to the U.S. parent company (the “Transition Tax”). The Company’s effective income tax rate for 2017 was 20.1% and included a one-time benefit of 12.7%.
During 2018, the impact of the Tax Legislation was adjusted from the Company’s preliminary estimates due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company previously made, guidance that was issued and actions the Company took as a result of the Tax Legislation, resulting in a net tax benefit of $29 million, recognized as a reduction to income tax expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The accounting for income tax effects of the Tax Legislation has been completed.
Regulatory tax examinations The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently examining the Company’s 2015 and 2016 federal income tax returns, with the 2017 tax year exam scheduled to begin mid-2019. The 2015-17 cycle is expected to be completed in 2020. The 2013 and 2014 federal income tax returns. The IRS completedreturn audit is complete through the audit of the Company’s 2011 and 2012 federal income tax returns and issued a final Revenue Agent’s Report on June 10, 2015. The Company’s tax years prior to 2011 have been examined by the IRSexam phase and the statute of limitations has expired on those years.Company will progress to the appeals process for one unagreed issue in 2019. Any adjustments that may result from IRS examinations of the Company’s tax returns are not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations, cash flows orconsolidated financial statements.
Unrecognized tax benefits The Company recognizes tax positions in the consolidated financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on examination by the relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg203


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

of the Company.position. A position that meets this standard is measured at the largest amount of benefit that will more likely than not be realized on settlement. A liability is established for differences between positions
The reconciliation of the change
taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31 is as follows:consolidated financial statements.
Reconciliation of the change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefitsReconciliation of the change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Balance – beginning of year$
 $
 $25
 $55
 $10
 $7
Increase for tax positions taken in a prior year4
 
 1
 3
 34
 
Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior year
 
 
Increase for tax positions taken in the current year3
 
 
 12
 11
 3
Decrease for tax positions taken in the current year
 
 
Decrease for settlements
 
 (26)
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations
 
 
Balance – end of year$7
 $
 $
 $70
 $55
 $10
The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the liability balance will not significantly increasea decrease of up to $58 million in unrecognized tax benefits may occur within the next twelve months. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits is not expectedmonths due to impact the Company’s effective tax rate.
The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company did not record interest income or expense relating to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in 2015, 2014 or 2013. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no interest accrued with respect to unrecognized tax benefits. No amounts have been accrued for penalties.
















170


The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:IRS settlements.
Components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilitiesComponents of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities
 As of December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
Deferred assets   
Deferred tax assets    
Unearned premium reserves$796
 $763
 $594
 $545
Accrued compensation 145
 137
Pension236
 254
 192
 86
Discount on loss reserves203
 210
 67
 53
Difference in tax bases of invested assets202
 64
Accrued compensation189
 206
Net operating loss carryover 50
 50
Other assets 57
 49
Other postretirement benefits76
 138
 45
 48
Other assets137
 138
Total deferred assets1,839
 1,773
Deferred liabilities   
Total deferred tax assets 1,150
 968
Deferred tax liabilities    
DAC(1,157) (1,076) (854) (770)
Unrealized net capital gains(303) (994) (2) (422)
Life and annuity reserves(260) (192) (194) (241)
Intangible assets (145) (113)
Investments (278) (106)
Other liabilities(209) (226) (102) (98)
Total deferred liabilities(1,929) (2,488)
Net deferred liability$(90) $(715)
Total deferred tax liabilities (1,575) (1,750)
Net deferred tax liability $(425) $(782)
Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized based on the Company’s assessment that the deductions ultimately recognized for tax purposes will be fully utilized.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the Company has U.S. federal and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $58$209 million which will expire at the end of 2025 through 2029.and $30 million, respectively.
The componentsprovisions of incomethe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated the 20-year carryforward period and made it indefinite for federal net operating losses generated in tax expense for the years endedafter December 31, are as follows:2017.  For such amounts generated prior to 2018, the 20-year carryforward period continues to apply.
Components of the net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2018
($ in millions) 
20-Year Carryforward
Expires in 2025-2036
 Indefinite Carryforward Period Total
US Federal $149
 $60
 $209
Foreign 
 30
 30
Total $149
 $90
 $239
Components of income tax expense
   For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Current $704
 $1,018
 $654
Deferred (212) (216) 223
Total income tax expense $492
 $802
 $877
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Current$1,033
 $1,123
 $869
Deferred78
 263
 247
Total income tax expense$1,111
 $1,386
 $1,116

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


The Company paid income taxes of $1.07 billion, $1.07 billion$731 million, $968 million and $500$359 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
The Company had a current income tax receivable of $59$124 million and a current income tax payable of $158$44 million as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
 2015 2014 2013
Statutory federal income tax rate35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
Tax-exempt income(1.0) (0.9) (1.8)
Tax credits(0.9) (0.7) (2.2)
Sale of subsidiary
 (0.9) 2.0
Other (1)
0.8
 0.2
 (0.1)
Effective income tax rate33.9 %
32.7 %
32.9 %
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate
  For the years ended December 31,
  2018 2017 2016
Statutory federal income tax rate on income from operations 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
Tax Legislation benefit (1.1) (12.7) 
Share-based payments 
 (0.6) (1.6) 
Tax-exempt income (0.9) (0.8) (1.2)
Tax credits (1.2) (0.9) (1.2)
Non-deductible goodwill impairment 
 1.1
 
Other 0.7
 
 (0.7)
Effective income tax rate on income from operations 17.9 %
20.1 %
31.9 %

(1)
Note 16
Includes $45 million of income tax expense related to the change in accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects adopted in 2015.Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations
16.  Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Limitations
Allstate’s domestic property-liabilityproperty and casualty and life insurance subsidiaries prepare their statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance department of the applicable state of domicile. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the NAIC,National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.
All states require domiciled insurance companies to prepare statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the applicable insurance commissioner and/or director. Statutory accounting practices differ from GAAP primarily since they require charging policy acquisition and certain sales inducement costs to expense as incurred, establishing life insurance reserves based on different actuarial assumptions, and valuing certain investments and establishing deferred taxes on a different basis.

171


Statutory net income (loss) and capital and surplus of Allstate’s domestic insurance subsidiaries, determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities are as follows:
Statutory net income (loss) and capital and surplus of Allstate’s domestic insurance subsidiariesStatutory net income (loss) and capital and surplus of Allstate’s domestic insurance subsidiaries
 Net income (loss) Capital and surplus
($ in millions)Net income (loss) Capital and surplus 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017
2015 2014 2013 2015 2014
Amounts by major business type:                   
Property-Liability (1)
$1,826
 $2,501
 $2,707
 $13,332
 $14,412
Allstate Financial(56) 1,130
 504
 3,154
 2,907
Property and casualty insurance $2,939
 $3,050
 $1,520
 $14,328
 $14,903
Life insurance, annuities and voluntary accident and health insurance 465
 327
 197
 3,819
 3,727
Amount per statutory accounting practices$1,770

$3,631

$3,211

$16,486

$17,319
 $3,404

$3,377

$1,717

$18,147

$18,630

(1)
The Property-Liability statutory capital and surplus balances exclude wholly-owned subsidiaries included in the Allstate Financial segment.
Dividend Limitations
There are no regulatory restrictions that limit the payment of dividends by the Corporation, except those generally applicable to corporations incorporated in Delaware. Dividends are payable only out of certain components of shareholders’ equity as permitted by Delaware law. However, the ability of the Corporation to pay dividends is dependent on business conditions, income, cash requirements of the Company, receipt of dividends from AIC and other relevant factors.
The payment of shareholder dividends by AIC without the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance (“IL DOI”) is limited to formula amounts based on net income and capital and surplus, determined in conformity with statutory accounting practices, as well as the timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding twelve months. AIC paid dividends of $2.31$2.87 billion in 2015.2018. The maximum amount of dividends AIC will be able to pay without prior IL DOI approval at a given point in time during 20162019 is $1.71$2.73 billion, less dividends paid during the
preceding twelve months measured at that point in time. The payment of a dividend in excess of this amount requires 30 days advance written notice to the IL DOI. The dividend is deemed approved, unless the IL DOI disapproves it within the 30 day notice period. Additionally, any dividend must be paid out of unassigned surplus excluding unrealized appreciation from investments, which for AIC totaled $10.65$11.15 billion as of December 31, 2015,2018, and cannot result in capital and surplus being less than the minimum amount required by law.
Under state insurance laws, insurance companies are required to maintain paid up capital of not less than the minimum capital requirement applicable to the types of insurance they are authorized to write. Insurance companies are also subject to risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements adopted by state insurance regulators. A company’s “authorized control level RBC” is calculated using various factors applied to certain financial balances and activity. Companies that do not maintain adjusted statutory capital and surplus

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2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

at a level in excess of the company action level RBC, which is two times authorized control level RBC, are required to take specified actions. Company action level RBC is significantly in excess of the minimum capital requirements. Total adjusted statutory capital and surplus and authorized control level RBC of AIC were $15.62$17.29 billion and $2.48$3.01 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.2018. Substantially all of the Corporation’s insurance subsidiaries are subsidiaries of and/or reinsure all of their business to AIC, including ALIC. TheAIC’s subsidiaries are included as a component of AIC’s total statutory capital and surplus.
The amount of restricted net assets, as represented by the Corporation’s investment in its insurance subsidiaries, was $23$25 billion as of December 31, 2015.2018.
Intercompany transactions
Notification and approval of intercompany lending activities is also required by the IL DOI for transactions that exceed a level that is based on a formula using statutory admitted assets and statutory surplus.
17.  Benefit Plans
Note 17Benefit Plans
Pension and other postretirement plans
Defined benefit pension plans cover most full-time employees, certain part-time employees and employee-agents. Benefits under the pension plans are based upon the employee’s length of service, eligible annual compensation and, prior to January 1, 2014, either a cash balance or final average pay formula. A cash balance formula applies to all eligible employees hired after August 1, 2002. Eligible employees hired before August 1, 2002 chose between the cash balance formula and the final average pay formula. In July 2013, the Company amended its primary plans effective January 1, 2014 to introduce a new cash balance formula to replace the previous formulas (including the final average pay formula and the previous cash balance formula) under which eligible employees accrue benefits.
The Company also provides a medical coverage subsidy for eligible employees hired before January 1, 2003, including their eligible dependents, when they retire and certain life insurance benefits for eligible retirees (“postretirement benefits”). In July 2013, the Company amended the plan to eliminate the life insurance benefits effective January 1, 2014 for current eligible employees and effective January 1, 2016 for eligible retirees who retired after 1989. In 2016, theThe Company continues to pay life insurance premiums for certain retiree plaintiffs subject to a court order requiring it to do so until such time as their lawsuit seeking to keep

172


their life insurance benefits intact is resolved. Qualified employees may become eligible for a medical subsidy if they retire in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans and are continuously insured under the Company’s group plans or other approved plans in accordance with the plan’s participation requirements.
The Company shares the cost of retiree medical benefits with non Medicare-eligible retirees based on years of service, with the Company’s share being subject to a 5% limit on future annual medical cost inflation after retirement. For Medicare-eligible retirees, the Company provides a fixed Company contribution based on years of service and other factors, which is not subject to adjustments for inflation.
The Company has reserved the right to modify or terminate its benefit plans at any time and for any reason.
Obligations and funded status
The Company calculates benefit obligations based upon generally accepted actuarial methodologies using the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for other postretirement plans. The determination of pension costs and other postretirement obligations are determined using a December 31 measurement date. The benefit obligations represent the actuarial present value of all benefits attributed to employee service rendered as of the measurement date. The PBO is measured using the pension benefit formulas and assumptions as to future compensation levels. A plan’s funded status is calculated as the difference between the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. The Company’s funding policy for the pension plans is to make annual contributions at a level that is in accordance with regulations under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) and generally accepted actuarial principles. The Company’s other postretirement benefit plans are not funded.
The components of the plans’ funded status that are reflected in the
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Financial Position as of December 31 are as follows:2018 Form 10-K


Components of the pension and other postretirement plans’ funded status reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial PositionComponents of the pension and other postretirement plans’ funded status reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 As of December 31,
 
