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
Filed by the
Registrant ☒ Filed by a Party other than the
Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
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First Financial
Bankshares, Inc.
(Name of Registrant As Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction
applies:
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing
fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
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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.
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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Date Filed:
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FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.
400 Pine Street
Abilene,
Texas 79601
325.627.7157
NOTICE OF THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 24, 2018
To our
shareholders:
We cordially invite you to attend the annual meeting of our shareholders, which will be held in the Abilene Civic Center,
1100 North 6th Street, Abilene, Texas, at 10:30 a.m., Central time, on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, for the following purposes:
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(1)
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To elect ten directors;
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(2)
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To ratify the appointment by our audit committee of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2018;
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(3)
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To conduct an advisory,
non-binding
vote on the compensation of named executive officers;
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To act on such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2018, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting (or
any adjournment or postponement thereof).
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2018 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be Held on April
24, 2018, the proxy statement and other information for security holders are available free of charge at http://www.ffin.com/sec
.
We have included, along with this notice and proxy statement, (1) our 2017 annual report, which describes our activities during 2017, (2)
our Form
10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017, and (3) an invitation to attend the annual meeting luncheon. These additional materials do not form any part of the materials for solicitation of
proxies.
We hope that you will be present at the annual meeting and the luncheon to be held immediately afterward for those who attend
the annual meeting. We respectfully urge you, whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, to sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided in order to eliminate any question of your vote being counted. You can revoke
your proxy in writing at any time before the annual meeting, so long as your written request is received by our corporate secretary before the call to order of the annual meeting. We can accommodate everyone at the annual meeting; however, there is
limited seating for the luncheon so we request that you confirm your attendance by completing the enclosed reply card and returning it to us by April 13, 2018 or calling
325-627-7038
to RSVP before this date.
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By order of the Board of Directors,
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March 1, 2018
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F. SCOTT DUESER, Chairman
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.
400 Pine Street
Abilene,
Texas 79601
325.627.7157
PROXY STATEMENT
2018
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 24, 2018
INTRODUCTION
The Board of Directors of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (sometimes referred to as the Company) hereby solicits your proxy for
use at the 2018 annual meeting of our shareholders and any continuation of the meeting if it is adjourned. The annual meeting will be held in the Abilene Civic Center, 1100 North 6th Street, Abilene, Texas, at 10:30 a.m., Central time, on Tuesday,
April 24, 2018.
Our principal executive office is located at 400 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601. Our telephone number is
325.627.7157.
We released for mailing this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card on March 6, 2018. The date of this proxy
statement is March 1, 2018.
VOTING OF SECURITIES
Important Voting Information
You may
only vote if you hold shares directly in your own name.
If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record,
you should have received these proxy materials in paper form including a voting instruction card so you can instruct the holder of record how to vote your shares. Pursuant to Nasdaq rules, you must instruct your broker how you wish your shares to be
voted on all
non-routine
matters. If you did not receive the luncheon invitation from your broker, please contact your broker because the invitations were sent with the annual report, Form
10-K,
and this notice to shareholders to the brokerage firm.
Voting Rule.
Your broker is
not permitted to vote on your behalf on the election of directors or the advisory vote on compensation paid to our named executive officers unless you provide specific instructions by following the instructions from your broker about voting your
shares by telephone or Internet or completing and returning the voting instruction card. For your vote to be counted, you will need to communicate your voting decisions to your bank, broker or other holder of record before the date of the annual
meeting in accordance with the instructions you receive from them.
Your Participation in Voting the Shares You Own is Important.
Voting your shares is important to ensure that you have a say in the governance of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. Please review the proxy materials and follow the relevant instructions to vote your shares. We encourage you to exercise your
rights and fully participate as a shareholder.
More Information is Available
.
If you have any questions about the proxy
voting process in general, please contact the bank, broker or other holder of record through which you hold your shares. The Securities and Exchange Commission also has a website (www.sec.gov/spotlight/proxymatters.shtml) with more information about
your rights as a shareholder.
2
Record Date
Our Board of Directors has established the close of business on March 1, 2018, as the record date for determining the shareholders
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. On the record date, we had 67,574,990 common shares outstanding. Each of our shareholders is entitled to one vote for each common share held as of the record date.
Quorum
In order for any business to be
conducted at the annual meeting, a quorum consisting of shareholders having voting rights with respect to a majority of our outstanding common shares on the record date must be present in person or by proxy. For purposes of determining the presence
or absence of a quorum, we intend to count as present shares present in person but not voting and shares for which we have received proxies but for which holders thereof have abstained. Furthermore, shares represented by proxies returned by a broker
holding the shares in nominee or street name will be counted as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, even if the shares are not entitled to be voted on matters where discretionary voting by the broker is not
allowed (broker
non-votes).
If a quorum is not present at the annual meeting, we will
adjourn the meeting, and the Board of Directors will continue to solicit proxies.
Required Vote
As discussed in more detail under Proposal 1Election of Directors, each director is required to be elected by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting. Withheld votes have the effect of voting against the director nominee. Shares not represented at the annual meeting will have no effect on the election of directors. Brokers are
not entitled to vote on director elections and thus broker
non-votes
are not treated as votes cast and will have no effect on the election of directors.
The matter described in Proposal 2Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors is required to be approved by the
affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions and shares not represented at the meeting will not be counted for purposes of determining whether such matter has been approved.
Brokers may vote in their discretion on this proposal on behalf of clients who have not furnished voting instructions. As a result, broker
non-votes
will not arise in connection with, and will have no effect
on, this proposal.
With respect to Proposal 3 Advisory,
Non-Binding
Vote on
Executive Compensation, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on this matter is required for approval of the compensation of our named executive officers. Voting for Proposal 3 is
being conducted on an advisory basis and, therefore, the voting results will not be binding on the Company, the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee. Abstentions, broker
non-votes
and shares not
otherwise represented at the meeting will have no effect on the outcome of such matter.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends
that you vote FOR the election of all ten directors nominated and recommended by the Board of Directors, FOR the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditors and FOR the resolution approving the compensation of our named executive
officers.
Failure to Provide Specific Voting Instructions
If you are a shareholder of record and you properly sign, date and return a proxy card, but do not indicate how you wish to vote with respect
to a particular nominee or proposal, then your shares will be voted FOR the ten directors nominated and recommended by the Board of Directors, FOR the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditors and FOR the resolution approving the
compensation of our named executive officers.
3
Shareholder List
A list of shareholders registered with our stock transfer company entitled to vote at the annual meeting, which will show each
shareholders address and the number of shares registered in his, her or its name, will be open to any shareholder to examine for any purpose related to the annual meeting. Any shareholder may examine this list at our principal office, 400 Pine
Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 during ordinary business hours commencing April 13, 2018, and continuing through the date of the annual meeting.
SOLICITATION AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Solicitation
We will bear the expense to
solicit proxies, which will include reimbursement of expenses incurred by brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials regarding the annual meeting to beneficial owners. Our officers and directors
may further solicit proxies from shareholders and other persons by telephone, electronic communication or other means. We will not pay these officers and directors any extra compensation for participating in this solicitation. We may engage
Georgeson, Inc. to assist us with the solicitation of proxies and, if so, would expect to pay that firm approximately $20,000 for their services, plus
out-of-pocket
expenses.
Proxies and Revocation
Each executed and returned proxy card will be voted according to the directions indicated on that proxy card. If no direction is indicated, the
proxy will be voted according to the Board of Directors recommendations, which are contained in this proxy statement. The Board of Directors does not intend to present, and has no information that others will present, any business at the
annual meeting that requires a vote on any other matter. If any other matter requiring a vote properly comes before the annual meeting, the proxies will be voted in the discretion of the proxyholders in accordance with the terms of the proxy.
Each shareholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before the annual meeting is called to order. This revocation is
effective upon receipt, at any time before the annual meeting is called to order, by our corporate secretary of either (1) an instrument revoking the proxy or (2) a duly executed proxy bearing a later date than the preceding
proxy.
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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
General
While our amended and restated bylaws fix the number of directors at a number not less than seven nor more than fifteen, the Board of
Directors has fixed the number of directors at ten for 2018, effective as of the date of our annual meeting. Although we do not contemplate that any of the nominees will be unable to serve, if such a situation arises before the annual meeting, the
proxies will be voted to elect any substitute nominee or nominees designated by the Board of Directors. At the annual meeting, ten directors are to be elected, each for a term of one year and until their respective successors have been duly elected
and qualified.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Director
The Board of Directors, acting through the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and pursuant to the Board of Directors
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Charter, is responsible for identifying and evaluating candidates for Board of Directors membership. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for recommending nominees who have the
experience, qualifications, attributes and skills appropriate to function collaboratively and effectively as the Board of Directors for the Company. The Board of Directors and the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee believe that the Board of
Directors as a whole and its members individually should possess a combination of skills, professional experience, and diversity of backgrounds and view points necessary to oversee our Companys current and future needs. The attributes that the
Board of Directors and every director should possess are in the director nomination criteria set forth in our corporate governance guidelines. These criteria include:
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at least a majority of the Board of Directors must be composed of independent directors;
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candidates should be capable of working in a collegial manner with persons of diverse educational, business and cultural backgrounds and should possess skills and expertise that complements the attributes of the
existing directors;
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candidates should represent a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, experiences and other demographics;
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candidates should demonstrate notable or significant achievement and possess senior-level business, management or regulatory experience that would benefit our Company;
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candidates should have familiarity with and experience in the commercial banking industry;
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candidates shall be individuals of highest character and integrity;
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candidates shall be free of conflicts of interest that would interfere with their ability to discharge their duties or that would violate any applicable laws or regulations;
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candidates shall be capable of devoting the necessary time to discharge their duties, taking into account memberships on other boards and other responsibilities; and
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candidates shall have a desire to represent the interests of all shareholders.
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The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors may, from time to time,
establish and consider other specific skills and experience that they believe our Company should seek in order to constitute a diverse, balanced, collaborative and effective Board of Directors. For an incumbent director, the Nominating/Corporate
Governance Committee and the Board of Directors also consider past performance of such director on our Board of Directors. See The Nominees below for the qualifications of each nominee for election at the annual meeting.
The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee regularly reviews the composition of the Board of Directors in light of our Companys
business and structure; the changing needs of our Company as a result the business environment; our operations, financial conditions and complexity; its assessment of the Board of Directors performance; and input from shareholders and other
key constituencies. As part of this review, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee evaluates the effectiveness of the Board of Directors director nomination standards.
The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee will, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Directors and in accordance with its
charter, consider candidates proposed or suggested by members of the Board of Directors, management, third party search firms retained by the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and shareholders. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
follows the same process and uses the same criteria for evaluating candidates whether they are proposed by members of the Board of Directors, management, third party search firms or shareholders. Any shareholder wishing to recommend a candidate to
be considered by the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee for nomination at an annual meeting of shareholders should review the procedure outlined under Committees of the Board of DirectorsNominating/Corporate Governance
Committee beginning on page 31 of this proxy statement.
Changes in Composition of the Board of Directors
Mr. Steven L. Beal has chosen to not stand for reelection to the Board of Directors. All current directors, except Mr. Beal, are
being nominated for reelection.
Nominees
Based upon recommendations of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has nominated the individuals below, for
election to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting to serve a
one-year
term and until their respective successors have duly elected and qualified.
In light of our Companys business and structure, the business environment and the Companys long-term strategy, the Board of
Directors, upon recommendation of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee,
selected a slate of nominees whose experience, qualification, attributes and skills in leadership; commercial and investment banking and financial advisor
services; finance and accounting; risk management; operations management; strategic planning; business development; regulatory and government affairs; and corporate governance and public policy, led the Board of Directors to conclude that these
persons should serve as our directors at this time.
Pursuant to Nasdaq rules, a majority of the Board of Directors must be comprised of
independent directors. The Board of Directors has determined that each director nominated, except Mr. Dueser, is independent under applicable Nasdaq rules.
The names and principal occupations of our current directors and nominees, together with the length of service as a director and the number of
our common shares beneficially owned by each of them on March 1, 2018, are set forth in the following tables. Except as otherwise indicated, the named beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power with respect to shares held by him or
her. The address for each individual is 400 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.
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Name
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Age
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Years as
Director
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Principal Occupation
During Last Five Years
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Shares Beneficially
Owned
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Percent
of Shares
Outstanding (1)
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April Anthony
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50
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3
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CEO, Encompass Home Health and Hospice and Homecare Homebase
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12,456 (2)(13)
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*
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Stephen L. Beal+
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59
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Director and Former President and Chief Operating Officer of Concho Resources, Inc.
