Key Standards Governing Our Compensation Best Practices that We FollowThe Company strives to maintain good governance standards in our performance-based compensation practices. They include:
þ | | Pay for Performance—We tie pay to performance. The majority of our executive pay is variable based upon performance and not guaranteed. We have established clear financial goals for corporate performance and differentiate based on individual achievement. In establishing goals, we select performance metrics that drive both our short-term and long-term corporate strategy in accordance with our strategic plan. | | • | þ | | No Significant Perquisites or Gross-upsMitigate Undue Risk—We mitigate undue risk associated with compensation, including utilizing caps on Perquisites Offered. Our executives receive limited perquisite benefits.potential payments, clawback provisions, retention provisions, multiple performance targets and robust board and management processes to identify risk.
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| • | þ | | Double Trigger Change in Control Protection in Employment Agreements. Trigger—All employment agreements and incentive award agreements for NEOs and other senior executives require a termination of employment in addition to a change in control of the Company before cash severance benefits are triggered. |
| • | þ | | No Excise Tax Gross-Ups. Existing employment agreementsMinimal Perquisites—We provide only minimal perquisites (under $33,000 for any one executive) to our executive officers and do not provide excise taxoffer gross-up protection.on any perquisite.
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| • | þ | | Regular Review of Share Utilization—We evaluate share utilization by reviewing overhang levels (dilutive impact of equity compensation on our shareholders) and annual run rates (the aggregate shares awarded as a percentage of total outstanding shares). | | | þ | | Equity Ownership Guidelines—We require our directors and executive officers to acquire and maintain prescribed levels of ownership of our stock in order to align their interest with those of our stockholders. These guidelines require that within a five year period from the date a person becomes an executive officer, they must hold Company common stock in value equal to approximately 6 times for the CEO and .30 to 1 times their base salary for other executives. | | | þ | | No Supplemental Executive Retirement Programs (“SERPs”) Offered. SERP Program—We do not offer SERPsSERP’s to our current executives. |
| • | þ | | Percent of Variable and Performance-Based Pay. Variable pay comprises between 51% and 65% of total targeted annual compensation (as described below) for our NEOs, with the majority of variable pay coming in long-term incentives.
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| • | | Strong Clawback Rights. Policy—Our long-term incentive plans have clawback provisions that include recapture rights for any incentive amount paid or vested in the event that the Compensation Committee determines a NEOthat an executive has violated any of the restrictive covenants included in employment agreements.
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| • | þ | | Minimum Vesting Requirements—We have instituted minimum vesting requirements for all equity-based compensation awards. | | | þ | | Independence of ExecutiveIndependent Compensation Consultant. Consulting Firm—The Compensation Committee’sCommittee benefits from its utilization of an independent compensation consultant, Aon Hewett, is independent. Aon Hewett does not provide anyconsulting firm, Longnecker & Associates (“L&A”), which provides no other executive compensation-related services to management and had no prior relationship businessthe Company.
| | Disfavored Compensation Practices that We do not Follow | | | þ | | No Share Recycling under the Long-Term Incentive Plan | | | þ | | No Excise Tax Gross-Ups Upon Change in Control | | | þ | | No Repricing of Underwater Stock Options | | | þ | | No Hedging Transactions or personal with any of ourShort Sales by executive officers or Compensation Committee members.directors Permitted |
| • | þ | | No Guaranteed Bonus or Retention Bonus for executive officers | | | þ | | Ongoing Succession Planning. The Compensation Committee engaged in in-depth discussions regarding succession planning and talent development of our executives. This is a continuing focus of the Compensation Committee.Severance multipliers not greater than 3.0X for any executive officer
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While we understand that generallyOversight of our Executive Compensation Practices
Our executive compensation program is administered by the Compensation Committee has the final word on executive pay, based on the broad extent of the changes to the philosophy, policies,Board. The Compensation Committee currently consists of three directors: Laurie C. Moore (Chair), Catherine A. Allen, and specifics Dr. W. Arthur Porter. At all times in 2013, all of the compensation plan whichpersons serving on the Compensation Committee implemented in 2012,were independent, as defined by the standards of the NYSE, and satisfied the qualification standards of section 162(m) of the Code and Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other functions, reviewing and approving the total compensation for our executives consistent with the objectives and philosophy described below. Executive Compensation Risk Management The Compensation Committee does not believe that the Company’s compensation policies and practices encourage excessive or unnecessary risk-taking by our executives and other employees. In fact, the Compensation Committee agreedbelieves that the redesignedour compensation policies and structure be recommendedprogram is designed with an appropriate mix of compensation to the board of directors for review and approval before implementation. Summary of Key Financial and Strategic Performance Highlights
2012 was a turnaround year for the Company on many fronts. Driven largely by key strategic initiatives and organizational changes, the Company delivered very positive financial results for 2012. Not only didmitigate these initiatives and changes deliver profits, but our streamlined management team was able to capitalize on an improving real estate market. The Company continued an emphasis on profitable growth, cost effectiveness, and prudent risk management in addition to its commitment to a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy.
Key Strategic and Financial Results for 2012:
Profitable and Scalable Operationsrisks. Practices include:
Our pretax earningsSetting base compensation for executives within reasonable ranges of $89.3 million wereour competitive market and rewarding executives through the highest since 2006’s $84.5 million, a year incash incentive compensation plan for exceptional performance when the Company outperforms, which revenues were 29.4% greater than in 2012 which resulted in a higher pre-tax margin.we believe aligns management’s interests with shareholders’ interests;
The Company’s title segment’s pretax margin jumped from 6.0% in 2011Utilizing financial, operational and individual performance measurements under the cash incentive compensation plan that require both objective and subjective performance determinations, with discretion retained by the Compensation Committee to 8.6% in 2012.consider imprudent risk assumption that led to short-term gains and adjust the awards produced under such plan accordingly;
The Agency Operation’s premium received per independent agency increased over 23% in 2012 vs. 2011.Incorporating performance-based long-term incentives which encourage consistent behavior and reward long-term, sustained performance of the Company;
Cash providedProhibiting trading of derivatives or hedging by operations improved substantially for 2012 to $120.5 million vs. $23.4 millionexecutive officers as required in 2011.
Simplificationthe Company’s Security Trading and Alignment
The management team was reorganized along delivery and customer channels.Investment Policy;
The Company exited many minority owned positions through acquisitionsRegularly benchmarking our current compensation practices, policies and divestitures.
Strategic Pricing
The Company reviewed premium pricing in 31 states and implemented changes in 14 states.pay levels with our peer group;
The Company’s average premium rate increased 1.8% from 2011.Requiring a mandatory forfeiture of grants of unvested equity upon a termination by the Company for cause; and
Our focus for 2013 will be on increasing non-premium feesEnsuring that our executive compensation programs are overseen by a committee of independent directors, who are advised as needed by both internal and charges.
Claims Reduction and Risk Avoidance Initiatives
The loss ratio on the current policy year declined from 6.3% in 2011 to 5.8% in 2012. The portion of our total loss ratio attributable to prior policy years declined from 3.2% in 2011 to 2.3% in 2012.external risk experts.
The loss ratio on our current independent agency base was less than one-third of 2008’s rate.
Cash claim payments in 2012 decreased 7.7% compared to 2011.
Losses incurred on known claims in 2012 decreased 12.2% compared to 2011.
Smart Growth
Revenues generated from non-title operations from mortgage servicing support products increased 45% in 2012 over 2011.
New servicing support projects introduced by the Mortgage Services segment helped drive the increase in revenues with no deterioration of Mortgage Service’s pretax margins.
| II. | Response to 2012 Say on Pay Vote |
Working to Meet Shareholder ExpectationsCompensation Philosophy and Objectives
An overwhelming majority of the votes cast on our 2012 Say on Pay proposal (the “2012 Say on Pay Vote”) were cast in favor of the proposal. Specifically, 97.7% of shares were voted in favor of our Say on Pay proposal. Based on the results of the 2012 Say on Pay Vote, as well as our ongoing dialogue with our stockholders, theThe Compensation Committee andfollows a “pay for performance” philosophy in our board of directors have concluded that the executive compensation design changes that were first disclosed in 2011 and implemented for 2012 are consistent with stockholder expectations and are properly aligned with the Company’s new compensation philosophy and objectives.
| III. | Compensation Decision Process |
Compensation Committee’s Philosophy on Named Executive Officer Compensation
Prior to 2012, our core compensation philosophy for executive officers was based on fairness and internal pay equity, and not on targeting pay levels at a specified percentile of a compensation peer group. This compensation philosophy was intended to maintain associate satisfaction and morale by assuring that the compensation of executive officers was not out of line with that of key employees and other associates. While fairness and internal pay equity are still part of the Company’s overall compensation philosophy, for 2012 and going forward, the Company has strengthened its compensation philosophy by adding significant pay-for-performance criteria.
While our compensation program for executive officersstructure which is still designed to deliver a full spectrum of pay, benefits, career development and a positive work environment around corporate performance, the Company now also seeks to maximize the return from our investment with a compensation program to include performance-based, at-risk pay components aligned to strategic and financial performance metrics. Pay elements are specifically designed to encourage and reward the achievement of our long-term goals and the creation of shareholder value. For each NEO,executive, the pay-for-performance compensation package is also intended to represent a fair and competitive compensation arrangement that promotes a meaningful work experience including personal fulfillment, competitive pay and job security.
The Compensation Committee’s ongoing goalCommittee believes that our executive compensation program should reward enhanced financial performance of the Company and maximize shareholder value by aligning the short-term and long-term interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders. Our Company’s programs are intended to: Attract, retain and motivate individuals of outstanding ability in key executive positions; Drive and reward strong business performance which is aligned with company strategies, to maintain acreate superior value for our shareholders; Ensure that performance-based compensation programdoes not encourage excessive risk taking; and Encourage our executives to focus on both the short-term and long-term performance goals of the Company. Our executive compensation also is intended to be market competitive. For 2013, the Committee approved base salary, annual performance compensation and long-term incentive compensation (together, the “total direct compensation”) for each executive that promoteswas intended to be competitive with our peer group. In addition, in establishing the compensation of our executives, the Compensation Committee also took into consideration historical and individual circumstances, including tenure and experience, individual performance, retention factors, and the availability of comparable data for each position. The Compensation Committee believes that a majority of executive compensation should be “at risk”—that is, the ultimate, realized value of the compensation will be tied to the Company’s financial and equity performance. During periods when our financial performance meets or exceeds established objectives, we believe that executives should be rewarded appropriately under our incentive compensation programs for their efforts in achieving our goals. Likewise, when our performance does not meet the established goals, incentive compensation may be reduced or may not be earned. Incentive compensation is designed to balance short-term annual results and long-term multi-year success and providesof the Company. Short-term awards primarily are payable in cash, while long-term value creation for our stockholders. awards are equity-based awards. It is important to note that in comparing pasthistorical pay for 2010 and 2011 with pay for 20122013 in the executive compensation tables that follow this CD&A, 20122013 compensation is significantly more performance basedcontinues to build on performance-based pay relative to previous years. Implementing the Philosophy In support of our compensation philosophy: The Company targetsWhen setting base pay compensation opportunitiessalary levels for the NEOs at the median of those companies thatour executives, we consider to be valid peers, while takingtake into consideration bothaccount external market rates, as well as executive performance, internal equity and pay trends over time compared to the trend in Company performance as measured by TSR.
Short term incentiveSTI design is focused on pay-for-performance and will motivate our NEOsexecutives to achieve key annual objective measures of financial performance and operating performance. Consistent with our philosophy, short term incentive awards are tied to specific metrics designed to drive annual improvement and operational excellence.
Long term incentive plan (“LTI”) grants motivate our NEOsexecutives to enhance shareholder value, as well as to work as a team to ensure Company performance. The Company’s choice of long term incentive vehicles align NEOsexecutives’ interests with those of shareholders, and equity grants consist of performance-based vesting conditions. Consistent with our overall compensation philosophy, long term incentive grant values are targeted to the median of our peers, reward accomplishment of long term quantifiable business goals, and aid NEOsexecutives in the achievement of applicable stock ownership guidelines. AllOur executive compensation programs will also reflect sound corporate governance, marketplace best practices, and will beare based on solid business rationale.