Pension
benefits
 
Postretirement
benefits
($ in millions)
Pension
benefits
 
Postretirement
benefits
 2018 2017 2018 2017
2015 2014 2015 2014
Fair value of plan assets$5,353
 $5,783
 $
 $
 $5,299
 $6,284
 $
 $
Less: Benefit obligation6,130
 6,493
 405
 575
 6,224
 6,815
 375
 386
Funded status$(777)
$(710)
$(405)
$(575) $(925)
$(531)
$(375)
$(386)
               
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost:               
Net actuarial loss (gain)$2,710
 $2,707
 $(263) $(111) $2,313
 $2,224
 $(200) $(218)
Prior service credit(365) (422) (61) (83) (198) (254) (16) (37)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, pre-tax2,345

2,285

(324)
(194) 2,115

1,970

(216)
(255)
Deferred income tax(821) (800) 115
 72
 (449) (419) 41
 51
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost$1,524

$1,485

$(209)
$(122) $1,666

$1,551

$(175)
$(204)
The $3$89 million increase in the pension net actuarial loss during 20152018 is primarily related to lower thanlosses from unfavorable asset performance compared to the expected return on plan assets substantiallywhich was partially offset by an increase in the discount rate. The majorityrate used to value the liabilities, amortization of unrecognized pension costs and recognition of a settlement loss. A significant component of the $2.71$2.31 billion net actuarial pension benefit losses not yet recognized in 20152018 reflects decreases in the discount rate and the effect of unfavorable equity market conditions on the value of the pension plan assets in prior years.rate. The $152$18 million increasedecrease in the OPEB net actuarial gain during 20152018 primarily related to changes in the persistency and participation assumptions.amortization of net actuarial gains.
The primary qualified employee plan represents 79%78% of the pension benefits’ underfunded status as of December 31, 2015.2018.
The change in 2015 in items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost which is recorded in unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost, is shown in the table below.cost.
Changes in items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic costChanges in items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost
($ in millions)Pension benefits Postretirement benefits Pension benefits Postretirement benefits
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2014$2,285
 $(194)
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2017 $1,970
 $(255)
Net actuarial loss (gain) arising during the period242
 (158) 476
 (3)
Net actuarial (loss) gain amortized to net periodic benefit cost(221) 9
 (379) 22
Prior service credit arising during the period
 
Prior service credit amortized to net periodic benefit cost56
 22
 56
 21
Translation adjustment and other(17) (3) (8) (1)
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2015$2,345
 $(324)
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic cost – December 31, 2018 $2,115
 $(216)




173


The net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service credit is recognized as a component of net periodic cost amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits. Estimates of the net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service credit expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2016 are shown in the table below.
Estimates of 2019 prior service creditEstimates of 2019 prior service credit
($ in millions)
Pension
benefits
 
Postretirement
benefits
 
Pension
benefits
 
Postretirement
benefits
Net actuarial loss (gain)$174
 $(32)
Prior service credit(56) (21) $(56) $(3)
The accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) for all defined benefit pension plans was $6.05$6.15 billion and $6.42$6.74 billion as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. The ABO is the actuarial present value of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered at the measurement date. However, it differs from the PBO due to the exclusion of an assumption as to future compensation levels.
The PBO, ABO and fair value of plan assets for the Company’s pension plans with an ABO in excess of plan assets were $5.81$5.99 billion, $5.74$5.93 billion and $5.02$5.07 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 20152018 and $6.12$6.42 billion, $6.06$6.36 billion and $5.38$5.89 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.2017. Included in the accrued benefit cost of the pension benefits are certain unfunded non-qualified plans with accrued benefit costs of $143$135 million and $147$140 million for 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.

The changes in benefit obligations for all plans for the years ended December 31 are as follows:Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg207


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Changes in benefit obligations for all plansChanges in benefit obligations for all plans
 Pension benefits Postretirement benefits
($ in millions)Pension benefits 
Postretirement
benefits
 2018 2017 2018 2017
2015 2014 2015 2014
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$6,493
 $5,297
 $575
 $482
 $6,815
 $6,591
 $386
 $373
Service cost114
 96
 12
 10
 113
 114
 7
 8
Interest cost258
 262
 23
 23
 242
 264
 13
 15
Participant contributions
 1
 19
 19
 
 
 13
 12
Actuarial (gain) loss(225) 1,243
 (158) 103
 (245) 395
 (3) 8
Benefits paid (1)
(443) (368) (54) (57) (646) (553) (35) (35)
Plan amendments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Translation adjustment and other(67) (38) (12) (5) (55) 4
 (6) 5
Curtailment gain
 
 
 
Benefit obligation, end of year$6,130

$6,493

$405

$575
 $6,224

$6,815

$375

$386

(1) 
Benefits paid include lump sum distributions, a portion of which may triggertriggered settlement accounting treatment.
Components
Components of net periodic cost
  For the years ended December 31,
  Pension benefits Postretirement benefits
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Service cost $113
 $114
 $113
 $7
 $8
 $9
Interest cost 242
 264
 286
 13
 15
 17
Expected return on plan assets (421) (409) (398) 
 
 
Amortization of:            
Prior service credit (56) (56) (56) (21) (25) (21)
Net actuarial loss (gain) 176
 189
 174
 (22) (24) (24)
Settlement loss 203
 153
 27
 
 
 
Net periodic cost (credit) $257

$255

$146

$(23)
$(26)
$(19)
The service cost component is the actuarial present value of the benefits attributed by the plans’ benefit formula to services rendered by the employees during the period. Interest cost is the increase in the PBO in the period due to the passage of time at the discount rate. Interest cost fluctuates as the discount rate changes and is also impacted by the related change in the size of the PBO. The decrease or increase in the PBO due to an increase or decrease in the discount rate is deferred and decreases or increases the net periodicactuarial loss. It is recorded in AOCI as unrecognized pension benefit cost and may be amortized.
The componentsexpected return on plan assets is determined as the product of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the adjusted fair value of plan assets, referred to as the market-related value of plan assets. To determine the market-related value, the fair value of plan assets is adjusted annually so that differences between changes in the fair value of equity securities and the expected long-term rate of return on these securities are recognized into the market-related value of plan assets over a five-year period. The Company believes this is consistent with the long-term nature of pension obligations.
When the actual return on plan assets exceeds the expected return it reduces the net periodic cost for all plans foractuarial loss recorded in AOCI; when the years ended December 31expected return exceeds the actual return it increases the net actuarial loss. These amounts are recorded in AOCI as follows:
 Pension benefits Postretirement benefits
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Service cost$114
 $96
 $140
 $12
 $10
 $12
Interest cost258
 262
 265
 23
 23
 28
Expected return on plan assets(424) (398) (394) 
 
 
Amortization of:           
Prior service credit(56) (58) (28) (22) (23) (23)
Net actuarial loss (gain)190
 127
 235
 (9) (22) (16)
Settlement loss31
 54
 277
 
 
 
Curtailment gain
 
 
 
 
 (181)
Net periodic cost (credit)$113

$83

$495

$4

$(12)
$(180)
Assumptions
Weighted average assumptions used to determine netunrecognized pension benefit cost and net postretirement benefit cost formay be amortized. The market-related value adjustment represents the years ended December 31 are:current difference between actual returns and
 Pension benefits Postretirement benefits
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Discount rate4.10% 5.00% 4.60% 3.97% 5.11% 3.75%
Rate of increase in compensation levels3.5
 3.5
 3.5
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets7.33
 7.36
 7.75
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a

174


Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligationsexpected returns on equity securities recognized over a five-year period. The market-related value adjustment is a deferred net loss of $420 million as of December 31, 2018. The expected return on plan assets fluctuates when the market-related value of plan assets changes and when the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption changes.
Net actuarial loss fluctuations are listeddue to changes in discount rate, differences between actual return on plan assets and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, and differences between actual plan experience and other actuarial assumptions when there is an excess sufficient to qualify for amortization.
Net periodic costs related to the pension plan and postretirement benefits are reported in operating costs and expenses.
Amortization of net actuarial loss in pension cost is recorded when the net actuarial loss excluding the unamortized market-related value adjustment exceeds 10% of the greater of the PBO or the market-related value of plan assets. The amount of amortization is equal to the excess divided by the average remaining service period for active employees for each plan, which approximates 10 years for Allstate’s largest plan. As a result, the effect of changes in the following table.PBO due to changes in the discount rate and changes in the fair value of plan assets may be experienced in our net periodic pension cost in periods subsequent to those in which the fluctuations actually occur.
Settlement losses are non-cash charges that accelerate the recognition of unrecognized pension benefit cost that would have been incurred in

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


subsequent periods, when plan payments, primarily lump sums from qualified pension plans, exceed a threshold of service plus interest cost for the period. The value of lump sums paid in 2018 and 2017 was higher than in 2017 and 2016, respectively, and exceeded the settlement charge threshold, in the primary employee plan, due to higher-than-expected
retirement levels. As a result, a pension settlement loss of $172 million and $122 million, pre-tax, in 2018 and 2017, respectively, was recorded as part of operating costs and expenses in the Corporate and Other segment.

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension cost and net postretirement benefit costWeighted average assumptions used to determine net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost
Pension benefits Postretirement benefits For the years ended December 31,
2015 2014 2015 2014 Pension benefits Postretirement benefits
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Discount rate4.83% 4.10% 4.56% 4.15% 3.68% 4.15% 4.83% 3.63% 3.63% 4.59%
Rate of increase in compensation levels3.2
 3.5
 n/a
 n/a
 3.20
 3.20
 3.20
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.32
 7.31
 7.30
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
  For the years ended December 31,
  Pension benefits Postretirement benefits
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Discount rate 4.31% 3.68% 4.22% 4.06%
Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.16
 3.20
 n/a
 n/a
The weighted average health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit cost is 6.3%5.9% for 2016,2019, gradually declining to 4.5% in 2038 and remaining at that level thereafter.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care plans. A one percentage-point increase in assumed health care cost trend rates would increase the total of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost of other postretirement benefits and the APBO by $3 million and $20 million, respectively. A one percentage-point decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would decrease the total of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost of other postretirement benefits and the APBO by $2 million and $17 million, respectively.
Pension plan assets
The change in pension plan assets for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
Change in pension plan assetsChange in pension plan assets
 For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2018 2017
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year$5,783
 $5,602
 $6,284
 $5,650
Actual return on plan assets(43) 540
 (300) 1,051
Employer contribution125
 49
 16
 131
Benefits paid(443) (368) (646) (553)
Translation adjustment and other(69) (40) (55) 5
Fair value of plan assets, end of year$5,353
 $5,783
 $5,299
 $6,284
In general, the Company’s pension plan assets are managed in accordance with investment policies approved by pension investment committees. The purpose of the policies is to ensure the plans’ long-term ability to meet benefit obligations by prudently investing plan assets and Company contributions, while taking into consideration regulatory and legal requirements and current market conditions. The investment policies are reviewed periodically and specify target plan asset allocation by asset category. In addition, the policies specify various asset allocation and other risk limits. The target asset allocation takes the plans’ funding status into consideration, among other factors, including anticipated demographic changes or liquidity requirements that may affect the funding status such as the potential impact of lump sum settlements as well as existing or expected market conditions. In general, the allocation has a
lower overall investment risk when a plan is in a stronger funded status position since there is less economic incentive to take risk to increase the expected returns on the plan assets. As a result, the primary employee plan has a greater allocation to equity securities than the employee-agent plan. The primary qualified employee plan comprises 80%81% of total plan assets and 86%82% of equity securities. The pension plans’ asset exposure within each asset category is tracked against widely accepted established benchmarks for each asset class with limits on variation from the benchmark established in the investment policy. Pension plan assets are regularly monitored for compliance with these limits and other risk limits specified in the investment policies.


