UNITY BANCORP INC /NJ/
10-Ks and 10-Qs
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UNITED STATES
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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Washington, D.C. 20549
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SCHEDULE 14A
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Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant ☒
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
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Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
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UNITY BANCORP, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Total fee paid:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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Filing Party:
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Date Filed:
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Unity Bancorp, Inc.
2018
PROXY
UNITY BANCORP, INC.
64 Old Highway 22
Clinton, New Jersey 08809
March 16, 2018
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Unity Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) to be held on
April 26, 2018
at
9:30 a.m.
at The Farmhouse at The Grand Colonial, 86 Route 173 West, Perryville (Hampton), New Jersey, (908-735-7889). At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon:
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1.
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The election of the
three
(
3
) nominees listed in the attached proxy statement to serve on the Board of Directors for the terms set forth therein for each nominee.
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2.
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The ratification of the selection of RSM US LLP as the Company’s independent external auditors for the year ending
December 31, 2018
.
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3.
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An advisory vote on executive compensation.
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4.
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Such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments thereof, including whether or not to adjourn the Annual Meeting.
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Your cooperation is appreciated since a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company must be represented, either in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.
We are distributing our proxy materials to shareholders via the U
.
S. Securities and Exchange Commission "Notice and Access" rules. We believe this approach allows us to provide shareholders with a timely and convenient way to receive proxy materials and vote, while lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. We are mailing to our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice of Internet Availability") beginning on or about
March 16, 2018
, rather than paper copies of the Proxy Statement, the proxy card and our
2017
Annual Report, which includes our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
. The Notice of lnternet Availability contains instructions on how to access the proxy materials, vote and obtain, if desired, a paper copy of the proxy materials.
It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you expect to be present at the Annual Meeting, after receiving the Notice of Internet Availability, please vote as promptly as possible to ensure your representation and the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. As an alternative to voting in person at the Annual Meeting, you may vote via the Internet, by telephone, or by signing, dating and returning the proxy card that is mailed to those that request paper copies of the Proxy Statement and the other proxy materials.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of the employees of the Company, I thank you for your continued interest and support.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ David D. Dallas
David D. Dallas
Chairman of the Board
1
UNITY BANCORP, INC.
64 Old Highway 22
Clinton, New Jersey 08809
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD
APRIL 26, 2018
Notice is hereby given that the
2018
Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Unity Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on
April 26, 2018
at
9:30 a.m.
at The Farmhouse at The Grand Colonial, 86 Route 173 West, Perryville (Hampton), New Jersey, (908-735-7889), for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following matters:
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1.
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The election of the
three
(
3
) nominees listed in the attached proxy statement to serve on the Board of Directors for the terms set forth therein for each nominee.
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2.
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The ratification of the selection of RSM US LLP as the Company’s independent external auditors for the year ending
December 31, 2018
.
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3.
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An advisory vote on executive compensation.
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4.
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Such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments thereof, including whether or not to adjourn the Annual Meeting.
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Shareholders of record at the close of business on
March 9, 2018
, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
We are distributing our proxy materials to shareholders via the U
.
S. Securities and Exchange Commission "Notice and Access" rules. We believe this approach allows us to provide shareholders with a timely and convenient way to receive proxy materials and vote, while lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. We are mailing to our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice of Internet Availability") beginning on or about
March 16, 2018
, rather than paper copies of the Proxy Statement, the proxy card and our
2017
Annual Report, which includes our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
. The Notice of lnternet Availability contains instructions on how to access the proxy materials, vote and obtain, if desired, a paper copy of the proxy materials.
It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you expect to be present at the Annual Meeting, after receiving the Notice of Internet Availability, please vote as promptly as possible to ensure your representation and the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. As an alternative to voting in person at the Annual Meeting, you may vote via the Internet, by telephone, or by signing, dating and returning the proxy card that is mailed to those that request paper copies of the Proxy Statement and the other proxy materials.
You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the exercise of the proxy by following the voting instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability. The latest vote cast will control.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING TO BE HELD ON
APRIL 26, 2018
:
You may access the Annual Report, Proxy Statement and Proxy Card at the following website:
https://www.investorvote.com/UNTY
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ David D. Dallas
David D. Dallas
Chairman of the Board
March 16, 2018
Clinton, New Jersey
2
UNITY BANCORP, INC.
64 Old Highway 22
Clinton, New Jersey 08809
_____________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD
APRIL 26, 2018
_____________________________
We are providing these proxy materials in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Unity Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) of proxies to be voted at the Company’s
2018
Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on
April 26, 2018
, and at any postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting, which will begin at
9:30 a.m.
local time. The Annual Meeting will be held at The Farmhouse at The Grand Colonial, 86 Route 173 West, Perryville (Hampton), New Jersey (908-735-7889). Shareholders will be admitted beginning at 9:15 a.m. local time. (Directions: Route 78 West to Exit 12 to end of ramp, turn left onto Route 173 West and proceed to restaurant on right; or Route 78 East to Exit 11 to end of ramp, turn left on Route 614, turn right onto Route 173 East and proceed to restaurant.)
This proxy statement will first be available online on or about
March 16, 2018
, to shareholders.
PROXIES AND VOTING PROCEDURES
Who Can Vote?
You are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting all shares of the Company’s Common Stock, no par value per share (the “Common Stock”), that you held as of the close of business on the record date. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote with respect to each matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting.
On February 28, 2017, there were
10,497,869
shares of Common Stock outstanding.
In accordance with New Jersey law, a list of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be available at the Annual Meeting.
Who Is a Record Holder?
You may own Common Stock either (1) directly in your name, in which case you are the record holder of such shares, or (2) indirectly through a broker, bank or other nominee, in which case such nominee is the record holder.
If your shares of Common Stock are registered directly in your name, the Company is sending the Notice of Internet Availability directly to you. If the record holder of your shares of Common Stock is a nominee, you will receive proxy materials from such record holder.
How Do I Vote?
Record Holders:
Online.
Please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability.
By Attending the Annual Meeting
. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you can vote your shares of Common Stock in person.
Completed Proxy Card.
If you requested paper copies of the proxy materials, you may complete, date, sign and return the proxy card that is mailed to you.
Stock Held by Brokers, Banks and Nominees:
If your Common Stock is held by a broker, bank or other nominee, you will receive instructions from them that you must follow in order to have your shares voted.
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If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, you will need to contact the broker, bank or other nominee to obtain evidence of your ownership of Common Stock on
March 9, 2018
.
The method by which you vote will in no way limit your right to vote at the Annual Meeting if you later decide to attend in person.
How Many Votes Are Required?
A quorum is required to transact business at the Annual Meeting. The Company will have a quorum and be able to conduct the business of the Annual Meeting if the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote are present at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy.
If a quorum is present, Directors will be elected by a plurality of votes cast at the Annual Meeting. Thus, a Director may be elected even if the Director receives less than a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting. Approval of each of the other proposals requires the vote of a majority of those shares voting at the Annual Meeting.
How Are Votes Counted?
All shares that have been properly voted, and not revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions given. If you sign and return your proxy card, but do not specify how you wish your shares to be voted, your shares represented by that proxy will be voted “FOR” each of the proposals listed in the notice of meeting and as recommended by the Board of Directors on any other business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting. The Board is not aware of any other business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting.
Proxies marked as abstaining, and any proxies returned by brokers as “non-votes” on behalf of shares held in street name because beneficial owners’ discretion has been withheld as to one or more matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, will be treated as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. However, any shares not voted as a result of a marked abstention or a broker non-vote will not be counted as votes for or against a particular matter. Accordingly, marked abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of a vote.
How Does the Board Recommend that I Vote My Shares?
Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, the persons named as proxies on the card will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors. The Board’s recommendation is set forth together with the description of each item in this Proxy Statement. In summary, the Board recommends a vote:
FOR
the election of nominees for Director to serve on the Board of Directors;
FOR
ratification of RSM US LLP as the Company’s independent external auditors; and
FOR
approval of the Company's executive compensation.
How Can I Revoke My Proxy or Change My Vote?
You can revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised by following the voting instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability. The latest vote cast will control.
Who Will Pay the Expenses of Proxy Distribution?
The Company will pay the expenses of the preparation of proxy materials and the solicitation of proxies. Proxies may be solicited on behalf of the Company by Directors, officers or employees of the Company, who will receive no additional compensation for soliciting, in person or by telephone, e-mail, facsimile or other electronic means. In accordance with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their expenses incurred in sending proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners of Common Stock.
4
PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
In accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, the Board of Directors must consist of not less than one (1) and not more than sixteen (16) Directors. The Board of Directors of the Company currently has
eleven
(
11
) members. The Board of Directors is divided into three classes.
Three
(
3
) Directors will be elected at this Annual Meeting to serve for three-year terms expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting in
2021
and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. All nominees are current members of the Company’s Board of Directors.
The following tables set forth, as of the record date, the names of the nominees and the names of those Directors whose terms continue beyond the Annual Meeting, their ages, a brief description of their recent business experience, including present occupations and employment, certain Directorships held by each, the year in which each became a Director of the Company and the year in which their terms (or in the case of the nominees, their proposed terms) as Director of the Company expire.
The persons named as proxy will vote your proxy “FOR” the election of each of the nominees named below unless you indicate that your vote should be withheld. If elected, each nominee will continue in office until his/her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until the earliest of death, resignation, retirement or removal. Each of the nominees has indicated to the Company that he or she will serve if elected. The Company does not anticipate that any of the nominees will be unable to stand for election, but if that happens, your proxy will be voted in favor of another person nominated by the Board.
The Board of Directors has nominated and recommends a vote “FOR” the election of Dr. Mark S. Brody, Raj Patel and Donald E. Souders, Jr.
Nominees for
2018
Annual Meeting
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Name, Age and Position with Company (1)
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Principal Occupation During Past Five Years
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Director Since (2)
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Term Expires
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Dr. Mark S. Brody, 65
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Managing Member Financial Planning Analysts, LLC;
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2002
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2021
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Director
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Vice President of Planned Financial Programs, Inc.
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Raj Patel, 63
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President/CEO of Raja Group, a real estate holding company;
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2007
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2021
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Director
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CEO of Millennium Hospitality (Hotel); Founder and Board Member
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of Rainbow Investment Group; and Founder Rainbow Distribution Group
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Donald E. Souders, Jr., 52
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Attorney/Partner Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Fader LLC
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2007
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2021
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Director
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(1)
Each Director of the Company is also a Director of the Bank.
(2)
Includes prior service on the Board of Directors of the Bank.
5
Directors of the Company Whose Terms Continue
Beyond this Annual Meeting
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Name, Age and Position with Company (1)
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Principal Occupation During Past Five Years
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Director Since (2)
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Term Expires
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Dr. Mary E. Gross, 57
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Founder, Human Edge Resources, LLC (Human Resource Consulting)
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2009
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2019
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Director
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James A. Hughes, 59
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President and CEO of the Company and the Bank
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2002
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2019
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President, CEO and Director
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Aaron Tucker (3), 55
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President, Tucker Enterprises; Real Estate Builder and Investor
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2014
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2019
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Director
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Allen Tucker (3), 91
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Chairman, Tucker Enterprises; Real Estate Builder and Investor
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1995
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2019
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Vice Chairman
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Wayne Courtright, 70
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Consultant; Retired, Former Banker
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2004
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2020
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Director
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David D. Dallas (4), 63
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Chairman of the Company and the Bank; Chief Executive Officer
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1991
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2020
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Chairman
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of Dallas Group of America, Inc. (Chemicals)
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Robert H. Dallas, II (4), 71
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President of Dallas Group of America, Inc. (Chemicals)
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1991
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2020
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Director
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Peter E. Maricondo, 71
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Chief Operating Officer of The Center for Jewish History
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2004
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2020
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Director
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(1)
Each Director of the Company is also a Director of the Bank.