The following table outlines the major elements of 2013 total compensation for our executives: | | | | | | | | | Compensation Element | | Purpose | | Link to Performance | | Fixed/ Performance Based | | Short/ Long-Term | Base Salary | | Helps attract and retain executives through market-competitive base pay | | Based on performance with regard to individual job responsibilities | | Fixed | | Short-Term | Short-Term Incentive Plan Awards | | Encourages achievement of annual strategic and financial performance metrics that create long-term shareholder value | | Based on achievement of predefined annual corporate performance objectives and target performance of relevant business unit | | Performance Based | | Short-Term | Long-Term Performance-Based Awards(Performance-Based Restricted Stock and Cash-Based Performance Units) | | Aligns executives’ long-term compensation interests with stockholders’ investment interests while creating a retention incentive through multi-year performance periods | | Initial targeted award amount is determined based on competitive market data and performance relative to specific targets; ultimate value to each executive is based on the level of performance achieved | | Performance Based | | Long-Term | Benefits and Perquisites | | Establishes limited perquisites in line with market practice, as well as health and welfare benefits on the same basis as our general employee population | | | | Fixed | | Short-Term |
Roles in Determining 20122013 Named Executive Officer Compensation The Role of the Compensation Committee TheAs stated in the Compensation Committee Charter, the Compensation Committee is responsible for determining the components and amount of compensation for our executive officers and provides overall guidance for our employee compensation policies and programs. The Compensation Committee consults with the CEO for compensation recommendations for other executive officers and for the purpose of assuring that executive compensation programs do not distort our overall compensation structure. The CEO’s recommendations are based upon his assessment of each executive officer’s performance, the performance of the individual’s respective business or function, and employee retention considerations. The Compensation Committee reviews our CEO’s recommendations and approves, in its sole discretion, any compensation changes affecting our executive officers as it determines in its sole discretion.officers.
The Role of Management Members of management, including the Human Resources, staff, assist the Compensation Committee by providing recommendations that management believes will establish appropriate and market-competitive compensation plans for executive officers consistent with the Company’s compensation philosophy. As part of this process, management collaborates with the Compensation Committee regarding information on market trends, potential compensation plan designs, and industry trends, before making recommendations to the Compensation Committee. In preparation for the 20122013 compensation plans, management: Recommended base salaries and cash and incentive targets for senior executives other than the CEO; and Proposed incentive metrics and targeted performance levels for the short- and long-term incentive plans, including target value (or number of shares) of performance-based restricted stock and cash-based performance units. At the end of the 20122013 performance year, management reviewed metric based performance relative to expectations in 20122013 of each NEOexecutive other than the CEO, for the purpose of validating 2012the 2013 short-term incentive awards and the long-term incentive awards. The Compensation Committee reviews and discusses management’s recommendations in conjunction with its independent compensation consultant inwhen making compensation decisions or recommendations to the full board of directors. The CEO’s compensation is discussed in executive session without members of management present.Board. The Role of the Compensation Consultant During 2012,2013, the Compensation Committee engaged Aon Hewitt as its compensation advisorLongnecker & Associates (“L&A”) to provide independent advice on executive compensation matters and to assist in making recommendations to the board of directors. During 2012, Aon Hewitt assisted the Compensation Committee in providing a comprehensive assessment of our executive compensation programs and assisted withto assist in the designdrafting of the new short- and long-term incentive plans.this CD&A. The Compensation Committee retained the sole authority to select, retain, terminate, and approve fees and other retention terms of the relationship with Aon Hewitt.L&A. In addition, L&A also assisted the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in the assessment of independent director compensation. The Compensation Consultant provides various executive compensation services to the Compensation Committee. Generally, these services include advising the Compensation Committee on the principles of our executive compensation program and providing market information and analysis regarding the competitiveness of our program design and award values in relationship to performance. During 2013, the Compensation Consultant performed the following services for the Committee: Conducted an evaluation of the total compensation for each of the named executive officers; Conducted an evaluation of the total compensation of other executives of the Company; Provided independent recommendations for CEO compensation; Provided the CEO with recommendations for the compensation of other executive officers; Discussed with the CEO, his recommendations for his direct reports; Presented information related to current trends and regulatory developments affecting executive compensation programs in our market; Provided recommendations and information related to stock ownership guidelines; Reviewed the annual and long-term incentive plans; Assisted in the development and review of the Compensation Committee’s compensation governance schedule; and Assisted in the drafting and review of the CD&A and compensation tables for the annual proxy statement. In addition, L&A attended meetings of the Compensation Committee, as requested by the Compensation Committee Chair. The NYSE has adopted guidelines for Compensation Committees to consider when identifying Compensation Committee advisor independence. The Compensation Committee reviewed these guidelines and determined that L&A is an independent consultant under these guidelines. This independence was confirmed in writing by L&A. L&A performs no services for the Company other than those specific to Board Committee assignments regarding executive and non-employee director compensation. Our management communicates with L&A and provides data to L&A regarding our executive officers, but does not direct L&A’s activities. Benchmarking and Peer Group Comparison As discussed above, during 2013, L&A analyzed the Company’s 2012 peer group and additional potential peer candidates in an effort to capture changes in the market that impacted the applicability of certain peers within the Company’s 2012 peer group, as well as additional companies which we compete with for talent. As a result, L&A provided a recommended peer group for the Compensation Committee’s review. The Compensation Committee approved the final peer group utilized in the 2013 compensation analysis. The compensation analysis was based upon an evaluation of approximately 70 potential peers consisting of financial services, insurance, title services and real estate companies. L&A reviewed multiple financial criteria focusing on companies which are within a range of 0.5x to 2.0x our size. In addition to their performance of services forfinancial metrics, L&A and the Compensation Committee also took into account other factors in 2012, management used Aon Hewitt to provide additional servicesthe determination of appropriate peer comparators, including title companies, financial service companies tied to the Company that were unrelatedreal estate market, and complexity of operations. L&A compiled compensation data for the peer group from a variety of sources, including proxy statements and other publicly filed documents. The consultant also provided published survey compensation data from multiple sources, including the following surveys: Economic Research Institute, Mercer, Inc., Kenexa and Towers Watson. For each survey, L&A adjusted the data to executiveappropriately reflect companies of a similar size to the Company. For each element of compensation including human resource consultingfor which data was available, L&A averaged the 25th percentile from the peer group and servicesthe published survey data to approximate the 25th percentile for the “market.” A similar process was used to establish the 50th and 75th percentiles. The combination of published survey data and peer compensation data was then used to compare the compensation of our executives to comparably titled persons at companies within our peer group and in respect to employee benefit insurance products, such as group life, medicalthe survey data. When considering our compensation practices and long term disability, which were offered to employees. Aon Hewitt’s fees for these additional services totaled approximately $185,417 in 2012. We have separate relationships with each of the service teams providing these non-executive compensation consulting services, and relationships with AON Hewitt’s service teams are overseen by different management employees. The compensation consultant’s service team that adviseslevels, the Compensation Committee does not receive any compensation based on any other work that Aon Hewitt performs for the Company, andreviews the compensation service team does not perform any other services on behalfpractices and levels of the Company. Aon Hewitt annually certifiespeer group companies to determine market levels. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the composition of our peer group to ensure that the companies in the group are relevant for comparative purposes, have executive positions with responsibilities similar to ours, and that compete with us for executive talent. The Compensation Committee and L&A review data for potential peers relating to revenue, assets, enterprise value, and market capitalization. Based on these factors and directly comparable business lines, the Compensation Committee determined that the independence of its executive compensation services and the adherence of its executive compensation consultants to Aon Hewitt’s independence policies, practices and procedures. The Compensation Committee has sole authority to retain and terminate any independent compensation consultant. Aon Hewitt earned approximately $100,000following companies would comprise our peer group for the services it provided to the Compensation Committee in 2012.2013.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Stewart 2013 Peer Group | Company Name | | Ticker | | Revenue | | | Assets | | | Market Cap | | | Net Income | | | Enterprise Value | | | Industry | First American Financial Corporation | | FAF | | $ | 4,920 | | | $ | 6,303 | | | $ | 2,654 | | | $ | 268 | | | $ | 2,110 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance and Title Services | PHH Corporation | | PHH | | $ | 2,896 | | | $ | 9,771 | | | $ | 1,440 | | | $ | 158 | | | $ | 6,780 | | | Specialized Finance | Mercury General Corporation | | MCY | | $ | 2,796 | | | $ | 4,232 | | | $ | 2,758 | | | $ | 106 | | | $ | 2,718 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. | | HCC | | $ | 2,548 | | | $ | 10,153 | | | $ | 4,413 | | | $ | 409 | | | $ | 5,013 | | | Multi-line Insurance | Kemper Corporation | | KMPR | | $ | 2,447 | | | $ | 7,821 | | | $ | 2,118 | | | $ | 150 | | | $ | 2,661 | | | Multi-line Insurance | Stewart Information Services Corporation | | STC | | $ | 1,983 | | | $ | 1,273 | | | $ | 714 | | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 551 | | | Title Insurance and Real
Estate Products and Services | Infinity Property and Casualty Corp. | | IPCC | | $ | 1,324 | | | $ | 2,260 | | | $ | 800 | | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 997 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | Crawford & Company | | CRD.B | | $ | 1,200 | | | $ | 842 | | | $ | 476 | | | $ | 59 | | | $ | 610 | | | Insurance Brokers | MGIC Investment Corp. | | MTG | | $ | 1,168 | | | $ | 5,858 | | | $ | 2,770 | | | -$ | 435 | | | $ | 3,568 | | | Mortgage Finance | State Auto Financial Corp. | | STFC | | $ | 1,154 | | | $ | 2,471 | | | $ | 813 | | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 861 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | Navigators Group Inc. | | NAVG | | $ | 909 | | | $ | 4,097 | | | $ | 786 | | | $ | 69 | | | $ | 799 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | United Fire Group, Inc | | UFCS | | $ | 845 | | | $ | 3,701 | | | $ | 855 | | | $ | 44 | | | $ | 774 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | Hilltop Holdings Inc. | | HTH | | $ | 785 | | | $ | 7,403 | | | $ | 1,450 | | | $ | 60 | | | $ | 2,275 | | | Mortgage Loans and Insurance for Plains Capital Bank | Radian Group | | RDN | | $ | 747 | | | $ | 6,054 | | | $ | 2,493 | | | -$ | 384 | | | $ | 3,481 | | | Mortgage Finance | Safety Insurance Group Inc. | | SAFT | | $ | 725 | | | $ | 1,592 | | | $ | 857 | | | $ | 56 | | | $ | 821 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | RLI Corp. | | RLI | | $ | 692 | | | $ | 2,887 | | | $ | 1,990 | | | $ | 117 | | | $ | 2,130 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | Employers Holdings, Inc. | | EIG | | $ | 659 | | | $ | 3,617 | | | $ | 931 | | | $ | 118 | | | $ | 946 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | EMC Insurance Group Inc. | | EMCI | | $ | 534 | | | $ | 1,300 | | | $ | 446 | | | $ | 42 | | | $ | 471 | | | Property and Casualty Insurance | Median | | | | $ | 1,154 | | | $ | 4,097 | | | $ | 1,440 | | | $ | 60 | | | $ | 2,110 | | | | Average | | | | $ | 1,574 | | | $ | 4,535 | | | $ | 1,598 | | | $ | 57 | | | $ | 2,087 | | | |
Elements of 20122013 Named Executive Officer Compensation The following table outlines the major elements of 2012 total compensation for our NEOs:
| | | | | | | | | Compensation Element
| | Purpose
| | Link to Performance
| | Fixed/
Performance
Based | | Short/
Long-Term | Base Salary
| | Helps attract and retain executives through market-competitive base pay | | Based on performance with regard to individual job responsibilities | | Fixed | | Short-Term | | | | | | Short-Term Incentive Plan Awards
| | Encourages achievement of annual strategic and financial performance metrics that create long-term shareholder value | | Based on achievement of predefined annual corporate performance objectives and target performance of relevant business unit | | Performance
Based
| | Short-Term | | | | | | Long-Term Performance-Based Awards(Performance-Based Restricted Stock and Cash-Based Performance Units)
| | Aligns executives’ long-term compensation interests with stockholders’ investment interests while creating a retention incentive through multi-year performance periods | | Initial targeted award amount is determined based on competitive market data and performance relative to specific targets; ultimate value to each executive is based on the level of performance achieved | | Performance
Based
| | Long-Term |
| | | | | | | | | Compensation Element
| | Purpose
| | Link to Performance
| | Fixed/
Performance
Based | | Short/
Long-Term | One-Time Special Transition Awards(1)
| | A negotiated payment to provide certain executives with an incentive to give up benefits guaranteed under prior employment agreements and adopt new employment agreements with more shareholder friendly terms | | | | Fixed
(one time)
| | Short-Term | | | | | | Benefits and Perquisites
| | Establishes limited perquisites in line with market practice, as well as health and welfare benefits on the same basis as our general employee population | | | | Fixed | | Short-Term |
(1) | Reflected in the Summary Compensation Table Column (d) Bonus. |
Peer Group Analysis
As part of the new executive compensation program for 2012, the Compensation Committee, with the assistance of Aon Hewitt and management, constructed a compensation peer group to use for the analysis of competitive market compensation data. Market compensation data from the peer group was a principal factor that we considered to understand competitive compensation, industry trends and best practices regarding various compensation developments. The Compensation Committee also reviewed benchmarks with regard to competitive data in 2012, as well as competitive compensation opportunities, including the size-adjusted 50th
percentile, and tabular 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentiles to provide context for compensation decisions targeted at the marketplace median regarding Total Compensation.
