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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant x | |
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o | |
Check the appropriate box: |
o Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |
x Definitive Proxy Statement | |
o Definitive Additional Materials | |
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
CULLEN/FROST BANKERS, INC.
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x No fee required. | |
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
3) 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): |
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
5) Total fee paid: |
o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
1) Amount Previously Paid: |
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
3) Filing Party: |
4) Date Filed: |
SEC 1913 (02-02) | Persons who potentially are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number. |
100 West Houston Street
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (Cullen/Frost) will be held in the Commanders Room at The Frost National Bank, 100 West Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, May 21, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., San Antonio time, for the following purposes:
1. | To elect six Directors to serve until the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and to elect one Director to serve until the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders; | |
2. | To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to act as independent auditors of Cullen/Frost for the fiscal year that began January 1, 2003; and | |
3. | To transact any other business that may properly come before the meeting. |
You must be a shareholder of record at the close of business on April 4, 2003, to vote at the Annual Meeting. In order to hold the meeting, holders of a majority of the outstanding shares must be present either in person or by proxy.
Your vote is important, so please promptly complete and return the enclosed proxy card in the postage prepaid envelope provided.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
-s- STAN McCORMICK | |
STAN McCORMICK | |
Corporate Secretary |
Dated: April 18, 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |||||
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
|
Cover | ||||
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
|
1 | ||||
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (Item 1 on Proxy Card)
|
2 | ||||
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
6 | ||||
CERTAIN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
|
7 | ||||
Director Independence
|
8 | ||||
Meetings of Non-Management Directors
|
8 | ||||
Access to Non-Management Directors and Presiding
Non-Management Director
|
8 | ||||
Corporate Governance Guidelines
|
9 | ||||
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
|
9 | ||||
New Audit Committee Charter
|
9 | ||||
Compensation and Benefits Committee Charter
|
9 | ||||
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
|
9 | ||||
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION
|
10 | ||||
Compensation and Benefits Committee Report on
Executive Compensation
|
10 | ||||
Compensation and Benefits Committee Interlocks
and Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions
|
12 | ||||
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation
|
13 | ||||
Other Plans and Agreements
|
14 | ||||
Executive Stock Ownership
|
16 | ||||
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
|
18 | ||||
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
|
19 | ||||
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
|
19 | ||||
SELECTION OF AUDITORS (Item 2 on Proxy Card)
|
20 | ||||
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
|
20 | ||||
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
COMPLIANCE
|
22 | ||||
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
|
22 | ||||
OTHER MATTERS
|
22 | ||||
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
|
ANNEX A | ||||
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE CHARTER
|
ANNEX B | ||||
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE
CHARTER
|
ANNEX C | ||||
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
|
ANNEX D |
i
100 West Houston Street
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
SOLICITATION AND REVOCATION OF PROXY
The Board of Directors of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (Cullen/Frost or the Company) is soliciting proxies to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held on May 21, 2003. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card will be mailed to shareholders beginning on or about April 18, 2003.
The Company will pay for the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting. The Directors, officers, and employees of Cullen/Frost may solicit proxies by mail, telephone, facsimile, or in person. Cullen/Frost has also retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc. to assist in soliciting proxies for a fee of approximately $6,500.00, plus out-of-pocket expenses. Cullen/Frost has requested that brokers, nominees, fiduciaries, and other custodians forward proxy-soliciting material to the beneficial owners of Cullen/Frost Common Stock. Cullen/Frost will reimburse these persons for out-of-pocket expenses they incur in connection with its request.
All shares of Cullen/Frost Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies, if returned in time, will be voted at the meeting in accordance with the proxys instructions. If no direction is given, proxies will be voted for all proposals listed on the proxy and in the discretion of persons named on the proxy with respect to any other business properly coming before the meeting. If authority to vote on any matter is withheld, the shares will still be counted for determining the number of shares present at the meeting.
A shareholder may revoke a proxy at any time before it is voted by delivering a written revocation notice to the Secretary of Cullen/Frost, Stan McCormick, 100 West Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205. A shareholder who attends the meeting may vote by ballot at the meeting if desired, and such vote will cancel any proxy vote previously given.
VOTING OF SECURITIES
The only class of voting securities of Cullen/Frost outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting is Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. On April 4, 2003, there were outstanding 51,346,775 shares of Common Stock, with each share entitled to one vote. A quorum of shareholders is required to hold a valid meeting. If the holders of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares are present in person or represented by proxy, a quorum will exist. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for establishing a quorum.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting. With respect to any other matter, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares having voting power present in person or represented by proxy will be the act of the shareholders.
1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Companys Bylaws provide for a classified Board of Directors. Directors are assigned to one of three classes, and all classes are as equal in number as possible. The term of office of Class II will expire at the 2004 Annual Meeting, and the term of office of Class III will expire at the 2005 Annual Meeting. The term of office of Class I expires at this 2003 Annual Meeting.
Six Directors have been nominated for election as Directors in Class I, with a three-year term that will expire in 2006. These persons are Mr. Isaac Arnold, Jr., Mr. Harry H. Cullen, Mr. Patrick B. Frost, Mr. James L. Hayne, Mr. Robert S. McClane and Ms. Mary Beth Williamson. Mr. Carlos Alvarez has been nominated for election as a Director in Class III, with a term that will expire in 2005. If any nominee is unable to serve, the individuals named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card will vote the shares to elect the remaining nominees and any substitute nominee or nominees designated by the Board.
The tables below provide information about each nominee and about each Director whose term continues after the meeting.
Nominees for Three-Year Term Expiring in 2006 (Class I)
Shares Owned(1,2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amount and | ||||||||||||||||||
Nature of | ||||||||||||||||||
Principal Occupation | Director | Beneficial | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Age | During Past Five Years | Since | Ownership | Percent | |||||||||||||
Isaac Arnold, Jr.
|
67 | Oil, real estate, investments | 1977 | 49,968 | 0.10% | |||||||||||||
Harry H. Cullen
|
67 | Oil, real estate, investments | 1993 | 310,532 | (3) | 0.59% | ||||||||||||
Patrick B. Frost
|
43 | President, The Frost National Bank, a Cullen/Frost subsidiary | 1997 | 296,790 | (4,5) | 0.57% | ||||||||||||
James L. Hayne
|
69 | Managing Partner, Catto & Catto Insurance | 1977 | 164,116 | (6) | 0.31% | ||||||||||||
Robert S. McClane
|
64 | President, McClane Partners, LLC; former Director of Prodigy Communications Corp.; former President of Cullen/Frost | 1985 | 39,908 | 0.08% | |||||||||||||
Mary Beth Williamson
|
69 | Education (Consultant) | 1996 | 18,880 | 0.04% |
(Table continued on following page)
2
Nominee for Two-Year Term Expiring in 2005 (Class III)
Shares Owned(1,2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amount and | ||||||||||||||||||
Nature of | ||||||||||||||||||
Principal Occupation | Director | Beneficial | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Age | During Past Five Years | Since | Ownership | Percent | |||||||||||||
Carlos Alvarez
|
52 | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Gambrinus Company | 2001 | 22,000 | 0.04% |
Directors Continuing in Office Term Expiring in 2005 (Class III)
Shares Owned(1,2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amount and | ||||||||||||||||||
Nature of | ||||||||||||||||||
Principal Occupation | Director | Beneficial | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Age | During Past Five Years | Since | Ownership | Percent | |||||||||||||
R. Denny Alexander
|
57 | Investments; former Chairman, Overton Bank & Trust and former Director, Overton Bancshares, Inc. (merged with Cullen/Frost) | 1998 | 141,020 | (7) | 0.27% | ||||||||||||
Eugene H. Dawson, Sr.
|
68 | Chairman of the Board, Pape- Dawson Consulting Engineers | 1996 | 52,403 | (8) | 0.10% | ||||||||||||
Ruben M. Escobedo
|
64 | Certified Public Accountant | 1996 | 25,000 | 0.05% | |||||||||||||
Joe R. Fulton
|
68 | Chairman, Fulton Construction Corporation | 1997 | 44,000 | 0.08% | |||||||||||||
Ida Clement Steen
|
50 | Investments | 1996 | 24,300 | (9) | 0.05% |
Directors Continuing in Office Term Expiring in 2004 (Class II)
Shares Owned(1,2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amount and | ||||||||||||||||||
Nature of | ||||||||||||||||||
Principal Occupation | Director | Beneficial | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Age | During Past Five Years | Since | Ownership | Percent | |||||||||||||
Royce S. Caldwell
|
64 | Former Vice Chairman, SBC Operations, SBC Communications Inc. | 1994 | 22,800 | 0.04% | |||||||||||||
Richard W. Evans, Jr.
|
56 | Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Cullen/Frost; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Frost National Bank, a Cullen/Frost subsidiary | 1993 | 560,379 | (4) | 1.07% | ||||||||||||
T. C. Frost
|
75 | Senior Chairman of the Board of Cullen/Frost | 1966 | 1,417,340 | (4,10) | 2.70% |
(Table continued on following page)
3
Shares Owned(1,2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amount and | ||||||||||||||||||
Nature of | ||||||||||||||||||
Principal Occupation | Director | Beneficial | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Age | During Past Five Years | Since | Ownership | Percent | |||||||||||||
Preston M. Geren III
|
51 | Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense; Attorney; former Management Consultant, Public Strategies, Inc; former U.S. Congressman, 12th District of Texas | 2001 | 249,840 | (11) | 0.48% | ||||||||||||
Karen E. Jennings
|
52 | Senior Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Communications, SBC Communications Inc. | 2001 | 8,100 | 0.02% | |||||||||||||
Richard M. Kleberg, III
|
60 | Investments | 1992 | 30,400 | 0.06% | |||||||||||||
Horace Wilkins, Jr.
