Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation – Loews Corporation is a holding company. Its subsidiaries are engaged in the following lines of business: commercial property and casualty insurance (CNA Financial Corporation (“CNA”), a 89% owned subsidiary); the operation of offshore oil and gas drilling rigs (Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (“Diamond Offshore”), a 53% owned subsidiary); transportation and storage of natural gas and natural gas liquids (Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP (“Boardwalk Pipeline”), a wholly owned subsidiary); the operation of a chain of hotels (Loews Hotels Holding Corporation (“Loews Hotels & Co”), a wholly owned subsidiary); and the manufacture of rigid plastic packaging solutions (Consolidated Container Company LLC (“Consolidated Container”), a 99% owned subsidiary). Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company,” “Loews” and “Registrant” as used herein mean Loews Corporation excluding its subsidiaries and the term “Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation” as used herein means Net income (loss) attributable to Loews Corporation shareholders.

Principles of consolidation

Principles of consolidation – The Consolidated Financial Statements include all subsidiaries and intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in associated companies in which the Company generally has an interest of 20% to 50%.

Accounting estimates

Accounting estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investments

Investments – The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities as either available-for-sale or trading, and as such, they are carried at fair value. Short term investments are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value of trading securities are reported within Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Changes in fair value related to available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of Other comprehensive income. Losses may be recognized within the Consolidated Statements of Income when a decline in value is determined by the Company to be other-than-temporary.

The cost of fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are included in Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The amortization of premium and accretion of discount for fixed maturity securities takes into consideration call and maturity dates that produce the lowest yield.

For asset-backed securities included in fixed maturity securities, the Company recognizes income using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments.

To the extent that unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities supporting long term care products and structured settlements not funded by annuities would result in a premium deficiency if those gains were realized, a related increase in Insurance reserves is recorded, net of tax and noncontrolling interests, as a reduction of net unrealized gains through Other comprehensive income (“Shadow Adjustments”). Shadow Adjustments decreased $298 million (after tax and noncontrolling interests) and increased $355 million (after tax and noncontrolling interests) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, net unrealized gains on investments included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) were correspondingly reduced by Shadow Adjustments of $964 million and $1.3 billion (after tax and noncontrolling interests).

Equity securities are carried at fair value. CNA’s non-redeemable preferred stock investments contain characteristics of debt securities, are priced similarly to bonds and are held primarily for income generation through periodic dividends. While recognition of gains and losses on these securities is not discretionary, CNA does not consider the changes in fair value of non-redeemable preferred stock to be reflective of its primary operations. As such, the changes in the fair value of these securities are recorded through Net realized investments gains (losses). The Company owns certain common stock with the intention of holding the securities primarily for market appreciation and as such, the changes in the fair value of these securities are recorded through Net investment income (loss). Prior to 2018, a portfolio of equity securities were considered available-for-sale with changes in fair value reported as a component of Other comprehensive income (loss).

The Company’s carrying value of investments in limited partnerships is its share of the net asset value of each partnership, as determined by the general partner. Certain partnerships for which results are not available on a timely basis are reported on a lag, primarily three months or less. These investments are accounted for under the equity method and changes in net asset values are recorded within Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investments in derivative securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported as a component of Investment gains (losses), Income (loss) from trading portfolio, or Other comprehensive income (loss), depending on their hedge designation. A derivative is typically defined as an instrument whose value is “derived” from an underlying instrument, index or rate, has a notional amount, requires little or no initial investment and can be net settled. Derivatives include, but are not limited to, the following types of investments: interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and floors, put and call options, warrants, futures, forwards, commitments to purchase securities, credit default swaps and combinations of the foregoing. Derivatives embedded within non-derivative instruments (such as call options embedded in convertible bonds) must be split from the host instrument when the embedded derivative is not clearly and closely related to the host instrument.

