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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF) and its subsidiaries. Collectively, CNAF and its subsidiaries are referred to as CNA or the Company. Loews Corporation (Loews) owned approximately 92% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF as of December 31, 2023.
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Intercompany amounts have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates and Accounting Standards Pending Adoption
ASU 2018-12: In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2018-12, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts (ASU 2018-12; LDTI), which requires changes to the measurement and disclosure of long-duration contracts. Entities are required to review, and update if there is a change, cash flow assumptions (including morbidity and persistency) used to measure the liability for future policyholder benefits (LFPB) at least annually. The LFPB must also be updated for actual experience at least annually. The LFPB is reflected as Insurance reserves: Future policy benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The discount rate assumption used to measure the LFPB must be updated quarterly using an upper-medium grade (low credit risk) fixed-income instrument yield, commonly interpreted as a single-A rate. The effect of changes in cash flow assumptions and actual variances from expected experience are recorded in the Company's results of operations within Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits. The effect of changes in discount rate assumptions are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss). In contrast, under legacy accounting guidance, cash flow and discount rate assumptions were locked-in unless a premium deficiency emerged. The discount rate assumption under legacy accounting guidance was determined using the Company’s internal investment portfolio yield, which was generally higher than a single-A yield.
The new guidance eliminates the need to hold shadow reserves associated with the Company’s long-term care reserves. Under legacy accounting guidance, to the extent that unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities supporting long-term care reserves would have resulted in a premium deficiency if realized, a related increase to Insurance reserves was recorded, net of tax, as a reduction of net unrealized gains (losses), through Other comprehensive income (loss) (shadow reserves).
The unit of account is the level at which reserves are measured. Under the new guidance, the unit of account used to measure the LFPB is the cohort. Cohorts are comprised of insurance contracts issued no more than one year apart, and must be further disaggregated according to policy benefit and insurance risk characteristics. Under legacy accounting guidance, the LFPB was generally measured at the individual policy level.
Under the new guidance, the Net Premium Ratio (NPR) is capped at 100%. To the extent that NPR would otherwise exceed 100%, the LFPB is increased and a loss is recognized immediately in the Company’s results of operations. The NPR cap is applied at the cohort level each quarter when the NPR is updated. In contrast, under legacy accounting guidance, premium deficiency testing was performed annually at the product level. See Note F to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further explanation of the NPR and LFPB calculations.
The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2023, using the modified retrospective method applied as of the transition date of January 1, 2021. The Company's run-off long-term care business is in scope of the new guidance. All prior periods presented in the financial statements have been adjusted to reflect application of the new guidance. The Company’s original locked in discount rate, utilized for purposes of
calculating the NPR under the new guidance, was based on the discount rate assumption used to calculate the LFPB immediately prior to the transition date. While the requirements of the new guidance represent a material change from legacy accounting, the new guidance does not impact capital and surplus under statutory accounting practices, cash flows or the underlying economics of the business.
In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-05, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Transition for Sold Contracts (ASU 2022-05). This guidance permits companies to make an election to exclude from the scope of ASU 2018-12 any insurance contracts that have been de-recognized prior to the effective date of ASU 2018-12, assuming that the company has no significant continuing involvement with the de-recognized contracts. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company novated its block of legacy annuity business, which was fully-ceded prior to novation. The Company has elected the ASU 2022-05 transition relief, and has excluded the novated legacy annuity business from the scope of ASU 2018-12.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The updated accounting guidance requires expanded reportable segment disclosures, primarily related to significant segment expenses which are regularly provided to the company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Retrospective application is required. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the updated guidance will have on the Company's financial statement disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The updated accounting guidance requires expanded income tax disclosures, including the disaggregation of existing disclosures related to the tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Prospective application is required, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the updated guidance will have on the Company's financial statement disclosures.
Premiums Insurance premiums on property and casualty insurance contracts are recognized in proportion to the underlying risk insured and are primarily 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.