|
52 | Former President, Special Markets, SBC Communications Inc.; former Regional President, Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. | 1997 | 16,400 | 0.03% |
(1) | Beneficial ownership is stated as of December 31, 2002, except for Mr. Patrick B. Frost, which is stated as of January 31, 2003, and Mr. T.C. Frost, which is stated as of February 28, 2003. The owners have sole voting and investment power for the shares of Company Common Stock reported unless otherwise indicated. Beneficial ownership includes the following shares that the individual had a right to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty (60) days from December 31, 2002 (or January 31, 2003, in the case of Mr. Patrick B. Frost, and February 28, 2003, in the case of Mr. T.C. Frost): Mr. T. C. Frost 318,000; Mr. Richard W. Evans, Jr. 356,000; Mr. Patrick B. Frost 170,000; Mr. R. Denny Alexander, Mr. Robert S. McClane and Mr. Horace Wilkins, Jr. 16,000; Mr. Carlos Alvarez, Mr. Preston M. Geren III and Ms. Karen E. Jennings 8,000; Mr. Ruben M. Escobedo 19,000; Ms. Mary Beth Williamson 18,000; and for each of the other Directors, 22,000. The number of shares of Cullen/Frost Common Stock beneficially owned by all Directors, nominees and executive officers as a group is disclosed on page 16. | |
(2) | Reflects 10% Company Common Stock dividend in 1993 and 2-for-1 stock split of the Companys Common Stock in each of 1996 and 1999. | |
(3) | Includes 19,584 shares for which Mr. Harry H. Cullen has shared voting and investment power with others. | |
(4) | Includes the following shares allocated under the 401(k) Stock Purchase Plan for Employees of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. for which each beneficial owner has both sole voting and investment power: Mr. T.C. Frost 45,702; Mr. Richard W. Evans, Jr. 35,626; and Mr. Patrick B. Frost 15,911. | |
(5) | Includes (a) 43,582 shares held by a trust of which Mr. Patrick B. Frost is the trustee, (b) 12,270 shares held by Mr. Patrick B. Frosts children for which Mr. Patrick B. Frost is the custodian, and (c) 630 shares held by Mr. Patrick B. Frosts wife for which Mr. Patrick B. Frost disclaims beneficial ownership. | |
(6) | Includes 122,520 shares due to spouses investment in a limited partnership for which Mr. James L. Hayne disclaims beneficial ownership. |
4
(7) | Includes 21,000 shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. R. Denny Alexander disclaims beneficial ownership. | |
(8) | Mr. Eugene H. Dawson, Sr. shares voting and investment power with his wife for 52,403 shares. | |
(9) | Includes 1,100 shares for which Ms. Ida Clement Steen shares voting and investment power with her husband. |
(10) | Includes (a) 663,911 shares held by a limited partnership of which the general partner is a limited liability company of which Mr. T.C. Frost is the sole manager, (b) 336,992 shares held by various trusts of which Mr. T.C. Frost is the trustee, and (c) 33,684 shares held by the Pat and Tom Frost Foundation Trust for which Mr. T.C. Frost disclaims beneficial ownership. |
(11) | Includes 58,390 shares held by a family limited partnership of which Mr. Preston M. Geren III is a general partner and of which Mr. Preston M. Geren III and his wife are limited partners. Mr. Preston M. Geren III disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by such family limited partnership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Also includes 4,310 shares for which Mr. Preston M. Geren III shares voting and investment power with his wife. |
5
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meetings and Committees of the Board
The Board of Directors of Cullen/ Frost usually has four regularly scheduled meetings each year. In 2002, there were five meetings. Each of the Companys current directors attended at least 75 percent of the meetings of the Board and the Committees of the Board on which he or she served during 2002.
The Board of Directors has five Committees, each of which is described in the chart below.
Meetings | ||||||||
Committee | Members | Primary Responsibilities | in 2002 | |||||
Audit
|
Eugene H. Dawson, Sr. (Chair) Isaac Arnold, Jr. Royce S. Caldwell Richard M. Kleberg, III |
Assists Board oversight of the integrity of Cullen/ Frosts financial statements, Cullen/ Frosts compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent auditors qualifications and independence, and the performance of the independent auditors and Cullen/ Frosts internal audit function. | 5 | |||||
Appoints, retains and terminates the independent auditors, and pre-approves audit and permissible non-audit services. | ||||||||
Compensation and Benefits
|
Ruben M. Escobedo (Chair) Karen E. Jennings Mary Beth Williamson |
Oversees the development and
implementation of Cullen/ Frosts compensation and benefit
programs. Reviews and approves the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO, evaluates the CEOs performance based on those goals and objectives and sets the CEOs compensation based on the evaluation. Administers Cullen/ Frosts compensation and benefit plans. |
2 | |||||
Corporate Governance and Nominating
|
Ruben M. Escobedo (Chair) Karen E. Jennings Mary Beth Williamson |
Maintains and reviews Cullen/
Frosts corporate governance principles. Establishes procedures for overseeing annual evaluations of the Board and management. Identifies and recommends candidates for election to the Board. |
* | |||||
Executive
|
Richard W. Evans, Jr. (Chair) Patrick B. Frost T.C. Frost |
Acts for the Board of Directors between meetings, except as limited by resolutions of the Board, Cullen/ Frosts Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws and applicable law. | 8 | |||||
Strategic Planning
|
Richard W. Evans, Jr. (Chair) R. Denny Alexander Isaac Arnold, Jr. Royce S. Caldwell Eugene H. Dawson, Sr. T.C. Frost James L. Hayne |
Analyzes the strategic direction for
Cullen/ Frost, including by reviewing short-term and long-term
goals. Monitors Cullen/ Frosts corporate mission statement and capital planning. |
4 |
* | The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee was established on March 27, 2003. |
6
Director Compensation
Cullen/ Frost employees receive no fees for their services as members of the Board of Directors or any of its committees. Non-employee Directors receive an annual retainer fee of $8,000 and $2,000 for each Board meeting attended. In addition, non-employee Directors receive $1,000 for attending each meeting of a committee of the Board to which they have been appointed, except that the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives $1,500 for each meeting of the Audit Committee attended. Non-employee Directors are also eligible to receive stock options each year under Cullen/ Frosts 1997 Director Stock Plan. In 2002, each non-employee Director received options to purchase 4,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock. The options have a term of 6 years from the date of the grant, become exercisable immediately from the date of the grant and have an exercise price of $38.41, which is equal to the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the NYSE) on the date of the grant.
In addition, the Board of Directors, with the exception of Mr. Harry H. Cullen, also serves as the Board of Directors for The Frost National Bank, a subsidiary of Cullen/ Frost, and non-employee Directors receive fees for serving in this capacity. In particular, non-employee Directors receive $2,000 for each meeting of such Board attended and $1,000 for attending each meeting of a committee of such Board to which they have been appointed. Mr. Harry H. Cullen, who does not serve on such Board, receives an additional $2,000 for each meeting of Cullen/ Frosts Board of Directors that he attends and receives $2,000 for attending the annual meeting of The Frost National Banks advisory directors.
Other Directorships
The following are directorships held by nominees and Directors in public companies other than Cullen/ Frost, or in registered investment companies:
Mr. Arnold
|
Nuevo Energy Co. | |||
Mr. Caldwell
|
SABRE Corporation | |||
Mr. Escobedo
|
Valero Energy Corp. | |||
Mr. Geren
|
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation |
Miscellaneous Information
There are no arrangements or understandings between any nominee or Director of Cullen/ Frost and any other person regarding such nominees or Directors selection as such, except that Mr. Robert S. McClanes retirement agreement with Cullen/ Frost provides that, until he reaches age 70, subject to the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, he will be considered as a candidate for reelection to the Board. In addition, pursuant to such retirement agreement, Mr. McClane is entitled to office space and secretarial services until he reaches age 70. The only family relationships among the Directors or executive officers of Cullen/ Frost that are first cousin or closer are those of Messrs. T. C. Frost and Patrick B. Frost, who are father and son, and Messrs. Harry H. Cullen and Isaac Arnold, Jr., who are first cousins.
CERTAIN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
Cullen/ Frost believes that it has operated over the years with sound corporate governance practices that exemplify its commitment to integrity and protect both the interests of its shareholders and the other constituencies that it serves. These practices include a substantially independent Board of Directors, periodic meetings of non-management Directors and a sound and comprehensive code of conduct, which obligates Directors and all employees to adhere to the highest legal and ethical business practices. In addition, over the past several months, the Board of Directors of Cullen/ Frost has taken a number of additional steps to enhance and protect the strength of Cullen/ Frosts corporate governance practices and to further protect shareholder interests. A review of some of these steps is set forth below.
7
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has reviewed the relationships between Directors and Cullen/ Frost in light of the proposed independence standards of the NYSE. The purpose of the review was to determine whether any Director, either directly or indirectly, has a material relationship with Cullen/ Frost that would preclude the Director from being independent. As a result of the review, the Board has determined that each Director is an independent director, other than Mr. T.C. Frost, Mr. Richard W. Evans and Mr. Patrick B. Frost, who are executive officers of Cullen/ Frost. Each member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Benefits Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is also an independent director.
In making its determinations, the Board evaluated, in light of various guidelines, the relevant facts and circumstances regarding banking, financial services, commercial, consulting, familial and other relationships between Cullen/ Frost and Directors or entities of which Directors are an executive officer, partner, member and/or significant stockholder. For purposes of determining the materiality of any lending relationships with Directors and related entities, the Board considered, among other things, the following three guidelines:
| Whether the lending relationship is categorized as classified by Cullen/ Frost or any regulatory authority that supervises Cullen/ Frost. | |
| Whether the lending relationship is made on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, that are substantially similar to those prevailing at the time for comparable relationships with other unrelated persons or entities and, if subject to the Federal Reserve Boards Regulation O (12 C.F.R. Part 215), made in accordance with Regulation O. | |
| Whether, in the event that the lending relationship was not made or was terminated in the normal course of Cullen/ Frosts business, the action would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Director or the business, results of operations or financial condition of the entity related to such Director. |
For purposes of determining the materiality of other banking and financial services provided to Directors by Cullen/ Frost, the Board used as a guideline whether the services were offered in the ordinary course of Cullen/ Frosts business and on terms and under circumstances that were substantially similar to those prevailing at the time for comparable services provided to other unrelated persons or entities. For purposes of determining the materiality of relationships in which Directors or entities related to Directors provided goods or services to Cullen/ Frost, the Board used as a guideline whether the goods or services were procured by Cullen/ Frost in the ordinary course of its business and on terms and under circumstances that were substantially similar to those that Cullen/ Frost would expect in procuring comparable goods or services from unrelated persons.