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1,465 (13)
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*
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Tucker S. Bridwell
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66
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11
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President, Mansefeldt Investment Corporation
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222,058 (3)(13)
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*
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David Copeland
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62
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20
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President, SIPCO and Shelton Family Foundation, a private charitable foundation
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266,373 (4)(13)
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*
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F. Scott Dueser
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64
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See Executive Officers on page 12
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989,231 (5)(6)(7)(8)
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1.46%
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Murray Edwards
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66
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12
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Principal, The Edwards Group
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176,617 (9)(13)
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*
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Ron Giddiens
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70
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9
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Investments/Business Consulting; Former bank president
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16,918 (10)(13)
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*
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Tim Lancaster
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64
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5
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President and CEO, Hendrick Health System
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11,336(13)
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Kade L. Matthews
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60
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20
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Ranching and Investments
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853,816 (11)(13)
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1.26%
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Ross H. Smith, Jr.
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70
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4
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Chairman and President, Akrotex Inc.
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23,938 (13)
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*
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Johnny E. Trotter
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66
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15
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President & CEO, Livestock Investors, Ltd.
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423,712 (12)(13)
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*
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Shares beneficially owned by all executive officers and directors**
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4.77%
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**
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See Executive Officers on page 14
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Mr. Beal has chosen not to stand for
re-election
to the Board of Directors and will cease to be a director following the annual meeting
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(1)
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Based on 67,574,990 common shares outstanding as of March 1, 2018.
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(2)
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Includes 3,518 shares that are owned by a trust for the benefit of Ms. Anthonys spouse and 6,000 shares held by a trust of which Ms. Anthony is the beneficiary.
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(3)
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Includes 168,354 shares that are owned by a private foundation for which Mr. Bridwell serves as president to which he disclaims beneficial ownership, 5,000 shares that are owned by a company that Mr. Bridwell
is sole stockholder and sole director and 1,766 shares held by his spouse.
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(4)
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Includes 232,994 shares that are owned by trusts for which Mr. Copeland serves as trustee or
co-trustee
to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
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(5)
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Includes 278,002 shares that are owned by a partnership for which Mr. Dueser serves as manager to which he disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to 208,502 shares, 389,143 shares held by several trusts of
which Mr. Dueser is the trustee, settlor and beneficiary and 224,155 shares owned by a limited liability company of which Mr. Dueser is the manager.
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(6)
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Includes 97,930 shares indirectly owned as of March 1, 2018 through the employee stock ownership plan portion of the profit sharing plan which each participant has sole voting powers.
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(7)
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Includes 7,476 unvested shares owned as of March 1, 2018 through our Restricted Stock Plan which each participant has sole voting powers.
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(8)
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Includes 19,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days as of March 1, 2018.
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(9)
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Includes 4,400 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Edwards spouse, 56,577 shares held by a limited partnership of which Mr. Edwards is the general partner and of which Mr. Edwards and his spouse
are the limited partners, 14,572 shares held by a trust of which Mr. Edwards is the beneficiary and 9,740 shares that are owned by a trust in which Mr. Edwards serves as trustee and administrator to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
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(10)
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Includes 3,102 shares held by Mr. Giddiens spouse.
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(11)
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Includes 280,000 shares that are owned by a private foundation for which Mr. Matthews serves as president and director to which he disclaims beneficial ownership and 276,238 shares owned by the estate of
Mr. Matthews mother in which Mr. Matthews is the
co-executor.
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(12)
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Includes 34,000 shares held by Mr. Trotters spouse.
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(13)
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Includes 1,465 for each director, other than Mr. Dueser, owned as of March 1, 2018 through our 2015 Restricted Stock Plan which each participant has sole voting powers.
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Each nominees biography and the specific experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills
of each nominee are described below.
April Anthony
, Dallas, Texas, has served as a director of the Company since 2014. She serves
on the Audit Committee and is designated as a financial expert. She is also a director of First Financial Bank, N.A., Abilene (the Bank), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and of First Technology Services, Inc. (the
Technology Company), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. She is chief executive officer of Encompass Home Health and Hospice, which she founded in 1998, and Homecare Homebase. Encompass Home Health and Hospice was named as one of the
fastest growing companies in America and boasts national leading scores in clinical quality outcomes and patient satisfaction. It provides home care and hospice services to over 40,000 patients per day through a network of over 240 offices in 29
states. Homecare Homebase provides leading homecare software technology to over 175 homecare providers across the United States, representing 25% of homecare and hospice services in the nation. She is a graduate of Abilene Christian University and
is a certified public accountant. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Abilene Christian University, serving for 16 years and currently serves as chairman. She was named Outstanding Alumnus in February 2018. She is also the founder and a
director of Encompass Cares Foundation, a nonprofit foundation formed to support domestic and international medical mission efforts and over the past five years has provided over $2 million in mission grants. Her experience and qualifications
provide sound leadership to the board of Directors. In addition, as a certified public accountant, Ms. Anthony brings strong accounting, management, strategic planning, technology and financial skills important to the oversight of our financial
reporting, enterprise and operational risk management.
Tucker S. Bridwell
, Abilene, Texas, has served as a director of the Company
since 2007. He serves as lead director, chairman of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and also on the Executive Committee. He is also a director of the Bank serving on the directors loan committee and serves as an advisory director
of the Banks Abilene region. He has been president of Mansefeldt Investment Corporation, a privately owned investment company, and the Dian Graves Owen Foundation, a private charitable foundation, since September 1997 and manages investments
for both entities. Mr. Bridwell is also a director of Concho Resources Inc., serving on its reserves committee. Mr. Bridwell was a director of Halcon Resources from 2012 until 2016 and Petrohawk Energy Corporation from 2004 until 2010. He
was selected as Abilenes Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2010. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and is a certified public accountant. Mr. Bridwells service as a director to public companies adds administration
and operational management experience, as well as corporate governance expertise to the Board of Directors. His experience and qualifications provide sound leadership to the Board of Directors. In addition, as a certified public accountant,
Mr. Bridwell brings strong accounting, oil and gas expertise, investment, lending and financial skills important to the oversight of our financial reporting, enterprise and operational risk management.
David Copeland
, Abilene, Texas, has served as director of the Company since 1998. He serves as chairman of the Audit Committee and also
is a member of the Executive and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees. He is designated as a financial expert for our Audit Committee. He also is a director of the Bank serving on the asset liability management committee and of
First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, N.A. (the Trust Company), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. He also serves as an advisory director of the Banks Abilene region. He is president of the Shelton
Family Foundation, a private charitable foundation, and SIPCO, Inc., the management and investment company for the Andrew B. Shelton family. He also serves as a director, compensation committee chairman and on the audit committee of Harte-Hanks,
Inc., a publicly traded targeted marketing company. He is a graduate of Abilene Christian University and is a certified public accountant and chartered financial analyst. Mr. Copelands service as a director to public companies adds
administration and operational management experiences, as well as corporate governance expertise to the Board of Directors. His experience and qualifications provide sound leadership to the Board of Directors. In addition, as a certified public
accountant and chartered financial analyst, Mr. Copeland brings strong investment, accounting and financial skills important to the oversight of our financial reporting, enterprise and operational risk management.
F. Scott Dueser
, Abilene, Texas, has served as a director of the Company since 1991. He serves as chairman of the Executive Committee.
He also is a director of the Bank serving on the asset liability management committee, of the Trust Company and of First Technology Services, Inc., (the Technology Company), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. He is Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and President of the Company. He became Chairman in 2008 and became CEO/President in 2001. Prior to his role at the Company, he was CEO/President of the Bank from 1991 to 2001 and assumed these roles again as well as Chairman of
the Board effective December 30, 2012. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University with finance and accounting degrees and served on the Board
8
of Regents of Texas Tech University from 2005 to 2009, the last two years as Chairman. He currently serves on the boards of Breck Operating, Inc., Brazos LLP, Salt Fork, Ltd., Petco Ltd. and
States Royalty LLP, which are privately held oil and gas companies. He was selected as Abilenes Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2009. Mr. Dueser adds financial services experience, especially lending, oil and gas expertise and asset
liability management to the Board of Directors, as well as a deep understanding of the Companys business and operations. Mr. Dueser also brings risk and operations management and strategic planning expertise to the Board of Directors,
skills that are important as we continue to implement our business strategy and acquire and integrate growth opportunities.
Murray
Edwards
, Clyde, Texas, has served as director of the Company since 2006. He serves on the Audit, Executive and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees. He also is a director of the Bank serving as chairman of the directors loan
committee and serves as an advisory director of the Banks Abilene and Fort Worth regions. He is principal of The Edwards Group, a privately owned investment company, and has an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and a masters
of business administration from Harvard Business School. He has successfully owned and managed a number of businesses including Automated Farm Systems, Alderman-Cave Feeds, Abilene Cattle Feeders, Cape & Son, Bluebonnet Feeds and Innovation
Event Management. He was the largest shareholder and a director of Peoples State Bank, Clyde, Texas, prior to it being acquired by the Company. Mr. Edwards has significant risk management, merger and acquisitions and strategic planning skills.
In addition, he brings strong agriculture, accounting, lending and financial skills important to the oversight of our financial reporting, enterprise and operational risk management.
Ron Giddiens
, San Angelo, Texas, has served as a director of the Company since 2009. He serves on the Audit Committee. He also is a
director of the Bank serving on the directors loan committee and asset liability management committee and of the Technology Company and serves as an advisory director of the Banks San Angelo region. He is a former president of Bank of
the West in San Angelo prior to its sale to Boatmans Bank and Bank of America. He currently provides business, acquisition and valuations consulting through his company, D & G Consulting. He is a graduate of Baylor University and the
Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Mr. Giddiens adds significant financial services industry expertise relevant to our community banking, wealth management, and commercial lending businesses. His
leadership experience with a large financial services company is important to the oversight of our multi-region business model.
Tim
Lancaster,
Abilene, Texas, has served as a director of the Company since 2013. He serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees. He also is a director of the Bank and serves as an advisory director of the Banks Abilene region. He is
President and CEO of Hendrick Health Systems, a 525 bed regional hospital based in Abilene, Texas, having served in this capacity since 2004. From 1998 to 2004, he was CEO of Brownwood Regional Medical Center, Brownwood, Texas. He has a bachelor of
finance degree from Texas Tech University and a masters in health care administration from Texas Womens University. He is past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Texas Hospital Association and was honored in February 2018 with the Earl M.
Collier Award for Distinguished Health Care Administration in Texas. He has served on numerous healthcare related boards on a national and state level. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents of Texas Tech University.
Mr. Lancaster adds significant operational, risk management, strategic planning and administrative experiences, as well as corporate governance expertise that is important to the Company. His leadership as the chief executive of a large
hospital system brings strong accounting, management skills and medical industry expertise to the oversight of the financial reporting and operational risk management. Mr. Lancaster had ten years in the banking industry prior to going into
hospital administration.
Kade L. Matthews
, Clarendon, Texas, has served as a director of the Company since 1998. He serves on the
Compensation Committee. He also is a director of the Bank and serves as an advisory director of the Banks Hereford region. He is President of the Legett Foundation, a private charitable foundation in Texas, as well as a trustee of Texas
Christian University, where he is a graduate. He also is on the board of visitors of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, president of the Dodge Jones Foundation, a private charitable foundation in Abilene, president of Kickapoo Springs
Foundation, a private charitable foundation in Abilene, and a former member of the Amarillo Area Foundation. Mr. Matthews is also a former regent of Clarendon College and former president of the Clarendon College Foundation. He is a rancher and
manages investments. Mr. Matthews provides excellent agriculture and wealth management experience, local knowledge of economic trends in the communities that we serve as well as compensation and benefits experience and corporate governance
experience garnered through his leadership position and board service with other entities.
9
Ross H. Smith, Jr.,
Orange, Texas, has served as a director of the Company since 2014. He
serves on the Compensation Committee. He also is a director of the Bank serving on the Directors Loan Committee and serves as an advisory director of the Banks Southeast Texas region. He served as a director of Orange Savings Bank, SSB
from 2008 to 2013, prior to the Company acquiring Orange Savings Bank, SSB in May 2013. He is chairman and president of Akrotex Inc., Orange, Texas, a service company for the petrochemical/plastics industry. He also is chairman of the board and
president of Sabine River Ford, Inc., Orange, Texas and Volkswagen of Lake Charles, Louisiana. He serves on the board of directors of the Foundation of South East Texas, a three county community charitable foundation and also on the board of
directors of the Foundation for Lamar State College, Orange, Texas. He has received several community builder and leadership awards and in 2010, was named Citizen of the Year for the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Smith brings a
wealth of experience and leadership in business to the Board.