An available-for-sale security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its cost adjusted for accretion, amortization and previously recorded other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses, otherwise defined as an unrealized loss. When a security is impaired, the impairment is evaluated to determine whether it is temporary or other-than-temporary.

Significant judgment is required in the determination of whether an OTTI loss has occurred for a security. CNA follows a consistent and systematic process for determining and recording an OTTI loss including the evaluation of securities in an unrealized loss position on at least a quarterly basis.

CNA’s assessment of whether an OTTI loss has occurred incorporates both quantitative and qualitative information. Fixed maturity securities that CNA intends to sell, or it more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery of amortized cost, are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired and the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the security is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The remaining fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated to determine if a credit loss exists. The factors considered include: (i) the financial condition and near term and long term prospects of the issuer, (ii) whether the debtor is current on interest and principal payments, (iii) credit ratings of the securities and (iv) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook. CNA also considers results and analysis of cash flow modeling for asset-backed securities, and when appropriate, other fixed maturity securities.

The focus of the analysis for asset-backed securities is on assessing the sufficiency and quality of underlying collateral and timing of cash flows based on scenario tests. If the present value of the modeled expected cash flows equals or exceeds the amortized cost of a security, no credit loss is judged to exist and the asset-backed security is deemed to be temporarily impaired. If the present value of the expected cash flows is significantly less than amortized cost, the security is judged to be other-than-temporarily impaired for credit reasons and that shortfall, referred to as the credit component, is recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings. The difference between the adjusted amortized cost basis and fair value, referred to as the non-credit component, is recognized as OTTI in Other comprehensive income. In subsequent reporting periods, a change in intent to sell or further credit impairment on a security whose fair value has not deteriorated will cause the non-credit component originally recorded as OTTI in Other comprehensive income to be recognized as an OTTI loss in earnings.

CNA performs the discounted cash flow analysis using stressed scenarios to determine future expectations regarding recoverability. Significant assumptions enter into these cash flow projections including delinquency rates, probable risk of default, loss severity upon a default, over collateralization and interest coverage triggers and credit support from lower level tranches.

Prior to 2018, CNA applied the same impairment model as described above for the majority of its non-redeemable preferred stock securities on the basis that these securities possess characteristics similar to debt securities. For all other equity securities, in determining whether the security was other-than-temporarily impaired, CNA considered a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (ii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the intent and ability of CNA to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value and (iv) general market conditions and industry or sector specific outlook.

Joint venture investments

Joint venture investments – The Company had approximately 20% to 50% interests in operating joint ventures related to hotel properties that are accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s investment in these entities was $312 million and $237 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and reported in Other assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Equity income for these investments was $73 million, $81 million and $41 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 and reported in Operating expenses and other on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following tables present summarized financial information for these joint ventures:

Year Ended December 31			2018		2017
(In millions)
Total assets			$	1,924	$	1,703
Total liabilities				1,451		1,347
Year Ended December 31	2018		2017		2016
Revenues	$	731	$	731	$	693
Net income		114		261		80

Hedging

Hedging – The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The Company also formally assesses (both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis) whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. When it is determined that a derivative for which hedge accounting has been designated is not (or ceases to be) highly effective, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. See Note 3 for additional information on the Company’s use of derivatives.

Securities lending activities

Securities lending activities – The Company lends securities for the purpose of enhancing income or to finance positions to unrelated parties who have been designated as primary dealers by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Borrowers of these securities must deposit and maintain collateral with the Company of no less than 100% of the fair value of the securities loaned. United States of America (“U.S.”) Government securities and cash are accepted as collateral. The Company maintains effective control over loaned securities and, therefore, continues to report such securities as investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Securities lending is typically done on a matched-book basis where the collateral is invested to substantially match the term of the loan. This matching of terms tends to limit risk. In accordance with the Company’s lending agreements, securities on loan are returned immediately to the Company upon notice. Collateral is not reflected as an asset of the Company. There was no collateral held at December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition – Premiums on property and casualty insurance contracts are recognized in proportion to the underlying risk insured and are principally earned ratably over the term of the policies. Premiums on long term care contracts are earned ratably over the policy year in which they are due. The reserve for unearned premiums represents the portion of premiums written relating to the unexpired terms of coverage.