In formulating executive compensation for 2012, the Compensation Committee conducted a review of the peer group in late 2011 and early 2012. As part of this review, Aon Hewitt provided information for a group of publicly-traded companies selected based on both the applicable six-digit GICS industry code and the company’s size (as measured by market capitalization and assets). This peer group was used to provide competitive pay data information for the NEOs, and also served as the peer group used for evaluating performance under a portion of the Company’s long-term incentive awards made in 2012. This peer group was recommended by the compensation consultant, and then approved by the Compensation Committee in 2012, and consists of the following companies:
| | | Peer Companies
| | | American Safety Ins. Holding LTD.
| | Hallmark Financial Services | Amerisafe Inc.
| | Hilltop Holdings Inc. | Baldwin & Lyons
| | Independence Holding Co. | Citizens Inc.
| | Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. | Crawford & Co.
| | Meadowbrook Ins. Group Inc. | Donegal Group, Inc.
| | National Financial Partners CP | EMC Insurance Group, Inc.
| | National Interstate Corp. | Fortegra Financial Corp.
| | Safety Insurance Group Inc. | Global Indemnity PLC
| | SeaBright Holdings Inc. | Greeenlight Capital RE Ltd.
| | Universal Insurance Holdings |
Base Salaries We pay an annual base salary to each of our NEOsexecutives in order to provide them with a fixed rate of cash compensation that is “non-variable” during the fiscal year. Typically, inIn establishing base salaries, the Compensation Committee considers a variety of factors, including internal pay equity, operational performance as it relates to an executive’s level of duties and responsibilities applicable to the position held, and historical compensation information. We believe that this is critical to motivate and retain our NEOsexecutives who each have leadership talents and business expertise that make them attractive to other companies. In connection with its annual review of executive compensation, the Compensation Committee, with recommendations from the CEO, determined to increasethat 2012 base compensation for NEOs to align to our newly adopted compensation model targetingremained appropriate for 2013 given the median for total compensation, to acknowledge the broadening of responsibilities for some NEOs, as well as the transition to new roles and corresponding new employment agreements with different terms and conditions. Given the level of organizational change that occurred in 2012, it was also considered important to retain the top leadership team chosen by the new CEO. These base salaries will remain constant for 2013.competitive market. Base salaries for each of the NEOs are shown in the table below: | | | | | | | | | | | | | Name | | 2011 Base Salary ($) | | | 2012 Base Salary ($) | | | Change from 2011-2012 | | Matthew W. Morris(1) | | | 305,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 31.1 | % | J. Allen Berryman(2) | | | 250,000 | | | | 310,000 | | | | 24.0 | % | Glenn H. Clements(3) | | | 250,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 60.0 | % | Jason R. Nadeau(3) | | | 300,000 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 16.7 | % | Steven M. Lessack(3) | | | 265,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 50.9 | % |
(1) | Matthew W. Morris was elected Chief Executive Officer effective November 2011. Matthew W. Morris’ salary amount for 2011 reflects an increase in base salary to $305,000 effective November 2011. |
(2) | J. Allen Berryman received a new employment agreement in 2012. The salary amount reflects this new agreement with different terms and conditions, as well as corresponding market pay. |
(3) | Glenn H. Clements, Jason R. Nadeau and Steven M. Lessack assumed new titles, roles, broader responsibilities, and executed new employment agreements in 2012. The salary amount reflects these actions. |
| | | | | | | | | | | 2013 Base Salary ($) | | | % Change from 2012 - 2013 | | Matthew W. Morris | | $ | 400,000 | | | | 0 | % | J. Allen Berryman | | $ | 310,000 | | | | 0 | % | Glenn H. Clements | | $ | 400,000 | | | | 0 | % | Jason R. Nadeau | | $ | 350,000 | | | | 0 | % | Steven M. Lessack | | $ | 400,000 | | | | 0 | % |
Short-Term Incentives for 20122013 Short Term Incentive Plan (the “STI Plan”) Our annualThe Compensation Committee believes STI Plan was redesigned for 2012, to enhance the linkage between corporate and operational performance and the potential cash awards to be made to our NEOs. We believe that this element of compensation is an important part of the typical basic compensation package provided by companies with which we compete for executive talent, and therefore helpsa well-reasoned STI approach can help us to remainbe competitive. At the same time, we believe theour STI Planapproach motivates our NEOsexecutives to meet our financial and strategic objectives.
Based largely on the recommendations from the CEO, the Compensation Committee established corporate performance goals and operational performance goals for each NEO for 2012, as well as the applicable weight for each of the goals. The Compensation Committee also established a target award amount for each NEO as a percentage of base salary which was used at the end of the year as the base point for determining any actual earned award.
In setting the target cash award amounts for 2012,2013, the Compensation Committee considered information from the peer group data mentioned above and, with respect to the NEOsexecutives other than the CEO, the recommendations of CEO. In addition, the Compensation Committee and management performed a detailed analysis in setting objective financial measures and goals to ensure the program appropriately balanced the Company’s objectives, as aligned with long-term shareholder interest, and individual operational performance objectives, as well as appropriate and effective risk-mitigating components. The Compensation Committee also chose to more heavily weigh long term measures and awards in considering overall compensationestablished a target award amount for our CEO. In 2012, the Compensation Committee established the following targeted award opportunitieseach NEO as a percentage of base salary andsalary. This target was used at the end of the year as the base point for determining any actual earned award. In addition, a maximum award opportunitiesopportunity of 200% of target was established. Based on the recommendations from the CEO, the Compensation Committee established corporate performance goals and operational performance goals for each NEO for 2013, as a percentage of target: | | | | | | | | | | | | | Named Executive Officer | | Target Award Opportunity (Percent of Base) | | | Maximum Award Opportunity (Percent of Target Award Opportunity) | | | Actual Award Earned for FY 2012 Performance ($) | | Matthew W. Morris | | | 60 | % | | | 200 | % | | | 480,000 | | J. Allen Berryman | | | 30 | % | | | 200 | % | | | 131,278 | | Glenn H. Clements | | | 100 | % | | | 200 | % | | | 763,505 | | Jason R. Nadeau | | | 100 | % | | | 200 | % | | | 696,211 | | Steven M. Lessack | | | 60 | % | | | 200 | % | | | 472,896 | |
To determine earned awards, we use payout matrices that linkwell as the metrics and reflect threshold-to-maximum opportunities based on various achievement levelsapplicable weight for each of the metrics. The STI Plan financial target metrics were based on (1) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) improvement, modified return on equity, and TSR, and (2) various measures of operational performance at the business unit level. (See the footnotes of the table entitled “2012 Corporate Financial Goals and Results” for how such metrics are calculated.)