(2)
Includes prior service on the Board of Directors of the Bank.
(3)
Allen Tucker and Aaron Tucker are father and son.
(4)
David D. Dallas and Robert H. Dallas, II are brothers.
Director Qualifications
Dr. Mark S. Brody:
Dr. Mark S. Brody has been a Director of the Company and the Bank since 2002. Dr. Brody is also the Vice President of Planned Financial Programs, Inc. and Managing Member, Financial Planning Analysts, LLC. Dr. Brody has extensive experience in the financial markets and is considered to be an Audit Committee financial expert as such term is defined by SEC regulations. Dr. Brody is a prominent businessman in NJ and NY and has many contacts to generate new business for the Company.
Wayne Courtright:
Wayne Courtright has been a Director of the Company and the Bank since 2004. Mr. Courtright is a retired banker, who has served in the capacity of Chief Lending Officer at several institutions. Mr. Courtright is considered to be an Audit Committee financial expert as such term is defined by SEC regulations. Mr. Courtright is a prominent businessman in NJ and has many contacts to generate new business for the Company.
David D. Dallas:
David D. Dallas is a founding member of the Bank and currently serves as Chairman of the Company and Bank. Mr. Dallas is the CEO of The Dallas Group of America. Inc., a specialty chemical manufacturing business headquartered in Whitehouse, NJ, which serves a global industrial and foodservice customer base. For over 40 years, Mr. Dallas has extensive experience in real estate by investing and developing commercial and residential properties throughout the New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets served by the Company. Mr. Dallas is an active member of the Franklin Township Land Use Board having served for more than 10 years and currently serves as a trustee of Centenary University located in Hackettstown, NJ. Mr. Dallas has served as a Director of both the Bank since 1991 and the Company since it was formed.
Robert H. Dallas, II:
Robert H. Dallas II is a founding member of the Bank and has served as a Director of the Bank since 1991 and the Company since it was formed. Mr. Dallas is the President of The Dallas Group of America. Inc., a specialty chemical manufacturing business headquartered in Whitehouse, NJ, which serves a global industrial and foodservice customer base. For over 40 years, Mr. Dallas has extensive experience in real estate by investing and developing commercial and residential properties throughout the New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets served by the Company. Mr. Dallas is an active member of the Watchung Borough Zoning Board of Adjustment having served for more than 20 years.
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Dr. Mary E. Gross:
Dr.
Mary E. Gross has been a Director of the Bank since 2009 and a Director of the Company since 2011. Dr. Gross is the founder of Human Edge Resources, LLC. Dr. Gross holds a PsyD in Organizational Psychology from Rutgers, an MBA with honors from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Accounting from the University of Maryland. Dr. Gross is considered to be an Audit Committee financial expert as such term is defined by SEC regulations. Her experience in human resources and financial services assists the Board in its oversight of the Company’s operations.
James A. Hughes:
James A. Hughes has been a Director of the Company and the Bank since 2002. Mr. Hughes has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Mount St. Mary’s, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to Unity Bank, Mr. Hughes was a Senior Vice President at Summit Bancorp and also worked in public accounting for KPMG. The Board believes that it is important that Mr. Hughes, as the senior managing officer of the Company and the Bank, participate in all Board deliberations and decisions.
Peter E. Maricondo:
Peter E. Maricondo has been a Director of the Company and the Bank since 2004. Mr. Maricondo is the Chief Operating Officer for The Center for Jewish History. Prior to this Mr. Maricondo was a financial consultant, served as the Vice President/Corporate Controller at GPU, Inc. and the Vice President/Corporate Controller at NUI Corporation. He also worked in public accounting as a Certified Public Accountant with an international accounting firm. Mr. Maricondo holds an MBA degree in Accounting from Seton Hall University and is considered to be an Audit Committee financial expert as such term is defined by SEC regulations.
Raj Patel:
Raj Patel has been a Director of the Company since 2008 and a Director of the Bank since 2007. Mr. Patel is currently serving as the President and CEO of the Raja Group, a real estate holding company and CEO of Millennium Hospitality. Mr. Patel is also the founder and a Board member of Rainbow Distribution Group. Mr. Patel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from SP University in India. Mr. Patel is a prominent businessman in NJ and has many contacts to generate new business for the Company.
Donald E. Souders, Jr.:
Donald E. Souders, Jr., has been a Director of the Bank since 2007 and of the Company since 2014. Mr. Souders is a practicing attorney and partner in the law firm of Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Fader LLC, with offices in NJ and PA. Mr. Souders is a prominent attorney practicing in NJ and PA and has many contacts to generate new business for the Company. In addition, his experience as an attorney provides the Board with a critical point of view on many issues considered by the Board.
Aaron Tucker:
Aaron Tucker has been a Director of the Bank since 2014 and the Company since 2015. Mr. Tucker is the President of Tucker Enterprises. Mr. Tucker has extensive experience as a developer/builder of real estate and has extensive knowledge of the NJ markets served by the Company. Mr. Tucker is a prominent businessman in NJ and has many contacts to generate new business for the Company.
Allen Tucker:
Allen Tucker has been a Director of the Company and the Bank since 1995 and is the current Vice Chairman. Mr. Tucker is also the founder and Chairman of Tucker Enterprises. Mr. Tucker has extensive experience as a developer/builder of real estate and has extensive knowledge of the NJ markets served by the Company. Mr. Tucker is a prominent businessman in NJ and has many contacts to generate new business for the Company.
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
Meetings of the Board of Directors and Committee Meetings
During the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
, the Board of Directors of the Company held
twelve
(
12
) meetings, and no Director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of (i) the meetings of the Board of Directors, and (ii) meetings of the Committees of the Board of Directors on which such Director served. The Company’s policy is to require all Directors to attend Annual Meetings of Shareholders absent extenuating circumstances. All of the Company’s Directors attended the Company’s
2017
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
7
The Board of Directors has the following five standing committees: Audit, Human Resources/Compensation, Executive Loan, Corporate Governance and Nominating and Risk Management. The following table represents the membership on each committee as of the date of this Proxy statement:
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Name
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Audit
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Human Resources/Compensation
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Executive Loan
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Corporate Governance and Nominating
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Risk Management
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Dr. Mark S. Brody
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Member
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Chairman
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Member
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Wayne Courtright
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Member
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Vice Chairman
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Member
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Dave D. Dallas
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Member
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Chairman
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Robert H. Dallas, II
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Member
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Member
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Dr. Mary E. Gross
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Member
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Member
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Chairman
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Member
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Peter E. Maricondo
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Chairman
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Member
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Member
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Member
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Raj Patel
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Member
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Member
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Donald E. Souders, Jr.
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Member
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Member
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Member
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Aaron Tucker
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Member
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Member
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Allen Tucker
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Chairman
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Vice Chairman
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Diversity
Diversity in knowledge, skills and experience is considered by the Board of Directors when evaluating nominees. From time to time, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may develop specific additional selection criteria for Board membership, taking into consideration current Board composition and ensuring that the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience are represented.
Board Leadership
Historically, the Company has separated the positions of CEO and Board Chairman, with the Board Chairman’s position being filled by a non-employee member of the Board. The Board believes that this structure has been the most appropriate for the Company because it provides the Board with an additional diversity of views on managing the Company and provides the Board with greater independent leadership.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has determined that each of the following Directors of the Company was “independent” within the meaning of the NASDAQ’s listing standards during 2017: Dr. Mark S. Brody, Wayne Courtright, Dr. Mary E. Gross, Peter E. Maricondo, Raj Patel, Donald E. Souders, Jr., Aaron Tucker and Allen Tucker, constituting a majority of the Board. In addition, all current members of the Audit, HR/Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees are "independent" for purposes of NASDAQ's listing standards, and members of the Audit and HR/Compensation committees meet the heightened independence standards applicable to those committees under SEC regulations. In reviewing the independence of these Directors, the Board considered that Messrs. Courtright, Maricondo, Patel, Souders, Allen and Aaron Tucker and Drs. Brody and Gross engaged in ordinary course banking transactions with the Bank, including loans, if any, that were made in accordance with Federal Reserve Regulation O.
No Director of the Company is also a Director of any other company registered pursuant to Sections 12 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any company registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Risk Oversight
Risk is an inherent part of the business of banking. Risks faced by the Bank include credit risk relating to its loans and interest rate risk related to its entire balance sheet. The Board of Directors oversees these risks through the adoption of policies and by delegating oversight to certain Board committees, including the Executive Loan and Risk Management Committees.
8
Audit Committee
The Company maintains an Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which consisted of Chairman Peter E. Maricondo, and Directors Mark S. Brody, Wayne Courtright and Mary E. Gross during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
. The Audit Committee met
four
(
4
) times in
2017
, and also held
three
(
3
) telephonic meetings with the Company's external auditors. All Directors who serve on the Audit Committee are “independent” under the heightened NASDAQ listing standards and the SEC’s rules applicable to audit committees. The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Maricondo and Courtright and Drs. Brody and Gross, are considered “Audit Committee financial experts” as defined in Item 401(h) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K.
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Board has adopted a written charter setting forth the functions of the Audit Committee. The functions of the Audit Committee are to: (i) monitor the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting process and systems of internal controls; (ii) monitor the independence and performance of the Company’s external audit and internal auditing functions and determine the engagement of the external and internal auditors; (iii) provide avenues of communication among the external and internal auditors and the Board of Directors; (iv) review and monitor compliance with the Company’s Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) policy, procedures and practices; and (v) review and monitor compliance with the Company’s policies, procedures and practices. The Audit Committee reviews this charter annually in order to assure compliance with current SEC and NASDAQ rule-making and to assure that the Audit Committee’s functions and procedures are appropriately defined and implemented. A copy of our Audit Committee charter is available on our website at
www.unitybank.com
.
The Audit Committee also reviews and evaluates the recommendations of the Company’s independent certified public accountant, receives all reports of examination of the Company and the Bank by regulatory agencies, analyzes such regulatory reports and informs the Board of the results of their analysis of the regulatory reports. In addition, the Audit Committee receives reports directly from the Company’s internal auditors and recommends any action to be taken in connection therewith.
Human Resources (“HR”)/Compensation Committee
The HR/Compensation Committee consisted of Chairman Mark S. Brody and Directors Mary E. Gross, Peter E. Maricondo and Donald E. Souders, Jr. during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
. The HR/Compensation Committee met
three
(
3
) times in
2017
. As of the date hereof, Mark S. Brody, Mary E. Gross, Peter E. Maricondo and Donald E. Souders, Jr. are considered to be “independent” for purposes of NASDAQ Compensation Committee standards.
The HR/Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to human resources issues, policies relating to human resources and compensation of employees, including executive compensation. The HR/Compensation Committee performs functions that include monitoring human resources and compensation issues and practices, both internally and in the marketplace, conducting surveys and studies as to these issues, keeping abreast of current developments in the relevant fields, developing compensation ranges/grades, human resources policies and employment manual updates. Based on the results of its activities, the HR/Compensation Committee sets the compensation for our executive officers and for the members of our Board. The HR/Compensation Committee does not delegate its authority regarding compensation. Currently, no consultants are engaged or used by the HR/Compensation Committee for purposes of determining or recommending compensation levels.
The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the HR/Compensation Committee which is available on our website at
www.unitybank.com
.