Insurance receivables include balances due currently or in the future, including amounts due from insureds related to losses under high deductible policies, and are presented at unpaid balances, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Amounts are considered past due based on policy payment terms. The allowance is determined based on periodic evaluations of aged receivables, historical business default data, management’s experience and current economic conditions. Insurance receivables and any related allowance are written off after collection efforts are exhausted or a negotiated settlement is reached.

Property and casualty contracts that are retrospectively rated contain provisions that result in an adjustment to the initial policy premium depending on the contract provisions and loss experience of the insured during the experience period. For such contracts, CNA estimates the amount of ultimate premiums that it may earn upon completion of the experience period and recognizes either an asset or a liability for the difference between the initial policy premium and the estimated ultimate premium. CNA adjusts such estimated ultimate premium amounts during the course of the experience period based on actual results to date. The resulting adjustment is recorded as either a reduction of or an increase to the earned premiums for the period.

CNA’s non-insurance warranty revenues are primarily generated from separately-priced service contracts that provide mechanical breakdown and other coverages to vehicle or consumer goods owners, which generally provide coverage from one month to ten years. For warranty products where CNA acts as the principal in the transaction, non-insurance warranty revenues are reported on a gross basis, with amounts paid by customers reported as Non-insurance warranty revenue and commissions paid to agents reported as Non-insurance warranty expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, CNA provides warranty administration services for dealer and manufacturer warranty products. Non-insurance revenues are recognized when obligations under the terms of the contract with CNA’s customers are satisfied, which is generally over time as obligations are fulfilled. CNA recognizes non-insurance warranty revenues over the service period in proportion to the actuarially determined expected claims emergence pattern. Customers pay in full at the inception of the warranty contract. The liability for unearned warranty revenue, reported as Deferred non-insurance warranty revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, represents the unearned portion of revenue in advance of CNA’s performance, including amounts which are refundable upon cancellation.

Diamond Offshore’s contract drilling revenues primarily result from providing a drilling rig and the crew and supplies necessary to operate the rig, mobilizing and demobilizing the rig to and from the drill site and performing rig preparation activities and/or modifications required for the contract. Consideration received for performing these activities may consist of dayrate drilling revenue, mobilization and demobilization revenue, contract preparation revenue and reimbursement revenue for the purchase of supplies, equipment, personnel services and other services requested by the customer. Diamond Offshore accounts for these integrated services provided within its drilling contracts as a single performance obligation satisfied over time and comprised of a series of distinct time increments in which drilling services are provided. The total transaction price is determined for each individual contract by estimating both fixed and variable consideration expected to be earned over the term of the contract. The standard contract term ranges from two to 60 months.

Boardwalk Pipeline primarily earns revenues by providing transportation and storage services for natural gas and natural gas liquids and hydrocarbons (referred to together as “NGLs”) on a firm and interruptible basis and provides interruptible natural gas parking and lending services. The majority of Boardwalk Pipeline’s operating subsidiaries are subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) regulations and certain revenues collected, under certain circumstances, may be subject to possible refunds to its customers. An estimated refund liability is recorded considering regulatory proceedings, advice of counsel and estimated total exposure. The majority of Boardwalk Pipeline’s revenues are from firm service contracts which are accounted for as a single promise to stand ready each month of the contract term to provide the committed capacity for either transportation or storage services. The transaction price is comprised of a fixed fee based on the capacity reserved plus a usage fee paid on the volume of commodity transported or injected and withdrawn from storage. Both the fixed and the usage fees are allocated to the single performance obligation of providing transportation or storage service and recognized over time as control is passed to the customer. These service contracts can range in term from one to 20 years and are invoiced monthly.