The pension plans’ weighted average target asset allocation and the actual percentage of plan assets, by asset category as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg209


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Weighted average target asset allocation and actual percentage of plan assets by asset categoryWeighted average target asset allocation and actual percentage of plan assets by asset category
Target asset allocation (1)
 Actual percentage of plan assets As of December 31, 2018
Asset category2015 2015 2014
 
Target asset allocation (1)
 Actual percentage of plan assets
Pension plan’s asset category 2018 2018 2017
Equity securities (2)
53 - 63% 60% 41% 36 - 53% 47% 58%
Fixed income securities28 - 37% 30
 50
 40 - 53% 41
 34
Limited partnership interests0 - 12% 7
 7
 0 - 15% 9
 6
Short-term investments and other 3
 2
  3
 2
Total without securities lending (3)
 100% 100%   100% 100%

(1) 
The target asset allocation considers risk based exposure while the actual percentage of plan assets utilizes a financial reporting view excluding exposure provided through derivatives.
(2) 
The actual percentage of plan assets for equity securities includeincludes 1% and 2% of private equity investments in 2018 and 2017, respectively, that are subject to the limited partnership interests target allocation of 2% and 1% in 20154% and 2014, respectively,3% of fixed income mutual funds in 2018 and 2017, respectively, that are subject to the fixed income securities target allocation of 3% for both 2015 and 2014 as well as 9% of equity exposure created through a derivative which is not included in the actual allocations in 2014.allocation.
(3) 
Securities lending collateral reinvestment of $152$208 million and $217$202 million is excluded from the table above in 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.

175


The target asset allocation for an asset category may be achieved either through direct investment holdings, through replication using derivative instruments (e.g., futures or swaps) or net of hedges using derivative instruments to reduce exposure to an asset category. The net notional amount of derivatives used for replication and hedges is limited to 105% or 115% of total plan assets depending on the plan. Market performance of the different asset categories may, from time to time, cause deviation from the target
asset allocation. The asset allocation mix is reviewed on a periodic basis and rebalanced to bring the allocation within the target ranges.
Outside the target asset allocation, the pension plans participate in a securities lending program to enhance returns. As of December 31, 2015,2018, U.S. government fixed income securities and U.S. equity securities are lent out and cash collateral is invested 5% in fixed income securities and 95% in short-term investments.
The following table presents the fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2015.
210 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2018Fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)        Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 Balance as of December 31, 2018
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 
Balance
as of
December 31, 2015
Equity securities$136
 $2,945
 $100
 $3,181
 $51
 $265
 $
 $316
Fixed income securities:      
       
U.S. government and agencies72
 334
 
 406
 172
 509
 
 681
Municipal
 
 7
 7
Corporate
 1,205
 10
 1,215
 
 1,479
 5
 1,484
Short-term investments112
 184
 
 296
 122
 198
 
 320
Limited partnership interests:      
Real estate funds (1)

 
 104
 104
Private equity funds (2)

 
 237
 237
Hedge funds
 
 33
 33
Cash and cash equivalents22
 
 
 22
Free-standing derivatives:       
Assets 
 19
 
 19
Liabilities 
 (11) 
 (11)
Total plan assets at fair value$342

$4,668

$491

5,501
 $345

$2,459

$5

2,809
% of total plan assets at fair value6.2%
84.9%
8.9% 100.0% 12.3%
87.5%
0.2% 100.0%
               
Securities lending obligation (3)
      (167)
Other net plan assets (4)
      19
Investments measured using the net asset value practical expedient       2,687
Securities lending obligation (1)
       (222)
Derivatives Counterparty and Cash Collateral Netting       (6)
Other net plan assets (2)
       31
Total reported plan assets      $5,353
       $5,299

(1)
Real estate funds held by the pension plans are primarily invested in U.S. commercial real estate.
(2)
Private equity investments held by the pension plans are primarily comprised of buyout and growth funds in North America and other developed markets.
(3) 
The securities lending obligation represents the plan’s obligation to return securities lending collateral received under a securities lending program. The terms of the program allow both the plan and the counterparty the right and ability to redeem/return the securities loaned on short notice. Due to its relatively short-term nature, the outstanding balance of the obligation approximates fair value.
(4)(2) 
Other net plan assets represent cash and cash equivalents, interest and dividends receivable and net receivables related to settlements of investment transactions, such as purchases and sales.












176


The following table presents the fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014.
Fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2017Fair values of pension plan assets as of December 31, 2017
($ in millions)        Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 Balance as of December 31, 2017
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 
Balance
as of
December 31, 2014
Equity securities$161
 $2,109
 $75
 $2,345
 $126
 $264
 $29
 $419
Fixed income securities:      
       
U.S. government and agencies870
 44
 
 914
 174
 420
 
 594
Foreign government
 28
 
 28
Municipal
 
 14
 14
Corporate
 1,822
 12
 1,834
 
 1,543
 10
 1,553
RMBS
 115
 
 115
Short-term investments55
 254
 
 309
 97
 197
 
 294
Limited partnership interests:      
Real estate funds
 
 154
 154
Private equity funds
 
 218
 218
Hedge funds
 
 32
 32
Cash and cash equivalents34
 
 
 34
 21
 
 
 21
Free-standing derivatives:      
       
Assets(1) 
 
 (1) 
 1
 
 1
Liabilities(3) 
 
 (3)
Total plan assets at fair value$1,116

$4,372

$505
 5,993
 $418

$2,425

$39
 2,882
% of total plan assets at fair value18.6%
73.0%
8.4% 100.0% 14.5%
84.1%
1.4% 100.0%
               
Investments measured using the net asset value practical expedient       3,598
Securities lending obligation      (234)       (216)
Other net plan assets      24
       20
Total reported plan assets      $5,783
       $6,284
The fair values of pension plan assets are estimated using the same methodologies and inputs as those used to determine the fair values for the respective asset category of the Company. These methodologies and inputs are disclosed in Note 6.

The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2015.Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg211


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

($ in millions)  Actual return on plan assets:      
 Balance as of December 31, 2014 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2015
Equity securities$75
 $1
 $(5) $29
 $
 $100
Fixed income securities:           
Municipal14
 
 
 (7) 
 7
Corporate12
 
 
 
 (2) 10
Limited partnership interests:           
Real estate funds154
 
 (12) (38) 
 104
Private equity funds218
 
 (8) 27
 
 237
Hedge funds32
 
 1
 
 
 33
Total Level 3 plan assets$505

$1

$(24)
$11

$(2)
$491











177


The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Rollforward of Level 3 plan assets during December 31, 2018
    Actual return on plan assets:      
($ in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2017 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2018
Equity securities $29
 $
 $3
 $
 $(32) $
Fixed income securities:            
Corporate 10
 
 
 (5) 
 5
Total Level 3 plan assets $39

$

$3

$(5)
$(32)
$5
($ in millions)  Actual return on plan assets:      
 Balance as of December 31, 2013 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2014
Equity securities$237
 $2
 $2
 $(166) $
 $75
Fixed income securities:           
Municipal18
 
 
 (4) 
 14
Corporate18
 
 
 (6) 
 12
Limited partnership interests:           
Real estate funds197
 (3) 6
 (46) 
 154
Private equity funds211
 (4) 4
 7
 
 218
Hedge funds9
 
 
 23
 
 32
Total Level 3 plan assets$690

$(5)
$12

$(192)
$

$505
The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Rollforward of Level 3 plan assets during December 31, 2017
    Actual return on plan assets:      
($ in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2016 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2017
Equity securities $
 $
 $
 $29
 $
 $29
Fixed income securities:            
Corporate 10
 
 
 
 
 10
Total Level 3 plan assets $10

$

$

$29

$

$39
Rollforward of Level 3 plan assets during December 31, 2016Rollforward of Level 3 plan assets during December 31, 2016
   Actual return on plan assets:      
($ in millions)  Actual return on plan assets:       Balance as of December 31, 2015 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2016
Balance as of December 31, 2012 Relating to assets sold during the period Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Purchases, sales and settlements, net Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2013
Equity securities$314
 $3
 $18
 $(98) $
 $237
 $1
 $(1) $
 $
 $
 $
Fixed income securities:                       
Municipal129
 7
 1
 (119) 
 18
 7
 
 
 (7) 
 
Corporate10
 5
 
 3
 
 18
 10
 
 
 (5) 5
 10
Limited partnership interests:           
Real estate funds214
 
 11
 (28) 
 197
Private equity funds199
 
 (2) 14
 
 211
Hedge funds80
 
 
 (71) 
 9
Total Level 3 plan assets$946

$15

$28

$(299)
$

$690
 $18

$(1)
$

$(12)
$5

$10
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on plan assets. The Company’s assumption for the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is reviewed annually giving consideration to appropriate financial data including, but not limited to, the plan asset allocation, forward-looking expected returns for the period over which benefits will be paid, historical returns on plan assets and other relevant market data. Given the long-term forward looking nature of this assumption, the actual returns in any one year do not immediately result in a change. In giving consideration to the targeted plan asset allocation, the Company evaluated returns using the same sources it has used historically which include: historical average asset class returns from an independent nationally recognized vendor of this type of data blended together using the asset allocation policy weights for the Company’s pension plans; asset class return forecasts from a large global independent asset management firm that specializes in providing multi-asset class investment fund products which were blended together using the asset allocation policy weights; and expected portfolio returns from a proprietary simulation methodology of a widely recognized external investment consulting firm that performs asset allocation and actuarial services for corporate pension plan sponsors. This same methodology has been applied on a consistent basis
each year. All of these were consistent with the Company’s weighted average long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption of 7.33%7.32% used for 20152018 and 7.30%7.33% that will be used for 2016.2019. The assumption for the primary qualified employee plan is 7.75% and the employee-agent plan is 5.75% for both years. The employee-agent plan assumption is lower than the primary qualified employee plan assumption due to a lower investment allocation to equity securities and a higher allocation to fixed income securities. As of the 20152018 measurement date, the arithmetic average of the annual actual return on plan assets for the most recent 10 and 5 years was 6.9%9.0% and 7.7%6.6%, respectively.
Cash flows
There was no required cash contribution necessary to satisfy the minimum funding requirement under the IRCInternal Revenue Code for the tax qualified pension plans as of December 31, 2015.2018. The Company currently plans to contribute $129$26 million to its unfunded non-qualified plans and zero to its qualified funded pension plans in 2016.2019.
The Company contributed $35$22 million and $38$23 million to the postretirement benefit plans in 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. Contributions by participants were $19$13 million and $19$12 million in 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.


178212 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com



Estimated future benefit payments
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in the next 10 years, based on the assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation as of December 31, 2015, are presented in the table below.

Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in the next 10 yearsEstimated future benefit payments expected to be paid in the next 10 years
 As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)Pension benefits Postretirement benefits Pension benefits Postretirement benefits
2016$341
 $26
2017372
 26
2018388
 26
2019436
 28
 $448
 $24
2020472
 29
 462
 25
2021-20252,569
 155
2021 495
 26
2022 509
 27
2023 528
 28
2024-2028 2,383
 142
Total benefit payments$4,578
 $290
 $4,825
 $272
2019 changes in pension and other postretirement plan accounting
At January 1, 2019, the Company changed its accounting principle for recognizing actuarial gains and losses and expected return on plan assets for its pension and other postretirement plans to a more preferable policy under U.S. GAAP. Prior to 2019, actuarial gains and losses were recognized as a component of AOCI, and were generally amortized into earnings in future periods. Under the new principle, actuarial gains and losses will be immediately recognized through earnings (“fair value accounting”).
In addition, the Company changed its policy for recognizing expected returns on plan assets by eliminating the permitted accounting practice allowing the five-year smoothing of equity returns and moving to an unadjusted fair value method.
The Company believes that fair value accounting is preferable as it provides greater transparency of its economic obligations in accounting results and better aligns with the fair value accounting principles by recognizing the effects of economic and interest rate changes on pension and other postretirement plan assets and liabilities in the year in which the gains and losses are incurred. These changes will be applied retrospectively thereby requiring restatement of prior
periods presented and upon adoption will have no impact on shareholders’ equity or book value per share.
Allstate 401(k) Savings Plan
Employees of the Company, with the exception of those employed by the Company’s international, SquareTrade, Esurance and Answer Financial subsidiaries, are eligible to become members of the Allstate 401(k) Savings Plan (“Allstate Plan”). The Company’s contributions are based on the Company’s matching obligation and certain performance measures.obligation. The Company is responsible for funding its anticipated contribution to the Allstate Plan, and may, at the discretion of management, use the ESOP to pre-fund certain portions. In connection with the Allstate Plan, the Company has a note from the ESOP with a principal balance of $11$2 million as of December 31, 2015.2018. The ESOP note has a fixed interest rate of 7.9% and matures in 2019. The Company records dividends on the ESOP shares in retained income and all the shares held by the ESOP are included in basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.
The Company’s contribution to the Allstate Plan was $79$89 million, $75$81 million and $54$80 million in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. These amounts were reduced by the ESOP benefit computed for the years ended December 31 as follows:benefit.
ESOP benefitESOP benefit
 For the years December 31,
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Interest expense recognized by ESOP$1
 $1
 $2
 $
 $
 $1
Less: dividends accrued on ESOP shares(3) (4) (3) (1) (1) (3)
Cost of shares allocated10
 8
 7
 
