DEF 14A 1 tm223418-1_def14a.htm DEF 14A tm223418-1_def14a - none - 8.1094044s
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
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Preliminary Proxy Statement

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12
CNA Financial Corporation
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
   
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 
CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notice of Annual Meeting April 27, 2022
To the stockholders of
CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of CNA Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation, will be held at 151 N. Franklin Street, 7th Floor Navy Pier 3 Room, Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 7:30 a.m., Chicago time.
At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will consider the following proposals:
(1)
Election to the Board of Directors of the ten nominees named in the proxy statement;
(2)
An advisory (non-binding) vote to approve named executive officer compensation;
(3)
Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent registered public accountants for the Company for 2022; and
(4)
Transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 4, 2022 are entitled to notice of and to vote at this meeting. Please refer to the first page of the accompanying proxy statement for further instructions.
You may revoke the proxy at any time before the authority granted therein is exercised.
By order of the Board of Directors,

STATHY DARCY
Senior Vice President,
Deputy General Counsel and Secretary
Chicago, Illinois
March 18, 2022
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 27, 2022. The proxy statement and the 2021 Annual Report to Stockholders are posted on the Company’s website at www.cna.com.
 

 
CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
151 N. FRANKLIN STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
Proxy Statement
Annual Meeting, April 27, 2022
The Board of Directors of CNA Financial Corporation (“CNA,” “we” or the “Company”) submits this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders in the form enclosed.
The persons named in this proxy statement as nominees for election as directors have been designated by the Board.
Any stockholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised. A subsequently dated proxy, duly received, will revoke an earlier dated proxy. A stockholder may also revoke his or her proxy and vote during the Annual Meeting. Proxies will be voted in accordance with the stockholder’s specifications and, if no specifications are made, proxies will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. The approximate date of the mailing of this proxy statement is March 18, 2022.
The Annual Meeting is open only to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 4, 2022. To attend the meeting, you will need to register upon arrival. We may check for your name on our stockholders’ list and ask that you produce a valid photo ID. If your shares are held in street name by your broker or bank, you should bring your most recent brokerage account statement or other evidence of your share ownership. If we cannot verify that you own CNA Common Stock, it is possible that you will not be admitted to the meeting.
Whether or not you plan to attend the 2022 Annual Meeting, you are encouraged to submit a proxy to vote in advance of the meeting pursuant to one of three methods described below.
VOTE BY INTERNET (www.proxyvote.com )
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
VOTE BY PHONE (1-800-690-6903)
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
On March 4, 2022, we had outstanding 271,216,095 shares of Common Stock. Holders of Common Stock have one vote for each share of stock held. Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 4, 2022 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this meeting. The holders of a majority of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote when present in person or represented by proxy constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders, including the Annual Meeting. In accordance with the Company’s By-Laws and applicable law, the election of directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote. Consequently, the ten nominees who receive the greatest number of votes cast for election as directors will be elected as directors of the Company. Shares present which are properly withheld as to voting with respect to any one or more nominees, and shares present with respect to which a broker indicates that it does not have authority to vote (“broker non-votes”), will be counted for determining the presence of a quorum, but will not have any effect on the outcome of the election. The affirmative vote of shares representing a majority of the shares
 
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present and entitled to vote is required to approve the other matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Shares which are voted to abstain and broker non-votes will be considered present at the meeting, but since they are not affirmative votes for the matter they will have the same effect as votes against the matter.
Principal Stockholder
The following table contains certain information as to all entities which, to the knowledge of the Company, were the beneficial owners of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of March 4, 2022 (unless otherwise noted), based on filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each such entity has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth:
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
Shares Beneficially Owned
Percent of Class
Loews Corporation
667 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10065-8087
243,214,203 89%
Because Loews holds a majority of our outstanding Common Stock, Loews has the power to approve matters submitted for consideration at the Annual Meeting without regard to the votes of the other stockholders. Loews has advised the Company’s Board of Directors that it intends to vote FOR the election of each of the Board’s nominees for director, FOR the advisory (non-binding) vote approving named executive officer compensation, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for 2022. There are no agreements between CNA and Loews with respect to the election of CNA directors or with respect to the other matters to come before the meeting.
Director and Officer Holdings
The following table sets forth certain information as to shares of our Common Stock, as well as shares of common stock of Loews, our principal stockholder, beneficially owned by each director, and each Named Executive Officer included in the Summary Compensation Table in this proxy statement (individually, an “NEO” and collectively, the “NEOs”), and by all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group as of March 4, 2022 based on data furnished by them.  
Name:
Shares of CNA
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
Shares of Loews
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
Michael A. Bless
0 0
Larry A. Haefner
54,660(1) 0
Kevin J. Leidwinger
71,488(2) 0
Albert J. Miralles
15,452 0
Jose O. Montemayor
0 0
Don M. Randel
0 0
André Rice
0 0
Dino E. Robusto
271,142(3) 0
Kenneth I. Siegel
0 6,993
Kevin G. Smith
50,530(4) 0
Andrew H. Tisch
106,100 15,977,454(5)
Benjamin J. Tisch
0 25,549(6)
James S. Tisch
106,100 17,024,884(7)
Jane J. Wang  
0 11,540
Douglas M. Worman
33,054(8) 0
All executive officers, directors and nominees as a group (24 persons)
790,489(9) 33,046,420(10)
 
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(1)
Includes 9,903 shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date.
(2)
Includes 23,950 shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date.
(3)
Includes 108,049 shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date.
(4)
Includes 23,409 shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date.
(5)
Includes 56,008 shares of Loews Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Loews Stock Option Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date and 74,055 shares underlying vested RSUs of which Mr. Andrew Tisch deferred receipt. Also includes 7,568,984 shares which are deemed beneficially owned by Mr. Andrew Tisch and which are held in various trusts and 1,015,000 shares held by a charitable foundation as to which Mr. Andrew Tisch has shared voting and investment power. Loews Common Stock shares beneficially owned by Mr. Andrew Tisch represent 6.5% of the outstanding shares of Loews Common Stock.
(6)
Includes 11,914 shares of Loews Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Loews Stock Option Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date.
(7)
Includes 56,008 shares of Loews Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Loews Stock Option Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date and 46,389 shares underlying vested RSUs of which Mr. James Tisch deferred receipt that could be delivered to him within 60 days of the record date if his service with Loews terminated during that time. Also includes 8,656,676 shares which are deemed beneficially owned by Mr. James Tisch and which are held in various trusts and 995,000 shares held by a charitable foundation as to which Mr. James Tisch has shared voting and investment power. Loews Common Stock shares beneficially owned by Mr. James Tisch represent 6.9% of the outstanding shares of Loews Common Stock.
(8)
Includes 24,490 shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date.
(9)
Includes 236,756 shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date. In aggregate, these holdings represent less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(10)
Includes 123,930 shares of Loews Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under the Loews Stock Option Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of the record date.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Proposal No. 1)
Pursuant to our By-Laws, the number of directors constituting the full Board of Directors has been fixed at ten. Each director shall be elected at the Annual Meeting and shall hold office until the next Annual Meeting and until their successor is elected and qualified. Directors need not be stockholders of the Company. Unless authority to do so is withheld, shares represented by valid proxies will be voted for the ten nominees identified below.
Should any nominee or nominees become unavailable, the proxy holders will vote for the nominee or nominees designated by the Board of Directors. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will become unavailable.
 
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Set forth below is the name, principal occupation and business experience for at least the past five years, as well as certain other information for each nominee. Narrative regarding the qualifications, attributes and skills that led to the determination that each of these individuals should be nominated to serve as a director is also included for each nominee.
Michael A. Bless, Retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Century Aluminum Company (“Century”), positions Mr. Bless held from 2011 to July 2021. He also served as a director of Century from 2012 until July 2021. He joined Century in 2006 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bless currently serves on the Board of Directors for Enact Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company. His expansive financial knowledge, experience leading a public company and technical expertise is valuable to our Board. He serves on the Audit and Finance Committees and is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Bless has served as a director since 2017. Age 56.
Jose O. Montemayor, principal of Black Diamond Capital Partners I, LP since 2005. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. Montemayor was Insurance Commissioner for the State of Texas. He is a certified public accountant and a member of the Society of Financial Examiners, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Montemayor’s extensive knowledge and experience of the insurance industry, including 12 years as a senior insurance regulator, is valuable to our Board. He serves on the Compensation and Finance Committees and is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Montemayor has served as a director since 2007. Age 71.
Don M. Randel, Retired President of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a position Mr. Randel held from July 2006 to March 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Randel served as President of the University of Chicago from 2000-2006. Mr. Randel’s experience as a senior leader of a large institution is of great value to our Board. He serves on the Audit, Compensation and Finance Committees. Mr. Randel has served as a director since 2002. Age 81.
André Rice, Founder and President of Muller & Monroe Asset Management, LLC since 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Rice founded in 1986 Rice Group Ltd., an investment services company. He is a certified public accountant and a member of the National Association of Securities Professionals and the National Association of Investment Companies. Mr. Rice’s extensive investment knowledge and experience is valuable to our Board. He serves on the Audit, Compensation and Finance Committees. Mr. Rice has served as a director since 2017. Age 64.
Dino E. Robusto, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since November 2016. Prior to officially assuming the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Robusto served in various senior management capacities at Chubb Limited, most recently as President of Commercial and Specialty Lines of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies and Executive Vice President of Chubb Limited from 2013 until his retirement from Chubb in November 2015. Prior to that, he was President of Personal Lines and Claims from 2011 through 2013. Mr. Robusto joined Chubb in 1986. He serves on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of New Jersey and formerly served on the Boards of Directors of Applied Systems Inc. and RAND Corporation’s Institute for Civil Justice, and on the Board of Advisors of Catalyst, Inc. Mr. Robusto’s extensive insurance experience enables him to provide deep insight and knowledge regarding all aspects of the commercial insurance industry. Mr. Robusto serves on the Executive and Finance Committees. He has served as Chairman of the Board since 2016. Age 63.
Kenneth I. Siegel, Senior Vice President of Loews. Mr. Siegel is a Director of the general partner of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP, a subsidiary of Loews, and has served as Chairman of such Board since 2011.  In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., a former subsidiary of Loews, from 2014 to 2021. Mr. Siegel has extensive experience with capital markets and merger and acquisition transactions as a result of his position at Loews. Mr. Siegel’s experience in his position at Loews also provides him with knowledge of the energy industry and broad knowledge of and insight into the operations of Loews and the businesses in which it is engaged. This experience, combined with his financial and transactional expertise, enables Mr. Siegel to provide valuable insight to our Board. He serves on the Finance Committee. Mr. Siegel has served as a director since 2019. Age 65.
Andrew H. Tisch, Co-Chairman of the Board of Loews. Mr. Tisch served as a member of the Office of the President of Loews from January 1999 until December 2021. He served as a director of the general partner
 