HR/Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
There are no HR/Compensation Committee “interlocks”, as defined in applicable SEC regulations. This means that no executive officer of the Company or the Bank served as a director or member of the Compensation Committee of another entity where one of their executive officers served as a member of our HR/Compensation Committee.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee consisted of Chairman Mary E. Gross and Directors, Peter E. Maricondo and Donald E. Souders, Jr., during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met
three
(
3
) times in
2017
. In accordance with the marketplace rules of the Nasdaq Global Market, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is currently, and was during
2017
, composed entirely of independent non-management members of the Board of Directors. The committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. A copy of the charter is available on the Company’s website at
www.unitybank.com
.
9
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s responsibilities include:
|
•
|
Developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, and fulfilling the duties of the Committee as specified in such governance principles;
|
|
•
|
Assisting the Board in determining the size and composition of the Board of Directors and its Committees;
|
|
•
|
Assisting the Board in identifying qualified individuals to be considered for nomination by the Board for election as directors at any meeting of shareholders, including considering proposals made by shareholders and others to nominate specific individuals to the Board of Directors;
|
|
•
|
Overseeing the annual evaluation of the Board.
|
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee carefully considers all candidates for Director that are recommended by the Company’s shareholders and will not evaluate such candidate recommendations any differently from the way it evaluates candidates recommended by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. In its evaluation of each proposed candidate, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers many factors including, without limitation, the individual’s experience, character, demonstrations of judgment and ability, and financial and other special expertise. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is also authorized to obtain the assistance of an independent third party to complete the process of finding, evaluating and selecting suitable candidates for Director. Any shareholder, who wishes to recommend an individual as a nominee for election to the Board of Directors, should submit such recommendation in writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, together with information regarding the experience, education and general background of the individual and a statement as to why the shareholder believes such individual to be an appropriate candidate for Director of the Company. Such recommendation should be provided to the Company no later than the deadline for submission of shareholder proposals with respect to the annual meeting at which such candidate, if recommended by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to the Board of Directors and approved by the Board of Directors, would be proposed for election.
Communications with the Board of Directors
The Company encourages shareholder communications with the Board of Directors, but does not have a formal process. All such communications should be directed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, who will circulate them to the other members of the Board. The Board does not screen shareholder communications through management.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics in accordance with SEC regulations, which applies to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and to all other officers, employees and the Board of Directors. The Code of Ethics addresses responsibilities regarding recognizing and avoiding situations which may be in conflict with or prejudicial to the interest of the Company or appear to cause a conflict of interest. Our Code of Ethics is available in the Investor Relations section of our website located at
www.unitybank.com
.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
, was RSM US LLP. Representatives of RSM US LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Fees Paid to the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm during Fiscal Years
2017
and
2016
|
|
2017
|
2016
|
||||
|
Audit fees (1)
|
$
|
239,500
|
|
$
|
233,000
|
|
|
Audit related fees (2)
|
5,000
|
|
25,022
|
|
||
|
Other fees (3)
|
11,000
|
|
92,500
|
|
||
|
Total
|
$
|
255,500
|
|
$
|
350,522
|
|
|
(1)
|
Includes those fees required for reporting on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
|
|
(2)
|
Includes fees relating to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reporting requirements in 2017. Includes fees related to audits of the Company's employee benefit plans and audit procedures relating to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reporting requirements in 2016.
|
|
(3)
|
Includes fees related to filings under the Securities Act of 1933 in both 2017 and 2016.
|
10
Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services
The Audit Committee generally pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent external auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of services provided by the independent external auditors. Under the policy, pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is limited as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget. For each proposed service, the independent auditor is required to provide detailed back-up documentation at the time of approval. The Audit Committee has approved an exception to this pre-approval policy, allowing Management to engage the Company’s independent auditor to provide permissible non-audit services, provided that the total cost of such services, in the aggregate, does not exceed $10,000 in any year. Management will then report the engagement to the Audit Committee at its next meeting. All audit and permissible non-audit services provided by RSM US LLP to the Company for the fiscal years ended
2017
and
2016
were approved by the Audit Committee.
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee meets at least four (4) times per year to consider the adequacy of the Company’s financial controls and the objectivity of its financial reporting. The Audit Committee meets with RSM US LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and the Company’s internal auditors, who have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee.
Management of the Company has primary responsibility for the Company’s financial statements and the overall reporting process, including the Company’s system of internal controls. The independent registered public accounting firm audits internal controls and the financial statements prepared by Management, expresses an opinion as to whether those financial statements fairly represent the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and discusses with the Audit Committee any issues they believe should be raised with the Committee.
In connection with this year’s financial statements, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements with the Company’s officers and RSM US LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has discussed with RSM US LLP the matters required to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing Standards No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees. The Audit Committee also received the written disclosures and letters from RSM US LLP that are required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committee Concerning Independence and have discussed such independence with representatives of RSM US LLP.
Based on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
, for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Peter E. Maricondo, Chairman
Dr. Mark S. Brody
Wayne Courtright
Dr. Mary E. Gross
11
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of
February 7, 2018
, certain information concerning the ownership of shares of Common Stock by (i) each person who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each director and nominee for director of the Company, (iii) each named executive officer described in this Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Compensation,” and (iv) all Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as a group.
|
Name and Position With Company (1)
|
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned (2)
|
Percent of Class
|
|||
|
Dr. Mark S. Brody, Director
|
396,992
|
|
(3)
|
3.74
|
%
|
|
Wayne Courtright, Director
|
118,380
|
|
(4)
|
1.11
|
%
|
|
David D. Dallas, Chairman
|
1,725,867
|
|
(5)
|
16.26
|
%
|
|
Robert H. Dallas, II, Director
|
1,725,481
|
|
(6)
|
16.26
|
%
|
|
Dr. Mary E. Gross, Director
|
16,376
|
|
(7)
|
0.15
|
%
|
|
Peter E. Maricondo, Director
|
39,440
|
|
(8)
|
0.37
|
%
|
|
Raj Patel, Director
|
35,986
|
|
(9)
|
0.34
|
%
|
|
Donald E. Souders, Jr., Director
|
25,370
|
|
(10)
|
0.24
|
%
|
|
Aaron Tucker, Director
|
37,307
|
|
(11)
|
0.35
|
%
|
|
Allen Tucker, Vice Chairman
|
427,615
|
|
(12)
|
4.02
|
%
|
|
James A. Hughes, President and Director
|
140,017
|
|
(13)
|
1.32
|
%
|
|
Alan J. Bedner, Exec. V.P. and Chief Financial Officer
|
74,561
|
|
(14)
|
0.70
|
%
|
|
Janice Bolomey, Exec. V.P. and Chief Administrative Officer
|
80,139
|
|
(15)
|
0.75
|
%
|
|
John J. Kauchak, Exec. V.P. and Chief Operating Officer
|
120,059
|
|
(16)
|
1.12
|
%
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as a Group (14 persons)
|
3,256,648
|
|
(17)
|
29.94
|
%
|
|
5% Shareholders:
|
|
|
|
||
|
Wellington Management Group LLP
|
603,033
|
|
(18)
|
5.69
|
%
|
|
Endicott Management Company
|
660,635
|
|
(19)
|
6.34
|
%
|
|
Banc Funds Company LLC
|
962,657
|
|
(20)
|
9.00
|
%
|
|
(1)
|
The address for Wellington Management Group LLP is 280 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210. The address for Endicott Management Company is 570 Lexington Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, NY 10022. The address for Banc Funds Company LLC is 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3300, Chicago, IL 60606-3105. The address for all other listed persons is c/o Unity Bank, 64 Old Highway 22, Clinton, New Jersey, 08809.
|
|
(2)
|
Beneficially owned shares include shares over which the named person exercises either sole or shared voting power or sole or shared investment power. It also includes shares owned (i) by a spouse, minor children or relatives sharing the same home, (ii) by entities owned or controlled by the named person, and (iii) by other persons if the named person has the right to acquire such shares within sixty (60) days by the exercise of any right or option. Unless otherwise noted, all shares are owned of record and beneficially by the named person.
|
|
(3)
|
Includes
48,400
shares held jointly with his spouse, and
12,267
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes
40,102
shares registered to Financial Planning Analysts and owned by Dr. Brody;
18,359
shares in Dr. Brody’s own name;
12,705
shares in an SEP-IRA account in his own name; and
261,669
shares held in a master account at Financial Planning Analysts over which Dr. Brody has no voting authority, but has dispositive power. Also includes a total of
3,490
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 21 below for grant details).
|
|
(4)
|
Includes
53,596
shares in Mr. Courtright’s own name,
49,027
shares in an IRA in his own name and
12,267
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
3,490
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 21 below for grant details).
|
|
(5)
|
Includes
14,982
shares in Mr. David Dallas’ own name. Shares also disclosed as beneficially owned by Mr. Dallas are
1,706,942
shares held by Dallas Financial Holdings, LLC., which are also disclosed as beneficially owned by Mr. Robert H. Dallas II. Also includes a total of
3,490
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 21 below for grant details) and
453
shares issued through its Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
|
12
|
(6)
|
Includes
14,898
shares in Mr. Robert Dallas’ own name. Shares also disclosed as beneficially owned by Mr. Dallas are
1,706,942
shares held by Dallas Financial Holdings, LLC., which are also disclosed as beneficially owned by Mr. David D. Dallas. Also includes a total of
3,190
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 22 below for grant details) and
451
shares issued through its Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
|
|
(7)
|
Includes
10,886
shares in Dr. Gross’ own name and
2,000
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
3,490
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 21 below for grant details).
|
|
(8)
|
Includes
32,483
shares in Mr. Maricondo’s own name and
3,467
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
3,490
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 21 below for grant details).
|
|
(9)
|
Includes
29,363
shares in Mr. Patel’s own name and
3,433
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
3,190
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 22 below for grant details).
|
|
(10)
|
Includes
9,947
shares in Mr. Souders’ own name;
12,233
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
3,190
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 22 below for grant details).
|
|
(11)
|
Includes
30,684
shares in Mr. Aaron Tuckers’ own name and
3,433
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
3,190
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 22 below for grant details).
|
|
(12)
|
Includes
347,908
shares in Mr. Allen Tucker’s own name;
12,267
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options; and
63,497
shares held by Mr. Tucker’s spouse in her name. Also includes a total of
3,490
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 21 below for grant details) and
453
shares issued through a Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
|
|
(13)
|
Includes
91,826
shares in Mr. Hughes’ own name,
8,472
shares held in his 401(k) and
25,667
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
13,335
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 24 below for grant details) and
717
shares issued through a Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
|
|
(14)
|
Includes
7,147
shares in Mr. Bedner’s own name,
4,114
shares held in his 401(k) and
55,000
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
8,300
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 23 below for grant details).
|
|
(15)
|
Includes
15,839
shares in Ms. Bolomey’s own name and
55,000
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
9,300
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 25 below for grant details).
|
|
(16)
|
Includes
47,959
shares in Mr. Kauchak’s own name and
63,800
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options. Also includes a total of
8,300
shares of Restricted Stock (see number 23 below for grant details).
|
|
(17)
|
Includes
260,834
shares issuable upon the exercise of immediately exercisable options.
|
|
(18)
|
All information regarding the number of shares beneficially owned and the percent of ownership by Wellington Management Group LLP, was obtained from the 13G filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8, 2018.
|
|
(19)
|
All information regarding the number of shares beneficially owned and the percent of ownership by Endicott Management Company was obtained from the 13F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2017.
|
|
(20)
|
All information regarding the number of shares beneficially owned and the percent of ownership by Banc Funds Company LLC, was obtained from the 13G filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2018.