 3
 7
Compensation expense8
 5
 6
 (1) 2
 5
Reduction of defined contribution due to ESOP73
 71
 46
 1
 38
 60
ESOP benefit$(65)
$(66)
$(40) $(2)
$(36)
$(55)
The Company made $2 million, $3zero, $1 million and $2 million in contributions to the ESOP in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2015,2018, total committed to be released, allocated and unallocated ESOP shares were 1 million, 36zero, 39 million and 20.4 million, respectively.
Allstate’s Canadian, SquareTrade, Esurance and Answer Financial subsidiaries sponsor defined contribution plans for their eligible employees. Expense for these plans was $15 million, $12 million and $10 million $11 millionin 2018, 2017 and $11 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013,2016, respectively.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg213


18.  Equity Incentive Plans
2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 18Equity Incentive Plans
The Company currently has equity incentive plans under which the Company grants nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units and performance stock awards to certain employees and directors of the Company. The total compensation expense related to equity awards was $81$125 million, $88$106 million and $93$80 million and the total income tax benefits were $22 million, $22 million and $28 million $30 millionfor 2018, 2017 and $32 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013,2016, respectively. Total cash received from the exercise of options was $92 million, $178 million and $187 million $314 millionfor 2018, 2017 and $212 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013,2016, respectively. Total tax benefit realized on options exercised and the release of stock unrestrictedrestrictions was $82$28 million, $73$96 million and $65$61 million for 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
The Company records compensation expense related to awards under these plans over the shorter of the period in which the requisite service is rendered or retirement eligibility is attained. Compensation expense for performance share awards is based on the probable number of awards expected to vest using the performance level most likely to be achieved at the end of the performance period. As of December 31, 2015,2018, total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $71$89 million, of which $28$29 million related to nonqualified stock options which areis expected to be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 1.601.71 years, $35$23 million related to restricted stock units which areis expected to be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 1.841.69 years and $8$37 million related to performance stock awards which areis expected to be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 1.491.59 years.
Options are granted to employees with exercise prices equal to the closing share price of the Company’s common stock on the applicable grant date. Options granted to employees on or after February 18, 2014 vest ratably over a three-year period. Options

179


granted prior to February 18, 2014 vest 50% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% on each of the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who are retirement eligible and in certain other limited circumstances. Options may be exercised once vested and will expire no later than ten years after the date of grant.
Restricted stock units granted on or after February 18, 2014for directors vest immediately and convert in fullinto shares of stock on the earlier of the day of the third anniversary of the grant date except foror the date the director’s service terminates, unless a deferred period of restriction is elected. Restricted stock units granted to directors whose awards vest immediately andprior to
June 1, 2016 convert afterupon leaving the board. Restricted stock units granted to employees on or after February 18, 2014 vest on the day prior to the third anniversary of the grant date. Awards granted to employees prior to February 18, 2014 convertvest 50% on the day prior to the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% on each of the days prior to the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock units granted to employees subsequently convert into shares of stock on the day of the respective anniversary of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who are retirement eligible and in certain other limited circumstances.
Performance stock awards vest and convert into shares of stock on the day prior to the third anniversary of the grant date. Vesting of the number of performance stock awards earned based on the attainment of performance goals for each of the performance periods is subject to continued service, except for employees who are retirement eligible and in certain other limited circumstances, and achievement of performance goals. Performance stock awards subsequently convert into shares of stock in full the day of the anniversary of the grant date.
A total of 97.698.0 million shares of common stock were authorized to be used for awards under the plans, subject to adjustment in accordance with the plans’ terms. As of December 31, 2015, 25.82018, 15.0 million shares were reserved and remained available for future issuance under these plans. The Company uses its treasury shares for these issuances.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice model. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model. In addition, separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the binominal lattice model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected volatility of the price of the underlying shares is implied based on traded options and historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected dividends were based on the current dividend yield of the Company’s stock as of the date of the grant. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The assumptions used are shown in the following table.
Option grant assumptionsOption grant assumptions
2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Weighted average expected term6.5 years
 6.5 years
 8.2 years
 5.7 years
 6.1 years
 5.0 years
Expected volatility16.0 - 37.8%
 16.8 - 42.2%
 19.1 - 48.1%
 15.6 - 30.7%
 15.7 - 32.7%
 16.0 - 34.3%
Weighted average volatility24.7% 28.3% 31.0% 19.8% 21.0% 24.3%
Expected dividends1.6 - 2.1%
 1.7 - 2.2%
 1.9 - 2.2%
 1.5 - 2.2%
 1.4 - 1.9%
 1.9 - 2.1%
Weighted average expected dividends1.7% 2.1% 2.2% 2.0% 1.9% 2.1%
Risk-free rate0.0 - 2.4%
 0.0 - 3.0%
 0.0 - 2.9%
 1.3 - 3.2%
 0.5 - 2.5%
 0.2 - 2.4%
A summary of option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 is shown in the following table.
214 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K


Summary of option activitySummary of option activity
Number
(in 000s)
 Weighted average exercise price 
Aggregate intrinsic value
(in 000s)
 Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) For the year ended December 31, 2018
Outstanding as of January 1, 201517,989
 $42.05
   
 
Number
(in 000s)
 Weighted average exercise price 
Aggregate intrinsic value
(in 000s)
 Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2018 11,262
 $58.46
    
Granted2,264
 70.26
    2,388
 93.04
    
Exercised(4,375) 42.71
    (1,710) 53.57
    
Forfeited(156) 54.58
    (206) 80.79
    
Expired(6) 54.31
    (4) 52.21
    
Outstanding as of December 31, 201515,716
 45.81
 $274,191
 5.5
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 11,730
 65.82
 $221,999
 6.3
Outstanding, net of expected forfeitures15,601
 45.68
 273,702
 5.5 11,614
 65.59
 221,832
 6.3
Outstanding, exercisable (“vested”)10,097
 40.62
 217,292
 4.1 6,968
 54.14
 198,747
 5.0
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $15.45, $12.50$17.03, $14.60 and $11.99$12.25 during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The intrinsic value, which is the difference between the fair value and the exercise price, of options exercised was $117$72 million, $151$199 million and $92$119 million during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.







180


The changes in restricted stock units are shown in the following table for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Changes in restricted stock unitsChanges in restricted stock units
Number
(in 000s)
 Weighted average grant date fair value For the year ended December 31, 2018
Nonvested as of January 1, 20152,280
 $42.71
 
Number
(in 000s)
 Weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested as of January 1, 2018 1,241
 $67.93
Granted579
 69.25
 255
 93.16
Vested(891) 37.36
 (498) 67.45
Forfeited(129) 54.00
 (41) 75.40
Nonvested as of December 31, 20151,839
 52.86
Nonvested as of December 31, 2018 957
 74.58
The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the market value of the Company’s stock as of the date of the grant. The market value in part reflects the payment of future dividends expected. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was $69.25, $52.70$93.16, $80.12 and $45.78$63.51 during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested was $63$47 million, $60$58 million and $104$29 million during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
The changes in performance stock awards are shown in the following table for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Changes in performance stock awardsChanges in performance stock awards
Number
(in 000s)
 Weighted average grant date fair value For the year ended December 31, 2018
Nonvested as of January 1, 20151,304
 $39.70
 
Number
(in 000s)
 Weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested as of January 1, 2018 1,090
 $70.35
Granted229
 70.37
 402
 92.88
Adjustment for performance achievement199
 36.96
 (34) 70.53
Vested(802) 32.05
 (161) 70.53
Nonvested as of December 31, 2015930
 53.27
Forfeited (49) 76.33
Nonvested as of December 31, 2018 1,248
 77.35
The increasechange in PSA’s comprises those initially granted in 20152018 and the adjustment to previously granted PSA’s for performance achievement. The fair value of performance stock awards is based on the market value of the Company’s stock as of the date of the grant. The market value in part reflects the payment of future dividends expected. The weighted average grant date fair value of performance stock awards granted was $70.37, $52.18$92.88, $78.47 and $45.61$62.32 during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The total fair value of performance stock awards vested was $56$15 million, $17 million and $28 million during 2015. None2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Under the employee share-based payment accounting standard adopted in 2017, the Company recognizes all tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement or expiration through the income statement. Prior to the adoption, the Company recognized excess tax effects through the statement of the performance stock awards vested during 2014 or 2013.
shareholders’ equity. The tax benefit realized in 2015, 2014 and 2013recognized through the statement of shareholders’ equity related to tax deductions from stock option exercises and included in shareholders’ equity was $23 million $23 million and $12 million, respectively.in 2016. The tax benefit realized in 2015, 2014 and 2013recognized through shareholders’ equity related to all stock-based compensation was $30 million in 2016.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg215


2018 Form 10-KNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 19Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Non-cash investing activities include $94 million, $106 million and recorded directly$326 million related to shareholders’mergers and exchanges completed with equity was $46 million,securities, fixed income securities and limited partnerships, and modifications of certain mortgage loans and other investments in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Non-cash financing activities include $32 million, $43 million and $30$41 million related to the issuance of Allstate common shares for vested equity awards in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Non-cash financing activities also included $90 million and $34 million related to debt acquired in conjunction with purchases of investments in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

181


19.  Reporting SegmentsLiabilities for collateral received in conjunction with the Company’s securities lending program were $1.44 billion as of December 31, 2018, and $1.12 billion as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, and are reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses. Obligations to return cash collateral for OTC and cleared derivatives were $21 million, $3 million and $5 million as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are reported in other liabilities and accrued expenses or other investments.
Allstate management is organized around products and services, and this structure is consideredThe accompanying cash flows are included in cash flows from operating activities in the identificationConsolidated Statements of its four reportable segments. These segments and their respective operations areCash Flows along with the activities resulting from management of the proceeds as follows:
Allstate Protection principally sells private passenger auto and homeowners insurance in the United States and Canada. Revenues from external customers generated outside the United States were $1.03 billion, $1.08 billion and $1.06 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company evaluates the results of this segment based upon underwriting results.
Discontinued Lines and Coverages consists of property-liability business no longer written by Allstate, including results from asbestos, environmental and other discontinued lines claims, and certain commercial and other businesses in run-off. This segment also includes the historical results of the commercial and reinsurance businesses sold in 1996. The Company evaluates the results of this segment based upon underwriting results.
Allstate Financial sells traditional, interest-sensitive and variable life insurance and voluntary accident and health insurance products. Allstate Financial previously offered and continues to have in force fixed annuities such as deferred and immediate annuities, and institutional products consisting of funding agreements sold to unaffiliated trusts that use them to back medium-term notes. Allstate Financial had no revenues from external customers generated outside the United States in 2015, 2014 or 2013. The Company evaluates the results of this segment based upon operating income.
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Net change in proceeds managed      
Net change in fixed income securities $234
 $259
 $(584)
Net change in short-term investments (568) (255) 295
Operating cash flow (used) provided (334) 4
 (289)
Net change in cash 
 1
 
Net change in proceeds managed $(334)
$5

$(289)
       
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net change in liabilities      
Liabilities for collateral, beginning of year $(1,124) $(1,129) $(840)
Liabilities for collateral, end of year (1,458) (1,124) (1,129)
Operating cash flow provided (used) $334

