def14a
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the registrant þ
Filed by a party other than the registrant o
|
|
|
Check the appropriate box:
|
|
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2) |
o Preliminary proxy statement |
|
þ Definitive proxy statement
|
|
o Definitive additional materials |
|
|
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 |
|
|
FIDELITY
SOUTHERN CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
|
þ |
|
No fee required |
|
|
o |
|
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
|
(1) |
|
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
(2) |
|
Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies: |
|
(3) |
|
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange
Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined): |
|
(4) |
|
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
o |
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
|
o |
|
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of
its filing. |
|
(1) |
|
Amount previously paid: |
|
(2) |
|
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement no.: |
FIDELITY SOUTHERN CORPORATION
3490 Piedmont Road NE
Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on April 28, 2011
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Fidelity Southern Corporation will be held
at One Securities Centre, 3490 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 1550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, on
Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. for the following purposes:
|
1. |
|
To elect nine directors to serve until their successors
are duly elected and qualified at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in
2012; |
|
|
2. |
|
To approve the Amendment to the Companys Equity
Incentive Plan; |
|
|
3. |
|
To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2011; |
|
|
4. |
|
An advisory (non-binding) vote on executive compensation;
and |
|
|
5. |
|
To transact such other business as may properly come
before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2011, will be
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
A Proxy Statement and a Proxy are enclosed. Whether or not you plan to attend,
please vote your shares by completing, signing, dating, and returning the enclosed
Proxy as soon as possible in the postage-paid envelope provided.
If your shares are held in street name, that is, held for your account by a
broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions from the holder of record that
you must follow for your shares to be voted.
Also enclosed is a copy of Fidelitys 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders including
Form 10-K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Martha C. Fleming |
|
|
Corporate Secretary |
|
|
March 23, 2011
Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
FIDELITY SOUTHERN CORPORATION
3490 Piedmont Road NE
Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
The enclosed Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Southern
Corporation (Fidelity or Company) in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(Annual Meeting) to be held at One Securities Centre, 3490 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 1550, Atlanta,
Georgia 30305, on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 3:00 p.m., and at any adjournment thereof. This
Proxy Statement, the enclosed Proxy Card, and Fidelitys 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders
including its Form 10-K are being mailed to our shareholders on or about March 23, 2011.
Your vote is very important. For this reason, the Board of Directors is requesting that you
permit your common stock (Common Stock) to be represented at the Annual Meeting by the
individuals named on the enclosed Proxy Card. If no specification is made, the proxies received by
the Company will be voted for all of the nominees for director named in this Proxy Statement, and
upon such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof,
according to the best judgment of the Proxy Committee elected by the Board of Directors and
composed of Wm. Millard Choate and H. Palmer Proctor, Jr.
The presence of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting, represented
in person or by Proxy, will constitute a quorum. The nine nominees receiving the highest vote
totals will be elected as directors of Fidelity. A majority of the votes cast at the Annual
Meeting is required to approve other proposals, unless the vote of a greater number is required by
law.
Who Can Vote
Each shareholder of record at the close of business on March 3, 2011, is entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Each share of Fidelity Common Stock
entitles the shareholder to one vote on any matter coming before a meeting of Fidelity
shareholders. On March 3, 2011, the record date for the Annual Meeting, there were 10,776,280
shares of Fidelity Common Stock outstanding and eligible to vote. The enclosed Proxy Card shows
the number of shares that you are entitled to vote. If you own any shares in Fidelitys Direct
Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan or the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the enclosed
Proxy Card includes the number of shares you had in that plan on the record date for the Annual
Meeting, as well as the number of shares registered in your name.
How Do I Cast My Vote
If you are the record owner of your shares (either in certificates, book-entry, or in the
Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan or the Employee Stock Purchase Plan), you have
the following voting options:
|
|
|
By mail by completing, signing, dating, and returning the enclosed Proxy Card;
or |
|
|
|
|
By attending the Annual Meeting and voting your shares in person. |
Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares by Proxy.
If you provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as instructed. If you
hold shares in your name and sign and return a Proxy Card without giving specific voting
instructions, your shares will be voted for the proposals at the Annual Meeting. If you hold your
shares in your name and do not return a valid Proxy Card or vote in person at the Annual Meeting,
your shares will not be voted.
1
If you hold your shares in a brokerage account or through another nominee, your broker or
nominee (the record holder) is forwarding these Proxy materials to you along with voting
instructions. The record holder is required to vote your shares in accordance with your
instructions. If you do not give the record holder instructions, the record holder has the
authority to vote your shares on certain routine matters. At the Annual Meeting, the
ratification of auditors is deemed routine which means that the record holder can vote your
shares if you do not timely provide instructions. Although most brokers and nominees offer
telephone and Internet voting, availability and specific procedures will depend on their voting
arrangements. Please follow their directions carefully.
Every vote is important! Please vote your shares promptly.
What Am I Voting On
There are four proposals that will be presented for your consideration at the Annual Meeting:
|
|
|
To elect nine directors; |
|
|
|
|
To approve the Amendment to the Companys Equity Incentive Plan; |
|
|
|
|
To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011; and |
|
|
|
|
An advisory (non-binding) vote on executive compensation. |
Other business may be addressed at the Annual Meeting if it properly comes before the Annual
Meeting. However, we are not aware of any such other business.
Can I Change My Vote
If you are a record owner, you may revoke your Proxy and change your vote at any time before
voting begins on any proposal. You may do this by either giving our Corporate Secretary written
notice of your revocation, signed Proxy Card with a later date, or by attending the Annual Meeting
and electing to vote in person. However, your attendance at the Annual Meeting will not
automatically revoke your Proxy; you must specifically revoke your Proxy. If your shares are held
in nominee or street name, you should contact your broker or other nominee regarding the
revocation of proxies.
What Quorum is Needed to Hold the Annual Meeting
In order to conduct the Annual Meeting, a majority of Fidelity shares entitled to vote must be
present in person or by Proxy. This is called a quorum. If you return a valid Proxy or elect to
vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you will be considered part of the quorum.
Abstentions, withheld votes, and broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of the
number of votes represented in person or by Proxy at the Annual Meeting in determining whether the
quorum requirement is satisfied. Abstentions, withheld votes, and broker non-votes will have the
effect of a negative vote on all proposals other than the ratification of the appointment of the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm.
What are Broker Non-Votes
A broker non-vote occurs when a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee does not vote shares
that it holds in street name on behalf of a beneficial owner because the beneficial owner has not
provided voting instructions to the nominee with respect to a nondiscretionary item to be voted
upon. Proposals 1, 2, and 4 are non-discretionary items for which a nominee will not have the
discretion to vote without voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Proposal 3 is a
discretionary item for which a nominee will have the discretion to vote, even without voting
instructions from the beneficial owner. Broker non-vote shares will be included in the number of
shares considered present at the meeting for the purpose of determining whether there is a quorum.
The effect of a broker non-vote on the outcome of the vote on a proposal will depend on the
applicable voting standard for the proposal. For instance, if the approval of the proposal requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, a broker non-vote would have the
effect of a negative vote in determining the outcome of the vote on the proposal. On the other
hand, if the approval of the proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares
present in person or represented by Proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal, a
broker non-vote, being shares not entitled to vote, would not have any effect on the outcome of the
vote on the proposal.
2
What Vote is Needed
The nine nominees for director receiving the highest vote totals will be elected as directors
of Fidelity. All other matters will be decided by the affirmative vote of the majority of the
votes cast at the Annual Meeting.
What is our Voting Recommendation
Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each of the four proposals.
Proxy Cards that are timely signed, dated, and returned but do not contain instructions on how
you want to vote will be voted in accordance with our Board of Directors recommendation.
Proxy Solicitation
Fidelity will bear the expenses of soliciting proxies, including the cost of preparing and
mailing this Proxy Statement. Fidelity will furnish solicitation materials to banks, brokerage
houses, and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for forwarding to beneficial owners of
shares of the common stock and normal handling charges may be paid for such forwarding service. In
addition, directors, officers, and other employees of Fidelity who will not be additionally
compensated therefor may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, email, or other means.
Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
We have posted materials related to the 2011 Annual Meeting on the Internet. The following
materials are available on a secure Internet website, located at
https://materials.proxyvote.com/316394 that is compliant with regulatory standards and does not
utilize tracking cookies or site visit intelligence tracking:
|
|
|
This Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting, and |
|
|
|
|
Fidelitys 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders, including its Form 10-K filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
PROPOSAL # 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Shareholder Nominees
The policy of the Nominating Committee is to consider properly submitted proposed nominations
for membership on the Board of Directors submitted by shareholders who own at least 1,000 shares of
Common Stock of Fidelity and have held the stock for at least one year. Any proposed nomination by
a shareholder for consideration by the Nominating Committee must include the proposed nominees
name and qualifications and a statement to the effect that the proposed nominee has agreed to the
submission of his/her name as a candidate for nomination as a director. The proposed nomination
should be sent to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee of Fidelity Southern Corporation, 3490
Piedmont Road NE, Suite 1550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. In order to timely consider any candidate,
the shareholder must submit the recommendation on or before November 1 immediately preceding the
next annual meeting of shareholders. None of our qualifying shareholders nominated any prospective
nominees to our Nominating Committee for consideration at the Annual Meeting.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Director
The Nominating Committee utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees
for director. Nominees for director are selected for their character, judgment, diversity of
experience, acumen, ability to work with others, and their ability to act for the benefit of
Fidelity and its shareholders. The Nominating Committee evaluates the totality of the merits of
each prospective nominee and does not restrict itself by establishing minimum qualifications or
attributes. The Nominating Committee has a written policy regarding diversity that seeks to
provide the Board with a depth of experience and differences in viewpoints and skills. The
Nominating Committees Director Qualification Standards and Procedure for Identifying and
Evaluating Candidates is available under the Investor Relations section of our website at
www.fidelitysouthern.com.
3
The name of any candidate for nomination as a director may be submitted to the Nominating
Committee by shareholders, as described above, and directors. The Nominating Committee will review
the qualifications of each candidate submitted and conduct such inquiries as it determines
appropriate. There is no difference in the manner by which the Nominating Committee evaluates
prospective nominees for director based on the source from which the individual was first
identified. The Nominating Committee recommends, by a majority vote of its members, to the entire
Board of Directors those candidates it believes will best serve Fidelity and its shareholders, meet
the qualifications set forth in the director qualification standards, and have such other requisite
skills and knowledge deemed necessary by the Nominating Committee of a director of Fidelity.
The number of directors is currently set at nine by resolution of the Board of Directors. The
number of directors may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution of the Board of
Directors or of the shareholders, but no decrease shall have the effect of shortening the term of
an incumbent director. The terms of office for directors continue until the next annual meeting of
shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified.
Fidelitys Board of Directors has determined that each member of its Board, other than James
B. Miller, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity, and H. Palmer Proctor, Jr., President of
Fidelity, were independent during 2010 as defined in the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.
In the event that any nominee withdraws or for any reason is not able to serve as a director,
the Proxy will be voted for such other person as may be designated by the Board of Directors as
substitute nominee unless the Board of Directors or shareholders by resolution provide for a lesser
number of directors, but in no event will the Proxy be voted for more than nine nominees.
Management has no reason to believe that any nominee will not serve if elected.
Nominating Committee Report
The Nominating Committee reviewed the qualifications of the director nominees, found them to
meet the criteria for directors established by the Nominating Committee, and recommended the slate
to the Board of Directors as director nominees for election at the 2011 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
Major General (Ret) David R. Bockel, Chairman
W. Clyde Shepherd III
Rankin M. Smith, Jr.
Information About Nominees for Director
The following information as of March 3, 2011, has been furnished by the respective nominees
for director. All nominees for election to the Board of Directors set forth in this Proxy
Statement currently serve as directors of Fidelity. Except as otherwise indicated, each nominee
has been engaged in his present principal employment, in the same position, for more than five
years. As described below, the Nominating Committee has determined that each nominee is qualified
to serve on the Board after giving consideration to the Companys business operations and corporate
structure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First |
|
Business Experience During Past |
Name |
|
Age |
|
Elected |
|
Five Years and Other Information |
James B. Miller, Jr. (1)
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
1979 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Fidelity
since 1979. President of
Fidelity from 1979 to April
2006. A director of Fidelity
Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Fidelity, since 1976;
President of Fidelity Bank from
1977 to 1997 and from December
2003 through September 2004;
and Chief Executive Officer of
Fidelity Bank from 1977 to
1997, and from December 2003
until present. Chairman of
Fidelity Bank since 1998.
Chairman of LionMark Insurance
Company, a wholly owned
subsidiary, since November
2004. Chairman of Berlin
American Companies and other
family investment companies
since 1977. A director of
Interface, Inc., a carpet and
fabric manufacturing company,
since 2000, and of American
Software Inc., a software
development company, since
2002. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Millers education and
experience as an attorney,
experience |
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First |
|
Business Experience During Past |
Name |
|
Age |
|
Elected |
|
Five Years and Other Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
running a company in
Germany, in addition to the
years of experience employed as
an executive officer of
Fidelity, serving on Fidelitys
Board of Directors as well as
serving on the boards of
various community organizations
and public companies qualify
him to serve as a director. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Major General (Ret) David R. Bockel
(2) (3) (4)
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
Executive Director, Reserve
Officers Association of the
United States, a 63,000 member
organization headquartered in
Washington, D.C., since
November 2009; Deputy Executive
Director, from October 2003 to
November 2009. A director of
Fidelity Bank since 1997. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Major General (Ret) Bockels
previous experience as founder
and head of an advertising
company, his military
experience commanding 18,000
soldiers with responsibility
for military facilities and
equipment over five states, and
his current position qualify
him to serve as a director. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wm. Millard Choate (2)
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
Founder and President of Choate
Construction Company, a
commercial construction and
interior construction firm with
offices headquartered in
Atlanta, Georgia, since 1989. A
director of Fidelity Bank since
April 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The experience Mr. Choate
received founding his company
and establishing all
operations, procedures,
banking, insurance and bonding
relationships, marketing,
preconstruction estimating, and
technology, in addition to his
degrees in economics and
business qualify him to serve
as a director. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Donald A. Harp, Jr. (2)
(3)
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Adjunct Professor, Candler
School of Theology, Emory
University, since September
2008. Minister Emeritus of
Peachtree Road United Methodist
Church since July 2008. Senior
Minister of Peachtree Road
United Methodist Church from
1988 to July 2008. A director
of Fidelity Bank since 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Harp brings to the Board of
Directors his experience of
over 20 years managing a $7
million church budget and staff
of 60 people, as well as his
membership on many non-profit
boards and experience as mayor
pro-tem of a city with budget
and other management
responsibilities, which qualify
him to serve as a director. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin S. King (1) (3)
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
1998 |
|
|
Of Counsel, Isenberg & Hewitt,
P.C., Atlanta, Georgia, since
January 2011. An attorney in
Georgia from 1972 to present. A
director of Fidelity Bank since
1998. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Kings qualifications to
serve as director include
degrees earned in accounting
and law, and various business
and legal positions over 40
years, including executive vice
president/general counsel, a
member of several for profit
and non-profit boards, and as a
lawyer in private practice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William C. Lankford, Jr. (3)
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
Member of Moore Stephens
Tiller, LLC, from 1979 to
present. Managing Member from
1990 to September 2009. A
director of Fidelity Bank since
January 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Lankfords position as a
CPA with broad accounting, tax,
and business experience gained
from being in public practice
for 38 years qualify him to
serve as a director. |
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First |
|
Business Experience During Past |
Name |
|
Age |
|
Elected |
|
Five Years and Other Information |
H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. (1)
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
President of Fidelity since
April 2006; Senior Vice
President of Fidelity from
January 2006 to April 2006;
Vice President of Fidelity from
April 1996 to January 2006.
President of Fidelity Bank
since October 2004. Director
and Secretary/Treasurer of
LionMark Insurance Company, a
wholly owned subsidiary, since
November 2004. A director of
Fidelity Bank since 2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As an executive of Fidelity and
Fidelity Bank, Mr. Proctor
offers expertise in financial
services and a unique
understanding of our markets,
operations, and competition,
which qualify him to serve as a
director. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. Clyde Shepherd III (1) (4)
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
President, Plant Improvement
Co., Inc., a highway
construction/real property
lessor company located in
Atlanta, Georgia, since 1997.
President or Vice
President/Secretary of Toco
Hill, Inc., a real
estate/lessor and investment
company located in Atlanta,
Georgia, since 1983. Manager
and partner of WCS Investment
Partnership, LLLP, an active
investment holding company
located in DeKalb County and
Walton County, Georgia, since
2003. A director of Fidelity
Bank since 1998. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Shepherds extensive
business experience as head of
a highway construction,
investment, and real property
lessor companies, as well as
degrees earned in the fields of
finance and economics qualify
him to serve as a director. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rankin M. Smith, Jr. (2) (4)
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
1987 |
|
|
Owner and Manager, Seminole
Plantation, a shooting preserve
located in Thomasville,
Georgia, since 1991. Chairman
of the Board of Trustees of
Thomas University from January
2009 to January 2011 and
Trustee from 2004 to present.
Director of Archbold Medical
Foundation from 2005 to
present. Director, advisor and
shareholder of Atlanta Falcons
Football Club from 1990 to
2002. A director of Fidelity
Bank since 1987. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Smith brings to the Board
of Directors his many years of
experience as a member and
executive of various
organizations, which qualify
him to serve as a director. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors |
|
(2) |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors |
|
(3) |
|
Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors |
|
(4) |
|
Member of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors |
There are no family relationships between any director, executive officer, or nominee for
director of Fidelity or any of its subsidiaries.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the above nominees for director.
Unless marked to the contrary, Proxy Cards received by the Company will be voted FOR this
proposal.
PROPOSAL # 2 APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE
COMPANYS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Equity Incentive Plan Summary
General Information. The Board of Directors adopted the Fidelity Southern Corporation Equity
Incentive Plan (the Plan) on January 19, 2006, and the shareholders of Fidelity approved the Plan
on April 26, 2006. The purpose of
6
the Plan is to assist Fidelity in recruiting and retaining
employees and directors by enabling them to receive awards and participate in the future success of
Fidelity.
Amendment. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has recommended that Fidelity
adopt an amendment to the Plan (Amendment) to provide for the following changes in the Plan:
|
|
|
Increase the number of shares of Fidelitys Common Stock that may be issued
under the Plan from 750,000 to 2,250,000; |
|
|
|
|
Extend the term of the Plan by an additional five years for awards other than
incentive stock options (ISO), so that incentive stock options may be granted
until January 18, 2016, and other awards may continue to be granted until January
19, 2021; |
|
|
|
|
Delete the ability of Fidelity to award restricted stock units; |
|
|
|
|
Increase the number of shares authorized under the Plan that may be issued in
the aggregate pursuant to awards other than options from 250,000 to 750,000; |
|
|
|
|
Modify certain of the provisions of the Plan relating to incentive awards; |
|
|
|
|
Add specific language addressing compliance with Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). |
The Board of Directors approved the Amendment on March 17, 2011. The Plan requires that the
Amendment be approved by the Fidelity shareholders before the Amendment may be adopted.
Types of Awards. The Plan, as originally adopted, permits Fidelity to grant stock options
(both incentive stock options (ISOs) and non-qualified stock options (NQSOs)), stock
appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock awards (Restricted Stock Awards), restricted stock
units (RSUs), and other incentive awards (Incentive Awards). The Amendment deletes the ability
of Fidelity to award RSUs because of the difficulties in complying with Section 409A of the Code
with respect to such Awards. Fidelity has not issued these types of Awards in the past and has no
present intent to do so in the future.
Separate Written Agreements. All awards granted under the Plan are governed by separate
written agreements between Fidelity and the selected participants. The written agreements specify
when the award may become exercisable, vested, or payable. No right or interest of a participant in
any award will be subject to any lien, obligation, or liability of the participant. The laws of the
State of Georgia govern the Plan. The Plan is unfunded, and Fidelity will not segregate any assets
to cover awards under the Plan. The Plan is not tax qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a)
of the Code, nor is it subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Term of Plan. The Plan originally provided that no awards may be granted after January 19,
2016. The Amendment extends the term, by providing that no awards may be granted after January 19,
2021 (15 years following the effective date of the Plan), and no ISOs may be granted after January
19, 2016, since all ISOs must still be granted within 10 years from the original date of adoption
of the Plan.
Administration. Fidelity bears all expenses of the Plan. The Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors (the Committee) administers the Plan. The Committee has authority to grant
awards to such persons and upon such terms and conditions (not inconsistent with the provisions of
the Plan) as it may consider appropriate. The Committee may delegate to one or more officers of
Fidelity all or part of its authority and duties with respect to awards to individuals who are not
subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
Eligibility for Participation. Any of Fidelitys employees, including any employee of a
current or future subsidiary of Fidelity (an Affiliate) and any member of the Board of Directors
of Fidelity (whether or not an employee), is eligible to receive an award, except that only
employees are eligible to receive ISOs.
Shares Subject to Plan. The Plan provides that the maximum number of shares of Common Stock of
Fidelity that may be issued under the Plan pursuant to awards is 750,000 shares. All of such shares
may be issued pursuant to options. However, under the Plan prior to the proposed amendment, only
250,000 of such shares may be issued in the aggregate pursuant to awards other than options. In any
calendar year, no participant may receive awards that relate to
7
more than 125,000 shares. The
maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to awards, the per individual
limits on awards, and the terms of outstanding awards will be adjusted as is equitably required in
the event of corporate transactions and other appropriate events. The Amendment provides that the
maximum number of
shares of Fidelity Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan pursuant to awards is
2,250,000 shares, including the 750,000 shares originally approved for the Plan. The Amendment
also proportionately increases the maximum number of such shares that may be issued in the
aggregate pursuant for awards other than options to 750,000, including the 250,000 other than
option shares awards originally approved for the Plan.
Options. A stock option entitles the participant to purchase from Fidelity a stated number of
shares of its Common Stock. The Committee will designate whether the option is an ISO or a NQSO and
specify the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the option. In the case of ISOs, the
aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date of grant) of Common Stock with respect to
which an ISO may become exercisable for the first time during any calendar year cannot exceed
$100,000. If this limitation is exceeded, the ISOs which cause the limitation to be exceeded will
be treated as NQSOs. The exercise price per share of Common Stock may not be less than the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted. With respect to an ISO granted
to a participant who beneficially owns more than 10 percent of the combined voting power of
Fidelity or any Affiliate (determined by applying certain attribution rules), the exercise price
per share may not be less than 110 percent of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date
the option is granted. The exercise price may be paid in cash or, if the agreement so provides, by
tendering shares of Common Stock or some other method of payment.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A SAR entitles the participant to receive, upon exercise, the
excess of the fair market value on that date of each share of Common Stock subject to the exercised
portion of the SAR over the fair market value of each such share on the date of the grant of the
SAR. A SAR can be granted alone or in tandem with an option. A SAR granted in tandem with an option
is called a Corresponding SAR and entitles the participant to exercise the option or the SAR at
which time the other tandem award expires. The Committee will specify the number of shares of
Common Stock subject to a SAR and whether the SAR is a Corresponding SAR. No participant may be
granted Corresponding SARs in tandem with ISOs which are first exercisable in any calendar year for
shares of Common Stock having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date of grant)
that exceeds $100,000. A Corresponding SAR may be exercised only to the extent that the related
option is exercisable and the fair market value of the Common Stock exceeds the exercise price of
the related option. As set forth in an award agreement, the amount payable as a result of the
exercise of a SAR may be settled in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of each.
Restricted Stock Awards. A Restricted Stock Award is the grant or sale of shares of Common
Stock, which may be subject to forfeiture restrictions. The Committee will prescribe whether the
Restricted Stock Award is forfeitable and the conditions to which it is subject. If the participant
must pay for a Restricted Stock Award, payment of the award generally shall be made in cash or, if
the agreement so provides, by some other method of payment. Prior to forfeiture, a participant will
have all rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares that are the subject of the Restricted
Stock Award, including the right to receive dividends and vote the shares; provided, however, the
participant may not transfer the shares. Fidelity shall retain custody of the certificates
evidencing the shares until they are no longer forfeitable.
Incentive Awards. An Incentive Award entitles the participant to receive cash or Common Stock
when certain conditions are met. No participant may receive an Incentive Award in any calendar year
(i) with reference to a specified dollar limit of more than $250,000 and (ii) with reference to a
specified number of shares of Common Stock of more than 125,000 shares. As set forth in the
agreement, an Incentive Award may be paid in cash, Common Stock or a combination of each. The
Amendment revises the Incentive Award provisions of the Plan to provide that the recipient of any
such Award must remain actively employed until the date all conditions for payment have been
satisfied, that payment will be made within seventy five (75) days after satisfaction of all such
conditions, and to clarify that such Awards may be revised to become payable upon a Change in
Control as defined in the Plan.
Performance Objectives. The Committee has discretion to establish performance conditions for
when options or SARs become exercisable, and Restricted Stock Awards become vested. Those
performance conditions can be stated with respect to Fidelitys, an Affiliates or a business
units (a) total shareholder return; (b) total shareholder return as compared to total return (on a
comparable basis) of a publicly available index; (c) net income; (d) pretax earnings; (e) funds
from operations; (f) earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization; (g)
operating margin; (h) earnings per share; (i) return on equity, capital, assets or investment; (j)
operating earnings; (k) working capital; (l) ratio of debt to shareholders equity and (m) revenue.
An award that is intended to become exercisable, vested or payable on the achievement of
performance conditions means that the award will not become exercisable, vested or payable solely
on mere continued employment or service. However, such an award, in addition to performance
conditions, may
8
be subject to continued employment or service by the participant. Additionally, the vesting,
exercise or payment of an award can be conditioned on continued employment or service if it is not
intended to be contingent on performance conditions.
Change in Control. In the event of or in anticipation of a Change in Control (as defined in
the Plan), the Committee in its discretion may terminate outstanding awards (i) by giving the
participants an opportunity to exercise the awards that are then exercisable and then terminating,
without any payment, all awards that have not been exercised (including those that were not
exercisable) or (ii) by paying the participant the value of the awards that are then vested,
exercisable or payable without payment for any awards that are not then vested, exercisable or
payable. However, awards will not be terminated to the extent they are to be continued after the
Change in Control.
Shareholder Rights. No participant shall have any rights as a shareholder of Fidelity until
such award is settled by the issuance of Common Stock (other than a Restricted Stock Award for
which the participant will have the right to receive dividends and vote the shares).
Transferability. Generally, each award is non-transferable except by will or the laws of
descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the participant to whom the award is granted, the
award may only be exercised by, or payable to, the participant. However, the Committee may provide
that awards other than ISOs or Corresponding SARs that are related to ISOs may be transferred to
certain family members. The holder of the transferred award will be bound by the same terms and
conditions that governed such award during the period that it was held by the participant, except
that such transferee may only transfer the award by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Maximum Award Period. No award shall be exercisable or become vested or payable more than 10
years after the date of grant. An ISO granted to a participant who beneficially owns more than 10
percent of the combined voting power of Fidelity or any Affiliate (determined by applying certain
attribution rules) or a Corresponding SAR that relates to such an ISO may not be exercisable more
than five years after the date of grant.
Compliance With Applicable Law. No award shall be exercisable, vested or payable except in
compliance with all applicable Federal and state laws and regulations (including, without
limitation, tax and securities laws), any listing agreement with any stock exchange to which
Fidelity is a party, and the rules of all domestic stock exchanges on which Fidelitys shares are
listed. The Amendment provides that in the event and to the extent any award is made which is
determined to be deferred compensation within the contemplation of the Code Section 409A or
Treasury Department guidance, the Plan will be construed and applied consistent with that
determination.
Amendment and Termination of Plan. The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the Plan at
any time; provided, however, that no amendment may adversely impair the rights of a participant
with respect to outstanding awards without the participants consent. An amendment will be
contingent on approval of Fidelitys shareholders, to the extent required by law or the rules of
any stock exchange on which Fidelitys securities are then traded or if the amendment would (i)
increase the benefits accruing to participants, (ii) permit a repricing of outstanding options,
(iii) increase the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued, (iv) modify the
requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan or (v) change the stated performance
conditions. Since the Amendment increases the number of shares authorized for issuance under the
Plan, approval of the Fidelity shareholders is required to adopt the Amendment.
Forfeiture Provisions. Awards do not confer upon any individual any right to continue in the
employ or service of Fidelity or any Affiliate. All rights to any award that a participant has will
be immediately forfeited if the participant is discharged from employment or service for Cause
(as defined in the Plan).
Market Value of Underlying Securities. The closing price of Fidelity Common Stock on March 3,
2011, on the NASDAQ National Market was $8.24.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion summarizes the principal Federal income tax consequences associated
with awards under the Plan. The discussion is based on laws, regulations, rulings and court
decisions currently in effect, all of which are subject to change.
ISOs. A participant will not recognize taxable income on the grant or exercise of an ISO. A
participant will recognize taxable income when he or she disposes of the shares of Common Stock
acquired under the ISO. If the
9
disposition occurs more than two years after the grant of the ISO
and more than one year after its exercise (the ISO holding period), the participant will
recognize long-term capital gain (or loss) to the extent the amount realized from the disposition
exceeds (or is less than) the participants tax basis in the shares of Common Stock. A
participants tax basis in the Common Stock generally will be the amount the participant paid for
the stock.
If Common Stock acquired under an ISO is disposed of before the expiration of the ISO holding
period described above, the participant will recognize as ordinary income in the year of the
disposition the excess of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise of the
ISO over the exercise price. Any additional gain will be treated as long-term or short-term capital
gain, depending on the length of time the participant held the shares. A special rule applies to
such a disposition where the amount realized is less than the fair market value of the Common Stock
on the date of exercise of the ISO. In that case, the ordinary income the participant will
recognize will not exceed the excess of the amount realized on the disposition over the exercise
price. If the amount realized is less than the exercise price, the participant will recognize a
capital loss (long-term if the stock was held more than one year and short-term if held one year or
less). A participant would receive different tax treatment if the exercise price were paid by
delivery of Common Stock.
Neither Fidelity nor any of its Affiliates will be entitled to a Federal income tax deduction
with respect to the grant or exercise of an ISO. However, in the event a participant disposes of
Common Stock acquired under an ISO before the expiration of the ISO holding period described above,
Fidelity or its Affiliate generally will be entitled to a Federal income tax deduction equal to the
amount of ordinary income the participant recognizes.
NQSOs. A participant will not recognize any taxable income on the grant of a NQSO. On the
exercise of a NQSO, the participant will recognize as ordinary income the excess of the fair market
value of the Common Stock acquired over the exercise price. A participants tax basis in the Common
Stock is the amount paid plus any amounts included in income on exercise. The participants holding
period for the stock begins on acquisition of the shares. Any gain or loss that a participant
realizes on a subsequent disposition of Common Stock acquired on the exercise of a NQSO generally
will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the length of time
the participant held such shares. The amount of the gain (or loss) will equal the amount by which
the amount realized on the subsequent disposition exceeds (or is less than) the participants tax
basis in his or her shares. A participant would receive different tax treatment if the exercise
price were paid with Company Stock. The exercise of a NQSO generally will entitle Fidelity or its
Affiliate to claim a Federal income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income the
participant recognizes. If the participant is an employee, that ordinary income will constitute
wages subject to withholding and employment taxes.
SARs. A participant will not recognize any taxable income at the time SARs are granted. At the
time of exercise of the SAR the participant will recognize as ordinary income the amount of cash
and the fair market value of any Common Stock that he or she receives. Fidelity or its Affiliate
will be entitled to a Federal income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income the
participant recognizes. If the participant is an employee, that ordinary income will constitute
wages subject to withholding and employment taxes.
Restricted Stock Awards. A participant will recognize ordinary income on account of a
Restricted Stock Award on the first day that the shares are either transferable or not subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture. The ordinary income recognized will equal the excess of the fair
market value of the Common Stock on such date over the amount, if any, the participant paid for the
Restricted Stock Award. However, even if the shares under a Restricted Stock Award are both
nontransferable and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant may make a special
83(b) election to recognize income, and have his or her tax consequences determined, as of the
date the Restricted Stock Award is granted. The participants tax basis in the shares received will
be the income recognized plus the price, if any, paid. Any gain (or loss) that a participant
realizes upon the sale of Common Stock acquired pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award will be equal
to the amount by which the amount realized on the disposition exceeds (or is less than) the
participants tax basis in the shares and will be treated as long-term (if the shares were held for
more than one year) or short-term (if the shares were held for one year or less) capital gain or
loss. The participants holding period for the stock begins on the date the shares are either
transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, except that the holding period
will begin on the date of grant if the participant makes the special 83(b) election. Fidelity or
its Affiliate will be entitled to a Federal income tax deduction equal to the ordinary income the
participant recognizes. If the participant is an employee, that ordinary income will constitute
wages subject to withholding and employment taxes.
Incentive Awards. A participant will not recognize any taxable income at the time an Incentive
Award is granted. When the terms and conditions to which an Incentive Award is subject have been
satisfied and the award is paid, the participant will recognize as ordinary income the amount of
cash and the fair market value of any Common
10
Stock he or she receives. The participants holding
period in any Common Stock received will begin on the date of receipt. The participants tax basis
in the Common Stock will equal the amount he or she includes in ordinary income with respect to the
Common Stock. Any gain or loss that a participant realizes on a subsequent disposition of the
Common Stock will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the
participants holding period for the Common Stock. The amount of the gain (or loss) will equal the
amount by which the amount realized on the disposition exceeds (or is less than) the participants
tax basis in the Common Stock. Fidelity or its Affiliate will be
entitled to a Federal income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income the
participant recognizes. If the participant is an employee, that ordinary income will constitute
wages subject to withholding and employment taxes.
Limitation on Deductions. The deduction for a publicly-held corporation for otherwise
deductible compensation to a covered employee generally is limited to one million dollars per
year. An individual is a covered employee if he or she is the chief executive officer or one of the
four highest compensated officers for the year (other than the chief executive officer). The one
million dollar limit does not apply to compensation payable solely because of the attainment of
performance conditions that meet the requirements set forth in Section 162(m) of the Code and the
regulations thereunder. Compensation is considered performance-based only if (a) it is paid solely
on the achievement of one or more performance conditions; (b) a committee consisting solely of two
or more outside directors sets the performance conditions; (c) before payment, the material terms
under which the compensation is to be paid, including the performance conditions, are disclosed to,
and approved by, the shareholders and (d) before payment, the committee certifies in writing that
the performance conditions have been met.
The grant, exercise, vesting or payment of an award may be postponed if Fidelity reasonably
believes that its or any applicable Affiliates deduction with respect to such award would be
limited or eliminated by application of Code Section 162(m); provided, however, such delay will
last only until the earliest date at which Fidelity reasonably anticipates the deduction will not
be limited or eliminated under Code Section 162(m) or the calendar year in which the participant
separates from service.
In addition to the limits on deductions imposed by Code Section 162(m), a corporation cannot
deduct any amounts that constitute excess parachute payments. The recipient of the excess
parachute payment also would be subject to a 20% excise tax on such amount. To the extent that
awards are granted or become exercisable, vested or payable because of a Change in Control, such
awards or the value of the accelerated vesting, exercise or payment may result in an excess
parachute payment. Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, awards (or the amount that become
exercisable, vested or payable as a result of the Change in Control) will be reduced if the
participant would be better off on an after-tax basis with the reduction than the participant would
have been without the reduction.
Deferred Compensation Rules. The Plan has been designed to enable Fidelity to structure awards
that will not be subject to Code Section 409A, which imposes restrictions and requirements on
deferred compensation, including the types of awards that are available under this Plan, and
increases the effective tax rate on the compensation realized under a noncompliant award.
Current Tax Rates. Long-term capital gains of individuals currently are subject to Federal
income tax at a maximum rate of 15 percent. Short-term capital gains and ordinary income of
individuals currently are subject to tax at a maximum rate of 35 percent. These rates may change,
and participants are encouraged to seek their own personal tax advice in connection with
participation in the Plan.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of the Amendment to the Equity
Incentive Plan. Unless marked to the contrary, Proxy Cards received by the Company will be voted
FOR this proposal.
PROPOSAL # 3 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors of Fidelity has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011, and is
submitting such appointment to the shareholders for ratification.
Ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by Proxy, by the shareholders of
Fidelity at the Meeting.
11
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the ratification of the
appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for
the 2011 fiscal year. Unless marked to the contrary, Proxy Cards received by the Company will be
voted FOR this proposal.
PROPOSAL # 4 ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE ON
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 requires Fidelity to permit a non-binding
advisory vote on the compensation of its Named Executive Officers. The compensation details are
described in the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement, including Compensation
Discussion and Analysis, the tabular disclosure regarding named executive officer compensation,
and the accompanying narrative disclosure.
This proposal, commonly known as a say-on-pay proposal, gives Fidelitys shareholders the
opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive compensation program and policies. During the
time in which any obligation arising from Fidelitys participation in the TARP Capital Purchase
Program remains outstanding, the shareholder frequency vote will not be included.
Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board of Directors. However,
the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future
executive compensation.
The Board of Directors asks you to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to our named executive officers, as disclosed in the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the tabular disclosure regarding named executive officer
compensation, and the accompanying narrative disclosure, is hereby approved.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR this proposal. Unless marked to the contrary,
Proxy Cards received by the Company will be voted FOR this proposal.
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During 2010, the Board of Directors held eight meetings. Each of the directors attended at
least 75 percent of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the meetings of the committees on
which the director served. Fidelity has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating
Committee, and an Executive Committee.
Directors are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Eight directors
attended the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Board believes that our Chief Executive Officer is best situated to serve as Chairman of
the Board of Directors because he is most familiar with our business and strategy, and is therefore
the most appropriate director to lead discussions of our strategy and risk. Our independent
directors bring experience, oversight, and expertise from outside the Company and industry, while
our Chief Executive Officer provides company-specific experience and expertise. There is no single
independent director who serves as a lead independent director. The Board believes that the
combined role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer promotes effective and thorough meetings and
discussions and facilitates the flow of information between management and the Board.
Both the Board as a whole and its committees play an active role in overseeing management of
our risks. The Board regularly reviews information with members of senior management regarding our
strategy and key areas of the Company including operations, finance, legal, and regulatory, as well
as the risks associated with each. The Boards Compensation Committee is responsible for
overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and reviewing the
risks associated with our overall compensation practices and policies for all of our employees.
The Audit Committee oversees management of financial risks. The Nominating Committee manages risks
associated with the independence of the Board and potential conflicts of interest. While each
committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks,
the entire Board is regularly informed about such risks through committee reports.
12
Audit Committee
Fidelity has a separately designated standing Audit Committee that oversees the financial and
accounting reporting process, assures that an audit program is in place to protect the assets of
Fidelity, assures that adequate internal controls exist, oversees the internal audit function,
reviews the Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and related testing
and documentation, selects the independent accountants for appointment by the Board of Directors,
and evaluates their performance. During 2010, the Audit Committee held eight meetings.
The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Audit Committee and the
Board of Directors. The charter is available under the Investor Relations section of our
website at www.fidelitysouthern.com.
The Board of Directors of Fidelity has determined that all of the members of the Audit
Committee have sufficient knowledge in financial and accounting matters to serve on the Audit
Committee. In addition, each member of the Audit Committee qualifies as an audit committee
financial expert as defined by Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). The current member composition of the Audit Committee
satisfies the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules applicable to companies with stock listed for quotation on
the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Kevin King serves as Chairman of the Committee.
Nominating Committee
The primary functions of the Nominating Committee are to identify individuals qualified to
become members of the Board, recommend to the Board the director nominees for each annual meeting
of the shareholders, and fill vacancies and new positions on the Board. Fidelitys Board of
Directors has determined that the members of our Nominating Committee are independent as defined in
the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules applicable to companies with stock listed for quotation on the NASDAQ
Global Select Market. The Nominating Committee held three meetings during 2010. Major General
(Ret) David R. Bockel serves as Chairman of the Committee.
The Nominating Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Nominating Committee
and the Board of Directors. The charter is available under the Investor Relations section of our
website at www.fidelitysouthern.com.
Compensation Committee
The primary functions of the Compensation Committee are to provide assistance to the Board of
Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to the determination of goals and
objectives, to evaluate performance relative to those goals and objectives, to determine the
remuneration of all executive officers of Fidelity and each of its direct subsidiaries, and to
grant equity incentives and administer the Stock Option Plan and the Equity Incentive Plan. In
addition, the Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and evaluating compensation and
benefit plans for all officers and employees to ensure they are appropriate, competitive, and
properly reflect Fidelitys objectives and performance. Likewise, the Compensation Committee is
responsible for reviewing and discussing the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and recommending
its inclusion in this Proxy Statement. Fidelitys Board of Directors has determined that the
members of our Compensation Committee are independent as defined in the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules
applicable to companies with stock listed for quotation on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. During
2010, the Compensation Committee held three meetings. Major General (Ret) David R. Bockel serves
as Chairman of the Committee.
The Compensation Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Compensation
Committee and the Board of Directors. The charter is available under the Investor Relations
section of our website at www.fidelitysouthern.com.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is authorized to exercise any and all of the powers of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of Fidelity except where specific power is
reserved to the Board of Directors by the Bylaws or by applicable law. During 2010, the Executive Committee did not
meet. James B. Miller, Jr. serves as Chairman of the Committee.
13
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Objectives of Executive Compensation Program
The objectives of our executive compensation program are:
|
|
|
to provide competitive levels of compensation which take into account not only
annual but long-term performance goals and the strategic objectives outlined in our
strategic plan, all designed with the ultimate objective of improving shareholder
value; |
|
|
|
|
to attract, hire, and retain well-qualified, experienced, ethical, motivated,
and dedicated executives; |
|
|
|
|
to evaluate the performance of executive officers in a changing economic,
interest rate, and credit quality environment; |
|
|
|
|
to reward executives based on corporate performance, the attainment of long-term
goals and strategic objectives, the level of each executives initiative,
responsibility, and achievements, and how effectively risk is managed; and |
|
|
|
|
to provide competitive financial security for executives and dependents in the
event of a change in control, death, disability, or retirement. |
What our Executive Compensation Program is Designed to Reward
Our executive compensation program is designed to recognize and reward both corporate and
individual performance primarily through competitive salary arrangements, annual incentive
compensation plans, restricted stock awards, stock option grants, employment agreements, a deferred
compensation plan, life insurance programs, certain perquisites, and other broad-based employee
benefit plans such as our 401(k) Plan.
What are the Regulatory Limits on Executive Compensation
TARP Capital Purchase Program. On December 19, 2008, as part of the United States Treasury
Departments (the Treasury) TARP Capital Purchase Program (the CPP), Fidelity entered into an
Agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Treasury, pursuant to which Fidelity (i) sold 48,200
shares of Fidelitys Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, having a
liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the Preferred Shares) and (ii) issued a warrant (the
Warrant) to purchase 2,266,458 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $48.2
million in cash.
In the Purchase Agreement, Fidelity agreed that, until such time as Treasury ceases to own any
securities of Fidelity acquired pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Fidelity will take all
necessary actions to ensure that its benefit plans with respect to its senior executive officers
comply with Section 111(b) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the EESA) as
implemented by any guidance or regulation under the EESA and agreed not to adopt any benefit plans
with respect to, or which cover, its senior executive officers that do not comply with the EESA,
and the applicable executives have consented to the foregoing. Section 111(b) (2) of EESA provides
for the executive compensation and corporate governance standards to include:
|
|
|
limits on compensation that exclude incentives for senior executive officers of
financial institutions to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the
value of the financial institution; |
|
|
|
|
required recovery of any bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior
executive officer based on statements of earnings, gains, or other criteria that
are later proven to be materially inaccurate; |
|
|
|
|
prohibition on the financial institution from making any excess parachute
payment to any senior executive officer, as defined under Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code (an Excess Severance Payment), during the period that
Treasury holds an equity or debt position; and |
|
|
|
|
agreement to limit a claim to a federal income tax deduction for senior
executive compensation in excess of $500,000 per year. |
14
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the ARRA) was enacted. The ARRA, commonly known as the economic
stimulus or economic recovery package, includes a wide variety of programs intended to stimulate
the economy and provide for extensive infrastructure, energy, health, and education needs. In
addition, ARRA imposes certain additional executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits
on all TARP recipients until the institution has repaid Treasury the amount of a CPP investment,
which is now permitted under ARRA without penalty and without the need to raise new capital,
subject to Treasurys consultation with the recipients appropriate regulatory agency. The
executive compensation standards are more stringent than those under the CPP. Guidance on
executive compensation was provided by the Department of Treasury on June 15, 2009, through the
publication of TARP Standards for Compensation and Corporate Governance; Interim Final Rule.
The additional standards include:
|
|
|
prohibition on the payment or accrual of bonus, retention award, or incentive
compensation to a SEO or certain highly compensated employees subject to certain
exceptions for payments made in the form of restricted stock; |
|
|
|
|
prohibition on employee compensation plans that would encourage manipulation of
earnings reported by the TARP recipient to enhance an employees compensation; |
|
|
|
|
prohibition on providing tax gross-ups to the SEO and next 20 most highly
compensated employees; |
|
|
|
|
adoption of an excessive or luxury expenditures policy; and |
|
|
|
|
compliance with federal securities rules and regulations regarding the
submission of a non-binding resolution on SEO compensation to shareholders. |
How We Choose the Amounts for Each Element of Compensation
The Compensation Committee annually evaluates and recommends to the independent directors the
salary and total remuneration of James B. Miller, Jr., our Chairman and principal executive
officer, our principal financial officer, and our other two executive officers (the Named
Executive Officers). The Committee evaluates data publicly available in connection with this
review and does not utilize any compensation consultants. During 2010, our Named Executive Officers
were Mr. Miller, Stephen H. Brolly, our Chief Financial Officer, H. Palmer Proctor, Jr., our
President, and David Buchanan, a Vice President. This review is based on each executive officers
individual achievements and contributions to corporate short-term and long-term goals and
objectives for the prior year, as well as the individual and corporate goals and objectives for the
current year. As a result of this qualitative review, the executive officers are not encouraged to
engage in excessive risk-taking that could threaten the value of the financial institution. The
Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of the Chairman and President and recommends their
compensation, while the Chairmans evaluations and compensation recommendations for the other
executive officers are considered by the Compensation Committee. The Committee, as part of its
evaluation, also considers the outcome of the say-on-pay vote by the shareholders. The Companys
shareholders approved the say-on-pay proposal at the last annual shareholders meeting held in
2010.
The Compensation Committee also met every six months in 2010 with the member of management
responsible for risk management to review our incentive compensation programs for purposes of
determining whether they encourage excessive or unnecessary risk-taking by our employees. As part
of its review, the Compensation Committee considered the various risks to which Fidelity is
subject, including market, liquidity, interest rate, operational, financial, credit quality, and
other risks, and how Fidelitys incentive compensation programs may contribute to risk. The
Compensation Committee also considered Fidelitys controls and actions taken to mitigate and
monitor those risks, including the Companys clawback policy.
In connection with such review, the Compensation Committee concluded that Fidelitys incentive
compensation programs do not encourage Fidelitys employees to take excessive or unnecessary risks
that threaten the value of the Company. Instead, the Compensation Committee concluded that
Fidelitys incentive compensation programs are designed to encourage the employees to achieve
individual and corporate goals and objectives, while continually assessing and monitoring the
risks.
15
Incentive Compensation Plans, Employment and Executive Continuity Agreements
Non-equity incentive compensation plans and employment and executive continuity agreements
have been provided to our executive officers to aid in retention, to encourage continuity, to
provide for non-compete requirements if employment is terminated, and to remain competitive with
the compensation programs of comparable financial institutions.
Incentive Compensation Plans. The Compensation Committee believes that non-equity incentive
plan compensation is a valuable element of overall executive officer compensation to motivate
executive officers to achieve individual and corporate short-term and long-term or strategic goals
and objectives. Although each executive officer was eligible for 20% of his salary or annual base
compensation, or such other amount as determined by the Compensation Committee, as non-equity
incentive compensation during 2010, no non-equity incentive compensation was awarded.
Messrs. Millers and Proctors employment agreements provide that they will be eligible during
2011 for 20% of their base compensation of $600,000 and $360,000, respectively, as incentive
compensation or such other amount as determined by the Compensation Committee following its
evaluation of corporate and individual performance relative to the executive compensation
established at the beginning of the calendar year and such other measures that the Committee may
consider in its sole discretion. Because of the restrictions imposed under the ARRA, this
incentive compensation will be paid in shares of restricted stock in accordance with the rules
adopted by Treasury under the ARRA.
Fidelity and Fidelity Bank entered into incentive compensation agreements with Stephen H.
Brolly as Chief Financial Officer and David Buchanan as Vice President, providing that Messrs.
Brolly and Buchanan will be eligible during 2011 for 20% of their base compensation of $200,000 and
$260,000, respectively, as incentive compensation or such other amount as determined by the
Compensation Committee following its evaluation of corporate and individual performance relative to
the executive compensation established at the beginning of the calendar year and such other
measures that the Committee may consider in its sole discretion. Because of the restrictions
imposed under the ARRA, this incentive compensation will be paid in shares of restricted stock in
accordance with the rules adopted by Treasury under the ARRA.
Employment Agreements. Executive officers are provided with employment and continuity
agreements of various terms to provide them assurance of compensation following a change in
control. The agreements serve as a retention program as well as a program to provide for
non-compete requirements. Under the ARRA and the rules adopted by Treasury, certain provisions
described below relating to incentive compensation and severance payments are restricted until we
have repaid the TARP funds. Each of our Named Executive Officers have executed waivers so that the
provisions set forth in their employment agreements that do not comply with the ARRA will not be
enforced for so long as Fidelity and Fidelity Bank are subject to these restrictions, as described
below under TARP-Related Waivers and Agreements.
Fidelity and Fidelity Bank entered into an employment agreement with James B. Miller, Jr. as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity and Fidelity Bank for a three-year period
commencing January 1, 2007. The employment agreement was amended December 16, 2008, to comply with
Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Section 409A) and was amended effective January 1, 2010, to
extend the term of the agreement until December 31, 2012. The employment agreement provides for an
annual base salary of $600,000 per year and makes Mr. Miller eligible for 20% of his base
compensation as incentive compensation, or such other amount as determined by the Compensation
Committee following its evaluation of corporate and individual performance relative to the
executive compensation established at the beginning of the calendar year and such other measures or
modifications as the Committee at its sole discretion may consider. Under the agreement, if Mr.
Millers employment is terminated by Fidelity for any reason other than for cause (as defined
below), death, or total disability, Mr. Miller will, upon execution of a release, receive an amount
equal to three times his base salary less the aggregate amount to be paid in connection with his
non-compete agreement (as described below), paid over a thirty-six (36) month period, and will be
eligible to continue participation in the employee benefit programs of Fidelity for eighteen (18)
months after the date of termination on the same basis as other executives. Termination for cause
is defined as the commission of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude, the
commission of dishonest acts intended to result in personal gain, illegal use of controlled
substances, misappropriation of Company assets, or the breach of any other term of the agreement
such as the solicitation of clients, the solicitation of employees, covenants not to compete, or
confidentiality. If such payment were to be made under the current employment agreement, such
payment would equal approximately $1.8
16
million, excluding payments related to continued participation in the employee benefit programs.
Payments made by Fidelity and Fidelity Bank for Mr. Millers employee benefit programs totaled less
than $8,000 in 2010.
Additionally, the employment agreement provides that upon termination of Mr. Millers
employment, for a period of eighteen (18) months (the Non-Compete Period), he will not engage in
a competitive business within a fifty (50) mile radius of Fidelitys Buckhead location, its
headquarters, will not solicit customers or employees of Fidelity, and will not disclose any
confidential information of Fidelity. In consideration of Mr. Millers non-compete agreement, he
will receive an amount equal to 60 percent (60%) of his base salary for each year or portion
thereof during the Non-Compete Period. In addition, Fidelity will maintain during Mr. Millers
lifetime, regardless of the termination of his employment or employment agreement for any reason,
insurance policies in the aggregate face amount of $8 million payable to his designated
beneficiaries or his estate.
Fidelity and Fidelity Bank also entered into an employment agreement with H. Palmer Proctor,
Jr. as President of Fidelity and Fidelity Bank for a three-year period commencing January 1, 2007.
The employment agreement was amended December 16, 2008, to comply with Section 409A and was amended
effective January 1, 2010, to extend the term of the agreement until December 31, 2012. The
employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of $360,000 per year and makes Mr. Proctor
eligible for 20% of base compensation as incentive compensation, or such other amount as determined
by the Compensation Committee following its evaluation of corporate and individual performance
relative to the executive compensation established at the beginning of the calendar year and such
other measures or modifications as the Committee at its sole discretion may consider. Under the
agreement, if Mr. Proctors employment is terminated by Fidelity for any reason other than for
cause (as defined above), death, or total disability, Mr. Proctor will, upon execution of a
release, receive an amount equal to three times his base salary less the aggregate amount to be
paid in connection with his non-compete agreement (as described below), paid over a thirty-six (36)
month period, and will be eligible to continue participation in the employee benefit programs of
Fidelity for eighteen (18) months after the date of termination on the same basis as other
executives. If such payment were to be made under the current employment agreement, such payment
would equal approximately $1.1 million, excluding payments related to continued participation in
the employee benefit programs. Payments made by Fidelity and Fidelity Bank for Mr. Proctors
employee benefit programs totaled less than $8,000 in 2010.
Additionally, Mr. Proctor agrees that upon termination of his employment, for a period of
eighteen (18) months (the Non-Compete Period), he will not engage in a competitive business
within a fifty (50) mile radius of Fidelitys Buckhead location, its headquarters, will not solicit
customers or employees of Fidelity, and will not disclose any confidential information of Fidelity.
In consideration of Mr. Proctors non-compete agreement, he will receive an amount equal to 40
percent (40%) of his base salary for each year or portion thereof during the Non-Compete Period.
In addition, Fidelity will maintain during Mr. Proctors lifetime, regardless of the termination of
his employment or employment agreement for any reason, insurance policies in the aggregate
face amount of $1.5 million payable to his designated beneficiaries or his estate.
Executive Continuity Agreements. Fidelity maintains executive continuity agreements with
James B. Miller, Jr., H. Palmer Proctor, Jr., Stephen H. Brolly, and David Buchanan to encourage
such executive officers to continue their employment with Fidelity following a change of control.
Each agreement ensures that the executive will maintain his salary following a change of control
for a period of time up to one (1) year with respect to Messrs. Brolly and Buchanan and up to three
(3) years for Messrs. Miller and Proctor and will continue to have the benefit of incentive or
other programs generally available to executives. If any executive is terminated other than for
cause, total disability, or death during the applicable change of control period or the executive
terminates his employment for good reason, the executive will receive, for a period of one (1) year
with respect to Messrs. Brolly and Buchanan, or a period of three (3) years with respect to Messrs.
Miller and Proctor, his final compensation less the aggregate amount to be paid in connection with
the executives agreement not to compete with Fidelity, not to solicit its customers or employees,
and to maintain the confidentiality of its confidential information. Additionally, each executive
agrees that, for a period of time (twelve (12) months for Messrs. Brolly and Buchanan and eighteen
(18) months for Messrs. Miller and Proctor (the Non-Compete Period)), he will not engage in a
competitive business within a fifty (50) mile radius of Fidelitys Buckhead office, its
headquarters, will not solicit customers or employees of Fidelity, and will not disclose any
confidential information of Fidelity. In consideration of such agreement, each executive will
receive a payment equal to 40 percent (40%) of his base salary for each year or portion thereof
during the Non-Compete Period with respect to Messrs. Proctor, Brolly, and Buchanan, and equal to
60 percent (60%) of his base salary for each year or portion thereof during the Non-Compete Period
with respect to Mr. Miller. The executives will also continue to be eligible to participate in
Fidelitys benefit plans for twelve (12) months with respect to Messrs. Brolly and Buchanan, or
eighteen (18) months with respect to Messrs. Miller and Proctor, and will be entitled to outplacement
services for a period up to two (2) years that will be paid by Fidelity (with a maximum cost of
$20,000). The executives will not receive a
17
duplication of benefits under the Executive Continuity
Agreements and any Employment Agreement or other agreement, program, or arrangement, because
benefits paid under the Executive Continuity Agreement will be reduced by any similar benefits paid
otherwise.
If payments were to be made under the current executive continuity agreements, such payments
would equal approximately $1.8 million, $1.1 million, $200,000 and $260,000 for Messrs. Miller,
Proctor, Brolly, and Buchanan, respectively, reduced for payments made, if any, under the
employment agreements described above, excluding payments related to continued participation in the
employee benefit programs and possible outplacement services as described above. Payments for
employee benefit programs made by Fidelity and Fidelity Bank totaled less than $8,000 for each
Named Executive Officer in 2010. The executive continuity agreements were amended and restated
December 16, 2008, in order to comply with the rules of Section 409A.
Under the executive continuity agreements, final compensation is defined as the highest of
(i) the executives compensation for the 12 full calendar months immediately preceding the change
of control; (ii) the executives annual base salary rate payable by Fidelity, the Bank and any
affiliate, in effect immediately preceding the change of control; or (iii) the executives annual
base salary rate as set by Fidelity, the Bank and any affiliate, effective at any time during the
employment period. Termination for good reason by the executive is defined as an uncured event
which occurs without the executives consent such as an adverse material change in
responsibilities, an assignment of responsibilities inconsistent with the position of the
executive, any removal of the executive from a position held prior to the change in control, a
reduction in salary or incentive compensation, required relocation more than 15 miles from his
current place of employment, or the failure of Fidelity to continue any benefits in which the
executive participated prior to the change in control.
TARP-Related Waivers and Agreements. In connection with the TARP CPP, each of the Named
Executive Officers (i) executed a waiver voluntarily waiving any claim against Treasury or Fidelity
for any changes to compensation or benefits arrangements that are required to comply with the
regulation issued by Treasury under the TARP CPP and acknowledging that the regulation may require
modification of the compensation, bonus, incentive, and other benefit plans, arrangements, and
policies and agreements (collectively Benefit Plans) as they relate to the period Treasury holds
any equity or debt securities of the Company acquired through the TARP; and (ii) entered into a
senior executive officer agreement with Fidelity amending the Benefit Plans with respect to each
such Named Executive Officer as may be necessary during the period that Treasury owns any debt or
equity securities of the
Company acquired pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or the Warrant, to comply with Section
111(b) of the EESA. None of the payments under any of our agreements with our Named Executive
Officers would be considered Excess Parachute Payments.
What are the Elements of Compensation and How Each Element Fits into Overall Compensation
Objectives
Annual Salary. The Committee believes that the most important element of executive officer
compensation to attract, retain, and motivate executive officers in our market is annual salary,
which is heavily weighted in the determination of each executive officers total compensation.
Even though the Compensation Committee believed that the executive officers have acted decisively
and effectively during the economic problems that continued throughout 2010, based upon the
Committees review of the performance of the banking industry in our markets and Fidelitys
individual financial performance, none of the executive officers were given salary increases for
2010.
Bonus. The Compensation Committee does not provide for a bonus plan as an element of total
executive officer compensation, although one-time discretionary bonuses have been awarded from time
to time to certain executive officers for achievement and superior performance.
Incentive Compensation. As described above, each executive officer is eligible for 20% of his
salary or other base compensation, or such other amount as determined by the Compensation
Committee, as incentive compensation. Absent the restrictions imposed under the TARP Rules, such
incentive compensation may be paid in the form of cash or equity. The TARP Rules restrict the
ability of Fidelity to pay incentive compensation, other than in the form of restricted stock that
contains certain restrictions. Stock options and restricted stock awards are granted to executive
officers from time to time to enhance the alignment of their objectives with those of shareholders
in terms of building value, to provide an opportunity for increased levels of ownership by
executive officers, to encourage executive officer retention through longer-term incentives, and to
maintain competitive levels of total compensation. Options are generally awarded at the closing
market price on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee has never granted options with an
exercise price that is less than the closing price on the date of grant. The Compensation
Committee
will from time to time award options as an inducement to join the Company and these are generally
awarded with the date of hire as the grant date.
18
Because the Compensation Committee believed that the executive officers acted decisively and
effectively during the recent economic problems, the Committee granted shares of restricted stock
to its named executive officers in 2010, as further described in the compensation tables set forth
below. Fidelity, as a TARP recipient, was restricted from paying bonuses or granting stock options
to executive officers.
Other Compensation
We provide executive officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that are believed
to be reasonable and consistent with the overall compensation program to assist with attracting and
retaining executive officers. These perquisites and benefits are periodically reviewed for
composition and appropriateness. Certain executive officers are provided life insurance through
split-dollar plans, company automobiles, and country club memberships.
Fidelity has adopted certain broad-based employee benefit plans in which executives and other
officers, together with employees, have the right to participate. Benefits under these plans are
not directly or indirectly tied to Fidelitys performance. Contributions by Fidelity to the 401(k)
Plan are voluntary, at the election of the Board of Directors.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the annual total compensation paid by Fidelity and its
subsidiaries for 2010, 2009, and 2008 to our Named Executive Officers. No bonuses or non-equity
incentive plan compensations were paid to any Named Executive Officers in 2010, 2009, or 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Awards(5) |
|
Awards(6) |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
James B. Miller, Jr. |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
$ |
600,000 |
|
|
$ |
112,500 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
176,685 |
(1) |
|
$ |
889,185 |
|
Chairman and Chief |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
128,471 |
|
|
|
728,471 |
|
Executive Officer |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,732 |
|
|
|
136,467 |
|
|
|
806,199 |
|
Stephen H. Brolly |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,002 |
(2) |
|
|
295,002 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
206,000 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
184,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,649 |
|
|
|
6,230 |
|
|
|
195,546 |
|
H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,617 |
(3) |
|
|
489,117 |
|
President |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,531 |
|
|
|
376,531 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,732 |
|
|
|
15,263 |
|
|
|
445,355 |
|
David Buchanan |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
260,000 |
|
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,766 |
(4) |
|
|
381,266 |
|
Vice President |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
260,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,434 |
|
|
|
269,434 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
260,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,488 |
|
|
|
10,431 |
|
|
|
316,919 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes Fidelitys matching contributions of $5,450 to Mr. Millers account
in the tax-qualified savings plan (401(k) Plan), $1,671 for personal use of a company
automobile, and $169,264 for life insurance for Mr. Miller under split-dollar and corporate
owned life insurance policies (based on standard IRS tables providing the cost of term life
insurance for comparable coverage). Under the split-dollar insurance policies, Fidelity
will receive, upon termination of the policies, proceeds equal to the insurance premiums
paid plus a market yield. Also includes $300 for annual club fees based on personal use. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents Fidelitys matching contribution of $5,002 to Mr. Brollys account in
the 401(k) Plan. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes Fidelitys matching contributions of $6,725 to Mr. Proctors account in
the 401(k) Plan, $4,920 for personal use of a company automobile, and $1,385 under
split-dollar life insurance policies (based on standard IRS tables providing the cost of
term life insurance for comparable coverage) in which Fidelity will receive, upon
termination of the policy, proceeds equal to the insurance premiums paid plus a market
yield. Also, includes $3,587 for annual club fees based on personal use. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes Fidelitys matching contributions of $5,525 to Mr. Buchanans account in
the 401(k) Plan, $2,138 for personal use of a company automobile, and $1,103 under a
split-dollar life insurance policy (based on standard IRS tables providing the cost of term
life insurance for comparable coverage) in which Fidelity will receive, upon termination of
the policy, proceeds equal to the insurance premiums paid plus a market yield. |
|
(5) |
|
The value of the stock awards is calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic
718, without a forfeiture amount. |
19
|
|
|
(6) |
|
The value of the option awards is calculated in accordance with FASB
ASC Topic 718. For financial statement purposes, the Company estimated a forfeiture rate
of 15% for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008. No forfeiture rate is used
in calculating option awards for the purpose of the Summary Compensation Table. See Note
11 to the Companys Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion on
FASB ASC Topic 718 valuation methodology. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2010
The table below summarizes all grants of plan based awards to the Named Executive Officers in 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All other Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Grant date fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of shares of |
|
value of stock |
Name |
|
Grant Date |
|
stock or unit (#)(1) |
|
awards(2) |
James B. Miller, Jr. |
|
|
1/22/10 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
112,500 |
|
Stephen H. Brolly |
|
|
1/22/10 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. |
|
|
1/22/10 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
112,500 |
|
David Buchanan |
|
|
1/22/10 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
All outstanding stock awards consist entirely of unvested shares of Restricted
Stock granted on January 22, 2010, under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The awards of
Restricted Stock vest 40% on January 22, 2012, and 20% annually thereafter through January
22, 2015. Transfer of the awards is restricted to comply with TARP guidelines. |
|
(2) |
|
The market value of outstanding stock awards is computed by using the closing
price of a share of the Companys Common Stock as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market
at close of business on January 21, 2010, which was $4.50. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2010
The following table sets forth the outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2010, for the Named
Executive Officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive |
|
plan awards: |
|
|
Option Awards |
|
plan awards: |
|
market or |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
number of |
|
payout value of |
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
unearned shares, |
|
unearned shares, |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
units or other |
|
units, or other |
|
|
Unexercised Options |
|
Unexercised Options |
|
Option Exercise |
|
Expiration |
|
rights that have |
|
rights that have |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Price |
|
Date |
|
not vested (#) |
|
not vested ($) |
James B. Miller, Jr. |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.60 |
|
|
|
07/22/2013 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
112,500 |
|
Stephen H. Brolly |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.70 |
|
|
|
02/01/2011 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
3,333 |
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
|
4.60 |
|
|
|
07/22/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.70 |
|
|
|
02/01/2011 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
4.60 |
|
|
|
07/22/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Buchanan |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.70 |
|
|
|
02/01/2011 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
33,333 |
|
|
|
16,667 |
|
|
|
4.60 |
|
|
|
07/22/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
There were no option exercises and no stock awards vested for any of the Named Executive
Officers for the year ended December 31, 2010.
20
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
There is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan available to executive officers to provide
an opportunity to defer amounts in addition to that which may be deferred under the 401(k) Plan.
Under the nonqualified deferred compensation plan, the Board or its designee specifies the
employees eligible to participate in the plan and the effective date and period of each such
employees eligibility to participate. The amount deferred by the participant is deducted each pay
period in which the participant has compensation during the period of participation. Upon written
notice by December 31st each year, a participant may increase, decrease, or discontinue
the deferral election for the following year. A participants interest in the value of the account
is 100% vested and non-forfeitable.
The participants account is credited with earnings (or losses) determined assuming the
amounts credited to the account were invested in the investment funds the participant has selected
from the funds made available from time to time under the plan for such purpose. There is no
current or potential future cost to the Company because the plan acquires the investments to match
employee investment selections.
Unless the participant has specified a date for the commencement of distributions, on the
participants termination of service with, or retirement from, the Company, the amounts credited to
the account shall be paid commencing as soon as feasible after such termination of service or
retirement; provided that in the case of a participant that is a key employee (as defined in
Section 409A), if the stock of the employer is then publicly traded on an established securities
market or otherwise, any amounts which become payable from this plan within the first six months
after such participants termination shall be delayed and paid immediately following the close of
such sixth month (or, if earlier, the date of such participants death).
In no event will a distribution of any part of a participants account be made prior to the
earliest of (i) the participants termination of service unless the participant has specified a
later date in an election then in effect, (ii) the date specified by the participant in the most
recent election then in effect, (iii) the date the participant becomes disabled, (iv) the death of
the participant, or (v) the occurrence of an unforeseeable emergency.
At the end of each year, the Board (or its designee) determines whether there will be an
employer contribution credit for the year. Such determination is made on an individual participant
basis, with the Board having absolute discretion to determine whether an individual participant
will be credited with an employer contribution, the amount of such contribution, and the conditions
the participant must satisfy to be credited with such contribution. Although the plan provides for
Company contributions, there have been no Company contributions to this plan for the past five
years.
The following table sets forth the nonqualified deferred compensation transactions for the
year ended December 31, 2010, and the aggregate balance at December 31, 2010, for the Named
Executive Officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
Contributions in |
|
Earnings |
|
Aggregate Balance |
Name |
|
2010 |
|
in 2010 |
|
at 12/31/10 |
James B. Miller, Jr. |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Stephen H. Brolly |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Buchanan |
|
|
39,000 |
|
|
|
61,804 |
|
|
|
520,522 |
|
There were no Company contributions to or withdrawals or distributions from this plan for the
year ended December 31, 2010.
Agreements with Executive Officers and Post-Employment Compensation
Messrs. Miller, Proctor, Brolly, and Buchanan have entered into employment and executive
continuity agreements that are described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section.
There were no other arrangements or understandings between executive officers or nominees for
directors with any other person who was, or is to be, selected as a director, executive officer, or
nominee.
21
Tax and Accounting Considerations
The Companys compensation programs are affected by each of the following:
|
|
|
Accounting for Stock-Based CompensationThe Company accounts for
stock-based compensation in accordance with the requirements of ASC 718. The Company
also takes into consideration ASC 718 and other generally accepted accounting
principles in determining changes to policies and practices for its stock-based
compensation programs. |
|
|
|
|
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue CodeThis section limits the
deductibility of compensation for our chief executive officer and our other Named
Executive Officers unless the compensation is less than $1 million during any fiscal
year or is performance-based under Section 162(m). |
|
|
|
|
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue CodeSection 409A imposes additional
significant taxes in the event that an executive officer, director or service provider
received deferred compensation that does not satisfy the requirements of Section
409A. We believe that our plans have been designed and are operating to appropriately
comply with Section 409A. |
|
|
|
|
Section 111(b)(2) of EESA provides for the executive compensation and corporate
governance standards to include limits on compensation that exclude incentives for
senior executive officers of financial institutions to take unnecessary and excessive
risks that threaten the value of the financial institution; required recovery of any
bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive officer based on statements
of earnings, gains, or other criteria that are later proven to be materially
inaccurate; prohibition on the financial institution from making any excess parachute
payment to any senior executive officer, as defined under Section 280G of the Internal
Revenue Code (an Excess Severance Payment), during the period that Treasury holds an
equity or debt position; and agreement to limit a claim to a federal income tax
deduction for senior executive compensation in excess of $500,000 per year. |
Executive Share Ownership Guidelines
The Compensation Committee supports share ownership by its executives but has not imposed
formal ownership guidelines as of December 31, 2010. Details regarding the ownership of shares by
the NEOs are set forth under Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Compensation of Nonemployee Directors
During 2010, each nonemployee director of Fidelity received a $10,000 annual retainer, paid in
four quarterly installments, divided equally between Fidelity and Fidelity Bank. In addition, each
nonemployee director received $2,000 for each Fidelity and Fidelity Bank Board of Directors
meeting attended and $1,000 for each committee meeting attended.
Director retainers and fees are reviewed periodically by the Compensation Committee and
adjustments are recommended to the Board. The retainers and fees are believed to be competitive
and appropriate to attract and retain well-qualified and committed members. The nonemployee
members of the Board of Directors are provided no compensation or benefits other than retainers and
fees.
The following table sets forth the compensation of nonemployee directors for the year ended
December 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
and Paid in |
Name |
|
Cash |
Major General (Ret) David R. Bockel (1) |
|
$ |
44,000 |
|
Edward G. Bowen, M.D. (1) |
|
|
31,834 |
|
Wm. Millard Choate |
|
|
23,666 |
|
Dr. Donald A. Harp, Jr. |
|
|
41,000 |
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
and Paid in |
Name |
|
Cash |
Kevin S. King (1) |
|
|
48,000 |
|
William C. Lankford, Jr. |
|
|
47,166 |
|
W. Clyde Shepherd III (1) |
|
|
44,000 |
|
Rankin M. Smith, Jr. (1) |
|
|
43,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Each of these directors was awarded 1,000 stock options on July 22, 2008, with an
option exercise price of $4.60, an option expiration date of July 22, 2013, and a vesting
schedule of one-third for three years beginning July 22, 2009. As of December 31, 2010,
none of the options had been exercised and each of these directors had 667 stock options
vested and 1000 stock options outstanding. |
There were no stock options, stock awards, non-equity incentive plan compensation, or other
compensation granted or paid for the year ended December 31, 2010.
James B. Miller, Jr., the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and H. Palmer
Proctor, Jr., the Companys President, are not included in the above table as they are employees of
the Company and thus receive no compensation for their services as directors. The compensation
received by Messrs. Miller and Proctor as employees of the Company is shown in the Summary
Compensation Table on page 19.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed Fidelitys Compensation Discussion and Analysis for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and has discussed the contents with management.
Based upon the review and discussion noted above, the Compensation Committee has recommended
to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and annual report on Form 10-K. The Compensation
Discussion and Analysis sets forth the committees (1) description of each senior executive officer
compensation plan and explanation of how each Named Executive Officer compensation arrangement does
not encourage the senior executive officers to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten
the value of the financial institution, (2) identification of the employee compensation plans and
explanation of how any unnecessary risks posed by the plans have been limited, and (3) explanation
of how the employee compensation plans do not encourage the manipulation of reported earnings to
enhance the compensation of any employee.
In addition, the Compensation Committee certifies that at meetings held in March and September
2010, (1) it reviewed with Fidelitys senior risk officer the incentive compensation arrangements
with its Named Executive Officers and has made reasonable efforts to ensure that such arrangements
do not encourage these senior executive officers to take unnecessary and excessive risks that
threaten the value of the financial institution, (2) it reviewed with Fidelitys senior risk
officer the employee compensation arrangements and has made all reasonable efforts to limit any
unnecessary risks these arrangements pose to the financial institution, and (3) it reviewed the
employee compensation arrangements to eliminate any features of those arrangements that would
encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the financial institution to enhance the
compensation of any employee.
Major General (Ret) David R. Bockel, Chairman
Wm. Millard Choate
Dr. Donald A. Harp, Jr.
Rankin M. Smith, Jr.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are Major General (Ret)
David R. Bockel, Chairman, Wm. Millard Choate, Dr. Donald A. Harp, Jr., and Rankin M. Smith, Jr.
No member of the Compensation Committee is or was an officer or employee of Fidelity or any subsidiary. There
are no Compensation Committee interlocks between Fidelity and other entities involving Fidelitys
executive officers and members of the Board of Directors who serve as executive officer or board
member of such other entities.
23
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Fidelity has a written related person transaction policy that governs the identification,
approval, ratification, and monitoring of any transaction that would be required to be disclosed
pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933. The Board of Directors of
Fidelity must approve all such transactions under the policy. No member of the Board of Directors
may participate in any review or approval of a transaction with respect to which such member or any
of his family members is a related person.
During 2010, Fidelity Bank paid $511,122 to Choate Construction Company, of which Mr. Choate,
a director and member of the Compensation Committee of Fidelity, is the majority shareholder. The
Board of Directors approved the transactions, with Mr. Choate abstaining, determining that they
were made on terms no less favorable than the terms generally available to an unaffiliated third
party under the same or similar circumstances, and complied with Fidelitys established policy.
After review of the facts, it has been determined that Mr. Choate is still considered independent
under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rule.
Fidelity Bank has had, and expects to have in the future, loans and other banking transactions
in the ordinary course of business with directors (including our independent directors) and
executive officers of Fidelity and its subsidiaries, including members of their families or
corporations, partnerships or other organizations in which such officers or directors have a
controlling interest. These loans are made on substantially the same terms (including interest
rates and collateral) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated
parties. Such loans do not involve more than the normal risks of repayment nor present other
unfavorable features. As of December 31, 2010, Fidelity Bank had loans outstanding to executive
officers and directors and their controlled entities aggregating approximately $4 million.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Directors of Fidelity has adopted a Conflict of Interest Policy / Code of Ethics
applicable to all of its directors and employees, including its chief executive officer and each of
its senior financial officers that complies with applicable regulations under the federal
securities laws and the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Code is available under the Investor
Relations section of our website at www.fidelitysouthern.com. Fidelity intends to disclose
any amendment or waiver by posting such information on its website.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table reflects the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of
March 3, 2011, by (1) each person known to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the
Common Stock of Fidelity, (2) each director, (3) each Named Executive Officer, and (4) all
directors and executive officers as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, each of the named individuals and each member of the group has
sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to the shares shown. Unless otherwise
indicated, the address of each person or entity named in the table is c/o Fidelity Southern
Corporation, 3490 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 1550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
The number of shares beneficially owned by each shareholder is determined under rules
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information is not necessarily
indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under these rules, beneficial ownership
includes any shares as to which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power
and any shares as to which the individual has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60
days of March 3, 2011, through the exercise of any stock option, warrant, or other right. The
inclusion in the following table of those shares, however, does not constitute an admission that
the named shareholder is a direct or indirect beneficial owner of those shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature |
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
of Beneficial Ownership |
|
Percent of Class |
Tontine Partners, LP
55 Railroad Avenue, 1st Floor
Greenwich, CT 06830-6378 |
|
|
647,885 |
|
|
|
5.98 |
% |
Sagus Partners LLC
415 East Paces Ferry Road, #250
Atlanta, GA 30305-3303 |
|
|
632,995 |
|
|
|
5.85 |
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature |
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
of Beneficial Ownership |
|
Percent of Class |
James B. Miller, Jr. |
|
|
3,192,228 |
(1) |
|
|
29.48 |
|
Major General (Ret) David R. Bockel |
|
|
24,255 |
(2) |
|
|
* |
|
Wm. Millard Choate |
|
|
198,168 |
(3) |
|
|
1.84 |
|
Dr. Donald A. Harp, Jr. |
|
|
13,144 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Kevin S. King |
|
|
18,960 |
(4) |
|
|
* |
|
William C. Lankford, Jr. |
|
|
3,722 |
|
|
|
* |
|
H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. |
|
|
165,671 |
(5) |
|
|
1.53 |
|
W. Clyde Shepherd III |
|
|
108,451 |
(6) |
|
|
1.01 |
|
Rankin M. Smith, Jr. |
|
|
223,074 |
(7) |
|
|
2.07 |
|
Stephen H. Brolly |
|
|
38,516 |
(8) |
|
|
* |
|
David Buchanan |
|
|
118,675 |
(9) |
|
|
1.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All directors and executive officers
as a group (11 persons) |
|
|
4,104,864 |
(10) |
|
|
37.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certain Beneficial Owner: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marshall & Ilsley Trust Co. N.A., as Trustee for the
Fidelity Southern Corporation 401(k) Plan
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 200
Milwaukee, WI 53202-6672 |
|
|
541,179 |
(11) |
|
|
5.10 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1%. |
|
(1) |
|
Includes 50,000 shares that Mr. Miller has the right to acquire pursuant to
outstanding stock options, 357,651shares held by Mr. Millers children, grandchildren, and
family trust, and 199,656 shares held by BAC Properties Partnership, LLP, a company of
which Mr. Miller and his wifes estate own 40%. Also includes 92,341shares owned by his
wifes estate. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 667 shares that Major General (Ret) Bockel has the right to acquire
pursuant to outstanding stock options, and 275 shares held by Major General (Ret) Bockels
wife. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 62,594 shares held by a Choate family partnership. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 667 shares that Mr. King has the right to acquire pursuant to
outstanding stock options, and 4,614 shares held by Mr. Kings wife. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 50,000 shares that Mr. Proctor has the right to acquire pursuant to
outstanding stock options, 2,025 shares held by Mr. Proctors children, and 5,438 shares
held by Mr. Proctors wife. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 667 shares that Mr. Shepherd has the right to acquire pursuant to
outstanding stock options, and 36,111 shares held by a Shepherd family foundation and 5,226
shares held by a family partnership. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 667 shares that Mr. Smith has the right to acquire pursuant to
outstanding stock options, and 307 shares owned by Mr. Smiths wife. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 3,333 shares that Mr. Brolly has the right to acquire pursuant to
outstanding stock options. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 33,333 shares that Mr. Buchanan has the right to acquire pursuant
to outstanding stock options. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 139,334 shares that the beneficial owners have the right to acquire
pursuant to outstanding stock options. |
|
(11) |
|
Held in employee benefit plans as directed trustee. Pursuant to Rule 13d-4 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, inclusion of such shares shall not be construed as an
admission of beneficial ownership by Marshall & Ilsley Trust Co. of such securities. The
Companys executive officers have the authority to vote these shares. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Fidelitys directors, executive officers, and
persons who own more than 10% of the Common Stock of Fidelity to file reports of ownership changes
with the SEC. To the Companys knowledge, during 2010, all reports of beneficial ownership of
securities were filed with the SEC in a timely manner except for one late filing each by James B.
Miller, Jr., H. Palmer Proctor, Jr., Stephen H. Brolly, and David Buchanan to report the restricted
stock grant on January 22, 2010. The failure to file timely reports was inadvertent and was
corrected after discovery of the reporting obligations.
25
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Fidelitys Board of Directors has determined that the members of our Audit Committee are
independent as defined in Rules 4200(a) (15) and 4350(d) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, Section
10A-3 of the Exchange Act and have the knowledge and experience required by Rule 4350(d).
The Audit Committee has reviewed Fidelitys Annual Report on its Form 10-K and the audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, and discussed the financial
statements with management. The Audit Committee has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, Fidelitys
independent registered public accountants, those matters required to be discussed by Statement of
Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
in Rule 3200T.
The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from
Ernst & Young required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526, Communication
with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and the members of the Audit Committee have
discussed the independence of Ernst & Young. The Audit Committee has also reviewed the Report of
Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Ernst & Youngs Report of Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm with management, the internal auditors, and Ernst & Young. The
Audit Committee has determined that the providing of professional services by Ernst & Young, in
addition to audit-related services, is compatible with the maintenance of the accountants
independence.
Based upon the review and discussions noted above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the
Board of Directors of Fidelity, and the Board has approved, that the audited consolidated financial
statements of Fidelity be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2010, and be filed with the SEC.
Kevin S. King, Chairman
Major General (Ret) David R. Bockel
Dr. Donald A. Harp, Jr.
William C. Lankford, Jr.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young audited the consolidated financial statements of Fidelity and the evaluation of
Fidelitys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. Representatives of
Ernst & Young are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to
make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
FEES PAID BY FIDELITY TO ERNST & YOUNG
The following table sets forth the fees paid by Fidelity for audit and other services provided
by Ernst & Young for fiscal years 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
470,500 |
|
|
$ |
439,125 |
|
Audit-Related Fees (2) |
|
|
62,000 |
|
|
|
41,256 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
532,500 |
|
|
$ |
480,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with
the audit of the financial statements, review of the quarterly financial statements, and
audit services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings, including
the audit of managements assessment over financial reporting. |
|
(2) |
|
Auditrelated fees consist primarily of accounting consultation, employee
benefit plan audits, and other attestation services. |
The Audit Committee approved all audit services provided by Fidelitys independent registered
public accountants during 2010 and 2009 on a case-by-case basis in advance of each engagement. The
Audit Committee has delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve
non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by Fidelitys independent registered
public accounting firm and associated fees for any non-audit service, provided that the Chairman
shall report any decisions to pre-approve such non-audit services and fees to the full
26
Audit Committee at its next regular meeting. None of the fees paid to the independent registered public
accounting firm were approved by the Audit Committee after the services were rendered pursuant to
the de minimis exception by the SEC for the provision of non-audit services.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholder proposals intended to be included in our Proxy Statement and voted on at the 2012
Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received at our offices at 3490 Piedmont Road NE, Suite
1550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, Attention: Corporate Secretary, on or before November 24, 2011.
Shareholders may also present at the 2012 Annual Meeting any proper proposal that is not disclosed
in the Proxy Statement for that meeting without prior notice to Fidelity.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH FIDELITY AND THE BOARD
The following options are available to shareholders who want to communicate with Fidelity or
the Board:
To communicate with the Board of Directors, address communications to the Board of Directors
in care of the Corporate Secretary of Fidelity at 3490 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 1550, Atlanta,
Georgia 30305. Communications that are intended specifically for a designated director should be
addressed to the director in care of the Corporate Secretary of Fidelity at the above address. The
Corporate Secretary shall cause the communications to be delivered to the addressees.
To receive information about Fidelity or Fidelity Bank, one of the following methods may be
used:
|
1. |
|
Fidelity Banks website, located at www.lionbank.com, contains product
and marketing data. |
|
|
2. |
|
Fidelitys website, Investor Relations section, located at
www.fidelitysouthern.com, contains Fidelity financial information in addition
to Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committee Charters, and
Fidelitys Conflict of Interest Policy / Code of Ethics. Online versions of Fidelitys
annual reports, Proxy Statements, Forms 10-K and 10-Q, press releases, and other SEC
filings are also available through this website. |
|
|
3. |
|
Fidelitys Annual Report (Form 10-K), including the financial statements and
the financial statement schedules, will be furnished free of charge upon written
requests |
To contact us, please call Fidelity Investor Relations at (404) 240-1504, or send
correspondence to Fidelity Southern Corporation, Attn: Investor Relations, 3490 Piedmont Road NE,
Suite 1550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING
Management knows of no matters, other than matters described in this Proxy Statement that are
to be brought before the Annual Meeting. If any other matter should be presented for consideration
and voted upon, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies in the enclosed Proxy to vote
in accordance with their judgment as to what is in the best interest of Fidelity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Martha C. Fleming |
|
|
Corporate Secretary |
|
|
March 23, 2011
27
Fidelity Southern Corporation
WO#
94335
|
|
|
|
|
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED
FOR EACH PROPOSAL.
|
|
Please mark your votes as Indicated in this example |
|
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
WITHHOLD
|
|
*EXCEPTIONS |
|
|
all
|
|
for all |
|
|
|
Proposal 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
|
|
c
|
|
c
|
|
c |
|
|
|
01 James B. Miller, Jr.
|
|
06 William C. Lankford, Jr. |
02 Major General (Ret) David R. Bockel
|
|
07 H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. |
03 Wm. Millard Choate
|
|
08 W. Clyde Shepherd III |
04 Donald A. Harp, Jr.
|
|
09 Rankin M. Smith, Jr. |
05 Kevin S. King |
|
|
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark the Exceptions
box above and write that nominees name in the space provided below.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
AGAINST
|
|
ABSTAIN |
Proposal 2:
TO APPROVE THE
AMENDMENT TO THE
COMPANYS EQUITY
INCENTIVE
PLAN.
|
|
c
|
|
c
|
|
c |
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
AGAINST
|
|
ABSTAIN |
Proposal 3:
THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
AS THE COMPANYS
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING DECEMBER 31,
2011.
|
|
c
|
|
c
|
|
c |
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
AGAINST
|
|
ABSTAIN |
Proposal 4
ADVISORY
(NON-BINDING) VOTE
ON EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
|
|
c
|
|
c
|
|
c |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Here for Address Change or Comments SEE REVERSE |
|
c |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When
signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title
as such.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share Owner Sign Here
|
|
|
|
Co-Owner Sign Here
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You can now access your Fidelity Southern Corporation account online.
Access your Fidelity Southern Corporation account online via Investor ServiceDirect®
(ISD).
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, the transfer agent for Fidelity Southern Corporation,
now makes it easy and convenient to get current information on your shareholder
account.
|
|
|
View account status
|
|
View payment history for dividends |
View certificate history
|
|
Make address changes |
View book-entry information
|
|
Obtain a duplicate 1099 tax form |
Visit us on the web at www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/equityaccess
For Technical Assistance Call 1-877-978-7778 between 9am-7pm
Monday-Friday Eastern Time
Investor ServiceDirect®
Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-370-1163
Choose MLinkSM for fast, easy and secure 24/7
online access to your future proxy materials, investment plan
statements, tax documents and more. Simply log on to Investor
ServiceDirect® at www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/equityaccess where step-by-step instructions will prompt you through
enrollment.
▼ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ▼
PROXY
FIDELITY SOUTHERN CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS APRIL 28, 2011
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
The undersigned hereby authorizes Wm. Millard Choate and H. Palmer Proctor, Jr., and each of
them, with power to act without the other and with power of substitution, as proxies and
attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as provided on the other side,
all the shares of Fidelity Southern Corporation Common Stock which the undersigned is entitled to
vote, and, in their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held April 28, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. at the
offices of the Company located at One Securities Centre, 3490 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 1550,
Atlanta, GA 30305, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, with all powers which the
undersigned would possess if present at the Meeting.
(Continued and to be marked, dated, and signed on the other side)
Address Change/Comments
(Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)
BNY MELLON SHAREOWNER SERVICES
P.O. BOX 3550
SOUTH HACKENSACK, NJ 07606-9250
wo#
94335