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of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners LP, a subsidiary of Loews, from 2005 until 2021, as a director of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., a former subsidiary of Loews, from 2011 to 2020 and as a director of K12 Inc. from 2001 to 2017. Mr. Tisch’s experience with Loews allows him to provide valuable perspective and advice to our Board. He serves on the Finance Committee and is the Chairman of the Executive Committee. Mr. Tisch has served as a director since 2006. He is the brother of James Tisch and the uncle of Benjamin Tisch. Age 72.
Benjamin J. Tisch, Vice President of Loews. Before joining Loews in 2012, Mr. Tisch was a managing director at Fortress Investment Group Global Macro Fund, where he specialized in developed market interest rates and FX strategies. His position with Loews, along with his investment expertise, allows him to provide valuable perspective and advice to our Board. He serves on the Finance Committee. Mr. Tisch has served as a director since 2018. He is the son of James Tisch and the nephew of Andrew Tisch. Age 39.
James S. Tisch, President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Office of the President of Loews. Mr. Tisch also serves as Director of Loews and on the Board of Directors of General Electric Company, a publicly traded company. He also served as Director of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., a former subsidiary of Loews, from 1989 to 2021. Mr. Tisch’s positions with Loews allow him to provide valuable perspective and advice to our Board. He serves on the Executive Committee and is the Chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr. Tisch has served as a director since 1985. He is the brother of Andrew Tisch and the father of Benjamin Tisch. Age 69.
Jane J. Wang, Vice President of Loews. Ms. Wang joined Loews in 2006 as an associate in the Corporate Development group. She is a Director of the general partner of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP, a subsidiary of Loews. Ms. Wang is responsible for monitoring the performance of Loews’s subsidiaries and also focuses on strategic planning, corporate development and financing. Her position with Loews allows her to provide valuable perspective and advice to our Board. She serves on the Finance Committee. Ms. Wang has served as a director since 2019. Age 40.
Director Independence
Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), listed companies like CNA that have a controlling stockholder are not required to have a majority of independent directors. Because Loews holds more than 50% of the voting power of CNA, we are a controlled company within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE. Upon the election of the ten nominees, our Board of Directors will not be composed of a majority of directors who are independent. Nevertheless, our Board of Directors has determined that the following current directors are independent under the listing standards of the NYSE (each, an “Independent Director” and collectively, the “Independent Directors”): Michael Bless, Jose Montemayor, Don Randel and André Rice. In assessing independence, an affirmative determination is made as to whether or not each director or nominee has any material relationship with the Company. In assessing the materiality of any relationship, our Board considers all relevant facts and circumstances, not merely from the standpoint of the director or nominee, but from that of any person or organization with which the director or nominee has an affiliation. Our Board considers the frequency and regularity of any services provided by or to, or other transactions between, our Company and the director or nominee or affiliated organization, whether they are being carried out at arms’ length in the ordinary course of business, and whether they are being provided or conducted substantially on the same terms as those prevailing at the time with unrelated parties for comparable transactions. Material relationships can include commercial banking, industrial, legal, accounting, charitable, and familial relationships.
Our Board has established guidelines to assist it in determining director independence under these listing standards. Under our Board’s guidelines, a director would not be considered independent if any of the following relationships exists: (i) during the past three years the director has been an employee, or an immediate family member has been an executive officer, of the Company; (ii) the director or an immediate family member received, during any twelve month period within the past three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the Company, excluding director and committee fees, pension payments and certain forms of deferred compensation; (iii) the director is a current partner or employee, or an immediate family member is a current partner of a firm that is the Company’s internal or external auditor, or an immediate family member is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on the Company’s audit, or, within the last three years, the director or an immediate family member was a partner or employee
 
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of such a firm and personally worked on the Company’s audit within that time; (iv) the director or an immediate family member has at any time during the past three years been employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the Company’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company’s compensation committee; or (v) the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of the other company’s consolidated gross revenues.
Leadership Structure
In the Company’s leadership structure, the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are combined. The Board believes that this combined structure promotes unified leadership and direction for the Company. The Board meets regularly in executive session with the Chairman, without the presence of any other management personnel of the Company. In addition, the Board has complete and direct access to our entire management team.
Our Independent Directors meet regularly in executive session without management participation. We have a position of presiding director whose primary responsibility is to preside over the executive sessions of the Independent Directors. The Chairs of our Audit and Compensation Committees alternate annually as the presiding director. Mr. Bless, as Chairman of our Compensation Committee, currently serves as presiding director until the Annual Meeting.
Board Oversight of Risk Management
Within the general construct of oversight responsibility for our organization, the Audit Committee of the Board retains oversight responsibility for the integrity of the financial statements, compliance and ethics program, legal risk and overall policies and procedures relating to risk management, including oversight of accounting policies, financial statement disclosures and internal controls over financial reporting, compliance matters, and oversight of the process for establishing insurance reserves. This includes oversight of ongoing risk management efforts, material changes to risk appetite of the Company, and significant emerging risk exposure.
The Company’s management provides regular reports to the Audit Committee in respect of the Committee’s role in oversight, including presentations on the key management judgments and any new or significant transactions or accounting policy changes impacting the Company’s quarterly financial results, reportable deficiencies in the internal control over financial reporting, reserve establishment and factors considered in such establishment, key risk reports and ongoing risk management efforts, status and effectiveness of the Company’s legal compliance and business ethics program, and internal audit processes and results. These presentations and reports are the foundation for productive dialogue between the members of the Audit Committee and senior Company officials with primary responsibility in these areas.
The entire Board oversees the risk management framework with respect to material risk on an enterprise-wide basis, including reserve risk, market risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, reputational risk, and specific risks relating to our business operations, including insurance underwriting and claims, reinsurance, catastrophe risk, pandemic risk, information technology, cybersecurity, human capital, and business resiliency planning.
Periodic reports are provided to the full Board by the Company’s management which, among other things, seeks to systematically identify the principal risks facing the Company, identify and evaluate policies and practices which promote a culture that actively balances risk and reward, and evaluate risk management practices. These reports enable the full Board to conduct meaningful and substantive discussions and deliberations with senior management on these enterprise-wide risks.
Committees and Meetings
Our Board of Directors has the following standing committees: Audit, Compensation, Executive and Finance. Members of the Audit and Compensation Committees are set forth below. The current members of our Executive Committee are Andrew Tisch (Chairman), James Tisch and Dino Robusto. All directors currently serve as members of our Finance Committee, with Mr. James Tisch serving as Chairman of such committee.
 
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Under the rules of the NYSE, listed companies like CNA that have a controlling stockholder are not required to have a Nominating Committee. Our Board of Directors as a whole performs the functions of a Nominating Committee. We do not have a specific policy regarding stockholder nominations of director candidates other than through the process described below in the “Stockholder Proposals for the 2023 Annual Meeting.” Nominations for director positions are considered and determined by the Board through consultation with senior Company personnel. Possible nominees to our Board of Directors may be suggested by any Director to our Chairman of the Board or by any stockholder in the manner set forth under “Stockholder Proposals for the 2023 Annual Meeting.” Although our Board of Directors does not have a formal policy on director diversity, our Board recognizes its importance and does take it into account in identifying director nominees.
The Board does not currently have a retirement policy with respect to the Independent Directors.
Audit Committee
The primary function of our Audit Committee is to assist our Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee management’s conduct of our Company’s financial reporting process, including review of the financial reports and other financial information of our Company, our Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting, our Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, and the annual independent audit of our Company’s consolidated financial statements. This Audit Committee oversight of our financial statements covers both the consolidated financial statements reported in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and the combined financials reported on a statutory basis for our domestic insurance companies. Our Audit Committee has sole authority to directly appoint, retain, compensate, evaluate, and terminate our Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and to approve all engagement fees and terms, including mandatory pre-approval of all engagements of the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by our Audit Committee from time to time or as otherwise required.
The Charter of our Audit Committee is posted on the Company’s website at www.cna.com and is also available in print free of charge to any stockholder who requests it. The current members of our Audit Committee are Jose Montemayor (Chairman), Michael Bless, Don Randel and André Rice, each of whom is an Independent Director and also meets the additional independence requirements of applicable listing standards of the NYSE and SEC regulations. Each of the current members is financially literate, as determined by our Board. Our Board has determined that Messrs. Bless and Montemayor are “audit committee financial experts” under NYSE and SEC standards.
Our directors are asked annually to report to our Company the number of audit committees of public companies on which such director serves. During 2021, no director reported serving on more than three audit committees of public companies.
Compensation Committee
The primary function of the Compensation Committee is to determine, based on, and after consideration of, recommendations of our management, all elements of compensation for the senior executive officers of the Company who are deemed executive officers as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the NEOs. The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves the terms and conditions of any employment agreements between the NEOs and the Company or its subsidiaries and oversees all aspects of the Incentive Compensation Plan. The Charter of our Compensation Committee is posted on the Company’s website at www.cna.com and is also available in print free of charge to any stockholder who requests it. The current members of our Compensation Committee are Michael Bless (Chairman), Jose Montemayor, Don Randel and André Rice, each of whom our Board of Directors has determined satisfies the requirement as an Independent Director, a “non-employee director” as set forth in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive, financial and accounting officers. The Code of Business
 