Loews Hotels & Co provides lodging and related goods and services as well as management and marketing services. Loews Hotels & Co allocates the lodging transaction price to the distinct goods and services based on the market price. Lodging and related revenues are recognized as the guest takes possession of the goods or receives the services. Management and marketing services revenues are recognized as the services are provided and billed on a monthly basis. In addition, Loews Hotels & Co recognizes revenue for the reimbursement of payroll expenses incurred on behalf of the owners of joint venture and managed hotel properties.

Consolidated Container manufactures rigid plastic packaging to provide packaging solutions to end markets such as beverage, food and household chemicals through a network of manufacturing locations across North America. In addition, Consolidated Container manufactures commodity and differentiated plastic resins from recycled plastic materials for a variety of end markets. Consolidated Container recognizes revenue as control is transferred to the customer.

Contract costs

Contract costs – Costs to obtain or fulfill contracts with customers are deferred and reported as Deferred non-insurance warranty acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These costs are expected to be recoverable over the term of the contract and are amortized in the same manner the related revenue is recognized. For CNA’s deferred non-insurance warranty acquisition expenses, losses under warranty contracts would be recognized when it is probable that estimated future costs exceed unrecognized revenue. CNA evaluates deferred costs for recoverability including consideration of anticipated investment income. Adjustments to deferred costs, if necessary, are recorded in the current period results of operations.

Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves

Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves – Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves, except reserves for structured settlements not associated with asbestos and environmental pollution (“A&EP”), workers’ compensation lifetime claims and long term care claims, are not discounted and are based on (i) case basis estimates for losses reported on direct business, adjusted in the aggregate for ultimate loss expectations; (ii) estimates of incurred but not reported losses; (iii) estimates of losses on assumed reinsurance; (iv) estimates of future expenses to be incurred in the settlement of claims; (v) estimates of salvage and subrogation recoveries and (vi) estimates of amounts due from insureds related to losses under high deductible policies. Management considers current conditions and trends as well as past CNA and industry experience in establishing these estimates. The effects of inflation, which can be significant, are implicitly considered in the reserving process and are part of the recorded reserve balance. Ceded claim and claim adjustment expense reserves are reported as a component of Receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Claim and claim adjustment expense reserves are presented net of anticipated amounts due from insureds related to losses under deductible policies of $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. A significant portion of these amounts are supported by collateral. CNA also has an allowance for uncollectible deductible amounts, which is presented as a component of the allowance for doubtful accounts included in Receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Structured settlements have been negotiated for certain property and casualty insurance claims. Structured settlements are agreements to provide fixed periodic payments to claimants. CNA’s obligations for structured settlements not funded by annuities are included in claim and claim adjustment expense reserves and carried at present values determined using interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 8.0% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the discounted reserves for unfunded structured settlements were $512 million and $527 million, net of discount of $760 million and $798 million. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the amount of interest recognized on the discounted reserves of unfunded structured settlements was $40 million, $41 million and $42 million. This interest accretion is presented as a component of Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income but is excluded from the disclosure of prior year loss reserve development.

Workers’ compensation lifetime claim reserves are calculated using mortality assumptions determined through statutory regulation and economic factors. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, workers’ compensation lifetime claim reserves are discounted at a 3.5% interest rate. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the discounted reserves for workers’ compensation lifetime claim reserves were $343 million and $346 million, net of discount of $168 million and $190 million. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the amount of interest accretion recognized on the discounted reserves of workers’ compensation lifetime claim reserves was $16 million, $19 million and $17 million. This interest accretion is presented as a component of Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income, but is excluded from the Company’s disclosure of prior year loss reserve development.

Long term care claim reserves are calculated using mortality and morbidity assumptions based on CNA and industry experience. Long term care claim reserves are discounted at an interest rate of 6.0% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, such discounted reserves totaled $2.6 billion and $2.4 billion, net of discount of $460 million and $446 million.