Meetings of Non-Management Directors
In the past, Cullen/ Frosts non-management Directors have met in executive sessions without members of management present. The Board of Directors recently instituted a policy of holding these executive sessions at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. The chairperson of the Boards new Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, who is currently Mr. Ruben Escobedo, will preside at the executive sessions.
Access to Non-Management Directors and Presiding Non-Management Director
Cullen/ Frost also recently established a mechanism for shareholders or other interested parties to communicate with the non-management Directors as a group and the presiding non-management Director. In particular, all such communications should be addressed to the Non-Management Directors or Presiding Director, as the case may be, in care of the Secretary of Cullen/ Frost, Stan McCormick, 100 West Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205.
8
Corporate Governance Guidelines
The Board of Directors has adopted new Corporate Governance Guidelines for Cullen/Frost. The Guidelines reaffirm Cullen/Frosts past practice of having a majority of independent Directors and holding executive sessions of non-management Directors. In addition, the Guidelines set forth, among other things, the policies of the Board with respect to selection of Directors, retirement of Directors, Director orientation and continuing training, Director compensation and Director responsibilities. Furthermore, the Guidelines provide for an annual performance evaluation of the Board, as well as the Audit Committee, Compensation and Benefits Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Cullen/Frosts new Corporate Governance Guidelines are attached as Annex D to this Proxy Statement and will be available in the near future on Cullen/Frosts website at www.frostbank.com.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
Effective March 27, 2003, the Board of Directors established a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The committee is composed of three Directors that the Board has determined to be independent directors. Its duties and responsibilities, which are set forth in a written charter, include, among other things, maintaining a set of corporate governance principles applicable to Cullen/Frost and reviewing those principles on an annual basis, overseeing the annual performance evaluation of the Board and management and identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board. The charter for the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is attached as Annex C to this Proxy Statement and will be available in the near future on Cullen/Frosts website at www.frostbank.com.
New Audit Committee Charter
The Board of Directors has adopted an amended charter for the Audit Committee to reflect the new responsibilities of such committee under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the proposed listing standards of the NYSE. Many of the new required responsibilities were already being carried out by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committees new charter is attached as Annex A to this Proxy Statement and will be available in the near future on Cullen/Frosts website at www.frostbank.com.
Compensation and Benefits Committee Charter
The Board of Directors has adopted a charter for the Compensation and Benefits Committee. The charter principally sets forth the current responsibilities of such committee. These responsibilities, which are described below under Executive Compensation and Related Information Compensation and Benefits Committee Report on Executive Compensation, are consistent with the proposed requirements of the NYSE. The charter for the Compensation and Benefits Committee is attached as Annex B to this Proxy Statement and will be available in the near future on Cullen/Frosts website at www.frostbank.com.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
For many years, Cullen/Frost has had a code of conduct to promote the operation of its business in accordance with the highest legal and ethical standards. This code applies to the Board of Directors, executive officers, senior financial officers and all other employees. Under a policy recently established by the Board, waivers of the code for Directors, executive officers and senior financial officers may be granted only by the Board or the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION
Compensation and Benefits Committee Report on Executive Compensation
The Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee) is composed of three Directors that the Board has determined to be independent directors. The duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee, as well as Cullen/Frosts compensation policies for executive officers, are set forth below.
Compensation Committee Duties and Responsibilities |
The duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include, among other things, the following:
| In consultation with management, to establish Cullen/Frosts general compensation philosophy and oversee the development of Cullen/Frosts compensation and benefit programs; | |
| To review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of Cullen/Frosts Chief Executive Officer, evaluate his performance in light of those goals and objectives, and set his compensation level based on this evaluation. |
Compensation Policies |
| Compensation levels should be competitive with the median of comparable financial organizations to attract and maintain a stable, successful management team; | |
| Executives total compensation packages should depend upon the level of success in meeting specified Company and individual performance goals; | |
| Executive ownership of the Companys Common Stock should be encouraged to align executives interests with shareholders interests; and | |
| Sustained superior performance by individual executives should be rewarded. |
Each year an independent consultant engaged by the Compensation Committee provides a comprehensive analysis of competitive market data, which compares Cullen/Frosts compensation practices and programs to a group of comparator companies that have similar business operations, total assets, market capitalizations, and lines of business. These companies include, but are not limited to, the companies in the Standard & Poors (S&P) Bank Index. The Compensation Committee has chosen not to use the S&Ps Bank Index as its sole comparator group for compensation purposes since detailed data for all senior executives at the banks comprising the index is not available.
The S&Ps Bank Index was used for comparison of total shareholder return shown in the Performance Graph on page 18.
Key elements of Cullen/Frosts executive compensation are base salary, annual incentives, and long-term compensation, which are discussed below. The Compensation Committee considers all elements of an executives total compensation package, including severance plans, insurance, and other benefits.
Base Salary |
| Reviewed annually for each of the Companys four named executive officers. | |
| Based on subjective evaluation of individual performance, achievement, and contribution to growth. | |
| May be adjusted to reflect competitive market levels following performance evaluations. | |
| May be adjusted to attract and retain appropriate officers. |
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| Company base salary levels were slightly above median market levels of comparator companies in 2002. | |
| Merit increases for senior executives were reinstated as of January 1, 2003 after a salary freeze announced in September 2001. |
Annual Incentives |
| Promote and reward teamwork as measured by overall corporate performance and also recognize individual contributions. | |
| No bonus pool established until Company achieves a predetermined level of financial performance, as established by the Compensation Committee. | |
| Compensation Committee has authority to adjust the total bonus pool up or down based on Companys overall performance. | |
| Compensation Committee authorized payouts in excess of target for 2002 based on the Companys superior performance. | |
| Bonuses awarded for 2002 performance ranged from approximately 95% 135% of target. Actual award sizes recognized individual contributions and teamwork. |
Long-Term Incentives |
| Size of award depends on levels of responsibility, prior experience, individual performance, and compensation practices at comparator companies. | |
| Current stock holdings and the magnitude of outstanding long-term incentives are not considered in making current awards. |
Stock Options |
| Primary long-term incentive vehicle. | |
| Nonqualified stock options granted at a price not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. | |
| Size of stock option grants determined based on numerous factors including Company and individual performance, level of responsibility, competitive market, historical awards, and available option pool. | |
| Compensation Committees objective is to deliver a competitive award opportunity. | |
| Number awarded varies from year to year. |
Restricted Stock |
| Provides executives with immediate link to shareholder interests. | |
| Helps maintain a stable executive team. | |
| Restricted stock was granted to selected senior executives in 2002. | |
| Awards granted in 2002 cliff vest at the end of four years from date of grant to ensure executive retention. |
11
CEO Compensation |
The Compensation Committee continued Mr. Evans base salary at $550,000, which closely approximates the median level of CEOs at comparator companies. The Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Evans a bonus of $440,000 for 2002, based on the Companys superior financial performance and Mr. Evans outstanding leadership during 2002. Mr. Evans was granted 21,800 options with an exercise price of $33.30 as detailed in the table on page 14. Mr. Evans also received 21,875 shares of restricted stock, which will vest in November of 2006. As of December 31, 2002, Mr. Evans had beneficial ownership of 560,379 shares of stock, which includes 356,000 shares of which he has a right to receive pursuant to presently exercisable options.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code |
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally limits the corporate tax deduction to $1,000,000 in a taxable year for compensation paid to each covered employee of the Company, which, under Section 162(m), includes the Companys Chief Executive Officer and three other named executive officers, unless the compensation is performance-based. Under Section 162(m), one condition to qualify compensation as performance-based is to establish the amount of an incentive award by an objective formula that precludes any discretion. While the Compensation Committee has continued to review the impact of Section 162(m) on the Companys incentive plans and has determined that it is currently inapplicable because no covered employee of the Company receives annual compensation in excess of $1,000,000, in order to preserve the Companys tax deduction for future years, the Compensation Committee has approved The Cullen/ Frost Bankers, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan For Covered Employees. The plan requires that a covered employees compensation that would exceed the amount deductible under Section 162(m) be deferred until the plan year after he or she ceases to be a covered employee or upon his or her death or disability. Currently, Cullen/ Frosts Chief Executive Officer is the only covered employee under this plan. The Compensation Committee also believes it is in the Companys and shareholders best interests to retain the discretionary evaluation of individual performance as provided in the annual incentive plan.
Conclusion |
The Compensation Committee believes that Cullen/ Frosts executive compensation policies and programs effectively serve the interests of the Company and its shareholders. The various compensation arrangements offered are appropriately balanced to provide increased motivation for executives to contribute to the Companys overall future successes, thereby enhancing the value of the Company for the shareholders benefit.
The Compensation Committee will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the Companys total compensation program to meet the current needs of the Company.
Ruben M. Escobedo, Chairman | |
Karen E. Jennings | |
Mary Beth Williamson |
Compensation and Benefits Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions
Some of the members of the Compensation Committee, and some of these persons associates, are current or past customers of one or more of the Companys subsidiaries. Since January 1, 2002, the transactions between these persons and such subsidiaries have occurred, including borrowings. In the opinion of management, all of the transactions have been in the ordinary course of business, have had substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility. Additional transactions may take place in the future.
12
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation
The table below gives information on compensation for the Senior Chairman of Cullen/ Frost and the other three most highly compensated executive officers (collectively, the named executive officers).