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Conduct and Ethics, as well as the Corporate Governance Guidelines, are posted on the Company’s website at www.cna.com and are also available in print free of charge to any stockholder who requests them. We intend to post on our website any changes to or waivers of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Meetings
During 2021, there were 5 meetings of our Board of Directors, 4 meetings of our Finance Committee, 5 meetings of our Audit Committee, 4 meetings of our Executive Committee and 3 meetings of our Compensation Committee. Each individual who served as a director of the Company for the entire year of 2021attended not less than 75% of the total number of meetings of our Board of Directors and committees of our Board on which that director served during the year. Our Board encourages, but does not require, that all directors attend our stockholders’ meetings. Each individual who served as a director of the Company as of the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting was present at such meeting.
Audit Committee Report
The role of our Audit Committee is to assist our Board of Directors with the responsibility of administering corporate policy in matters of accounting and control in its oversight of our financial reporting process. As set forth in the Charter of our Audit Committee, management of our Company is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Our Company’s accounting and financial reporting principles and internal control over financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Our Audit Committee functions as the liaison with our Company’s internal audit area and our independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing our Company’s financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such firm also issues an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee has considered and discussed the consolidated audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. Our Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, “Communications with Audit Committees”, as adopted and as amended by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with the accounting firm their independence in relation to the Company and its management, including the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. We have determined that the provision of non-audit services provided by the accounting firm is compatible with maintaining the independence of the accounting firm.
The members of the Audit Committee rely, without independent verification, on the information provided to them by management and the independent registered public accounting firm and on management’s representation that our consolidated financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity. They do not provide any expert or special assurance as to our consolidated financial statements or any professional certification as to the independent registered public accounting firm’s work. Accordingly, our Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has applied appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or internal control over financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures, that the audit of our consolidated financial statements has been carried out in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, that our financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or that our independent registered public accounting firm is in fact “independent”.
Based upon the reports and discussions described in this report, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of our Audit Committee referred to above and in the Audit Committee’s Charter, our Audit Committee has recommended to our Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC and determined that the provision of non-audit services by Deloitte & Touche LLP to the Company in 2021 was compatible with maintaining the independence of Deloitte & Touche LLP in its audit of the Company.
 
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SUBMITTED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Jose O. Montemayor (Chairman)
Michael A. Bless
Don M. Randel
André Rice
Director Compensation
Each of our directors who are neither employed by the Company nor by Loews are entitled to an annual retainer of $104,000. In addition, members of our Finance Committee who are neither employed by the Company nor by Loews are entitled to an annual retainer of $4,000. The annual retainers for service as a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees are currently as follows: Compensation Committee (excluding Chair) — $25,000; Compensation Committee Chair — $30,000; Audit Committee (excluding Chair) — $67,000; and Audit Committee Chair — $87,000. All foregoing compensation is paid solely in cash. Members of the Executive Committee and directors who are either employed by the Company or by Loews do not receive compensation for their services.
The following table shows, for each director who is neither employed by the Company nor by Loews, the amount of compensation paid for service during 2021:
Name
Fees
Michael A. Bless
$ 205,000
Jose O. Montemayor
$ 220,000
Don M. Randel
$ 200,000
André Rice
$ 200,000
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the 2021 compensation program for our NEOs. During 2021, our executive management team included the following NEOs:

Dino E. Robusto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Larry A. Haefner, Interim Chief Financial Officer (appointed as of September 3, 2021)

Albert J. Miralles, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (resigned from the Company as of September 3, 2021)

Douglas M. Worman, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Underwriting

Kevin J. Leidwinger, President and Chief Operating Officer, Commercial

Kevin G. Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer, Specialty
Overall Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
We believe that our success is dependent upon the quality of senior management, and that compensation programs are important in attracting and retaining NEOs of superior ability and motivating their efforts on behalf of the Company. Accordingly, our compensation program for NEOs recognizes individual performance and contributions, as reflected both in the Company’s overall results and in each NEO’s contribution to them. To meet these objectives, we have established an approach to NEO compensation that combines elements of base salary and both cash and stock-based incentive compensation, as well as other benefits. In selecting these elements of NEO compensation, the Company has considered its historical compensation practices as they have evolved over the years, the executive compensation programs of various peer companies, as well as applicable tax and accounting impacts of executive compensation.
In addition, we continuously monitor the effectiveness of our compensation offerings for both NEOs and other senior leaders of the Company in order to ensure that we are well situated to attract and retain superb talent in a very competitive insurer employment environment. In connection with such regular review,
 
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analysis and data collection regarding compensation effectiveness, we may from time to time recommend changes to our compensation plan design, particularly with respect to incentive-based compensation.
In preparing and negotiating compensation and benefit terms with respect to each NEO, we seek to realize the goals and objectives described above and to include the elements of compensation described in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
What We Pay and Why: Components of Executive Compensation
In establishing the aggregate amount of compensation for each NEO, the primary factor is an evaluation of the individual’s performance in the context of any contractual commitments to the individual executive, the extent and nature of the individual’s responsibilities within the Company and the Company’s performance during the period in question. As noted above, the Company also reviews and considers compensation levels and practices as shown in surveys and other materials. Based on these factors, the Company determines an overall level of compensation — a portion of which is to be paid as base salary and the balance of which would be incentive-based and equity-based awards, which are described in further detail in the “Narrative Supplement to the 2021 Summary Compensation Table and the 2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” section.
The principal components of compensation for the Company’s NEOs are:

Base salary;

Cash incentive compensation awards, based on annual performance measures;

Grants of stock-based awards; and

Retirement, medical and related benefits.
Quantitative and Qualitative Factors — Individual Performance
In determining compensation, various factors are considered in evaluating each NEO’s performance, including overall Company performance. In addition, other factors considered in determining incentive awards include the specific contribution to the overall performance of the Company by the business or operational unit led by each such NEO. Such contribution is reflected in various measurements, including the unit’s profitability, growth and operational efficiency, as well as productive expense management and effective leadership. Factors particular to each NEO that also may be considered include significant project work and successful implementation of initiatives that affect the enterprise as a whole. Base salary and incentive opportunities for each NEO are also based, among other factors, on comparative market compensation data as described in “— Comparative Market Data” below. Final approval of all compensation payments is made by the Compensation Committee, which retains authority to make discretionary reductions in the award amounts.
Base Salary.   Initial annual base salaries are set in consideration of median market data and other factors such as the executive’s prior work experience and scope of responsibility. Thereafter, base salaries are reviewed by the Compensation Committee in connection with its annual compensation review. In order to ensure that we are well situated to attract and retain superb talent in a very competitive insurer employment environment, the annual base salaries of our NEOs are reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer and Compensation Committee relative to peer group and insurance and financial industry survey data (see “Comparative Market Data” below), and their respective experience, level of responsibility, individual performance and tenure with the Company. Mr. Worman received a base salary increase in 2021 in recognition of his respective performance and to bring him further into the competitive market range of our peer group.
Incentive Compensation Awards.   The Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan provides for annual cash and long-term stock-based incentive award opportunities for the NEOs of the Company, along with other executives. The elements of any incentive compensation for each NEO are subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan and the approval of the Compensation Committee.
 
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The Compensation Committee oversees all aspects of the Incentive Compensation Plan and has sole discretion to make all determinations on any matter relating to the Incentive Compensation Plan or any award granted under it. Under the Incentive Compensation Plan, the measures to be used for purposes of incentive awards may include one or more or any combination of a wide variety of corporate and personal performance components.
The annual and long-term components of the incentive-based compensation for the NEOs are based on “Core Income” ​(as defined below) as the performance measure. Any potential awards for NEOs under the plan are determined pursuant to the definition of Core Income and specific targets approved by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of each relevant performance cycle. Accordingly, for 2021, the determination of compensation under both the annual incentive award plan (“AIB”), which is payable entirely in cash, and the long-term performance share award plan (“PSP”), which is payable entirely in shares of the Company’s Common Stock, was based on one formula approved by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of 2021. The PSP is based on a one-year performance cycle followed by a two-year vesting period, which, taken together, results in a three-year aggregated cliff vesting period. We believe this aligns all our senior leaders, including the NEOs, with the interests of stockholders. The payout of the 2021 PSP, if any, will be in the first quarter of 2024.
We believe that our long-term incentive compensation approach provides both a competitive and an appropriate compensation structure, while at the same time ensuring alignment between individual performance and contribution to the Company’s operations with long-term stockholder value growth.
Performance Assessment of all NEOs.   Our management performs an analytical and advisory role in the process of determining incentive compensation for our NEOs. Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer reviews all elements of incentive compensation for NEOs (other than himself) with our Chief Human Resources Executive Officer, and approves all recommendations to be made to the Compensation Committee as to those executives. Proposed incentive compensation awards to the Chief Executive Officer are developed by our majority stockholder in consultation with our Chief Human Resources Officer, and then recommended to the Compensation Committee. The relationship among the various elements of compensation for each NEO individually is driven by the goal of providing the executive with an overall package of base and incentive compensation that fairly recompenses the individual for both Company and individual performance, in the judgment of the Compensation Committee in consultation with management. Accordingly, there is an annual assessment of all compensation elements for each NEO to assure that, in the aggregate, such elements represent a fair and balanced package in light of individual achievements and overall Company results.
Annual Incentive Award.   The 2021 AIB awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan for the NEOs were calculated in accordance with a formula based upon our “Core Income” for the year, along with each NEO’s individual performance. The following is the definition of “Core Income” approved by the Compensation Committee for 2021:
“Core Income” is defined as “net income,” as reported in our fiscal year financial results, and adjusted by the following exclusions:
1)
Realized capital gains or losses, net of tax.
2)
The after-tax impact of items of gain, loss, income or expense (including but not limited to changes in accounting principles) which in the judgment of the Compensation Committee were extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence.
3)
The after-tax impact of net investment income from limited partnership (LP) and common equity investments in excess of the 2021 budgeted amount. To the extent that LP and common equity net investment income is below the budgeted amount, include LP net investment income up to the budgeted amount.
4)
The after-tax impact of reserve strengthening and adverse dividend or premium development associated with asbestos and environmental pollution reserves as well as (FKA Wexford) excess workers compensation reserves, and any income statement impact below or above the budgeted
 