|
|
(21)
|
The details of the restricted stock grants for all Directors holding
3,490
shares of Restricted Stock as of
February 7, 2018
are as follows:
|
|
•
|
660
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,640
shares granted on
January 2, 2015
, which vest in
660
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 2, 2016
;
|
|
•
|
880
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
1,760
shares granted on
January 5, 2016
, which vest in
440
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 5, 2017
; and
|
|
•
|
1,050
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
1,400
shares granted on
January 3, 2017
, which vest in
350
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 3, 2018
.
|
|
•
|
900
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
900
shares granted on
January 2, 2018
, which vest in
225
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 2, 2019
.
|
|
(22)
|
The details of the restricted stock grants for all Directors holding
3,190
shares of Restricted Stock as of
February 7, 2018
are as follows:
|
|
•
|
660
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,640
shares granted on
January 2, 2015
, which vest in
660
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 2, 2016
;
|
|
•
|
880
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
1,760
shares granted on
January 5, 2016
, which vest in
440
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 5, 2017
; and
|
|
•
|
900
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
1,200
shares granted on
January 3, 2017
, which vest in
300 thousand
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 3, 2018
.
|
13
|
•
|
750
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
750
shares granted on
January 2, 2018
, which vest in
187
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 2, 2019
.
|
|
(23)
|
The details of the restricted stock grants for all Executives holding
8,300
shares of Restricted Stock as of
February 7, 2018
are as follows:
|
|
•
|
550
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,200
shares granted on
March 3, 2014
, which vest in
550
share increments over four (4) years commencing
March 3, 2015
;
|
|
•
|
1,100
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,200
shares granted on
March 17, 2015
, which vest in
550
share increments over four (4) years commencing
March 17, 2016
;
|
|
•
|
1,650
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,200
shares granted on
February 25, 2016
, which vest in
550
share increments over four (4) years commencing
February 25, 2017
; and
|
|
•
|
5,000
shares granted on
March 3, 2017
which vest in
1,250
share increments over four (4) years commencing
March 3, 2018
.
|
|
(24)
|
The details of the restricted stock grants for all Directors holding
13,335
shares of Restricted Stock as of
February 7, 2018
are as follows:
|
|
•
|
550
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,200
shares granted on
March 27, 2014
which vest in
550
share increments over four (4) years commencing
March 27, 2015
;
|
|
•
|
660
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,640
shares granted on
January 29, 2015
, which vest in
660
share increments over four (4) years commencing
January 29, 2016
;
|
|
•
|
4,125
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
5,500
shares granted on
February 25, 2016
, which vest in
1,375
share increments over four (4) years commencing
February 25, 2017
; and
|
|
•
|
8,000
shares granted on
March 3, 2017
which vest in
2,000
share increments over four (4) years commencing
March 3, 2018
.
|
|
(25)
|
The details of the restricted stock grants for all Executives holding
9,300
shares of Restricted Stock as of
February 7, 2018
are as follows:
|
|
•
|
550
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,200
shares granted on
March 3, 2014
, which vest in
550
share increments over four (4) years commencing
March 3, 2015
;
|
|
•
|
1,100
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,200
shares granted on
March 17, 2015
, which vest in
550
share increments over four (4) years commencing
March 17, 2016
;
|
|
•
|
1,650
shares remaining unvested of an original grant of
2,200
shares granted on
February 25, 2016
, which vest in
550
share increments over four (4) years commencing
February 25, 2017
; and
|
|
•
|
6,000
shares granted on
March 3, 2017
which vest in
1,500
share increments over four (4) years commencing
March 3, 2018
.
|
None of the shares disclosed on the table above are pledged as security for any extension of credit.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION - COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Human Resources/Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) and the Company are both committed to a pay-for-performance philosophy. This Compensation Discussion & Analysis (CD&A) provides information about the strategies and policies developed to ensure that executive compensation is strongly correlated with the Company’s overall performance and the individual performance of our executives.
Our Named Executive Officers (NEOs) for 2017 were:
|
Name
|
Title
|
|
James A. Hughes
|
President, & Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Janice Bolomey
|
Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
|
|
John J. Kauchak
|
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
|
14
Executive Summary
Business Results
The Company continues to grow and improve its performance, although reported net income declined year over year due to the charge associated with the reevaluation of our deferred tax assets because of changes to federal tax rates under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In 2017, we produced strong returns and operational performance. Our total shareholder return in 2017 was 27.3%, which outperformed both the KBW NASDAQ Bank Index and the NASDAQ Composite Index. The Company has outperformed each of these indices for the past three years.
|
Fiscal Year Ending
|
||||||||||||
|
12/31/2012
|
|
12/31/2013
|
|
12/31/2014
|
|
12/31/2015
|
|
12/31/2016
|
|
12/31/2017
|
|
|
|
Unity Bancorp, Inc.
|
100.00
|
|
123.26
|
|
154.61
|
|
206.75
|
|
289.39
|
|
368.29
|
|
|
KBW NASDAQ Bank Index
|
100.00
|
|
137.40
|
|
150.09
|
|
150.82
|
|
192.73
|
|
228.08
|
|
|
NASDAQ Composite Index
|
100.00
|
|
139.89
|
|
160.47
|
|
171.83
|
|
187.03
|
|
243.34
|
|
Fiscal year 2017 represented another successful year for the Company. We grew our loan and deposit portfolios, and increased both net interest income and net interest margin. Our capital ratios remained strong. Our asset quality also continued to improve. We remain well positioned for increased long-term growth and profitability. During 2017, we accomplished the following:
|
•
|
20.3 percent increase in total loans driven by a 26.3 percent increase in residential mortgage loans, a 20.0 percent increase in consumer loans and a 19.2 percent increase in commercial loans.
|
|
•
|
10.3 percent increase in total deposits with an 18.6 percent increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, 13.3 percent increase in interest-bearing deposits and a 9.1 percent increase in savings deposits.
|
|
•
|
Net interest income increased 19.9 percent due to earning asset growth and improved margins.
|
|
•
|
Net interest margin of 3.83 percent compared to 3.58 percent at prior year end due to strong loan growth and the benefit of a rising rate environment.
|
|
•
|
Credit quality continues to improve. Nonperforming loans fell to $3.0 million.
|
|
•
|
Increased our presence in the affluent Bergen County, New Jersey market by opening our second Bergen County branch in Ramsey, and relocated our Phillipsburg, New Jersey branch to a more cost effective location with better visibility.
|
15
Our Compensation Approach
Our long range mission is to produce value for our shareholders by providing outstanding service and responsiveness to the markets and customers we serve. These goals are reflected in the Company’s compensation programs for its executive officers by:
|
•
|
Ensuring that our NEO’s maintain and hold a significant equity interest in the Company by making option and restricted stock grants a significant part of the total compensation mix, thereby further aligning management interests with those of the shareholders;
|
|
•
|
Creating balanced incentives that do not encourage NEOs to expose the Company to inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation that could lead to material loss;
|
|
•
|
Providing a market competitive overall compensation package so that the Company may attract, retain and reward highly qualified, motivated and productive executives; and
|
|
•
|
Rewarding individuals of greatest responsibility and achievement within a framework that is internally equitable.
|
Performance-Based Compensation
Pay-for-performance is a key objective of our executive compensation program. A significant portion of our compensation program focuses on performance-based pay that rewards our achievements on an annual basis and our ability to deliver long-term value to our stockholders. We have a balanced approach to total compensation that includes a mix of base/fixed pay and variable/performance-based pay.
Compensation Design Principles and Governance Best Practices
The design principles of our executive compensation programs are intended to protect and promote the interests of our stockholders. Below we summarize certain practices we have implemented to drive performance and those we have not implemented because we do not believe they would serve our stockholder’s long-term interests.
What We Do:
|
•
|
Pay for Performance - We provide a significant portion of pay based on performance
|
|
•
|
Sound Risk Management - We discourage excessive risk taking and have designed our incentive plans with appropriate risk-mitigating features
|
|
•
|
Claw back - We have adopted a claw back policy requiring the return of incentive compensation in the event of a financial restatement
|
|
•
|
Stock Ownership Guidelines - We require our directors to own and hold significant shares in our Company
|
|
•
|
Double-Trigger Change-in-Control (CIC) - CIC benefits pursuant to employment or change in control agreements are only paid upon a termination event following a CIC
|
|
•
|
Pay in Arrears - Our Directors and Executives incentive compensation is paid in arrears. For example, incentive compensation earned for fiscal year 2017 was paid in 2018.
|
What We Don’t Do:
|
•
|
Tax Gross-Ups - We do not provide excise tax gross-ups on benefits or in change-in-control agreements
|
|
•
|
Stock Option Repricing - Our equity plan does not permit repricing of stock options that are out-of-the-money
|
16
Executive Compensation Objectives and Policies
We use our executive compensation programs to align the interests of executive officers with our shareholders. Our programs are designed to attract, retain and motivate leadership to support our growth and sustain our competitive advantage. Our compensation opportunities are aligned with the competitive market with actual cash compensation that is designed to vary dependent on performance. We utilize a balance of fixed and variable pay components and cash and equity to determine our pay.
Our compensation program is designed to support our business strategies, align pay with our performance and reinforce sound compensation governance to mitigate excessive risk taking. The table below gives an overview of the compensation components used in our program and matches each with one or more of the objectives described above.
|
Compensation Component
|
Purpose/Objective
|
|
|
Base Salary
|
•
|
Provides a competitive level of fixed income based on role, experience and individual performance
|
|
Annual Incentive Plan
|
•
|
Motivates and rewards executives for performance on key financial, operational and individual objectives in support of our annual business plan and broader corporate strategies
|
|
•
|
Rewards vary based on performance
|
|
|
Equity Awards
|
•
|
Aligns executives’ interests with those of shareholders through equity-based compensation
|
|
•
|
Rewards executives for long-term shareholder value creation
|
|
|
•
|
E
ncourages retention through multiple year vesting
|
|
|
Other Benefits
|
•
|
Provides a base level of competitive compensation for executive talent
|
|
Employment Agreements/
|
•
|
Provides
employment security to key executives
|
|
Severance & CIC
Agreements
|
•
|
Focuses executives on company performance and transactions that are in the best interests of shareholders, regardless of the impact such transactions may have on the executive’s employment
|
|
Retirement Benefits
|
•
|
The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP") provides long term compensation for our CEO while its vesting provisions ensure that the Company will continue to receive the benefit of his service
|
|
•
|
The Executive Incentive Retirement Plan (the "EIRP") provides long term compensation for our executives
|
|
Setting Annual Compensation
Roles & Responsibilities
Compensation Committee
The Human Resources/Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for discharging the Board’s duties in executive compensation matters and for administering the Company’s incentive and equity-based plans. This includes oversight of the total compensation programs for the Company’s CEO and other executive officers, including all Named Executive Officers. The Committee is comprised solely of independent directors. The Committee receives input and data from the Finance and Human Resources functions. The Committee does not currently utilize an outside compensation consultant.
The Committee reviews all compensation components for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, including base salary, annual incentive, equity awards and other benefits and perquisites. The Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer’s performance annually and makes decisions regarding the Named Executive Officers’ compensation, including base salary, incentives and equity grants based on this review. The Compensation Committee reviews its decisions with the full Board of Directors.
The Committee has the sole authority and resources to obtain advice and assistance from internal or external legal, human resources, accounting or other advisors, or consultants as it deems desirable or appropriate.
17
Management
Although the Committee makes independent determinations on all matters related to compensation of the Named Executive Officers, certain members of management may be requested to attend or provide input to the Committee. Input may be sought from the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or others to ensure the Committee has the information and perspective it needs to carry out its duties.