goals. The Compensation Committee chose thosethe following metrics to: Establish a clear and direct relationship between executive compensation and our performance on a short-term basis; Emphasize operatingClearly define the specific and measurable objectives which would be used to evaluate each executive’s performance drivers;success and be the basis for calculating his or her short term incentive payment for the year;
Use compensation to focus executives clearly on driving value for the firm and its shareholders. Focus on shareholder value through executive compensation measures; and Foster our corporate goals and strategies. The maximumfollowing table outlines the targeted award underopportunity, metrics utilized to determine the plan is capped at 200% ofSTI payout, performance results, and the target award. The target metrics set for our short-term incentives and their corresponding results were as followsactual STI payout for each NEO:NEO. | 2012 Corporate Financial Goals and Results | | | Performance Goals | | Weighting | | Threshold | | Target | | Maximum | | 2012 Results | | Incentive Award Earned (Metric Percent of Payout) | | | Target (%) | | 2013 Results (%) | | Incentive Award Earned ($ Amount of Payout) | | Matthew W. Morris | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Corporate Performance | | | 100 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | EBITDA Improvement(1) | | | 50 | % | | | 25 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 140 | % | | | 162 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 9 | % | | | 222,360 | | Modified Return on Equity(2) | | | 40 | % | | | 3 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 22 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 192,000 | | Relative TSR Ranking(3) | | | 10 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 20 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 31,600 | | | J. Allen Berryman | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Corporate Performance | | | 50 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | EBITDA Improvement(1) | | | 25 | % | | | 25 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 140 | % | | | 162 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 9 | % | | | 43,082 | | Modified Return on Equity(2) | | | 20 | % | | | 3 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 22 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 37,200 | | Relative TSR Ranking(3) | | | 5 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 10 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 6,123 | | | Operational Performance | | | 50 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Budget Attainment(4) | | | 25 | % | | | 10 | % | | | 0 | % | | | -10 | % | | | 3 | % | | | 21 | % | | Budget Attainment(6) | | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 11,666 | | Customer Service Index(5) | | | 13 | % | | | 2 | % | | | 10 | % | | | 15 | % | | | 4 | % | | | 8 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 4 | % | | | 24,180 | | Project Attainment(6) | | | 12 | % | | | 75 | % | | | 90 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 90 | % | | | 12 | % | | Project Attainment(4) | | | | 80 | % | | | 85 | % | | | 31,000 | | | Glenn H. Clements | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Corporate Performance | | | 40 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | EBITDA Improvement(1) | | | 20 | % | | | 25 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 140 | % | | | 162 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 9 | % | | | 148,200 | | Modified Return on Equity(2) | | | 16 | % | | | 3 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 22 | % | | | 32 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 128,000 | | Relative TSR Ranking(3) | | | 4 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 96 | % | | | 8 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 21,067 | | | Operational Performance | | | 60 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Modified EBITDA(7) | | | 22 | % | | | 25 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 75 | % | | | 206 | % | | | 44 | % | | Modified EBITDA Margin(8) | | | 16 | % | | | 10 | % | | | 15 | % | | | 20 | % | | | 17 | % | | | 23 | % | | Operating Revenues Improvement(12) | | | | 0 | % | | | 9 | % | | | 176,000 | | Pretax Profit Margin(13) | | | | 15 | % | | | 18 | % | | | 128,000 | | Employee Costs Ratio(9) | | | 14 | % | | | 52 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 48 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 47 | % | | | 45 | % | | | 112,000 | | Policy Loss Ratio(10) | | | 8 | % | | | 7.2 | % | | | 7.0 | % | | | 6.8 | % | | | 6.7 | % | | | 16 | % | | | 7 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 64,000 | | | Jason R. Nadeau | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Corporate Performance | | | 40 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | EBITDA Improvement(1) | | | 20 | % | | | 25 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 140 | % | | | 162 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 9 | % | | | 129,710 | | Modified Return on Equity(2) | | | 16 | % | | | 3 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 22 | % | | | 32 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 112,000 | | Relative TSR Ranking(3) | | | 4 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 96 | % | | | 8 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 18,433 | | | Operational Performance | | | 60 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Modified EBITDA(7) | | | 22 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 7.5 | % | | | 10.0 | % | | | 18.5 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 0 | % | | | -64 | % | | | — | | Modified EBITDA Margin(8) | | | 16 | % | | | 10 | % | | | 20 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 31 | % | | | 27 | % | | | 14 | % | | | — | | Employee Costs Ratio(9) | | | 14 | % | | | 70 | % | | | 65 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 61 | % | | | — | | NPS Expense Ratio(11) | | | 8 | % | | | 7.00 | % | | | 6.65 | % | | | 6.30 | % | | | 6.24 | % | | | 16 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 7 | % | | | — | | | Steven M. Lessack | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Corporate Performance | | | 40 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | EBITDA Improvement(1) | | | 20 | % | | | 25 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 140 | % | | | 162 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 9 | % | | | 88,949 | | Modified Return on Equity(2) | | | 16 | % | | | 3 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 22 | % | | | 32 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 76,800 | | Relative TSR Ranking(3) | | | 4 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 80 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 8 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 12,640 | | | Operational Performance | | | 60 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Modified EBITDA(7) | | | 30 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 5 | % | | | 18 | % | | | 32 | % | | | 60 | % | | Operating Revenues Improvement(12) | | | | 0 | % | | | 6 | % | | | 144,000 | | Modified EBITDA Margin(8) | | | 22 | % | | | 10 | % | | | 15 | % | | | 20 | % | | | 26 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 43 | % | | | 62,709 | | Policy Loss Ratio(10) | | | 8 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 25 | % | | | 26 | % | | | 13 | % | | | 26 | % | | | 26 | % | | | 24,499 | |
(1) | EBITDAEarnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) Improvement is calculated by adding back interest expense, depreciation expense and amortization expense to pretax earnings and comparing the results against the same number for the prior year. |
(2) | Modified Return on Equity is calculated by dividing modified net earnings attributable to Company, which is calculated by subtracting certain items including, but not limited to, certain unusual income tax expense or benefit as determined by the board of directors of the Company from net earnings attributable to |
| Company, by modified average shareholders’ equity, which is calculated by subtracting cumulative other comprehensive income and noncontrolling interest from shareholders’ equity. |
(3) | Relative TSR Ranking is determined by calculating the Company’s percentile ranking for TSR relative to the Russell 2000 Financial Services Index. |
(4) | Project Attainment is specific goals established for each service center executive. This metric is measured by determining how much of the annual goals were completed on a percentage basis. |
(5) | Customer Service Index is an internal survey conducted at least annually. The metric is calculated by taking the subsequent survey score minus the benchmark survey score. The difference is then divided by the benchmark survey score. |
(6) | Budget Attainment metric measures the variance between actual expenses and budgeted expenses. It is calculated by taking the actual annual expenses minus the budgeted annual expenses. The difference is then divided by the budgeted annual expenses. |
(5)(7) | Customer Service Index is an internal survey conducted at least annually. The metric is calculated by taking the subsequent survey score minus the benchmark survey score. The difference is then divided by the benchmark survey score. |
(6) | Project Attainment is specific goals established for each service center executive. This metric is measured by determining how much of the annual goals were completed on a percentage basis. |
(7) | Modified EBITDA is calculated by subtracting Investment Income, Investment and Other Gains (Losses) – —Net, and other unique or unusual items as determined by the board of directors of the Company from EBITDA. |
(8) | Modified EBITDA Margin is calculated by dividing Modified EBITDA by operating revenues. |
(9) | Employee Costs Ratio is calculated by dividing the employee costs by operating revenues. |
(10) | Policy Loss Ratio is calculated by dividing title losses and claims by title insurance revenues from Direct Operations and Agency Operations. |
(11) | National Production Services (“NPS”)(NPS) Expense Ratio is calculated by dividing NPS expenses by the sum of (1) operating revenues less the Company’s portion of earnings from equity investees from the Direct Operations and (2) external operating revenues less the Company’s portion of earnings from equity investees from NPS. |
One-Time Transition Payments
As consideration for entering into new employment agreements effective January 2012, the Company made one-time special transition payments to several of the NEOs. These one-time transition payments were used as an incentive to give up compensation and benefits guaranteed under prior employment agreements and adopt new agreements with more shareholder friendly terms. The amounts were based on value of compensation and benefits lost by converting to the new pay-for-performance targets and incentives. In addition, these transition payments reflect the fact that many NEOs assumed new responsibilities at the end of 2011.
The amounts of the transition payments were determined by calculating annualized variable pay for 2012 based on the prior year’s compensation agreements, less any short term incentives already received during 2012, as well as reflecting the new terms and conditions of the agreements. These transition payments were made to the following NEOs:
| | | | | Named Executive Officer(12)
| | Transition PaymentOperating Revenues Improvement is calculated by comparing current year revenues from operations reported in local currency against prior year revenues from operations reported in local currency.
|
($)(13) | | Glenn H. Clements
| | | 500,000 | | Jason R. Nadeau
| | | 500,000 | | Steven M. Lessack
| | | 150,000 | Pretax Profit Margin is calculated by dividing pretax profits by operating revenues. |
Long-Term Incentives for 20122013 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “LTI Plan”) We believe that long-term incentives help align the interests of our NEOsexecutives and our stockholders because the potential compensation an executive can receive is tied directly to our stock price and our earnings performance. We believe this element of compensation is particularly effective for those individuals who have the most impact on the management and success of our business. In addition, by using metrics related to TSR and Company performance, this also serves to focus our NEOs to operateexecutives on operating as a team. Prior to 2012, the Company granted tim e-basedtime-based restricted stock and unrestricted stock to its NEOs.executives. As part of the executive compensation program overhaul undertaken in 2012, the Company moved away from granting solely time-based and unrestricted equity compensation awards to its NEOs towards grantingexecutives and instead, used performance-based equity and cash-based awards during 2012.awards. This created an enhancement of the motivation of executives to increase shareholder value over the long-term, as a significant amount of potential value is tied to Company performance. For 2012,2013, our NEOsexecutives were granted long-term incentives in the form of performance-based restricted stock and cash-based performance units. The Compensation Committee determined to grant these awards with sixty percent (60%) in performance-based restricted stock (“RSA”) and forty-percent (40%) in cash-based restricted performance units (“RPU”). LTI is granted annually under this plan. It is 100% granted, but vests depending on company performance measures and time. Both RPU and RSA grants will be restricted by a three year cliff vest, with the exception of a specific grant of RPU issued in 2012, which vested at the end of 2013 to assist with the transition to new employment agreements.
In determining the size of each NEOs 2012 Long-Term Incentiveexecutive’s 2013 LTI target and maximum award sizes, as a percentage of base salary, the Compensation Committee considered information from peer group data, as well as the historical compensation amounts and individual roles and responsibilities of each applicable Named Executive Officer.executive. The LTI Plan financial target metrics were based on TSR and/or positive EBITDA. The Compensation Committee chose those metrics to create a correlation between executive compensation and the long-term performance of the Company. In 2012,2013, the Compensation Committee established the following targeted and maximum Long-Term IncentiveLTI award opportunities as a percentage of base salary: | Named Executive Officer | | Target LTI Opportunity (RSA & RPU) (Percent of Base) | | Target LTI Opportunity (RSA) (# of Shares)(1) | | | Target LTI Opportunity (RPU) $ | | | Maximum LTI Opportunity (RPU) $ | | | Target LTI Opportunity (RSA & RPU) (% of Base) | | Target LTI Opportunity (RSA) (# of Shares)(1) | | | Target LTI Opportunity (RPU) | | | Maximum LTI Opportunity (RPU) | | Matthew W. Morris | | 125% | | | 14,742 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 125 | % | | | 11,574 | | | $ | 200,000 | | | $ | 400,000 | | J. Allen Berryman | | 75% | | | 6,855 | | | | 93,000 | | | | 186,000 | | | | 75 | % | | | 5,382 | | | $ | 93,000 | | | $ | 186,000 | | Glenn H. Clements | | 75% | | | 8,295 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 75 | % | | | 6,944 | | | $ | 120,000 | | | $ | 240,000 | | Jason R. Nadeau | | 100% | | | 10,000 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 280,000 | | | | 100 | % | | | 8,102 | | | $ | 140,000 | | | $ | 280,000 | | Steve M. Lessack | | 50% | | | 5,897 | | | | 80,000 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 50 | % | | | 4,630 | | | $ | 80,000 | | | $ | 160,000 | |