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amount of applying retroactive reinsurance accounting to the losses ceded to NICO and Cavello Bay Reinsurance Ltd (Enstar) loss portfolio transfers associated with these reserves, respectively.
5)
The after-tax impact of catastrophe losses of the Company or its subsidiaries in excess of the 2021 budgeted amount. To the extent that catastrophe losses are below the budgeted amount, include catastrophe losses up to the budgeted amount.
6)
The after-tax impact of net reserve strengthening due to unlocking of assumptions relating to long term care or benefit settlement option liabilities or relating to a disposition, loss portfolio transfer or other transaction that fixes or limits the Company’s exposure to the run-off Life & Group businesses that the Committee deems to be in the best interest of stockholders.
7)
Any income tax expense or benefit attributable to the impact of a change in the federal income tax rate on deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
We refer to “Core Income” as “CI.”
CI achievement, as determined in accordance with the 2021 definition, is to be rounded to no more than the next 10% increment, above or below. The Compensation Committee retains the authority to exercise negative discretion on the final rounded achievement and on any of the items listed above except as specified in a contract between the Company or its subsidiaries and an NEO.
With regard to 2021 annual cash awards to NEOs, the Compensation Committee retained the authority to exercise negative discretion on any of the exclusions listed above, except to the extent provided otherwise in any employment agreements with NEOs. Although CI as determined under this definition is derived from our net income, it does provide for certain exclusions. The primary purpose of the exclusions from net income reflected in the above definition of CI is to remove those elements of income or loss which relate to one-time or extraordinary events or developments or other matters that, in the judgment of the Compensation Committee, are not appropriate to consider for purposes of assessing an NEO’s performance and contribution to our operating results. The CI for 2021, determined pursuant to the above definition, was $1.083 billion, approximately $23 million lower than our reported CI, primarily as a result of certain adjustments provided for in the foregoing category of exclusions, largely driven by the exclusion of net investment income from limited partnership (LP) and common equity investments in excess of the 2021 budgeted amount.
Long-Term Incentive Award.   After the completion of the one-year performance period, the 2021 PSP awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan for the NEOs were determined in accordance with the same CI formula set forth above. Full vesting of these awards will generally occur in March of the third year following the grant date. With regard to 2021 long-term incentive awards to NEOs, the Compensation Committee retained the authority to exercise negative discretion on any of the exclusions listed above, except to the extent provided otherwise in any employment agreements with NEOs.
Annual Incentive Cash Compensation Awards
AIB awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan for the NEOs for 2021 were primarily determined by performance compared to preset quantifiable financial goals based upon CI as determined by the Compensation Committee, which also set the level or levels of cash incentive award opportunity within those goals for each NEO. Typical primary recurring factors taken into account for purposes of determining annual incentive cash compensation award levels assigned for each NEO for a given year include such elements as: combined ratios; expense ratios; return on equity; catastrophe loss experience; handling of legal exposures; and net written premium production. As to any particular NEO, these factors may be considered both from an overall corporate viewpoint or in terms of performance for a particular factor within that executive’s individual areas of responsibility, or both.
The annual incentive cash compensation opportunity for 2021 for all NEOs, except the CEO, was limited by an individual maximum payment amount of two times (2x) their target annual incentive award opportunity. The annual incentive cash compensation opportunity for 2021 for the CEO was limited by an individual maximum payout amount of one and a half times (1.5x) his target annual incentive award opportunity. For all NEOs, the Compensation Committee retains the power to exercise negative discretion
 
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for 2021 annual incentive cash compensation amounts of the amount produced by the applicable payout formula or CI target ranges or amounts, as applicable. The Compensation Committee also reserves the right to eliminate these awards to the NEOs, uniformly, due to adverse financial conditions.
In determining the annual incentive cash compensation awards for 2021, and relative to each NEO’s target annual incentive award opportunity, the Compensation Committee evaluated Company performance and individual performance against the pre-set financial goals of the Company and individual performance measures, as described above. The Company achieved CI of $1.083 billion for 2021, which was $62 million above the target CI goal. In addition to Company CI performance achievement, the annual incentive bonus amount to be paid to each NEO individually was based upon the assessment by Company senior management and the Compensation Committee of that NEO’s success in his responsibilities during the performance period in question. With respect to Mr. Haefner, the annual incentive award opportunity was prorated between his role as “executive consultant” with the Company from January 1, 2021 and the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer he assumed as of September 3, 2021. Mr. Miralles was not eligible for any incentive awards due to his resignation as of September 3, 2021.
The Compensation Committee evaluated Company performance and individual performance in determining the CEO’s annual incentive bonus award of $6,000,000. For 2021, the CEO’s target annual incentive opportunity was $5,000,000 and maximum opportunity was $7,500,000.
As stated above, CI for 2021 was $1.083 billion, determined pursuant to the definition approved previously and discussed above. In February 2022, the Compensation Committee determined and approved, based on the scale below and in its sole discretion, that the achievement for this award was equal to 105%.
2021 CI
2021 Company Performance as a Percentage of Target
Below Threshold
Between Threshold and Target
0%
50% – 99%
Target: $1,021M
Above Target
100%
101% – 200%
The following table provides additional information:
Name
Year
Annual
Incentive Cash
Awards
Dino E. Robusto
2021 $ 6,000,000
Larry A. Haefner
2021 $ 1,000,000
Albert J. Miralles
2021 $ 0
Douglas M. Worman
2021 $ 2,750,000
Kevin J. Leidwinger
2021 $ 1,650,000
Kevin G. Smith
2021 $ 1,600,000
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Under the Incentive Compensation Plan, PSP awards for NEOs are based upon CI, and, for 2021, were determined pursuant to the definition approved by the Compensation Committee. CI goals for the one-year performance period are described in “Incentive Compensation Awards” above. The payout for the 2021 award will be made following the end of a two-year vesting period after the end of the 2021 performance year, or in the first quarter of 2024.
The ranges of PSP award opportunities for the NEOs for 2021, as determined by the Compensation Committee, are reflected below in the “2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table”. The Chief Executive Officer recommended PSP grant amounts to NEOs for 2021, based upon competitive market peer group compensation data as well as individual performance. The Compensation Committee approved grant amounts at its meeting on February 24, 2021, and the granted amounts are subject to Company performance, which determines the ultimate extent to which the awards vest or are paid out. Any awards to NEOs remain subject
 
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to approval by the Compensation Committee. We believe this approach on long term incentive compensation aligns with our pay-for-performance philosophy.
PSP awards are granted annually and are earned based on CI for the performance year period and will become payable to the extent that specified targets are achieved and only after a two-year vesting period following the end of the performance period. Payouts, if any, of the PSP awards for NEOs may range from 0% to 200% of target, based upon attainment of the performance goals, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, with the entirety of such award payable in shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Dividend equivalents are paid in cash at the same time as award PSP award payouts.
As stated above, CI for 2021 was $1.083 billion, determined pursuant to the definition approved previously and discussed above. In early February 2022, at the Compensation Committee meeting, the Compensation Committee determined and approved, based on the scale below and in its sole discretion, that the achievement for this award was equal to 105%.
2021 CI
2021 Payout as a Percentage of Target
Below Threshold
Between Threshold and Target
0%
50% – 99%
Target: $1,021M
Above Target
100%
101% – 200%
Stock-Based Awards.   Another element of our compensation program for NEOs is stock-based awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan which generally include restricted stock units (RSUs). These awards are used to attract senior talent and are granted upon commencement of employment.
Retirement Plans.   CNA provides funded, tax-qualified retirement plans for salaried employees, including executive officers (the “Qualified Plans”) and unfunded, non-qualified equalization plans for certain highly compensated employees (the “Non-Qualified Plans”) which provide for accruals and contributions not available under the Qualified Plans. The Qualified Plans and the Non-Qualified Plans both include defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans. The Qualified and Non-Qualified defined contribution plans are the CNA 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) and the CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan, respectively.
Other Benefits.   We provide limited types of perquisites and other personal benefits to our NEOs which we believe are reasonable, consistent with our overall compensation program to enable the Company to attract and retain superior employees for key positions and comparable with perquisite packages offered by our competitors to their senior executives. NEOs are generally entitled to participate in the various benefit plans, programs or arrangements established and maintained by the Company from time to time and applicable to its senior executives, including medical benefits, dental benefits, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability insurance, and to receive all fringe benefits made available to senior executives of the Company, including reimbursement for club memberships, physical examinations, financial planning, and paid parking. Each NEO’s entitlement to such benefits is subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s policies with regard to them, as adjusted by the Company from time to time in its discretion. Severance and other benefits available to NEOs upon termination of employment are determined in accordance with any applicable agreements, which are summarized in the “Narrative Supplement to the 2021 Summary Compensation Table and the 2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” section, or the Company’s severance or incentive compensation plans, as applicable.
Comparative Market Data
The Compensation Committee and the Chief Executive Officer are assisted in developing and evaluating the overall competitiveness of the compensation program by our Human Resources staff, which engages executive compensation consulting firm Willis Towers Watson to provide a competitive assessment of executive compensation. The assessment contains market data from executive compensation consulting firms: Mercer — Property & Casualty Insurance Compensation Survey; Willis Towers Watson — U.S. Financial Services Executive Survey — insurance industry and financial industry data, and also comparative compensation information regarding our peer group of companies. The competitor peer group for the 2021 evaluation consisted of the companies identified below, all of which are within the insurance industry.
 
