<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement / / Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
CIGNA CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
CIGNA CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ $125 per Exchange Act Rule 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2)
or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:(1)
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total Fee Paid:
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/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing party:
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(4) Date filed:
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- ---------------
(1) Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state
how it was determined.
<PAGE> 2
[CIGNA LOGO]
CIGNA Corporation
One Liberty Place
1650 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
19192-1550
March 19, 1996
NOTICE OF 1996 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of CIGNA Corporation:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of CIGNA Corporation will be held at The
Conference Center at Eagle Lodge, Ridge Pike & Manor Road, Lafayette Hill,
Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 24, 1996, at 10:00 a.m. local time, for the
following purposes:
1. to elect four Directors for terms to expire in 1999;
2. to ratify the appointment of independent accountants for 1996; and
3. to transact any other business that may properly come before the
meeting.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 1996 are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Directions to The Conference Center at Eagle Lodge are provided on the back
cover of the attached Proxy Statement.
Sincerely,
/s/ WILSON H. TAYLOR
WILSON H. TAYLOR
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
By order of the Directors
/s/ CAROL J. WARD
CAROL J. WARD, Corporate Secretary
EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE EXECUTE
THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY. A RETURN ENVELOPE WHICH REQUIRES NO
POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
<PAGE> 3
CIGNA CORPORATION
ONE LIBERTY PLACE
1650 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19192-1550
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
General Information..................................................................... 1
Ownership of CIGNA Corporation Common Stock
by Directors and Executive Officers........................................... 2
by Certain Beneficial Owners.................................................. 4
Item 1. Election of Directors........................................................... 4
Nominees for Election......................................................... 5
Incumbent Directors to Continue in Office..................................... 5
Board of Directors and Committees............................................. 7
Compensation of Directors..................................................... 8
Certain Transactions.......................................................... 9
Item 2. Ratification of Appointment of Independent Accountants.......................... 10
Item 3. Other Matters................................................................... 10
Vote Required........................................................................... 10
Executive Compensation.................................................................. 11
Performance Graph....................................................................... 19
Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act............................ 19
Additional Information.................................................................. 19
1997 Annual Meeting..................................................................... 20
</TABLE>
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card, which are first being
sent to Shareholders with the 1995 Annual Report on or about March 19, 1996,
relate to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of CIGNA Corporation (the
"Corporation" or "CIGNA") to be held at The Conference Center at Eagle Lodge,
Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, April 24, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. local
time (the "Annual Meeting"). The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the
"Board") is soliciting your proxy for use at the Annual Meeting and at any
adjournment thereof by asking you to sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy
card in the envelope provided.
Shares represented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof by
valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation will be voted in accordance
with each Shareholder's instructions. If the proxy card is signed and returned
without specific instructions, the shares will be voted as recommended by the
Board. A Shareholder may revoke a proxy at any time before its use by giving
written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary, by submitting a
subsequent proxy or by voting in person at the meeting.
It is the Corporation's policy that all voted proxies be handled in a
manner which protects those Shareholders who request voting privacy, and that
neither the identity of such Shareholder nor such Shareholder's votes will be
disclosed except: as necessary to meet any legal requirements; in limited
circumstances such as a contested election to the Board; to permit the
independent inspectors of election ("the Inspectors") to tabulate and certify
the vote; and to respond to Shareholders who have written comments on their
proxy cards. On an ongoing basis, the Inspectors will apprise the Corporation of
the total number of shares voted for, voted against or abstaining from voting on
each proposal and may tell the Corporation whether or not a particular account
has voted. The Inspectors may tell the Corporation how each account not
instructing confidentiality has voted. Except pursuant to one of the exceptions
described above, the Inspectors may not tell the Corporation how any account
instructing confidentiality has voted. Following the Annual Meeting, the
Inspectors will retain all proxy cards.
<PAGE> 4
As of March 1, 1996, 76,458,246 shares of CIGNA Common Stock ("Common
Stock") were outstanding and entitled to vote. Each holder of Common Stock is
entitled to one vote for every share of Common Stock registered in that person's
name on the books of the Corporation at the close of business on March 1, 1996.
Each share of Common Stock includes a right to acquire Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, Series D.
OWNERSHIP OF CIGNA CORPORATION COMMON STOCK
BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table shows the beneficial ownership as of March 1, 1996, of
Common Stock, including shares as to which a right to acquire ownership exists
(e.g., stock options) within the meaning of Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by each Director, by the Chief Executive Officer
and the four other Executive Officers named in the table, and by all such
persons and other Executive Officers (within the meaning of Rule 3b-7) as a
group. In addition to Common Stock ownership, the following table also shows
Equivalents held as of March 1, 1996, by non-employee Directors under CIGNA's
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, and by Executive Officers under the
Deferred Compensation Plan of CIGNA Corporation, as described in footnote (9) to
the table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME SHARES OF COMMON(1) EQUIVALENTS(9)
- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Directors
Robert P. Bauman........................................ 2,996(2) 3,773
Robert H. Campbell...................................... 1,687(2) 357
Alfred C. DeCrane, Jr................................... 2,516(2) 4,973
James F. English, Jr.................................... 3,500(2) 1,843
Bernard M. Fox.......................................... 1,552(2) 290
Frank S. Jones.......................................... 1,500(2) 2,152
Gerald D. Laubach....................................... 1,650(2) 869
Marilyn W. Lewis........................................ 1,867(2) 0
Paul F. Oreffice........................................ 3,816(2) 429
Charles R. Shoemate..................................... 3,601(2) 0
Louis W. Sullivan, M.D.................................. 2,029(2) 0
Wilson H. Taylor........................................ 166,635(3),(4) 19,094
Carol Cox Wait.......................................... 1,510(2) 131
Ezra K. Zilkha.......................................... 57,888(2),(5) 0
Named Executive Officers
James G. Stewart........................................ 86,449(3),(4) 8,579
Gerald A. Isom.......................................... 65,957(3),(4) 0
Donald M. Levinson...................................... 51,142(3),(4) 4,951
H. Edward Hanway........................................ 40,795(3),(4) 2,942
Directors and all Executive Officers as a group (26
persons).............................................. 688,011(6),(7),(8) 54,585
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The percentage of shares beneficially owned by any Director or Nominee, or
by all Directors and Executive Officers as a group, does not exceed 1% of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(2) Includes 1,500 shares of restricted Common Stock awarded pursuant to the
Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors of CIGNA Corporation.
(3) Includes shares which may be acquired within 60 days upon the exercise of
outstanding stock options, as follows: Mr. Taylor -- 95,341, Mr.
Stewart -- 54,598, Mr. Isom -- 46,953, Mr. Levinson -- 33,602, and
2
<PAGE> 5
Mr. Hanway -- 30,404. Does not include shares subject to options which
become exercisable more than 60 days after March 1, 1996.
(4) Includes shares of restricted Common Stock awarded pursuant to the Executive
Stock Incentive Plan and CIGNA Corporation Stock Plan, the restrictions on
which had not lapsed as of March 1, 1996, as follows: Mr. Taylor -- 15,555,
Mr. Stewart -- 8,055, Mr. Isom -- 4,030, Mr. Levinson -- 5,000, and Mr.
Hanway -- 4,980.
(5) Includes 6,139 shares of Common Stock held by his spouse, of which shares
Mr. Zilkha disclaims beneficial ownership.
(6) As of March 1, 1996, the CIGNA Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan") held a
total of 97,500 shares, or approximately 0.13%, of the then-issued and
outstanding Common Stock. The shares held by the Pension Plan are voted in
accordance with the instructions of an advisory committee consisting of
members of CIGNA's management.