Future policy benefit reserves

Future policy benefit reserves – Future policy benefit reserves represent the active life reserves related to CNA’s long term care policies and are computed using the net level premium method, which incorporates actuarial assumptions as to morbidity, persistency, inclusive of mortality, discount rate, future premium rate adjustments and expenses. Expense assumptions primarily relate to claim adjudication. CNA’s future policy benefit reserves are based on best estimate actuarial assumptions as of the most recent date of loss recognition, which occurred in 2015. If a premium deficiency were to emerge in the future, the assumptions would be unlocked, and the future policy benefit reserves would be adjusted. The gross premium valuation (“GPV”) process was performed in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter in 2017. The GPV as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 indicated the carried reserves were sufficient, therefore there was no unlocking of assumptions. Interest rates for long term care active life reserves range from 6.6% to 7.0% as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

CNA’s most recent GPV indicated the future policy benefit reserves for the long term care business were not deficient in the aggregate, but profits are expected to be recognized in early years followed by losses in later years. In that circumstance, future policy benefit reserves are increased in the profitable years by an amount necessary to offset losses that are projected to be recognized in later years. The amount of the additional future policy benefit reserves recorded in each quarterly period is determined by applying the ratio of the present value of future losses divided by the present value of future profits from the most recently completed GPV to long term care core income in that period.

Guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments

Guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments – Liabilities for guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments are accrued when an assessment is probable, when it can be reasonably estimated and when the event obligating the entity to pay an imposed or probable assessment has occurred. Liabilities for guaranty funds and other insurance-related assessments are not discounted and are included as part of Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the liability balances were $108 million and $121 million.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance – Reinsurance accounting allows for contractual cash flows to be reflected as premiums and losses. To qualify for reinsurance accounting, reinsurance agreements must include risk transfer. To meet risk transfer requirements, a reinsurance contract must include both insurance risk, consisting of underwriting and timing risk, and a reasonable possibility of a significant loss for the assuming entity.

Reinsurance receivables related to paid losses are presented at unpaid balances. Reinsurance receivables related to unpaid losses are estimated in a manner consistent with claim and claim adjustment expense reserves or future policy benefit reserves. Reinsurance receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The cost of reinsurance is primarily accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies or over the reinsurance contract period. The ceding of insurance does not discharge the primary liability of CNA.

CNA has established an allowance for doubtful accounts on reinsurance receivables which relates to both amounts already billed on ceded paid losses as well as ceded reserves that will be billed when losses are paid in the future. The allowance for doubtful accounts on reinsurance receivables is estimated on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from reinsurers, reinsurer solvency, industry experience and current economic conditions. Reinsurer financial strength ratings are updated and reviewed on an annual basis or sooner if CNA becomes aware of significant changes related to a reinsurer. Because billed receivables generally approximate 5% or less of total reinsurance receivables, the age of the reinsurance receivables related to paid losses is not a significant input into the allowance analysis. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts on reinsurance receivables are presented as a component of Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Amounts are considered past due based on the reinsurance contract terms. Reinsurance receivables related to paid losses and any related allowance are written off after collection efforts have been exhausted or a negotiated settlement is reached with the reinsurer. Reinsurance receivables from insolvent insurers related to paid losses are written off when the settlement due from the estate can be reasonably estimated. At the time reinsurance receivables related to paid losses are written off, any required adjustment to reinsurance receivables related to unpaid losses is recorded as a component of Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Reinsurance contracts that do not effectively transfer the economic risk of loss on the underlying policies are recorded using the deposit method of accounting, which requires that premium paid or received by the ceding company or assuming company be accounted for as a deposit asset or liability. CNA had $3 million and $8 million recorded as deposit assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and $3 million and $4 million recorded as deposit liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. Income on reinsurance contracts accounted for under the deposit method is recognized using an effective yield based on the anticipated timing of payments and the remaining life of the contract. When the anticipated timing of payments changes, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and the estimated timing of future payments. The deposit asset or liability is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the inception of the contract.

