The Hartford
HIG
#629
Rank
$39.39 B
Marketcap
$141.25
Share price
-0.45%
Change (1 day)
27.37%
Change (1 year)
The Hartford Financial Services Group,, is one of the largest investment and insurance companies in the United States. The company offers a range of financial products, including life insurance, company pension, automobile and home insurance, and commercial property and casualty insurance.

The Hartford - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

For The Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1997

OR

[ ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to ______________


Commission file number 0-19277


THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DELAWARE 13-3317783
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)

HARTFORD PLAZA, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06115-1900
(Address of principal executive offices)

(860) 547-5000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

ITT HARTFORD GROUP, INC.
(Former name)

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[ ]


As of April 30, 1997, there were outstanding 117,967,727 shares of Common
Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the registrant.

================================================================================
INDEX

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- - ------------------------------

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE
----

Consolidated Statements of Income - First Quarter Ended March 31,
1997 and 1996 3

Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - First Quarter Ended March 31,
1997 and 1996 5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 7


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
- - ---------------------------

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 16

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION 16

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 16

Signature 17

- 2 -
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

First Quarter Ended
March 31,
------------------------
(In millions, except for per share data) 1997 1996
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
REVENUES
<S> <C> <C>
Earned premiums $ 2,452 $ 2,656
Net investment income 629 603
Net realized capital gains 37 19
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES 3,118 3,278
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BENEFITS, CLAIMS AND EXPENSES
Benefits, claims and claim adjustment expenses 1,958 2,041
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 454 411
Other expenses 432 712
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL BENEFITS, CLAIMS AND EXPENSES 2,844 3,164
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATING INCOME 274 114
Income tax expense 70 18
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NET INCOME $ 204 $ 96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 1.73 $ 0.82
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE $ 0.40 $ 0.40
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 117.7 117.2
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART
OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS.

- 3 -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, December 31,
(In millions, except for share data) 1997 1996
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of
$32,048 and $31,178) $ 31,889 $ 31,449
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost of $1,548 and $1,581) 1,840 1,865
Policy loans, at outstanding balance 3,757 3,839
Other investments, at cost 474 486
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
Total investments 37,960 37,639
Cash 146 112
Premiums receivable and agents' balances 2,009 1,797
Reinsurance recoverables 11,367 11,229
Deferred policy acquisition costs 3,698 3,535
Deferred income tax 1,589 1,480
Other assets 2,628 2,596
Separate account assets 52,125 50,452
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 111,522 $ 108,840
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------

LIABILITIES
Future policy benefits, unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses
Property and casualty $ 18,454 $ 18,303
Life 4,550 4,371
Other policy claims and benefits payable 21,595 22,220
Unearned premiums 2,936 2,797
Short-term debt 1,137 500
Long-term debt 1,025 1,032
Company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts
holding solely parent junior subordinated debentures 1,000 1,000
Other liabilities 4,319 3,645
Separate account liabilities 52,125 50,452
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 107,141 104,320
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock - authorized 200,000,000, issued 119,595,832 and
119,194,412 shares, par value $0.01 1 1
Treasury stock - 1,638,000 shares (30) (30)
Capital surplus 1,654 1,642
Cumulative translation adjustments (12) 40
Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax 96 352
Retained earnings 2,672 2,515
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 4,381 4,520
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 111,522 $ 108,840
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART
OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS.

- 4 -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


First Quarter Ended
March 31,
----------------------------------
(In millions) 1997 1996
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
(Unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S> <C> <C>
Net income $ 204 $ 96
ADJUSTMENTS TO NET INCOME
Depreciation and amortization 21 23
Net realized capital gains (37) (19)
Change in receivables, payables and accruals (212) (209)
Accrued and deferred taxes 89 (2)
Increase in liabilities for future policy benefits, unpaid claims and claim
adjustment expenses and unearned premiums 454 191
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs (182) (121)
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverables and other related assets (268) 281
Other, net 467 308
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 536 548
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of investments (9,873) (10,028)
Sale of investments 2,957 3,984
Maturity of investments 6,144 5,373
Additions to plant, property and equipment (13) (12)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES (785) (683)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Short-term debt, net 637 (481)
Net proceeds from issuance of company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
securities of subsidiary trust holding solely parent junior subordinated debentures
-- 484
Dividends paid (48) --
Net receipts from (disbursements for) investment and universal life-type contracts
credited to (charged from) policyholder accounts (316) 191
Other, net 12 --
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 285 194
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
Foreign exchange rate effect on cash (2) 1
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
Increase in cash 34 60
Cash - beginning of period 112 95
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
CASH - END OF PERIOD $ 146 $ 155
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- ------------- -- --------------


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
- - ------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PAID (REFUNDS RECEIVED) DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
Income taxes $ (70) $ (23)
Interest $ 40 $ 34


</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART
OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS.

- 5 -
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT FOR SHARE DATA UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)



- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(A) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of The Hartford
Financial Services Group, Inc. ("The Hartford" or the "Company", formerly ITT
Hartford Group, Inc.) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles for interim periods. In the opinion of management, these
statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly
the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods
presented. For a description of accounting policies, see Note 1 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
included in The Hartford's 1996 Form 10-K Annual Report.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information to
conform to current year presentation.

