CNA FINANCIAL CORP – 10-Q – Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

 The following discussion highlights significant factors affecting the Company. References to "we," "our," "us" or like terms refer to the business of CNA. Based on 2011 statutory net written premiums, we are the seventh largest commercial insurance writer and the 13th largest property and casualty insurance organization in the United States of America. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and Item 1A Risk Factors and Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2012. We utilize the net operating income financial measure to monitor our operations. Net operating income is calculated by excluding from net income (loss) the after-tax effects of 1) net realized investment gains or losses and 2) any cumulative effects of changes in accounting guidance. See further discussion regarding how we manage our business in Note K to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1. In the evaluation of the results of our CNA Specialty, CNA Commercial and Hardy segments, we utilize the loss ratio, the expense ratio, the dividend ratio and the combined ratio. These ratios are calculated using GAAP financial results. The loss ratio is the percentage of net incurred claim and claim adjustment expenses to net earned premiums. The expense ratio is the percentage of insurance underwriting and acquisition expenses, including the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, to net earned premiums. The dividend ratio is the ratio of policyholders' dividends incurred to net earned premiums. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss, expense and dividend ratios. Changes in estimates of claim and allocated claim adjustment expense reserves and premium accruals, net of reinsurance, for prior years are defined as net prior year development within this MD&A. These changes can be favorable or unfavorable. Net prior year development does not include the impact of related acquisition expenses. Further information on our reserves is provided in Note F to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1.                                          43

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------