(7) As of March 1, 1996, the CIGNA Stock Fund (the "Stock Fund") of the
Corporation's Savings and Investment Plus Plan (the "Savings Plan") held a
total of 806,906 shares of Common Stock, or approximately 1.06% of the
then-issued and outstanding Common Stock. Because one Executive Officer has
invested a portion of his Savings Plan account in the Stock Fund,
approximately 469 shares are attributable to his account and are included in
the shares shown above as beneficially owned by him. All shares in the Stock
Fund are owned by the Savings Plan Trustee; however, each Stock Fund
participant has pass-through voting rights for the number of shares
equivalent to the participant's interest in the Stock Fund. If
participants do not exercise their voting rights, the Savings Plan Trustee
votes the shares in accordance with the instructions of an advisory
committee consisting of members of CIGNA's management.
(8) The Directors and Executive Officers as a group have sole voting and
investment power over all the shares of Common Stock they own beneficially,
except shares held in trust for immediate family members, or as described
elsewhere in these notes. Shares beneficially owned by Directors and
Executive Officers include 393,621 shares of Common Stock which may be
acquired within 60 days upon exercise of stock options and 75,380 shares
which are restricted as to disposition.
(9) As of March 1, 1996, Directors held 14,817 Common Stock equivalent units
("Equivalents") under CIGNA's Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, and
Executive Officers held 39,768 Equivalents under the Deferred Compensation
Plan of CIGNA Corporation. Deferred compensation that otherwise would be
paid in shares of Common Stock is hypothetically invested in an equal
number of Equivalents. An amount equal to cash dividends that would have
been paid on Common Stock is deemed to have been paid on such Equivalents
and deemed to be invested as if it were deferred cash compensation.
Equivalents track the economic performance of Common Stock, but carry no
voting rights. Deferred compensation is payable at a future date or
dates selected by each participant prior to deferral. For Executive
Officers (including Mr. Taylor), Equivalents may be paid out in shares of
Common Stock at such date(s) or, upon demonstration of financial hardship
or payment of a withdrawal penalty, before such date(s).
3
<PAGE> 6
OWNERSHIP OF CIGNA CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The Corporation has no information that any person or concern beneficially
owns more than five percent of its outstanding Common Stock except as reported
on two Schedules 13G (reporting December 31, 1995 ownership) filed pursuant to
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and received by the Corporation during
February 1996. The following table and footnotes are prepared in reliance upon
such filings:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF
REPORTED ON SCHEDULES CLASS AS OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER 13G AS OF 12/31/95 12/31/95
- --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
FMR Corp. (Fidelity Investments) ("Fidelity") 5,845,823(1) 7.66%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. ("Bernstein") 5,402,831(2) 7.08%
One State Street Plaza
New York, NY 10004
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Fidelity reported that as of December 31, 1995 it held these shares for the
accounts of discretionary clients who have the right to receive dividends on
these shares and any proceeds from the sale of these shares. Fidelity also
reported sole voting power as to 130,639, and sole dispositive power as to
all, of these shares.
(2) Bernstein reported that as of December 31, 1995 it held these shares for the
accounts of discretionary clients who have the right to receive dividends on
these shares and any proceeds from the sale of these shares. Bernstein also
reported sole voting power as to 2,690,715, and sole dispositive power as to
all, of these shares.
In their Schedules 13G, Fidelity and Bernstein represented that the shares
reported were acquired in the ordinary course of business, and that they were
not acquired for the purpose of, and do not have the effect of, changing or
influencing the control of the Corporation.
ITEM 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board is divided into three classes of Directors. The By-laws of the
Corporation provide that at each annual election Directors shall be chosen by
class for a term of three years, or for such shorter term as the Shareholders
may specify to preserve, as evenly as practicable, the division of Directors
into classes. Pursuant to the By-laws, the Board has set four as the number of
Directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting for terms expiring in April 1999
or, in each case, until their respective successors shall have been elected and
qualified.
The Board recommends election of the four incumbent Nominees identified
below for terms to expire in 1999. All of the incumbent Nominees' current terms
will expire on the date of the 1996 Annual Meeting. The Board knows of no reason
why any Nominee will be unavailable or unable to serve. If any Nominee should
become unavailable or unable to serve, the persons named as proxies on the proxy
card will vote for the person or persons the Board recommends, if any.
The Board has set 70 years as the retirement age for non-employee Directors
and for any Director serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
Pursuant to this policy, incumbent Directors Ezra Zilkha and Gerald Laubach will
retire as of the 1996 Annual Meeting. Also, it is anticipated that Mr. James F.
English, Jr., who will attain the age of 70 in February 1997, will retire
effective at the 1997 Annual Meeting after serving one year of his three-year
term. Each non-employee Director is required to submit a resignation for the
Board's consideration upon discontinuing the principal position or
identification which prevailed at the time of such Director's most recent
election to the Board.
Set forth below is information about each Nominee and continuing Director,
including business history for at least five years, age as of the date of this
Proxy Statement, other directorships held and period of service as a Director of
the Corporation or a predecessor company, including Connecticut General
Corporation
4
<PAGE> 7
("CGC"), Connecticut General Life Insurance Company ("CG Life"), INA Corporation
("INA") and Insurance Company of North America ("ICNA").
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION FOR TERMS EXPIRING IN APRIL 1999
JAMES F. ENGLISH, JR., 69 Director since 1962
President Emeritus of Trinity College (educational institution). Mr.
English was President of Trinity College from 1981 until 1989 and Vice President
for Finance and Planning from 1977 to 1981. Before that he had twenty-six years
of service with CBT Corporation and its affiliates. Mr. English also serves as a
Director of Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation and five of Fleet Financial
Group, Inc.'s bank subsidiaries in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Pursuant to the retirement policy adopted by the Board of Directors, Mr. English
will tender his resignation prior to CIGNA's 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be effective as of the date of that meeting.
BERNARD M. FOX, 53 Director since 1994
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Utilities
(investor-owned electric utility) since 1993, and a Director and CEO of its
principal subsidiaries. Mr. Fox was elected Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating and Financial Officer in 1986; he became President and Chief Operating
and Financial Officer in 1987, and relinquished the position of Chief Financial
Officer in 1990. Mr. Fox also serves as Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company, and as a Director of Fleet
Financial Group, Inc. and The Dexter Corporation.
MARILYN W. LEWIS, 52 Director since 1993
Chairman of American Water Works Company, Inc. (water utility holding
company) since 1988 and a Director since 1982. Prior to her election as
Chairman, Ms. Lewis served for four years as Vice Chairman. From 1987 until
January 1992, Ms. Lewis served as President of KLS Educational Systems, Inc. (an
educational consulting firm). She is also a Director of Penn Fuel Gas, Inc. and
South Jersey Industries, Inc.
CAROL COX WAIT, 53 Director since April 1995
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Committee for a
Responsible Federal Budget (a non-profit educational organization) since 1981.
Ms. Wait is also President of Carol Cox and Associates, a Washington, D.C.
consulting firm. Ms. Wait is President of The International Women's Forum.
INCUMBENT DIRECTORS TO CONTINUE IN OFFICE
FOR TERMS EXPIRING IN APRIL 1998
ROBERT P. BAUMAN, 64 Director since 1990
Non-Executive Chairman of British Aerospace plc (manufacturer of aerospace
and other defense systems and commercial aircraft) since May 1994. From 1989
until May 1994, Mr. Bauman served as a Director and Chief Executive of
SmithKline Beecham plc (manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and healthcare
products). Mr. Bauman was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Beecham Group plc from 1986 to 1989, and was Vice Chairman of Textron, Inc.