In particular, the Committee seeks input from the Chief Executive Officer on matters relating to strategic objectives, Company performance goals and input on his assessment of the Named Executive Officers, including the contribution and individual performance of each of his direct reports. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer often assist the Committee on matters of design, administration and operation of the Company’s compensation programs.
Although executives may provide insight, suggestions or recommendations regarding executive compensation, they are not present during the Committee’s deliberations or vote. Only Committee members vote on decisions regarding executive compensation. The Committee regularly meets in executive session without management present. While the Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations on other Named Executive Officers, the Committee is ultimately responsible for approving compensation for all Named Executive Officers. The Chief Executive Officer’s compensation is discussed in executive session without members of management, including the Chief Executive Officer, present.
2017 Executive Compensation Program and Pay Decisions:
Base Salary
The Committee determined that an increase in the base salary for each of the Named Executive Officers was appropriate based on a review of market data, performance assessments and in consideration of the Company’s continued growth, strong performance and improved credit quality. The table below summarizes the salaries effective as of January 1, 2017 which reflected modest adjustments in line with our performance:
|
Executive
|
2016 Base Salary
|
2017 Base Salary
|
Increase
|
|||||
|
James A. Hughes
|
$
|
400,010
|
|
$
|
442,924
|
|
10.70
|
%
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
$
|
199,498
|
|
$
|
205,553
|
|
3.00
|
%
|
|
Janice Bolomey
|
$
|
173,056
|
|
$
|
190,193
|
|
9.90
|
%
|
|
John J. Kauchak
|
$
|
183,456
|
|
$
|
195,000
|
|
6.30
|
%
|
Annual Cash Incentive
An important element of our compensation program is our Executive Bonus Program which provides cash incentives. Awards under the Program are based on attaining pre-established corporate goals (50% of the total award), Committee review of individual performance, based on subjective goals ( 40% of the total award) and a discretionary component to be determined by the Committee (10% of the total award). Each participant has a total target incentive opportunity expressed as a percentage of base salary. The 2017 incentive targets are summarized below.
|
Executive
|
Target Aggregate Incentive Opportunity
|
|
|
James A. Hughes
|
50.00
|
%
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
37.50
|
%
|
|
Janice Bolomey
|
37.50
|
%
|
|
John J. Kauchak
|
37.50
|
%
|
18
The Committee establishes performance measures on an annual basis for the portion of the awards based on corporate goals that are tied specifically to the Company’s financial performance (earnings per share vs. budget, return on average assets vs peer, non-performing assets to total asset ratio and total shareholder return). The weights and performance goals of these factors for 2017 are summarized in the following table:
|
Performance Measure
|
Weight
|
Threshold (1)
|
Target (100%)
|
|||||
|
Earnings per Share vs. Budget
|
15.00
|
%
|
$
|
1.11
|
|
$
|
1.31
|
|
|
Return on Assets (ROA) vs. Peer
|
15.00
|
%
|
80.00
|
%
|
100.00
|
%
|
||
|
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets Ratio
|
10.00
|
%
|
Less than 1.10%
|
|
Less than 0.70%
|
|
||
|
Total Shareholder Return
|
10.00
|
%
|
Greater than 6.0%
|
|
Greater than 10.0%
|
|
||
(1) Threshold performance results in a 25% award for the Earnings per Share factor and a 50% award for the remaining factors.
At the end of the year, the Committee determined a payout percentage based on an assessment of the Company’s performance under each of the quantitative financial measures set forth above (determined formulaically) as well as an assessment of each executive’s performance and contribution toward strategic goals. The corporate results were as follows:
|
Performance Measure
|
2017 Performance
|
Result
|
Payout Factor
|
|||
|
Earnings per Share vs. Budget
|
$
|
1.36
|
|
Target
|
100.00
|
%
|
|
Return on Assets (ROA) vs. Peer (1)
|
121.4% of peer
|
|
Target
|
100.00
|
%
|
|
|
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets Ratio
|
0.23
|
%
|
Target
|
100.00
|
%
|
|
|
Total Shareholder Return
|
27.00
|
%
|
Target
|
100.00
|
%
|
|
(1) The Company's peer group consists of all public FDIC banks with assets over $500 million and less than or equal to $1.5 billion, excluding Subchapter S institutions.
In determining the performance on the individual portion of the annual incentive, the Committee considered its assessment of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance and the Chief Executive Officer’s evaluation of the Named Executive Officers’ performance. In light of strong performance on operational, strategic, financial shareholder metrics, and in consideration of the significant individual and collective achievements of the executive team during 2017, the Committee approved individual payouts based upon factors such as regulatory compliance, board interaction, strategic goals and leadership.
Following is a summary of the incentive awards paid to executives:
|
Executive
|
2017 Target Annual Incentive Award
|
2017 Actual Annual Incentive Award
|
2017 Actual as % of Target
|
|||||
|
James A. Hughes
|
$
|
221,461
|
|
$
|
210,389
|
|
95
|
%
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
$
|
77,082
|
|
$
|
60,741
|
|
79
|
%
|
|
Janice Bolomey
|
$
|
71,322
|
|
$
|
70,181
|
|
98
|
%
|
|
John J. Kauchak
|
$
|
73,125
|
|
$
|
65,228
|
|
89
|
%
|
Equity-Based Awards
Equity
awards were granted based on the Committee’s assessment of business environment, affordability, and corporate and individual performance. The Committee believes that equity grants, subject to multi-year vesting requirements, are an important component of the total compensation mix and an important retention tool for senior management. Once granted, restricted stock vests ratably over a four-year period, while stock options vest ratably over a three-year period.
19
Below is a summary of the 2017 grants:
|
Option Awards
|
Restricted Stock
|
|||||||||
|
Executive
|
# Shares
|
Grant Value
|
# Shares
|
Grant Value
|
||||||
|
James A. Hughes
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
8,000
|
|
$
|
134,000
|
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
10,000
|
|
$
|
46,952
|
|
5,000
|
|
$
|
83,750
|
|
|
Janice Bolomey
|
10,000
|
|
$
|
46,952
|
|
6,000
|
|
$
|
100,500
|
|
|
John J. Kauchak
|
10,000
|
|
$
|
46,952
|
|
5,000
|
|
$
|
83,750
|
|
Benefits and Other Compensation
Retirement Benefits and Perquisites
Executives participate in the Unity Bank 401(k) Retirement Plan which is offered to all Bank employees. Under the plan, the Bank matches 100% of employee contributions, up to 3.0% of an employee’s compensation and 50.0% of employee contributions in an amount greater than 3.0% of compensation, up to 5.0% of compensation. This match is available for all employees.
The Company and the Bank entered into a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP") with Mr. Hughes on June 4, 2015. The SERP will provide Mr. Hughes with certain supplemental non-qualified retirement benefits, and is described elsewhere in this proxy statement. The Committee believes the SERP is an important component of Mr. Hughes’ long term compensation, and believes that the vesting provisions of the SERP help ensure that the Company will continue to receive the benefit of Mr. Hughes’ service.
On October 22, 2015, the Company entered into an Executive Incentive Retirement Plan (“EIRP”) with Messrs. Bender and Kauchak and Ms. Bolomey, which is described elsewhere in this proxy statement.
The Committee believes it is important to provide some retirement benefits to senior management, including Mr. Hughes, as the Company does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan, and the NEO’s contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan are capped due to the level of their compensation.
Post-Termination Benefits for Company Executives
The Company is party to an employment agreement with Mr. Hughes and retention agreements with each of Messrs. Bedner and Kauchak and Ms. Bolomey. These agreements are described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”.
Additional Information about Our Compensation Practices
As a matter of sound governance, we follow certain practices with respect to our compensation program. We regularly review and evaluate our compensation practices in light of regulatory developments, market standards and other considerations.
Policy on Incentive Compensation Clawback
The Company has adopted a clawback policy requiring the return of incentive compensation in the event of a financial restatement.
20
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Compensation Committee has concluded that Board members should own a significant amount of the Company’s stock. Specific guidelines are:
•
Upon election as a director, the director must own Company stock valued at $25,000.
|
•
|
By the end of a director’s third year of board service, he/she must own Company stock valued at $50,000. Board members must continue to maintain this minimum level of stock ownership throughout their tenure as a director.
|
|
•
|
This requirement may be satisfied through the exercise of stock options, participation in distributions undertaken by the Company, or open market purchases.
|
Risk Assessment Review
The Committee reviews the structure and components of our compensation arrangements, the material potential sources of risk in our business lines and compensation arrangements, and various policies and practices of the Company that mitigate this risk. Within this framework, the Committee discusses the parameters of acceptable and excessive risk-taking and the general business goals and concerns of the Company. In particular, the Committee focuses on the risks associated with the design of each plan, the mitigation factors that exist for each plan, additional factors that could be considered and an overall risk assessment with respect to the plans. All of our plans have links to corporate or business line results that allow for funding to be adjusted downward, awards are capped, and our governance procedures ensure awards are reviewed for appropriateness before they are distributed.
We have determined that risks arising from our employee compensation plans are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Further, it is both the Committee’s and management’s intent to continue to evolve our processes going forward by monitoring regulations and best practices for sound incentive compensation.
Accounting & Tax Treatment of Compensation
The accounting and tax treatment of compensation generally has not been a factor in determining the amounts of compensation for our executive officers. However, the Committee and management have considered the accounting and tax impact of various program designs to balance the potential cost to the Company with the benefit to the executive.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for annual non-performance based compensation over $1.0 million paid to their named executive officers. To maintain flexibility in compensating our executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying corporate goals, it is not a policy of the Compensation Committee that all executive compensation must be tax-deductible. The shareholder approved share-based compensation plans permit the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights and other equity awards that are fully deductible under Code Section 162(m).
Report of the Compensation Committee
The Human Resources/Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, or CD&A, contained in this proxy statement with management. Based on the Committee’s review of and discussion with management with respect to the CD&A, the Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors of the Company that the CD&A be included in this proxy statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, for filing with the SEC.
The foregoing report is provided by the Human Resources/Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
Dr. Mark S. Brody (Chair)
Dr. Mary E. Gross
Peter E. Maricondo
Donald E. Souders, Jr.