Johnny E. Trotter,
Hereford, Texas, has served as a director of the
Company since 2003. He serves on the Executive, Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees. He also is a director of the Bank and serves as an advisory director of the Banks Hereford region. He is president of Livestock
Investors, Ltd., one of the largest cattle feeders in the United States as well as an officer in Deaf Smith Enterprises LLC, a privately owned real estate company. He also is president of Whiteface Ford dealership in Hereford, Texas, and owns and
manages ranches/farms in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Mississippi. He also is a director of First United Bank, Dimmitt, Texas, an unaffiliated bank. He is also a director and became president of the American Quarter Horse Association in March
2014 and is active in numerous other cattle/horse associations and philanthropic/community involvement. Beginning in 2016, he serves on the Donald Trump Agriculture Advisory Committee. He was named 2004 Citizen of the Year in Hereford/Deaf County,
Texas. He was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in January 2015, was awarded an honorary doctorate from West Texas A&M University in December 2015 and will receive the Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award at the National
Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in April 2017. Mr. Trotter brings key leadership, risk management, operations, strategic planning and auto industry/agricultural expertise that assist the Board of Directors
in overseeing the Companys operations in a challenging economy.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
VOTE
FOR
THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THESE NOMINEES.
10
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Audit Committee of your Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our independent auditors for the year
ending December 31, 2018 and to serve until the next annual meeting in April 2019. Ernst & Young LLP has served as the Companys independent auditors since 2002. We have been advised by Ernst & Young LLP that neither its
firm nor any of its members has any financial interest, direct or indirect, in us, nor has had any connection with us or any of our subsidiaries in any capacity other than independent auditors. The Board of Directors recommends that you vote for the
ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP. Shareholder ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors is not required by our certificate of formation, bylaws or otherwise. Nevertheless, your
Board of Directors is submitting this matter to the shareholders in conformance with the practices of good corporate governance. If the shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, then the appointment of independent
auditors will be reconsidered by our Audit Committee. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent audit firm at any time during the year if it is determined that
such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the annual shareholders meeting, and they may have the opportunity to make a statement, if
they desire to do so, and to respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
FOR
THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2018.
11
PROPOSAL 3
ADVISORY,
NON-BINDING
VOTE ON COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules adopted under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the
Dodd-Frank Act), we are conducting a shareholder advisory vote on the compensation paid to our named executive officers. Although the vote is advisory and is not binding on the Board of Directors, the Company or the Compensation
Committee, the Boards Compensation Committee will take into account, among other criteria, the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation decisions.
This proposal, commonly referred to as a
say-on-pay
proposal, gives our shareholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of our named executive officers and the executive
compensation philosophy, policies and programs described in this proxy statement. We ask that you support the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed under the heading Executive Compensation, including the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and the accompanying compensation tables and related narrative disclosure.
As
described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, we seek to provide a compensation package that attracts and retains executive talent, provides rewards for superior performance and produces consequences for underperformance. We believe
that our compensation program strikes the appropriate balance between utilizing responsible, measured pay practices and effectively incentivizing our named executive officers to dedicate themselves fully to value creation for our shareholders.
You are encouraged to read the detailed information under Executive Compensation beginning on page 14 of this proxy statement for
additional details about our executive compensation programs. We believe shareholders should consider the following in determining whether to approve this proposal:
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Each member of our Compensation Committee is independent under the applicable standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market;
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The Compensation Committee continually monitors our performance and adjusts compensation practices accordingly; and
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In 2016, the Compensation Committee established a compensation recoupment provision to all future award agreements made pursuant to the 2012 Incentive Stock Option Plan and the 2015 Restricted Stock Plan beginning in
October 2016.
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Shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation currently take place on an annual basis.
The Board of Directors strongly endorses the Companys executive compensation program and recommends that shareholders vote in favor of
the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the shareholders of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. hereby approve on an advisory basis, the
compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation
S-K
in the Companys Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis compensation tables and narrative discussion.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
YOU VOTE
FOR
THE APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION RELATED TO COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANYS NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
12
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth in the following table are our named executive officers of our common shares beneficially owned by each of them as of March 1,
2018. Except as otherwise indicated, the named executive officer has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares he holds. The address for each individual is 400 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.
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Name
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Age
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Office
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Years
Served
in Such
Office
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Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
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Shares Beneficially
Owned
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Percent of
Shares
Outstanding
(1)
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F. Scott Dueser
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64
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Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
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17
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Bank, N.A., Abilene*
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989,231 (2)(3)(4)(5)
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1.46%
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Ronald D. Butler, II
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57
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Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
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6
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Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Abilene Region of First Financial Bank, N.A., Abilene*
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65,603 (3)(4)(5)
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*
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Gary S. Gragg
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58
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Executive Vice President
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12
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Executive Vice President of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
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55,987 (3)(4)(5)
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*
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J. Bruce Hildebrand, CPA
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62
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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15
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
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51,958 (3)(4)(5)
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*
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Kirk W. Thaxton
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57
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, N.A.
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11
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, N.A.
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38,586 (3)(4)(5)
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*
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(1)
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Based on 67,574,990 common shares outstanding as of March 1, 2018.
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(2)
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Includes 278,002 shares that are owned by a partnership for which Mr. Dueser serves as manager to which he disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to 208,502 shares, 389,143 shares held by several trusts of
which Mr. Dueser is the trustee, settlor and beneficiary and 224,155 shares owned by a limited liability company of which Mr. Dueser is the manager.
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(3)
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Includes shares indirectly owned as of March 1, 2018 through our employee stock ownership plan portion of the profit sharing plan, which each participant has sole voting power, as follows: Mr. Dueser
97,930, Mr. Butler 18,796, Mr. Gragg 12,070, Mr. Hildebrand 5,520 and Mr. Thaxton 15,387.
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(4)
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Includes unvested shares owned as of March 1, 2018 through our Restricted Stock Plan which each participant has sole voting powers, as follows: Mr. Dueser 7,476, Mr. Butler 3,738,
Mr. Gragg 3,738, Mr. Hildebrand 3,738 and Mr. Thaxton 3,738.
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(5)
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Includes 19,000, 21,000, 21,000, 15,000 and 23,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2018 for Messrs. Dueser, Butler,
Gragg, Hildebrand and Thaxton, respectively.
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13
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Objectives/Philosophy
The Compensation Committees philosophy is to provide a compensation package that attracts and retains executive talent, provides rewards
for superior performance and produces consequences for underperformance. It is also the Compensation Committees practice to provide a balanced mix of cash and equity-based compensation that the committee believes appropriate to mitigate risk
and align the short and long-term interests of the Companys executives with that of its shareholders and to encourage executives to participate and perform as equity owners of the Company.
We believe that to attract and retain the quality of executive talent necessary to achieve our long-term strategic business goals, we must
offer a competitive compensation package to our executives. The Compensation Committee seeks to attract executive talent by offering competitive base salaries, annual performance incentive opportunities, and long-term awards under the Companys
long-term incentive programs (including profit sharing, restricted stock and incentive stock option plans). When considering pay decisions for our named executive officers, we target the median of the market for total compensation. While applying no
specific formula or weighting of each factor, we also consider the executives scope of responsibilities, skills and experience, overall Company performance and the Board of Directors evaluation of the executives individual
performance. Based on our business strategy and the results we expect from our executives, we attempt to blend their compensation pay between short and long-term pay as well as the mix of cash and equity compensation. We believe the design of our
compensation programs and the amounts paid have been and continue to be appropriate and reasonable. We continually review our programs to ensure they are aligned with our business objectives and shareholder interests.
The Compensation Committee measures the Companys senior management compensation levels with comparable compensation levels in industry
benchmark studies and peer group data. We use survey data to benchmark our executive positions to those at other banking institutions with total asset size similar to ours. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Compensation Committee engaged
Longnecker & Associates to conduct an independent third party executive compensation review and provide analyses, conclusions and recommended considerations for the key executives of the Company. The review included an analysis of the total
direct compensation (base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives, deferred compensation and perquisites) plus an assessment of the competitiveness of the Companys incentive compensation, based on asset size, geography, and operations,
as compared to a peer group of companies and published survey data from similarly sized companies in the banking industry. The peer group companies considered by the Compensation Committee are:
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Bancorp South, Inc.
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International Bancshares Corporation
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Bank of the Ozarks, Inc.
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Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.
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BancFirst Corporation
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Renasant Corporation
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Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
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Simmons First National Corporation
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Hancock Holding Company
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Southside Bancshares, Inc.
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Home Bankshares, Inc.
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Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.
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IberiaBank Corporation
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It is the Compensation Committees practice to provide incentives that promote both the short and
long-term financial objectives of the Company. To motivate our executives to achieve our strategic business goals, we offer the opportunity to earn the targeted level of pay through incentive compensation that correlates to the Companys short
and long-term performance. These incentives are based on financial and investment metrics underlying Company performance, including earnings growth, return on assets, net interest margin, credit quality and efficiency ratio. Annual bonuses reward
achievement of short-term objectives based on the Companys operational business plan that are established to encourage our executives to make decisions currently that promote shareholder value. Long-term incentive programs encourage executives
to focus on the Companys long-term strategic goals which are catalysts to drive shareholder value, while accomplishing a high retention of our executives. Our compensation program also accounts for individual performance, which enables the
Compensation Committee to differentiate among executives and emphasize the link between personal performance and compensation.
14
Risk Assessment of Compensation Policies and Practices
In connection with the Compensation Committees evaluation and review of the Companys compensation policies and practices for its
officers and employees, as such policies and practices relate to risk management practices and risk-taking incentives, the Compensation Committee has determined that its compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
Elements of Compensation
The following is a summary of the elements of compensation provided to our Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management.
Further details and disclosures of each of these elements can be found in the tabular disclosures that follow.
Base Salary.
Base
salaries paid to our executives competitively compensate them for the experience and skills needed to perform their current roles, as well as reward their prior individual performance. We seek to provide our senior management with a level of assured
cash compensation in the form of base salary that reflects their professional status, accomplishments and experience and aligns base salaries near the 75
th
market percentile for those incumbents
who are seen as value creators and who are seasoned in their position. The Compensation Committee also retains the flexibility to increase the base salaries for certain executives beyond the 75
th
market percentile based on superior individual and/or company performance. The Compensation Committee met in January 2018 and approved base salaries for 2018 for the named executives as follows: Mr. Dueser$935,000, Mr. Butler$450,000,
Mr. Gragg$375,000, Mr. Hildebrand$500,000 and Mr. Thaxton$370,000.
Bonus.
We offer a bonus plan that
provides senior management with an opportunity to receive a cash bonus based on a sliding scale upon accomplishment of
pre-determined
performance goals. Mr. Duesers and Mr. Hildebrands
goals for 2017 were based on earnings growth, return on average assets, return on average equity and efficiency ratio for the Company. Mr. Graggs goals for 2017 were based on earnings growth, return on average assets and credit quality
for the Company. Mr. Butlers bonus for 2017 included the same goals of Mr. Dueser and Mr. Hildebrand for the Company and earnings growth, return on average assets, efficiency ratio, service charge income growth and net interest
margin for the Abilene region of the Bank, for which he serves as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Thaxtons bonus for 2017 included earnings growth, revenue growth, assets managed growth and noninterest expense control for the Trust Company,
for which he serves as the Chief Executive Officer. For 2017, the maximum award for senior management of the Company was 40% of the executives base salary. In 2017, the metrics set for these named executive officers are those believed to be
generally controllable by the respective named executive officer and which the Compensation Committee believes would result in increased shareholder value if achieved. To achieve the maximum award, the Company earnings growth goal was set at 15.00%,
the return on average assets was set at 1.76%, the return on average equity was set at 15.00%, and the efficiency ratio was set at 47.00%. In addition, Mr. Graggs goals included credit quality metrics of net charge-offs equal to or less
than 0.08% and a
non-performing
asset ratio as a percentage of loans and foreclosed assets of 0.65% or less. The Abilene region metric goals for Mr. Butler to achieve the maximum award were an earnings
growth of 12.00%, a return on average assets of 1.90%, an efficiency ratio of 39.00%, a net interest margin of 4.00% and a service charge income growth to 25.00%. The Trust Company metric goals for Mr. Thaxton were an earnings growth goal of
11.00%, a revenue growth goal of 12.00%, an asset managed growth goal of 16.00% and a goal to increase noninterest expense no greater than 8.00%. Based on the achievement of the performance criteria, Mr. Dueser earned 10.00% of his base salary,
Mr. Hildebrand earned 10.00% of his base salary, Mr. Butler earned 12.38% of his base salary, Mr. Gragg earned 15.33% of his base salary and Mr. Thaxton earned 34.67% of his base salary. Regional bank presidents are also included
in this bonus program, and their goals are structured to specific situations of their respective regional bank. While the performance goals drive the bonus plan and executive awards, the Compensation Committee retains discretion to adjust payouts of
the awards based on the performance of the Company, including audit, compliance and asset quality issues, and the individual officer performance, as deemed appropriate. The Compensation Committee met in January 2018 to establish the specific goals
for the named executives 2018 bonus. Such 2018 goals were based on similar criteria as 2017.