Annual Compensation | Long-Term Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and | Other Annual | Restricted | Stock Options | All Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus | Compensation(1) | Stock(2) | (# of shares) | Compensation(3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
T. C. Frost
|
2002 | $ | 40,000 | $ | | $ | 42,716 | $ | | 4,000 | $ | 64,155 | |||||||||||||||||
Senior Chairman
|
2001 | $ | 30,000 | $ | | $ | 20,810 | $ | | 8,000 | $ | 31,372 | |||||||||||||||||
Cullen/ Frost
|
2000 | $ | 30,000 | $ | | $ | 27,902 | $ | | 8,000 | $ | 32,105 | |||||||||||||||||
Richard W. Evans, Jr.
|
2002 | $ | 550,000 | $ | 440,000 | $ | 26,737 | $ | 728,438 | 21,800 | $ | 47,552 | |||||||||||||||||
Chairman and CEO
|
2001 | $ | 550,000 | $ | | $ | 27,920 | $ | | 175,000 | $ | 48,094 | |||||||||||||||||
Cullen/ Frost
|
2000 | $ | 550,000 | $ | 400,000 | $ | 23,064 | $ | | 150,000 | $ | 44,920 | |||||||||||||||||
Phillip D. Green
|
2002 | $ | 286,000 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 1,979 | $ | 208,125 | 6,200 | $ | 6,895 | |||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer
|
2001 | $ | 275,000 | $ | | $ | 1,332 | $ | | 50,000 | $ | 4,856 | |||||||||||||||||
Cullen/ Frost
|
2000 | $ | 255,000 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 2,107 | $ | | 45,000 | $ | 6,679 | |||||||||||||||||
Patrick B. Frost
|
2002 | $ | 286,000 | $ | 138,000 | $ | 1,979 | $ | 166,500 | 5,000 | $ | 6,100 | |||||||||||||||||
President
|
2001 | $ | 275,000 | $ | | $ | 2,364 | $ | | 40,000 | $ | 6,900 | |||||||||||||||||
The Frost National Bank
|
2000 | $ | 260,000 | $ | 91,000 | $ | 2,084 | $ | | 40,000 | $ | 5,964 |
(1) | Represents payments to compensate the named executive officer for income taxes on elective deferrals and Company matching contributions to Cullen/Frosts 1991 Thrift Stock Purchase Plan (the 1991 Thrift Plan), which provides benefits comparable to the Companys 401(k) Stock Purchase Plan for employees whose participation in the 401(k) Plan is limited by IRS rules. Mr. T.C. Frosts values represent the total reimbursement to him for taxes on life insurance premiums paid by the Company. Mr. Evans values include $12,693 to reimburse him for taxes on life insurance premiums paid by the Company and a $6,000 automobile allowance. |
(2) | Represents the dollar value of restricted stock awards, based on the closing market price of Company Common Stock on the grant date. The number and value of the aggregate restricted stock holdings at December 31, 2002 of the named executive officers are as follows: Mr. T.C. Frost, 0 shares; Mr. Evans 31,875 shares valued at $1,042,313; Mr. Green 9,250 shares valued at $302,475; and Mr. P. Frost 8,000 shares valued at $261,600. Aggregate market value is based on the closing market price of Company Common Stock on December 31, 2002, which was $32.70. Dividends are paid on the restricted shares at the same time and at the same rate as dividends paid to shareholders of unrestricted shares. Stock awarded in 1999 and 2002 vests at the end of four years from the date of the award. |
(3) | Represents total and/or imputed income from certain insurance premiums paid by Cullen/ Frost and the Companys contributions to the 1991 Thrift Plan. The amounts for insurance premiums and/or imputed income for 2002 were: Mr. T.C. Frost $64,155; Mr. Evans $25,192; Mr. Green $1,395; and Mr. P. Frost $600. The Companys contribution to the 1991 Thrift Plan for 2002 for these executives was: Mr. T.C. Frost $0; Mr. Evans $22,360; Mr. Green $5,500; and Mr. P. Frost $5,500. |
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The following tables provide information on stock options granted to and held by the named executive officers in 2002 under the Cullen/ Frost Bankers, Inc. 2001 Stock Plan:
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Potential Realizable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value at Assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | % of Total | Annual Rates of Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities | Options/SARs | Price Appreciation for | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Underlying | Granted to | Option Term(4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Options/ SARs | Employees in | Exercise | Expiration | |||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Granted(1) | Fiscal Year(2) | Price(3) | Date | 5% | 10% | ||||||||||||||||||
T. C. Frost
|
4,000 | 0.6 | % | $ | 33.30 | 11/05/2008 | $ | 45,301 | $ | 102,772 | ||||||||||||||
Richard W. Evans, Jr.
|
21,800 | 3.2 | % | $ | 33.30 | 11/05/2008 | $ | 246,889 | $ | 560,107 | ||||||||||||||
Phillip D. Green
|
6,200 | 0.9 | % | $ | 33.30 | 11/05/2008 | $ | 70,216 | $ | 159,296 | ||||||||||||||
Patrick B. Frost
|
5,000 | 0.7 | % | $ | 33.30 | 11/05/2008 | $ | 56,626 | $ | 128,465 |
(1) | These options were granted to the named executive officers on November 5, 2002, become exercisable on November 5, 2005 and are subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances. Upon a change in control of Cullen/Frost, these options will immediately become exercisable. |
(2) | Based on 678,400 options granted to all employees in 2002. |
(3) | The exercise price is equal to the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the grant date of the option. |
(4) | The dollar amounts in these two columns are the result of calculations at the 5% and 10% rates set by the Securities and Exchange Commission and therefore are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the Companys Common Stock. If the price of the Companys Common Stock does not increase above the exercise price, no value will be realizable from these options. |
AGGREGATED OPTIONS/ SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
Number of Securities | Value of Unexercised | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Underlying Unexercised | In-The-Money | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Options/SARs at | Options/SARs Held at | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquired | Fiscal Year-End(1) | Fiscal Year-End(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
on | Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Exercise | Realized | Exercisable | Unexercisable | Exercisable | Unexercisable | ||||||||||||||||||
T. C. Frost
|
92,024 | $ | 2,384,635 | 318,000 | 20,000 | $ | 6,355,580 | $ | 68,640 | |||||||||||||||
Richard W. Evans, Jr.
|
97,200 | $ | 2,481,142 | 356,000 | 346,800 | $ | 3,952,080 | $ | 1,501,500 | |||||||||||||||
Phillip D. Green
|
51,600 | $ | 1,298,922 | 70,000 | 101,200 | $ | 574,900 | $ | 429,000 | |||||||||||||||
Patrick B. Frost
|
8,800 | $ | 225,544 | 187,100 | 85,000 | $ | 3,071,082 | $ | 343,200 |
(1) | Reflects 10% Company Common Stock dividend in 1993 and 2-for-1 stock split of the Companys Common Stock in each of 1996 and 1999. |
(2) | Value of options based on the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on December 31, 2002, which was $32.70. |
Other Plans and Agreements
Retirement Plan and Restoration Plan |
Cullen/ Frost has a non-contributory Retirement Plan and Trust for Employees of Cullen/ Frost Bankers, Inc. and its Affiliates that is designed to comply with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The Company also has a Restoration Plan that provides benefits in excess of the limits under Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code and in excess of the limits on eligible earnings set by the Tax
14
Reform Act of 1986; benefits are provided in connection with both the Retirement Plan and a previous employee stock ownership plan. The entire cost of the Retirement and Restoration Plans is supported by Cullen/ Frost and its subsidiaries. Both of these plans were frozen effective December 31, 2001. There will be no additional accruals of compensation or service under either plan.
The Pension Plan Table below shows the anticipated annual benefit, computed on a straight line basis, payable under the frozen Retirement Plan and Restoration Plan upon the normal retirement of a vested executive officer of Cullen/Frost at age 65 after 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of credited service (as of December 31, 2001) at specified final average annual compensation levels.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
Final Average | Years of Service as of December 31, 2001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(12/31/2001) | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 175,000 | $ | 42,979 | $ | 57,306 | $ | 71,632 | $ | 85,958 | $ | 100,285 | $ | 111,222 | $ | 122,160 | $ | 133,097 | |||||||||||||||||
200,000 | 49,542 | 66,056 | 82,570 | 99,083 | 115,597 | 128,097 | 140,597 | 153,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
225,000 | 56,104 | 74,806 | 93,507 | 112,208 | 130,910 | 144,972 | 159,035 | 173,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
250,000 | 62,667 | 83,556 | 104,445 | 125,333 | 146,222 | 161,847 | 177,472 | 193,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
300,000 | 75,792 | 101,056 | 126,320 | 151,583 | 176,847 | 195,597 | 214,347 | 233,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
400,000 | 102,042 | 136,056 | 170,070 | 204,083 | 238,097 | 263,097 | 288,097 | 313,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
450,000 | 115,167 | 153,556 | 191,945 | 230,333 | 268,722 | 296,847 | 324,972 | 353,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
500,000 | 128,292 | 171,056 | 213,820 | 256,583 | 299,347 | 330,597 | 361,847 | 393,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
550,000 | 141,417 | 188,556 | 235,695 | 282,833 | 329,972 | 364,347 | 398,722 | 433,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
600,000 | 154,542 | 206,056 | 257,570 | 309,083 | 360,597 | 398,097 | 435,597 | 473,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
650,000 | 167,667 | 223,556 | 279,445 | 335,333 | 391,222 | 431,847 | 472,472 | 513,097 |
The frozen Retirement Plan provides a monthly benefit based on a percentage of an eligible employees final average Compensation based on the highest three years of compensation during the last ten years of service prior to January 1, 2002. Included in Compensation under the Retirement Plan are Salary, Overtime, Bonuses, Commissions, and Wages deferred for the Company 401(k) Plan or used to pay health care premiums, expenses, or parking under the Company Pre Tax Plan (IRS Section 125 Plan). Participants in the Plan are fully vested in their accrued benefits under the Plan upon attaining age 65 or after five years of service, whichever occurs first. Death benefits are provided to married participants who have completed five years of service. Normal retirement is at age 65, but early retirement is available starting at age 55. Early Retirement benefits are provided on a reduced basis. The benefit amounts listed in the table represent amounts payable from the plans and are not subject to any additional deduction for Social Security benefits or other offset amounts.