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The Allstate Corporation

American Financial Group, Inc.

Chubb Limited

Cincinnati Financial Corporation

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

Markel Corporation

The Progressive Corporation

The Travelers Companies, Inc.

W.R. Berkley Corporation
These companies, as well as other companies within the insurance, financial services and certain other industries, represent the organizations against which CNA competes for key executives. This comparative compensation information, in conjunction with performance assessments as to past and expected future contributions of the individual, is used to develop annual compensation levels. In addition, the Company regularly reviews executive compensation plan design, e.g. annual and long-term incentives, to assess whether our executive compensation program is in-line with companies of similar size, industry and ownership structure. It is the Company’s goal to set total compensation opportunities for the NEOs at levels generally comparable with those available to similarly placed executives at the Company’s competitor group. The Company targets base salary, total cash compensation (base plus short-term incentive), and total direct compensation (base salary plus short-term incentive plus long-term incentive) positioning within a competitive range of the market median of our peer group. The Company uses information from the surveys and peer companies cited above to assure that its recommendations to the Compensation Committee concerning overall compensation for each NEO are comparable to the full compensation packages given to executives in the same or similar positions in such peer companies and in companies from related industries. Thus, in any particular case, one or more components of a given NEO’s entire compensation structure might not be directly aligned with the same component in compensation packages offered at peer companies, but overall compensation for that NEO would nevertheless be within the parameters reflected in peer and survey data as full compensation for the same or similar positions. This process promotes the Company’s goal of offering its NEOs compensation structures that, taken as a whole, make it possible to retain the most talented and productive executive officers.
Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has the authority under its charter to engage outside consultants to assist in the performance of its duties and responsibilities. We will provide appropriate funding, as determined by the Compensation Committee, for payment of reasonable compensation to any compensation consultant or other advisor retained by the Compensation Committee. Pursuant to this authority, the Compensation Committee would consider utilizing the services of a compensation consultant to assist in determining whether the elements of our executive compensation program are reasonable and consistent with our objectives, as needed. The Compensation Committee did not engage any outside consultants to perform such services in 2021.
Clawback Policy and Other Compensation Policies, including with respect to hedging activities
The Company has a clawback policy which allows for the recoupment of certain executive compensation in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the federal securities laws.
The Company prohibits tax gross-ups in connection with perquisites or other personal benefits to our NEOs including the personal use of corporate aircraft, physical examinations, and financial planning services.
The Company has adopted restrictions as to hedging and pledging transactions by our directors and executive officers, as we believe it is in the best interest of the Company’s stockholders, and promotes sound
 
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corporate governance, that directors’ and executive officers’ interests are aligned with the Company’s stockholders’ interests. As transactions that are designed to hedge or offset declines in the market value of the Company’s Common Stock can disrupt this alignment, it is the Company’s policy that the Company’s directors and executive officers should not enter into hedging transactions. For purposes of this policy, a hedging transaction is the entry into, or purchase or sale of, any financial instrument (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps and collars), or the entry into of any other transaction, in each case for the express purpose of offsetting a potential decline in the market value of the Company’s Common Stock. For the avoidance of doubt, financial instruments and transactions subject to this policy do not include transactions in securities (or derivative instruments relating thereto) of any open-end mutual fund, unit investment trust or exchange-traded fund, or of any company that is not affiliated with the Company. The Company’s policy does not apply to hedging transactions by non-executive officer employees.
In addition, it is the Company’s policy that the Company’s directors and executive officers should not pledge the Company’s Common Stock, options relating to the Company’s Common Stock or any other security linked to the Company’s Common Stock as collateral for a loan unless the director or executive officer has the ability to repay any obligations arising under the loan without liquidating the pledged Common Stock and the loan is fully recourse to the director or executive officer.
Non-Binding Stockholder Vote on 2020 Executive Compensation
We provide our stockholders with the opportunity to cast an annual advisory (non-binding) vote on our executive compensation program for our NEOs (referred to as a “say-on-pay” proposal). At the 2021 Annual Meeting, stockholders of the Company approved (over 91% approval), in a non-binding vote, the 2020 executive compensation. Our Compensation Committee believes that this affirms our stockholders’ support for our compensation program for NEOs. In addition, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors have considered the guidance provided by this advisory (non-binding) vote. The Company is submitting the 2021 executive compensation, as disclosed in this proxy statement, to stockholders for approval, in an advisory (non-binding) vote, in Proposal No. 2.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
We have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth above with the management of the Company and, based on such review and discussion, have approved inclusion of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this Proxy Statement and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Michael A. Bless (Chairman)
Jose O. Montemayor
Don M. Randel
André Rice
 
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COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following 2021 Summary Compensation Table summarizes compensation paid by the Company and its subsidiaries for services rendered in all capacities for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other NEOs as of December 31, 2021.
2021 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
(a)
Stock
Awards
(b)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
(c)
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
(d)
All Other
Compensation
(e)
Total
Dino E. Robusto
Chief Executive Officer CNA Financial Corporation
2021 $ 1,250,000 $ 5,499,990 $ 6,000,000 $ 1,496,217 $ 14,246,207
2020 $ 1,027,778 $ 4,499,986 $ 4,250,000 $ 1,691,410 $ 11,469,174
2019 $ 1,000,000 $ 7,499,975 $ 4,000,000 $ 554,505 $ 13,054,480
Larry A. Heafner
Interim Chief Financial
Officer
CNA Financial Corporation
2021 $ 583,333 $ 1,000,000 $ 203,180 $ 1,786,513
Albert J. Miralles
Executive Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
CNA Financial Corporation
2021 $ 481,167 $ 1,399,999 $ 212,183 $ 2,093,349
2020 $ 683,333 $ 1,199,996 $ 1,400,000 $ 234,284 $ 3,517,613
Douglas M. Worman
EVP & Global Head of
Underwriting
CNA Insurance Companies
2021 $ 811,250 $ 1,999,992 $ 2,750,000 $ 324,159 $ 5,885,401
2020 $ 777,615 $ 1,749,977 $ 2,300,000 $ 330,204 $ 5,157,796
2019 $ 695,000 $ 1,019,959 $ 2,000,000 $ 278,388 $ 3,993,346
Kevin J. Leidwinger
President & Chief
Operating Officer
Commercial
CNA Insurance Companies
2021 $ 700,000 $ 1,399,999 $ 1,650,000 $ 329,151 $ 4,079,150
2020 $ 691,250 $ 1,329,986 $ 1,625,000 $ 367,506 $ 4,013,742
2019 $ 665,000 $ 997,481 $ 1,500,000 $ 396,786 $ 3,559,268
Kevin G. Smith
President & Chief
Operating Officer
Specialty
CNA Insurance Companies
2021 $ 700,000 $ 1,399,999 $ 1,600,000 $ 315,418 $ 4,015,417
2020 $ 690,000 $ 1,319,989 $ 1,550,000 $ 278,544 $ 3,838,533
2019 $ 657,500 $ 974,960 $ 1,550,000 $ 243,480 $ 3,375,940
(a)
Base salary includes compensation deferred under the CNA 401(k) Plan and CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan.
(b)
Represents the full grant date fair value of stock awards for fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Please see Note J to our consolidated financial statements included in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information. For the performance share unit awards for Messrs. Robusto, Miralles, Worman, Leidwinger and Smith, the amount reported assumes target level achievement. Please refer to the “2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” below and “Long-Term Incentive Award” section of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for more details on these awards. Mr. Haefner did not receive a stock award in 2021 as he was in a non-executive officer “consultant” role at the
 
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Company during 2021, prior to his appointment to Interim Chief Financial Officer as of September 3, 2021. The outstanding stock awards for Mr. Miralles forfeited upon his resignation as of September 3, 2021.
For Mr. Robusto, the amount included for 2019 also represents the full grant date fair value of stock awards, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, issued pursuant to a Stock Award Agreement between the Company and Mr. Robusto dated March 18, 2019. The award to Mr. Robusto was in satisfaction of certain payments to which he was entitled pursuant to his previous employment agreement with the Company. The award vested in its entirety on December 31, 2019, with no further restrictions. The award was made in accordance with the provisions of the Incentive Compensation Plan, approved by the Compensation Committee and fulfilled the Company’s obligation as to required payments under Mr. Robusto’s previous employment agreement.
(c)
Amounts disclosed are annual incentive cash awards. Mr. Miralles did not have an annual incentive cash compensation due to his resignation as of September 3, 2021. The following footnote table provides additional information:
NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN COMPENSATION FOOTNOTE TABLE
Name
Year
Annual Incentive
Cash Awards
Long-Term
Cash Awards
Total Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
Dino E. Robusto
2021 $ 6,000,000 $ 6,000,000
2020 $ 4,250,000 $ 4,250,000
2019 $ 4,000,000 $ 4,000,000
Larry A. Haefner
2021 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000
Albert J. Miralles
2021
2020 $ 1,400,000 $ 1,400,000
Douglas M. Worman
2021 $ 2,750,000 $ 2,750,000
2020 $ 2,300,000 $ 2,300,000
2019 $ 2,000,000 $ 2,000,000
Kevin J. Leidwinger
2021 $ 1,650,000 $ 1,650,000
2020 $ 1,625,000 $ 1,625,000
2019 $ 1,500,000 $ 1,500,000
Kevin G. Smith
2021 $ 1,600,000 $ 1,600,000
2020 $ 1,550,000 $ 1,550,000
2019 $ 1,500,000 $ 1,500,000
(d)
None of the NEOs receive benefits under the qualified or non-qualified pension plan.
(e)
Please refer to the “All Other Compensation Table” below for additional information.
 