21
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the remaining two (2) executive officers of the Company earning in excess of $100,000 (the “named executive officers” or “NEOs”) as of the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
.
|
Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary ($)
|
Cash Bonus ($)
|
Stock Awards ($)*
|
Option Awards ($)**
|
Non-equity (Cash) Incentive Plan Compensation
|
All Other Compensation ($)
|
Total ($)
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
(2)
|
(2)
|
(1)
|
(3)
|
|
|||||||
|
James A. Hughes
|
2017
|
442,924
|
|
—
|
|
134,000
|
|
—
|
|
210,389
|
|
208,632
|
|
995,945
|
|
|
President/CEO
|
2016
|
400,010
|
|
151,320
|
|
49,200
|
|
26,314
|
|
—
|
|
139,609
|
|
766,453
|
|
|
|
2015
|
312,000
|
|
125,625
|
|
21,864
|
|
39,214
|
|
—
|
|
956,111
|
|
1,454,814
|
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
2017
|
205,553
|
|
—
|
|
83,750
|
|
46,952
|
|
60,741
|
|
56,978
|
|
453,974
|
|
|
EVP/CFO
|
2016
|
199,498
|
|
60,839
|
|
19,680
|
|
26,314
|
|
—
|
|
53,874
|
|
360,205
|
|
|
|
2015
|
193,674
|
|
56,938
|
|
18,220
|
|
37,801
|
|
—
|
|
49,131
|
|
355,764
|
|
|
Janice Bolomey
|
2017
|
190,193
|
|
—
|
|
100,500
|
|
46,952
|
|
70,181
|
|
57,721
|
|
465,547
|
|
|
EVP/Chief Admin.
|
2016
|
173,056
|
|
58,680
|
|
19,680
|
|
26,314
|
|
|
|
44,752
|
|
322,482
|
|
|
Officer
|
2015
|
166,400
|
|
50,250
|
|
18,220
|
|
37,801
|
|
—
|
|
42,376
|
|
315,047
|
|
|
John J. Kauchak
|
2017
|
195,000
|
|
—
|
|
83,750
|
|
46,952
|
|
65,228
|
|
50,123
|
|
441,053
|
|
|
EVP/COO
|
2016
|
183,456
|
|
66,751
|
|
19,680
|
|
26,314
|
|
—
|
|
45,899
|
|
342,100
|
|
|
|
2015
|
178,100
|
|
54,301
|
|
18,220
|
|
37,801
|
|
—
|
|
43,311
|
|
331,733
|
|
*Restricted Stock
**Non-Qualified Stock Options
|
(1)
|
Of these awards,
$105,195
of Mr. Hughes 2017 non-equity incentive plan award and
$75,660
of the 2016 cash bonus was deposited into his deferred compensation plan.
|
|
(2)
|
Represents the full grant date fair value of the award. See Note 18 to our audited financial statements. The awards are subject to vesting requirements.
|
|
(3)
|
In 2015, Mr. Hughes’ other compensation included $923,443 allocated under the SERP plan, of which $830,000 was related to a prior service catchup while the balance represented the current year expense of this benefit.
|
The components of all other compensation are provided in the table below:
|
Name
|
Year
|
SERP/EIRP Contributions
|
Other*
|
Total Other Compensation
|
|||
|
James A. Hughes
|
2017
|
164,103
|
|
44,529
|
|
208,632
|
|
|
President/CEO
|
2016
|
99,294
|
|
40,315
|
|
139,609
|
|
|
2015
|
923,443
|
|
32,668
|
|
956,111
|
|
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
2017
|
33,696
|
|
23,282
|
|
56,978
|
|
|
EVP/CFO
|
2016
|
31,232
|
|
22,642
|
|
53,874
|
|
|
2015
|
29,051
|
|
20,080
|
|
49,131
|
|
|
|
Janice Bolomey
|
2017
|
31,001
|
|
26,720
|
|
57,721
|
|
|
EVP/Chief Admin.
|
2016
|
27,082
|
|
17,671
|
|
44,753
|
|
|
Officer
|
2015
|
24,960
|
|
17,416
|
|
42,376
|
|
|
John J. Kauchak
|
2017
|
31,883
|
|
18,240
|
|
50,123
|
|
|
EVP/COO
|
2016
|
28,721
|
|
17,178
|
|
45,899
|
|
|
2015
|
26,715
|
|
16,596
|
|
43,311
|
|
|
* Other includes auto usage, country club membership, employer 401 K match, employer paid medical and dental insurance and deferred compensation plan interest paid.
22
CEO Pay Ratio
Mr. James A. Hughes, our CEO, had fiscal 2017 total compensation of $
995,945
, as reflected in the Summary Compensation table above. We estimate that the median annual compensation for all Company employees, excluding Mr. Hughes, was $
56,858
for 2017. As a result, Mr. Hughes' 2017 annual compensation was approximately
18
times that of the median annual compensation for all employees.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
|
Name
|
Grant Date
|
Approval Date
|
Estimated future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards
|
Grant Type
|
Stock Awards: Shares of Stock or Units (#)
|
Option Awards: Securities Underlying Options (#)
|
Exercise or Base Price of Option or Stock Awards ($/Share)
|
Market Price on Grant Date ($)
|
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Options Awards ($)
|
|||||||||
|
(1)
|
Threshold (2)
|
Target (3)
|
(4)
|
(5)
|
(6)
|
(6)
|
||||||||||||
|
James A. Hughes
|
3/9/2018
|
2/22/2018
|
121,804
|
|
221,462
|
|
||||||||||||
|
3/3/2017
|
2/23/2017
|
Restricted stock
|
8,000
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
16.75
|
|
134,000
|
|
|||||
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
3/9/2018
|
2/22/2018
|
42,395
|
|
77,082
|
|
||||||||||||
|
3/3/2017
|
2/23/2017
|
Stock options
|
—
|
|
10,000
|
|
16.75
|
|
16.75
|
|
46,952
|
|
||||||
|
3/3/2017
|
2/23/2017
|
Restricted stock
|
5,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
16.75
|
|
83,750
|
|
||||||
|
Janice Bolomey
|
3/9/2018
|
2/22/2018
|
40,219
|
|
71,322
|
|
||||||||||||
|
3/3/2017
|
2/23/2017
|
Stock options
|
—
|
|
10,000
|
|
16.75
|
|
16.75
|
|
46,952
|
|
||||||
|
3/3/2017
|
2/23/2017
|
Restricted stock
|
6,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
16.75
|
|
100,500
|
|
||||||
|
John J. Kauchak
|
3/9/2018
|
2/22/2018
|
39,227
|
|
73,125
|
|
||||||||||||
|
3/3/2017
|
2/23/2017
|
Stock options
|
—
|
|
10,000
|
|
16.75
|
|
16.75
|
|
46,952
|
|
||||||
|
3/3/2017
|
2/23/2017
|
Restricted stock
|
5,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
16.75
|
|
83,750
|
|
||||||
(1) The fiscal year 2017 earned non-equity incentive awards were approved by the HR/Compensation Committee at the February 22, 2018 meeting to be paid in the first payroll following the filing of the 10-K.
(2) The threshold assumes a 50% attainment of individual goals.
(3) The target represents the maximum payout.
(4) Represents shares of restricted stock granted under the 2013 Restricted Stock Plan. These shares vest annually in four equal installments commencing with the first anniversary of the grant date subject to continued employment through the vesting date. These shares have the right to vote and receive dividends.
(5) Represents non-qualified stock options granted under the 2015 Stock Option Plan. These shares vest annually in three equal installments commencing with the first anniversary of the grant date subject to continued employment through the vesting date.
(6) The exercise price of the stock options represents the closing price of the day prior to the grant date. Thus the exercise price may differ from the market price on grant date.
23
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
|
Option Awards
|
Stock Awards
|
|||||||||
|
Name
|
Number of shares acquired on exercise (#)
|
Value realized on exercise ($)
|
Number of shares acquired on vesting (#)
|
Value realized on vesting ($)
|
||||||
|
James A. Hughes
|
11,550
|
|
$
|
150,314
|
|
5,335
|
|
$
|
90,981
|
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
16,500
|
|
224,446
|
|
2,200
|
|
37,290
|
|
||
|
Janice Bolomey
|
11,578
|
|
144,140
|
|
1,650
|
|
27,830
|
|
||
|
John J. Kauchak
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
2,200
|
|
37,290
|
|
||
Employment Agreement
The Company and the Bank entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Mr. Hughes on May 21, 2015, revising the March 26, 2005, First Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Mr. Hughes with respect to his services as President of the Company and the Bank.
Under this Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, Mr. Hughes will receive an annual base salary, subject to annual review and, in the discretion of the HR/Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Committee”), adjustments based on factors deemed appropriate by the Committee. Mr. Hughes may also receive such additional cash bonuses as the Committee may authorize in its discretion. Mr. Hughes is entitled to participate in such benefit programs as are made available to employees of the Company, and to participate in such stock option or stock bonus plans as the Committee may, in its discretion, determine. Mr. Hughes’ agreement contains provisions for the payment of severance and payments upon a change in control. See “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation
-
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The Company and the Bank entered into a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP") with Mr. Hughes on June 4, 2015. The SERP will provide Mr. Hughes with certain supplemental non-qualified retirement benefits.
Normal Retirement Benefit
Upon separation from service after age 66, Mr. Hughes will be entitled to an annual benefit in an amount equal to forty (40) percent of the average of his base salary for the thirty-six months immediately preceding his separation from service for reasons other than Cause. The retirement benefit shall be adjusted annually thereafter by two (2) percent. The maximum number of annual payments to Mr. Hughes shall be fifteen (15). In the event that Mr. Hughes’ separation from service from the Registrant were to occur prior to full vesting, Mr. Hughes would be entitled to and shall be paid the vested portion of the retirement benefit calculated as of the date of separation from service.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, and provided that within 6 months following the Change in Control Mr. Hughes is involuntary terminated for reasons other than “cause” or Mr. Hughes resigns for “good reason”, as such is defined in the SERP, or Mr. Hughes voluntarily terminates his employment after being offered continued employment in a position that is not a “Comparable Position”, as such is also defined in the SERP, Mr. Hughes shall become 100% vested in the full retirement benefit.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding non-qualified deferred compensation benefits during the Company’s fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
.
|
Name
|
Plan
|
Executive Contributions in Last FY ($)
|
Registrant Contributions in Last FY ($)
|
Aggregate Earnings in Last FY ($)
|
Aggregate Withdrawals/Distributions ($)
|
Aggregate balance at last FYE ($)
|
|||||
|
James A Hughes
|
SERP
|
—
|
|
164,103
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
1,186,840
|
|
24
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation
-
Executive Incentive Retirement Plan
On October 22, 2015, the Company entered into an Executive Incentive Retirement Plan (“EIRP”) with key executive officers. The Plan has an effective date of January 1, 2015.
The Plan is an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan. For any Plan Year, a guaranteed annual Deferral Award of seven and one half percent (7.5%) of the participant’s annual base salary shall be credited to each Participant’s Deferred Benefit Account. A discretionary annual Deferral Award equal to seven and one half percent (7.5%) of the participant’s annual base salary may be credited to the Participant’s account in addition to the guaranteed Deferral Award, based upon the discretion of the HR/Compensation Committee. The total Deferral Award shall never exceed fifteen percent (15%) for any given Plan Year. Each Participant shall be immediately one hundred percent (100%) vested in all Deferral Awards as of the date they are awarded.
|
Name
|
Plan
|
Executive Contributions in Last FY ($)
|
Registrant Contributions in Last FY ($)
|
Aggregate Earnings in Last FY ($)
|
Aggregate Withdrawals/Distributions ($)
|
Aggregate balance at last FYE ($)
|
|||||
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
EIRP
|
—
|
|
2,863
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
63,146
|
|
|
Janice Bolomey
|
EIRP
|
|
|
2,472
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
54,514
|
|
|
John J. Kauchak
|
EIRP
|
—
|
|
2,633
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
58,069
|
|
25
The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding equity awards to the NEOs at
December 31, 2017
.