The years of credited service under the Retirement Plan as of December 31, 2001 for each of the named executive officers are: Mr. T. C. Frost 52 years; Mr. Evans 31 years; Mr. Green 21 years; and Mr. P. Frost 17 years. Mr. T. C. Frost activated his retirement benefit effective July 1, 1994, but still remains an active employee.
The Company also maintains a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). The plan provides for target retirement benefits, as a percentage of annual cash compensation, beginning at age 55. The target percentage is 45% of annual cash compensation at age 55, increasing to 60% at age 60 and later. Benefits under the SERP are reduced dollar-for-dollar by benefits received under the Retirement and Restoration Plans, described previously, and any Social Security benefits. Effective January 1, 2002, SERP benefits will also be reduced by the annuity equivalent of any account balance in the Companys Profit Sharing Plan at retirement. The Profit Sharing Plan was implemented by the Company effective January 1, 2002. Contributions to the
15
Profit Sharing Plan will be made annually to each participants account based on the profitability of the Company. The first contribution to the Profit Sharing Plan is expected to be made in early 2003.
Mr. Evans currently participates in the SERP. At current salary levels, at age 60, Mr. Evans would receive $117,514 annually under the SERP. This benefit has been reduced by a projected Profit Sharing Plan account balance and his benefit under the frozen Retirement Plan.
Change in Control Agreements |
Cullen/Frost has change-in-control agreements with Messrs. Evans, Green and P. Frost, as well as other key employees. The main purposes of these agreements are: (i) to help executives evaluate objectively whether a potential change-in-control is in the best interests of shareholders; (ii) to help protect against the departure of executives, thus assuring continuity of management, in the event of an actual or threatened merger or change-in-control; and (iii) to maintain compensation and benefits comparable to those available from competing employers. Change-in-control includes (a) an acquisition of 20 percent or more of Cullen/Frost Common Stock by an individual, corporation, partnership, group, association, or other person; (b) certain changes in the composition of the Board of Directors by 50 percent or more; or (c) certain changes-in-control that must be reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Under the change-in-control agreements, Messrs. Evans, Green and P. Frost could receive severance payments equal to three times their base salary and target bonus if their position is terminated by the Company within two years following a change-in-control, if the termination is for reasons other than cause, disability or retirement. Cause is generally defined in the agreements as an executives (i) willful and continued failure to substantially perform his duties after delivery of a written demand for substantial performance, (ii) willful engagement in conduct materially injurious to Cullen/Frost or (iii) conviction of a felony. In addition, the change-in-control agreements provide that Messrs. Evans, Green and P. Frost could receive severance payments described above if they terminate their employment for good reason within two years following a change-in-control. Good reason is generally defined in the agreements as the occurrence of one or more of the following events: (a) a significant change or reduction in the executives responsibilities, (b) an involuntary transfer to a location that is 50 miles further than the distance between the executives current residence and Cullen/Frosts headquarters, (c) a significant reduction in the executives current compensation, (d) the failure of any successor to Cullen/Frost to assume the executives change-in-control agreement, or (e) any failure by Cullen/Frost to terminate properly the executives employment. The change-in-control agreements also provide for a continuation of certain employee benefits and a tax gross-up payment in an amount necessary to make the executive whole for any excise taxes paid as a result of the severance payments.
Executive Stock Ownership
The table below lists the number of shares of Cullen/Frost Common Stock beneficially owned by each of the named executive officers and by all Directors, nominees, and executive officers of Cullen/Frost as a group:
Shares Owned(1,2) | ||||||||
Amount and | ||||||||
Nature of | ||||||||
Beneficial | ||||||||
Name | Ownership(3) | Percent | ||||||
T. C. Frost
|
1,417,340 | (4) | 2.70% | |||||
Richard W. Evans, Jr.
|
560,379 | 1.07% | ||||||
Patrick B. Frost
|
296,790 | (5) | 0.57% | |||||
Phillip D. Green
|
116,249 | 0.22% | ||||||
All Directors, nominees and executive officers as
a Group (20 persons)
|
3,610,425 | (6) | 6.88% |
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(1) | Beneficial ownership is stated as of December 31, 2002, except for Mr. Patrick B. Frost, which is stated as of January 31, 2003, and Mr. T.C. Frost, which is stated as of February 28, 2003. The owners have sole voting and investment power for the shares of Company Common Stock reported unless otherwise indicated. Beneficial ownership includes the following shares that the individual had a right to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty (60) days from December 31, 2002 (or January 31, 2003, in the case of Mr. Patrick B. Frost, and February 28, 2003, in the case of Mr. T.C. Frost): Mr. T.C. Frost 318,000; Mr. Richard W. Evans, Jr. 356,000; Mr. Patrick B. Frost 170,000; Mr. Phillip D. Green 70,000 and all Directors, nominees and executive officers as a group 1,999,000. |
(2) | Reflects 10% Company Common Stock dividend in 1993 and 2-for-1 stock split of the Companys Common Stock in each of 1996 and 1999. |
(3) | Includes the following shares allocated under the 401(k) Stock Purchase Plan for which each beneficial owner has both sole voting and investment power: Mr. T.C. Frost 45,702; Mr. Richard W. Evans, Jr. 35,626; Mr. Patrick B. Frost 15,911; and Mr. Phillip D. Green 20,570. |
(4) | Includes (a) 663,911 shares held by a limited partnership of which the general partner is a limited liability company of which Mr. T.C. Frost is the sole manager, (b) 336,992 shares held by various trusts of which Mr. T.C. Frost is the trustee, and (c) 33,684 shares held by the Pat and Tom Frost Foundation Trust for which Mr. T.C. Frost disclaims beneficial ownership. |
(5) | Includes (a) 43,582 shares held by a trust of which Mr. Patrick B. Frost is the trustee, (b) 12,270 shares held by Mr. Patrick B. Frosts children for which Mr. Patrick B. Frost is the custodian, and (c) 630 shares held by Mr. Patrick B. Frosts wife for which Mr. Patrick B. Frost disclaims beneficial ownership. |
(6) | Includes 77,397 shares for which Directors, nominees and executive officers share voting and investment power with others. Also includes 117,809 shares allocated under the 401(k) Stock Purchase Plan for which the named executive officers have both sole voting and investment power. |
17
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following performance graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Cullen/ Frost Common Stock with the cumulative total return on the equity securities of companies included in the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index and the Standard & Poors 500 Bank Index. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on December 31, 1997 and reinvestment of dividends on the date of payment without commissions. The performance shown in the graph represents past performance and should not be considered to be an indication of future performance.
Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | |||||||
1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||||
Cullen/Frost
|
$100.00 | $92.38 | $89.01 | $148.13 | $112.38 | $122.04 | ||||||
S&P 500
|
$100.00 | $128.52 | $155.53 | $141.36 | $124.63 | $97.15 | ||||||
S&P 500 Banks
|
$100.00 | $106.03 | $91.48 | $108.76 | $108.76 | $107.67 |
18
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
At December 31, 2002 the only persons known by Cullen/ Frost based on public filings to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock of Cullen/ Frost were as follows:
Voting Authority | Investment Authority | Amount of | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beneficial | of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Address | Sole | Shared | None | Sole | Shared | None | Ownership(1) | Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cullen/ Frost Bankers, Inc.
|
398,859 | 2,165 (2) | 1,110,661 | 343,785 | 70,272 | 1,097,628 (2) | 4,486,888 | 8.7% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
P.O. Box 1600
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
San Antonio, Texas 78296
|
(1) | Cullen/ Frost owns no securities of Cullen/ Frost for its own account. All of the shares are held by Cullen/ Frosts subsidiary bank, The Frost National Bank. The Frost National Bank has reported that the securities registered in its name as fiduciary or in the names of various of its nominees are owned by many separate accounts. The accounts are governed by separate instruments which set forth the powers of the fiduciary with regard to the securities held. |
(2) | Does not include 2,975,203 shares held by participants in the Cullen/ Frost 401(k) Stock Purchase Plan. |
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
Some of the Directors and executive officers of Cullen/ Frost, and some of these persons associates, are current or past customers of one or more of the Companys subsidiaries. Since January 1, 2002, transactions between these persons and such subsidiaries have occurred, including borrowings. In addition, the offices of the Hulen Financial Center of The Frost National Bank in Fort Worth, Texas are leased on a long-term basis from OPNB Building J.V., a Texas joint venture of which Mr. R. Denny Alexander, a Director of Cullen/ Frost, owns a 13.3 percent interest and is the managing general partner. During 2002, lease payments of $759,073 were made by The Frost National Bank and Frost Insurance Agency, Inc., which are subsidiaries of Cullen/Frost, to OPNB Building J.V. In the opinion of management, all of the foregoing transactions, including borrowings, have been in the ordinary course of business, have had substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility. Additional transactions may take place in the future.
19
SELECTION OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders of the Company ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP, certified public accountants, as independent auditors of Cullen/ Frost. Ernst & Young LLP has audited the financial statements of Cullen/ Frost since 1969.
Neither Cullen/ Frosts Articles of Incorporation nor Bylaws requires that the shareholders ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors. Cullen/ Frost is doing so because it believes it is a matter of good corporate practice. If the shareholders do not ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain Ernst & Young LLP, but may retain such independent auditors. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that the change would be in the best interests of Cullen/ Frost and its shareholders.
Fees for the last fiscal years annual Audit of Cullen/ Frost (Audit Fees) were $396,840. Fees for all other services performed by Ernst & Young LLP (All Other Fees) were $459,810, which total included audit related fees of $372,133 and non-audit fees of $87,677. There were no fees related to financial information systems design and implementation. Audit related fees include audits of funds administered by the Financial Management Group, audits of Cullen/ Frosts subsidiaries, audit procedures required by government regulation, and other required audit oriented services.
