Based upon the comprehensive review, the board of directors determined the base salary of Mr. Estes should be increased to be equitable and competitive in our market and as a result increased Mr. Estes’ base salary by $35,000 for 2023.
Bonuses
Historically, the board of directors has provided discretionary cash bonuses after the end of each fiscal year. The amount of these discretionary awards, if any, has been based on an overall assessment of our performance, while taking into consideration other factors such as market conditions, regulatory changes, accounting changes, tax law changes and other items that may impact our strategic direction. Based on the profitability of the Company, we set aside on a monthly basis a bonus pool to be allocated among the employees at the end of the fiscal year.
We intend to continue to provide annual cash bonuses to reward achievement of financial or operational goals so that total compensation is reflective of actual company and individual performance.
Equity Incentives
The Bank7 Corp. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, or 2018 Plan, provides for the issuance of up to 1,829,981 shares of common stock pursuant to awards of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance-based stock and stock unit awards, and other forms of equity or cash compensation. The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2018 Plan increases annually on the first day of each fiscal year after the adoption of the 2018 Plan by the lesser of (i) 1% of the total issued and outstanding shares of common stock on the first day of the respective fiscal year, (ii) 100,000 shares of common stock, or (iii) a lesser amount determined by our board of directors. As of the record date, a maximum of 628,096 shares were issuable under the 2018 Plan.
The purpose of the 2018 Plan is to provide selected present and future employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates with stock based incentives and other equity interests in the Company, thereby giving them a stake in the growth and prosperity of the Company and encouraging the continuance of their services with the Company.
The 2018 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the ability to make awards under the 2018 Plan, and to select employees and directors who may participate in the 2018 Plan, determine the amount and types of awards, determine the terms and conditions of awards, grant awards as an alternative to, or as the form of payment for grants or rights earned or payable under, other bonus or compensation plans, arrangements or policies of the Company; grant substitute awards on terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may prescribe; make all determinations under the 2018 Plan concerning termination of any participant’s employment or service with the Company; determine whether or not a change-in-control has occurred under the 2018 Plan; construe and interpret the 2018 Plan and any agreement or instrument under the 2018 Plan; establish and administer any terms, conditions, restrictions, limitations, forfeiture, vesting or exercise schedule, and other provisions of or relating to any award; establish and administer any performance goals, including related performance measures or performance criteria and applicable performance periods, determine the extent to which any performance goals and/or other terms and conditions of an award are attained or are not attained, and certify whether, and to what extent, any such performance goals and other material terms applicable to awards under the 2018 Plan intended to qualify as performance-based compensation were in fact satisfied; construe any ambiguous provisions, correct any defects, supply any omissions and reconcile any inconsistencies in the 2018 Plan and/or any award agreement; establish, adopt, amend, waive and/or rescind rules, regulations, procedures, guidelines, forms and/or instruments for the 2018 Plan’s operation or administration; make all valuation determinations relating to awards and the payment or settlement thereof; and grant waivers of terms, conditions, restrictions and limitations under the 2018 Plan or applicable to any award, or accelerate the vesting or exercisability of any award.
Other Benefits and Perquisites
The named executive officers participate in the Bank’s broad-based employee welfare benefit plans, such as medical, dental, vision, supplemental disability and term life insurance. The named executive officers also participate in the Bank’s 401(k) plan. The Bank matches 100% of an employee’s contribution up to 5% of such employee’s salary (excluding bonuses). The named executive officers are provided the same benefits, and participate in the cost at the same rate, as all other employees.