$(5)
$289
Corporate and Other comprises holding company activities and certain non-insurance operations.
Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages comprise Property-Liability. The Company does not allocate Property-Liability investment income, realized capital gains and losses, or assets to the Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments. Management reviews assets at the Property-Liability, Allstate Financial, and Corporate and Other levels for decision-making purposes. Allstate Protection and Allstate Financial performance and resources are managed by committees of senior officers of the respective segments.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2. The effects of certain inter-segment transactions are excluded from segment performance evaluation and therefore are eliminated in the segment results.
Note 20Other Comprehensive Income
Measuring segment profit or loss
The measure of segment profit or loss used by Allstate’s management in evaluating performance is underwriting income for the Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments and operating income for the Allstate Financial and Corporate and Other segments. A reconciliation of these measures to net income applicable to common shareholders is provided below.
Underwriting income is calculated as premiums earned, less claims and claims expenses (“losses”), amortization of DAC, operating costs and expenses, and restructuring and related charges as determined using GAAP.
Operating income is net income applicable to common shareholders, excluding:
realized capital gains and losses, after-tax, except for periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, which are reported with realized capital gains and losses but included in operating income,
valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax,
amortization of DAC and DSI, to the extent they resulted from the recognition of certain realized capital gains and losses or valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax,
amortization of purchased intangible assets, after-tax,
gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax, and
adjustments for other significant non-recurring, infrequent or unusual items, when (a) the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably unlikely to recur within two years, or (b) there has been no similar charge or gain within the prior two years.
Components of other comprehensive income (loss) on a pre-tax and after-tax basis
  For the years ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
  Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax
Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets $(1,142) $241
 $(901) $866
 $(304) $562
 $486
 $(170) $316
Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses (186) 39
 (147) 374
 (131) 243
 (180) 63
 (117)
Unrealized net capital gains and losses (956) 202
 (754) 492
 (173) 319
 666
 (233) 433
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments (70) 15
 (55) 72
 (25) 47
 15
 (5) 10
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost arising during the period (464) 99
 (365) 232
 (79) 153
 (263) 94
 (169)
Less: reclassification adjustment of net periodic cost recognized in operating costs and expenses (280) 59
 (221) (237) 83
 (154) (100) 35
 (65)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost (184) 40
 (144) 469
 (162) 307
 (163) 59
 (104)
Other comprehensive (loss) income $(1,210) $257
 $(953) $1,033
 $(360) $673
 $518
 $(179) $339



216 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2018 Form 10-K




182


Summarized revenue data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Revenues     
Property-Liability     
Property-liability insurance premiums     
Auto$20,410
 $19,344
 $18,449
Homeowners7,136
 6,904
 6,613
Other personal lines1,692
 1,662
 1,629
Commercial lines510
 476
 456
Other business lines561
 542
 471
Allstate Protection30,309
 28,928
 27,618
Discontinued Lines and Coverages
 1
 
Total property-liability insurance premiums30,309
 28,929
 27,618
Net investment income1,237
 1,301
 1,375
Realized capital gains and losses(237) 549
 519
Total Property-Liability31,309
 30,779
 29,512
Allstate Financial     
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges     
  Life and annuity premiums     
Traditional life insurance542
 511
 491
Immediate annuities with life contingencies
 4
 37
Accident and health insurance780
 744
 720
Total life and annuity premiums1,322
 1,259
 1,248
  Contract charges     
Interest-sensitive life insurance822
 879
 1,086
Fixed annuities14
 19
 18
Total contract charges836
 898
 1,104
Total life and annuity premiums and contract charges2,158
 2,157
 2,352
Net investment income1,884
 2,131
 2,538
Realized capital gains and losses267
 144
 74
Total Allstate Financial4,309
 4,432
 4,964
Corporate and Other     
Service fees3
 5
 9
Net investment income35
 27
 30
Realized capital gains and losses
 1
 1
Total Corporate and Other before reclassification of service fees38
 33
 40
Reclassification of service fees (1)
(3) (5) (9)
Total Corporate and Other35
 28
 31
Consolidated revenues$35,653
 $35,239
 $34,507

(1)
Note 21
For presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, service fees of the Corporate and Other segment are reclassified to operating costs and expenses.Quarterly Results (unaudited)











183


Summarized financial performance data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Net income     
Property-Liability     
Underwriting income     
Allstate Protection$1,614
 $1,887
 $2,361
Discontinued Lines and Coverages(55) (115) (143)
Total underwriting income1,559
 1,772
 2,218
Net investment income1,237
 1,301
 1,375
Income tax expense on operations (1)
(952) (1,040) (1,177)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax(154) 357
 339
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax
 37
 (1)
Property-Liability net income applicable to common shareholders1,690
 2,427
 2,754
Allstate Financial     
Life and annuity premiums and contract charges2,158
 2,157
 2,352
Net investment income1,884
 2,131
 2,538
Periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments
 (1) 17
Contract benefits and interest credited to contractholder funds(2,563) (2,663) (3,171)
Operating costs and expenses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs(729) (721) (895)
Restructuring and related charges
 (2) (7)
Income tax expense on operations(241) (294) (246)
Operating income509
 607
 588
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax173
 94
 46
Valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax(1) (15) (16)
DAC and DSI amortization related to realized capital gains and losses and valuation changes on embedded derivatives that are not hedged, after-tax(3) (3) (5)
DAC and DSI unlocking related to realized capital gains and losses, after-tax
 
 7
Reclassification of periodic settlements and accruals on non-hedge derivative instruments, after-tax
 1
 (11)
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations, after-tax2
 (53) (514)
Change in accounting for investments in qualified affordable housing projects, after-tax(17) 
 
Allstate Financial net income applicable to common shareholders663
 631
 95
Corporate and Other     
Service fees (2)
3
 5
 9
Net investment income35
 27
 30
Operating costs and expenses (2)
(329) (364) (627)
Income tax benefit on operations109
 124
 220
Preferred stock dividends(116) (104) (17)
Operating loss(298) (312) (385)
Realized capital gains and losses, after-tax
 
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt, after-tax
 
 (319)
Postretirement benefits curtailment gain, after-tax
 
 118
Corporate and Other net loss applicable to common shareholders(298) (312) (586)
Consolidated net income applicable to common shareholders$2,055
 $2,746
 $2,263

(1)
Income tax on operations for Property-Liability segment includes $28 million of expense related to the change in accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects adopted in 2015.
(2)
For presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, service fees of the Corporate and Other segment are reclassified to operating costs and expenses.

  First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
($ in millions, except per share data)

 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues $9,770
 $9,644
 $10,099
 $9,813
 $10,465
 $9,888
 $9,481
 $10,062
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders 946
 666
 637
 550
 833
 637
 (312) 1,220
Earnings per common share - Basic 2.67
 1.82
 1.82
 1.51
 2.41
 1.76
 (0.91) 3.41
Earnings per common share - Diluted 2.63
 1.79
 1.80
 1.49
 2.37
 1.74
 (0.91) 3.35



184


Additional significant financial performance data for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Amortization of DAC     
Property-Liability$4,102
 $3,875
 $3,674
Allstate Financial262
 260
 328
Consolidated$4,364
 $4,135
 $4,002
  
Income tax expense     
Property-Liability$869
 $1,211
 $1,357
Allstate Financial351
 299
 87
Corporate and Other(109) (124) (328)
Consolidated$1,111
 $1,386
 $1,116
Interest expense is primarily incurred in the Corporate and Other segment. Capital expenditures for long-lived assets are generally made in the Property-Liability segment. A portion of these long-lived assets are used by entities included in the Allstate Financial and Corporate and Other segments and, accordingly, are charged expenses in proportion to their use.
Summarized data for total assets and investments for each of the Company’s reportable segments as of December 31 are as follows:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
Assets     
Property-Liability$55,671
 $55,767
 $54,726
Allstate Financial46,342
 49,248
 65,707
Corporate and Other2,643
 3,464
 3,027
Consolidated$104,656
 $108,479
 $123,460
  
Investments     
Property-Liability$38,479
 $39,083
 $39,638
Allstate Financial36,792
 38,809
 39,105
Corporate and Other2,487
 3,221
 2,412
Consolidated$77,758
 $81,113
 $81,155
The balances above reflect the elimination of related party investments between segments.
20. Other Comprehensive Income
The componentsAllstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg217


2018 Form 10-K

Report of other comprehensive income (loss) on a pre-tax and after-tax basis for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
($ in millions)2015 2014 2013
 Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax
Unrealized net holding gains and losses arising during the period, net of related offsets$(1,896) $663
 $(1,233) $1,026
 $(358) $668
 $(1,278) $447
 $(831)
Less: reclassification adjustment of realized capital gains and losses112
 (39) 73
 597
 (209) 388
 549
 (192) 357
Unrealized net capital gains and losses(2,008) 702
 (1,306) 429
 (149) 280
 (1,827) 639
 (1,188)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments(89) 31
 (58) (62) 22
 (40) (49) 17
 (32)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost arising during the period(64) 25
 (39) (1,197) 421
 (776) 1,231
 (429) 802
Less: reclassification adjustment of net periodic cost recognized in operating costs and expenses(134) 47
 (87) (78) 27
 (51) (445) 156
 (289)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost70
 (22) 48
 (1,119) 394
 (725) 1,676
 (585) 1,091
Other comprehensive loss$(2,027) $711
 $(1,316) $(752) $267
 $(485) $(200) $71
 $(129)

185


21.  Quarterly Results (unaudited)
($ in millions, except per share data)First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Revenues$8,952
 $8,684
 $8,982
 $8,860
 $9,028
 $8,936
 $8,691
 $8,759
Net income applicable to common shareholders648
 587
 326
 614
 621
 750
 460
 795
Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Basic1.56
 1.31
 0.80
 1.41
 1.56
 1.77
 1.19
 1.89
Net income applicable to common shareholders earnings per common share - Diluted1.53
 1.30
 0.79
 1.39
 1.54
 1.74
 1.18
 1.86

186


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
The Allstate Corporation
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position of The Allstate Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income, Shareholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015.2018, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Commission – (“COSO”).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Change in Adopted Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company changed its presentation and method of accounting for the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities on January 1, 2018, due to the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10). 
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditaudits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, andas well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement presentation.statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

218 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


2018 Form 10-K


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of theits inherent limitations, of internal control over financial reporting including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be preventedprevent or detected on a timely basis.detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Allstate Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

/s/ DeloitteDELOITTE & ToucheTOUCHE LLP

Chicago, Illinois
February 19, 201615, 2019


We have served as the Company's auditor since 1992.


187The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg219


2018 Form 10-K

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.    We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with or submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities Exchange Act and made known to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.    Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152018 based on the criteria related to internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.2018.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued their attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2015,2018, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.  Other Information
None.


188220 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com


2018 Form 10-K


Part III
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information regarding directors of The Allstate Corporation standing for election at the 20162019 annual stockholders meeting is incorporated in this Item 10 by reference to the descriptions in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance – Proposal 1. Election of Directors.Director Nominees.
Information regarding our audit committee and audit committee financial experts is incorporated in this Item 10 by reference to the information under the caption “Corporate Governance – Board Meetings and Committees” in the Proxy Statement.
Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated in this Item 10 by reference to “Stock Ownership Information – Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement.
Information regarding executive officers of The Allstate Corporation is incorporated in this Item 10 by reference to Part I, Item 1 of this report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
We have adopted a codeGlobal Code of ethicsBusiness Conduct that applies to all of our directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller.controller and principal accounting officer. The text of our codeGlobal Code of ethicsBusiness Conduct is posted on our website, www.allstateinvestors.com. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements, under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K, regarding amendments to, and waiver from, the provisions of our codeGlobal Code of ethicsBusiness Conduct by posting such information on the same website.website pursuant to applicable NYSE and SEC rules.
Item 11.  Executive Compensation
Information required for Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the sections of the Proxy Statement with the following captions:
Corporate Governance – Director Compensation
Executive Compensation
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated in this Item 12 by reference to the sections of the Proxy Statement with the following captions:
Equity Incentive Plan – Proposal 3. Approval of the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan
Stock Ownership Information – Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
Stock Ownership Information – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
       
Equity Compensation Plan Information
       
The following table includes information as of December 31, 2015, with respect to The Allstate Corporation’s equity compensation plans:
Plan CategoryNumber of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) 
 (a) (b) (c) 
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders (1)
18,943,802
(2) 
$45.81
 24,827,614
(3) 
Total18,943,802
(2) 
$45.81
 24,827,614
(3) 
_____________      
(1) Consists of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, which amended and restated the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan; the Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors; and the 2006 Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. The Corporation does not maintain any equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders.
(2)  As of December 31, 2015, 1,839,221 restricted stock units (RSUs) and 1,389,012 PSAs were outstanding. The weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights does not take into account RSUs and PSAs, which have no exercise price. PSAs are reported at the maximum potential amount awarded, for incomplete performance periods and the amount earned for the 2013 PSA grant, reduced for forfeitures. For incomplete performance periods, the actual number of shares earned may be less and are based upon measures achieved at the end of the three-year performance period for those granted in 2014 and 2015.
(3) Includes 24,687,602 shares that may be issued in the form of stock options, unrestricted stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance units, performance stock, and stock in lieu of cash under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan; and 140,012 shares that may be issued in the form of stock options, unrestricted stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock in lieu of cash compensation under the 2006 Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
       

189


Asset managers, such as those that manage mutual funds and exchange traded funds, principally on behalf of third party investors, at times acquire sufficient voting ownership interests in Allstate to require disclosure. BlackRock, Inc. has disclosed that it, together with certain subsidiaries, held 5.9% of our common stock as of December 31, 2015. BlackRock also manages approximately $3.5 billion of Allstate’s investment portfolio under an investment management agreement and has licensed an investment technology software system to Allstate. The terms of these arrangements are customary and the aggregate related fees are not material. State Street Corp. manages an investment portfolio of $2.5$2.8 billion on behalf of participants in Allstate’s 401(k) Savings Plan and $2.8$1.8 billion on behalf of Allstate domestic qualified pension plans. The terms of these arrangements are customary and the aggregate related fees are not material.
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required for Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the material in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance – Board Leadership StructureIndependence and Practices – Related Person Transactions” andTransactions - Related Person Transactions," “Corporate Governance –Board Composition Board Independence and Related Person Transactions - Nominee Independence Determinations” and “Appendix A“Other Information - Appendix B – Categorical Standards of Independence.”
Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information required for Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the material in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit Committee Matters – Proposal 3.4. Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accountant.Accountant for 2019.