(aerospace technology, commercial products and financial services) from 1985 to
1986. He is a Director of Reuters Holdings plc, Russell Reynolds Associates,
Inc. and Union Pacific Corporation and a member of Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Inc.'s
advisory board.
ROBERT H. CAMPBELL, 58 Director since 1992
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Sun Company, Inc.
(domestic refining and branded marketing of petroleum products) since 1992. Mr.
Campbell was elected a Director and an Executive Vice President of Sun Company,
Inc. in 1988. He became Group Vice President, Refining and Marketing, and
5
<PAGE> 8
President of Sun Company's domestic refining and marketing subsidiary in 1983,
having previously served in various capacities at Sun since 1960.
CHARLES R. SHOEMATE, 56 Director since 1991
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CPC International Inc.
(consumer foods) since 1990. Mr. Shoemate has served as a Director of CPC
International since 1988. Prior to his election as President in 1988, Mr.
Shoemate served as Vice President of CPC International and President of the Corn
Refining Division. Mr. Shoemate joined CPC International in 1962 and progressed
through a variety of positions in manufacturing, finance, and business
management. Mr. Shoemate also serves as a Director of International Paper Co.
LOUIS W. SULLIVAN, M.D., 62 Director since 1993
President, Morehouse School of Medicine (educational institution). Dr.
Sullivan became the first President of Morehouse School of Medicine in 1981 when
it became independent from Morehouse College, and has held that position since
1981 except for March 1989 to January 1993, when he served as Secretary of
Health and Human Services of the United States. Dr. Sullivan is a Director of
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Equifax Inc., Endo Vascular Instruments Inc.,
General Motors Corporation, Georgia Pacific Company, Household International
Inc., and Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.
INCUMBENT DIRECTORS TO CONTINUE IN OFFICE
FOR TERMS EXPIRING IN APRIL 1997
ALFRED C. DECRANE, JR., 64 Director since 1980
Chairman of the Board since January 1987 and Chief Executive Officer since
April 1993 of Texaco Inc. (integrated oil, gas and chemical manufacturer),
having served Texaco Inc. as a Director since 1977, and as its President from
1983 through 1986. Between 1970 and 1983, Mr. DeCrane served Texaco Inc. in
various other positions. He also serves as a Director of CPC International Inc.
and Dean Witter, Discover & Co.
FRANK S. JONES, 67 Director since 1975
Ford Professor Emeritus of Urban Affairs, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (educational institution); Ford Professor of Urban Affairs from 1970
to 1992. Professor Jones also serves as a Director of Polaroid Corporation and
Scientific Games Holdings Corporation.
PAUL F. OREFFICE, 68 Director since 1979
Retired Chairman of the Board of The Dow Chemical Company (manufacturer of
chemicals, metals, plastics and other products). Mr. Oreffice served as Chairman
of the Board of Dow Chemical from 1986 through 1992, as President and Chief
Executive Officer from 1978 to 1987, and as a Director from 1971 through 1992.
Mr. Oreffice also serves as a Director of The Coca-Cola Company and Northern
Telecom, Ltd.; as Chairman of Fairfield Homes of Arizona, Inc.; as a member of
the International Advisory Board of Marsh & McLennan; and as a consultant to the
Chairman of Smith Barney.
WILSON H. TAYLOR, 52 Director since 1988
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the
Corporation. Mr. Taylor has served as Chairman of the Board since November 1989,
as Chief Executive Officer since November 1988, and as President since May 1988.
Between 1964 and 1988, he held various positions with the Corporation and its
predecessor and subsidiary companies.
6
<PAGE> 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The Board held nine meetings during 1995. All of the incumbent Directors
attended at least 88% of the total number of meetings of the Board and
committees on which they served.
The Board has seven standing committees:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Wilson H. Taylor (Chairman), Robert H. Campbell, Alfred C. DeCrane, Jr. and
Gerald D. Laubach are members of the Executive Committee, which did not meet
during 1995. The function of the Committee is to exercise the authority of the
Board of Directors in the management of the business of the Corporation between
regular meetings of the Board.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The members of the Audit Committee are James F. English, Jr. (Chairman),
Robert H. Campbell, Bernard M. Fox, Frank S. Jones and Marilyn W. Lewis. The
Audit Committee met five times in 1995. The Committee's responsibilities
include: reviewing and reporting to the Board on the appropriateness of the
Corporation's accounting policies, the adequacy of its financial controls and
the reliability of the Corporation's financial information reported to the
public; recommending independent accountants for appointment by the Board;
reviewing and approving audit plans; reviewing and advising the Board concerning
the work of internal auditors and independent accountants; reviewing and
approving the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K; and reviewing and
advising the Board with respect to the Corporation's special exposures.
COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORS
Robert P. Bauman, (Chairman), Alfred C. DeCrane, Jr., Gerald D. Laubach and
Charles R. Shoemate are members of the Committee on Directors, which held two
meetings in 1995. The Committee reviews, reports to the Board and makes
recommendations, as appropriate, with respect to the structure, membership,
organization, effectiveness, performance and compensation of the Board. It also
makes recommendations to the Board concerning nominations of persons for
election to the Board to be made by or at the direction of the Board. The
Committee considers suggestions from Shareholders and other sources as to
possible nominees. Such suggestions should be submitted to the Corporate
Secretary not later than November 19, 1996 for the Committee's consideration in
advance of the 1997 Annual Meeting.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The members of the Finance Committee are Paul F. Oreffice (Chairman),
Bernard M. Fox, Gerald D. Laubach, Carol Cox Wait and Ezra K. Zilkha. The
Committee held three meetings in 1995. The Committee reviews, advises and
reports to the Board on the management of the Corporation's financial resources,
and on the Corporation's annual capital plan and budget, Shareholder dividends
and capital position. It also acts upon proposed capital commitments of such
amounts as are established by the Board.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Ezra K. Zilkha (Chairman), James F. English, Jr., Frank S. Jones, Charles
R. Shoemate and Carol Cox Wait are members of the Investment Committee, which
held six meetings in 1995. The Committee reviews and reports to the Board on the
management of and has the authority to approve, or provide for approval through
delegation to management or investment advisors or both, the investments of the
Corporation, its subsidiaries, and investment advisory clients, as well as
investments for syndication. The Committee also approves and monitors the
implementation of applicable investment policies and guidelines.
PEOPLE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The members of the People Resources Committee are Alfred C. DeCrane, Jr.
(Chairman), Robert P. Bauman, Paul F. Oreffice and Louis W. Sullivan, M.D. The
Committee held six meetings in 1995. The
7
<PAGE> 10
Committee reviews and reports to the Board on the management of the
Corporation's human resources, including personnel policies and policy controls,
the development of people, and compensation and benefit programs and plans. It
reviews and approves, subject to Board ratification, executive compensation
plans and targets and payouts thereunder, any compensation plans which involve
the issuance of equity securities of the Corporation, and as required by law,
adoption of and changes to qualified benefit plans. It sets the compensation of
the CEO, subject to Board ratification, approves the compensation of other
senior executives, and makes stock-related awards. The Committee also reviews
succession plans for the Corporation's principal Executive Officers.