(B) CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share". This
statement establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share
("EPS") and applies to entities with publicly held common stock or potential
common stock. This statement simplifies the standards for computing earnings per
share previously found in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15, "Earnings
per Share", and makes them comparable to international EPS standards. It
replaces the presentation of primary EPS with the presentation of basic EPS. It
also requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the
income statement for all entities with complex capital structures and requires a
reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation to
the numerator and denominator of the diluted EPS computation. This statement is
effective for financial statements for both interim and annual periods ending
after December 15, 1997. Adoption of SFAS No. 128 is not expected to have a
material effect on the Company's earnings per share calculation.

NOTE 2. DEBT

During the first quarter of 1997, Hartford Life, Inc. ("HLI"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of The Hartford, entered into a $1.3 billion unsecured short-term
credit facility with four banks. At March 31, 1997, there was $1.1 billion
outstanding under the facility.

NOTE 3. HLI INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND SHELF REGISTRATION

On February 10, 1997, HLI filed a registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, as amended on April 24, 1997, relating to an initial public
offering of up to 20% of HLI common stock. HLI is the holding company parent of
The Hartford's significant life subsidiaries. Management intends to use the
proceeds from the offering to reduce certain debt outstanding, to fund growth
initiatives, and for other general corporate purposes. Management of The
Hartford believes the offering will strengthen the Company's financial position
and flexibility. If and when the offering is completed, The Hartford's current
intent is to continue to beneficially own at least 80% of HLI, but it is under
no contractual obligation to do so. The offering is expected to be completed in
the second quarter of 1997.

On February 14, 1997, HLI filed a shelf registration statement for the issuance
and sale of up to $1.0 billion in the aggregate of senior debt securities,
subordinated debt securities and preferred stock of HLI. Management intends to
use the proceeds from any offering for the repayment of debt, including
outstanding commercial paper and other third party indebtedness and the
satisfaction of other obligations, for working capital, capital expenditures,
investments in or loans to subsidiaries and for other general corporate
purposes.

NOTE 4. CONTINGENCIES

(A) LITIGATION

The Hartford is involved in various legal actions, some of which involve claims
for substantial amounts. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability
with respect to such lawsuits is not expected to be material to the consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows of The Hartford.

(B) ENVIRONMENTAL AND ASBESTOS CLAIMS

Information regarding environmental and asbestos claims may be found in the
Environmental and Asbestos Claims section of the Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

- 6 -
ITEM 2.            MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)


Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations ("MD&A") addresses the financial condition of The Hartford as of
March 31, 1997, compared with December 31, 1996, and its results of operations
for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997 compared with the equivalent 1996
period. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in
The Hartford's 1996 Form 10-K Annual Report.

Certain of the statements contained herein (other than statements of historical
fact) are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are made based upon
management's expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their
potential effect upon The Hartford. There can be no assurance that future
developments will be in accordance with management's expectations or that the
effect of future developments on The Hartford will be those anticipated by
management. Actual results could differ materially from those expected by The
Hartford, depending on the outcome of certain factors, including those described
with the forward-looking statements herein.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information to
conform to the current year presentation.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEX
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consolidated Results of Operations: Operating Summary 7
North American Property & Casualty 8
Life 9
International 9
Other Operations 10
Environmental and Asbestos Claims 10
Investments 12
Capital Resources and Liquidity 15

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: OPERATING SUMMARY
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

OPERATING SUMMARY FIRST QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL REVENUES $ 3,118 $ 3,278
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 204 $ 96
Less: Net realized capital gains, after-tax 25 12
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE EARNINGS $ 179 $ 84
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Revenues for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997 decreased $160 million, or
5%, from the first quarter of 1996, primarily due to a decrease in premiums from
leveraged corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") as a result of the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPA Act of 1996") which
phases out the deductibility of interest on policy loans under leveraged COLI by
1998. Excluding COLI, revenues increased $205, or 7%, due primarily to an
increase in premiums and other considerations resulting from strong group
disability sales, higher fees earned due to the growing block of separate
account assets, growth in Reinsurance operations and AARP (American Association
of Retired Persons) personal lines as well as new business attributable to a
recent agreement with Nationwide Building Society. Higher net investment income
and net realized capital gains also contributed to the increase.

Net income, excluding the impact of net realized capital gains, after-tax, was
$179 compared with $84 for the first quarter of 1996. The Hartford defines this
presentation as "core earnings", after-tax operational results excluding, as
applicable, net realized capital gains or losses, the cumulative effect of
accounting changes, certain other items and allocated Distribution items (as
defined in The Hartford's 1996 Form 10-K Annual Report). Core earnings is an
internal performance measure used by the Company in the management of its
operations. Management believes that this performance measure delineates the
results of operations of the Company's ongoing lines of business in a manner
that allows for a better understanding of the underlying trends in the Company's
current business. However, core earnings should only be analyzed in conjunction
with, and not in lieu of, net income and may not be comparable to other
performance measures used by the Company's competitors.

The increase in core earnings of $95, or 113%, was due primarily to
significantly lower catastrophe and severe winter storm losses totaling $16
after-tax for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997, compared to $77 after-tax
for the first quarter of 1996. Excluding the impact of these losses, core
earnings for the period increased $34, or 21% to $195 over the first quarter of
the prior year. This improvement was driven by premium growth in AARP and Agency
personal lines, increased property & casualty investment income, growth in
earnings on Life annuities, the reduction of incurred environmental and asbestos
losses and the reduction of losses in the Guaranteed Investment Contract
division.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997 was 26%
compared to 16% for the comparable period in 1996. This change was largely due
to tax benefits generated at the 35% Federal tax rate resulting from increased
underwriting losses for the period ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same
period in 1997. Also, tax-exempt interest earned on invested assets was a
principal cause of effective tax rates lower than the 35% U.S. statutory rate.