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2021 ALL OTHER COMPENSATION TABLE
The following 2021 All Other Compensation Table describes each component of the All Other Compensation column in the Summary Compensation Table for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Name
Year
Company
Aircraft(a)
Dividend
Equivalent
Payments(b)
401(k) Plan and
Non-Qualified
Savings Plan
Contributions
Other(c)
Total
Dino E. Robusto
2021 $ 176,278 $ 837,407 $ 350,000 $ 132,532 $ 1,496,217
Larry A. Haefner
2021 $ 76,756 $ 102,917 $ 23,507 $ 203,180
Albert J. Miralles
2021 $ 102,345 $ 108,558 $ 1,280 $ 212,183
Douglas M. Worman
2021 $ 151,197 $ 172,962 $ 324,159
Kevin J. Leidwinger
2021 $ 154,675 $ 158,250 $ 16,226 $ 329,151
Kevin G. Smith
2021 $ 151,196 $ 154,500 $ 9,722 $ 315,418
(a)
Represents amounts for personal use of Company aircraft which represents the aggregate incremental cost to the Company. Aggregate incremental cost calculation includes variable costs associated with the personal use of Company aircraft and includes but is not limited to the following: fuel, general maintenance, engine repairs, landing/parking fees, crew expenses, catering, supplies, parts and labor.
(b)
Represents dividend equivalent payments made in connection with vesting of performance share units.
(c)
Represents amounts for parking benefit, financial planning benefit, physical examination, and club membership. In addition, represents an amount for a one-time installment of residential security enhancements for Mr. Robusto of $125,337. The Company prohibits tax gross-ups in connection with any perquisites or other personal benefits to our NEOs.
2021 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE
The following 2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table provides additional information on awards and non-equity incentive plan awards granted to each of the NEOs during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Type of Award
Grant Date
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
Grant Date Fair
Value of Stock
Awards
($) (c)
Name
Threshold
($)
Target
($)
Maximum
($) (a)
Threshold
(#)
Target
(#)
Maximum
(#) (b)
Dino E. Robusto
Performance Share Plan Award
3/15/2021 59,808 119,617 239,234 $ 5,499,990
Annual Cash $ 5,000,000 $ 7,500,000
Larry A. Haefner
Performance Share Plan Award
Annual Cash $ 691,667 $ 1,383,334
Albert J. Miralles
Performance Share Plan Award
3/15/2021 15,224 30,448 60,896 $ 1,399,999
Annual Cash
Douglas M. Worman
Performance Share Plan Award
3/15/2021 21,748 43,497 86,994 $ 1,999,992
Annual Cash $ 1,630,000 $ 3,260,000
Kevin J. Leidwinger
Performance Share Plan Award
3/15/2021 15,224 30,448 60,896 $ 1,399,999
Annual Cash $ 1,050,000 $ 2,100,000
Kevin G. Smith
Performance Share Plan Award
3/15/2021 15,224 30,448 60,896 $ 1,399,999
Annual Cash $ 1,050,000 $ 2,100,000
(a)
These amounts represent annual incentive cash awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan. The awards for each of the NEOs consist of an amount equal to a portion of the percentage of CI established by the Compensation Committee as the annual performance goal, subject to maximum amounts. The actual 2021 annual incentive cash award achievements were determined and approved by
 
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the Compensation Committee on February 1, 2022 and are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table under the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column. Please refer to “Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Annual Incentive Cash Compensation Awards” for more information concerning these awards.
(b)
These amounts represent Core Income-based long-term incentive awards made under the Incentive Compensation Plan which is administered by the Compensation Committee. The award is 100% equity. The Core Income-based long-term incentive plan awards are granted annually and are earned based on Core Income for the performance year period and will become payable to the extent that specified targets are achieved and only after a two-year cliff vesting cycle following the end of the performance period. Payouts, if any, may range from 0% to 200% of target, based on the attainment of the performance goals. Only awards related to the 2021 performance cycle are included in this table. Please refer to “Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Incentive Compensation Awards” for more information concerning these awards.
(c)
Represents full grant date fair value of 2021 awards calculated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Please see Note J to our consolidated financial statements included in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information. There can be no assurance that amounts shown under the Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards will ever be realized by the NEOs.
Narrative Supplement to the 2021 Summary Compensation Table and the 2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
The terms of employment of the NEOs, and the form of their written agreements, if any, are approved by the Compensation Committee. Of the NEOs, only Mr. Robusto had an effective employment agreement during 2021. The material terms of such agreement are described below.
Pursuant to an employment agreement, effective November 21, 2020, Mr. Robusto’s employment as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of CNA was extended for a four year term beginning November 21, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2024. Mr. Robusto’s agreement provides for an annual base salary compensation of $1,250,000, subject to potential increases by our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.
In addition, Mr. Robusto is entitled to annual incentive cash awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan with an annual target bonus opportunity of $5 million and a maximum annual bonus opportunity of $7.5 million, as well as certain long-term incentive equity awards, which provide for a target of 4.4 times Mr. Robusto’s base salary and calculated pursuant to specific performance goals as outlined in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above, and as determined by the Compensation Committee and subject to its approval and adjustment.
If Mr. Robusto’s employment is terminated he will receive unpaid base salary through the termination date, the balance of any previous year unpaid annual incentive cash awards, and any earned but unpaid long-term incentive cash bonus. If Mr. Robusto’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or he resigns for “good reason” ​(each as defined in the agreement), he will receive base salary at the rate in effect at the time of termination for the balance of term, the balance of any previous year unpaid annual incentive cash awards and long-term incentive cash bonus, prorated bonus for year of termination based on performance, target annual incentive bonus for the remainder of term and long-term incentive awards will continue to vest; unpaid expense reimbursements and Company subsidized participation in the medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans in which he was enrolled prior to termination for the remainder of the term, but not less than one year following the date of termination.
Further, under the foregoing termination circumstances, if Mr. Robusto timely executes, delivers and does not revoke a release in the time, manner and form described in the agreement, he shall be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits as described in the employment agreement. Please refer to the “Potential Payments Upon Termination Tables” for more information. The foregoing severance payments are subject to deferral pursuant to the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
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2021 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END TABLE
The following 2021 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table summarizes equity awards made to the NEOs which were outstanding as of December 31, 2021.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END TABLE
Option/SARs Awards
Stock Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options/SARs
(#)
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options/SARs
(#)
Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options/SARs
(#)
Option/
SARs
Exercise
Price
($)
Option/SARs
Expiration
Date
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)
Name
Date of Grant
Exercisable
Unexercisable
Dino E. Robusto
3/15/2019 108,049 $ 4,762,800 (a)
3/15/2020 135,298 $ 5,963,936 (b)
3/15/2021 125,597 $ 5,536,316 (c)
Larry A. Haefner
3/15/2019 9,903 436,524 (a)
3/15/2020 16,536 728,907 (b)
(c)
Albert J. Miralles
3/15/2019 (a)
3/15/2020 (b)
3/15/2021 (c)
Douglas M. Worman
3/15/2019 24,490 $ 1,079,519 (a)
3/15/2020 52,615 $ 2,319,269 (b)
3/15/2021 45,671 $ 2,013,178 (c)
Kevin J. Leidwinger
3/15/2019 23,950 $ 1,055,716 (a)
3/15/2020 39,988 $ 1,762,671 (b)
3/15/2021 31,970 $ 1,409,238 (c)
Kevin G. Smith
3/15/2019 23,409 $ 1,031,869 (a)
3/15/2020 39,687 $ 1,749,403 (b)
3/15/2021 31,970 $ 1,409,238 (c)
(a)
Represents outstanding performance share unit awards for the PSP 2019 performance cycle at actual achievement. At the February 5, 2019 Compensation Committee meeting, the Compensation Committee determined that the achievement for these awards was 105%. Such performance share unit awards vest on March 15, 2022. For more information regarding the performance shares, please refer to “Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Incentive Compensation Awards”. The actual value of awards at the end of the vesting period may vary from the valuations indicated above.
(b)
Represents outstanding performance share unit awards for the PSP 2020 performance cycle at actual achievement. At the February 4, 2020 Compensation Committee meeting, the Compensation Committee determined that the achievement for these awards was equal to 104%. Such performance share unit awards will vest no later than March 2023. For information regarding the performance shares, please refer to “Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Incentive Compensation Awards”. The actual value of awards at the end of the vesting period may vary from the valuations indicated above.
(c)
Represents outstanding performance share unit awards for the PSP 2021 performance cycle at actual achievement. At the February 1, 2022 Compensation Committee meeting, the Compensation Committee
 