15
Stock Options.
We presently offer stock options under the 2012 Incentive Stock Option Plan
(Incentive Stock Option Plan) approved by shareholders in 2012. The purpose of our Incentive Stock Option Plan is to attract and retain key officers and to encourage performance by providing a proprietary interest in our Company through
the granting of stock options. We believe that stock options are an appropriate long term incentive to link executives performance with stock price appreciation. We continue to review this program with each grant to ensure that this form of
equity compensation will drive our executives toward successful long-term business results. Grants made under the Incentive Stock Option Plan typically vest 20% annually, commencing on the second anniversary of the grant and expire 10 years from the
grant date. Unvested options granted under the Incentive Stock Option Plan vest immediately upon the occurrence of a change of control event and upon retirement following the attainment of age 65, as defined in the Incentive Stock Option Plan.
Unexercised options granted under the Incentive Stock Option Plan expire should the officer be terminated with cause, as defined in the Incentive Stock Option Plan.
Incentive stock options granted under the Incentive Stock Option Plan may be exercised solely by the grantee, or in the case of the
grantees death or incapacity, by the grantees executors, administrators, guardians or other legal representatives and are not assignable or transferable by a grantee. An optionee who is granted an incentive stock option (as defined in
the Code) will not recognize taxable income either at the time the option is granted or at the time it is exercised, although exercise of the option may subject the optionee to the alternative minimum tax. The Company will not be allowed a deduction
for federal income tax purposes as a result of the exercise of an incentive stock option regardless of the applicability of the alternative minimum tax. Upon the sale of exchange of the shares at least two years after grant of the option and one
year after exercise of the option, any gain will be treated as long-term capital gain. If these holding periods are not satisfied at the time of the sale, the optionee will recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the exercise price
and the lower of (i) the fair market value of the stock at the date of the option exercise or (ii) the sale price of the stock, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction in the same amount. Different rules may apply upon a premature
disposition by an optionee who is an officer, director or 10% shareholder of the Company. Any additional gain or loss recognized on such a premature disposition of the shares will be characterized as capital gain or loss. If the Company grants an
incentive stock option and as a result of the grant the optionee has the right in any calendar year to exercise for the first time one or more incentive stock options for shares having an aggregate fair market value (under all plans of the Company
and determined for each share as of the date the option to purchase the share was granted) in excess of $100,000, then the excess shares must be treated as
non-statutory
options.
We encourage the grantee not to dispose of the shares obtained through exercise of the options but rather to keep and build an equity interest
in the Company. Incentive stock options further encourage our executives to exercise their options and hold the resulting shares by giving them the opportunity for favorable tax treatment for the exercise gain if certain holding requirements are
met.
Generally, the Compensation Committee, based in part on discussions with the Companys Chief Executive Officer, grants options
every two years, subject to the Board of Directors approval. In June 2017 and October 2015, the Company granted key employees, including the named executive officers disclosed herein, an aggregate of 452,000 and 455,000 stock options,
respectively. No options were granted in 2016. Allocation of options is based on competitive market considerations, past and expected performance of the executive, fairness, affordability and retention considerations. Grantees are required to sign
confidentiality,
non-solicitation
and
non-competition
agreements in connection with receipt of the option grants to preclude actions detrimental to the Company.
Administration of the Incentive Stock Option Plan is delegated to an executive officer of the Company.
The Compensation Committee does
not grant options during any
black-out
period under our insider trading policy. We do not release material,
non-public
information for the purpose of affecting the value
of executive compensation, nor do we grant options to executives in coordination with the release of material,
non-public
information. All awards of the Companys common stock under our Incentive Stock
Option Plan are made at the market price on the day of the award.
Moreover, under our insider trading policy, executive officers,
directors and immediate family members of the Company may not buy or sell our stock during a trading period beginning fifteen days before the end of a fiscal quarter until three business days following the release of quarterly earnings information.
Trading by directors and executive officers of the Company is also prohibited during designated periods when they possess material,
non-public
information about us.
16
Beginning with stock options granted in 2017, the Compensation Committee established compensation
recoupment, or clawback provisions, in all stock option award agreements. Pursuant to the clawback provisions, a grantee may, based on the decision of the Board of Directors, forfeit the right to receive and/or retain the incentive compensation
awarded if during the grantees employment or thereafter, a determination is made by the Board of Directors that the grantee has breached his or her duties to the Company, including, by way of example, a breach of the Companys Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics Policy, engaged in serious misconduct, improper dissemination of Company confidential information or has disparaged the Company or others.
Restricted Stock.
On April 28, 2015, the 2015 Restricted Stock Plan, as amended (Restricted Stock Plan), for selected
employees, officers,
non-employee
directors and consultants was approved by shareholders. On April 25, 2017, April 26, 2016 and July 20, 2015, each
non-employee
director received 1,465, 766 and 707 restricted common shares of the Company (see Director Compensation on page 28), respectively. These
non-employee
director grants vest over the one year period from the grant date to the next annual shareholder meeting. On October 24, 2017, October 25, 2016 and October 27, 2015, the Company
granted an aggregate of 14,191, 15,405 and 31,273 restricted common shares, respectively, of the Company to certain key officers, including the named executive officers disclosed herein. These restricted stock grants vest over one to three years.
On January 26, 2016, the Company amended the Restricted Stock Plan to clarify the definition of Change of Control
contained in the Restricted Stock Plan. The amendment deleted from the definition of Change of Control the ability of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors to determine in their sole discretion within one year after an event, that as a
result of such event this has been a Change of Control.
Beginning with restricted stock granted in October 2016, the Compensation
Committee approved including compensation recoupment, or clawback provisions, in all future award agreements. Pursuant to the clawback provision, a grantee may, based on the decision of the Board of Directors, forfeit the right to receive and/or
retain the incentive compensation awarded if during the grantees employment or thereafter, a determination is made by the Board of Directors that the grantee has breached his or her duties to the Company, including, by way of example, a breach
of the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy, engaged in serious misconduct, improper dissemination of Company confidential information or has disparaged the Company or others.
Pension Plan.
The defined benefit pension plan requires annual contributions sufficient to provide the pension benefits accruing to
employees under the pension plan, as required by the Internal Revenue Services funding standards and the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The annual benefit for a participant in the pension plan who retires on his normal retirement date is the
accrued benefit (as defined in the pension plan) at December 31, l988, plus 1.25% of average compensation multiplied by years of service from January 1, 1989. Average compensation is defined as the average compensation during
the ten years immediately preceding the date of determination or actual employment, whichever is less. Compensation means the total amount paid to an employee during the year including bonuses, commissions, and overtime pay, but excluding reimbursed
expenses, group insurance benefits and pension and profit sharing contributions. There are provisions in the pension plan for early retirement with reduced benefits. Benefits do not vest until a participant has five or more years of credited service
or upon reaching age 65 without regard to credited service. Effective January 1, 2004, the pension plan was frozen and no additional benefits have accrued under the plan after such date. New hires to the Company are not eligible to participate
in the frozen pension plan.
The pension plan is subject to the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended. Senior management eligible under the pension plan receive the same benefits as all employees.
Profit Sharing
Plan.
All employees of the Company who satisfy the plans eligibility conditions participate in our profit sharing plan. Contributions are determined annually based on a formula that includes growth in net income and return on average
assets. Contributions under the profit sharing plan are reviewed by the Compensation Committee and are subject to their discretion and recommendation for approval by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee oversees the administration of
the profit sharing plan. Effective January 1, 2002, we added a 401(k) feature to our profit sharing plan that allows the participants to make
pre-tax
contributions to the plan. Effective January 1,
2004, the plan includes a safe harbor Company matching contribution equal to 100% of each participants contributions not exceeding 3% of the participants compensation, plus 50% of each participants deferral
contributions in excess of 3% but not in excess of 5% of the participants compensation.
17
Under the profit sharing plan, contributions by employees are not required as a condition of
participation. Each participating employers annual contribution is allocated among the accounts of the eligible plan participants, in the ratio that each participants compensation bears to the total compensation of all eligible
participants. Compensation is defined as the total amount paid to an employee during the year, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime pay, but excluding reimbursed expenses, group insurance benefits and pension and profit sharing
contributions. However, the Internal Revenue Service limits the compensation amount used to calculate a participants benefit to a maximum of $270,000 for 2017 (adjusted annually by the Internal Revenue Service). Additionally, the annual amount
(which is the aggregate of employer and employee contributions) that may be allocated to a participant is limited to $54,000 for 2017 (adjusted annually by the Internal Revenue Service).
Our profit sharing plan includes an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) feature whereby participants are given the option to
receive cash dividends on shares owned by them in the ESOP in cash or reinvest the dividends in additional shares. Each participant owns shares and is entitled to vote his or her shares in any shareholder vote.
The profit sharing plan provides for benefits to vest in graduated percentages, with benefits being fully vested after six years of credited
service except for amounts contributed to an employees account under the safe harbor provisions and shares resulting from the reinvestment of dividends in the ESOP which are immediately fully vested. Generally, an employees benefit will
be the contributions allocated to their account while a participant, increased by gains and decreased by losses from investments of the plan, and increased by any forfeitures allocated to their account. An employee is always fully vested with
respect to any voluntary contributions he makes. The plan also provides for immediate vesting upon attainment of normal retirement age and upon death or disability. If a participant terminates employment for any other reason, the total amount of
their employee contribution account and the vested portion of his employer contribution account become distributable.
Senior management
eligible for participation in the plan receive the same benefits as all employees. The maximum employer profit sharing contribution to the plan for an individual in a single year is 15% of the individuals salary, plus the safe harbor Company
match, subject to Internal Revenue Service limits.
Make Whole Plan.
The Company has a make whole program whereby
executives, whose Company contributions to the profit sharing plan and employer match under the 401(k) feature are limited due to Internal Revenue Service limitations, have contributions made to a
non-qualified
plan equal to the amount under qualified plans as if there were no Internal Revenue Service limitations. This
non-qualified
plan uses the same contribution
formula and vesting requirements as the 401(k) plan. This plan, which is reviewed annually, was implemented by the Compensation Committee to allow senior management whose compensation is in excess of Internal Revenue Service limits to have profit
sharing/401(k) matches in the same proportionate ratio as all employees.
Severance Benefits
. We believe that companies should
provide reasonable severance benefits to employees. With respect to senior management, these severance benefits should reflect the fact that it may be difficult for employees to find comparable employment within a short period of time. Our policy
for all employees provides that full-time employees who are discharged due to a restructuring or layoff are eligible to receive severance pay based on their years of service to the Company. The Company will provide one week of severance pay for each
year of employee service, up to a maximum of six months of salary, except that in all cases, severance pay will not be less than four weeks pay. In order to receive severance pay, an employee must sign a release of claims in favor of the
Company. Employees who do not sign the required release form will not receive severance pay.
Potential Payments Upon a Change in
Control and Executive Recognition Agreements.
In April 1996, our Board of Directors unanimously approved an executive recognition plan. This plan enabled us to offer our key executive officers and those of our subsidiaries an executive
recognition agreement. All of our named executive officers have entered into executive recognition agreements with us. The Company does not utilize employment agreements.
We believe our executive recognition agreements are conservative when compared to the competitive market. The agreements have been continually
renewed since we view them as necessary to ensure the continued focus of our executives on making the appropriate strategic decisions for the Company even if the decision involves a change in control.
18
Each executive recognition agreement provides severance benefits for each applicable executive
officer if, within two years following a change in control, the officers employment with us or our subsidiaries is terminated (i) by us (including any successor to us) or the subsidiary bank for any reason other than for cause (see
below), except for termination as a result of the officers death, disability or retirement; or (ii) by the executive officer for good reason (see below).