- 7 -
SEGMENT RESULTS

The Hartford's reporting segments, which reflect the management structure of the
Company, consist of North American Property & Casualty, Life, International and
Other Operations.


Below is a summary of core earnings by segment.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
North American Property & Casualty $ 104 $ 26
Life 62 39
International 14 21
Other Operations (1) (2)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE EARNINGS $ 179 $ 84
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The sections that follow analyze each segment's results. Specific topics such as
environmental and asbestos reserves and investment results are discussed
separately following the segment overviews.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTH AMERICAN PROPERTY & CASUALTY
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING SUMMARY FIRST QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL REVENUES $ 1,605 $ 1,553
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME/CORE EARNINGS $ 104 $ 26
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Core earnings for the North American  Property & Casualty  segment were $104 for
the first quarter ended March 31, 1997, an increase of $78, or 300%, from the
comparable period in 1996. This improvement was primarily due to a $77 decrease
in after-tax underwriting loss. Additionally, increased after-tax net investment
income was offset by higher service costs and lower service fee income from
involuntary pool servicing contracts. (For an analysis of net investment income,
see the Investments section.)

UNDERWRITING RESULTS

Underwriting results represent premiums earned less incurred claims, claim
adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses. The following table displays
written premiums, underwriting results and combined ratios for The Hartford's
North American Property & Casualty segment:

FIRST QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
------------------------------
1997 1996
-----------------------------
(Unaudited)
Written premiums $ 1,488 $ 1,457
Underwriting results, before-tax $ (20) $ (140)
Combined ratio [1] 100.7 109.1
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] "Combined ratio" is a common industry measurement of property and casualty
underwriting profitability. This ratio is the sum of the ratio of incurred
claims and claim adjustment expenses to premiums earned and the ratio of
underwriting expenses incurred to premiums written.

The North American Property & Casualty segment's written premiums increased 2%
for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997 compared to the equivalent prior year
period. Solid premium growth in Reinsurance operations (11%) and AARP personal
lines (7%) was partially offset by a 6% decrease in Agency personal lines.
Commercial Insurance Operations premium growth was flat for the first quarter
ended March 31, 1997 compared to the prior year's first quarter.

Underwriting results, before-tax, for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997
improved $120 over the comparable prior year period, resulting in an 8.4 point
improvement in the combined ratio. Of this improvement, $95 (or 6.8 points of
combined ratio) resulted from significantly lower catastrophe and severe winter
storm losses compared to those incurred in the harsh winter of 1996. The
remaining $25, or 1.6 point, underwriting improvement is primarily due to strong
performance in the automobile and homeowners' personal lines, particularly
policies sold to AARP members, and the reduction of incurred environmental and
asbestos losses as a result of the charge taken in the third quarter of 1996
upon completion of the Company's environmental and asbestos database study (for
further discussion see Environmental and Asbestos Claims section).

- 8 -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIFE
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING SUMMARY FIRST QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL REVENUES $ 1,055 $ 1,303
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 63 $ 39
Less: Net realized capital gains, after-tax 1 --
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE EARNINGS $ 62 $ 39
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The Life segment operates in four principal divisions: Annuity, Individual Life
Insurance, Employee Benefits and Guaranteed Investment Contracts. The Life
segment also maintains a Corporate Operation through which it reports items that
are not directly allocable to any of its business divisions.

The Annuity division focuses on the savings and retirement needs of the growing
number of individuals who are preparing for retirement or have already retired.
The variety of products sold within this segment reflects the diverse nature of
the market. These include individual variable annuities, fixed market value
adjustment (MVA) annuities, deferred compensation and retirement plan services
for municipal governments and corporations, structured settlement contracts and
other special purpose annuity contracts, investment management contracts and
mutual funds. The Guaranteed Investment Contracts division consists of
guaranteed rate contract ("GRC") business that is supported by assets held in
either the Company's general account or a guaranteed separate account and
includes Closed Book GRC. The Company decided in 1995, after a thorough review
of its GRC business, that it would significantly de-emphasize general account
GRC, choosing to focus its distribution efforts on other products sold through
other divisions. Management expects no material income or loss from the
Guaranteed Investment Contracts division in the future. For a description of
principal products in the Individual Life Insurance and Employee Benefits
divisions, see The Hartford's 1996 Form 10-K Annual Report. Revenues decreased
$248, or 19%, for in the first quarter ended March 31, 1997 compared to the
first quarter of 1996. A decrease in revenues from COLI of $365, primarily due
to significantly less premiums from leveraged COLI resulting from the HIPA Act
of 1996, was the primary cause of the decrease in revenues. Partially offsetting
the decrease in COLI was a $79 increase, which resulted from higher sales and
renewals on a growing block of group disability business in the Group Insurance
Operation, and a $47 increase primarily due to higher fee income on individual
variable annuity account values in the Annuity division.

Core earnings increased $23, or 59%, in the first quarter of 1997 compared to
the first quarter of 1996 due to growth in the Annuity, Individual Life
Insurance and Employee Benefits operations of 30%, 22% and 13%, respectively,
and the reduction of losses in the Guaranteed Investment Contracts division as a
result of the actions taken in the third quarter of 1996, partially offset by
higher unallocated expenses in the Corporate Operation, primarily due to a $5
increase in interest expense to $16 in the first quarter of 1997 from $11 in the
first quarter of 1996. This increase was primarily related to increased
indebtedness in connection with the announced initial public offering of up to
20% of HLI common stock. (For additional information, see Capital Resources and
Liquidity section under "HLI Initial Public Offering and Shelf Registration".)