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determined that the achievement for these awards was equal to 105%. Such performance share unit awards will vest no later than March 2024. For information regarding the performance shares, please refer to “Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Incentive Compensation Awards”. The actual value of awards at the end of the vesting period may vary from the valuations indicated above.
2021 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The following 2021 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table summarizes the value realized by the NEOs on stock option/SARs exercises and stock award vesting during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Option/SARs Awards
Stock Awards
Name
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
Value Realized
on Exercise
($)
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
Value Realized
on Vesting
($)
Dino E. Robusto
92,942 $ 4,273,473
Larry A. Haefner
8,519 $ 391,704
Albert J. Miralles
11,359 $ 522,287
Douglas M. Worman
16,781 $ 771,590
Kevin J. Leidwinger
17,167 $ 789,339
Kevin G. Smith
16,781 $ 771,590
2021 NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION TABLE
The following 2021 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table provides information on executive contributions, earnings and account balances for the NEOs in the CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan, a non-qualified, unfunded and unsecured deferred compensation plan.
Name
Executive
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year(a)
Company
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year(b)
Aggregate
Earnings
in Last
Fiscal Year
Aggregate
Withdrawals /
Distributions
Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal Year-
End
Dino E. Robusto
$ 57,600 $ 318,100 $ 24,983 $ 1,668,888
Larry A. Haefner
$ 97,167 $ 81,750 $ 31,910 $ 2,036,706
Albert J. Miralles
$ 79,558 $ 9,615 $ 605,239
Douglas M. Worman
$ 141,062 $ 8,288 $ 547,807
Kevin J. Leidwinger
$ 24,600 $ 126,350 $ 14,551 $ 952,886
Kevin G. Smith
$ 106,500 $ 128,875 $ 15,271 $ 1,045,013
(a)
Reflects amounts that have been reported as Salary in the Summary Compensation Table.
(b)
Includes Company performance and additional matching contributions, as further explained below, credited to the NEO’s account in the 2021 calendar year for 2020 performance. For information regarding employer contributions, please refer to the discussion in “Narrative Supplement to the 2020 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table” below.
Narrative Supplement to the 2021 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table
Our defined contribution plans consist of the 401(k) Plan, which is a tax-qualified 401(k) plan, and the CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan, which is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Each full-time employee is eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan immediately upon hire, and generally may elect to contribute a portion of their compensation to the 401(k) Plan as before-tax, after-tax or Roth 401(k) contributions. An employee whose compensation exceeds the limit on compensation that may be taken into account under the 401(k) Plan as a result of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17) (which includes all of the NEOs) may make an annual election to contribute up to 50% of eligible compensation to the 401(k) Plan until the Section 401(a)(17) or the 402(g) limit is reached. Thereafter, the employee’s before-tax and Roth 401(k) contribution elections will be combined and credited to the CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan on a
 
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before-tax basis. In addition, if the employee’s total contributions to the 401(k) Plan for a year would otherwise exceed the maximum amount that may be contributed for the year pursuant to Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code, the excess may be credited to the CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan.
Employer contributions to the CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan are calculated on the same basis as contributions to the 401(k) Plan as described below, but only to the extent that employer contributions to the 401(k) Plan are limited by the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan are not permitted to select among different investment funds and all accounts in the CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan are credited with earnings at the rate earned by a single investment, the 401(k) Plan’s Invesco Stable Value Fund. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted amendments to the 401(k) Plan which impacted the Employer contribution design. Under the currently effective plan rules, the Company contributes a matching contribution of 100% of the first 6% of eligible compensation contributed by the employee. In addition, all eligible employees are entitled to receive an Employer basic contribution of 5% of their eligible compensation to their 401(k) Plan and CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan, as applicable.
Employer contributions to both the 401(k) Plan and CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan, vest at the rate of 20% per year commencing with the first year of service. After five years of service, all accounts are fully vested. Messrs. Robusto, Haefner and Leidwinger are fully vested in their 401(k) Plan and CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan account balances as of December 31, 2021. Mr. Miralles was fully vested in his 401(k) plan and CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan account balances when he resigned from the Company. All salary amounts and annual incentive cash compensation amounts are considered eligible compensation for purposes of the basic contributions to the 401(k) Plan and CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan. Only base salary is considered eligible compensation for purposes of employer matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan and CNA Non-Qualified Savings Plan.
2021 POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION TABLES
The following 2021 Potential Payments upon Termination Table provide the present value of the potential payments upon termination. Annual Incentive Cash Payments and Equity Awards are assumed at actual performance level achievements approved by the Compensation Committee for purposes of these tables. Please refer to the “Narrative Supplement to the 2021 Summary Compensation Table, and the 2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” section for more information.
Dino E. Robusto
Benefit
Termination
w/o Cause or for
Good Reason
Retirement
Voluntary
Termination
For Cause
Termination
Death/Disability
Change in
Control
Annual Incentive Cash
Payment
$ 6,000,000 $ 6,000,000
Equity Awards(a)
$ 16,263,052 $ 16,263,052 $ 16,263,052
Severance Related Payments(b)
$ 18,750,000
Benefits and Perquisites(c)
$ 968 $ 968
Excise Tax and Gross-Up
Total Potential Payments
$ 41,014,019 $ 16,263,052 $ 22,264,019
(a)
The amounts reported in this row represent the aggregate value of equity awards that would vest in connection with a termination of employment based on the closing price per share of our common stock on December 31, 2021.
(b)
Severance Related payments includes severance payments due to the executive in connection with his termination (as described in “Narrative Supplement to the 2021 Summary Compensation Table and the 2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” above) that may become payable as a result of such termination.
(c)
The amount reported in this row represents the present value of continuing Mr. Robusto’s life insurance
 
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benefit at the same level and cost to him as immediately preceding the date of termination for 24 months in the event of termination without cause or for good reason, and 12 months in the event of death or disability.
As of December 31, 2021, only Mr. Robusto has a severance arrangement with the Company.
The following would have become payable under existing equity-based plans if the subject NEO’s employment had terminated on December 31, 2021 in the case of retirement:
Mr. Haefner — $1,165,431
The following would have become payable under existing equity-based plans if the subject NEO’s employment had terminated on December 31, 2021 in the case of death or disability:
Mr. Haefner — $1,165,431; Mr. Worman — $5,411,966 ; Mr. Leidwinger — $4,227,625 ; Mr. Smith — $4,190,509
2021 PAY RATIO DISCLOSURE
We are committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards program to attract, retain, and reward highly qualified, diverse and productive employees. The total rewards program emphasizes alignment of employee efforts to support our corporate strategies. The components of the program include compensation, benefits, learning and development opportunities and recognition of employee performance. We strive to remain externally competitive in relevant labor markets while maintaining internal equity. The program also promotes fiscally responsible pay decisions, encourages efficient use of our resources and ensures compliance with applicable legal and contractual requirements.
In 2021, the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Dino Robusto, was $14,246,207.
The annual total compensation of our median employee was $118,091.
As a result, the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to our median employee was 121:1.
In order to estimate our CEO pay ratio, we first determined our employee population using a determination date of December 31, 2021. We identified the median employee using a compensation measure that incorporates base salary, overtime and annual bonus. For employees hired during the year, their compensation was annualized to reflect a full year of wages. We do not include independent contractors in our determination.
Once the median employee is identified, the annual total compensation for the median employee other than the CEO is calculated using the same methodology we use to calculate Total Annual Compensation for our named executive officers as set forth in the “2021 Summary Compensation Table”.
The SEC’s rules requiring pay ratio disclosure allow companies to exercise a significant amount of flexibility in making a determination as to who is the median employee and does not mandate that each public company use the same method. In addition, our compensation philosophy means fair pay based on a person’s role in the Company, a subjective determination of the market value of that person’s job and that person’s performance in that position. As a result, the annual total compensation of our median employee is unique to that person and is not a good indicator of the annual total compensation of any of our other employees and is not comparable to the annual total compensation of employees at other companies. Similarly, we would not expect that the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to our median employee to be a number that can be compared to the ratio determined by other companies in any meaningful fashion.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
It is our policy that any transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries in which any of our directors, executive officers, principal stockholders has had or will have a direct or indirect material interest be submitted to our General Counsel for review and reported to our Audit Committee for its consideration, without the participation of any Audit Committee member who may be involved in the
 
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transaction. In each case, the Audit Committee will consider, in light of all the facts and circumstances it deems relevant, whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to us and our stockholders, including our minority stockholders.
The Loews ownership of the voting securities of CNA has exceeded 80% since 1980 requiring the inclusion of CNA and its eligible subsidiaries in the consolidated federal income tax returns filed by Loews. Accordingly, following approval by CNA’s Audit Committee and Board of Directors, CNA and Loews entered into a tax allocation agreement (the “Tax Allocation Agreement”) that provides that CNA will (i) be paid by Loews the amount, if any, by which the Loews consolidated federal income tax liability is reduced by virtue of the inclusion of CNA and its subsidiaries in the Loews consolidated federal income tax return, or (ii) pay to Loews an amount, if any, equal to the federal income tax that would have been payable by CNA, if CNA and its subsidiaries had filed a separate consolidated return. In the event that Loews should have a net operating loss in the future computed on the basis of filing a separate consolidated tax return without CNA and its eligible subsidiaries, CNA may be required to repay tax recoveries previously received from Loews. The Tax Allocation Agreement may be cancelled by CNA or Loews upon 30 days’ prior written notice. In 2021, the inclusion of CNA and its eligible subsidiaries in the consolidated federal income tax return of Loews resulted in an increase in the federal income tax liability for Loews. Accordingly, CNA has paid or will pay approximately $216 million to Loews for 2021 under the Tax Allocation Agreement.
The Company, certain Company subsidiaries and a Loews subsidiary have entered into an Investment Facilities and Services Agreement (the “Investment Services Agreement”). Under the Investment Services Agreement, a Loews subsidiary provides to the Company and its subsidiaries certain investment facilities and services. The Company and any applicable subsidiary pays directly or reimburses a Loews subsidiary for all reasonable costs, expenses and disbursements incurred by a Loews subsidiary in providing the services which in 2021 amounted to approximately $47 million. In addition, the Company reimburses Loews for certain expenses related to the provision of limited corporate services by Loews employees. In 2021, such reimbursement amounted to less than $1 million.
A subsidiary of the Company and Loews have entered into a Services Agreement (“Services Agreement”). Under the Services Agreement, previously approved by our Audit Committee, the Subsidiary provides to Loews investment- related services and Loews reimburses such subsidiary for the same. In 2021, such reimbursement amounted to approximately $1 million.
In 2021, the Company wrote an appeal bond for Loews at standard rates. In addition, during 2021, Company subsidiaries wrote, at standard rates, a limited amount of insurance for Loews or its subsidiaries. The earned premiums for year-ended December 31, 2021 were $2 million.
Muller & Monroe Asset Management, LLC. paid premiums on certain policy coverage to the CNA insurance companies at standard rates aggregating approximately $140,000. André Rice, an Independent Director of the Company, is Founder and President of Muller & Monroe Asset Management, LLC.
APPROVAL OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION (NON-BINDING)
(Proposal No. 2)
This proposal gives you as a stockholder the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay practices with respect to the NEOs. This vote is intended to provide an overall assessment of our executive compensation program and is not intended to focus on any specific item of compensation. You should consider the details of our executive compensation program provided in the “2021 Summary Compensation Table” and the tables and narrative discussion that follow it. This disclosure sets forth the factors considered in determining executive compensation packages, including market information utilized in implementing competitive compensation to attract top talent. We request that our stockholders approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which disclosures include the compensation tables and the narrative discussion following the compensation tables, is hereby APPROVED.
 