As used in the executive recognition agreements, a change in control is defined as one or more of the following:
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a person or entity directly or indirectly acquires securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the then outstanding shares
of the Company; or
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|
any person or entity commences a tender offer or exchange offer to acquire any common stock of the Company (or securities convertible into common stock) for cash, securities or any other consideration in which after
consummation of the offer, the person or entity directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership of shares of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the then
outstanding shares of the Company; or
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the shareholders of the Company approve a reorganization, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, exchange offer, purchase of assets or other transaction, in each case, with respect to which the persons who were the
beneficial owners of the Company immediately prior to such a transaction do not immediately after its completion, own more than 50% of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged,
recapitalized or resulting companys then outstanding shares; or
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the shareholders of the Company approve a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or
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the Company sells or otherwise transfers (or one or more of its subsidiaries, sell or otherwise transfer), in one or more related transactions, assets aggregating 50% or more of the book value of the assets of the
Company and its subsidiaries (taken as a whole).
|
As used in the executive recognition agreements, cause means
termination of an employee due to the:
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willful and continued failure by the employee to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from the employees physical or mental incapacity due to injury or illness)
after written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the employee by the Company; or
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willful engaging by the employee in conduct which is demonstrably injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise.
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As used in the executive recognition agreements, good reason means termination by an employee due to:
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a determination by the employee, made in good faith and based on the employees reasonable belief, that there has been a materially adverse change in his status or position as an executive officer of the Company as
in effect immediately prior to the change in control, including, without limitation, any material change in the employees status or position as a result of a diminution in the employees duties or responsibilities or the assignment to the
employee of any duties or responsibilities which are inconsistent with his status or position, or any removal of the employee from or failure to reappoint or reelect the employee to such position; or
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a material reduction by the Company in the employees annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the change in control; or
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the relocation of the employees principal office outside of the city or metropolitan area in which the employee is residing at the time of any change in control; or
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19
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a material reduction by the Company in the budget over which the employee retained authority immediately prior to a change of control; or
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the failure by the Company to continue in effect any benefit plan in which the employee participates at the time of a change in control other than as a result of the normal expiration of any such plan in accordance with
its terms as in effect at the time of the change in control; or
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any action or inaction by the Company following a change in control that constitutes a material breach of the agreement under which the employee provides services to the Company; or
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any purported termination of the employee not effected pursuant to a notice of termination as required by the executive recognition agreement; or
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the failure by the Company to provide and credit the employee with the number of paid vacation days to which the employee is then entitled in accordance with the Companys normal vacation policy as in effect
immediately prior to a change in control; or
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the failure by any successor corporation to the Company to assume the executive recognition agreement.
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Such severance benefits under the executive recognition agreements provide that the executive officer will receive a payment equal to a
certain percentage (as set forth in his executive recognition agreement) of his annual base salary immediately preceding the date of termination. The percentage of annual base salary to be received upon a change in control pursuant to his executive
recognition agreement is 208%. The total severance payment for the executive officer cannot, however, exceed the amount that would cause such payment to be deemed a parachute payment under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.
The executive recognition agreements expired on July 1, 2016 and were renewed effective August 26, 2016 with a term to expire
on July 1, 2018. However, if a change in control occurs during the original term of the executive recognition agreements, then the executive recognition agreements will continue in effect for an additional period of two years following the
change in control. Similarly, if a second change in control occurs within two years from the date of the first change in control, then the executive recognition agreements will continue in effect for a period of two years from the date of the second
change in control. The agreements include confidentiality obligations, but do not bind the executives to
non-competition,
non-disparagement
or
non-solicitation
clauses.
Provisions related to the reduction of payments pursuant to the agreement if
any of the payments provided for in the agreement would constitute a parachute payment (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 280G(b)(2)) were modified from prior executive recognition agreements. Under the new agreement, if
any payments or benefits to the employee would constitute a parachute payment and would be subject to excise tax, then a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the net benefit to the employee after payment of such excise tax to
(ii) the net benefit to the employee if payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the excise tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the payments be
reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the payment to the employee is subject to the excise tax.
Amounts
that would be paid under these agreements upon a change in control and a qualifying termination for good reason using base salary information as of December 31, 2017 for the named executive officers would be as follows:
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Name
|
|
Amount
|
|
F. Scott Dueser, President and CEO
|
|
$
|
1,768,000
|
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Ronald D. Butler, II, Executive Vice President & CAO
|
|
$
|
894,400
|
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Gary S. Gragg, Executive Vice President
|
|
$
|
748,800
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J. Bruce Hildebrand, Executive Vice President & CFO
|
|
$
|
977,600
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Kirk W. Thaxton, President & CEO, First Financial Trust and Asset Management Company,
N.A.
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$
|
728,000
|
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20
In addition to the amounts payable under the executive recognition agreements, the Companys Incentive Stock
Option Plan generally provides that upon a change in control satisfying the requirements of such plan, all unvested stock options will automatically become vested and exercisable in full.
The table below shows our estimates of the value that would have been recognized by our executive officers as result of the accelerated vesting of the stock
options held by such executive officers assuming a change in control occurred on December 31, 2017. The estimated value was calculated by multiplying the number of unvested stock options held by the applicable executive officer by the
difference between the closing price of our common shares on December 31, 2017, which was $45.05, and the exercise price of the option. The actual amounts to be paid out can only be determined at the time of such change in control.
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Name
|
|
Value of Stock Options
|
|
F. Scott Dueser
|
|
$
|
544,840
|
|
Ronald D. Butler, II
|
|
$
|
173,080
|
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Gary S. Gragg
|
|
$
|
173,080
|
|
J. Bruce Hildebrand
|
|
$
|
173,080
|
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Kirk W. Thaxton
|
|
$
|
173,080
|
|
Perquisites and Other Benefits.
We annually review the perquisites that senior management
receives. The primary perquisites for senior management are the reimbursement of initiation fees and dues for one golf or social club. We seek to encourage our senior management to belong to a golf or social club so that they have a convenient
entertainment forum for customers and to facilitate interaction with current and potential customers, many of whom belong to these clubs. We do not permit personal use of our Company airplane.
Senior management also participates in the Companys other benefit plans on the same terms as other employees. These plans include
medical, life insurance and flex spending account benefits. Relocation benefits also are reimbursed but are individually negotiated when they occur.
The Compensation Committee monitors the results of the annual advisory
say-on-pay
proposal and incorporates such results as one of many factors considered in connection with the discharge of its responsibilities, although no
such factor is assigned a quantitative weighting. Because a substantial majority (98.27% of votes cast) of our shareholders approved the compensation program described in our proxy statement in 2017, the Compensation Committee did not implement
changes to our executive compensation program as a result of the shareholder advisory vote.
Section 162(m) of the Code generally
limits the deductibility of compensation paid by a public company during a tax year to its chief executive officer and its other three most highly compensated executive officers for that tax year. Under Section 162(m) of the Code, the annual
compensation paid to any of these specified executives will be deductible only to the extent that it does not exceed $1,000,000. However, under Section 162(m) of the Code before it was amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 qualifying
performance-based compensation, including income from stock options and other performance based awards, may be deductible if the conditions of Section 162(m) were met. Although deductibility of compensation is preferred, tax deductibility is
not a primary objective of the Companys compensation programs. The Company believes that achieving its objectives under the compensation philosophy set forth above is more important than the benefit of tax deductibility. The Company reserves
the right to maintain flexibility in how it compensates its executive officers that may result in limiting the deductibility of amounts of compensation from time to time.
21
Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the total compensation for our named executive officers in 2017, 2016 and 2015:
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Name and Principal Position
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Year
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|
Salary
($)
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|
Bonus
($)
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|
Stock
Awards
($) (1)
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Option
Awards
($) (2)
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Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (3)
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Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($) (4)
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All Other
Compensation
($) (5)
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Total ($)
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F. Scott Dueser, President/CEO
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2017
2016
2015
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|
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835,833
754,167
689,167
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|
|
|
|
|
150,000
150,000
150,000
|
|
|
|
495,000
201,600
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|
|
|
85,002
112,023
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|
|
|
80,239
81,949
99,980
|
|
|
|
27,498
29,782
43,193
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1,673,572
1,015,898
1,295,963
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Ronald D. Butler, II, EVP/CAO
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2017
2016
2015
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|
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|
426,677
405,000
376,667
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|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000
75,000
75,000
|
|
|
|
99,000
67,200
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|
|
|
40,850
24,600
58,267
|
|
|
|
27,320
27,688
25,802
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|
|
|
31,872
29,258
42,659
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|
|
|
700,719
561,546
645,595
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Gary S. Gragg, EVP
|
|
|
2017
2016
2015
|
|
|
|
355,000
325,000
292,500
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000
75,000
75,000
|
|
|
|
99,000
67,200
|
|
|
|
55,200
6,600
46,000
|
|
|
|
14,650
17,342
13,868
|
|
|
|
23,598
26,182
40,383
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|
|
|
622,448
450,124
534,951
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|
J. Bruce Hildebrand, EVP/CFO
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|
|
2017
2016
2015
|
|
|
|
466,667
445,000
416,667
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000
75,000
75,000
|
|
|
|
99,000
67,200
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|
|
|
47,000
67,201
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|
|
|
19,190
24,699
32,647
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|
|
|
27,498
29,782
43,193
|
|
|
|
734,355
574,481
701,908
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|
Kirk W. Thaxton, CEO & President
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|
|
2017
2016
2015
|
|
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|
348,333
325,000
304,167
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000
75,000
75,000
|
|
|
|
99,000
67,200
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|
|
|
121,333
18,133
37,200
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|
|
|
22,806
13,755
13,294
|
|
|
|
44,400
14,200
27,689
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|
|
|
710,872
456,088
524,550
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(1)
|
Amount represents value of restricted grant on October 24, 2017, October 25, 2016 and October 27, 2015 under the 2015 Restricted Plan approved by shareholders on April 28, 2015. The shares vest over
three years.
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(2)
|
See note 15 to the financial statements included with the Annual Report on Form
10-K
for the assumptions made in valuation of these option awards.
|
(3)
|
Amount represents cash bonus earned in the respective year related to achievement of
pre-determined
performance goals.
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(4)
|
Amount represents change in pension value plus amount contributed to make whole plan on behalf of each named executive officer.
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(5)
|
Amount represents amount contributed to profit sharing plan and 401(k) match on behalf of each named executive officer as well as country club dues paid for each named executive officer.
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22
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The Compensation Committee grants incentive stock options and restricted common stock shares periodically. In 2017, 452,000 options were granted to key
employees of which Mr. Dueser, Mr. Butler, Mr. Gragg, Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Thaxton received 50,000, 10,000, 10,000, 10,000 and 10,000, respectively. In 2015, 455,000 options were granted to key employees of which
Mr. Dueser, Mr. Butler, Mr. Gragg, Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Thaxton received 30,000, 10,000, 10,000, 10,000 and 10,000, respectively. No options were granted in 2016. In 2017, 14,191 shares of common stock under the Restricted
Stock Plan were granted to certain officers of which Mr. Dueser, Mr. Butler, Mr. Gragg, Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Thaxton received 3,250, 1,625, 1,625, 1,625 and 1,625, respectively. In 2016, 15,405 shares of common stock under
the Restricted Stock Plan were granted to certain officers of which Mr. Dueser, Mr. Butler, Mr. Gragg, Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Thaxton received 4,127, 2,063, 2,063, 2,063 and 2,063, respectively. In 2015, 31,273 shares of
common stock under the Restricted Stock Plan were granted to certain officers of which Mr. Dueser, Mr. Butler, Mr. Gragg, Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Thaxton received 4,426, 2,213, 2,213, 2,213 and 2,213, respectively.
The following table discloses information related to the grants made during 2017:
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All
other
stock
awards:
Number
of
shares
of stock
or units
(#)(1)
|
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|
All other
option
awards:
Number of
securities
underlying
options
(#)(2)
|
|
|
Exercise or
base price of
option
awards
($/sh)
|
|
|
Grant
date fair
value of
stock and
option
awards
($)(3)
|
|
|
|
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Estimated future payouts under
non-equity
incentive plan awards
|
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Estimated future payouts under
equity incentive plan awards
|
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|
Name
|
|
Grant
Date
|
|
|
Threshold
($)
|
|
|
Target
($)
|
|
|
Maximum
($)
|
|
|
Threshold
(#)
|
|
|
Target
(#)
|
|
|
Maximum
(#)
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. Scott Dueser
|
|
|
6-12-17
10-24-17
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3,250
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
42.35
46.20
|
|
|
|
495,000
150,000
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|
Ronald D. Butler, II
|
|
|
6-12-17
10-24-17
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|
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|
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|
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|
|
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1,625
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
42.35
46.20
|
|
|
|
99,000
75,000
|
|
Gary S. Gragg
|
|
|
6-12-17
10-24-17
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
1,625
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
42.35
46.20
|
|
|
|
99,000
75,000
|
|
J. Bruce Hildebrand
|
|
|
6-12-17
10-24-17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
1,625
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
42.35
46.20
|
|
|
|
99,000
75,000
|
|
Kirk W. Thaxton
|
|
|
6-12-17
10-24-17
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,625
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
42.35
46.20
|
|
|
|
99,000
75,000
|
|
(1)
|
Represents awards under the Restricted Stock Plan. Each award vests
one-third
at the end of one year,
two-thirds
at the end of two years
and in full at the end of three years.
|
(2)
|
Represents awards under the Incentive Stock Option Plan. Each award vests 20% at the end of two years, 40% at the end of three years, 60% at the end of four years, 80% at the end of five years and in full at the end of
six years.
|
(3)
|
For restricted stock grants, calculated by multiplying the restricted stock grant shares by the grant date fair value of $46.20. For incentive stock option grants, calculated by multiplying the incentive stock option
grant shares by the grant date fair value of $9.90. See note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included with the Annual Report on Form
10-K
for assumptions made in the valuation of the incentive
stock option awards.
|
No
non-equity
incentive plan awards (for example, stock appreciation rights or
phantom stock awards) have been issued by the Company.