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING SUMMARY FIRST QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL REVENUES $ 417 $ 385
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 36 $ 33
Less: Net realized capital gains, after-tax 22 12
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE EARNINGS $ 14 $ 21
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Revenues for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997 increased $32, or 8%, over
the comparable period in 1996 due primarily to new business attributable to a
recent agreement with Nationwide Building Society at ITT London & Edinburgh in
the United Kingdom to exclusively underwrite its homeowners business and higher
net realized capital gains. (For an analysis of net realized capital gains, see
the Investments section.) Exchange impacts on revenues in the first quarter were
negligible.

Core earnings in the International segment decreased $7, or 33%, for the first
quarter ended March 31, 1997 compared to the same period in 1996. An $8, or 57%,
decrease in core earnings at ITT London & Edinburgh, due primarily to soft
market conditions in the motor line and adverse prior year loss reserve
developments, was partially offset by an increase at Zwolsche Algemeene. Foreign
exchange had a negligible impact on core earnings.

- 9 -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER OPERATIONS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING SUMMARY FIRST QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL REVENUES $ 41 $ 37
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 1 $ (2)
Less: Net realized capital gains, after-tax 2 --
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE EARNINGS $ (1) $ (2)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Other Operations consist of property and casualty operations of The Hartford
which have discontinued writing new and renewal business. These operations
primarily include First State Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, Fencourt
Reinsurance Company, Ltd. and Excess Insurance Company Limited, which has been
reclassified from ITT London & Edinburgh in the International segment for all
periods presented. The primary focus of these operations is the proper
disposition of claims, resolving disputes and collecting reinsurance proceeds
related largely to business underwritten and reinsured prior to 1985.

Total revenues of $41 for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997 increased $4,
or 11%, compared to the same period in 1996. This increase was due primarily to
a $3 increase in net realized capital gains as discussed in the Investments
section. Core earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997 were
essentially flat compared to the prior year first quarter.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ASBESTOS CLAIMS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hartford continues to receive claims asserting damages from environmental
exposures and for injuries from asbestos and asbestos-related products, both of
which affect the North American Property & Casualty, International and Other
Operations segments. Environmental claims relate primarily to pollution and
related clean-up costs. With regard to these claims, uncertainty exists which
impacts the ability of insurers and reinsurers to estimate the ultimate reserves
for unpaid losses and related settlement expenses. The Hartford finds that
conventional reserving techniques cannot estimate the ultimate cost of these
claims because of inadequate development patterns and inconsistent emerging
legal doctrine. For the majority of environmental claims and many types of
asbestos claims, unlike any other type of contractual claim, there is almost no
agreement or consistent precedent to determine what, if any, coverage exists or
which, if any, policy years and insurers or reinsurers may be liable. Further
uncertainty arises with environmental claims since claims are often made under
policies, the existence of which may be in dispute, the terms of which may have
changed over many years, which may or may not provide for legal defense costs,
and which may or may not contain environmental exclusion clauses that may be
absolute or allow for fortuitous events. Courts in different jurisdictions have
reached disparate conclusions on similar issues and in certain situations have
broadened the interpretation of policy coverage and liability issues. In light
of the extensive claim settlement process for environmental and asbestos claims,
involving comprehensive fact gathering, subject matter expertise and intensive
litigation, The Hartford established an environmental claims facility in 1992 to
defend itself aggressively against unwarranted claims and to minimize costs.

Within the property and casualty insurance industry, progress has been made in
developing sophisticated, alternative methodologies utilizing company experience
and supplemental databases to assess environmental and asbestos liabilities.
Consistent with The Hartford's practice of using the best techniques to estimate
the Company's environmental and asbestos exposures, a study was conducted in
1996 utilizing internal staff supplemented by outside legal and actuarial
consultants. Use of these new methodologies resulted in The Hartford adjusting
its environmental and asbestos liabilities in the third quarter of 1996. (For
additional information, see The Hartford's 1996 Form 10-K Annual Report.)

Reserve activity for both reported and unreported environmental and asbestos
claims, including reserves for legal defense costs, for the first quarter ended
March 31, 1997 and the year ended December 31, 1996, was as follows (net of
reinsurance):

- 10 -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ASBESTOS CLAIMS
CLAIMS AND CLAIM ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

FIRST QUARTER ENDED YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
Environmental Asbestos Total Environmental Asbestos Total
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning liability $ 1,439 $ 717 $ 2,156 $ 926 $ 410 $ 1,336
Claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred 1 2 3 603 322 925
Claims and claim adjustment expenses paid (27) (7) (34) (124) (35) (159)
Other [1] -- -- -- 34 20 54
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENDING LIABILITY [1] [2] $ 1,413 $ 712 $ 2,125 $ 1,439 $ 717 $ 2,156
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
[1] The 1996 ending liability includes reclassifications of reserves that were
not previously identified as environmental and asbestos.
[2] The ending liabilities are net of reinsurance on reported and unreported
claims of $1,912 and $1,972 for March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996,
respectively. Gross of reinsurance, as of March 31, 1997 and December 31,
1996 reserves for environmental and asbestos were $2,280 and $1,757 and
$2,342 and $1,786, respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>


The Hartford believes that the environmental and asbestos reserves reported at
March 31, 1997 are a reasonable estimate of the ultimate remaining liability for
these claims based upon known facts, current assumptions and The Hartford's
methodologies. Future social, economic, legal or legislative developments may
alter the original intent of policies and the scope of coverage. The Hartford
will continue to evaluate new developments and methodologies as they become
available for use in supplementing the Company's ongoing analysis and review of
its environmental and asbestos exposures. These future reviews may result in a
change in reserves, impacting The Hartford's results of operations in the period
in which the reserve estimates are changed. While the effects of future changes
in facts, legal and other issues could have a material effect on future results
of operations, The Hartford does not expect such changes would have a material
effect on its liquidity or financial condition.