A loss portfolio transfer is a retroactive reinsurance contract. If the cumulative claim and allocated claim adjustment expenses ceded under a loss portfolio transfer exceed the consideration paid, the resulting gain from such excess is deferred and amortized into earnings in future periods in proportion to actual recoveries under the loss portfolio transfer. In any period in which there is a revised estimate of claim and allocated claim adjustment expenses and the loss portfolio transfer is in a gain position, the deferred gain is recalculated as if the revised estimate was available at the inception date of the loss portfolio transfer and the change in the deferred gain is recognized in earnings.

Deferred acquisition costs

Deferred acquisition costs – Deferrable acquisition costs include commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting and policy issuance costs which are incremental direct costs of successful contract acquisitions. Acquisition costs related to property and casualty business are deferred and amortized ratably over the period the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are presented net of ceding commissions and other ceded acquisition costs.

CNA evaluates deferred acquisition costs for recoverability. Anticipated investment income is considered in the determination of the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. Adjustments, if necessary, are recorded in current period results of operations.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets – Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets of acquired entities. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or when certain triggering events require additional tests. Subsequent reversal of a goodwill impairment charge is not permitted.

Other intangible assets are reported within Other assets. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived other intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or when certain triggering events require such tests. See Note 7 for additional information on the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of properties. Leaseholds and leasehold improvements are depreciated or amortized over the terms of the related leases (including optional renewal periods, where appropriate) or the estimated lives of improvements, if less than the lease term.

The principal service lives used in computing provisions for depreciation are as follows:

	Years
Pipeline equipment		30 to 50
Offshore drilling equipment		15 to 30
Other		3 to 40

Impairment of long-lived assets

Impairment of long-lived assets –Long-lived and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets and intangibles with finite lives, under certain circumstances, are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value. Assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide any future service potential to the Company are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Income taxes

Income taxes – The Company and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated tax return. Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax return bases of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax rates and other provisions of the tax law. The effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period in which such change is enacted. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not, and a valuation allowance is established for any portion of a deferred tax asset that management believes may not be realized.

The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions that it has taken or expects to take on a tax return. The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information. See Note 10 for additional information on the provision for income taxes.

Pension and postretirement benefits

Pension and postretirement benefits – The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of its defined benefit plans in Other assets or Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in funded status related to prior service costs and credits and actuarial gains and losses are recognized in the year in which the changes occur through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company measures its benefit plan assets and obligations at December 31. Annual service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service costs and credits and amortization of actuarial gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation – The Company records compensation expense upon issuance, modification or cancellation of all share-based payment awards granted, primarily on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, generally three to four years. Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive. These assumptions include the term that the awards are expected to be outstanding, an estimate of the volatility of the underlying stock price, applicable risk-free interest rates and the dividend yield of the Company’s stock. Restricted Stock Units are valued using the grant-date fair value of the Company’s stock.

Net income per share

Net income per share – Companies with complex capital structures are required to present basic and diluted net income per share. Basic net income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

For each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, approximately 0.9 million, 0.9 million and 0.4 million potential shares attributable to issuances and exercises under the Loews Corporation 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan and the prior plan were included in the calculation of diluted net income per share. For those same periods, there were no shares and approximately 0.4 million and 3.7 million shares attributable to employee stock-based compensation awards excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.