Representatives from Ernst & Young LLP will not be present at the meeting. If any shareholder wants to ask Ernst & Young LLP an appropriate question, management will ensure that the question is sent to them and that an appropriate response is made directly to the shareholder.
The role of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in its oversight of (i) the integrity of Cullen/ Frosts financial statements, (ii) Cullen/ Frosts compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) the independent auditors qualifications and independence and (iv) the performance of the independent auditors and Cullen/ Frosts internal audit function. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter that is attached hereto as Annex A and met five times in 2002. The Board of Directors, in its business judgment, has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent, as such qualification is defined by the current rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Management of Cullen/ Frost is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of Cullen/ Frosts financial statements, as well as for maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and policies and internal controls and procedures that provide for compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing Cullen/ Frosts financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Members of the Audit Committee are not full-time employees of Cullen/ Frost and are not, and do not represent themselves to be, performing the functions of auditors or accountants. Accordingly, as described above, the Audit Committee provides oversight of the responsibilities of management and the independent auditors.
In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee has considered and discussed the audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as currently in effect. Finally, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as currently in effect, has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent auditors to
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Cullen/ Frost is compatible with maintaining the auditors independence and has discussed with the auditors the auditors independence.
Based upon the reports and discussions described in this report, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee referred to above and in its charter, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Cullen/ Frosts Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Eugene H. Dawson, Sr., Chairman
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys Directors and executive officers to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NYSE relating to their ownership and changes in ownership of the Companys Common Stock. Based on information provided by the Companys Directors and executive officers and a review of such reports, the Company believes that all required reports were filed on a timely basis during 2002, except that due to inadvertent oversight, each of Messrs. Richard W. Evans, Jr., Phillip D. Green and Patrick B. Frost made a late filing relating to an exempt award of restricted stock and stock options, Mr. T.C. Frost made a late filing relating to an exempt award of stock options and three exempt gifts and Mr. R. Denny Alexander made a late filing relating to his resignation as trustee of a family trust.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
To be eligible under the Securities and Exchange Commissions shareholder proposal rule (Rule 14a-8) for inclusion in Cullen/Frosts proxy statement, proxy card, and presentation at Cullen/Frosts 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (currently scheduled to be held on May 19, 2004), a proper shareholder proposal must be received by Cullen/Frost at its principal offices no later than December 20, 2003. For a proper shareholder proposal submitted outside of the process provided by Rule 14a-8 to be eligible for presentation at Cullen/Frosts 2004 Annual Meeting, timely notice thereof must be received by Cullen/Frost not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days before the meeting (for a May 19, 2004 meeting, the date on which the 2004 meeting is currently scheduled, notice is required by no later than March 23, 2004). If the date of the 2004 Annual Meeting is changed, the dates set forth above will change. This notice must be in the manner and form required by Cullen/Frosts Bylaws.
OTHER MATTERS
Management of Cullen/Frost knows of no other business to be presented at the meeting. If other matters do properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote shares according to their best judgment unless they are instructed differently.
By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
/s/ STAN McCORMICK | |
STAN McCORMICK | |
Corporate Secretary |
Dated: April 18, 2003
A copy of Cullen/Frosts 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K is available without charge (except for exhibits) upon written request to Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., attention Greg Parker, 100 West Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205.
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ANNEX A
CULLEN/FROST BANKERS, INC.
(Effective March 27, 2003)
I. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors (the Board) of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (Cullen/Frost) shall be comprised of three or more Directors, each of whom the Board has determined is independent under the then-existing rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 and other applicable law and regulation. The Board shall also determine that each member of the Committee is financially literate and that one member has accounting or related financial management expertise, as such qualifications are interpreted by the Board in its business judgment, and whether any member of the Committee is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
No Director may serve as a member of the Committee if such Director serves on the audit committees of more than two other public companies, unless the Board determines that such simultaneous service would not impair the ability of such Director to effectively serve on the Committee, and discloses this determination in Cullen/Frosts annual proxy statement.
The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such term or terms as the Board may determine.
The Committee shall designate one member of the Committee as its chairperson.
II. PURPOSES OF THE COMMITTEE
The purposes of the Committee are (i) to assist Board oversight of (A) the integrity of Cullen/Frosts financial statements, (B) Cullen/Frosts compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (C) the independent auditors qualifications and independence, and (D) the performance of the independent auditors and Cullen/Frosts internal audit function; and (ii) to prepare the report required to be prepared by the Committee pursuant to the rules of the SEC for inclusion in Cullen/Frosts annual proxy statement.
The function of the Committee is oversight. The management of Cullen/Frost is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of Cullen/Frosts financial statements, as well as for maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and policies and internal controls and procedures that provide for compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent auditors are responsible for planning and carrying out a proper audit of Cullen/Frosts annual financial statements, reviewing Cullen/Frosts quarterly financial statements prior to the filing of each quarterly report on Form 10-Q, preparing the reports required by this charter and other procedures. In fulfilling their responsibilities hereunder, it is recognized that members of the Committee are not full-time employees of Cullen/Frost and are not, and do not represent themselves to be, performing the functions of auditors or accountants. As such, it is not the duty or responsibility of the Committee or its members to conduct field work or other types of auditing or accounting reviews or procedures or to set auditor independence standards.
The independent auditors for Cullen/Frost are accountable to the Board and the Committee, as representatives of the shareholders. The Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditors (including resolving disagreements between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting). The Committee has the authority and responsibility to
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appoint, retain and terminate Cullen/Frosts independent auditors. The independent auditors shall report directly to the Committee.
The independent auditors shall submit to the Committee annually a formal written statement (the Auditors Statement) describing: the auditors internal quality-control procedures; any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review or peer review of the auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (to assess the auditors independence) all relationships between the independent auditors and Cullen/Frost, including each non-audit service provided to Cullen/Frost and at least the matters set forth in Independence Standards Board No. 1.
The independent auditors shall submit to the Committee annually a formal written statement of the following categories of fees billed by the independent auditors in each of the last two fiscal years: (i) the audit of Cullen/Frosts annual financial statements and reviews of the financial statements included in Cullen/Frosts Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for those fiscal years; (ii) assurance and related services not included in clause (i) that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of Cullen/Frosts annual or quarterly financial statements; (iii) tax compliance, tax consulting and tax planning services; and (iv) all other services rendered by the independent auditors, in the aggregate and by each service.
III. MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee shall meet once every fiscal quarter, or more frequently if circumstances dictate, to discuss with management the annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements, as applicable. The Committee should meet separately periodically with management, the Director of the internal audit department and the independent auditors to discuss any matters that the Committee or any of these persons or firms believe should be discussed privately. The Committee may request any officer or employee of Cullen/Frost or Cullen/Frosts outside counsel or independent auditors to attend a meeting of the Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Committee. Members of the Committee may participate in a meeting of the Committee by means of conference call or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other.
IV. DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE
To carry out its purposes, the Committee shall have the following duties and powers:
A. | With respect to the independent auditors, |
1. | To appoint, retain and terminate the independent auditors, including sole authority to approve all audit engagement fees and terms; | |
2. | To pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors, and to consider whether the outside auditors provision of non-audit services to Cullen/Frost is compatible with maintaining the independence of the outside auditors; | |
3. | To ensure that the independent auditors prepare and deliver annually an Auditors Statement (it being understood that the independent auditors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of this Statement), and to discuss with the independent auditors any relationships or services disclosed in this statement that may impact the quality of audit services or the objectivity and independence of Cullen/Frosts independent auditors; | |
4. | To obtain from the independent auditors in connection with any audit a timely report relating to Cullen/Frosts annual audited financial statements describing all critical accounting policies and practices used, all alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed with management, the ramifications of using |
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such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the independent auditors, and any material written communications between the independent auditors and management, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences; | ||
5. | To review and evaluate the qualifications, performance and independence of the lead partner of the independent auditors; | |
6. | To obtain from the independent auditors information regarding the timing and process for implementing the rotation of the lead audit partner, concurring partner and any other active audit engagement team partner; | |
7. | To take into account the opinions of management and Cullen/ Frosts internal audit department in assessing the independent auditors qualifications, performance and independence; and | |
8. | To instruct the independent auditors that the independent auditors are ultimately accountable to the Board and the Committee, as representatives of the shareholders; |
B. | With respect to the internal audit department, |
1. | To review the appointment and replacement of the director of the internal audit department; and | |
2. | To advise the director of the internal audit department that he or she is expected to provide to the Committee summaries of and, as appropriate, the significant reports to management prepared by the internal audit department and managements responses thereto; |
C. | With respect to financial reporting principles and policies and internal controls and procedures, |
1. | To advise management, the internal audit department and the independent auditors that they are expected to provide to the Committee a timely analysis of significant financial reporting issues and practices; | |
2. | To consider any reports or communications (and managements and/or the internal audit departments responses thereto) submitted to the Committee by the independent auditors required by or referred to in SAS 61 (as codified by AU Section 380), as it may be modified or supplemented, including reports and communications related to: |
| deficiencies noted in the audit in the design or operation of internal controls; | |
| consideration of fraud in a financial statement audit; | |
| detection of illegal acts; | |
| the independent auditors responsibility under generally accepted auditing standards; | |
| any restriction on audit scope; | |
| significant accounting policies; | |
| significant issues discussed with the national office respecting auditing or accounting issues presented by the engagement; | |
| management judgments and accounting estimates; | |
| any accounting adjustments arising from the audit that were noted or proposed by the auditors but were passed (as immaterial or otherwise); | |
| the responsibility of the independent auditors for other information in documents containing audited financial statements; | |
| disagreements with management; |
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| consultation by management with other accountants; | |
| major issues discussed with management prior to retention of the independent auditors; | |
| difficulties encountered with management in performing the audit; | |
| the independent auditors judgments about the quality of the entitys accounting principles; | |
| reviews of interim financial information conducted by the independent auditors; and | |
| the responsibilities, budget and staffing of Cullen/Frosts internal audit function; |