(1) | Number of shares reflect price per share based on execution dateclose of employment agreement.day December 31, 2012 |
Performance-Based Restricted Stock The purpose of using performance-based RSAs is to provide a reward whose value is directly attributable to their ability to increase the value of the business and our stock price. Our NEOs will receiveexecutives are granted annual awards of RSAs ifwith vesting contingent upon the achievement of an annualized TSR ranking, relative to the Russell 2000 Financial Services Index, which is inat or above the 50th50th percentile of the peer group or if Annualized Total shareholder Return (TSR) is positive fromover the signing dateperformance period. In the event this level of employment agreementperformance is not achieved, recipients will forfeit these RSAs. In addition to December 31, 2014. RSAs also have a time vestingthe performance component, that requires the NEOaward agreements require recipients to be employed with the Company through the entire three year performance period.period in order to maintain eligibility for the payout. Cash-Based Performance Units The purpose of using performancePerformance units isare used to reward our NEOsexecutives for effective management of the business over amulti-year period. NEOsIn addition, these are used to tie the award to building value for shareholders without diluting stock. Executives will receive RPUs based on annualized TSR Ranking relative to the Russell 2000 Financial Services Index fromwith a Circuit Breaker (positive EBITA over the signing date of employment agreement to December 31, 2013. The performance goals range from Threshold, Target and Maximum. The annualized TSR Threshold is the 30th percentile ranking. The annualized TSR Target is the 50th percentile ranking. The annualized TSR Maximum is the 75th percentile ranking. RPUs will not be awarded if the Company fails to achieve positive EBITDA during the same performance period. RSUs alsoperiod). RPU’s have a three year time vesting component that requires the NEOexecutive to be employed with the Company through the performance period.period with the exception of the initial 2012 grant which vested at the end of 2013 to assist with the transition to new executive employment agreements. Relative TSR performance and EBITDA goals have been established for the RPUs and are tied to specific ranges of performance: Threshold, Target and Maximum. The chart below outlines the payout levels of awards for each level of performance achieved:
| | | | | Relative TSR Ranking over the Performance Period | | Payout as % of Target(1) | | > 75th Percentile | | | 200 | % | 50th Percentile | | | 100 | % | 30th Percentile | | | 50 | % | < 30th Percentile | | | 0 | % |
(1) | Performance between Threshold and Maximum will be interpolated |
Payout of 2012 RPU Long-term Incentive Award The following table outlines the 2012 RPU targeted award opportunity, performance results, and the actual RPU payout for each NEO: | | | | | | | | | | | | | Executive | | Target Award Opportunity(1) | | | Actual Performance Achievement | | | Actual Award Payout | | Matthew W. Morris | | $ | 200,000 | | | | 84th Percentile | | | $ | 400,000 | | J. Allen Berryman | | $ | 93,000 | | | | 84th Percentile | | | $ | 186,000 | | Glenn H. Clements | | $ | 120,000 | | | | 78th Percentile | | | $ | 240,000 | | Jason R. Nadeau | | $ | 140,000 | | | | 78th Percentile | | | $ | 280,000 | | Steven M. Lessack | | $ | 80,000 | | | | 84th Percentile | | | $ | 160,000 | |
(1) | Target award opportunity based on achievement of relative performance ranking of 50th percentile as compared to the Russell 2000 Financial Services Index with a Circuit Breaker (positive EBITA over the performance period). If actual performance is greater than 75th percentile, payout is at 200%. Actual performance was measured from the date employment agreement was signed. |
Health and Welfare Plans Our NEOs,executives, along with all other associates, are eligible to participate in our medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long-term disability, short-term disability, and other applicable employee benefits. Defined Contribution Plan The primary tax qualified long-term compensation plan we have for our employees in the United States is the Stewart 401(k) Savings Plan. Our NEOsexecutives also participate in this plan on the same terms as our other associates. Deferred Compensation Plan The Deferred Compensation Plan is a nonqualified, elective, deferred compensation plan designed to supplement any existing qualified plans and provide an extra financial benefit to key personnel and highly compensated employees. StewartThe Company supports this plan as an additional method for key personnel and highly compensated employees to plan for retirement. The Company established the Stewart Information Services Corporation 1999 Salary Deferred Compensation Plan (“the Deferred Compensation Plan”), effective January 1, 1999, and amended and restated it on January 1, 2005, in order to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the final regulations (T.D. 9321) thereunder. Assets are held in a separate rabbi trust to pay Plan benefits. Rabbi trust assets are subject to the claims of creditors of the Company in the event of bankruptcy. Of 296351 eligible employees, 2137 eligible employees are active participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan. No NEO’s wereOnly one NEO (Matthew W. Morris) was active in this plan for 2012.2013. Additional Policies and Procedures Governing Compensation | IV. | Additional Policies and Procedures Related to Compensation |
Share Ownership Guidelines The Compensation Committee bases a large part of its compensation philosophy on aligning the interests of our NEOsexecutives with those of our stockholders. As a result, the Compensation Committee has adopted share ownership guidelines for our senior executive officers. These guidelines require that, within a five year period from the date a person becomes an executive officer, theythe CEO must hold Company common stock in value equal to approximately .30 to 1 times their base salary (or four6 times base salary in the case of our CEO).and other executive’s must hold .30 to 1x base salary. The Compensation Committee annually monitors whether the NEOsexecutives have appropriate share ownership requirements based on their incentive plan targets and stock price, and adjusts the requirements accordingly. In addition, they monitor whether the NEOsexecutives have satisfied or are making progress toward satisfying the share ownership guidelines. In making this determination, the Compensation Committee considers common shares deemed to be held in the Stewart 401(k) Savings Plan, common shares beneficially owned by the executive (but excluding options whether or not exercisable), and restricted common shares granted to the executive. As of December 31, 2012,2013, each NEOexecutive was either in compliance with the share ownership guidelines or had not completed a fifth year under their new employment agreement. Equity Award Policies The Compensation Committee has a policy against making equity grants to our NEOsexecutives until any material non-public information has been disclosed to the public. Deductibility of Executive Compensation Limitations on the deductibility of executive compensation imposed by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code have had no effect on our compensation programs for executive officers because we have never exceeded those limits. Executive Employment Agreements The board of directorsBoard has approved, based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, that we should providethe providence of certain post-termination benefits to our executive officers to obtain the benefits of their services and attention to our affairs. In exchange for the benefits we provide under each agreement, our executive officers are required to agree to certain confidentiality, non-competition and cooperation covenants, which our Compensation Committee believes are valuable to us when an executive’s employment terminates. In addition, the Compensation Committee believes that we should provide an inducement for our executive officers to remain in the service of our Company in the event of any proposed or anticipated change in control of our Company in order to facilitate an orderly transition, in the event of a change in control of our Company, without placing the executive in a position where he or she is concerned about being terminated without compensation in connection with such a transaction. The employment agreements articulate the terms and conditions of the NEO’sexecutive’s employment with the Company including termination provisions and applicable restrictive covenants. Generally, each agreement contains the following provisions: An initial three-year employment term, starting on January 1, 2012 and expiring on December 31, 2014. Following the completion of the initial term, each agreement will automatically be extended annually for one or more one year terms, unless at least ninety days prior to the applicable renewal date either party gives written notice that the term should not be further extended after the next termination date. Initial minimum base salary, subject to annual review by the board of directors.Board. Opportunity to participate in the Company’s STI and LTI Plans subject to annual review by the Compensation Committee. Opportunity to participate in other Benefits offered to employees such as group life, medical plan, and other so called “fringe benefits.” Perquisites limited to car allowance, normal paid association & membership dues as needed for the position, executive development up to $5,000, additional Executive Life Insurance for some NEOs (Glenn H. Clements and Steven M. Lessack), and country club dues for one NEO (Glenntwo NEO’s (Matthew W. Morris and Glenn H. Clements). Certain general severance and Change in Control related payments (described in more detail in the “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” section, starting on page 34). Minimum Company stock ownership requirements. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Summary of Compensation The following table summarizes compensation information for each of our NEOs for the three years ended December 31, 2012,2013, for each year they were NEOs. Summary Compensation Table | Name and Principal Position (a) | | Year (b) | | Salary ($) (c) | | Bonus ($)(1) (d) | | Stock Awards ($)(4) (e) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(2) (g) | | Change in Defined Benefit Plan Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) (h) | | All Other Compensation ($)(3) (i) | | Total ($) (j) | | | Year (b) | | Salary ($) (c) | | Bonus ($)(1) (d) | | Stock Awards ($)(4) (e) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(2) (g) | | Change in Defined Benefit Plan Value & Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) (h) | | All Other Compensation ($)(3) (i) | | Total ($) (j) | | Matthew W. Morris | | | 2012 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | 300,000 | | | | 480,000 | | | | | | 10,761 | | | | 1,190,761 | | | | 2013 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | 300,000 | | | | 845,960 | | | | 1,228 | | | | 34,043 | | | | 1,581,231 | | Chief Executive Officer | |
| 2011
2010 |
| |
| 305,000
275,000 |
| |
| 225,000
150,000 |
| | | 218,380 | | |
| 67,920
38,065 |
| | | |
| 11,550
11,200 |
| |
| 609,470
692,645 |
| | Chief Executive | | | | 2012 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | 300,000 | | | | 480,000 | | | | | | 10,761 | | | | 1,190,761 | | Officer | | | | 2011 | | | | 305,000 | | | | 225,000 | | | | | | 67,920 | | | | | | 11,550 | | | | 609,470 | | | J. Allen Berryman | | | 2012 | | | | 310,000 | | | | | | 139,500 | | | | 131,278 | | | | | | 11,397 | | | | 592,175 | | | | 2013 | | | | 310,000 | | | | | | 139,500 | | | | 339,251 | | | | | | 9,508 | | | | 798,259 | | Chief FinancialOfficer,Secretary, Treasurer andPrincipal Financial Officer | |
| 2011
2010 |
| |
| 250,000
250,000 |
| |
| 150,000
150,000 |
| | | 181,640 | | | | | | |
| 9,060
7,400 |
| |
| 409,060
589,040 |
| | Chief Financial Officer, | | | | 2012 | | | | 310,000 | | | | | | 139,500 | | | | 131,278 | | | | | | 11,397 | | | | 592,175 | | Secretary, Treasurer and | | | | 2011 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 150,000 | | | | | | | | | | 9,060 | | | | 409,060 | | Principal Financial Officer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Glenn H. Clements | | | 2012 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 763,505 | | | | | | 22,815 | | | | 1,866,320 | | | | 2013 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | 180,000 | | | | 1,017,307 | | | | | | 23,809 | | | | 1,621,116 | | Group President | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2012 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 763,505 | | | | | | 22,815 | | | | 1,866,320 | | Direct Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Jason R. Nadeau | | | 2012 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 210,245 | | | | 696,211 | | | | | | | | 1,756,456 | | | | 2013 | | | | 350,000 | | | | | | 210,000 | | | | 540,143 | | | | | | 2,808 | | | | 1,102,951 | | Group President | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2012 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 210,245 | | | | 696,211 | | | | | | | | 1,756,456 | | Mortgage and Title Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Steven M. Lessack | | | 2012 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 472,896 | | | | | | 272,763 | | | | 1,415,659 | | | | 2013 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | 120,000 | | | | 569,592 | | | | | | 135,312 | | | | 1,224,904 | | Group President | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2012 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 472,896 | | | | | | 272,763 | | | | 1,415,659 | | International | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | The amounts listed for 2012 represent one-time transition payments. More information on the transition payments is set forth in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – One-Time Transition Payments.” |
(2) | The dollar amountamounts listed represents cash incentive awards paid to the NEO. More information on fiscal 2012 discretionary bonuses2013 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation is set forth in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Analysis—Elements of 20122013 Named Executive Officer Compensation,” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Analysis—Short Term Incentives for 2012.2013 and Cash-Based Performance Units” for 2013. Amounts listed for 2013 include the following Non-Equity Incentive Compensation: Matthew W. Morris: $445,960 (STI) / $400,000 (RPU); J. Allen Berryman: $153,251 (STI) / $186,000 (RPU); Glenn H. Clements: $777,307 (STI) / $240,000 (RPU); Jason R. Nadeau: $260,143 (STI) / $280,000 (RPU); Steven M. Lessack: $409,592 (STI) / $160,000 (RPU).” |
(3) | See the following table captioned “All Other Compensation.” |
(4) | Represents grant date for fair value of stock awards granted in the designated year completed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information regarding such computations and any related assumptions, see Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.2013. |
The following table shows the components of the compensation included in column (i) of our Summary Compensation table for the year ended December 31, 2012.