Property and casualty contracts that are retrospectively rated or subject to audit premiums contain provisions that result in an adjustment to the initial policy premium depending on the contract provisions. These provisions stipulate the adjustment due to loss experience of the insured during the coverage period, or changes in the level of exposure to insurance risk. For such contracts, the Company estimates the amount of ultimate premiums that the Company may earn upon completion of the coverage period and recognizes either an asset or a liability for the difference between the initial policy premium and the estimated ultimate premium. The Company either adjusts such estimated ultimate premium amounts during the course of the coverage period based on actual results to date, or by conducting premium audits after the policy has expired to determine the final exposure to insured risks. The resulting adjustment is recorded as either a reduction of or an increase to the earned premiums for the period.
Insurance receivables include balances due currently or in the future, including amounts due from insureds related to paid losses under high deductible policies, and are presented at unpaid balances, net of an allowance for uncollectible receivables. A loss rate methodology is used to determine expected credit losses for premium receivables. This methodology uses the Company’s historical annual credit losses relative to gross premium written to develop a range of credit loss rates for each dollar of gross written premium underwritten. Additionally, an expected credit loss for amounts due from insureds under high deductible and retrospectively rated policies is calculated on a pool basis, informed by historical default rate data obtained from major rating agencies. Changes in the allowance are presented as a component of Other operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts are considered past due based on policy payment terms. Insurance receivables and any related allowance are written off after collection efforts are exhausted or a negotiated settlement is reached. See the Credit Losses section of this note for additional information on the Company’s allowances for expected credit losses.
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) and workers' compensation lifetime 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 (IBNR) 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 Company 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 Reinsurance receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Future policy benefits reserves Future policy benefit reserves are associated with the Company's run-off long-term care business and relate to policyholders that are currently receiving benefits, including claims that have been incurred but are not yet reported, as well as policyholders that are not yet receiving benefits.
The LFPB is computed using the net level premium method, which incorporates cash flow assumptions and discount rate assumptions. Under the net level premium method, the LFPB is equal to the present value of future benefits and claim settlement expenses less the present value of future net premiums. Net premiums are equal to gross premiums multiplied by the NPR. The NPR is generally the ratio of the present value of benefits and expense payments to the present value of gross premiums, expected over the lifetime of the policy. As a result of the modified retrospective adoption of ASU 2018-12, the Company’s NPR calculation incorporates the original locked in discount rate and the reserve balance as of the transition date of January 1, 2021.
The key cash flow assumptions used to estimate the LFPB are morbidity, persistency (inclusive of mortality), anticipated future premium rate increases and expenses. Morbidity is the frequency and severity of injury, illness, sickness and diseases contracted. Persistency is the percentage of policies remaining in force and can be affected by policy lapses, benefit reductions and death. Future premium rate increases are generally subject to regulatory approval, and therefore the exact timing and size of the approved rate increases are unknown. Expense assumptions relate to claim adjudication. The Company has not elected the practical expedient that allows locking in the expense assumption. The carried LFPB discount rate is determined using the upper-medium grade fixed income instrument yield curve.
The Company has elected to update the NPR and the LFPB for actual experience on a quarterly basis. A quarterly assessment is also made as to whether evidence suggests that cash flow assumptions should be updated. Annually, in the third quarter, actuarial analysis is performed on policyholder morbidity, persistency, premium rate increases and expense experience. This analysis, combined with judgment, informs the setting of updated cash flow assumptions used to estimate the LFPB. Actuarial analysis includes predictive modeling, actual to expected experience comparisons and trend analysis. Applicable industry research is also considered.
Quarterly, to derive the upper-medium grade fixed income instrument yield discount rate assumption, the Company uses a published spot rate curve constructed from single-A rated U.S. dollar denominated corporate bonds. The Company uses linear interpolation to determine yield assumptions for tenors that fall between points for which observable rates are available. For cash flows that are projected to occur beyond the tenor for which market-observable rates are available, the Company applies judgment to estimate a normative rate which the Company grades to over 10 years.