3. | To meet with management, the independent auditors and, if appropriate, the director of the internal audit department: |
| to discuss the scope of the annual audit; | |
| to discuss the annual audited financial statements and other financial disclosures in Cullen/Frosts annual report on Form 10-K, the quarterly financial statements and other financial disclosures in Cullen/Frosts quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and Cullen/Frosts disclosures under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; | |
| to discuss any significant matters arising from any audit, including any audit problems or difficulties, whether raised by management, the internal audit department or the independent auditors, relating to Cullen/Frosts financial statements; | |
| to discuss any difficulties the independent auditors encountered in the course of the audit, including any restrictions on their activities or access to requested information and any significant disagreements with management; | |
| to discuss any management or internal control letter issued by the independent auditors to Cullen/Frost; | |
| to review the form of opinion the independent auditors propose to render to the Board and shareholders; and | |
| to discuss, as appropriate (a) any major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations, including any significant changes in Cullen/Frosts selection or application of accounting principles, and major issues as to the adequacy of Cullen/Frosts internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies; (b) analyses prepared by management and/or the independent auditors setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements, including analyses of the effects of alternative GAAP methods on the financial statements; and (c) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet structures, on the financial statements of Cullen/Frost; |
4. | To inquire of Cullen/Frosts chief executive officer and chief financial officer as to the existence of any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls that could adversely affect Cullen/Frosts ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data, any material weaknesses in internal controls, and any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Cullen/Frosts internal controls; | |
5. | To discuss guidelines and policies governing the process by which senior management of Cullen/Frost and the relevant departments of Cullen/Frost assess and manage Cullen/Frosts exposure to risk, and to discuss Cullen/Frosts major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures; |
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6. | To obtain from the independent auditors assurance that the audit was conducted in a manner consistent with Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which sets forth certain procedures to be followed in any audit of financial statements required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; | |
7. | To discuss any significant legal, compliance or regulatory matters that may have a material effect on the financial statements or Cullen/Frosts business, financial statements or compliance policies, including material notices to or inquiries received from governmental agencies; | |
8. | To discuss earnings press releases; | |
9. | To discuss the types of financial information and earnings guidance provided, and the types of presentations made, to analysts and rating agencies; |
10. | To establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by Cullen/Frost regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and for the confidential, anonymous submission by Company employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; and | |
11. | To advise management that no former employee of the independent auditors may undertake a financial reporting oversight role at Cullen/Frost if the employee was a member of Cullen/Frosts audit engagement team during the one-year period preceding the date of the commencement of review or audit procedures for the period that includes the employees initial employment date with Cullen/Frost; |
D. | With respect to reporting and recommendations, |
1. | To prepare any report or other disclosures, including any recommendation of the Committee, required by the rules of the SEC to be included in Cullen/Frosts annual proxy statement; | |
2. | To review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board; | |
3. | To report its activities to the full Board on a regular basis and to make such recommendations with respect to the above and other matters as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate; and | |
4. | To prepare and review with the Board an annual performance evaluation of the Committee, which evaluation must compare the performance of the Committee with the requirements of this Charter. The performance evaluation by the Committee shall be conducted in such manner as the Committee deems appropriate. The report to the Board may take the form of an oral report by the chairperson of the Committee or any other member of the Committee designated by the Committee to make this report. |
V. DELEGATION TO SUBCOMMITTEE
The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate all or a portion of its duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Committee. The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate to one or more of its members the authority to pre-approve any audit or non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors, provided that any such approvals are presented to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
VI. RESOURCES AND AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its duties and responsibilities, including the authority to select, retain, terminate, and approve the fees and other retention terms of special or independent counsel, accountants or other experts and advisors, as it deems necessary or appropriate, without seeking approval of the Board or management.
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ANNEX B
CULLEN/ FROST BANKERS, INC.
(Effective March 27, 2003)
I. PURPOSE OF COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Compensation and Benefits Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors (the Board) of Cullen/ Frost Bankers, Inc. (Cullen/ Frost) is to discharge the Boards responsibilities relating to its oversight of Cullen/ Frosts compensation and benefit programs and the compensation of Cullen/ Frosts executive officers, and to produce an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in Cullen/ Frosts proxy statement in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
II. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The Committee shall consist of three members of the Board, each of whom the Board has determined is independent under the then-existing rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such term or terms as the Board may determine.
III. COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS
The Committee shall designate one member of the Committee as its chairperson. The Committee shall meet in person or telephonically at least twice a year at a time and place determined by the Committee chairperson, with further meetings to occur, or actions to be taken by unanimous written consent, when deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee or its chairperson.
The Committee may invite such members of management to its meetings as it may deem desirable or appropriate, consistent with the maintenance of the confidentiality of compensation discussions. Cullen/ Frosts Chief Executive Officer (CEO) should not attend any meeting where the CEOs performance or compensation are discussed, unless specifically invited by the Committee.
IV. COMMITTEE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are the duties and responsibilities of the Committee, which may be supplemented from time to time by any duties and responsibilities expressly delegated to the Committee by the Board:
A. | In consultation with senior management, to establish Cullen/ Frosts general compensation philosophy, and oversee the development of Cullen/ Frosts compensation and benefit programs. |
B. | To review and approve the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO, evaluate the performance of the CEO in light of those goals and objectives, and set the CEOs compensation level based on this evaluation. |
C. | To make recommendations to the Board, and, if appropriate under the circumstances (including, for example, if required or permitted under a plan or applicable law, or if administrative in nature), approve on behalf of the Board, any adoption of or amendment to a material compensation or benefit plan, including any incentive compensation plan or equity-based plan. | |
D. | To discharge any duties or responsibilities imposed on the Committee by any of Cullen/ Frosts compensation or benefit plans. |
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E. | In consultation with management, to oversee regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters, including overseeing Cullen/ Frosts policies on structuring compensation programs to preserve tax deductibility, and, as and when required, establishing performance goals and certifying that performance goals have been attained for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. | |
F. | To review, as necessary, the components and amount of Board compensation in relation to other similarly situated companies. |
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Committee shall produce the following reports and provide them to the Board:
A. | An annual Report of the Compensation and Benefits Committee on Executive Compensation for inclusion in Cullen/ Frosts annual proxy statement in accordance with applicable SEC rules and regulations. |
B. | An annual performance evaluation of the Committee, which evaluation must compare the performance of the Committee with the requirements of this Charter. The performance evaluation should also recommend to the Board any improvements to this Charter deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee. The performance evaluation by the Committee shall be conducted in such manner as the Committee deems appropriate. The report to the Board may take the form of an oral report by the chairperson of the Committee or any other member of the Committee designated by the Committee to make this report. |
C. | A summary of the actions taken at each Committee meeting, which shall be presented to the Board at the next Board meeting. |
VI. RESOURCES AND AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its duties and responsibilities, including the authority to select, retain, terminate, and approve the fees and other retention terms of special counsel or other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate, without seeking approval of the Board or management.
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ANNEX C
CULLEN/ FROST BANKERS, INC.
(Effective March 27, 2003)
I. PURPOSE OF COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors (the Board) of Cullen/ Frost Bankers, Inc. (Cullen/ Frost) is (i) to maintain a set of corporate governance principles applicable to Cullen/ Frost and (ii) to identify and recommend individuals to the Board for nomination as members of the Board. In exercising its duties and responsibilities, the Committee shall consider and take into account Cullen/ Frosts mission statement and core values (known as the Frost Philosophy), which have been developed over Cullen/ Frosts existence, beginning in 1868, and the long-standing culture and traditions of Cullen/ Frost and its way of doing business. The Frost Philosophy is set forth in a brochure entitled Relationship Banking.
II. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The Committee shall consist of three members of the Board, each of whom the Board has determined is independent under the then-existing rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such term or terms as the Board may determine.
III. COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS
The Committee shall designate one member of the Committee as its chairperson. The Committee shall meet in person or telephonically at least twice a year at a time and place determined by the Committee chairperson, with further meetings to occur, or actions to be taken by unanimous written consent, when deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee or its chairperson. The Committee recognizes and expects that managements involvement and views will play an important role in the Committees exercise of its duties and responsibilities.
IV. COMMITTEE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are the duties and responsibilities of the Committee, which may be supplemented from time to time by any duties and responsibilities expressly delegated to the Committee by the Board:
A. | With respect to corporate governance, |
1. | To maintain a set of corporate governance principles applicable to Cullen/ Frost, review those principles on an annual basis and recommend to the Board any changes thereto that the Committee deems necessary or appropriate. | |
2. | To establish procedures for the Committee to exercise oversight of the evaluation of the Board and management. | |
3. | To discuss with Cullen/ Frosts Chief Executive Officer (CEO) a succession plan, developed in conjunction with the CEO. |
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B. | With respect to nominating, |
1. | To identify individuals believed to be qualified to become members of the Board, and to recommend to the Board the nominees to stand for election as Directors at the annual meeting of shareholders or, if applicable, at a special meeting of shareholders. In the case of a vacancy in the office of a Director (including a vacancy created by an increase in the size of the Board), the Committee shall recommend to the Board an individual to fill such vacancy either through appointment by the Board or through election by shareholders. In recommending candidates, the Committee shall take into consideration the criteria set forth under Selection of Directors in Cullen/ Frosts Corporate Governance Guidelines. | |
2. | To review the continuation on the Board of any Director who has tendered a letter of proposed resignation from the Board and recommend to the Board whether, in light of all the circumstances, the Board should accept such proposed resignation or request that the Director continue to serve. |
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Committee shall produce the following reports and provide them to the Board:
A. | An annual performance evaluation of the Committee, which evaluation must compare the performance of the Committee with the requirements of this Charter. The performance evaluation should also recommend to the Board any improvements to this Charter deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee. The performance evaluation by the Committee shall be conducted in such manner as the Committee deems appropriate. The report to the Board may take the form of an oral report by the chairperson of the Committee or any other member of the Committee designated by the Committee to make this report. |
B. | A summary of the actions taken at each Committee meeting, which shall be presented to the Board at the next Board meeting. |
VI. RESOURCES AND AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its duties and responsibilities, including the authority to select, retain, terminate, and approve the fees and other retention terms of special counsel or other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate, without seeking approval of the Board or management.