23
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal
Year-end
At December 31, 2017, the following stock options were outstanding for the respective named executive officers:
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|
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Option Awards
|
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
Name
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
|
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Option (#)
Unexercisable
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
|
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price
($)(1)
|
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
|
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)(2)
|
|
|
Market
Value of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($)(3)
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units
or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested ($)
|
|
F. Scott Dueser
|
|
|
10-25-11
10-22-13
10-27-15
10-25-16
6-12-17
10-24-17
|
|
|
|
4,000
5,000
6,000
|
|
|
|
10,000
24,000
50,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.73
30.85
33.89
42 35
|
|
|
|
10-25-21
10-22-23
10-27-25
6-12-27
|
|
|
|
1,475
2,751
3,250
|
|
|
|
66,449
123,933
146,413
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ronald D. Butler, II
|
|
|
5-19-09
10-25-11
10-22-13
10-27-15
10-25-16
6-12-17
10-24-17
|
|
|
|
5,000
8,000
6,000
2,000
|
|
|
|
4,000
8,000
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.78
15.73
30.85
33.89
42 35
|
|
|
|
5-19-19
10-25-21
10-22-23
10-27-25
6-12-27
|
|
|
|
738
1,375
1,625
|
|
|
|
33,247
61,944
73,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary S. Gragg
|
|
|
5-19-09
10-25-11
10-22-13
10-27-15
10-25-16
6-12-17
10-24-17
|
|
|
|
5,800
8,000
6,000
2,000
|
|
|
|
4,000
8,000
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.78
15.73
30.85
33.89
42 35
|
|
|
|
5-19-19
10-25-21
10-22-23
10-27-25
6-12-27
|
|
|
|
738
1,375
1,625
|
|
|
|
33,247
61,944
73,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Bruce Hildebrand
|
|
|
10-25-11
10-22-13
10-27-15
10-25-16
6-12-17
10-24-17
|
|
|
|
7,000
6,000
2,000
|
|
|
|
4,000
8,000
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.73
30.85
33.89
42 35
|
|
|
|
10-25-21
10-22-23
10-27-25
6-12-27
|
|
|
|
738
1,375
1,625
|
|
|
|
33,247
61,944
73,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kirk W. Thaxton
|
|
|
5-19-09
10-25-11
10-22-13
10-27-15
10-25-16
6-12-17
10-24-17
|
|
|
|
7,500
7,500
6,000
2,000
|
|
|
|
4,000
8,000
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.78
15.73
30.85
33.89
42 35
|
|
|
|
5-19-19
10-25-21
10-22-23
10-27-25
6-12-27
|
|
|
|
738
1,375
1,625
|
|
|
|
33,247
61,944
73,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Represents awards under the Incentive Stock Option Plan. Each award vests 20% at the end of two years, 40% at the end of three years, 60% at the end of four years, 80% at the end of five years and in full at the end of
six years.
|
(2)
|
Represents awards under the Restricted Stock Plan. Each award vests
one-third
at the end of one year,
two-thirds
at the end of two years
and in full at the end of three years.
|
(3)
|
Calculated using the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2017.
|
24
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
During 2017, the following options were exercised by the named executive officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
|
|
|
Value Realized on
Exercise ($)(1)
|
|
|
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting (#)
|
|
|
Value Realized on
Vesting ($)(2)
|
|
F. Scott Dueser
|
|
|
14,000
|
|
|
|
221,480
|
|
|
|
2,850
|
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
Ronald D. Butler, II
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
|
|
90,090
|
|
|
|
1,425
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
Gary S. Gragg
|
|
|
2,900
|
|
|
|
82,857
|
|
|
|
1,425
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
J. Bruce Hildebrand
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
|
52,190
|
|
|
|
1,425
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
Kirk W. Thaxton
|
|
|
3,800
|
|
|
|
107,502
|
|
|
|
1,425
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
(1)
|
Amount represents the difference between the aggregate option exercise price and the actual aggregate stock price on the date exercised.
|
(2)
|
Amount represents the aggregate restricted stock value on the date vested.
|
Pension
Benefits
As of December 31, 2017, the following information relates to the Companys defined benefit pension plan for the respective
named executive officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Plan Name
|
|
Number of Years
Credited Service (#)
|
|
Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit ($)
|
|
Payments During
Last Fiscal Year ($)
|
F. Scott Dueser
|
|
Defined Benefit
Pension
|
|
27
|
|
470,582
|
|
|
Ronald D. Butler, II
|
|
Defined Benefit
Pension
|
|
11
|
|
97,395
|
|
|
Gary S. Gragg
|
|
Defined Benefit
Pension
|
|
13
|
|
74,742
|
|
|
J. Bruce Hildebrand
|
|
Defined Benefit
Pension
|
|
1
|
|
22,787
|
|
|
Kirk W. Thaxton
|
|
Defined Benefit
Pension
|
|
15
|
|
95,693
|
|
|
We froze our defined benefit pension plan effective January 1, 2004, whereby no additional years of
service accrue to participants, unless the pension plan is reinstated at a future date. The Companys funding policy is to contribute annually the amount necessary to satisfy the Internal Revenue Services funding standards. See note 12 to
the financial statements included with the Annual Report on Form
10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017 for the valuation and actuarial assumptions used in the calculations of the Companys
defined benefit pension plan.
25
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The following amounts represent contributions made in 2017 to the make whole plan described above, which is the only nonqualified deferred
compensation program the Company offers, on behalf of the respective named executive officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Executive
Contributions
in Last FY ($)
|
|
|
Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
|
|
|
Aggregate
Earnings(Loss)
in Last FY
($)(1)
|
|
|
Aggregate
Withdrawals/Distributions
($)
|
|
|
Aggregate
Balance at
Last FYE ($)
|
|
F. Scott Dueser
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,860
|
|
|
|
22,949
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,500,985
|
|
Ronald D. Butler, II
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,026
|
|
|
|
5,764
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
427,365
|
|
Gary S. Gragg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,671
|
|
|
|
1,238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,287
|
|
J. Bruce Hildebrand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,591
|
|
|
|
8,100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
501,710
|
|
Kirk W. Thaxton
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,328
|
|
|
|
1,459
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103,097
|
|
(1)
|
Plan invests all funds received in common shares of the Company, which increased in value 1.33% (including dividends paid) from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.
|
(2)
|
These amounts are included in the Summary Compensation Table in the Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column.
|
CEO Pay Ratio
As required by Item
402(u) of Regulation
S-K,
we are providing the following information for 2017:
|
|
|
The median of annual total compensation of all employees of our company (other than Mr. Dueser, our Chief Executive Officer and President) was $32,082;
|
|
|
|
The annual total compensation of Mr. Dueser, our Chief Executive Officer and President, was $1,673,572 (see Summary Compensation Table on page 22); and
|
|
|
|
Based on this information, the ratio of the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and President to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees is 52.17 to 1.
|
To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of our
median employee and our Chief Executive Officer and President, we note the following:
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2017, our employee population totaled 1,665 individuals. This population consisted of our full-time and part-time employees, as we do not have temporary or seasonal workers. We selected
December 31, 2017 as our identification date for determining our median employee because it enabled us to make such identification in a reasonably efficient and economic manner.
|
|
|
|
To find the median of the annual compensation of all of our employees, we used the salary and wages including overtime and incentive compensation from our payroll records for 2017, but we did not include the value of
any health benefits. For employees hired on or after January 1, 2017, we calculated compensation on an annualized basis.
|
|
|
|
We identified our median employee using this compensation measure, which was consistently applied to all of our employees included in this calculation.
|
26
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
For 2017, we had ten
non-employee
directors who received fees for attendance at Board of Director meetings and
committee meetings. Directors who are also our executive officers or employees receive no compensation for service as members of either the Board of Directors or committees thereof. Directors who are not also our employees receive $1,500 for each
board meeting attended and a $6,875 per quarter retainer fee. The directors who serve on committees and who are not also our employees receive $1,000 for each committee meeting attended. The Lead Director, Audit Committee Chairperson and
Compensation Committee Chairperson also receive a $15,000, $12,500 and $7,500 annual retainer fee, respectively. Director fees are paid in cash but a director may elect to defer receipt of fees into a
non-qualified
Rabbi Trust wherein the funds are used to purchase Company common shares on the open market. Because these shares are held in a Rabbi Trust, shares under this plan are
not included in the directors shares beneficially owned as disclosed on page 7. As of December 31, 2017, the Rabbi trust held 227,687 shares in trust for the Companys directors. On April 26, 2017, each
non-employee
director received 1,465 shares of Company common stock under the 2015 Restricted Stock Plan approved by shareholders on April 28, 2015. The Company stock price on issuance date was $40.95 and vests
from issuance date to the 2018 shareholder meeting on April 24, 2018.
Non-employee
directors do not participate in the Companys profit sharing or defined benefit pension plan. Directors are
reimbursed for actual travel costs to attend the respective meetings. In addition, a director serving on the board of our subsidiary or a regional advisory board receives director and committee fees per meeting which are included in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash ($)
|
|
|
Stock
Awards ($)
|
|
|
Option
Awards ($)
|
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
|
|
|
Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
|
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)
|
|
|
Total ($)
|
|
April Anthony
|
|
|
39,750
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99,750
|
|
Steven L. Beal
|
|
|
49,000
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,000
|
|
Tucker S. Bridwell
|
|
|
54,250
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114,250
|
|
David Copeland
|
|
|
65,400
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,400
|
|
Murray Edwards
|
|
|
73,700
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133,700
|
|
Ron Giddiens
|
|
|
55,250
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
115,250
|
|
Tim Lancaster
|
|
|
39,500
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99,500
|
|
Kade L. Matthews
|
|
|
42,250
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,250
|
|
Ross H. Smith, Jr.
|
|
|
57,850
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
117,850
|
|
Johnny E. Trotter
|
|
|
51,050
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
111,050
|
|
27
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Overview
We
have long believed
that good corporate governance is important to ensure that the Company is managed for the long-term benefit of our shareholders. We periodically review our corporate governance policies and practices and compare them to those suggested by various
authorities in corporate governance and the practices of other public companies. We also monitor new and proposed rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nasdaq Global Market and the bank regulatory authorities. We may amend our
governance policies and procedures when required by law, Nasdaq rules or when we otherwise deem it prudent to do so. Each of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees has adopted a charter. Our corporate governance
policies, including our code of conduct applicable to all our employees, officers and directors, as well as the charters of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees, are available at www.ffin.com under the
investor relations/corporate governance caption. Copies of these documents are also available in print to any shareholder who requests them in writing.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
We are committed to a strong, independent Board of Directors and believe that objective oversight of the performance of our management is a
critical aspect of effective corporate governance. As described under Director Independence below, we believe that all of our directors are independent with the exception of Mr. Dueser given his position as Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer. With the exception of our Executive Committee, which Mr. Dueser chairs, all of our committees are comprised solely of and chaired by independent directors. In addition, at each regularly scheduled Board meeting, the
non-management
directors meet in executive session without management directors.
We do not have
an independent Chairman of the Board; however, Mr. Bridwell serves as our independent lead director. Mr. Dueser serves as our Chairman of the Board of Directors. Although the Board of Directors has considered appointing an independent
Chairman of the Board, the Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Duesers leadership has served the Company and its shareholders well, as he is intimately familiar with all aspects of the Companys operations and provides the Board of
Directors with effective oversight of management.
The Board of Directors, together with the Audit, Executive, Nominating/Corporate
Governance and Compensation Committees of the board, coordinate with each other to provide enterprise-wide oversight of our management and handling of risk. These committees report regularly to the entire Board of Directors on risk-related matters
and provide the Board of Directors with integrated insight about our management of strategic, credit, interest rate, financial reporting, technology, liquidity, compliance, operational and reputational risks. In addition our subsidiary bank has its
own board of directors (which are the same eleven member board of the Company) and audit, compensation, directors loan and asset liability management committees, which provide risk management. The management and board of directors of our
subsidiary bank also provide reports to our management and Board of Directors regarding risk management.