Quarterly, the updated NPR is used to derive an updated LFPB as of the beginning of the current quarter measured at the original locked in discount rate. The updated LFPB is then compared to the existing carrying amount of the liability as of the same date (measured at the original locked in discount rate) to determine the re-measurement gain (loss), which is presented parenthetically within the Insurance claims and policyholders’ benefits line on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Insurance contracts are grouped into cohorts according to issue year. Contracts assumed through reinsurance are generally included within the same cohorts as contracts issued directly by the Company, according to issue year. The issue year for assumed contracts is defined according to the date that the Company’s assumption of insurance risk incepted. For assumed contracts that were reinsured concurrently with the issuance of the underlying direct contract, issue year is defined as the year that the underlying policy was issued. For contracts that were already in-force when assumed by the Company, issue year is defined as the year in which the reinsurance agreement incepted. For group long-term care business, issue year is defined as the year the individual insurance certificate was issued. Long-term care is the Company's only long-duration product line, therefore, cohorts are not further disaggregated by product.
Insurance-relate assessments Liabilities for 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 insurance-related assessments are not discounted and are included as part of Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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 uncollectible amounts 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 the Company.
The Company has established an allowance for uncollectible 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. For assessing expected credit losses, the Company separates reinsurance receivables into two pools: voluntary reinsurance receivables and involuntary receivables related to mandatory pools. The Company has not recorded an allowance for involuntary pools as there is no perceived credit risk. The principal credit quality indicator used in the valuation of the allowance on voluntary reinsurance receivables is the financial strength rating of the reinsurer sourced from major rating agencies. If the reinsurer is unrated, an internal financial strength rating is assigned based on the Company’s historical loss experience and the Company’s assessment of the reinsurance counterparty's risk profile, which generally corresponds with a B rating. Reinsurer financial strength ratings are updated and reviewed on an annual basis or sooner if the Company becomes aware of significant changes related to a reinsurer. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance receivables is estimated on the basis of periodic evaluations of balances due from reinsurers, reinsurer financial strength rating and solvency, industry experience and current and forecast economic conditions. 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 uncollectible reinsurance receivables are presented as a component of Insurance claims and policyholders' benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See the Credit Losses section of this note for additional information on the Company's allowances for expected credit losses.
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 Operations.
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 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.The Company 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.
Policyholder dividends Policyholder dividends are paid to participating policyholders within the workers' compensation and surety lines of business. Net written premiums for participating dividend policies were approximately 2%, 2% and 1% of total net written premiums for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Dividends to policyholders are accrued according to the Company's best estimate of the amount to be paid in accordance with contractual provisions and applicable state laws. Dividends to policyholders are presented as a component of Insurance claims & policyholders' benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Investments
The Company classifies its fixed maturity securities as either available-for-sale or trading, and as such, they are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value of trading securities are reported within Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in fair value of available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of Other comprehensive income.
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 Operations. 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 predominantly using the retrospective method.
Equity securities are carried at fair value. The Company's non-redeemable preferred stock 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, management does not consider the changes in fair value of non-redeemable preferred stock to be reflective of our primary operations. As such, the changes in the fair value of these securities are recorded through Net investment gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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.
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. Changes in net asset values are accounted for under the equity method and recorded within Net investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Mortgage loans are commercial in nature, are carried at unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized fees and an allowance for expected credit losses, and are recorded once funded. The allowance for expected credit losses is developed by assessing the credit quality of pools of mortgage loans in good standing using debt service coverage ratios (DSCR) and loan-to-value ratios (LTV). The DSCR compares a property’s net operating income to its debt service payments, including principal and interest. The LTV ratio compares the current unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan. The pools developed to measure the credit loss allowance use increments of DSCR and LTV to draw distinctions between risk levels. The Company applies expected credit loss rates by pool to the outstanding receivable balances. Changes in the allowance for mortgage loans are presented as a component of Net investment gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See the Credit Losses section of this note for additional information on the Company’s allowances for expected credit losses. Interest income from mortgage loans is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method.
Other invested assets include overseas deposits. Overseas deposits are valued using the net asset value per share (or equivalent) practical expedient. They are primarily short-term government securities, agency securities and corporate bonds held in trusts that are managed by Lloyd's of London. These funds are required of Lloyd's syndicates to protect policyholders in overseas markets and may be denominated in local currency.