190The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg221


2018 Form 10-K

Part IV
Item 15.  (a) (1) Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
The following consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and related information of The Allstate Corporation (the “Company”) are included in Item 8.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Item 15.  (a) (2)
The following additional financial statement schedules and independent auditors’ report are furnished herewith pursuant to the requirements of Form 10-K.
The Allstate Corporation Page
     
Schedules required to be filed under the provisions of Regulation S-X Article 7:
     
  
  
  
  
  
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or in notes thereto.
Item 15.  (a) (3)
The following is a list of the exhibits filed as part of this Form 10-K. The exhibit numbers followed by an asterisk (*) indicate exhibits that are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements. A dagger (†) indicates an award form first used under The Allstate Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated as The Allstate Corporation 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. A plus (+) indicates an award form first used under The Allstate Corporation 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated as The Allstate Corporation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.
  Incorporated by Reference 
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionForm
File
Number
ExhibitFiling Date
Filed or
Furnished
Herewith
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on May 23, 20128-K1-118403(i)May 23, 2012 
3.2Amended and Restated By-Laws of The Allstate Corporation as amended November 19, 20158-K1-118403.1November 19, 2015 
3.3Certificate of Designations with respect to the Preferred Stock, Series A of the Registrant, dated June 10, 20138-K1-118403.1June 12, 2013 
3.4Certificate of Designations with respect to the Preferred Stock, Series C of the Registrant, dated September 26, 20138-K1-118403.1September 30, 2013 
3.5Certificate of Designations with respect to the Preferred Stock, Series D of the Registrant, dated December 13, 20138-K1-118403.1December 16, 2013 
3.6Certificate of Correction of Certificate of Designations with respect to the Preferred Stock, Series A of the Registrant dated February 18, 201410-K1-118403.6February 20, 2014 
3.7Certificate of Designations with respect to the Preferred Stock, Series E of the Registrant, dated February 27, 20148-K1-118403.1March 3, 2014 
  Incorporated by Reference 
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionForm
File
Number
ExhibitFiling Date
Filed or
Furnished
Herewith
2.18-K1-118402.1November 28, 2016 
3.18-K1-118403(i)May 23, 2012 
3.28-K1-118403.1November 19, 2015 
3.38-K1-118403.1June 12, 2013 
3.48-K1-118403.1September 30, 2013 
3.58-K1-118403.1December 16, 2013 

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2018 Form 10-K


  Incorporated by Reference 
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionForm
File
Number
ExhibitFiling Date
Filed or
Furnished
Herewith
3.8Certificate of Designations with respect to the Preferred Stock, Series F of the Registrant, dated June 11, 20148-K1-118403.1June 12, 2014 
4.1The Allstate Corporation hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, the instruments defining the rights of holders of each issue of long-term debt of it and its consolidated subsidiaries     
4.2Deposit Agreement, dated June 12, 2013, among the Registrant, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein (Series A)8-K1-118404.1June 12, 2013 
4.3Form of Preferred Stock Certificate, Series A (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 3.3 above)8-K1-118404.2June 12, 2013 
4.4Form of Depositary Receipt, Series A (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.2 above)8-K1-118404.3June 12, 2013 
4.5Deposit Agreement, dated September 30, 2013, among the Registrant, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein (Series C)8-K1-118404.1September 30, 2013 
4.6Form of Preferred Stock Certificate, Series C (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 3.4 above)8-K1-118404.2September 30, 2013 
4.7Form of Depositary Receipt, Series C (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.5 above)8-K1-118404.3September 30, 2013 
4.8Deposit Agreement, dated December 16, 2013, among the Registrant, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein (Series D)8-K1-118404.1December 16, 2013 
4.9Form of Preferred Stock Certificate, Series D (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 3.5 above)8-K1-118404.2December 16, 2013 
4.10Form of Depositary Receipt, Series D (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.8 above)8-K1-118404.3December 16, 2013 
4.11Deposit Agreement, dated March 3, 2014, among the Registrant, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein (Series E)8-K1-118404.1March 3, 2014 
4.12Form of Preferred Stock Certificate, Series E (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 3.7 above)8-K1-118404.2March 3, 2014 
4.13Form of Depositary Receipt, Series E (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.11 above)8-K1-118404.3March 3, 2014 
4.14Deposit Agreement, dated June 12, 2014, among the Registrant, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein (Series F)8-K1-118404.1June 12, 2014 
4.15Form of Preferred Stock Certificate, Series F (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 3.8 above)8-K1-118404.2June 12, 2014 
4.16Form of Depositary Receipt, Series F (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.14 above)8-K1-118404.3June 12, 2014 
10.1Credit Agreement dated April 27, 2012 among The Allstate Corporation, Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company, as Borrowers; the Lenders party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent; Citibank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as Documentation Agents; and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent10-Q1-1184010.6May 2, 2012 
10.2Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 20148-K1-1184010.1April 29, 2014 
10.3*The Allstate Corporation Annual Executive Incentive PlanProxy1-11840App. BApril 7, 2014 
10.4*The Allstate Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 201510-Q1-1184010.1May 5, 2015 
10.5*The Allstate Corporation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective February 19, 201410-Q1-1184010.1May 6, 2014 
  Incorporated by Reference 
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionForm
File
Number
ExhibitFiling Date
Filed or
Furnished
Herewith
3.610-K1-118403.6February 20, 2014 
3.78-K1-118403.1March 3, 2014 
3.88-K1-118403.1June 12, 2014 
3.98-K1-118403.1March 29, 2018 
4.1The Allstate Corporation hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, the instruments defining the rights of holders of each issue of long-term debt of it and its consolidated subsidiaries     
4.28-K1-118404.1June 12, 2013 
4.38-K1-118404.2June 12, 2013 
4.48-K1-118404.3June 12, 2013 
4.58-K1-118404.1December 16, 2013 
4.68-K1-118404.2December 16, 2013 
4.78-K1-118404.3December 16, 2013 
4.88-K1-118404.1March 3, 2014 
4.98-K1-118404.2March 3, 2014 
4.108-K1-118404.3March 3, 2014 
4.118-K1-118404.1June 12, 2014 
4.128-K1-118404.2June 12, 2014 
4.138-K1-118404.3June 12, 2014 
4.148-K1-118404.1March 29, 2018 
4.158-K1-118404.2March 29, 2018 
4.168-K1-118404.3March 29, 2018 
10.110-Q1-1184010.6May 2, 2012 
10.28-K1-1184010.1April 29, 2014 

192The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg223


2018 Form 10-K

  Incorporated by Reference 
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionForm
File
Number
ExhibitFiling Date
Filed or
Furnished
Herewith
10.3*Proxy1-11840App. BApril 7, 2014
10.4*S-81-118404November 20, 2018
10.5*10-Q1-1184010.1October 31, 2018
10.6*10-Q1-1184010.2May 1, 2018
10.7*+10-Q1-1184010.4May 2, 2012 
10.7*10.8*10-Q1-1184010.3May 1, 2018
10.9*+10-Q1-1184010.3May 2, 2012 
10.8*10.10*+8-K1-1184010.2December 28, 2011 
10.9*10.11*+10-Q1-1184010.3April 27, 2011 
10.10*10.12*+8-K/A1-1184010.3May 20, 2009 
10.11*10.13*8-K1-1184010.3September 19, 2008 
10.12*†Form of Executive Officer Option Award Agreement for awards granted on or after July 18, 2006 and prior to September 13, 2008 under The Allstate Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan8-K1-1184010.1July 20, 2006
10.13*†Form of Executive Officer Option Award Agreement under The Allstate Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan10-K1-1184010.19March 11, 2004
10.14*+10-Q1-1184010.2May 2, 2012 
10.15*+8-K1-1184010.3December 28, 2011
10.16*+Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for awards granted on or after February 22, 2011 and prior to December 30, 2011 under The Allstate Corporation 2009 Equity Incentive Plan10-Q1-1184010.4April 27, 2011May 1, 2018 
10.17*10.16*10-Q1-1184010.3July 31, 2013October 19, 2018 X
10.18*10.17*8-K1-1184010.1December 28, 2011 
10.19*10.18*8-K1-1184010.7September 19, 2008 
10.20*10.19*8-K1-1184010.5September 19, 2008 
10.21*10.20*8-K1-1184010.6September 19, 2008 
10.21*Proxy1-11840App. DApril 12, 2017
10.22*8-K1-1184010.3May 19, 2006 
10.23*8-K1-1184010.8September 19, 2008 
10.24*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for awards granted on or after September 15, 2008 under The Allstate Corporation 2006 Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors8-K1-1184010.9September 19, 2008

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2018 Form 10-K


  Incorporated by Reference 
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionForm
File
Number
ExhibitFiling Date
Filed or
Furnished
Herewith
10.25*Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and Director10-Q1-1184010.2August 1, 2007 
10.26*Resolutions regarding Non-Employee Director Compensation10-Q1-1184010.1October 29, 2014 
10.27*Resolutions regarding Non-Employee Lead Director Fee10-Q1-1184010.2May 5, 2015 
10.28Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011, between White Mountains Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. and The Allstate Corporation. (Certain schedules and exhibits to the Stock Purchase Agreement are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit.)8-K1-1184010.1May 23, 2011 
10.29Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011, by White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. in favor of The Allstate Corporation8-K1-1184010.2May 23, 2011 
10.30Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 17, 2013, among Allstate Life Insurance Company, Resolution Life Holdings, Inc., and Resolution Life L.P.8-K1-1184010.1July 22, 2013 
10.31Amended and Restated Reinsurance Agreement, dated April 1, 2014, between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company8-K1-1184010.1April 7, 2014 
10.32Partial Commutation Agreement, dated April 1, 2014, between Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company8-K1-1184010.2April 7, 2014 
12Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges Ratio    X
14The Allstate Code of Ethics8-K1-1184014May 23, 2012 
21Subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation    X
23Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    X
31(i)Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer    X
31(i)Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer    X
32Section 1350 Certifications    X
101.INSXBRL Instance Document    X
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema    X
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase    X
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase    X
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase    X
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase    X
  Incorporated by Reference 
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionForm
File
Number
ExhibitFiling Date
Filed or
Furnished
Herewith
10.24*8-K1-1184010.9September 19, 2008 
10.25*

10-Q1-1184010.2August 3, 2016 
10.26*

10-Q1-1184010.2August 1, 2017 
10.27*10-Q1-1184010.2August 1, 2007 
10.28*10-K1-1184010.24February 17, 2017 
10.29*    X
10.308-K1-1184010.1April 7, 2014 
10.31*10-Q1-1184010.1May 1, 2018 
21    X
23    X
31(i)    X
31(i)    X
32    X
101.INSXBRL Instance Document    X
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema    X
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase    X
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase    X
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase    X
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase    X
Item 15.  (b)
The exhibits are listed in Item 15. (a)(3) above.
Item 15.  (c)
The financial statement schedules are listed in Item 15. (a)(2) above.
Item 16.
None.