In addition, the consolidation
of the management of our securities portfolio, loan review, internal audit, compliance and asset liability/liquidity management at the holding company level provides additional risk oversight which further mitigates overall risk to the Company.
While we have not developed an enterprise-wide risk statement, the Board of Directors believes that sound credit underwriting to manage credit risk and a conservative investment portfolio to manage liquidity and interest rate risk contribute to an
effective oversight of the Companys risk.
At meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees, directors receive regular
updates from management regarding risk management. The Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Company, who are responsible
for instituting risk management practices that are consistent with our overall business strategy and risk tolerance, report directly to Mr. Dueser, our Chief Executive Officer, and lead managements risk discussions at Board and committee
meetings. Outside of formal meetings, the Board of Directors, its committees and individual Board members have regular access to senior executives, including the Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief
Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
28
Independent Lead Director
Mr. Bridwell serves as our independent lead director. The Board of Directors recognizes that the Company and its shareholders are well
served under corporate governance best practices through the designation and empowerment of an independent lead director for several reasons, the foremost being that Mr. Dueser, our Chairman of the Board, is a non independent director.
The independent lead directors duties include:
|
|
|
chairing meetings of executive sessions of our Board of Directors, as well as other meetings involving
non-management
and independent directors;
|
|
|
|
presiding at meetings of the Board of Directors in the absence or at the request of the Chairman of the Board of Directors;
|
|
|
|
acting as a liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman of the Board of Directors;
|
|
|
|
approving meeting agendas;
|
|
|
|
ensuring that appropriate information is sent to the Board of Directors;
|
|
|
|
providing an important communication link between the other independent directors and our shareholders; and
|
|
|
|
calling additional meetings of the independent directors as appropriate.
|
As independent lead
director, Mr. Bridwell communicates regularly with our Chief Executive Officer on a variety of issues including business strategy and succession planning. The Board of Directors considers periodically its structure and the role and
responsibilities of the independent lead director to reflect its commitment to corporate governance best practices.
Communications with Your Board of
Directors
Shareholders may call or write to the Board of Directors at the address and phone number listed on the first page of this
proxy statement. Letters addressed to individual board members and clearly marked as shareholder communications will be forwarded by the corporate secretary unopened to the individual addressee. Any letters addressed to the Board of Directors and
clearly marked as shareholder communications will be forwarded by the corporate secretary unopened to the Chairman of the Board.
Director
Independence
In accordance with Nasdaq rules, our Board of Directors affirmatively determines the independence of each director and
each nominee for election as director. The Board of Directors makes its determination based on the elements of independence set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards. We have not adopted any supplemental independence criteria.
Based on these standards, the Board of Directors has determined that each of the following
non-employee
directors is independent:
|
|
|
April Anthony
|
|
Tim Lancaster
|
Tucker S. Bridwell
|
|
Kade Matthews
|
David Copeland
|
|
Ross H. Smith, Jr.
|
Murray Edwards
|
|
Johnny E. Trotter
|
Ron Giddiens
|
|
|
29
All members of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees are
independent under the applicable Nasdaq listing standards. Given his position as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dueser is not considered an independent director.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
The
Board of Directors of the Company has four regularly scheduled meetings each year. In 2017, each of the directors, except Mr. Giddiens, attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees of the Board of Directors
on which such director served. Mr. Giddiens attended all four regularly scheduled quarterly Board Meetings but was unable to attend two special called meetings.
Although we do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of the Board of Directors at our annual meeting of shareholders, we
encourage directors to attend and historically substantially all directors have done so. All directors attended the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The
Board of Directors has four committees. The functions and current members of each committee are as follows:
Executive Committee
.
The Executive Committee acts for the Board of Directors between board meetings, except to the extent limited by our bylaws or Texas law. The current members are Messrs. Beal, Bridwell, Copeland, Dueser, Edwards and Trotter. Mr. Dueser is the
chairman of the committee. The Executive Committee met five times during 2017 and once in January 2018.
Nominating/Corporate
Governance Committee.
Among other things, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee recommends director candidates to the Board of Directors. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee members are Messrs. Beal, Bridwell, Copeland,
Edwards, and Trotter. Mr. Bridwell is the chairman of the committee. With the exception of Mr. Beal, all current directors are being nominated for election as directors for 2018. The committee met one time in 2017 and met once in January
2018. Following the annual meeting, Mr. Beal will no longer be a director and will not serve on this committee.
Historically, our
goal has been to assemble a Board of Directors that brings diverse perspectives and skills derived from exemplary business and professional experience. Such qualifications provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to our operations and
interests. Generally, the committee identifies candidates through the personal, business and organizational contacts of the directors and management, as well as our regional advisory board members. For a description of the process of identifying and
evaluating potential directors, please refer to the section of this proxy statement entitled Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Director on page 5.
Under our bylaws, an individual may not stand for election or reelection as a director upon attaining age 72 years of age, unless he owns at
least 1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and is less than 75 years of age. Otherwise, there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees.
We expect that the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee will recommend nominees in the future by first evaluating the current members of
the Board of Directors willing to continue in service. Current members of the board with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue in service will be considered for
re-nomination,
balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the board does not wish to continue in service or if the
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors decides not to
re-nominate
a member for
re-election,
we anticipate that the Nominating/Corporate
Governance Committee will identify the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria above and begin a search for appropriately qualified individuals. To date, we have not engaged third parties to identify or evaluate or
assist in identifying potential nominees, although we reserve the right in the future to retain a third party search firm, if determined by the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.
30
The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee will consider qualified director candidates
recommended by shareholders. For the 2019 Annual Shareholders Meeting, any shareholder wishing to propose a nominee should submit a recommendation in writing to the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. at 400
Pine Street, Suite 300, Abilene, Texas 79601 at least 120 days and not more than 150 days in advance of the anniversary of the 2018 annual meeting (or as otherwise set forth in our amended and restated bylaws), including the nominees resume,
qualifications and other relevant biographical information and providing confirmation of (1) the name and address of the shareholder giving notice, and any (x) person controlling, directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with, the
shareholder, (y) any beneficial owner of the shares of the Company owned of record or beneficially by the shareholder and (z) any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with the shareholder (a Shareholder
Associated Person), (2) for the shareholder and any Shareholder Associated Person, the number of common shares of the Company that are owned beneficially and of record and any derivatives, hedged positions, synthetic and temporary ownership
techniques, swaps, securities loans, timed purchases and other economic and voting interests or similar positions, securities or interests with respect to our securities, (3) the nominees consent to serve as a director and acknowledgement
that the nominee will comply with our bylaws, code of business conduct and ethics, corporate governance handbook and any other applicable rules, regulations, policies or standards of conduct applicable to the Board of Directors and its members,
(4) a description of all relationships, arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and any Shareholder Associated Person, on the one hand, and the nominee, the nominees affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with
the nominee, on the other hand, (5) a description of the nominees background and experience and the reasons why the nominee meets the standards for director nominees set forth in our corporate governance practices, (6) a completed
independence questionnaire regarding the nominee, which may be obtained from the Secretary of the Company, (7) a written representation from the nominee that they do not have, nor will they have, any undisclosed voting commitments or other
arrangements with respect to their actions as a director and (8) any other information regarding the nominee or shareholder that would be required to be included in a proxy statement relating to the election of directors. Qualified candidates
recommended by our shareholders will be evaluated on the same basis as candidates recommended by our officers, directors and other sources.
Audit Committee
. Among other things, the Audit Committee reviews the scope and results of the annual audit by our independent auditors,
and receives and reviews internal and external audit reports. The committee also monitors the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditor and internal auditors. Its members include Ms. Anthony and Messrs. Copeland,
Edwards, Giddiens and Lancaster. Mr. Copeland is the chairman of the committee. The Audit Committee met five times in 2017, and once in January 2018 and once in February 2018. The Board of Directors has determined that it believes all Audit
Committee members are financially literate under the current listing standards of Nasdaq. The Board of Directors also believes Mr. Copeland and Ms. Anthony qualify as an audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC
rules adopted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Compensation Committee.
For 2017 and through March 1, 2018, the
members of the Compensation Committee were Messrs. Beal, Lancaster, Smith, Matthews and Trotter. Mr. Beal served as chairman of the committee. Following the annual meeting, Mr. Beal will no longer serve as chairman of this committee or be
on this committee. All committee members are currently deemed to be independent. In determining the independence of the members, the Board of Directors has used independence requirements specified by Rule 5605(d)(2)(A) of the Marketplace Rules of
The Nasdaq Stock Market and has applied this definition consistently to all committee members. The committee meets as needed during the year but generally meets four to five times per year. The Compensation Committee met seven times during 2017,
twice in January 2018 and once in February 2018. The Compensation Committee charter can be found on our website at www.ffin.com in the investor relations/corporate governance section.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning compensation matters for the
Companys executive officers and directors. Executives of the Company are integral in the compensation process for the Company; however, the committee determines all elements of pay for the Chief Executive Officer. With the assistance of the
Chief Financial Officer and the human resources department, the Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations for all Company executives, including the named executive officers, to the committee for their review and approval. For the named executive
officers, the committee develops compensation recommendations to the full Board of Directors for approval.
31
The Compensation Committee also oversees the administration of employee benefits and benefit
plans for the Company and its subsidiaries including our profit sharing, pension and flexible spending plans as well as our Incentive Stock Option Plan for key employees. The committee delegates
day-to-day
administration of the clerical elements of these programs to the human resources department, trust company as trustee of the pension and profit sharing plans and an executive officer overseeing the
Incentive Stock Option Plan.
The agenda for meetings of the Compensation Committee is set by its chairman, acting with the assistance of
the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. At each meeting, the committee meets in executive session without management or any
non-independent
directors. In making compensation
decisions, the Compensation Committee obtains information from a variety of public sources and considers the recommendations of the Companys management, human resources department and trust company. The committee makes periodic reports to the
full Board of Directors.
The Compensation Committee has from time to time engaged compensation consultants from outside the Company, and
the committee has the right under its charter to engage compensation consultants or other outside advisors, including legal counsel, if it so chooses, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors, and only after consideration of the factors
listed in Nasdaq Rule 5605(d)(3)(D). The committee may retain, terminate and approve professional fees (subject to ratification by the Board of Directors) related to compensation consultants or other advisors as appropriate. In 2014, the
Compensation Committee retained Longnecker & Associates to assist the Company in addressing compensation and benefits to executive officers and outside directors of the Company. In 2016 and 2015, Longnecker and Associates updated their 2014
evaluation. Prior to their engagement the Compensation Committee confirmed that such firms did not have any potential or actual conflicts of interest with the Board of Directors or the Company.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No person who served as a member of the Compensation Committee was, during 2017, an officer or employee of us or any of our subsidiaries, or
had any relationship requiring disclosure in this proxy statement. However, certain of the Compensation Committee members (or related entities) maintained loans from subsidiaries during 2017. The loans were made in the ordinary course of business,
on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions on an arms-length basis and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other
unfavorable features to the subsidiary bank. None of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board of
Directors) or director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a member of our Board of Directors.
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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation programs for senior management of the Company, including those named executive officers in
the tabular presentation included in this definitive proxy statement.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the
compensation discussion and analysis included in this proxy statement with management and based on the reviews and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the compensation discussion and analysis included
herein be included in the proxy statement. The Board of Directors approved the Compensation Committees recommendation. The members of the Compensation Committee are considered independent because we believe they satisfy the independence
requirements for Compensation Committee members prescribed by Nasdaq and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
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Steven L. Beal, Chairman
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Tim Lancaster
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Kade L. Matthews
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Johnny Trotter
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Ross H. Smith
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee oversees our financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility
for the financial statements and the reporting process including the system of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the committee, which is composed of independent directors in compliance with Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq
listing standards, reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements in the Annual Report included with this proxy statement with management. The committee also discussed with management the quality, not just the acceptability, of the
accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Audit
Committee reviewed with Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm for 2017, who was responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of our audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting
principles, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of our accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards and, as applicable,
the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their audit of the Companys effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). In addition, the committee has discussed
with the independent registered public accounting firm the auditors independence from management and the Company, including the matters required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 16,
Communications with Audit Committees, and considered the compatibility of
non-audit
services with the auditors independence. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures from our
independent registered public accounting firm regarding the auditors independence required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their audit. The Audit
Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of our internal controls, and the overall quality of our financial
reporting. The Audit Committee held five meetings during the year that ended December 31, 2017 and met once in January 2018 and once in February 2018.