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ANNEX D
CULLEN/ FROST BANKERS, INC.
(Effective March 27, 2003)
I. INTRODUCTION
The Board of Directors (the Board) of Cullen/ Frost Bankers, Inc. (Cullen/ Frost) has developed and adopted a set of corporate governance guidelines (the Guidelines) to promote the functioning of the Board and its committees and to set forth a common set of expectations as to how the Board should perform its functions. The Guidelines embody, and are intended to further, Cullen/ Frosts mission statement and core values (known as the Frost Philosophy), which have been developed over Cullen/ Frosts existence, beginning in 1868, and the long-standing culture and traditions of Cullen/ Frost and its way of doing business (the Frost Philosophy and Traditions). The Frost Philosophy is set forth in a brochure entitled Relationship Banking.
II. FUNCTION OF THE BOARD
The function of the Board is oversight. The Board oversees, directly or through committees, the performance of Cullen/ Frosts business and operations. The Board recognizes and expects that managements involvement and views will play an important role in the Boards exercise of its duties and responsibilities.
III. SELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Board shall select its Chairman and Cullen/ Frosts Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the manner it considers to be in the best interests of Cullen/ Frost.
IV. BOARD COMPOSITION
The composition of the Board should balance the following goals:
| The size of the Board should facilitate substantive discussions of the whole Board in which each Director can participate meaningfully; | |
| The composition of the Board should encompass a broad range of skills, expertise, industry knowledge, diversity of opinion and contacts relevant to Cullen/ Frosts business; and | |
| A majority of the Board must consist of Directors who the Board has determined are independent under the then-existing rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the NYSE). |
V. SELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominations. The Board is responsible for selecting the nominees for election to the Board. Cullen/ Frosts Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board a slate of Directors or one or more nominees to fill vacancies occurring between annual meetings of shareholders.
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Criteria. The Board should, based on the recommendations of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, select new nominees for the position of independent Director considering the following criteria:
| Personal qualities and characteristics, accomplishments and reputation in the business community; | |
| Active engagement in a business or professional activity in the general area served by Cullen/ Frost and its subsidiaries; | |
| Ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters; | |
| The fit of the individuals skills and personality with those of other Directors and potential Directors in building a Board that is effective, collegial and responsive to the needs of Cullen/ Frost; | |
| Diversity of viewpoints, background, experience and other demographics; and | |
| Satisfaction of any applicable statutory or regulatory requirements. |
Invitation. The invitation to join the Board should be extended by the Board.
Orientation and Continuing Education. Management, working with the Board, will provide an orientation process for new Directors, including background material on Cullen/ Frost, its business plan and its risk profile, and meetings with senior management. Periodically, management should prepare additional educational material for Directors on matters relevant to Cullen/ Frost, its business plan and risk profile.
VI. RETIREMENT OF DIRECTORS
An individual serving as a Director on his or her seventieth birthday shall not stand for reelection, except that in view of the long-standing and unique contribution made to Cullen/ Frost by Mr. T.C. Frost, and in order to promote continuity of customer and investor relationships, as well as the Frost Philosophy and Traditions, this Guideline shall not apply to him.
VII. BOARD MEETINGS
The Board currently plans at least four meetings each year, with further meetings to occur (or action to be taken by unanimous consent) at the discretion of the Board.
The agenda for each Board meeting will be prepared by the Office of Corporate Counsel/ Corporate Secretary. Management will seek to provide to all directors an agenda and appropriate materials in advance of meetings, although the Board recognizes that this will not always be consistent with the timing of transactions and the operations of the business, and that in certain cases it may not be possible.
Materials presented to the Board or its committees should be as concise as possible, while still providing the desired information needed for the Directors to make an informed judgment.
VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
To ensure open discussion among the non-management Directors of the Board, the non-management Directors will meet in consultative executive sessions, with no members of management present, at the end of regularly scheduled meetings of the full Board prior to adjournment. The chairperson of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will preside at the executive sessions and will present to the full Board any matters discussed in the executive sessions that may need to be considered or acted upon by the full Board.
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IX. THE COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Cullen/ Frost shall have an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Benefits Committee, a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, an Executive Committee and a Strategic Planning Committee. Each of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Benefits Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee shall have a written charter satisfying the rules of the NYSE.
All Directors, whether members of a committee or not, are invited to make suggestions to a committee chairperson for additions to the agenda of his or her committee or to request that an item from a committee agenda be considered by the Board. Each committee chairperson will give a periodic report of his or her committees activities to the Board.
Each of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Benefits Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee shall be comprised of Directors who the Board has determined are independent under the then-existing rules of the NYSE. Any additional qualifications for the members of these committees shall be set out in the respective committees charter. A Director may serve on more than one committee for which he or she qualifies.
X. MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION
The Board, acting through the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, shall discuss a succession plan, developed in conjunction with the CEO.
XI. BOARD COMPENSATION
The Board, acting through the Compensation and Benefits Committee, shall review, as necessary, the components and amount of Board compensation in relation to other similarly situated companies. Only non-management Directors shall receive compensation for services as a Director.
XII. EXPECTATIONS OF DIRECTORS
The Board has developed a number of specific expectations of Directors to promote the discharge of their oversight responsibilities, the efficient conduct of the Boards business and the advancement of the Frost Philosophy and Traditions.
A. | Commitment and Attendance. All independent and management Directors should make every effort to attend meetings of the Board and meetings of committees of which they are members. Members may attend by telephone or video conference to mitigate conflicts. |
B. | Participation in Meetings. Each Director should be sufficiently familiar with the business of Cullen/ Frost, including its financial statements and capital structure, and the risks and competition it faces, to facilitate active and effective participation in the deliberations of the Board and of each committee on which he or she serves. Directors should also review the materials provided by management and advisors in advance of the meetings of the Board and its committees and should arrive prepared to discuss the issues presented. |
C. | Loyalty and Ethics. In their roles as Directors, all Directors owe a duty of loyalty to Cullen/ Frost. This duty of loyalty mandates that the best interests of Cullen/ Frost take precedence over any interests possessed by a Director. | |
D. | Changes in Outside Activities and Residence. A Director who ceases to be active in the principal activity in which he or she was engaged when elected a Director, or who ceases to reside in the general area served by Cullen/ Frost and its subsidiaries, should promptly tender his or her proposed resignation to the Chairman of the Board. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee shall review the Directors continuation on the Board and recommend to the Board whether, in light |
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of all the circumstances, the Board should accept such proposed resignation or request that the Director continue to serve. |
E. | Other Directorships. Cullen/ Frost values the experience Directors bring from other boards on which they serve, but recognizes that those boards may also present demands on a Directors time and availability and may present conflicts or legal issues. Directors should consult with the Chairman of the Board before accepting membership on other boards of directors, significant committees of other boards of Directors or other significant commitments. | |
F. | Contact with Management. All Directors are invited to contact the CEO to discuss Cullen/ Frosts business. Furthermore, the Board expects that there will be opportunities for Directors to meet with the CEO and other members of management in Board and committee meetings, as well as other formal or informal settings. |
G. | Contact with Other Constituencies. It is important that Cullen/ Frost speak to employees and outside constituencies with a single voice, and that the CEO or other members of management, not the Board, serve as the primary spokesperson. Directors should not under any circumstances discuss matters relating to Cullen/ Frosts overall strategy or strategic initiatives with third parties. The CEO shall be Cullen/ Frosts exclusive spokesperson on such matters. |
H. | Confidentiality. The proceedings and deliberations of the Board and its committees are confidential. Each Director shall maintain the confidentiality of information received in connection with his or her service as a Director. |
XIII. EVALUATING BOARD PERFORMANCE
The Board, acting through the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, should conduct an annual self-evaluation. Each of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Benefits Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee should conduct an annual self-evaluation as provided in its respective charter.
XIV. RELIANCE ON MANAGEMENT AND OUTSIDE ADVICE
In performing its functions, the Board is entitled to rely on the advice, reports and opinions of management, counsel, accountants, auditors and other expert advisors. The Board shall have the authority to select, retain, terminate and approve any fees and other retention terms of its outside advisors, as it deems appropriate.
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o DETACH PROXY CARD HERE o
o |
PLEASE BE CERTAIN THAT YOU HAVE DATED AND SIGNED THIS PROXY. RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE |
x Votes must be indicated (X) in Black or Blue ink. |
(1) ELECTION OF DIRECTORS | (2) AUDITORS | |||||
FOR all nominees listed below |
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below |
*EXCEPTIONS:
FOR all nominees except those listed below |
To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to act as independent auditors of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. for the fiscal year that began January 1, 2003. |
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | ||||||||
o | o | o | o | o | o |
CLASS I: | Isaac Arnold Jr., Harry H. Cullen, Patrick B. Frost, James L. Hayne, Robert S. McClane, Mary Beth Williamson | ||||
To change your address, please mark this box | o | ||||
CLASS III: | Carlos Alvarez | ||||
To include any comments, please mark this box | o | ||||
*Exceptions |
S C A N L I N E | |
Signature should correspond with the printed name appearing hereon. When signing in a fiduciary or representative capacity, give full title as such, or when more than one owner, each should sign |
Date | Share Owner sign here | Co-Owner sign here | |
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR ANNUAL MEETING
OF CULLEN/FROST BANKERS, INC.
The undersigned hereby revoking all proxies previously granted, appoints T.C. FROST, RICHARD W. EVANS, JR., and PATRICK B. FROST, and each of them, with power of substitution, as proxy of the undersigned, to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. on May 21, 2003 and any adjournments thereof, and to vote the number of shares the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present as designated on the reverse.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE NOMINEES LISTED IN PROPOSAL 1 AND FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING.
(Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse.)
CULLEN/FROST BANKERS, INC. | |
P.O. BOX 11225 | |
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0225 |