Foreign currency

Foreign currency – Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reflected in Shareholders’ equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s foreign subsidiaries’ balance sheet accounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at each reporting date and income statement accounts are translated at the average exchange rates during the reporting period. There were no foreign currency transaction gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $26 million and $(21) million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 included in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Regulatory accounting

Regulatory accounting– The majority of Boardwalk Pipeline’s operating subsidiaries are regulated by FERC. GAAP for regulated entities requires Texas Gas Transmission, LLC (“Texas Gas”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Boardwalk Pipeline, to report certain assets and liabilities consistent with the economic effect of the manner in which independent third party regulators establish rates. Effective April 1, 2016, Gulf South Pipeline, LP (“Gulf South”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Boardwalk Pipeline, implemented a fuel tracker pursuant to a FERC rate case settlement, for which Gulf South applies regulatory accounting. Accordingly, certain costs and benefits are capitalized as regulatory assets and liabilities in order to provide for recovery from or refund to customers in future periods. Other than as described for Texas Gas and Gulf South, regulatory accounting is not applicable to Boardwalk Pipeline’s other FERC regulated entities or operations.

Supplementary cash flow information

Supplementary cash flow information – Cash payments made for interest on long term debt, net of capitalized interest, amounted to $558 million, $533 million and $511 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Cash payments for federal, foreign, state and local income taxes amounted to $101 million, $166 million and $114 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Investing activities exclude $15 million and $18 million of accrued capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2016 and include $87 million of previously accrued capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Accounting changes

Accounting changes – In May of 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). The core principle of the new accounting guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new accounting guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized and requires enhanced disclosures about revenue. The standard excludes from its scope the accounting for insurance contracts, financial instruments and certain other agreements that are subject to other guidance in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, which limits the impact of this change in accounting for the Company.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the updated accounting guidance using the modified retrospective method, with a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance sheet. Upon adoption, the new guidance was applied to all contracts subject to the standard that were not completed as of the date of adoption. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous accounting guidance. At adoption, the cumulative effect adjustment decreased beginning Retained earnings by $62 million (after tax and noncontrolling interests), resulted in a deferred tax asset of $23 million and increased Deferred non-insurance warranty acquisition expenses by approximately $1.9 billion and Deferred non-insurance warranty revenue by approximately $2.0 billion.

The impact of the new guidance is primarily related to revenue on CNA’s non-insurance warranty products and services, which is recognized more slowly as compared to the historic revenue recognition pattern. For the warranty products where CNA acts as principal, Non-insurance warranty revenue and Non-insurance warranty expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income are increased to reflect the gross amount paid by consumers, including the retail seller’s markup, which is considered a commission to the Company’s agent. This gross-up of revenues and expenses resulted in an increase to Deferred non-insurance warranty acquisition expenses and Deferred non-insurance warranty revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as the revenue and expense are recognized over the actuarially determined expected claims emergence pattern. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Deferred non-insurance warranty acquisition expenses and Deferred non-insurance warranty revenue would have been $234 million and $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2018, as compared to $212 million and $972 million as of December 31, 2017. The impact of adopting the new guidance resulted in an increase to Non-insurance warranty revenue and Non-insurance warranty expense of $587 and $595 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. See Note 13 for additional information on revenues from contracts with customers.

In January of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). The updated accounting guidance requires changes to the reporting model for financial instruments. The guidance primarily changes the model for equity securities by requiring changes in the fair value of equity securities (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, those without readily determinable fair values and those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be recognized through the income statement. With the adoption of the new guidance, equity securities are no longer classified as available-for-sale or trading. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous accounting guidance. As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the updated accounting guidance and recognized a cumulative effect adjustment of $25 million (after tax and noncontrolling interests) as an increase to beginning Retained earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized pretax losses of approximately $96 million in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the decrease in the fair value of equity securities as a result of this change. For the years ended December31, 2017 and 2016, an increase of $33 million and a decrease of $2 million in the fair value of equity securities was recognized in Other comprehensive income (“OCI”).

In October of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.” The updated guidance amends the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted this updated guidance using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment of $9 million (after noncontrolling interests) as a decrease to beginning Retained earnings with an offset to a deferred income tax liability.