The Audit Committee has relied, without independent verification, on managements representation that the financial statements have been
prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committees oversight does not provide it with an independent basis to determine that management has in fact maintained
appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or policies. Furthermore, the Audit Committees considerations and discussions with management and the independent auditors do not ensure that our financial statements are presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, that the audit of our companys financial statements has been carried out in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or the standards of the PCAOB or that our independent
accountants are in fact independent.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the annual report on Form
10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Board of Directors approved the Audit Committees recommendation. The members of the committee are considered independent because we believe they satisfy the independence requirements for audit committee members prescribed by Nasdaq and the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE
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David Copeland, Chairman
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April Anthony
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Murray Edwards
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Ron Giddiens
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Tim Lancaster
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2017 by each entity or person who is
known to beneficially own 5% or more of our common stock:
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Common Shares
Owned (1) as of December 31, 2017
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
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No. of Shares
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Percent of Class
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BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52
nd
Street
New York, New York 10055
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8,323,144
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(2)
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12.3
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%
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The Vanguard Group
-23-1945930
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
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5,957,114
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(3)
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8.8
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%
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Neuberger Berman Group LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104
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3,576,139
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(4)
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5.3
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%
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(1)
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The information contained in this table is based on reports of Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or prior to February 15, 2018. The nature of beneficial ownership of the holdings
shown in this table is set forth in notes 24 below.
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(2)
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This information is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 19, 2018 by BlackRock, Inc.
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(3)
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This information is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2018 by The Vanguard Group
-23-1945930.
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(4)
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This information is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 15, 2018 by Neuberger Berman Group LLC.
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In addition, as of February 1, 2018, First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, National Association (the Trust
Company), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, individually acted as sole or
co-fiduciary
with respect to trusts and other fiduciary accounts which owned, held or controlled through intermediaries
in the aggregate 10,509,416 shares or 15.55% of the outstanding common shares of the Company over which the Trust Company had, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting power. No single trust or other fiduciary account held a beneficial
ownership interest of 5% or more. Of these shares, the Trust Company had sole voting power with respect to 10,414,237 shares or 15.41% of the outstanding common shares of the Company, and the Trust Company shared voting power with respect to 95,179
shares or 0.14% of the outstanding common shares of the Company. All the shares held by this subsidiary entity, which are registered in its name as fiduciary or in the name of its nominee, are owned by many different accounts, each of which is
governed by a separate instrument that sets forth the powers of the fiduciary with regard to the securities held in such accounts. The Board of Directors historically has not attempted to, and does not intend to attempt to in the future, exercise
any power to vote such shares.
See Proposal 1Election of DirectorsNominees and Executive
Officers for information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by each director nominee and named executive officers as of March 1, 2018. In the aggregate, all director nominees and executive officers as a group (18
individuals) beneficially owned 3,222,498 shares of our common stock, or 4.77% of our total outstanding shares, as of March 1, 2018.
35
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), requires our directors and officers, and
persons who own more than 10% of our common stock, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of our common stock ownership and reports of changes in such ownership. A reporting person must file a Form 3, Initial Statement
of Beneficial Ownership of Securities, within 10 days after such person becomes a reporting person. A reporting person must file a Form 4, Statement of Changes of Beneficial Ownership of Securities, within two business days after such
persons beneficial ownership of securities changes, except for certain changes exempt from the reporting requirements of Form 4. A reporting person must file a Form 5, Annual Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities, within 45 days
after the end of the issuers fiscal year to report any changes in ownership during such year not reported on a Form 4, including changes exempt from the reporting requirements of Form 4.
The Securities and Exchange Commissions rules require our reporting persons to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports
that they file. In May 2015, Mr. Lancaster inadvertently failed to file on a timely basis a Form 4 for the purchase of 1,700 shares in an IRA account. A Form 5 reporting this transaction was filed on February 14, 2018.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We retained Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2017. Representatives of
Ernst & Young LLP will be in attendance at the annual meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and to respond to appropriate answer questions.
The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP, the
principal auditors who performed the audit of our annual financial statements, review of the quarterly financial statements and audit of internal controls, follows:
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Year ended December 31,
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2017
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2016
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Audit Fees
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$
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613,150
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$
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532,000
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Audit Related Fees
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None
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None
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Tax Fees
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None
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None
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All Other Fees
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None
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None
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Our Audit Committee has adopted a policy that requires advance approval of all audit, audit-related, tax
services, and other services performed by the independent auditor. The policy provides for
pre-approval
by the Audit Committee of specifically defined audit and
non-audit
services. Except as permitted under Rule
2-01
of SEC Regulation
S-X,
unless the specific service has been previously
pre-approved
with respect to that year, the Audit Committee must approve the permitted service before the independent registered public accounting firm is engaged to perform it. The Audit Committee has delegated to
its Chairman the authority to approve permitted services provided that the Chairman reports such decisions to the committee at its next scheduled meeting.
INTEREST IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
As has been true in the past, some of our officers and directors, members of their families, and other businesses with which they are
affiliated, are or have been customers of one or more of our subsidiaries. As customers, they have entered into transactions in the ordinary course of business with such subsidiaries, including borrowings, all of which were on substantially the same
terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions on an arms-length basis. Such borrowings did not involve more than a normal risk of collectibility or present any other unfavorable features
to the subsidiary bank. None of the transactions involving our subsidiaries and our officers and directors, or other businesses with which they may be affiliated, has been classified or disclosed as nonaccrual, past due, restructured or potential
problems.
The authority of our subsidiary bank to extend credit to our directors, executive officers and principal shareholders,
including their immediate family members and corporations and other entities that they control, is subject to substantial restrictions and requirements under Section 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and
36
Regulation O promulgated thereunder, as well as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. These statutes and regulations impose specific limits on the amount of loans our subsidiary banks may make to
directors and other insiders, and specified approval procedures must be followed in making loans that exceed certain amounts. In addition, all loans our subsidiary bank makes to directors and other insiders must satisfy the following requirements:
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the loans must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not affiliated with us or the subsidiary bank;
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the subsidiary bank must follow credit underwriting procedures at least as stringent as those applicable to comparable transactions with persons who are not affiliated with us or the subsidiary bank; and
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the loans must not involve a greater than normal risk of repayment or other unfavorable features.
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Furthermore, our subsidiary bank must periodically report all loans made to directors and other insiders to the bank regulators, and these
loans are closely scrutinized by the bank regulators for compliance with Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O. We have developed written procedures for compliance with these rules. Under the provisions of its charter,
the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors is charged with reviewing all other transactions between related parties and us.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
With respect to any future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission into which this proxy
statement is incorporated by reference, the material under the headings Report of the Compensation Committee and Report of the Audit Committee shall not be incorporated into such future filings.
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
This proxy statement contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this proxy statement, words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intend, predict,
project, and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to our management. Actual results could differ
materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those listed in Item 1A Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form
10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the following:
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general economic conditions, including our local, state and national real estate markets and employment trends;
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effect of severe weather conditions, including hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and droughts;
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volatility and disruption in national and international financial and commodity markets;
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government intervention in the U. S. financial system including the effects of recent legislative, tax, accounting and regulatory actions and reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the capital ratios of Basel III as adopted by the Federal banking authorities and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act;
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the ability of the Federal government to address the national economy;
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changes in our competitive environment from other financial institutions and financial service providers;
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37
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the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;
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the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards board and other
accounting standard setters;
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the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) with which we and our subsidiaries must comply;
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changes in the demand for loans;
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fluctuations in the value of collateral securing our loan portfolio and in the level of the allowance for loan losses;
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the accuracy of our estimates of future loan losses;
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the accuracy of our estimates and assumptions regarding the performance of our securities portfolio;
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soundness of other financial institutions with which we have transactions;
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inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;
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changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
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changes in commodity prices (e.g., oil and gas, cattle, and wind energy);
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our ability to attract deposits and increase market share;
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changes in our liquidity position;
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changes in the reliability of our vendors, internal control system or information systems;
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cyber attacks on our technology systems, including fraud from our customers and external third party vendors;
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our ability to attract and retain qualified employees;
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acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses;
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the possible impairment of goodwill associated with our acquisitions;
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consequences of continued bank mergers and acquisitions in our market area, resulting in fewer but much larger and stronger competitors;
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expansion of operations, including branch openings, new product offerings and expansion into new markets;
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changes in our compensation and benefit plans; and
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acts of God or of war or terrorism.
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Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views
of our management with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking
statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise (except as required by law).
38
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT YEARS ANNUAL MEETING
A shareholder proposal for business to be brought before the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders will be acted upon only in the following
circumstances:
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if the proposal is to be included in next years proxy statement, pursuant to Rule
14a-8
under the Exchange Act, the proposal (meeting all the requirements set forth in the
Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and regulations) is received by our corporate secretary at our principal executive office located at 400 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 no later than November 6, 2018; or
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if the proposal relates to the nomination of a person to serve as a director, pursuant to our amended and restated bylaws, a written proposal (meeting all other requirements set forth in our amended and restated bylaws)
must be received by our corporate secretary not less than 120 calendar days and not more than 150 calendar days prior to the anniversary of the 2018 annual meeting (unless the date of the 2019 annual meeting is advanced more than 30 calendar days
prior to such anniversary date or delayed more than 60 calendar days after such anniversary date then to be timely such notice must be received by our corporate secretary no later than the later of 70 calendar days prior to the date of the annual
meeting or the close of business on the 7th calendar day following the earlier of the date on which notice of the annual meeting is first mailed by or on behalf of the Company or the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the
annual meeting); or
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if the proposal concerns matters other than nominations of directors, pursuant to our amended and restated bylaws, a written proposal (meeting all other requirements set forth in our amended and restated bylaws) must be
received by our corporate secretary not less 90 calendar days and not more than 120 calendar days prior to the anniversary of the 2018 annual meeting (unless the date of the 2019 annual meeting is advanced more than 30 calendar days prior to such
anniversary date or delayed more than 60 calendar days after such anniversary date then to be timely such notice must be received by our corporate secretary no later than the later of 70 calendar days prior to the date of the annual meeting or the
close of business on the 7
th
calendar day following the earlier of the date on which notice of the annual meeting is first mailed by or on behalf of the Company or the day on which public
announcement is first made of the date of the annual meeting).
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39
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY.
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REVOCABLE PROXY
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2018 Annual Meeting of
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First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
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Shareholders
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April 24, 2018
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10:30 A.M. Central Time
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This Proxy is Solicited On Behalf
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Of the Board Of Directors
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Please Be Sure To Mark, Sign, Date and Return Your Proxy Card
in the Envelope Provided
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p
FOLD HERE DO NOT SEPARATE INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED
p
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PROXY
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Please mark
your votes
like this
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☒
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE DIRECTORS, AND PROPOSALS 2 AND 3.
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1. Election of Directors
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FOR
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WITHHOLD
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FOR ALL
EXCEPT
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(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
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April Anthony
Tucker S. Bridwell
David Copeland
F. Scott Dueser
Murray Edwards
Ron Giddiens
Tim
Lancaster
Kade L. Matthews
Ross H. Smith, Jr.
Johnny E. Trotter
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☐
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☐
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2.
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Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2018.
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FOR
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AGAINST
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ABSTAIN
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3.
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Advisory,
non-binding
vote on compensation of the named executive officers.
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FOR
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AGAINST
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ABSTAIN
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Mark here for address change.
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By signing in the space provided, you are hereby acknowledging receipt of the proxy statement dated March 1, 2018, and hereby revoking any proxy or proxies heretofore given to vote at the
annual meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. Please date your proxy and sign in the space provided, exactly as your name or names appear. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give
title.
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Each joint owner is required to sign.
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(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark For All Except and write that nominees name on the space below):
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CONTROL NUMBER
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Signature
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Signature, if held jointly
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Date
, 2018.
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Note: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint owners, both should sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or corporate officer, please give title as such.
p
FOLD HERE DO NOT SEPARATE INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED
p
PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS APRIL 24, 2018
REVOCABLE PROXY
FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES,
INC.
I hereby appoint Tucker S. Bridwell and David Copeland, or either of them acting in the absence of the other, as
proxyholders, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorize them to represent me and to vote for me as directed at the annual meeting of First Financial Bankshares, Inc., a Texas corporation, to be held on April 24, 2018,
at 10:30 a.m., Central time, in the Abilene Civic Center, 1100 North 6th Street, Abilene, Texas and at any postponement or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EACH PROPOSAL. THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED, IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXYHOLDERS, UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING OR ANY POSTPONEMENT OR ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
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