194The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpg225


2018 Form 10-K

SIGNATURESSignatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
  
THE ALLSTATE CORPORATIONThe Allstate Corporation
(Registrant)
   
  /s/ Samuel H. PilchEric K. Ferren
  
By: Samuel H. PilchEric K. Ferren
Senior Group Vice President, Controller, and Controller
(PrincipalChief Accounting Officer)Officer
  February 19, 201615, 2019
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
     
/s/ Thomas J. Wilson 
Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director (Principal
(Principal Executive Officer)
 February 19, 201615, 2019
Thomas J. Wilson  
     
/s/ Steven E. ShebikMario Rizzo Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) February 19, 201615, 2019
Steven E. ShebikMario Rizzo  
     
/s/ Robert D. BeyerEric K. Ferren DirectorSenior Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) February 19, 201615, 2019
Robert D. BeyerEric K. Ferren  
     
/s/ Kermit R. Crawford Director February 19, 201615, 2019
Kermit R. Crawford  
     
/s/ Michael L. Eskew Director February 19, 201615, 2019
Michael L. Eskew  
     
/s/ Herbert L. HenkelMargaret M. Keane Director February 19, 201615, 2019
Herbert L. HenkelMargaret M. Keane  
     
/s/ Siddharth N. Mehta Director February 19, 201615, 2019
Siddharth N. Mehta  
     
/s/ Jacques P. Perold Director February 19, 201615, 2019
Jacques P. Perold  
     
/s/ Andrea Redmond Director February 19, 201615, 2019
Andrea Redmond  
     
/s/ John W. RoweGregg M. Sherrill Director February 19, 201615, 2019
John W. RoweGregg M. Sherrill  
     
/s/ Judith A. Sprieser Lead Director February 19, 201615, 2019
Judith A. Sprieser  
     
/s/ Mary Alice TaylorPerry M. Traquina Director February 19, 201615, 2019
Mary Alice TaylorPerry M. Traquina  

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THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE
2018 Form 10-K


The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule I — SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
DECEMBER 31, 2015Summary of Investments Other than Investments in Related Parties
 As of December 31, 2018
($ in millions)Cost/amortized cost 
Fair
value
 
Amount at which shown in the
Balance Sheet
 Cost/amortized cost 
Fair value
(if applicable)
 
Amount shown in the
Balance Sheet
Type of investment           
Fixed maturities:           
Bonds:           
United States government, government agencies and authorities$3,836
 $3,922
 $3,922
 $5,386
 $5,517
 $5,517
States, municipalities and political subdivisions7,032
 7,401
 7,401
 8,963
 9,169
 9,169
Foreign governments983
 1,033
 1,033
 739
 747
 747
Public utilities4,605
 4,864
 4,864
 5,410
 5,514
 5,514
All other corporate bonds37,069
 36,963
 36,963
 35,126
 34,622
 34,622
Asset-backed securities2,359
 2,327
 2,327
 1,049
 1,045
 1,045
Residential mortgage-backed securities857
 947
 947
 377
 464
 464
Commercial mortgage-backed securities438
 466
 466
 63
 70
 70
Redeemable preferred stocks22
 25
 25
 21
 22
 22
Total fixed maturities57,201
 $57,948
 57,948
 57,134
 $57,170
 57,170
           
Equity securities:           
Common stocks:           
Public utilities109
 $111
 111
 78
 93
 93
Banks, trusts and insurance companies1,160
 1,193
 1,193
 452
 525
 525
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other3,453
 3,672
 3,672
 3,737
 4,159
 4,159
Nonredeemable preferred stocks84
 106
 106
 222
 259
 259
Total equity securities4,806
 $5,082
 5,082
 4,489
 $5,036
 5,036
           
Mortgage loans on real estate4,338
 $4,489
 4,338
 4,670
 4,703
 4,670
Real estate (includes $6 acquired in satisfaction of debt)245
   245
Real estate (none acquired in satisfaction of debt) 624
   624
Policy loans905
   905
 891
   891
Derivative instruments47
 $53
 53
 117
 117
 117
Limited partnership interests4,874
   4,874
 7,505
   7,505
Other long-term investments2,191
   2,191
 2,220
   2,220
Short-term investments2,122
 $2,122
 2,122
 3,027
 3,027
 3,027
     
Total investments$76,729
   $77,758
 $80,677
 
 $81,260


The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpgS-1



THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE
2018 Form 10-K

The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule II —
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Statement of Operations
 Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions)Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016
2015 2014 2013
Revenues           
Investment income, less investment expense$8
 $3
 $3
 $25
 $10
 $11
Realized capital gains and losses (10) (2) 2
Other income66
 67
 42
 3
 36
 55
74
 70
 45
 18
 44
 68
           
Expenses           
Interest expense292
 321
 366
 337
 334
 295
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 1
 491
Pension and other postretirement benefit expense(15) 41
 (184) 238
 119
 10
Other operating expenses34
 38
 30
 50
 50
 28
311
 401
 703
 625
 503
 333
           
Loss from operations before income tax benefit and equity in net income of subsidiaries(237) (331) (658) (607) (459) (265)
           
Income tax benefit(108) (142) (251) (115) (92) (115)
Loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries(129) (189) (407) (492) (367) (150)
           
Equity in net income of subsidiaries2,300
 3,039
 2,687
 2,744
 3,556
 2,027
Net income2,171
 2,850
 2,280
 2,252
 3,189
 1,877
           
Preferred stock dividends116
 104
 17
 148
 116
 116
           
Net income applicable to common shareholders2,055
 2,746
 2,263
 2,104
 3,073
 1,761
           
Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax     
Other comprehensive income (loss), after-tax      
Changes in:           
Unrealized net capital gains and losses(1,306) 280
 (1,188) (754) 319
 433
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments(58) (40) (32) (55) 47
 10
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost48
 (725) 1,091
 (144) 307
 (104)
Other comprehensive loss, after-tax(1,316) (485) (129)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, after-tax (953) 673
 339
Comprehensive income$855
 $2,365
 $2,151
 $1,299
 $3,862
 $2,216


















See accompanying notes to condensed financial information and notes to consolidated financial statements.

S-2allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com



THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
2018 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE

The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule II (CONTINUED)(Continued)
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Statement of Financial Position
($ in millions, except par value data)December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2018 2017
Assets       
Investments in subsidiaries$25,047
 $26,362
 $29,301
 $29,126
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $485 and $878)485
 880
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost $277 and $673)277
 673
Cash4
 155
Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost $355 and $361) 356
 362
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost $285 and $171) 285
 171
Receivable from subsidiaries339
 342
 426
 427
Deferred income taxes302
 352
 225
 124
Other assets133
 167
 92
 150
Total assets$26,587
 $28,931
 $30,685
 $30,360
       
Liabilities       
Long-term debt$5,124
 $5,140
 $6,451
 $6,350
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations948
 977
 1,050
 675
Deferred compensation259
 263
 281
 297
Payable to subsidiaries 3
 
Notes due to subsidiaries 1,250
 250
Dividends payable to shareholders150
 155
 198
 167
Deferred income taxes
 
Other liabilities81
 92
 140
 70
Total liabilities6,562
 6,627
 9,373
 7,809
       
Shareholders’ equity       
Preferred stock and additional capital paid-in, $1 par value, 25 million shares authorized, 72.2 thousand issued and outstanding, and $1,805 aggregate liquidation preference1,746
 1,746
Common stock, $.01 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized and 900 million issued, 381 million and 418 million shares outstanding9
 9
Preferred stock and additional capital paid-in, $1 par value, 25 million shares authorized, 79.8 thousand and 72.2 thousand shares issued and outstanding, $1,995 and $1,805 aggregate liquidation preference 1,930
 1,746
Common stock, $.01 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized and 900 million issued, 332 million and 355 million shares outstanding 9
 9
Additional capital paid-in3,245
 3,199
 3,310
 3,313
Retained income39,413
 37,842
 45,708
 43,162
Deferred ESOP expense(13) (23) (3) (3)
Treasury stock, at cost (519 million and 482 million shares)(23,620) (21,030)
Treasury stock, at cost (568 million and 545 million shares) (28,085) (25,982)
Accumulated other comprehensive income:       
Unrealized net capital gains and losses620
 1,926
 (2) 1,662
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments(60) (2) (64) (9)
Unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit cost(1,315) (1,363)
Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit cost (1,491) (1,347)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(755) 561
 (1,557) 306
Total shareholders’ equity20,025
 22,304
 21,312
 22,551
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$26,587
 $28,931
 $30,685
 $30,360













See accompanying notes to condensed financial information and notes to consolidated financial statements.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpgS-3



THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
2018 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE
The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule II (CONTINUED)(Continued)
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Statement of Cash Flows
($ in millions)Year Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities           
Net income$2,171
 $2,850
 $2,280
 $2,252
 $3,189
 $1,877
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:           
Equity in net income of subsidiaries(2,300) (3,039) (2,687) (2,744) (3,556) (2,027)
Dividends received from subsidiaries2,300
 2,497
 1,992
 2,059
 1,671
 1,874
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 1
 491
Realized capital gains and losses 10
 2
 (2)
Changes in:           
Pension and other postretirement benefits(15) 41
 (184) 238
 119
 10
Income taxes77
 (158) 113
 (7) 35
 13
Operating assets and liabilities26
 (29) 25
 160
 56
 43
Net cash provided by operating activities2,259
 2,163
 2,030
 1,968
 1,516
 1,788
           
Cash flows from investing activities           
Proceeds from sales of investments399
 351
 
 1,370
 880
 389
Proceeds from sales of investments to subsidiaries 390
 
 
Investment purchases(4) (1,174) (156) (1,037) (748) (243)
Investment collections
 155
 200
 108
 13
 60
Return of capital from subsidiaries50
 1,200
 37
Capital contribution or return of capital from subsidiaries (975) 42
 (1,500)
Transfers to subsidiaries through intercompany loan agreement 
 
 (30)
Change in short-term investments, net397
 (88) (450) (115) 48
 58
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities842
 444
 (369)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (259) 235
 (1,266)
           
Cash flows from financing activities           
Proceeds from borrowings from subsidiaries 1,250
 300
 
Repayment of notes due to subsidiaries (250) (50) 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
 2,271
 498
 
 1,236
Repayment of long-term debt(20) (962) (2,627)
Redemption of preferred stock (385) 
 
Redemption and repayment of long-term debt (400) 
 (17)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
 965
 781
 557
 
 
Dividends paid on common stock(483) (477) (352) (614) (525) (486)
Dividends paid on preferred stock(116) (87) (6) (134) (116) (116)
Treasury stock purchases(2,808) (2,301) (1,834) (2,303) (1,495) (1,337)
Shares reissued under equity incentive plans, net130
 266
 170
 73
 135
 164
Excess tax benefits on share-based payment arrangements45
 41
 38
 
 
 32
Other
 (2) (1) (1) (2) 
Net cash used in financing activities(3,252) (2,557) (1,560) (1,709) (1,753) (524)
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash(151) 50
 101
Net decrease in cash 
 (2) (2)
Cash at beginning of year155
 105
 4
 
 2
 4
Cash at end of year$4
 $155
 $105
 $
 $
 $2









See accompanying notes to condensed financial information and notes to consolidated financial statements.