|
OPTION EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (12/31/17)
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Option Awards
|
Stock Awards
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Name
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#)
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#)
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards; Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#)
|
Option Exercise Price ($)
|
Option Expiration Date
|
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)
|
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)
|
||||||||
|
James A. Hughes
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
7.25
|
|
3/27/2024
|
550
|
|
10,863
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
7,333
|
|
3,667
|
|
—
|
|
8.31
|
|
1/29/2025
|
1,320
|
|
26,070
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
3,667
|
|
7,333
|
|
—
|
|
8.95
|
|
2/25/2026
|
4,125
|
|
81,469
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,000
|
|
158,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
Alan J. Bedner
|
16,500
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
5.82
|
|
11/17/2021
|
550
|
|
10,863
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
16,500
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
5.48
|
|
3/5/2023
|
1,100
|
|
21,725
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
7.16
|
|
3/3/2024
|
1,650
|
|
32,587
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
7,333
|
|
3,667
|
|
—
|
|
8.29
|
|
3/17/2025
|
5,000
|
|
98,750
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
3,667
|
|
7,333
|
|
—
|
|
8.95
|
|
2/25/2026
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
—
|
|
10,000
|
|
—
|
|
16.75
|
|
3/3/2027
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Janice Bolomey
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
6.06
|
|
5/26/2021
|
550
|
|
10,863
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
5.82
|
|
11/17/2021
|
1,100
|
|
21,725
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
5.46
|
|
12/18/2022
|
1,650
|
|
32,587
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
7.16
|
|
3/3/2024
|
6,000
|
|
118,500
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
7,333
|
|
3,667
|
|
—
|
|
8.29
|
|
3/17/2025
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
3,667
|
|
7,333
|
|
—
|
|
8.95
|
|
2/25/2026
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
—
|
|
10,000
|
|
—
|
|
16.75
|
|
3/3/2027
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
John J. Kauchak
|
8,085
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
7.00
|
|
2/28/2018
|
550
|
|
10,863
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
8,800
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
3.62
|
|
12/10/2019
|
1,100
|
|
21,725
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
6.06
|
|
5/26/2021
|
1,650
|
|
32,588
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
5.82
|
|
11/17/2021
|
5,000
|
|
98,750
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
5.48
|
|
3/5/2023
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
11,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
7.16
|
|
3/3/2024
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
7,333
|
|
3,667
|
|
—
|
|
8.29
|
|
3/17/2025
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
3,667
|
|
7,333
|
|
—
|
|
8.95
|
|
2/25/2026
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
—
|
|
10,000
|
|
—
|
|
16.75
|
|
3/3/2027
|
|
|
|
|
||||
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
Employment Agreement
Mr. Hughes’ employment may be terminated at any time for “cause” as defined in the Employment Agreement, or without “cause.” In the event that Mr. Hughes is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good cause” (as defined under the Employment Agreement and discussed below), he is entitled to receive a severance amount equal to 18 months of his then current base salary. Such amount shall be paid in equal installments in the same manner in which Mr. Hughes' compensation was paid through the date of termination. Mr. Hughes will also continue to receive hospital, health, medical, and life insurance and such other benefits to which he had been entitled at the date of termination for such 18-month period, unless and until Mr. Hughes obtains new employment during such period and such new employment provides for such benefits to be provided to Mr. Hughes. “Good Cause” under the Employment Agreement includes a material reduction in Mr. Hughes’ duties and responsibilities or any reduction in his base salary.
26
In addition, if Mr. Hughes’ employment with the Company or any successor terminates within 18 months after a “change in control” of the Company, as defined under the Employment Agreement (regardless of the reason for such termination), Mr. Hughes will be entitled to receive an amount equal to 18 months of his then current base salary plus any cash bonus received by Mr. Hughes during the preceding fiscal year. Such amount shall be paid in installments in the same manner in which Mr. Hughes’ compensation was paid through the date of termination. The Company, or its successor, will be required to maintain Mr. Hughes’ hospital, health, medical and life insurance coverage during the 18 month period following his termination, unless and until Mr. Hughes obtains new employment during such period and such new employment provides for such benefits to be provided to Mr. Hughes. All unvested stock options and stock awards previously granted to Mr. Hughes shall accelerate and immediately vest upon the occurrence of a change in control.
Mr. Hughes’ employment agreement defines a change in control as including: any event requiring the filing of a Current report on Form 8-K to announce a change in control; any person acquiring 35% or more of the Company’s voting power; if persons who serve on the Board at the beginning of the period fail to make up a majority of the Board at the end of the period; if the Company fails to satisfy the listing criteria for any exchange on which its shares are traded due to the number of shareholders or the number of round lot holders; or if the Board of the Company approves any transaction after which the shareholders of the Company fail to control 51% of the voting power of the resulting entity.
Furthermore, if Mr. Hughes’ employment with the Company terminates within 18 months after the Company consummates a “Significant Acquisition,” as defined under the Employment Agreement (regardless of the reason for such termination), Mr. Hughes will be entitled to receive an amount equal to 18 months of his then current base salary plus any cash bonus received by Mr. Hughes during the preceding fiscal year. Such amount shall be paid in installments in the same manner in which Mr. Hughes’ compensation was paid through the date of termination. In the event Mr. Hughes becomes entitled to the foregoing amounts due to this termination within 18 months of a Significant Acquisition, all unvested stock options or stock awards previously granted to Mr. Hughes shall accelerate and immediately vest upon such termination.
“Significant Acquisition” under the Employment Agreement means an acquisition by the Company pursuant to which, as all or part of the consideration for such acquisition, the Company issues to the shareholders of the acquired entity such number of voting securities as shall equal 25% or more of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company.
Following a Change in Control Mr. Hughes is also subject to a non-compete covenant and a non-solicitation covenant with respect to officers and employees of the Registrant and the Bank, in each case for a period of 18 months following termination of Mr. Hughes’ employment. Mr. Hughes would be entitled to 18 months of his then current base salary plus any cash bonus received by Mr. Hughes during the preceding fiscal year in exchange for agreeing to the non-compete and non-solicitation covenants.
Mr. Hughes’ Employment Agreement has a term of three (3) years; however, for each day elapsed during the term, a day will be added at the end of the term so that the term will be extended on a rolling basis to be three (3) years at any point in time, unless either party shall have provided written notice to the other of its desire to cease such extensions. In addition, the term of Mr. Hughes’ Employment Agreement shall terminate immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the Company’s entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the FDIC or the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance; (ii) a cease-and-desist order being issued with respect to the Company by the FDIC or the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance; or (iii) the receipt by the Company of any notice under a federal or state law which (in any way) restricts the payment of any amounts or benefits which may become due under Mr. Hughes’ Employment Agreement.
27
The following table summarizes the potential payments to Mr. Hughes if a triggering event occurred on
December 31, 2017
.
|
Payments and Benefits
|
Termination without cause
|
Termination following a change in control
|
||||
|
Cash Compensation - Change in Control
|
$
|
664,385
|
|
$
|
844,390
|
|
|
Cash Compensation - Non-compete
|
—
|
|
844,390
|
|
||
|
Health Benefits
|
19,401
|
|
19,401
|
|
||
|
Accelerated Option Vesting
|
—
|
|
30,623
|
|
||
|
Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting
|
—
|
|
185,853
|
|
||
|
SERP Contribution
|
—
|
|
770,143
|
|
||
|
Total
|
$
|
683,786
|
|
$
|
2,694,800
|
|
Retention Agreements
The Company also entered into Retention Agreements with Messrs. Bedner and Kauchak and Ms. Bolomey. Each of the Retention Agreements provides that the executive may be terminated at any time for “cause” as defined in the applicable Retention Agreement or without “cause.” In the event that the executive is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good cause” (as defined under the applicable Retention Agreement and discussed below), the executive is entitled to receive a severance amount equal to 12 months of the executive’s then current base salary. Such amount shall be paid in a lump sum payment (within 30 days of the termination of the executive). In addition, the executive will continue to receive medical, life insurance and other benefits to which the executive had been entitled at the date of termination for 12 months, unless and until the executive obtains new employment during such period and such new employment provides for such benefits to be provided to the executive. “Good Cause” under the Retention Agreements includes a material reduction in the executive’s duties and responsibilities or any reduction in the executive’s base salary.
In addition, if the executive’s employment with the Company or any successor terminates within 18 months after a “change in control” of the Company, as defined under the Retention Agreements (regardless of the reason for such termination), the executive will be entitled to receive an amount equal to twice the executive’s annual base salary at the date of termination, plus the aggregate amount of any cash bonuses paid to the executive during the preceding fiscal year. Such amount shall be paid in one lump sum payment (within 30 days of the executive’s termination subsequent to a “change in control”). The Company or its successor will be required to maintain the executive’s hospital, health, medical and life insurance coverage for such 24-month period. All unvested stock options and stock option grants previously granted to the executive shall accelerate and immediately vest upon the occurrence of a change in control.
Furthermore, if the executive’s employment with the Company terminates within 18 months after the Company consummates a “Significant Acquisition,” as defined under the Retention Agreements (regardless of the reason for such termination), the executive will be entitled to receive an amount equal to twice the amount of the executive’s annual base salary at the date of termination, plus the aggregate amount of any cash bonus paid to the executive during the preceding fiscal year. Such amount shall be paid in one lump sum payment (within 30 days of the termination of the executive subsequent to a “Significant Acquisition.”) The Company is also required to maintain the executive’s hospital, health, medical and life insurance benefits coverage during such 24-month period, unless and until the executive obtains new employment during such period and such new employment provides for such benefits to be provided to the executive. In the event the executive becomes entitled to the foregoing amounts due to termination within 18 months of a Significant Acquisition, all unvested stock options and stock awards previously granted to the executive shall accelerate and immediately vest upon such termination. “Significant Acquisition” under the Retention Agreements means an acquisition by the Company pursuant to which, as all or part of the consideration for such acquisition, the Company issues to the shareholders of the acquired entity such number of voting securities as shall equal 25% or more of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company. Each Retention Agreement has a term of three years; however, in the event that the term of the Retention Agreement would terminate at any time after the Company has engaged in substantive negotiations regarding a transaction that would lead to a change in control, the Retention Agreement shall continue to remain in full force and effect until the earlier to occur of (i) the effectuation of the transaction leading to the change in control, or (ii) the termination of the negotiations for the proposed transaction, which would have resulted in the change in control. In addition, the term of each Retention Agreement shall terminate immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the Company’s entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the FDIC or the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance; (ii) a cease-and-desist order being issued with respect to the Company by the FDIC or the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance; or (iii) the receipt by the Company of any notice under a federal or state law which in any way restricts the payment of an award or benefits under the Retention Agreement.
28
The following table shows the payout which would be made to Mr. Bedner in the event Mr. Bedner's employment is terminated without cause and in the event that Mr. Bedner's employment is terminated following a change in control or significant acquisition:
|
Payments and Benefits
|
Termination without cause
|
Termination following a change in control
|
||||
|
Cash Compensation
|
$
|
205,553
|
|
$
|
476,939
|
|
|
Health Benefits
|
12,733
|
|
25,467
|
|
||
|
Accelerated Vesting of Stock Options
|
—
|
|
30,156
|
|
||
|
Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock
|
—
|
|
111,555
|
|
||
|
Total
|
$
|
218,286
|
|
$
|
644,117
|
|
The following table shows the payout which would be made to Ms. Bolomey in the event Ms. Bolomey's employment is terminated without cause and in the event that Ms. Bolomey's employment is terminated following a change in control or significant acquisition:
|
Payments and Benefits
|
Termination without cause
|
Termination following a change in control
|
||||
|
Cash Compensation
|
$
|
190,193
|
|
$
|
442,685
|
|
|
Health Benefits
|
13,926
|
|
27,853
|
|
||
|
Accelerated Vesting of Stock Options
|
—
|
|
30,156
|
|
||
|
Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock
|
—
|
|
111,555
|
|
||
|
Total
|
$
|
204,119
|
|
$
|
612,249
|
|
The following table shows the payout which would be made to Mr. Kauchak in the event Mr. Kauchak's employment is terminated without cause and in the event that Mr. Kauchak's employment is terminated following a change in control or significant acquisition:
|
Payments and Benefits
|
Termination without cause
|
Termination following a change in control
|
||||
|
Cash Compensation
|
$
|
195,000
|
|
$
|
450,540
|
|
|
Health Benefits
|
6,512
|
|
13,025
|
|
||
|
Accelerated Vesting of Stock Options
|
—
|
|
30,156
|
|
||
|
Accelerated Vesting of Restricted Stock
|
—
|
|
111,555
|
|
||
|
Total
|
$
|
201,512
|
|
$
|
605,276
|
|
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Each Director listed below is a current Director of the Company and the Bank. Directors of the Company do not receive per meeting fees for their service on the Company’s Board of Directors. Directors receive compensation for their service on the Bank's Board of Directors. Compensation for service on the Bank's Board of Directors for
2017
was in the form of cash compensation consisting of an annual retainer, meeting and committee fees; as well as, equity compensation in the form of restricted stock and stock option awards.