PUBLIC ISSUES COMMITTEE
The members of the Public Issues Committee are Gerald D. Laubach
(Chairman), Robert H. Campbell, Marilyn W. Lewis and Louis W. Sullivan, M.D. The
Committee held three meetings in 1995. The Committee oversees the Corporation's
positions on significant issues in community affairs, government relations,
corporate public affairs and other matters of public interest. The Committee
also approves the Corporation's contributions policy and budget. In addition,
the Committee approves policies and procedures governing the voting on
socio-political proposals received by the Corporation and its subsidiaries as
shareholders of other companies.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Each non-employee Director receives an annual retainer of $30,000 for
service on the Board, $12,000 of which is either paid in shares of Common Stock
or deferred into Equivalents as described in footnote (9) on page 3 and
ultimately paid in cash. The Chairman of each standing committee (except the
Executive Committee) receives an additional $7,500 annual retainer, except for
the Chairman of the Investment Committee, who receives an annual retainer of
$17,500. Non-employee Committee members, but not the Chairmen, receive an
additional $2,500 annual retainer for service on each standing Committee (except
the Executive Committee), and are also paid $1,250 for each Board meeting and
each Committee meeting attended.
In addition to the $12,000 which is either paid in shares of Common Stock
or deferred, Directors may elect to receive payment of retainers and meeting
fees in cash or in shares of Common Stock, or partially in cash and partially in
shares of Common Stock, and may also elect to defer all or part of their
compensation under CIGNA's Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors. Currently,
deferred cash compensation is credited at the same rate of return paid on
participant contributions to the Fixed Income Fund, the Fidelity Advisor Growth
Opportunities Fund or the Stock Market Index Fund of the Savings Plan.
Compensation deferred into Equivalents is invested as described in footnote (9)
on page 3.
Non-employee Directors are eligible to participate in the financial
planning services available to CIGNA executives, in life insurance,
medical/dental care, and property/casualty personal lines insurance programs and
matching gift programs similar to those available to CIGNA employees.
Non-employee Directors also receive travel accident coverage of $100,000.
Directors who elected to do so prior to December 20, 1982 participate in a life
insurance program which was available to CGC employees prior to the combination
of CGC and INA.
Pursuant to the terms of the Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee
Directors of CIGNA Corporation, which was approved by the Shareholders in 1989,
each non-employee Director who has served for at least six months and was not an
officer or employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries during the ten
preceding years receives a one-time grant of 1,500 shares of Common Stock. The
shares are subject to transfer restrictions until the later of 1) six months
after the date of grant or 2) the date on which service as a Director of the
Corporation terminates due to death, disability, retirement or a change of
control. The shares are forfeited if the Director's service terminates for any
other reason, except as may be otherwise provided by a majority of the other
members of the Board. If one of the termination of service conditions has been
met, the former Director or his or her estate receives all such shares of Common
Stock without restriction. During the restricted period, stock certificates are
held in custody by the Corporation. However, commencing on the date
8
<PAGE> 11
of grant, the Director has other rights and privileges of a Shareholder as to
such Common Stock, including the right to receive dividends and to vote the
shares.
Directors are covered by a Directors' Retirement and Consulting Plan
("Retirement and Consulting Plan"). The Retirement and Consulting Plan provides
Directors who retire at age 60 or older with at least five years of service
annual payments equal to the annual retainer in effect at the time of the
Director's retirement. Payment is conditioned on the Director's not competing
with CIGNA and being available to provide consulting services. A Director who
retires at the mandatory retirement age, currently age 70, will receive such
payments for the remainder of the Director's lifetime. A Director who retires
prior to the mandatory retirement age will receive such payments for a period
equal to the number of months such Director served as a Director of CIGNA or a
predecessor company, or such Director may request the Committee on Directors'
approval to receive such payments in a lump sum equal to the discounted value of
such payments. In all cases, payments will be reduced by any other pension or
retirement benefits on account of service as a Director or employee of CIGNA or
a predecessor company.
In the ordinary course of business, CIGNA Corporation paid Carol Cox and
Associates, of which Ms. Wait is the principal, $4,000 in consulting fees in
1995. This consulting arrangement terminated upon Ms. Wait's election to the
Board.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Management believes that all of the transactions described under this
caption were in the ordinary course of business and on terms as favorable to the
Corporation as if the transactions had involved unaffiliated persons or
organizations. It is expected that transactions, service arrangements, and
relationships similar to those described here will also occur in varying amounts
during 1996.
Various CIGNA companies: provided a variety of insurance coverages, health
care services, pension contracts, and related products and services to;
purchased products and services from; and engaged in other transactions with
corporations (or their subsidiaries) of which CIGNA Directors were executive
officers or major shareholders during 1995. In connection with their investment
operations, CIGNA Corporation and its subsidiaries acquire, dispose of, or
continue to hold debt or rely on the credit of other corporations or their
subsidiaries -- including corporations (or their subsidiaries) of which CIGNA
Directors were executive officers or major shareholders during 1995. In
addition, various CIGNA Directors and Executive Officers have purchased
insurance products or interests in investment vehicles marketed by CIGNA
companies in the ordinary course of business.
During 1995, CIGNA Corporation contributed $55,000 to the bipartisan
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, in an effort to support increased
national awareness of the importance of the decisions associated with federal
budget issues.
During 1995, various CIGNA companies engaged in transactions with
beneficial owners of more than five percent of the Corporation's outstanding
Common Stock (please see page 4 for information about these entities). On
various occasions and in various amounts, Bernstein purchased short-term
negotiable unsecured promissory notes ("commercial paper") issued by the
Corporation; approximately $30,000,000 of such notes remained outstanding as of
December 31, 1995. As of December 31, 1995, CIGNA held approximately $50,000,000
of private, fixed-income securities issued by Fidelity.
Also during 1995, Fidelity paid CIGNA approximately $3,000,000 for various
insurance coverages and related products. In addition, CIGNA received fees and
other income in connection with client-directed investments by CIGNA client
accounts in Fidelity mutual funds and in connection with investments by Fidelity
or Fidelity clients in CIGNA investment contracts. Also, Fidelity received fees
or other income in connection with investments by CIGNA and CIGNA client
accounts in Fidelity funds.
9
<PAGE> 12
ITEM 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT
OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Board, on the recommendation of its Audit Committee, has appointed
Price Waterhouse LLP as independent accountants for 1996. Although ratification
by the Shareholders is not required, the Board requests that Shareholders ratify
this appointment. If ratification is not obtained, the Board will reconsider the
appointment.
Price Waterhouse LLP has served as independent accountants for CIGNA and
its subsidiaries since 1983, and for CGC and its subsidiaries since 1967.
The Corporation has been advised that representatives of Price Waterhouse
LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting. They will be afforded the opportunity
to make a statement, should they desire to do so, and to respond to appropriate
questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THIS PROPOSAL.
ITEM 3. OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no matters to be brought before the Annual
Meeting other than the election of Directors and ratification of the appointment
of independent accountants for 1996. If other matters are properly presented to
Shareholders for a vote at the meeting, it is intended that the persons named as
proxies on the proxy card will have discretionary authority, to the extent
permitted by law, to vote on such matters in accordance with their best
judgment.
VOTE REQUIRED
The Corporation's By-laws provide that the holders of two-fifths of the
issued and outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting present in person or represented by proxy will constitute a quorum and
that the vote of such Shareholders who hold a majority of the voting power at
the Annual Meeting will decide any question brought before the Annual Meeting,
unless otherwise provided by statute or the Corporation's Restated Certificate
of Incorporation or By-laws. "Broker non-votes" (where a nominee holding shares
for a beneficial owner has not received voting instructions from the beneficial
owner with respect to a particular matter and such nominee does not possess or
choose to exercise his discretionary authority thereto) will be counted for the
purpose of attaining a quorum.
The Nominees for election as Directors at the Annual Meeting who receive
the greatest number of votes cast will be elected as Directors. The appointment
of independent accountants will be ratified by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting
and entitled to vote thereon.
Where the quorum requirements set forth above are met, "broker non-votes"
will have no effect on the outcome of the election of Directors or the
ratification of the appointment of independent accountants; abstentions will
have no effect on the outcome of such election but will have the same effect as
a negative vote with respect to the ratification of the appointment of
independent accountants.