S-4allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com



THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
2018 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE

The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule II (CONTINUED)(Continued) Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATIONNotes to Condensed Financial Information
1.     General
The financial statements of the Registrant should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8. The long-term debt presented in Note 12 “Capital Structure” are direct obligations of the Registrant. A majority of the pension and other postretirement benefits plans presented in Note 17 “Benefit Plans” are direct obligations of the Registrant.
Participating subsidiaries fund the pension plans contributions under a master services cost sharing agreement. In addition, as a result of joint and several pension liability rules under the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, many liabilities that arise in connection with pension plans are joint and several across all members of a controlled group of entities.
2.   Notes due to subsidiaries
On October 11, 2018 and December 18, 2018 the Registrant issued $250 million and $1.00 billion notes, with a rate of 2.49% and 3.03% due on April 11, 2019 and June 18, 2019 respectively, both to its wholly owned subsidiary Kennett Capital Inc. The proceeds of these issuances were used for cash management purposes.
On December 11, 2017, the Registrant issued $125 million and $175 million notes, each with a rate of 1.59% and due on June 11, 2018, to its wholly owned subsidiaries Kennett Capital Inc. and Allstate Non-Insurance Holdings Inc (“ANIHI”), respectively. The proceeds of these issuances were used for cash management purposes. On December 20, 2017, the Registrant repaid $50 million to ANIHI. On April 17, 2018, the Registrant repaid $125 million and $125 million to Kennett Capital Inc. and ANIHI, respectively.
3.    Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
The Registrant paid $289$330 million, $332$331 million and $359$287 million of interest on debt in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpgS-5



THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE
2018 Form 10-K

The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule III — SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
Supplementary Insurance Information
($ in millions) As of December 31, For the year ended December 31,
Segment 
Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
 Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds Unearned premiums Premium revenue and contract charges 
Net investment income (1)
 Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Other operating costs and expenses Premiums written (excluding life)
2015                  
Property-Liability operations                  
Allstate Protection $2,029
 $21,807
 $12,189
 $30,309
   $20,981
 $4,102
 $3,612
 $30,871
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 
 2,062
 
 
   53
 
 2
 
Total Property-Liability 2,029
 23,869
 12,189
 30,309
 $1,237
 21,034
 4,102
 3,614
 30,871
Allstate Financial operations 1,832
 33,542
 13
 2,158
 1,884
 2,564
 262
 472
 777
Corporate and Other 
 
 
 
 35
 
 
 326
 
Total $3,861
 $57,411
 $12,202
 $32,467
 $3,156
 $23,598
 $4,364
 $4,412
 $31,648
2014                  
Property-Liability operations                  
Allstate Protection $1,820
 $20,709
 $11,640
 $28,928
   $19,315
 $3,875
 $3,851
 $29,613
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 
 2,214
 
 1
   113
 
 3
 1
Total Property-Liability 1,820
 22,923
 11,640
 28,929
 $1,301
 19,428
 3,875
 3,854
 29,614
Allstate Financial operations 1,705
 34,909
 15
 2,157
 2,131
 2,684
 260
 468
 746
Corporate and Other 
 
 
 
 27
 
 
 360
 
Total $3,525
 $57,832
 $11,655
 $31,086
 $3,459
 $22,112
 $4,135
 $4,682
 $30,360
2013                  
Property-Liability operations                  
Allstate Protection $1,625
 $19,598
 $10,917
 $27,618
   $17,769
 $3,674
 $3,814
 $28,164
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 
 2,259
 
 
   142
 
 1
 
Total Property-Liability 1,625
 21,857
 10,917
 27,618
 $1,375
 17,911
 3,674
 3,815
 28,164
Allstate Financial operations 1,747
 36,690
 15
 2,352
 2,538
 3,195
 328
 572
 723
Corporate and Other 
 
 
 
 30
 
 
 928
 
Total $3,372
 $58,547
 $10,932
 $29,970
 $3,943
 $21,106
 $4,002
 $5,315
 $28,887
________________________
($ in millions) As of December 31, For the years ended December 31,
Segment 
Deferred
policy
acquisition
costs
 Reserves for claims and claims expense, contract benefits and contractholder funds Unearned premiums Premium revenue and contract charges 
Net investment income (1)
 Claims and claims expense, contract benefits and interest credited to contractholders Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Other operating costs and expenses Premiums written (excluding life)
2018                  
Property-Liability                  
Allstate Protection $1,618
 $25,495
 $11,953
 $32,950
   $22,408
 $4,475
 $4,618
 $33,555
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 
 1,864
 
 
   87
 
 3
 
Total Property-Liability 1,618
 27,359
 11,953
 32,950
 $1,464
 22,495
 4,475
 4,621
 33,555
Service Businesses (2)
 1,290
 64
 2,546
 1,220
 27
 351
 463
 609
 1,431
Allstate Life 1,300
 10,333
 3
 1,315
 505
 1,094
 132
 372
 
Allstate Benefits 549
 1,905
 8
 1,135
 77
 630
 145
 285
 980
Allstate Annuities 27
 18,341
 
 15
 1,096
 903
 7
 32
 
Corporate and Other 
 
 
 
 71
 
 
 585
 
Intersegment Eliminations (2)
 
 
 
 (122) 
 (7) 
 (115) 
Total $4,784
 $58,002
 $14,510
 $36,513
 $3,240
 $25,466
 $5,222
 $6,389
 $35,966
2017                  
Property-Liability                  
Allstate Protection $1,510
 $24,336
 $11,409
 $31,433
   $21,470
 $4,205
 $4,350
 $31,648
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 
 1,893
 
 
   96
 
 3
 
Total Property-Liability 1,510
 26,229
 11,409
 31,433
 $1,478
 21,566
 4,205
 4,353
 31,648
Service Businesses (2)
 954
 96
 2,052
 977
 16
 369
 296
 572
 1,094
Allstate Life 1,152
 10,244
 4
 1,280
 489
 1,047
 134
 354
 
Allstate Benefits 541
 1,869
 8
 1,084
 72
 599
 142
 269
 919
Allstate Annuities 34
 19,870
 
 14
 1,305
 967
 7
 35
 
Corporate and Other 
 
 
 
 41
 
 
 631
 
Intersegment Eliminations (2)
 
 
 
 (110) 
 (6) 
 (104) 
Total $4,191
 $58,308
 $13,473
 $34,678
 $3,401
 $24,542
 $4,784
 $6,110
 $33,661
2016                  
Property-Liability                  
Allstate Protection $1,432
 $23,263
 $11,160
 $30,727
   $21,863
 $4,053
 $4,172
 $30,888
Discontinued Lines and Coverages 
 1,953
 
 
   105
 
 2
 3
Total Property-Liability 1,432
 25,216
 11,160
 30,727
 $1,253
 21,968
 4,053
 4,174
 30,891
Service Businesses (2)
 756
 34
 1,411
 685
 13
 258
 214
 287
 709
Allstate Life 1,200
 10,042
 4
 1,250
 482
 1,027
 131
 339
 
Allstate Benefits 526
 1,821
 8
 1,011
 71
 545
 145
 240
 855
Allstate Annuities 40
 20,636
 
 14
 1,181
 1,011
 7
 32
 
Corporate and Other 
 
 
 
 42
 
 
 324
 
Intersegment Eliminations (2)
 
 
 
 (105) 
 (5) 
 (100) 
Total $3,954
 $57,749
 $12,583
 $33,582
 $3,042
 $24,804
 $4,550
 $5,296
 $32,455
(1) 
A single investment portfolio supports both Allstate Protection and Discontinued Lines and Coverages segments.
(2)
Includes intersegment premiums and service fees and the related incurred losses and expenses that are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.


S-6allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com



THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE
2018 Form 10-K


The Allstate Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule IV — REINSURANCEReinsurance
($ in millions)          Gross amount 
Ceded to other companies (1)
 Assumed from other companies Net amount Percentage of amount assumed to net
Gross amount 
Ceded to other companies (1)
 Assumed from other companies Net amount Percentage of amount assumed to net
Year ended December 31, 2015         
Year ended December 31, 2018          
Life insurance in force$156,486
 $93,326
 $280,644
 $343,804
 81.6% $207,434
 $81,186
 $243,161
 $369,409
 65.8%
Premiums and contract charges:                   
Life insurance$828
 $299
 $849
 $1,378
 61.6% $994
 $266
 $754
 $1,482
 50.9%
Accident and health insurance813
 33
 
 780
 % 1,007
 24
 
 983
 %
Property-liability insurance31,274
 1,006
 41
 30,309
 0.1%
Property and casualty insurance 34,977
 1,016
 87
 34,048
 0.3%
Total premiums and contract charges$32,915
 $1,338
 $890
 $32,467
 2.7% $36,978
 $1,306
 $841
 $36,513
 2.3%
Year ended December 31, 2014        
Year ended December 31, 2017         
Life insurance in force$135,627
 $98,165
 $290,565
 $328,027
 88.6% $188,186
 $86,642
 $259,671
 $361,215
 71.9%
Premiums and contract charges:        
         
Life insurance$1,144
 $360
 $629
 $1,413
 44.5% $936
 $276
 $787
 $1,447
 54.4%
Accident and health insurance800
 56
 
 744
 % 958
 27
 
 931
 %
Property-liability insurance29,914
 1,030
 45
 28,929
 0.2%
Property and casualty insurance 33,221
 971
 50
 32,300
 0.2%
Total premiums and contract charges$31,858
 $1,446
 $674
 $31,086
 2.2% $35,115
 $1,274
 $837
 $34,678
 2.4%
Year ended December 31, 2013        
Year ended December 31, 2016         
Life insurance in force$528,473
 $196,274
 $14,003
 $346,202
 4.0% $167,355
 $90,011
 $275,008
 $352,352
 78.0%
Premiums and contract charges:        
         
Life insurance$2,088
 $538
 $82
 $1,632
 5.0% $877
 $279
 $818
 $1,416
 57.8%
Accident and health insurance821
 101
 
 720
 % 889
 30
 
 859
 %
Property-liability insurance28,638
 1,069
 49
 27,618
 0.2%
Property and casualty insurance 32,249
 987
 45
 31,307
 0.1%
Total premiums and contract charges$31,547
 $1,708
 $131
 $29,970
 0.4% $34,015
 $1,296
 $863
 $33,582
 2.6%

(1) 
No reinsurance or coinsurance income was netted against premium ceded in 2015, 20142018, 2017 or 2013.2016.

S-7


THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE V — VALUATION ALLOWANCES AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
($ in millions)  Additions    
Description
Balance as
of beginning
of period
 
Charged
to costs
and expenses
 
Other
additions
 Deductions 
Balance
as of end
of period
Year ended December 31, 2015         
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables$95
 $(15) $
 $
 $80
Allowance for premium installment receivable83
 107
 
 100
 90
Allowance for deferred tax assets
 
 
 
 
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans8
 (4) 
 1
 3
Year ended December 31, 2014        
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables$92
 $3
 $
 $
 $95
Allowance for premium installment receivable77
 99
 
 93
 83
Allowance for deferred tax assets
 
 
 
 
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans21
 (5) 
 8
 8
Year ended December 31, 2013        
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables$87
 $8
 $
 $3
 $92
Allowance for premium installment receivable70
 96
 
 89
 77
Allowance for deferred tax assets
 
 
 
 
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans42
 (11) 
 10
 21
The Allstate Corporation allstatelogohandsa18.jpgS-7


S-8


THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE VI — SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONCERNING
CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
2018 Form 10-K
($ in millions)As of December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
Deferred policy acquisition costs$2,029
 $1,820
 $1,625
Reserves for insurance claims and claims expense23,869
 22,923
 21,857
Unearned premiums12,189
 11,640
 10,917

 Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
Earned premiums$30,309
 $28,929
 $27,618
Net investment income1,237
 1,301
 1,375
Claims and claims adjustment expense incurred     
Current year20,953
 19,512
 18,032
Prior years81
 (84) (121)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs4,102
 3,875
 3,674
Paid claims and claims adjustment expense20,286
 19,392
 17,996
Premiums written30,871
 29,614
 28,164


S-9


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
The Allstate Corporation
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of The Allstate Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015Subsidiaries
Schedule V — Valuation Allowances and 2014, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, and have issued our report thereon dated February 19, 2016; such consolidated financial statements and report are included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedules of the Company listed in the accompanying index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.Qualifying Accounts
($ in millions)   Additions    
Description 
Balance as
of beginning
of period
 Charged to costs and expenses 
Other
additions
 Deductions 
Balance
as of end
of period
Year ended December 31, 2018          
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables $70
 $(5) $
 $
 $65
Allowance for premium installment receivable 77
 118
 
 118
 77
Allowance for deferred tax assets 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans 3
 
 
 
 3
Year ended December 31, 2017         
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables $84
 $(10) $
 $4
 $70
Allowance for premium installment receivable 84
 109
 
 116
 77
Allowance for deferred tax assets 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans 3
 1
 
 1
 3
Year ended December 31, 2016         
Allowance for reinsurance recoverables $80
 $5
 $
 $1
 $84
Allowance for premium installment receivable 90
 107
 
 113
 84
Allowance for deferred tax assets 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for estimated losses on mortgage loans 3
 
 
 
 3


S-8 allstatelogohandsa18.jpgwww.allstate.com

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, Illinois
February 19, 2016


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