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As an advisory (non-binding) vote, adoption of the resolution is not binding upon our Board or the Company. However, we expect that our Compensation Committee, which is responsible for determining and implementing our executive compensation program, will consider the outcome of the vote when making future executive compensation determinations.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR Proposal No. 2.
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
(Proposal No. 3)
Our Audit Committee of our Board of Directors has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the independent registered public accountants for 2022. Although it is not required to do so, our Board of Directors wishes to submit the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP for ratification by the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Even if this selection is ratified by stockholders at the Annual Meeting, our Audit Committee may in its discretion change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. If the Company’s stockholders do not ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be at the Annual Meeting to answer appropriate questions and, if they choose to do so, to make a statement.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, professional services were performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively, “Deloitte”), which includes Deloitte Consulting.
For year
ended 2021
For year
ended 2020
Audit Fees – The aggregate fees billed for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, for consents and comfort letters, and for the reviews of the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for years $11.0 million $11.6 million
Audit-Related Fees – The aggregate fees billed for audit-related services which generally include fees for audits of the Company’s employee benefit plans, accounting consultations, SEC-related matters and an examination conducted in accordance with the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 18 (SSAE 18). $0.5 million $0.6 million
Tax Fees
$4.0 thousand $0
All Other Fees
$0 $0
Total of Audit and Audit-Related Fees (as described above)
$11.5 million $12.2 million
Our Audit Committee has established a pre-approval policy with regard to audit, audit-related and certain non-audit engagements by the Company of its independent registered public accountants. Under this policy, our Audit Committee annually pre-approves certain limited, specified recurring services which may be provided by Deloitte, subject to maximum dollar limitations. All other engagements for services to be performed by Deloitte must be separately pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has also designated the Chairman of the Audit Committee as having authority to pre-approve such engagements as allowed by the policy, subject to reporting on such pre-approvals to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. All of the fees set forth above have been approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with its approval procedures.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR Proposal No. 3.
OTHER MATTERS
The Company is not aware of any other business to come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the proxies will act in their best judgment on behalf of the stockholders they represent.
 
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The cost of this solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. Solicitation will be made primarily through use of the mail, but regular employees of the Company or its subsidiaries may solicit proxies personally, by telephone, by electronic transmission, or facsimile. Such employees will receive no special compensation for such solicitation. Brokers and nominees will be requested to obtain voting instructions of beneficial owners of Common Stock registered in their names and will be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses and reasonable clerical expenses.
STOCKHOLDER AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTY COMMUNICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The Company has a process by which stockholders or other interested parties may communicate with our Board of Directors. Stockholders and other interested parties wishing to communicate directly to our Board of Directors may submit written communications addressed to the Board of Directors, c/o Secretary, CNA Financial Corporation, 151 North Franklin Avenue, 9th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606. All such communications from stockholders will be forwarded to the members of the Board.
Any stockholder of the Company wishing to communicate with our Independent Directors may do so in the following ways:

By submitting the communication in writing addressed to:
Presiding Director, Non-Management Directors of CNA Financial Corporation
c/o Secretary
CNA Financial Corporation
151 N. Franklin Street-9th Floor,
Chicago, Illinois 60606

By leaving a recorded message addressed to Presiding Director, Non-Management Directors of CNA Financial Corporation at the following telephone number: 1-888-679-9252; or

By sending an email to the attention of the Presiding Director, Non-Management Directors of CNA Financial Corporation at: corporateinvestigations@cna.com.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL MEETING
Inclusion of Proposals in the Company’s Proxy Statement and Proxy Card under the SEC Rules
Stockholder proposals for inclusion in proxy materials for the 2023 Annual Meeting should be addressed to the Company’s Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary, 151 N. Franklin Street, 9th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606, and must be received by November 14, 2022 in order to be included in the Company’s proxy materials.
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Submission of Nominations and Proposals
A stockholder recommendation for nomination of a person for election to the Board of Directors or a proposal for consideration at the 2023 Annual Meeting must be submitted in accordance with the advance notice procedures and other requirements in the Company’s bylaws. These requirements are separate from, and in addition to, the requirements discussed above to have the shareholder proposal included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy/voting instruction card pursuant to SEC rules.
The Company’s bylaws require a stockholder who wants to nominate a director or submit a stockholder proposal be a stockholder of record at the time of giving the notice and the time of the meeting, be entitled to vote at the meeting and comply with the advance notice provisions in the bylaws. Such provisions require that stockholder recommendations for nominees to the Board must include the name of the nominee or nominees, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in a proxy statement, a consent signed by the nominee evidencing a willingness to serve as a director, if elected, and disclosure of any material relationship between the shareholder or the beneficial owner and the proposed nominee or nominees, including any material interest in such business of the stockholder or beneficial owner. The bylaws require that stockholder proposals include a brief description of the business to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and
 
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any material interest of such shareholder or the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made in such business. In order to be considered timely pursuant to Rule 14a-4 and Rule 14a-5(e) under the Exchange Act, under the advance notice requirements of the Company’s bylaws, the proposal or recommendation for nomination must be received by the Company’s Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary (at the address above) at least 90 days but no more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s meeting. For the 2023 Annual Meeting, a proposal or recommendation for nomination must be received no earlier than December 28, 2022 and not later than January 27, 2023. However, in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 25 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever occurs first. In the case of nominations of persons for election as directors at a special meeting called for such a purpose, notice must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made, whichever occurs first.
Except for proposals properly made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, the advance notice provisions of the Company’s bylaws shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to propose business to be brought before an Annual Meeting.
In addition, the bylaws require that a stockholder giving notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, must also include (1) the name and address of the stockholder, (2) the class and number of shares beneficially owned and held of record by the stockholder and beneficial owner, (3) any derivative, swap or any other transaction or series of transactions engaged in, directly or indirectly, by the stockholder or the beneficial owner the purpose or effect of which is to give the stockholder or beneficial owner economic risk similar to ownership in the Company, (4) a representation that the stockholder is the holder of record of the shares and entitled to vote at the meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to present the proposal or nomination, and (5) a representation that the stockholder or the beneficial owner intends to be or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to the holders of at least the percentage of the Company’s outstanding shares required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee, or otherwise plans to solicit proxies from the stockholders in support of the nomination or proposal.
By order of the Board of Directors,
STATHY DARCY
Senior Vice President,
Deputy General Counsel and Secretary
Chicago, Illinois
March 18, 2022
 
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CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION C/O BROADRIDGEP.O. BOX 1342 BRENTWOOD, NY 11717 SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTEVOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.comUse the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.VOTE BY MAILMark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:D67579-P68333KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDSTHIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATIONThe Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:1.Election to the Board
of the ten nominees named below:Nominees:01)Michael A. Bless06)Kenneth I. Siegel02)Jose O. Montemayor07)Andrew H. Tisch03)Don M. Randel08)Benjamin J. Tisch04)André Rice09)James S. Tisch05)Dino E. Robusto10)Jane J. Wang For Withhold For AllAllAllExcept! ! ! To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark "For All Except" and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.For Against Abstain 2.An advisory, (non-binding) vote to approve named executive officer compensation. 3.Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent registered public accountants for the Company for 2022. NOTE: THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2 and 3. ! ! !! ! ! Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]DateSignature (Joint Owners)Date

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CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATIONANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSWednesday, April 27, 20227:30 a.m.151 North Franklin StreetChicago, IL 60606Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.comD67580-P68333CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATIONAnnual Meeting of StockholdersApril 27, 2022 7:30 AMThis proxy is solicited by the Board of DirectorsThis proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors for the use at the Annual Meeting on April 27, 2022 at 7:30 AMD.E. Robusto, A.H. Tisch, J.S. Tisch (the "Proxy Committee"), or any of them, each with the power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote the shares of the undersigned, with all the powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of CNA Financial Corporation to be held on April 27, 2022 or at any postponement or adjournment thereof.Shares represented by this Proxy will be voted by the stockholder. If no such directions are indicated, the Proxy Committee will have authority to vote FOR the election of each of the Board's nominees for director in Proposal 1, FOR the advisory, (non-binding) vote approving named executive officer compensation in Proposal 2, and FOR the ratification of the appointment
of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent registered public accountants for 2022 in Proposal 3.In its discretion, the Proxy Committee is authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Continued and to be signed on reverse side