10
<PAGE> 13
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following information is furnished for the Corporation's Chief
Executive Officer ("CEO") and each of the four most highly compensated Executive
Officers other than the CEO at the end of 1995 (the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
----------------------------------------
AWARDS
-------------------------- PAYOUTS
(G) ---------
(A) ANNUAL COMPENSATION(1) (F) SECURITIES (I)
NAME ------------------------------ RESTRICTED UNDERLYING (H) ALL OTHER
AND (C) (D) STOCK OPTIONS/ LTIP COMPEN-
PRINCIPAL (B) SALARY BONUS AWARD(S) SARS PAYOUTS SATION
POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($)(2) (#) ($)(3) ($)(4)
- ----------------------------------- ---- ------- --------- ----------- ---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Wilson H. Taylor................... 1995 871,500 1,575,000 0 52,000 0 71,100
Chairman and 1994 822,900 900,000 222,337 120,000 1,225,550 50,700
Chief Executive Officer 1993 790,000 0 1,271,581 18,000 0 45,900
James G. Stewart................... 1995 501,900 800,000 0 30,000 0 40,600
Executive Vice President 1994 471,900 525,000 117,906 70,000 540,400 21,800
and Chief Financial Officer 1993 450,000 0 570,625 6,950 0 27,000
Gerald A. Isom..................... 1995 518,300 575,000 0 43,695 0 36,500
President, CIGNA 1994 493,300 500,000 84,219 65,000 540,400 26,000
Property & Casualty 1993 387,300 175,000 654,372 20,000 0 50,000
Donald M. Levinson................. 1995 370,600 525,000 0 18,000 0 30,900
Executive Vice President, 1994 336,900 310,000 67,375 44,400 321,345 19,300
Human Resources and Services 1993 315,000 75,000 339,837 4,175 0 25,600
H. Edward Hanway................... 1995 339,800 550,000 0 18,000 0 27,100
President, CIGNA 1994 274,200 325,000 134,750 45,000 180,455 15,200
International 1993 245,000 50,000 196,024 2,775 0 14,300
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Pursuant to SEC rules, column (e) has been omitted because there was no
"Other Annual Compensation" to report.
(2) Reported for 1993 are the following numbers of shares of restricted stock
which were granted in 1994 pursuant to the Strategic Performance Unit
Program for the 1991-93 period, and which vested on March 14, 1995: Mr.
Taylor, 17,595 shares; each of Messrs. Stewart and Isom, 7,759 shares; Mr.
Levinson, 4,614 shares; and Mr. Hanway, 2,591 shares. All other restricted
stock awards shown vest five years after the grant date. The Named Executive
Officers held the following aggregate shares of restricted stock, with the
following values, at December 31, 1995: Mr. Taylor, 15,555 shares valued at
$1,606,054; Mr. Stewart, 8,055 shares valued at $831,679; Mr. Isom, 4,030
shares valued at $416,098; Mr. Levinson, 5,000 shares valued at $516,250;
and Mr. Hanway, 4,980 shares valued at $514,185. Dividends are paid on
shares of restricted stock.
(3) Long-term compensation for the three-year period ending December 31, 1994
was paid in shares of common stock in April, 1995. See discussion of
Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") Awards Table on page 13.
(4) Includes the value of benefits under CIGNA's Financial Services Program
(covering financial planning, tax preparation and legal services related to
financial and estate planning) and CIGNA's contributions under its savings
plans, which, for 1995, were as follows: Mr. Taylor, $17,900 and $53,200;
Mr. Stewart, $9,800 and $30,800; Mr. Isom, $6,000 and $30,500; Mr. Levinson,
$10,500 and $20,400; and Mr. Hanway, $7,200 and $19,900, respectively.
11
<PAGE> 14
OPTION GRANTS TABLE
The following table provides additional information about the stock options
shown in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table on page 11, which were
granted in 1995 to the Named Executive Officers.
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1995(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(B) (C) GRANT DATE VALUE
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL (D) ----------------------
SECURITIES OPTIONS EXERCISE
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO OR BASE (E) (F)
(A) OPTIONS EMPLOYEES PRICE EXPIRATION GRANT DATE
NAME GRANTED(#)(2) IN 1995 ($/SH) DATE PRESENT VALUE($)(4)
- --------------------------------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Wilson H. Taylor................. 52,000 9.69% 75.0625 2/22/05 2/22/95 -- 731,640
James G. Stewart................. 30,000 5.59% 75.0625 2/22/05 2/22/95 -- 422,100
Gerald A. Isom................... 30,000 5.59% 75.0625 2/22/05 2/22/95 -- 422,100
11,662(3) 2.17% 102.25 2/24/03 11/20/95 -- 199,304
1,647(3) 0.31% 102.25 2/23/04 11/20/95 -- 28,872
386(3) 0.07% 102.25 7/27/04 11/20/95 -- 6,794
Donald M. Levinson............... 18,000 3.35% 75.0625 2/22/05 2/22/95 -- 253,260
H. Edward Hanway................. 18,000 3.35% 75.0625 2/22/05 2/22/95 -- 253,260
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Stock appreciation rights ("SARs") were not granted in 1995.
(2) Half of the option amounts granted on February 22, 1995 became exercisable
on February 22, 1996, and the remainder become exercisable on February 22,
1997. All options shown have a replacement feature (see Note 3).
(3) Replacement options. Tender of CIGNA Common Stock in payment of the exercise
price of certain options results in automatic grant of a replacement option
that covers shares equal in number to the tendered shares, can be exercised
beginning six months after grant and expires on the expiration date of the
original option exercised. Because replacement options are granted with an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares on
the grant date, their exercise price is higher than the exercise price of
the original grant.
(4) Based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model adapted for use in valuing
executive stock options. Calculation of grant date present values assumes
exercise at the end of the option term, as well as the following factors
concerning the price volatility of CIGNA Common Stock, annualized risk-free
interest rates, and dividend yields: .2240, 7.40% and 5.62%, respectively,
for options expiring 2/22/05; .2203, 5.70% and 5.23%, respectively, for
options expiring 2/24/03; and .2203, 5.80% and 5.23%, respectively, for
options expiring 2/23/04 and 7/27/04. The calculation also reflects a 3%
discount per year for risk of forfeiture over the option vesting schedules.
The actual value, if any, an executive may realize will depend on the excess
of the stock price on the date the option is exercised over the exercise
price, so that there is no assurance the value realized by an executive will
be at or near the value estimated by the Black-Scholes model. The
Corporation believes that no model accurately predicts the future price of
CIGNA's stock or places an accurate present value on stock options.
