Company: MFAN
Filing Date: 2025-04-18
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0001140361-25-014577
Chunk: 154

Company: MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
Filing Date: 2025-04-18
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 154
---
 omission to act in connection with the performance of such person’s duties, responsibilities and obligations under the Plan, other than such liabilities, costs and expenses as may result from the gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or criminal acts of such persons.

| MFA Financial, Inc. | E-18 | 2025 Proxy Statement |

TABLE OF CONTENTS

27. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A OF THE CODE.

| (i) | Any Agreement issued under the Plan that is subject to Section 409A of the Code shall include such additional terms and conditions as may be required to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. |

| (ii) | With respect to any Grant issued under the Plan that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, and with respect to which a payment or distribution is to be made upon a Termination of Service, if the Grantee is determined by the Company to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and any of the Company’s stock is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, such payment or distribution may not be made before the date which is six months after the date of Termination of Service (to the extent required under Section 409A of the Code). Any payments or distributions delayed in accordance with the prior sentence shall be paid to the Grantee on the first day of the seventh month following the Grantee’s Termination of Service, or if earlier, within 30 days following the Grantee’s death which occurs during such six-month period. |

| (iii) | Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan and the Grants are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Accordingly, all provisions herein and with respect to any Grants shall be construed and interpreted to be consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the maximum extent possible, and any payments constituting nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall only be made in a manner and upon an event permitted by Section 409A of the Code; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be obligated to reimburse a Grantee for any additional tax (or related penalties and interest) incurred by reason of application of Section 409A of the Code. The Company makes no representations that Grants are exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code and makes no undertakings to ensure or