In February of 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”). Current accounting guidance requires the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets due to a change in tax laws or rates with the effect included in Net income in the reporting period that includes the enactment date. Because the remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) is required to be included in Net income, the tax effects of items within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) do not reflect the appropriate rate (referred to as “stranded tax effects”). The updated accounting guidance allows a reclassification from AOCI to Retained earnings for the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. The Company early adopted the updated guidance effective January 1, 2018 and elected to reclassify the stranded tax effects from AOCI to Retained earnings. The impact of the change resulted in a $3 million (after noncontrolling interests) increase in Retained earnings and a corresponding decrease in AOCI. The decrease in AOCI is comprised of a $130 million (after noncontrolling interests) decrease in pension liability and a $127 million (after noncontrolling interests) increase in unrealized gains (losses) on investments. The Company releases tax effects from AOCI utilizing the security-by-security approach for investments and using enacted tax rates based on the pretax adjustments for pension and postretirement benefits.

In August of 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” The updated accounting guidance requires changes to the disclosures for fair value measurement by adding, removing and modifying certain disclosures. The Company early adopted the updated guidance in September of 2018 and modified the fair value disclosures in Note 4, including added disclosures on changes in unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets recognized in Other comprehensive income as well as the weighted average rate used to develop significant inputs utilized in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets. The Company also eliminated disclosures on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 assets and the policy for timing of transfers between levels.

In August of 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” The updated accounting guidance modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing, adding and clarifying certain disclosures. The Company early adopted this standard in December of 2018 and modified the pension disclosures in Note 15.

Recently issued ASUs

Recently issued ASUs – In February of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” and in July of 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements.” The updated guidance requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for most operating leases. In addition, the updated guidance provides lessors with an election to combine the lease and non-lease components of a contract, if certain conditions are met, and account for the combined component in accordance with the new revenue guidance in ASU 2014-09 if the non-lease component is the prominent component of the contract. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires using a modified retrospective transition method. However, the Company has elected to apply a practical expedient offered in the updated guidance which allows entities to apply the guidance on January 1, 2019 and comparative periods are not restated. The Company also expects to elect the transition practical expedient package available in the guidance whereby we will not reassess whether any of our expired or existing contracts contain a lease, the classification for any expired or existing leases or the initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company is finalizing its evaluation of its operating lease inventory and other provisions of the updated guidance, but currently anticipates that the lease asset and lease liability will be approximately $620 million at the adoption date. Based on the Company’s assessment, the impact of adoption of the updated guidance is not expected to have a material effect on its results of operations.

In June of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The updated accounting guidance requires changes to the recognition of credit losses on financial instruments not accounted for at fair value through net income. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The guidance will be applied using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. A prospective transition method is required for debt securities that have recognized an other-than-temporary impairment prior to the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and expects the primary changes to be the use of the expected credit loss model for the mortgage loan portfolio, reinsurance and insurance receivables and other financing receivables and the use of the allowance method rather than the write-down method for credit losses within the available-for-sale fixed maturities portfolio. The expected credit loss model will require a financial asset to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Under the allowance method for available-for-sale debt securities the Company will record reversals of credit losses if the estimate of credit losses declines.

In August of 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12, “Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” The updated accounting guidance requires changes to the measurement and disclosure of long-duration contracts. The guidance requires entities to annually update cash flow assumptions, including morbidity and persistency and update discount rate assumptions quarterly using an upper-medium grade fixed-income instrument yield. The effect of changes in cash flow assumptions will be recorded in Net income and the effect of changes in discount rate assumptions will be recorded in OCI.

This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and requires restatement of the prior periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the method and timing of adoption and the effect the updated guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The annual updating of cash flow assumptions is expected to increase income statement volatility. The quarterly change in the discount rate is expected to increase volatility in the Company’s Shareholders’ equity, but that will be somewhat mitigated because Shadow Adjustments are eliminated under the new guidance. See Note 3 for further information on Shadow Adjustments. While the requirements of the new guidance represent a material change from existing accounting guidance, the underlying economics of CNA’s business and related cash flows are unchanged.