12
<PAGE> 15
OPTION/SAR EXERCISES AND
FISCAL YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
The following table provides information about options and SARs exercised
by the Named Executive Officers during 1995, and about unexercised stock options
and SARs held by the Named Executive Officers at the end of 1995.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN FISCAL YEAR 1995 AND
1995 FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(D) (E)
(A) (B) (C) NUMBER OF SECURITIES
NUMBER OF UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-
SECURITIES OPTIONS/SARS AT 1995 THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SARS
UNDERLYING YEAR-END(#) AT 1995 YEAR-END($)
OPTIONS/SARS VALUE --------------------------- ---------------------------
NAME EXERCISED(#) REALIZED($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Wilson H. Taylor............... 3,500 145,688 103,000 112,000 3,926,813 3,371,375
James G. Stewart............... 2,700 112,388 54,470 65,000 2,029,651 1,953,125
Gerald A. Isom................. 23,047 956,063 29,453 76,195 911,202 1,877,133
Donald M. Levinson............. 1,600 47,300 33,895 40,200 1,251,579 1,205,050
H. Edward Hanway............... 5,250 269,234 25,975 40,500 850,059 1,215,813
</TABLE>
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN ("LTIP") AWARDS TABLE
The following table provides information about long-term incentive awards
granted in 1995 to the Named Executive Officers.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS IN FISCAL YEAR 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
UNDER NON-STOCK PRICE BASED PLANS
-----------------------------------
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)
NUMBER OF PERIOD UNTIL THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM
NAME UNITS MATURATION ($)(1) ($) ($)
- ------------------------------------ --------- ------------ --------- ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Wilson H. Taylor.................... 9,665 3 years * 724,875 1,933,000
James G. Stewart.................... 5,670 3 years * 425,250 1,134,000
Gerald A. Isom...................... 5,670 3 years * 425,250 1,134,000
Donald M. Levinson.................. 3,335 3 years * 250,125 667,000
H. Edward Hanway.................... 3,335 3 years * 250,125 667,000
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) See discussion below.
CIGNA's Strategic Performance Plan, and as of 1995 its successor, the
Long-Term Incentive Plan (together, the "Strategic Performance Unit Program" or
"SPU Program"), provide long-term incentives to Executive Officers and other key
employees. The SPU Program is designed to reward those employees for achievement
by CIGNA of long-term financial and strategic performance objectives in
comparison to a group of competitors that have a similar product mix.
Performance is evaluated over a three-year period.
The earned value of each unit for the three-year period depends on CIGNA's
relative financial performance. The People Resources Committee (the "Committee")
values the units by comparing CIGNA's annual return on equity to the average
annual return on equity of peer companies, using a formula which permits
negative adjustments to the annual accrued value. The earned value is based on
points that are accumulated for each of the three performance years, with zero
points earned if CIGNA's return for each year is five percentage points below
the competitors and a maximum number of points earned if five percentage points
above the competitors. The earned value will range from zero to $200 per unit,
with a target value of $75 per unit. At the end of the three-year performance
period, the Committee may adjust downward the
13
<PAGE> 16
earned value of each unit by up to $25 ( 1/3 of its target value) for any
three-year performance period, based on an assessment of the factors that
affected strategic and financial performance during the period.
For 1995 grants, the Committee will value the units in 1998 based on
performance during 1995 through 1997. The value of units for the 1993 to 1995
performance period has not yet been determined, and therefore is not included in
the Summary Compensation Table for 1995.
If an employee is terminated within two years following a change of control
of CIGNA (other than on account of conviction of a felony involving fraud or
dishonesty directed against CIGNA), or if an employee resigns during that period
as a result of certain adverse changes in employment conditions stemming from
the change of control, payouts for the employee's outstanding units must be made
within 30 days at a value equal to the greatest of (i) the target value
established for those units at the time they were issued; (ii) the value for a
unit paid in the preceding twelve month period; or (iii) the average of the unit
values for the last two unit payments.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SERVICE
--------------------------------------------------------------------
REMUNERATION 15 20 25 30 35
- ------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 200,000 $ 60,000 $ 80,000 $ 100,000 $ 120,000 $ 140,000
400,000 120,000 160,000 200,000 240,000 280,000
600,000 180,000 240,000 300,000 360,000 420,000
800,000 240,000 320,000 400,000 480,000 560,000
1,000,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000
1,200,000 360,000 480,000 600,000 720,000 840,000
1,400,000 420,000 560,000 700,000 840,000 980,000
1,600,000 480,000 640,000 800,000 960,000 1,120,000
1,800,000 540,000 720,000 900,000 1,080,000 1,260,000
2,000,000 600,000 800,000 1,000,000 1,200,000 1,400,000
</TABLE>
The table shows annual retirement benefits (before application of the
Social Security offset of 50% of annual primary Social Security benefit) under a
straight life annuity, computed assuming retirement at age 65 after specified
years of service and earnings. Mr. Isom's benefits would approximate 84% of the
amounts shown in the table.
Except as otherwise noted, annual retirement benefits for the Named
Executive Officers are based upon the Executive's earnings (generally, average
annual earnings over the final 36 months of service), an annual accrual rate of
2%, length of credited service (up to a maximum of 30 years), and age at
retirement. For Mr. Isom and other employees hired on or after January 1, 1989,
the calculation is based on average annual earnings over the final 60 months of
service, an annual accrual rate of 1.67% and maximum credited service up to 35
years.
Covered earnings include salary and bonuses, as set forth in columns (c)
and (d) of the Summary Compensation Table on page 11, but not long-term
incentive plan payouts or any other incentive awards.
As of January 1, 1996, credited years of service were as follows: Mr.
Taylor, 30 years; Mr. Stewart, 30 years; Mr. Isom, 3 years; Mr. Levinson, 18
years; and Mr. Hanway, 18 years. Because of Mr. Isom's proximity to retirement
age when he was hired, CIGNA will supplement his pension benefits. For each year
of service at CIGNA, Mr. Isom receives additional credit toward the supplement;
CIGNA estimates that, if he retires from CIGNA at age 65, the annual supplement
will approximate $100,000.
Subject to their continued employment and compliance with contractual
obligations (including non-competition and confidentiality), Messrs. Taylor,
Stewart and Levinson will be credited with additional years of service (total
years of service cannot exceed 35). Additional credited service will vest in the
event of death, disability or certain voluntary terminations within two years
following a change of control of the Corporation,
14
<PAGE> 17
or otherwise upon termination if the Corporation approves such vesting. Upon any
termination initiated by CIGNA, the maximum additional service provided in the
contract will be credited, unless such termination arises from a conviction of a
felony involving fraud or dishonesty directed against CIGNA. If any of the above
officers dies while still in the Corporation's employ after reaching age 55, his
surviving spouse's benefit will be the same as the benefit that would have been
payable to the spouse had the executive first retired and then died immediately.
If a change of control of CIGNA occurs, the pension plan cannot be
terminated, or benefit accruals reduced, for a three-year period. If the pension
plan is terminated in the fourth or fifth year following a change of control,
additional benefits will be provided to participants, including an immediate 10%
increase to persons receiving benefits and an annual 3% increase in benefits
beginning at age 65. In addition, employees terminated, other than for cause,
within three years following a change of control will receive up to three years
of additional service credit and a floor amount of final average earnings based
on their level of earnings when a change of control occurred.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
CIGNA employees are entitled to severance benefits under certain
circumstances (which exclude termination for cause and, except as noted below,
resignation). Severance benefits include continuation of salary at termination
for a period (determined by completed years of service) of two to 52 weeks or,
in the case of termination within two years after a change of control of CIGNA,
13 to 104 weeks. A lump sum payment may be elected in lieu of periodic payments.
Employees terminated on account of job elimination or within two years after a
change of control of CIGNA also receive a supplemental payment equal to the
average of their last two incentive bonuses (prorated to reflect actual months
worked in the year of termination) if they are terminated between May 1 and
December 31, as well as a payment equal to the value of restricted CIGNA stock
forfeited upon termination.
Senior level employees, including the Named Executive Officers, terminated
other than for cause within two years after a change of control will receive
payments equal to 104 weeks of salary at termination (regardless of years of
service). Payments are subject to adjustment for certain tax contingencies. A
senior level employee will also receive a supplemental payment equal to the
higher of the bonus actually received for the preceding calendar year or the
amount of the annual incentive bonus guideline applicable to the employee under
the Corporation's incentive bonus plan (if the employee is terminated between
May 1 and December 31), as well as the payment for restricted stock described
above.
For a senior level employee, termination within two years after a change of
control includes a resignation following a reduction in authority, duties,
responsibilities or title, or following relocation to an office more than 35
miles from the location of the employee's office on the date of change of
control. A termination of employment following a change of control is "for
cause" under CIGNA's severance arrangements for senior level employees if
termination results from conviction of a felony involving fraud or dishonesty
directed against CIGNA.
Certain employees of CIGNA's domestic property and casualty insurance
business, including Mr. Isom, have been given the opportunity to earn additional
incentive compensation. If certain conditions are met, Mr. Isom will be paid a
minimum of $1.2 million over a two-year period (the maximum payable will be tied
to CIGNA's stock price).
15
<PAGE> 18
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the
Corporation's previous filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that might incorporate future filings, including
this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following report and the
Performance Graph on page 19 shall not be incorporated by reference into any
such filings.
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The People Resources Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors
reviews and approves, subject to Board ratification, executive compensation
plans and targets and payouts thereunder, as well as any employee compensation
plans which involve the issuance of securities of the Corporation. It sets the
compensation of the CEO, subject to Board ratification, and approves
compensation of other senior executives, including those named in the Summary
Compensation Table, and makes stock-related awards. The Committee is composed
entirely of outside directors.
SUMMARY
The primary objective of CIGNA's executive compensation program is to pay
for performance that increases shareholder value. The program has three key
elements: (1) base salary; (2) annual bonus; and (3) long-term incentives.
Long-term incentives for the Named Executive Officers are in the form of stock
options and stock awarded pursuant to a performance plan. Annual bonus and
long-term incentives are variable compensation elements that are at risk because
they are tied to corporate business results. The annual bonus recognizes
short-term business results and individual performance, while long-term
incentives recognize sustained corporate-wide results.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The program provides opportunity targets for total pay (as well as for base
salary and for short- and long-term incentive elements) that correspond to the
median pay levels of comparable positions in similarly sized companies. A
significant number of companies are used in this comparison, including all of
the companies in the S&P Multi-line Insurance Index. The Committee reviews data
on these companies' compensation programs in determining the appropriate levels
of compensation for each of the most senior executives.
Once total pay opportunity targets are set, the Committee determines the
appropriate pay elements to use in motivating the executives to achieve the
Corporation's performance and strategic objectives. The program is continually
monitored relative to CIGNA's own strategic goals as well as industry practices
and trends, and it is modified when considered appropriate to better support
shareholder interests. A new feature was added to the stock option program,
wherein certain gains realized as a result of exercising an option may be
subject to forfeiture if an executive becomes employed by a competitor and
engages in activities deemed to be detrimental to the company. As in the past,
it is expected that CIGNA executives will demonstrate their confidence in the
company's future by retaining substantial ownership of company shares. Executive
share ownership levels are reviewed annually by the PRC.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits CIGNA's tax deduction to
$1 million for compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers, unless certain
requirements are met. All compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers in
1995 was in compliance with Section 162(m) and will be fully deductible.
Compensation for 1996 is also expected to be fully deductible.
Base Salary
Base salary is intended to provide a fixed level of compensation reflecting
the scope and nature of basic job responsibilities. The Committee grants salary
increases, if appropriate, after a review of individual performance and an
assessment of the relative competitiveness of the current salary.
16
<PAGE> 19
Annual Bonus
Annual bonus awards recognize an executive's contribution to each year's
annual business results as measured against competitors and against CIGNA's
operational plans. Corporate-wide, business unit and individual performance are
assessed in relation to the following major factors, listed in order of
importance: earnings; revenue growth and customer service; and cost management.
Performance, as measured by these factors, which meets operational plans
and equals the results of the competition, provides for bonus payments that are
equal to the target. Better or worse performance results in payments that are
higher or lower than target. An individual's bonus, reflecting personal
contribution to business results, can range from 0 to 200% of the bonus target
for the individual's job.
Long-Term Incentives
In 1995, the Strategic Performance Unit Program provided incentive
opportunity based on CIGNA's long-term financial and strategic performance
relative to a group of seven peer companies. The companies in the program's peer
group reflect a composite product mix that represents CIGNA's key businesses and
rewards executives in all of CIGNA's operating and corporate staff divisions for
overall consolidated corporate performance. The proxy performance graph compares
CIGNA's total return performance to a broad industry group (a composite of the
Standard and Poor's Multi-Line Insurance, Property and Casualty insurance and
Life Insurance indexes). Most of the companies included in the program's peer
group are also represented in the Standard and Poor's indexes.
Grants of Strategic Performance Units are made annually, and the target
value of the grants varies by position responsibility levels. The Committee
values the units by comparing CIGNA's annual return on equity to the average
annual return on equity of the peer companies, using a formula which permits a
negative adjustment to the annual accrued value. At the end of the three-year
performance period, the Committee may further adjust the earned value of each
unit downward by up to $25 ( 1/3 of its target value) for any three-year
performance period, based on an assessment of the factors that affected
strategic and financial performance during the period. The earned value will
range from zero to $200 per unit, with a target value of $75 per unit.
The other long-term compensation component is stock options. As noted
above, total long-term incentive pay opportunity targets correspond to the
median levels of such compensation for comparable positions in similarly sized
companies. The portion of such targets granted to the Named Executive Officers
in 1995 as stock options was determined by the Committee to focus management on
long-term results, to retain key executives, to continue to bring the
executives' option holdings in line with those of executives in similar
positions at competitor companies and to enhance the link with shareholder
interests. Stock options provide the right to purchase, at fair market value on
grant date, a fixed number of shares of CIGNA Common Stock during the term of
the option (up to ten years from the date of grant). Options are subject to
vesting periods of up to two years.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
For the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), approximately 25% of the total
compensation opportunity target is base salary and approximately 75% is variable
compensation that is at risk and tied to competitive corporate business results.
Twenty-five percent of the CEO's total compensation opportunity is based on
annual business performance and 50% is tied to long-term, sustained
corporate-wide results. The CEO's current base salary approximates the median
salary of CEOs of comparably-sized companies. The CEO's total paid compensation
is also consistent with the median compensation for CEOs in comparable
companies. Factors reviewed in the Committee's assessment of the Corporation's
and the CEO's performance include profitability of each business, profit
improvement, growth in revenue from profitable products/services, customer
service, expense management, as well as specific measures that may vary by
business activity, e.g., combined ratio for property and casualty businesses,
profit margin and managed care membership growth in healthcare, and asset growth
in the pension business. The Committee reviews all these factors, considering
the relative impact of each in determining the corporate-wide earnings results.
The Committee decided to grant an above-target bonus to the CEO primarily based
on CIGNA's outstanding stock performance and superior underlying earnings
17
<PAGE> 20
performance in 1995 (i.e., fundamental earnings performance excluding the impact
of third quarter charges for cost reduction initiatives and PC reserve actions).
Underlying earnings in 1995 exceeded 1994 results and the 1995 operational plan
by a wide margin. CIGNA's 1995 underlying return on equity exceeded competitors'
results, based on all available information. The Committee thoroughly considered
the substantial charges for the property casualty restructuring balanced by its
significant positive effect on current valuations and position for improved
future results. Also taken into account were other factors, including cost
management and improvement year over year in most of the company's businesses.
For the long-term Strategic Performance Unit Program award, the Committee
approved a $193 unit value (as shown in Summary Compensation Table for 1994),
distributed to the CEO in the form of CIGNA shares, reflecting performance
against competitors over the 1992-94 performance period. The value approved by
the Committee reflects CIGNA's strong performance over the three-year
performance period compared to the peer group. Value earned for the 1993-95
performance period will be determined by the Committee in late April based on
competitive performance.
The CEO's overall compensation package acknowledges a significant increase
in CIGNA's share value in 1995 (see Performance Graph on page 19), the
restructuring of the property and casualty business, achievement of continued
improvements in property and casualty operating performance, continuing strong
performance in the other businesses, and cost reduction actions that are
expected to have a positive impact on future earnings.
For the CEO, the 1995 award of stock options is also shown in the Summary
Compensation Table. The option award was at target and was intended to link the
CEO's future compensation opportunity to the creation of additional shareholder
value.
People Resources Committee:
Alfred C. DeCrane, Jr., Chairman
Robert P. Bauman
Paul F. Oreffice
Louis W. Sullivan, M.D.
18
<PAGE> 21
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in cumulative
total return (change in the year end stock price plus reinvested dividends) to
CIGNA's Shareholders for the preceding five fiscal years (measured from December
31, 1990 to December 29, 1995) against (i) the Standard & Poor's (S&P)
Composite-500 Stock Index, and (ii) an average of the S&P Multi-line, Property &
Casualty and Life Insurance indexes.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG CIGNA, S&P 500 INDEX AND S&P INSURANCE INDEXES**
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MEASUREMENT PERIOD S&P INS. IN-
(FISCAL YEAR COVERED) CIGNA S&P 500 DEXES**
<S> <C> <C> <C>
12/31/90 100 100 100
12/31/91 159 130 134
12/31/92 161 140 164
12/31/93 181 155 170
12/30/94 192 157 164
12/29/95 323 215 234
</TABLE>
* Assumes that the value of the investment in CIGNA Common Stock and each index
was $100 on December 31, 1990 and that all dividends were reinvested.
** Equally weighted average of S&P Multi-line, P&C, and Life Insurance indexes.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
A Form 4 was not filed to report that, coincident with his divorce, Mr.
Oreffice no longer was deemed to have a pecuniary interest in 500 shares of
Common Stock which he had previously been required to report as owning
indirectly by virtue of his position as trustee of a trust established solely
for the benefit of his spouse. A Form 5 reporting the matter was timely filed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Corporation will bear the cost of soliciting proxies from its
Shareholders and will enlist the help of banks and brokerage houses in
soliciting proxies from their customers. The Corporation will reimburse these
institutions for out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to being solicited through
the mails, proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone by the
Directors, officers and employees of the Corporation or its subsidiaries. The
Corporation has engaged Georgeson & Company, Inc. to assist in soliciting
proxies for a fee of approximately $20,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses.
19
<PAGE> 22
1997 ANNUAL MEETING
The 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Wednesday, April
23, 1997, at a location to be designated by the Board. The Board is empowered by
the By-laws of the Corporation to change this date if it deems that advisable.
Proposals of Shareholders must be received by the Corporation no later than
November 19, 1996 to be eligible for inclusion under the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission in the Corporation's proxy materials for the 1997 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders and must otherwise comply with such rules.
Under the Corporation's By-laws, proposals of Shareholders not included in
the proxy materials may be presented at the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
only if the Corporate Secretary has been notified of the nature of the proposal
and is provided certain additional information at least sixty days but not more
than ninety days before the 1997 Annual Meeting and the proposal is a proper one
for Shareholder action.
The Corporation's By-laws also require that notice of nominations of
persons for election to the Board, other than those made by or at the direction
of the Board, must be received by the Corporate Secretary at least sixty days
but not more than ninety days before the 1997 Annual Meeting. The notice must
present certain information concerning the nominees and the Shareholder making
the nominations, as set forth in the By-laws. The Corporate Secretary must also
receive such nominee's written consent to serve if elected.
CAROL J. WARD, Corporate Secretary
20
<PAGE> 23
DIRECTIONS BY CAR:
From the West:
Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 276) to Valley Forge exit #24.
Follow Interstate 76 East (Schuylkill Expressway) to Interstate 476 North
(Plymouth Meeting). Follow 476 North for 2.7 miles to exit 7A Conshohocken. At
end of ramp turn right onto Ridge Pike and proceed for 3.2 miles through six
traffic lights to the seventh traffic light at Manor Road. Turn right onto
Manor Road. Proceed 200 yards and turn right into Eagle Lodge.
From the North:
Take the New Jersey Turnpike to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Follow 276 West,
exit at #25 Norristown. Bear right when exiting the toll booth. Proceed down
ramp to Germantown Pike (East). Follow Germantown Pike 3 traffic lights (1.8
miles). At third traffic light turn right onto Joshua Rd. At first traffic
light turn left onto Ridge Pike. Follow Ridge Pike for 1.5 miles and turn
right onto Manor Rd. Proceed 200 yards and turn right into Eagle Lodge.
From the South:
Take Interstate 95 North to 476 North (Plymouth Meeting). Follow 476 North for
18 miles to exit 7A Conshohocken. At end of ramp turn right onto Ridge Pike
and proceed for 3.2 miles through six traffic lights to the seventh traffic
light at Manor Road. Turn right onto Manor Road. Proceed 200 yards and turn
right into Eagle Lodge.
From Philadelphia International Airport:
Take Interstate 95 South to 476 North (Plymouth Meeting). Follow 476 North for
18 miles to exit 7A Conshohocken. At end of ramp turn right onto Ridge Pike
and proceed for 3.2 miles through six traffic lights to the seventh traffic
light at Manor Road. Turn right onto Manor Road. Proceed 200 yards and turn
right into Eagle Lodge.
From Center City Philadelphia:
Follow Interstate 76 West (Schuylkill Expressway) to Interstate 476 North
(Plymouth Meeting). Follow 476 North for 2.7 miles exit 7A Conshohocken. At
end of ramp turn right onto Ridge Pike and proceed for 3.2 miles through six
traffic lights to the seventh traffic light at Manor Road. Turn right onto
Manor Road. Proceed 200 yards and turn right into Eagle Lodge.
[MAP]
<PAGE> 24
CIGNA CORPORATION
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Robert P. Bauman, Robert
H. Campbell, Charles R. Shoemate and Louis W. Sullivan, M.D. or any of
them, proxies with full power of substitution and each of them is hereby
authorized to represent the undersigned and to vote all shares of the
Corporation held by the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, to be held at The Conference Center at Eagle Lodge, Ridge
P Pike & Manor Road, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania on April 24, 1996, at
10:00 a.m. or at any adjournment thereof, on the matters set forth below:
R
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, Nominees for term expiring:
O
April 1999: James F. English, Jr., Bernard M. Fox, Marilyn W. Lewis
X and Carol Cox Wait.
Y 2. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT of Price Waterhouse LLP as
Independent Accountants.
In their discretion, upon such other matters as may properly come before
the meeting.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO SPECIFY YOUR CHOICES BY MARKING THE APPROPRIATE
BOXES [SEE REVERSE SIDE], BUT YOU NEED NOT MARK ANY BOXES IF YOU WISH TO
VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE PROXIES CANNOT VOTE YOUR SHARES UNLESS YOU SIGN AND RETURN THIS CARD.
-----------
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
-----------
<PAGE> 25
1671
/X/ Please mark your
votes as in this
example.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Election of FOR WITHHELD
Directors. / / / /
(see reverse)
For, except vote withheld from the following nominee(s):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Ratification of FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Appointment of / / / / / /
Accountants.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark here if you would like your voting instructions to be confidential pursuant
to the procedures on confidential voting described in the 1996 Proxy Statement.
Marking this box will not absolve you of any independent fiduciary or other
legal obligation to report how you voted nor prevent the inspectors from
disclosing your vote if required by law or if otherwise permitted by the
procedures.
/ /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such.
_______________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE DATE
_______________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE DATE