- 11 -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An important element of the financial results of The Hartford is return on
invested assets. The Hartford's investment activities are divided between the
reportable segments of North American Property & Casualty, Life, International,
and Other Operations. The investment portfolios for these operations are managed
based on the underlying characteristics and nature of their respective
liabilities.

The ratings referenced in the fixed maturities by credit quality tables are
based on the Standard & Poor's system or the equivalent rating of another
nationally recognized rating organization or, if not rated, are internal ratings
assigned by the Company based on the Company's internal analysis of such
securities.

Please refer to The Hartford's 1996 Form 10-K Annual Report for a description of
the Company's investment objectives and policies.

NORTH AMERICAN PROPERTY & CASUALTY

Total invested assets were $13.6 billion at March 31, 1997 and were comprised
primarily of fixed maturities of $12 billion and other investments of $1.6
billion, primarily equity securities. The table below summarizes fixed maturity
holdings by type.


FIXED MATURITIES BY TYPE
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - ------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
(Unaudited)
FAIR FAIR
TYPE VALUE PERCENT VALUE PERCENT
- - ------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------

Corporate $2,136 17.7% $2,160 19.1%
CMO 575 4.8% 655 5.8%
Municipal-tax-exempt 6,940 57.7% 7,123 63.2%
Gov't/Gov't agencies-U.S. 28 0.2% 15 0.1%
Asset backed securities
("ABS") 251 2.1% 206 1.8%
Gov't/Gov't agencies-For. 302 2.5% 279 2.5%
MBS-agency 205 1.7% 213 1.9%
Commercial MBS 190 1.6% 107 0.9%
Municipal-taxable 63 0.5% 68 0.6%
Redeemable pref'd stock 46 0.4% 47 0.4%
Short-term 1,294 10.8% 419 3.7%
- - ------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------
TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES $12,030 100.0% $11,292 100.0%
- - ------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------

The significant increase in short-term holdings is due to the investment of the
proceeds from the sale of Quarterly Income Preferred Securities. The Company
plans to reinvest these into long-term securities.

This segment maintains a high quality fixed maturity portfolio. At March 31,
1997, approximately 95% of the fixed maturity portfolio was invested in
investment-grade securities. The table below summarizes fixed maturity holdings
by credit quality.


FIXED MATURITIES BY CREDIT QUALITY
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - -------------------------- ------------------- ------------------
(Unaudited)
FAIR FAIR
CREDIT QUALITY VALUE PERCENT VALUE PERCENT
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

AAA $4,317 35.9% $4,296 38.0%
AA 2,390 19.8% 2,538 22.5%
A 1,775 14.7% 1,683 14.9%
BBB 803 6.7% 799 7.1%
Gov't 673 5.6% 720 6.4%
BB & below 540 4.5% 581 5.1%
Not rated 238 2.0% 256 2.3%
Short-term 1,294 10.8% 419 3.7%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------
TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES $12,030 100.0% $11,292 100.0%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

The taxable equivalent duration of the March 31, 1997 fixed maturity portfolio
was 4.9 years compared to 5.0 years at December 31, 1996. Duration is defined as
the market price sensitivity of the portfolio to parallel shifts in the yield
curve.

The North American Property & Casualty segment uses a minimal amount of
derivatives in managing its investments. The notional amount of derivatives was
$125 and $1 as of March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table below summarizes the North American Property & Casualty segment's
results.

FIRST QUARTER
ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------
(Unaudited) 1997 1996
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Net investment income,
before-tax $177 $161
Net investment income,
after-tax [1] $143 $127
Yield on average invested
assets, before-tax [2] 5.5% 5.6%
Yield on average invested
assets, after-tax [1] [2] 4.5% 4.4%
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Due to the significant holdings in tax-exempt investments an after-tax net
investment income and after-tax yield are also included.
[2] Represents annualized three months net investment income (excluding net
realized capital gains) divided by average invested assets at cost (fixed
maturities at amortized cost).

For the quarter ended March 31, 1997, net investment income was $177 compared to
$161 in 1996, an increase of 10%. Before-tax yields on average invested assets
decreased to 5.5% as of March 31, 1997 from 5.6% in 1996. The after-tax yield
increased to 4.5% as of March 31, 1997 from 4.4% in 1996. The increase in net
investment income was primarily due to an increase in invested assets from
operating cash flow and investment of the proceeds from the sale of Quarterly
Income Preferred Securities. The decrease in before-tax yields and increase in
after-tax yields is the result of a portfolio rebalancing which occurred in
1996. The rebalancing shifted assets from taxables to longer duration and higher
yielding tax-exempt bonds.

Net realized capital gains of $24, primarily generated from opportunities in a
strong equity market, were offset by $24 of real estate writedowns.

- 12 -
LIFE

Invested assets, excluding separate accounts, totaled $19.6 billion at March 31,
1997 and were comprised of $15.6 billion of fixed maturities, $3.8 billion of
policy loans, and other investments of $286. Policy loans, which carry a
weighted-average interest rate of 10.7%, as of March 31, 1997 are secured by the
cash value of the life policy. These loans do not mature in a conventional
sense, but expire in conjunction with the related policy liabilities. The table
below summarizes fixed maturity holdings by type.

FIXED MATURITIES BY TYPE
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - -------------------------- ------------------- ------------------
(Unaudited)
FAIR FAIR
TYPE VALUE PERCENT VALUE PERCENT
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

Corporate $7,695 49.5% $7,587 48.3%
CMO 1,720 11.1% 2,150 13.7%
Gov't/Gov't agencies-U.S. 257 1.7% 355 2.2%
ABS 2,742 17.6% 2,693 17.1%
Gov't/Gov't agencies-For. 224 1.4% 395 2.5%
MBS-agency 378 2.4% 402 2.6%
Commercial MBS 1,273 8.2% 1,098 7.0%
Municipal-taxable 383 2.5% 266 1.7%
Short-term 878 5.6% 765 4.9%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------
TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES $15,550 100.0% $15,711 100.0%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

The Life segment continued to maintain a high quality fixed maturity portfolio.
As of March 31, 1997, approximately 99% of the fixed maturity portfolio was
invested in investment-grade securities. The table below summarizes fixed
maturity holdings by credit quality.

FIXED MATURITIES BY CREDIT QUALITY
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - ------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
(Unaudited)
FAIR FAIR
CREDIT QUALITY VALUE PERCENT VALUE PERCENT
- - ------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------

AAA $4,432 28.5% $4,695 29.9%
AA 1,848 11.9% 1,902 12.1%
A 5,498 35.4% 5,366 34.2%
BBB 2,610 16.8% 2,581 16.4%
Gov't 242 1.5% 353 2.2%
BB & below 42 0.3% 49 0.3%
Short-term 878 5.6% 765 4.9%
- - ------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES $15,550 100.0% $15,711 100.0%
- - ------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table below summarizes the Life segment's results.

FIRST QUARTER
ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------
(Unaudited) 1997 1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income,
before-tax $375 $363
Yield on average
invested assets, before-tax [1] 7.6% 7.1%
Net realized capital gains,
before-tax $1 --
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Represents annualized three months net investment income (excluding net
realized capital gains) divided by average invested assets at cost (fixed
maturities at amortized cost).


For the quarter ended March 31, 1997, net investment income totaled $375
compared to $363 in 1996, an increase of 3%. Yields on average invested assets
increased to 7.6% as of March 31, 1997 from 7.1% in 1996. The increase in net
investment income and yields were primarily attributable to the repositioning of
the Closed Book GRC portfolio, including the sale of certain lower yielding
securities whose proceeds were reinvested at substantially higher rates.

There were net realized capital gains of $1 for the first quarter ended March
31, 1997.

ASSET AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

The Life segment employs several risk management tools to quantify and manage
interest rate risk arising from its investments and fixed rate liabilities.
Management monitors the changes in present value between assets and liabilities
resulting from various interest rate scenarios using integrated asset/liability
measurement systems and a proprietary system that simulates the impacts of
parallel and non-parallel yield curve shifts. Based on this current and
prospective information, management implements risk reducing techniques to
improve the match between assets and liabilities.

Derivatives play an important role in facilitating the management of interest
rate risk, creating opportunities to fund obligations to policyholders and
contractholders, hedging against risks that affect the value of certain
liabilities and adjust broad investment risk characteristics as a result of any
significant changes in market risks. As an end user of derivatives, the segment
employs a variety of derivative financial instruments, including swaps, caps,
floors, forwards and exchange-traded financial futures and options in order to
hedge exposure to price, foreign currency and/or interest rate risk on
anticipated investment purchases or existing assets and liabilities. The
notional amounts of derivative contracts represent the basis upon which pay and
receive amounts are calculated and are not reflective of credit risk for
derivative contracts. Credit risk for derivative contracts is limited to the
amounts calculated to be due to the Company on such contracts. The Company
believes it maintains prudent policies regarding the financial stability and
credit standing of its major counterparties and typically requires credit
enhancement provisions to further limit its credit risk. Many of these
derivative contracts are bilateral agreements that are not assignable without
the consent of the relevant counterparty. Notional amounts pertaining to
derivative financial instruments totaled $10.3 billion at March 31, 1997 ($7.8
billion related to life insurance investments and $2.5 billion related to life
insurance liabilities) and $10.9 billion at December 31, 1996 ($8.3 billion
related to life insurance investments and $2.6 billion related to life insurance
liabilities). Management believes that the use of derivatives allows the Company
to sell more innovative products, capitalize on market opportunities and execute
a more flexible investment strategy for its general account portfolio.

- 13 -
INTERNATIONAL

Invested assets, excluding separate accounts, totaled $2.6 billion at March 31,
1997 and were comprised of fixed maturities of $2.1 billion and other
investments of $467, primarily equity securities. The table below summarizes
fixed maturity holdings by type.