All Other Compensation | Item | | Matthew W. Morris | | | J. Allen Berryman | | | Glenn H Clements | | | Steven M. Lessack | | | Matthew W. Morris | | J. Allen Berryman | | Glenn H Clements | | Jason R. Nadeau | | Steven M. Lessack | | Other Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Directors’ fees(1) | | | 2,600 | | | | 2,000 | | | | | | | Life insurance premiums | | | | | | | 5,235 | | | | 2,837 | | | | | | | | 5,985 | | | | | | 32,100 | | Restricted stock dividends | | | 961 | | | | 560 | | | | | | | | 4733 | | | | 2,308 | | | | 2352 | | | | 2,808 | | | | 1,051 | | Cost of living adjustment related to foreign assignment(2) | | | | | | | | | 55,363 | | | Taxes gross-up related to UK tax liability(2) | | | | | | | | | 190,151 | | | Company provided housing in UK(2) | | | | | | | | | 20,879 | | | Tax return preparation(2) | | | | | | | | | 329 | | | Cost of Living Adjustment related to Foreign Assignment(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | 54,884 | | Taxes Related to Foreign Assignment(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | 27,526 | | Housing Related to Foreign Assignment(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | 19,549 | | Tax Return Preparation(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | 202 | | Perquisites | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Personal use of company-owned auto or car allowance | | | 7,200 | | | | 7,200 | | | | 9,600 | | | | | | 7,200 | | | | 7,200 | | | | 9,600 | | | | | | Title insurance reimbursement | | | | | 1,637 | | | | | | 1,698 | | | Tax gross-up on life insurance | | | | | | | 2,459 | | | | 1,506 | | | | | | | | | | | | | Country club dues | | | | | | | 5,521 | | | | | | 22,110 | | | | | | 5,872 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 10,761 | | | $ | 11,397 | | | $ | 22,815 | | | $ | 272,763 | | | $ | 34,043 | | | $ | 9508 | | | $ | 23,809 | | | | 2,808 | | | $ | 135,312 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Until May 2012, our directors who are employees received directors’ fees for attending Company and subsidiary board meetings. In May, the board of directors changed its policy, and directors who are employees are no longer paid director fees. |
(2) | Steven M. Lessack is currently on an international assignment. These amounts are in relation to working outside of the home country. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants of plan-based equity and non-equity awards for the year ended December 31, 2012.2013. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Estimated Future Payouts under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | | Estimated Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | | | | | | Name | | Grant Date | | | Threshold ($) | | | Target ($) | | | Maximum ($) | | | Threshold ($) | | Target ($) | | | Maximum ($) | | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) | | | Grant Date Fair Market Value of Stock and Option Awards ($) | | Matthew W. Morris | | | 1/1/2012 | (1) | | | 120,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 480,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2012 | (2) | | | 100,000 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10/1/2012 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 300,000 | | | | | | 14,742 | | | | 300,000 | | J. Allen Berryman | | | 1/1/2012 | (1) | | | 46,500 | | | | 93,000 | | | | 186,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2012 | (2) | | | 46,500 | | | | 93,000 | | | | 186,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10/1/2012 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 139,500 | | | | | | 6,855 | | | | 139,500 | | Glenn H. Clements | | | 1/1/2012 | (1) | | | 200,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 800,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2012 | (2) | | | 60,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10/16/2012 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 180,000 | | | | | | 8,295 | | | | 180,000 | | Jason R. Nadeau | | | 1/1/2012 | (1) | | | 175,000 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 700,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2012 | (2) | | | 70,000 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 280,000 | | | | | | | | | | �� | | | | | | | | | | | 10/12/2012 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 210,000 | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | 210,000 | | | | | 11/2/2012 | (4) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10 | | | | 245 | | Steven M. Lessack | | | 1/1/2012 | (1) | | | 120,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 480,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2012 | (2) | | | 40,000 | | | | 80,000 | | | | 160,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10/1/2012 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 120,000 | | | | | | 5,897 | | | | 120,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) | | | Grant Date Fair Market Value of Stock and Option Awards ($) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Estimated Future Payouts under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | | Estimated Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | | Name | | Grant Date | | | Threshold ($) | | | Target ($) | | | Maximum ($) | | | Threshold ($) | | Target ($) | | | Maximum ($) | | | Matthew W. Morris | | | 1/1/2013 | (1) | | | 120,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 480,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (2) | | | 100,000 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 300.000 | | | | | | 11,574 | | | | 300,000 | | J. Allen Berryman | | | 1/1/2013 | (1) | | | 46,500 | | | | 93,000 | | | | 186,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (2) | | | 46,500 | | | | 93,000 | | | | 186,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 139,500 | | | | | | 5,382 | | | | 139,500 | | Glenn H. Clements | | | 1/1/2013 | (1) | | | 200,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 800,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (2) | | | 60,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 180,000 | | | | | | 6,944 | | | | 180,000 | | Jason R. Nadeau | | | 1/1/2013 | (1) | | | 175,000 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 700,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (2) | | | 70,000 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 280,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 210,000 | | | | | | 8,102 | | | | 210,000 | | Steven M. Lessack | | | 1/1/2013 | (1) | | | 120,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 480,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (2) | | | 40,000 | | | | 80,000 | | | | 160,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1/1/2013 | (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 120,000 | | | | | | 4,630 | | | | 120,000 | |
(1) | Reflects 20122013 Short Term Incentive Reward. More information on fiscal 20122013 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards is set forth in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Short Term Incentives for 2012.”2013. |
(2) | Reflects estimated Long Term Incentive—Cash-Based Performance Units. More information on fiscal 20122013 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards is set forth in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Long Term Incentives for 2012.2013.” |
(3) | Reflects Long Term Restricted Stock Award. More information on fiscal 20122013 Equity Incentive Plan Awards is set forth in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Long Term Incentives for 2012.2013.” |
(4) | Reflects the 5 Year Employee Service Stock Award. |
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the exercise of options and vesting of common stock awards by our NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested | | | Stock Awards | | | Stock Awards | | Name (a) | | Number of Common Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)(d) | | | Value Realized on Vesting ($) (e) | | | Number of Common Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)(d)(1) | | | Value Realized on Vesting ($) (e)(1) | | Matthew W. Morris | | | 2,000 | | | | 26,420 | | | | 3,307 | | | | 81,220 | | J. Allen Berryman | | | 1,600 | | | | 21,136 | | | | 1,600 | | | | 39,296 | | Glenn H. Clements | | | | | | | | | Steven M. Lessack | | | | | | | | | Jason R. Nadeau | | | 10 | | | | 254 | | | | | |
(1) | These options were part of an earlier Long Term Incentive Plan. The Company no longer uses Stock Options as an incentive. |
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the outstanding equity awards held by each of our NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2012.2013. Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End | | | Option Awards | | | Stock Awards | | | Option Awards | | | Stock Awards | | Name (a) | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable (b) | | | Option Exercise Price ($) (e) | | | Option Expiration Date (f) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (i) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (j) | | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable (b)(1) | | | Option Exercise Price ($) (e)(1) | | | Option Expiration Date (f)(1) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (i) | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (j) | | Matthew Morris | | | 1,600 | | | | 26.83 | | | | 11/30/2017 | | | | 24,356 | | | | 633,256 | | | | 1,600 | | | | 26.83 | | | | 11/30/2017 | | | | 32,587 | | | | 1,051,582 | | Allen Berryman | | | | | | | | | 12,455 | | | | 323,830 | | | | | | | | | | 16,220 | | | | 523,419 | | Glenn H. Clements | | | 2,000 | | | | 39.25 | | | | 6/1/2015 | | | | 8,295 | | | | 215,670 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 39.25 | | | | 6/1/2015 | | | | 15,218 | | | | 491,085 | | Glenn H. Clements | | | 2,000 | | | | 38.01 | | | | 6/1/2016 | | | | | | | | 2,000 | | | | 38.01 | | | | 6/1/2016 | | | | | | Glenn H. Clements | | | 2,000 | | | | 26.83 | | | | 11/30/2017 | | | | | | | | 2,000 | | | | 26.83 | | | | 11/30/2017 | | | | | | Steven M. Lessack | | | | | | | | | 5,897 | | | | 153,322 | | | | | | | | | | 10,512 | | | | 339,222 | | Jason R. Nadeau | | | | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | 260,000 | | | | | | | | | | 18,077 | | | | 583,345 | |
(1) | These options were part of an earlier Long Term Incentive Plan. The Company no longer uses Stock Options as an incentive. |
Defined Contribution Plans The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan, the Stewart 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”), in which all eligible employees are eligible tomay participate upon their date of hire with the Company. In general, a participant in the 401(k) Plan may elect to defer, on a pretax or Roth after-tax basis, a specified percentage of their compensation, subject to certain limitations under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). Contributions by participants whose compensation is in the highly compensated group of employees are subject to certain additional limitations under the IRC. Deferred compensation is contributed to a trust managed for the benefit of the participants. Net investment income (loss) is allocated to participants’ accounts daily based upon the proportion that each participant’s account balance bears to the participant account balances in each investment fund. No matchingMatching contributions were madereinstated in 2012, however a discretionary match was made in March 2013 to all employees that were active in the 401(k) Plan in 2012, and that were still employed by the Company on December 31, 2012.plan. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans The Company established the Stewart Information Services Corporation 1999 Salary Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), effective January 1, 1999, and amended and restated it on January 1, 2005. The Deferred Compensation Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained primarily to provide deferred compensation benefits for a select group of management or highly compensated employees. Assets are held in a separate rabbi trust to pay Plan benefits. Rabbi trust assets are subject to the claims of creditors of the Company in the event of bankruptcy. NoneOne of the NEOs (Matthew W. Morris) participated in the Deferred Compensation Plan in 2012.2013. Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control Each of the NEOsexecutives (or their beneficiaries) would be entitled to certain payments upon termination of employment. In the case of death, these would include the following “Accrued Amounts”: Any portion of the NEO’sexecutives’s accrued but unpaid base salary and accrued but unused vacation time that shall have been earned prior to the termination but not yet paid; Any short term incentive and long term incentive payments for the prior fiscal year that shall have been earned prior to the termination and not yet paid; Any employee benefits (401(k) Plan) that have vested as of the date of termination as a result of participation in any of the Company’s benefit plans; and Any expenses with respect to which they are entitled to reimbursement. In the case of retirement, or involuntary termination without “Cause” or “Good Reason(1)Reason (1),” in exchange for a general release of claims, the NEOexecutive is generally entitled to: Twelve to twenty four months of base salary (2x Base for CEO; 1x Base for all other NEOs)executives); An extension of medical benefits at the employee rate for up to 12 months; All unvested long-term incentive compensation that becomes fully vested and unrestricted as a result of this type of Termination; and Outplacement services not to exceed $10,000. If terminated upon disability, the executive would be limited solely to the payment of the Accrued Amounts, and all unvested long-term incentive compensation would become fully vested and unrestricted. (1) | “Good Reason” includes, among other things (as affected by the terms and conditions of the employment agreement), the NEO’s voluntary termination of his employment agreement in the event of a breach of his employment agreement by the Company. |
The following table estimates the amount that would have been payable to each Named Executive Officer upon termination of employment under each of the identified circumstances as of December 31, 2012: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Matthew W. Morris | | Retirement ($) | | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | | For Cause Termination ($) | | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | | Change in Control ($) | | | Disability ($) | | | Death ($) | | Cash Severance | | | 800,000 | | | | 800,000 | | | | — | | | | 800,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Nonequity Incentive Compensation | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash-Based Performance Units | | | 66,667 | | | | 66,667 | | | | — | | | | 200,000 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 66,667 | | | | 66,667 | | Accelerated Vesting of Performance Based Restricted Stock | | | 300,000 | | | | 300,000 | | | | — | | | | 600,000 | | | | 600,000 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 300,000 | | Continuation of Insurance Benefits | | | 21,685 | | | | 21,685 | | | | — | | | | 21,685 | | | | — | | | | 21,685 | | | | — | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Outplacement | | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Total | | | 1,188,352 | | | | 1,198,352 | | | | — | | | | 1,631,685 | | | | 800,000 | | | | 388,352 | | | | 366,667 | | | | | | | | | | J. Allen Berryman | | Retirement ($) | | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | | For Cause Termination ($) | | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | | Change in Control ($) | | | Disability ($) | | | Death ($) | | Cash Severance | | | 310,000 | | | | 310,000 | | | | — | | | | 310,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Nonequity Incentive Compensation | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash-Based Performance Units | | | 31,000 | | | | 31,000 | | | | — | | | | 93,000 | | | | 93,000 | | | | 31,000 | | | | 31,000 | | Accelerated Vesting of Performance Based Restricted Stock | | | 139,500 | | | | 139,500 | | | | | | | | 279,000 | | | | 279,000 | | | | 139,500 | | | | 139,500 | | Continuation of Insurance Benefits | | | 21,685 | | | | 21,685 | | | | — | | | | 21,685 | | | | — | | | | 21,685 | | | | — | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Outplacement | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Total | | | 502,185 | | | | 512,185 | | | | — | | | | 713,685 | | | | 372,000 | | | | 192,185 | | | | 170,500 | | | | | | | | | | Glenn H. Clements | | Retirement ($) | | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | | For Cause Termination ($) | | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | | Change in Control ($) | | | Disability ($) | | | Death ($) | | Cash Severance | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | | | 400,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Nonequity Incentive Compensation | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash-Based Performance Units | | | 40,000 | | | | 40,000 | | | | — | | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 40,000 | | | | 40,000 | | Accelerated Vesting of Performance Based Restricted Stock | | | 180,000 | | | | 180,000 | | | | — | | | | 360,000 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 180,000 | | Continuation of Insurance Benefits | | | 23,052 | | | | 23,052 | | | | — | | | | 23,052 | | | | — | | | | 23,052 | | | | — | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | ��� | | | | — | | | | — | | Outplacement | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Total | | | 643,052 | | | | 653,052 | | | | — | | | | 913,052 | | | | 480,000 | | | | 243,052 | | | | 220,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Matthew W. Morris | | Retirement ($) | | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | | For Cause Termination ($) | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | | Change in Control ($) | | | Disability ($) | | | Death ($) | | Cash Severance | | | 800,000 | | | | 800,000 | | | | | | 800,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nonequity Incentive Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash-Based Performance Units | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | | | 240,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | Accelerated Vesting of Performance Based RestrictedStock | | | 53,333 | | | | 53,000 | | | | | | 160,000 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 53,333 | | | | 53,333 | | Continuation of Insurance Benefits | | | 23,621 | | | | 23,621 | | | | | | 23,621 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Outplacement | | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total | | | 996,955 | | | | 1,006,955 | | | | | | 1,233,621 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 196,955 | | | | 173,333 | | | | | | | | | | J. Allen Berryman | | Retirement ($) | | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | | For Cause Termination ($) | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | | Change in Control ($) | | | Disability ($) | | | Death ($) | | Cash Severance | | | 310,000 | | | | 310,000 | | | | | | 310,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nonequity Incentive Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash-Based Performance Units | | | 93,000 | | | | 93,000 | | | | | | 186,000 | | | | 186,000 | | | | 93,000 | | | | 93,000 | | Accelerated Vesting of Performance Based RestrictedStock | | | 41,333 | | | | 41,333 | | | | | | 124,000 | | | | 124,000 | | | | 41,333 | | | | 41,333 | | Continuation of Insurance Benefits | | | 25,824 | | | | 25,824 | | | | | | 25,824 | | | | | | | | 25,824 | | | | | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Outplacement | | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total | | | 470,157 | | | | 480,157 | | | | | | 655,824 | | | | 310,000 | | | | 160,157 | | | | 134,333 | |
| Glenn H. Clements | | Retirement ($) | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | For Cause Termination ($) | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | Change in Control ($) | | Disability ($) | | Death ($) | | | Cash Severance | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | | | | Nonequity Incentive Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash-Based Performance Units | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | | | 240,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | Accelerated Vesting of Performance Based Restricted Stock | | | 53,333 | | | | 53,333 | | | | | | 160,00 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 53,333 | | | | 53,333 | | | Continulion of Insurance Benefits | | | 22,142 | | | | 22,142 | | | | | | | | | | | | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Outplacement | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | | | | Total | | | 595,475 | | | | 605,475 | | | | | | 832,142 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 195,475 | | | | 173,333 | | | | Jason R. Nadeau | | Retirement ($) | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | For Cause Termination ($) | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | Change in Control ($) | | Disability ($) | | Death ($) | | | Retirement ($) | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | For Cause Termination ($) | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | Change in Control ($) | | Disability ($) | | Death ($) | | Cash Severance | | | 350,000 | | | | 350,000 | | | | | | 350,000 | | | | | | | | | | 350,000 | | | | 350,000 | | | | — | | | | 350,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Nonequity Incentive Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash-Based Performance Units | | | 105,000 | | | | 105,000 | | | | | | 210,000 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 105,000 | | | | 105,000 | | | | 46,667 | | | | 46,667 | | | | — | | | | 140,000 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 46,667 | | | | 46,667 | | Accelerated Vesting of Performance Based Restricted Stock | | | 46,667 | | | | 46,667 | | | | | | 140,000 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 46,667 | | | | 46,667 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 210,000 | | | | — | | | | 420,000 | | | | 420,000 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 210,000 | | Continulion of Insurance Benefits | | | 23,849 | | | | 23,849 | | | | | | 23,849 | | | | | | 23,849 | | | | | Continuation of Insurance Benefits | | | | 23,590 | | | | 23,590 | | | | — | | | | 23,590 | | | | — | | | | 23,590 | | | | — | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Outplacement | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Total | | | 525,516 | | | | 535,516 | | | | | | 733,849 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 175,516 | | | | 151,667 | | | | 630,257 | | | | 640,257 | | | | — | | | | 943,590 | | | | 560,000 | | | | 280,257 | | | | 256,667 | | | Steven M. Lessack | | | Retirement ($) | | Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Termination for Good Reason ($) | | For Cause Termination ($) | | Termination in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | | Change in Control ($) | | Disability ($) | | Death ($) | | Cash Severance | | | 500,000 | | | | 500,000 | | | | | | 500,000 | | | | | | | | | | 500,000 | | | | 500,000 | | | | — | | | | 500,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Nonequity Incentive Conipaniition | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash -Based Performance Units | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | | | 240,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | Nonequity Incentive Compensation | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Accelerated Vesting of Cash-Based Performance Units | | | | 26,667 | | | | 26,667 | | | | — | | | | 80,000 | | | | 80,000 | | | | 26,667 | | | | 26,667 | | Accelerated Vesting of Performance Based Restricted Stock | | | 53,333 | | | | 53,333 | | | | | | 160,000 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 53,333 | | | | 53,333 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | — | | | | 240,000 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 120,000 | | Continulion of Insurance Benefits | | | 10,947 | | | | 10,947 | | | | | | 10,947 | | | | | | 10,947 | | | | | Continuation of Insurance Benefits | | | | 7,861 | | | | 7,861 | | | | — | | | | 7,861 | | | | — | | | | 7,861 | | | | — | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Outplacement | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | 10,000 | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Total | | | 684,281 | | | | 694,281 | | | | | | 920,947 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 184,281 | | | | 173,333 | | | | 654,528 | | | | 664,528 | | | | — | | | | 837,861 | | | | 320,000 | | | | 154,528 | | | | 146,667 | |
Compensation of Directors Our directors received fees as follows during the year ended December 31, 2012:2013: Director Compensation | Name (a) | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash (2)(b) | | Bonus (4) | | Stock Awards ($)(1) (c) | | Change in Defined Benefit Plan Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(5) (d) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3) (e) | | All Other Compensation ($) (g) | | Total ($) (h) | | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash (2)(b) | | Bonus (4) | | Stock Awards ($)(1) (c) | | Change in Defined Benefit Plan Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) (d) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3) (e) | | All Other Compensation ($) (g) | | Total ($) (h) | | Dr. E. Douglas Hodo | | | 142,000 | | | | | | 86,000 | | | | | | | | | | 228,000 | | | | 87,009 | | | | | | 86,000 | | | | | | | | | | 173,009 | | Catherine A. Allen | | | 93,000 | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | | | 4,000 | | | | 137,000 | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | 86,000 | | | | | | | | 4,000 | | | | 130,000 | | Thomas G. Apel | | | 67,750 | | | | | | 86,000 | | | | | | | | 4,000 | | | | 157,750 | | | | 105,000 | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | | | 4,000 | | | | 149,000 | | Robert L. Clarke | | | 55,250 | | | | | | 86,000 | | | | | | | | | | 141,250 | | | | 54,500 | | | | | | 86,000 | | | | | | | | | | 140,500 | | Paul W. Hobby . | | | 71,750 | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | | | | | 111,750 | | | Paul W. Hobby | | | | 73,000 | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | | | | | 113,000 | | Laurie C. Moore | | | 117,000 | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | | | | | 157,000 | | | | 111,000 | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | | | | | 151,000 | | Malcolm S. Morris | | | 290,116 | (2) | | | 150,000 | | | | | | | | 103,895 | | | | 38,830 | | | | 582,841 | | | | 275,000 | (2) | | | 150,000 | | | | | | 50,703 | | | | 156,604 | | | | 1,236 | | | | 633,543 | | Stewart Morris, Jr. | | | 290,116 | (2) | | | 150,000 | | | | | | 114,000 | | | | 103,895 | | | | 12,594 | | | | 670,605 | | | | 275,000 | (2) | | | 150,000 | | | | | | | | 156,604 | | | | 7,689 | | | | 589,293 | | Dr. W. Arthur Porter | | | 103,000 | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | | | | | 143,000 | | | | 94,000 | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | | | | | 134,000 | |
(1) | The annual stock award to directors was valued based on the market value per share of Common Stock at the close of business on the first business day following the 20122013 annual meeting of stockholders. |
(2) | Malcolm S. Morris and Stewart Morris, Jr. received salaries under their employment agreements with the Company in lieu of SISCO Director’s Fees. |
(3) | The board approved, in March 2012, the grant of 16,921 units of phantom stock to each of Malcolm S. Morris and Stewart Morris, Jr. The phantom stock units can be settled solely in cash and vest 50% at grant, 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and 25% on the second anniversary of the grant date. This was the final year of payment related to this phantom stock. |
(4) | Malcolm S. Morris and Stewart Morris, Jr. received transition incentive paymentsTransition Incentive Payments under their employment agreements with the Company. More information is found under “Compensation of the Vice Chairmen” in this section. |
(5) | Malcolm S. Morris experienced a negative change in the value of his Defined Benefit Plan for 2012. |
Compensation for our non-management directors for 20122013 consisted of: cash compensation, consisting of annual retainers for all board members and Committee Chairs, equity compensation consisting of stock awards, and certain other compensation. Each of the current components of our non-management director compensation is described in more detail below. In 2012,2013, we paid an annual retainer to board members and Committee Chairs as follows: Annual cash board retainer of $40,000 Annual stock board retainer of $40,000 Annual cash Chairman of the Board retainer of $70,000 Annual cash Committee Chair retainers in the following amounts: Compensation—$5,00010,000 Technology Advisory—$5,000 Nominating & Corporate Governance—$5,000 Meeting fees in the following amounts: Board of Directors—$3,000 in-person / $2,000 telephonic (in the event a director must travel from out of state an additional $1,000 fee is paid) Executive—$2,500 ($250 for written approval) Technology Advisory—$2,000 Nominating and Corporate Governance—$2,000 Directors have the option to take the entire retainer in stock. They must notify the corporate secretary of such election by January 31 of each year. If they choose this option they will be granted a 15% bonus on the portion that would otherwise be paid in cash, payable in stock only. In addition, we reimburse reasonable expenses incurred for attendance at Board and Committee meetings. See “All Other Compensation,” below. All Other Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Item | | Catherine A. Allen | | | Thomas G. Apel | | | Malcolm S. Morris | | | Stewart Morris, Jr. | | Other Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Subsidiary company directors’ fees(1) | | | | | | | | | | | 2,100 | | | | 2,100 | | Travel fees(2) | | | 4,000 | | | | 4,000 | | | | | | | | | | Gift of company car to director(3) | | | | | | | | | | | 20,500 | | | | | | Perquisites | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Personal use of company-owned auto or car allowance(3) | | | | | | | | | | | 3,787 | | | | 2,476 | | Home security(3) | | | | | | | | | | | 4,200 | | | | 824 | | Tax gross-up on life insurance(3) | | | | | | | | | | | 523 | | | | 206 | | Country club dues(3) | | | | | | | | | | | 7,720 | | | | 6,988 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 4,000 | | | $ | 4,000 | | | $ | 38,830 | | | $ | 12,594 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Item | | Catherine A. Allen | | | Thomas G. Apel | | | Malcolm S. Morris | | | Stewart Morris, Jr. | | Other Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Travel fees(1) | | | 4,000 | | | | 4,000 | | | | | | | | | | Restricted stock dividends | | | | | | | | | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,000 | | Life insurance premiums | | | | | | | | | | | 236 | | | | 604 | | Perquisites | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Transition Expenses(2) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 6,085 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 4,000 | | | $ | 4,000 | | | $ | 1,236 | | | $ | 7,689 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Until May 2012, our directors who are employees received directors’ fees for attending Company and subsidiary board meetings. In May, the board of directors changed its policy, and directors who are employees are no longer paid director fees. |
(2) | Directors who reside outside of the state receive a travel fee of $1,000 for attendance at in-person meetings. |
(3)(2) | Malcolm S. Morris and Stewart Morris, Jr. received perquisites forExpenses related to the 2012 as consideration for enteringtransition into new employment agreements.agreements and include attorney fees, 2012 financial planning fees, and safe deposit box rental. These perquisitesexpenses are one time and will not be continued into 2013 and throughout the agreement period.continue. More information is set forth in “Compensation of Vice Chairmen.Chairman.” |
Compensation of Vice Chairmen As reported in last year’sthe 2011 proxy, in November of 2011, the board of directorsBoard selected a new CEO, and Dr. E. Douglas Hodo, an independent director, was selected as Chairman of the board of directors.Board. The former Co-CEOs, Malcolm S. Morris and Stewart Morris, Jr. (who also served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the board of directors,Board, respectively and who, at that time controlled the majority of our Class B stock) moved into non-operational roles, as Vice Chairmen of the board, with the Company, each with an annual salary of $275,000 and a one-time 2011 phantom stock grant in lieu of cash bonuses which would have been earned for 2011 under our former compensation plan. In their new roles, they serve as Company ambassadors and advisors performing tasks assigned by the CEO and board. For example, Stewart Morris, Jr. was asked to serve as a member of the board of directorsBoard of the American Land Title Association, a position ensuring that the Company has a voice at the major title industry association. To retain the Vice Chairmen’s considerable experience and knowledge over the transition period, ensure that their new non-operational advisor relationships were clear and that their employment was limited in time, the Compensation Committee endeavored to negotiate signed employment agreements. After thoughtful and substantive conversations and negotiation, employment contracts were signed. The terms of the employment agreement include a Deferred Transition Incentive payment of $750,000 to be paid to each of the Vice Chairmen at a rate not to exceed $150,000 each year during the first four years of the employment term. To be certain that the annual transition payment is affordable to the Company, the full annual transition amount will be paid only if the Company’s net annual Company earnings are at least $30 million for each of the relevant fiscal years. Should the Company earn less than $30 million during any fiscal year, the annual payment for that year will be reduced proportionally. At the end of the five year employment period, each Vice Chairman will receive an amount equal to $750,000 less the total of the Deferred TransactionTransition Incentive previously paid. The signed employment agreements are consistent with those of Company officers and provide for resignations as Vice ChairmenChairman at the end of the term. Consistent with Company policy, as employees of the Company, the Vice Chairmen receive no cash, stock, or other fees for serving on the board of directors.Board. Compensation Committee Report To the Board of Directors of Stewart Information Services Corporation: The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement with the Company’s management and, based on that review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement. | | | | | Members of the Compensation Committee | | | | | Laurie C. Moore, Chair | | | Catherine A. Allen | | | Dr. W. Arthur Porter | | | Dated: March 5, 20136, 2014 | | |