Members of the Bank’s Board of Directors received a $12,000 retainer for service on the Board of Directors in
2017
which was paid in 2018. The Chairman of each Board Committee received an additional $3,000 retainer, while the Chairman of the Board received an additional $6,000 retainer.
Directors also receive $700 for attendance at each Bank Board of Directors’ meeting, and between $300 and $700 for attendance at each Bank Committee meeting. The Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of each individual Committee receive an additional $200 per meeting.
29
The Directors are eligible to participate in the Company’s stock bonus and stock option plans. On
January 3, 2017
, the Company’s non-employee Directors were each granted shares of restricted stock for their service in 2016. The shares were granted at a fair value of
$15.70
per share, which vests annually in 25% increments over four (4) years commencing
January 3, 2018
. Also, they were each granted nonqualified stock options on
January 3, 2017
at a Black-Scholes fair value of
$4.53
, which vests in 33% increments over three (3) years commencing
January 3, 2018
.
Director Compensation
|
Name
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)
|
Stock Awards ($) *
|
Option Awards ($) *
|
All Other Compensation ($) **
|
Total ($)
|
|||||
|
Dr. Mark S. Brody
|
13,700
|
|
21,980
|
|
7,249
|
|
12,000
|
|
54,929
|
|
|
Wayne Courtright
|
20,100
|
|
21,980
|
|
7,249
|
|
12,000
|
|
61,329
|
|
|
Dave D. Dallas
|
20,100
|
|
21,980
|
|
7,249
|
|
12,000
|
|
61,329
|
|
|
Robert H. Dallas, II
|
16,900
|
|
18,840
|
|
6,796
|
|
12,000
|
|
54,536
|
|
|
Dr. Mary E. Gross
|
14,300
|
|
21,980
|
|
7,249
|
|
12,000
|
|
55,529
|
|
|
Peter E. Maricondo
|
15,000
|
|
21,980
|
|
7,249
|
|
12,000
|
|
56,229
|
|
|
Raj Patel
|
17,900
|
|
18,840
|
|
6,796
|
|
12,000
|
|
55,536
|
|
|
Donald E. Souders, Jr.
|
9,700
|
|
18,840
|
|
6,796
|
|
12,000
|
|
47,336
|
|
|
Aaron Tucker
|
17,700
|
|
18,840
|
|
6,796
|
|
12,000
|
|
55,336
|
|
|
Allen Tucker
|
22,700
|
|
21,980
|
|
7,249
|
|
12,000
|
|
63,929
|
|
*Represents the full grant date fair value of the award.
** Represents the retainer paid in 2017 for service on the Board of Directors during
2016
.
In addition to the above noted compensation for our current directors, Dr. Austin H. Kutscher, Jr. who retired from the Board on February 15, 2017 received the following cash compensation in 2017: 1) $12,000 in retainer fees related to 2016 service on the Board; 2) $1,500 in retainer fees related to 2017 service on the Board; and 3) $700 in meeting fees. In addition, the vesting was accelerated on 4,500 shares of restricted stock with a value of $76,050.
For details on the restricted stock and options awarded to the Directors in 2017; as well as their aggregate holdings at year-end see below:
|
Name
|
Number of shares of Restricted Stock Awarded
|
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awarded
|
Number of Options Awarded
|
Grant Date Fair Value of Options Awarded
|
Aggregate Number of Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding
|
Aggregate Number of Options Outstanding
|
||||||||
|
Dr. Mark S. Brody
|
1,400
|
|
$
|
21,980
|
|
1,600
|
|
$
|
7,249
|
|
4,040
|
|
10,267
|
|
|
Wayne Courtright
|
1,400
|
|
21,980
|
|
1,600
|
|
7,249
|
|
4,040
|
|
10,267
|
|
||
|
Dave D. Dallas
|
1,400
|
|
21,980
|
|
1,600
|
|
7,249
|
|
4,040
|
|
10,267
|
|
||
|
Robert H. Dallas, II
|
1,200
|
|
18,840
|
|
1,500
|
|
6,796
|
|
3,840
|
|
10,267
|
|
||
|
Dr. Mary E. Gross
|
1,400
|
|
21,980
|
|
1,600
|
|
7,249
|
|
4,040
|
|
—
|
|
||
|
Peter E. Maricondo
|
1,400
|
|
21,980
|
|
1,600
|
|
7,249
|
|
4,040
|
|
10,267
|
|
||
|
Raj Patel
|
1,200
|
|
18,840
|
|
1,500
|
|
6,796
|
|
3,840
|
|
1,467
|
|
||
|
Donald E. Souders, Jr.
|
1,200
|
|
18,840
|
|
1,500
|
|
6,796
|
|
3,840
|
|
10,267
|
|
||
|
Aaron Tucker
|
1,200
|
|
18,840
|
|
1,500
|
|
6,796
|
|
3,840
|
|
1,467
|
|
||
|
Allen Tucker
|
1,400
|
|
21,980
|
|
1,600
|
|
7,249
|
|
4,040
|
|
10,267
|
|
||
30
MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTOR DEFERRED FEE PLAN
Each of the Directors of the Company has the option to elect to defer up to 100% of his or her respective retainer and Board fees, while Executive Management may defer up to 100% of their bonuses. The crediting rate of the deferred account balance is equal to the prime rate plus 100 basis points with a minimum of 4% and a maximum of 10%, adjusted annually and compounded monthly. Each Director and Executive is 100% vested in his deferred account balance. The retirement age under the plan is 65, and the benefit payment is paid in monthly installments for 120 months or as a lump sum. The death benefit under the plan is 100% of the account balance paid to the participant’s beneficiary in monthly installments for 120 months or a lump sum if death occurs prior to retirement. During the Company’s fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
, Director Mark S. Brody received interest of
$16,208.20
on his account balance; Director Peter Maricondo received interest of
$177.62
on his account balance; Director David D. Dallas received interest of
$23.79
on his account balance and Director Robert Dallas received interest of
$19.83
on his account balance. No other directors participated in the plan. During the Company’s fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
, Executive James A. Hughes received interest of
$18,337.87
on his account balance; Executive John J. Kauchak received interest of
$2,204.48
on his account balance. No other executives participated in the plan.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS; REVIEW, APPROVAL OR RATIFICATION OF TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
The Bank has made in the past and, assuming continued satisfaction of generally applicable credit standards, expects to continue to make loans to Directors, executive officers and their associates (i.e., corporations or organizations for which they serve as officers or Directors, or in which they have beneficial ownership interest of ten percent or more). These loans have all been made in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons not related to the Bank and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or represent other unfavorable features.
Other than the ordinary course lending transactions described above, which must be approved by the Bank’s Board under bank regulatory requirements, all related party transactions are reviewed and approved by our Audit Committee. This authority is provided to our Audit Committee under its written charter. In reviewing these transactions, our Audit Committee seeks to ensure that the transaction is no less favorable to the Company than a transaction with an unaffiliated third party. During
2017
and
2016
, there were no transactions with related parties which would not have been required to be approved by our Audit Committee, and there were no related party transactions not approved by our Audit Committee.
Required Vote
DIRECTORS WILL BE ELECTED BY A PLURALITY OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE ANNUAL MEETING WHETHER IN PERSON OR BY PROXY.
Recommendation
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE NOMINEES SET FORTH ABOVE.
PROPOSAL 2 – THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF RSM US LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2018
The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of RSM US LLP to act as our independent registered public accounting firm and to audit our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2018
. This appointment will continue at the pleasure of the Audit Committee and is presented to the shareholders for ratification as a matter of good governance. In the event that this appointment is not ratified by our shareholders, the Audit Committee will consider that fact when it selects the independent auditors for the following fiscal year.
Required Vote
THE SELECTION OF RSM US LLP WILL BE RATIFIED BY THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE ANNUAL MEETING WHETHER IN PERSON OR BY PROXY.
31
Recommendation
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS RATIFY THE COMPANY’S SELECTION OF RSM US LLP.
PROPOSAL 3 - ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Under Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, companies with securities registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission are required to provide shareholders the opportunity to vote on a non-binding advisory proposal, commonly known as Say-on-Pay, to approve the compensation of executives. The Company has determined to implement this requirement by providing shareholders a simple vote that indicates their position (by a yes or no vote) with respect to our executive compensation.
Our Board of Directors annually reviews and approves corporate and/or individual goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our executive officers, evaluates performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determines compensation levels based on this evaluation. In determining any long-term incentive component of compensation, the Board will consider all such factors as it deems relevant, such as performance and relative shareholder return, the value of similar incentive awards at comparable companies and the awards granted in previous years. We also believe that both the Company and shareholders benefit from these compensation policies.
In 2015, the Company submitted to shareholders a non-binding proposal, known as a Say-on-Frequency, asking shareholders whether Unity should submit its Say-on-Pay proposal to shareholders every one (1), two (2) or three (3) years. The shareholders approved Unity's recommendation that the Say-on-Pay proposal should be submitted to shareholders every three years. However, per current SEC rules, publicly traded companies are required, no less frequently than every six (6) years, to provide for a separate shareholder Say-on-Frequency advisory vote in their proxy statements. Unity anticipates submitting a Say-on-Frequency proposal to shareholders at its 2021 Annual Meeting.
The Board recommends that shareholders approve, in an advisory vote, the following resolution:
“Resolved, that the shareholders approve the executive compensation of the Company, as described in this proxy statement, including the tabular disclosure regarding executive officers in this Proxy Statement.”
Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Board will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.
Recommendation
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE ADVISORY PROPOSAL SET FORTH ABOVE.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any matters other than those set forth in this proxy statement that will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matter should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons authorized by the accompanying proxy will vote and act with respect thereto in what, according to their judgment, is in the interests of the Company and its shareholders.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
To the extent that this proxy statement has been or will be specifically incorporated by reference into any other filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the section of this proxy statement entitled “Report of the Audit Committee” (to the extent permitted by the rules of the SEC), shall not be deemed to be so incorporated, unless specifically otherwise provided in such filing.
32
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s executive officers and Directors and persons who own more than 10% of the Company’s Common Stock (who are referred to as “Reporting Persons”) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Reporting Persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on the Company’s review of the copies of such forms received or written representations from Reporting Persons, the Company believes that, with respect to the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017
, the Reporting Persons timely complied with all applicable filing requirements.
SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
FOR THE
2019
ANNUAL MEETING
Any shareholder who intends to present a proposal at the
2019
Annual Meeting of Shareholders must ensure that the proposal is received by the Corporate Secretary at Unity Bancorp, Inc., 64 Old Highway 22, Clinton, New Jersey, 08809, no later than
November 16, 2018
, if the proposal is submitted for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials for that meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or is otherwise submitted.
Also, under SEC rules, generally, a shareholder may not submit more than one proposal, and the proposal, including any accompanying support may not exceed 500 words. In order to submit a proposal, a shareholder must have continuously held at least $2,000 in market value of Unity common stock for at least one year before the dated the proposal is submitted. Confirmation of ownership should be attached with the proposal and the stock must be held through the date of the Annual meeting.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
At your request, the Company will provide by mail, without charge, a copy of its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please direct all inquiries to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at (908) 713-4308.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS