Allstate 2013 Annual Report Download - page 202

Using our governance and analytic framework, Allstate designs business and enterprise strategies that seek to
optimize returns on risk-adjusted capital. Examples include shifting Allstate Financial away from spread-based products
toward underwritten products, implementing a comprehensive program of margin improvement actions in homeowners
insurance, and balancing yield and return considerations in the low interest rate environment.
REGULATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are subject to extensive regulation and we are involved in various legal and regulatory actions, all of which have
an effect on specific aspects of our business. For a detailed discussion of the legal and regulatory actions in which we are
involved, see Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements.
PENDING ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
There are several pending accounting standards that we have not implemented because the implementation date
has not yet occurred. For a discussion of these pending standards, see Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.
The effect of implementing certain accounting standards on our financial results and financial condition is often
based in part on market conditions at the time of implementation of the standard and other factors we are unable to
determine prior to implementation. For this reason, we are sometimes unable to estimate the effect of certain pending
accounting standards until the relevant authoritative body finalizes these standards or until we implement them.
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