Short-term investments are carried at fair value, with the exception of cash accounts earning interest, which are carried at cost and approximate fair value. Changes in fair value are reported as a component of Other comprehensive income.
Purchases and sales of all securities are recorded on the trade date, except for private placement securities, including bank loan participations, which are recorded once funded. Net investment gains and losses are determined on the basis of the cost or amortized cost of the specific securities sold.
Variable interest entities
In the normal course of investing activities, the Company enters into relationships with variable interest entities (VIEs), as both an investor in limited partnerships and asset-backed securities issued by third-party VIEs. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore does not consolidate them. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on a qualitative assessment of the relative power and benefits of the Company and the other participants in the VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and any unfunded commitments.
An available-for-sale security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its cost adjusted for accretion, amortization and allowance for credit losses. When a security is impaired, it is evaluated to determine whether the Company intends to sell the security before recovery of amortized cost or whether a credit loss exists. Losses on securities that the Company intends to sell are recognized as impairment losses within Net investment gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. If a credit loss exists, an allowance is established and the corresponding amount is recognized as an impairment loss within Net investment gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The allowance for credit losses related to available-for-sale fixed maturity securities is the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. In subsequent periods, the allowance is reviewed, with any changes in the allowance presented as a component of Net investment gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the difference between the amortized cost basis, net of the allowance, and the fair value, are recognized in Other comprehensive income.
Impairments, other than temporary
Significant judgment is required in the determination of whether an impairment loss has occurred for a security. The Company follows a consistent and systematic process for determining and recording an impairment loss, including the evaluation of securities in an unrealized loss position and securities with an allowance for credit losses on at least a quarterly basis.
The Company’s assessment of whether an impairment loss has occurred incorporates both quantitative and qualitative information. A credit loss exists if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis. 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. The Company considers all available evidence when determining whether an investment requires a credit loss write-down or allowance to be recorded. Examples of such evidence may include the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuer, whether the issuer is current with interest and principal payments, credit ratings on the security or changes in ratings over time, general market conditions and industry, sector or other specific factors and whether it is likely that the Company will recover its amortized cost through the collection of cash flows. See the Credit Losses section of this note for additional information on the Company’s allowances for expected credit losses.
Credit Losses
The allowances for credit losses on fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, reinsurance receivables and insurance receivables are valuation accounts that are reported as a reduction of a financial asset’s cost basis and are measured on a pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Management estimates the allowance using relevant available information from both internal and external sources. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses and adjustments may be made to reflect current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for any additional factors that come to the Company’s attention. This could include significant shifts in
counterparty financial strength ratings, aging of past due receivables, amounts sent to collection agencies, or other underlying portfolio changes. Amounts are considered past due when payments have not been received according to contractual terms. The Company also considers current and forecast economic conditions, using a variety of economic metrics and forecast indices. The sensitivity of expected credit losses relative to changes to these forecast economic conditions can vary by financial asset class. The Company considers a reasonable and supportable forecast period to be up to 24 months from the balance sheet date. After the forecast period, the Company reverts to historical credit experience. The Company uses collateral arrangements such as letters of credit and amounts held in beneficiary trusts to mitigate credit risk, which are considered in the estimate of net amount expected to be collected. Amounts are written off against the allowance when determined to be uncollectible.
The Company has made a policy election to present accrued interest balances separately from the amortized cost basis of assets and has elected the practical expedient to exclude the accrued interest from the tabular disclosures for mortgage loans and available-for-sale securities. The Company has elected not to estimate an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable. The accrual of interest income is discontinued and the asset is placed on nonaccrual status within 90 days of the interest becoming delinquent. Interest accrued but not received for assets on nonaccrual status is reversed through investment income. Interest received for assets that are on nonaccrual status is recognized as payment is received. The asset is returned to accrual status when the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are expected. Interest receivable is presented as a component of accrued investment income on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Deferred Non-Insurance Warranty Revenue and Acquisition Expense
Non-insurance warranty revenue is primarily generated from separately-priced service contracts that provide mechanical breakdown and other coverages to vehicle or consumer goods owners. The warranty contracts generally provide coverage from 1 month to 10 years. For warranty products where the Company acts as the principal in the transaction, Non-insurance warranty revenue is reported on a gross basis, with amounts paid by customers reported as Non-insurance warranty revenue and commissions paid to agents and dealers reported as Non-insurance warranty expense.
Non-insurance warranty revenue is reported net of any premiums related to contractual liability coverage issued by the Company's insurance operations. Additionally, the Company provides warranty administration services for dealer and manufacturer obligor warranty products, which include limited warranties and guaranteed asset protection waivers. The Company recognizes Non-insurance warranty revenue over the service period in proportion to the actuarially determined expected claims emergence pattern. Customers predominantly pay in full at the inception of the warranty contract. The liability for deferred revenue represents the unearned portion of revenue in advance of the Company's performance. The deferred revenue balance includes amounts which are refundable on a pro rata basis upon cancellation.
Dealers, retailers and agents earn commission for assisting the Company in obtaining non-insurance warranty contracts. Additionally, the Company utilizes third-parties to perform warranty administrator services for its consumer goods warranties. These costs, which are deferred and recorded as Deferred non-insurance warranty acquisition expense, are amortized to Non-insurance warranty expense consistent with how the related revenue is recognized. The Company 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.
Income Taxes
The Company and its eligible subsidiaries (CNA Tax Group) are included in the consolidated federal income tax return of Loews and its eligible subsidiaries. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, 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 will not be realized. The Company releases tax effects from AOCI utilizing the security-by-security approach for Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments with an allowance for credit losses and Net unrealized gains (losses) on other investments. For Pension and postretirement benefits, tax effects from AOCI are released at enacted tax rates based on the pre-tax adjustments to pension liabilities or assets recognized within Other comprehensive income.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of its defined benefit plans in Other assets or Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in funded status related to prior service costs and credits, and actuarial gains and losses arising from differences between actual experience and actuarial assumptions, are recognized in the year in which the changes occur through Other comprehensive income. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the beginning of the year projected benefit obligation or fair value of plan assets (the corridor) are amortized as a component of net periodic pension cost (benefit) over the average remaining life expectancy of the plan participants. 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 on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The vested benefit obligation for the CNA Retirement Plan is determined based on eligible compensation and accrued service for previously entitled employees. Effective June 30, 2015, future benefit accruals under the CNA Retirement Plan were eliminated and the benefit obligations were frozen.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company records compensation expense using the fair value method for all awards it grants, modifies or cancels primarily on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, generally three years.
Foreign Currency 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 either translated at the exchange rates on the date of the transaction or at average exchange rates. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reflected in Stockholders' equity as a component of AOCI.
Leases
A lease provides the lessee the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities are included in Other assets and Other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Most operating leases contain renewal options that provide for rent increases based on prevailing market conditions. Certain leases contain options to terminate before maturity. The lease term used to calculate the ROU asset includes any renewal options or lease termination options that the Company expects to exercise. The discount rate used to determine the commencement date present value of lease payments is typically the Company’s secured borrowing rate, as most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate. ROU assets include any lease payments required to be made prior to commencement and exclude lease incentives. The Company has elected to account for its lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. The Company’s non-lease components consist of variable lease costs not based on an index or rate and are excluded from the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities. Variable lease costs not based on an index or rate are treated as period costs, and represent charges for services provided by the landlord and the Company's reimbursement to the landlord for costs such as real estate taxes and insurance.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is based on the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property and equipment and is determined principally on the straight-line method. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over seven years. Office equipment is depreciated over five years. The estimated lives for data processing equipment and software generally range from three to five years, but can be as long as ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the corresponding lease terms not to exceed the underlying asset life.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired entities and businesses. Goodwill in the International segment may change from period to period as a result of foreign currency translation.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or when certain triggering events require such tests. As a result of reviews completed for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company determined that the estimated fair value of the reporting units were in excess of their carrying value including Goodwill. Changes in future periods in assumptions about the level of economic capital, business growth, earnings projections or the weighted average cost of capital could result in goodwill impairment.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets are reported within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Data
Earnings (loss) per share is based on weighted average number of outstanding common shares. Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes the impact of dilutive securities and is computed by dividing Net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) 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.