FIXED MATURITIES BY TYPE
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - ------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
(Unaudited)
FAIR FAIR
TYPE VALUE PERCENT VALUE PERCENT
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

Corporate $445 21.0% $401 18.3%
Gov't/Gov't agencies-U.S. 57 2.7% 29 1.3%
Gov't/Gov't agencies-For. 1,039 49.1% 1,384 63.1%
Short-term 577 27.2% 379 17.3%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------
TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES $2,118 100.0% $2,193 100.0%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

As of March 31, 1997, the fixed maturity portfolio consisted of 100% investment
grade securities with no security rated lower than A. Minimal use is made of
derivatives which, if purchased, are used for hedging market and foreign
exchange risk. The table below summarizes fixed maturity holdings by credit
quality.

FIXED MATURITIES BY CREDIT QUALITY
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - -------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
(Unaudited)
FAIR FAIR
CREDIT QUALITY VALUE PERCENT VALUE PERCENT
- - --------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
AAA $1,403 66.3% $1,750 79.8%
AA 134 6.3% 60 2.7%
A 4 0.2% 4 0.2%
Short-term 577 27.2% 379 17.3%
- - -------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------
TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES $2,118 100.0% $2,193 100.0%
- - -------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table below summarizes the International segment's results.

FIRST QUARTER
ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------
(Unaudited) 1997 1996
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Net investment income,
before-tax $41 $43
Yield on average
invested assets, before-tax [1] 6.4% 7.2%
Net realized capital
gains, before-tax $33 $19
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Represents annualized three months net investment income (excluding net
realized capital gains) divided by average invested assets at cost (fixed
maturities at amortized cost).

For the quarter ended March 31, 1997, net investment income totaled $41 compared
to $43 in 1996, a decrease of 5%. Yields on average invested assets decreased to
6.4% as of March 31, 1997 from 7.2% in 1996. The decrease in net investment
income and yields was primarily due to special dividends received on certain
utility equity securities owned in 1996 which generated additional investment
income.

Net realized capital gains increased 74% to $33 in March 31, 1997 from $19 in
1996, primarily the result of opportunities in a strong equity market.


OTHER OPERATIONS

Invested assets were $2.2 billion at March 31, 1997 and were mostly comprised of
fixed maturities. The table below summarizes fixed maturity holdings by type.



FIXED MATURITIES BY TYPE
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - ------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
(Unaudited)
FAIR FAIR
TYPE VALUE PERCENT VALUE PERCENT
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

Corporate $1,427 65.1% $1,458 64.7%
CMO 36 1.6% 40 1.8%
Gov't/Gov't agencies-U.S. 129 5.9% 141 6.2%
ABS 111 5.1% 148 6.6%
Gov't/Gov't agencies-For. 74 3.4% 72 3.2%
MBS-agency 35 1.6% 36 1.6%
Commercial MBS 102 4.7% 88 3.9%
Municipal-taxable 59 2.7% 22 1.0%
Short-term 218 9.9% 248 11.0%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------
TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES $2,191 100.0% $2,253 100.0%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

Other Operations maintains a greater than 99% investment grade fixed maturity
portfolio. The table below summarizes fixed maturity holdings by credit quality.

FIXED MATURITIES BY CREDIT QUALITY
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - ------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
(Unaudited)
FAIR FAIR
CREDIT QUALITY VALUE PERCENT VALUE PERCENT
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

AAA $232 10.6% $253 11.2%
AA 347 15.8% 365 16.2%
A 1,095 50.0% 1,093 48.5%
BBB 93 4.3% 78 3.5%
Gov't 202 9.2% 216 9.6%
Not rated 4 0.2% -- --
Short-term 218 9.9% 248 11.0%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------
TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES $2,191 100.0% $2,253 100.0%
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table below summarizes Other Operations results.

FIRST QUARTER
ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------
(Unaudited) 1997 1996
- - -------------------------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Net investment income,
before-tax $36 $36
Yield on average
invested assets, before-tax [1] 6.5% 6.3%
Net realized capital
gains, before-tax $3 --
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Represents annualized three months net investment income (excluding net
realized capital gains) divided by average invested assets at cost (fixed
maturities at amortized cost).

For the quarter ended March 31, 1997, net investment income and yields on
average invested assets were essentially flat compared to the comparative period
in 1996.

There was $3 of net realized capital gains for the quarter ended March 31, 1997
due primarily as a result of portfolio rebalancing.

- 14 -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capital resources and liquidity represent the overall financial strength of The
Hartford and its ability to generate strong cash flows from each of the business
segments and borrow funds at competitive rates to meet operating and growth
needs. The capital structure of The Hartford consists of debt and equity,
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Short-term debt $ 1,137 $ 500
Long-term debt 1,025 1,032
Company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts
holding solely parent junior subordinated debentures (QUIPS) 1,000 1,000
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL DEBT $ 3,162 $ 2,532
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity excluding unrealized gain on securities, net of tax $ 4,285 $ 4,168
Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax 96 352
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 4,381 $ 4,520
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION EXCLUDING UNREALIZED GAIN ON SECURITIES, NET OF TAX $ 7,447 $ 6,700
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt to equity excluding unrealized gain on securities, net of tax 74% 61%
Debt to capitalization excluding unrealized gain on securities, net of tax 42% 38%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

CAPITALIZATION

The Hartford's total capitalization, excluding unrealized gain, on securities,
net of tax, increased by $747 as of March 31, 1997 compared to December 31,
1996. This change primarily was the result of earnings of $204 and additional
net borrowings totaling $630, partially offset by dividends declared of $47 on
The Hartford common stock. The Company's debt to equity and debt to
capitalization ratios (both excluding unrealized gain on securities, net of tax)
increased at March 31, 1997 as compared to December 31, 1996 primarily as a
result of the debt entered into by HLI as described below. Upon completion of
the initial public offering and the shelf registration of HLI, management
expects these ratios to approximate previous levels.

DEBT

On February 10, 1997, HLI entered into a $1.3 billion unsecured short-term
credit facility with four banks. At March 31, 1997, there was $1.1 billion
outstanding under the facility. The Hartford used the proceeds of these
additional borrowings to fund the insurance operations of its subsidiaries and
partially repay outstanding commercial paper.

HLI INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND SHELF REGISTRATION

On February 10, 1997, HLI filed a registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission relating to an initial public offering of up to 20% of HLI
common stock. HLI is the holding company parent of The Hartford's significant
life subsidiaries. Management intends to use the proceeds from the offering to
reduce certain debt outstanding, to fund growth initiatives, and for other
general corporate purposes. Management of The Hartford believes the offering
will strengthen the Company's financial position and flexibility. If and when
the offering is completed, The Hartford's current intent is to continue to
beneficially own at least 80% of HLI, but it is under no contractual obligation
to do so. The offering is expected to be completed in the second quarter of
1997.

On February 14, 1997, HLI filed a shelf registration statement for the issuance
and sale of up to $1.0 billion in the aggregate of senior debt securities,
subordinated debt securities and preferred stock of HLI. Management intends to
use the proceeds from any offering for the repayment of debt, including
outstanding commercial paper and other third party indebtedness and the
satisfaction of other obligations, for working capital, capital expenditures,
investments in or loans to subsidiaries and for other general corporate
purposes.

DIVIDENDS

On February 27, 1997, The Hartford declared a dividend on its common stock of
$0.40 per share payable on April 1, 1997 to all shareholders of record as of
March 10, 1997.


CASH FLOWS
FIRST QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
----------------------------
1997 1996
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
Cash provided by operating $ $
activities 536 548
Cash used for investing activities $ (785) $ (683)
Cash provided by financing $ $
activities 285 194
Cash - end of period $ 146 $ 155
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------

During the first quarter of 1997, cash provided by operating activities
decreased $12 from the prior period. The changes in cash provided by financing
activities and used for investing activities between periods were primarily due
to increased borrowing activity partially offset by dividends paid and declines
in investment-type contracts written in the Life segment coupled with increases
in investment-type contract maturities. Operating cash flows in both periods
have been more than adequate to meet liquidity requirements.

- 15 -
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Hartford is a defendant in various lawsuits arising out of its business. In
the opinion of management, the ultimate liability with respect to such lawsuits
is not expected to be material to the consolidated financial position, results
of operations or cash flow of The Hartford.

The Hartford is involved in claim litigation arising in the ordinary course of
business and accounts for such activity through the establishment of policy
reserves. As further discussed in the MD&A under the Environmental and Asbestos
Claims section, The Hartford continues to receive environmental and asbestos
claims which involve significant uncertainty regarding policy coverage issues.
Regarding these claims, The Hartford continually reviews its overall reserve
levels, reserving methodologies and reinsurance coverages.


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

On May 2, 1997, the Company's shareholders voted at the Company's Annual Meeting
to change the Company's legal name from ITT Hartford Group, Inc. to The Hartford
Financial Services Group, Inc. The Company's New York Stock Exchange trading
symbol "HIG" has not been changed.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits - See Exhibits Index.

(b) On February 14, 1997, The Hartford filed a Form 8-K, reporting under Item 5,
Other Events, that Hartford Life, Inc. ("HLI"), an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of The Hartford, filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering of up to 20%
of HLI common stock.

- 16 -
SIGNATURE


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



The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
(Registrant)



/s/ James J. Westervelt
------------------------------------------------
James J. Westervelt
Senior Vice President and Group Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)





MAY 14, 1997



- 17 -
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-Q
EXHBITS INDEX





EXHIBIT #
- - ---------

10.01 Credit Agreement dated as of February 10, 1997 among Hartford Life,
Inc., the lenders named therein and Citibank, N.A. as administrative
agent is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Amendment No. 2) of Hartford Life,
Inc., filed April 24, 1997 (registration no. 333-21459).

10.02 The Hartford 1996 Restricted Stock Plan for non-employee directors, as
amended, is filed herewith.

10.03 The Hartford 1995 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended, is filed herewith.

11.01 Computation of Earnings Per Share is filed herewith.

12.01 Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to
Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends is filed
herewith.

27 Financial Data Schedule is filed herewith.




- 18 -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit 11.01
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.

COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
(In millions, except per share data)

First Quarter Ended
March 31,
------------------------------
1997 1996
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)

<S> <C> <C>
Net income $ 204 $ 96

Weighted average common shares outstanding 117.7 117.2

Earnings per share $ 1.73 $ 0.82
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>
- 19 -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit 12.01
THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
(In millions)




First Quarter Ended
March 31,
----------------------------------
1997 1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
EARNINGS
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING INCOME $ 274 $ 114
ADD:
FIXED CHARGES
Interest expense 45 35
Interest factor attributable to rentals 12 9
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FIXED CHARGES 57 44
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS, AS DEFINED $ 331 $ 158
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS
Earnings, as defined, to total fixed charges 5.8 3.6
Earnings, as defined, to combined fixed charges and preferred dividend
requirements [1] 5.8 3.6
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
[1] There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding during the periods
included above.
</FN>
</TABLE>

- 20 -