PROPOSAL NO. 2 ADVISORY VOTE REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 1720 of this proxy statement describes the Company’s executive compensation program and the compensation decisions made by the Compensation Committee and the board of directors for 20122013 with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 3138 (whom we refer to as the NEOs). The board of directors is asking stockholders to cast a non-bindingnon- binding advisory vote on the following resolution: “RESOLVED, that the stockholders of the Company approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the executive compensation tables and the related footnotes and narrative accompanying the tables).” The board of directors is asking stockholders to support this proposal. While the advisory vote we are asking you to cast is non-binding, the Compensation Committee and the board of directors value the views of our stockholders and will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future compensation decisions for our NEOs. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE ADVISORY RESOLUTION REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. PROPOSAL NO. 3 RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG KPMG LLP AS STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR 20132014 KPMG LLP served as our principal independent auditors for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.2013. Our Audit Committee has reappointed KPMG LLP as our principal independent auditors for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.2014. Our stockholders are being asked to vote to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection of KPMG LLP and will either continue to retain this firm or appoint new independent auditors. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, appoint different independent auditors at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the Company’s and the stockholders’ best interests. We expect representatives of KPMG LLP to be present at the meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and to be available to respond to appropriate questions. Audit and Other Fees The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP for each of our last two fiscal years: | | | Year Ended December 31 | | | Year Ended December 31 | | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | Audit fees(1) | | $ | 1,490,455 | | | $ | 1,473,054 | | | $ | 1,704,978 | | | $ | 1,490,455 | | Audit-related fees | | | | | | Tax fees(2) | | $ | 8,840 | | | $ | 8,160 | | | Audit-related fees Tax fees(2) | | | $ | 8,156 | | | $ | 8,840 | | All other fees | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Fees for the audit of our annual financial statements, the audit of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and services that are normally provided by KPMG LLP in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the fiscal years shown. |
(2) | Fees for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP primarily for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
The Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for us by our independent auditor. Since May 6, 2003, the effective date of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules requiring preapproval of audit and non-audit services, 100% of the services identified in the preceding table were preapproved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees consisting of one or more members when appropriate, including the authority to grant preapprovals of audit and permitted non-audit services, provided that the subcommittee will present all decisions to grant preapprovals to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP AS STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR 2013.2014. REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Audit Committee serves as the representative of the board of directors for the general oversight of Stewart’s processes in the following areas: financial accounting and reporting, systems of internal control, audit, and monitoring compliance with laws and regulations and standards for corporate compliance. Stewart’s management has primary responsibility for preparing the consolidated financial statements and for Stewart’s financial reporting process. Stewart’s independent auditors, KPMG LLP, are responsible for expressing an opinion on Stewart’s consolidated financial statements, and whether such financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In this context, the Audit Committee hereby reports as follows: 1. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with Stewart’s management. 2. The Audit Committee hasalso discussed with the independent auditorsregistered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1 AU Section 380), asindependent registered public accounting firm with the Audit Committee under applicable rules adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.PCAOB. 3. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditors’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent auditors the independent auditors’ independence. 4. Based on the review and discussions referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the board of directors that the audited financial statements be included in Stewart’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20122013 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of the members of the Audit Committee is “independent” as defined under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The undersigned members of the Audit Committee have submitted this report: | | | | | Robert L. Clarke, Chair | | | Thomas G. Apel | | | Laurie C. Moore | | | Dated: March 6, 2013February 18, 2014 | | |
PROPOSAL NO. 4 APPROVAL OF THE STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION 2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN At its March 6, 2014 meeting, the board of directors unanimously adopted the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting. If approved, the Equity Incentive Plan will become effective as of March 6, 2014. The Equity Incentive Plan is provided as Appendix I to this proxy statement. Existing awards under the Company’s current equity incentive plan, the Stewart Information Services Corporation Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, will remain in full force and effect in accordance with the plan’s terms. No new awards will be made under the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan or the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan after approval of the Equity Incentive Plan by stockholders. Stockholder approval of the Equity Incentive Plan is required under the rules of the NYSE. The Company is also asking the stockholders to approve the Equity Incentive Plan for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). Description of the Equity Incentive Plan The following summary describes briefly the principal features of the Equity Incentive Plan, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Equity Incentive Plan, which is provided as Appendix I to this Proxy Statement. Purpose The purpose of the Equity Incentive Plan is to provide a means through which the Company may attract qualified persons to serve as directors or consultants or to enter the employ of the Company and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities of the successful administration and management of the Company rest, and whose present and potential contributions to the Company are of importance, can acquire and maintain stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the welfare of the Company. A further purpose of the Equity Incentive Plan is to provide such individuals with additional incentive and reward opportunities designed to enhance the profitable growth of the Company. Administration Generally, the Equity Incentive Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee, which is and will be composed of independent directors of the Company. The Compensation Committee will have full authority, subject to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, to establish rules and regulations for the proper administration of the Equity Incentive Plan, to select the employees, consultants and directors to whom awards are granted, and to set the date of grant, the type of award that shall be made and the other terms of the awards. Eligibility All employees, consultants and directors of the Company and its affiliates are eligible to participate in the Equity Incentive Plan. The selection of those employees, consultants and directors, from among those eligible, who will receive awards is within the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Term of the Plan The Equity Incentive Plan will terminate on March 6, 2024, after which time no additional awards may be made under the Equity Incentive Plan. Number of Shares Subject to Equity Incentive Plan and Award Limits A total of 1,000,000 shares would be available for grants under the Equity Incentive Plan, representing 4.4% of the Company’s outstanding shares as of March 24, 2014. The closing price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE on March 24, 2014 was $[—]. To the extent that an award terminates or lapses for any reason, any shares subject to the award shall not be used again for new grants under the Equity Incentive Plan. In addition, shares tendered or withheld to satisfy the grant or exercise price or tax withholding obligation shall not be used for grants under the Equity Incentive Plan. No participant may receive awards with respect to more than 150,000 shares in any calendar year. The limitation described in the preceding sentence may be adjusted upon a reorganization, stock split, recapitalization or other change in the Company’s capital structure. The maximum amount of awards denominated in cash that may be granted to any participant during any calendar year may not exceed $5,000,000. It is not possible at this time to determine the benefits or amounts that will be received by or allocated to participants under the Equity Incentive Plan. Types of Awards The Equity Incentive Plan permits the granting of any or all of the following types of awards (“Awards”): (1) stock options, (2) restricted stock awards, (3) restricted performance units, (4) stock appreciation rights, (5) stock units and (6) performance awards. Stock Options The term of each option shall be as specified by the Compensation Committee at the date of grant, but in no event shall an option be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the date of grant. An option shall be exercisable in whole or in such installments and at such times as determined by the Compensation Committee. Each option shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Award Agreement in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Equity Incentive Plan as the Compensation Committee from time to time shall approve, including, without limitation, provisions to qualify an Incentive Stock Option under Code Section 422. Each Stock Option Award Agreement shall specify the effect of termination of (i) employment, (ii) the consulting or advisory relationship, or (iii) membership on the Board, as applicable, on the exercisability of the Option. The terms and conditions of the respective Award Agreements need not be identical. Subject to the consent of the participant, the Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Stock Option Award Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, an amendment that accelerates the time at which the option, or a portion thereof; may be exercisable). The option price will be determined by the Compensation Committee and will be no less than the fair market value of the shares on the date that the option is granted, except for adjustments for certain changes in the Company’s common stock. The Compensation Committee may determine the method by which the option price may be paid upon exercise. Moreover, a Stock Option Award Agreement may provide for a “cashless exercise” of the option by establishing procedures satisfactory to the Compensation Committee with respect thereto. Further, a Stock Option Award Agreement may provide for the surrender of the right to purchase shares under the option in return for a payment under a Stock Appreciation Right. Except in connection with certain recapitalizations or reorganizations as contemplated by the Equity Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee may not, without approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend any outstanding Stock Option Award Agreement to lower the option price. Restricted Stock Awards Awards may be granted in the form of restricted stock (“Restricted Stock Award”). Shares of Common Stock that are the subject of a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to restrictions on disposition by the participant and an obligation of the participant to forfeit and surrender the shares to the Company under certain circumstances (the “Forfeiture Restrictions”). The Forfeiture Restrictions shall be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, and the Compensation Committee may provide that the Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse upon (i) the attainment of one or more performance goals, (ii) the participant’s continued employment with the Company or continued service as a consultant or director for a specified period of time, (iii) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, or (iv) a combination of any of the foregoing. Each Restricted Stock Award may have different Forfeiture Restrictions, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Common Stock awarded pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award shall be represented by a stock certificate registered in the name of the participant. Unless provided otherwise in an Award Agreement, the participant shall have the right to receive dividends with respect to Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award, to vote Common Stock subject thereto and to enjoy all other stockholder rights, except that (i) the participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (ii) the Company shall retain custody of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (iii) the Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, and (iv) a breach of the terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee pursuant to the Award Agreement shall cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Award. At the time of such Award, the Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms, conditions or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the termination of employment or service as a consultant or director (by retirement, disability, death or otherwise) of a participant prior to expiration of the Forfeitures Restrictions. Such additional terms, conditions or restrictions shall be set forth in an Award Agreement made in conjunction with the Award. The terms and provisions of Restricted Stock Award Agreements need not be identical. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion and as of a date determined by the Compensation Committee, fully vest any or all Common Stock awarded to a participant pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award and, upon such vesting, all restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock Award shall terminate as of such date. Any such action by the Compensation Committee may vary among individual Participants and may vary among the Restricted Stock Awards held by any individual Participant. However, the Compensation Committee may not take any such action with respect to a Restricted Stock Award that has been designated as a qualified performance-based award. Restricted Performance Units Restricted Performance Units are rights to receive shares of Common Stock (or the fair market value thereof), or rights to receive an amount equal to any appreciation or increase in the fair market value of Common Stock over a specified period of time, which vest over a period of time as established by the Compensation Committee and with the satisfaction of certain performance criteria or objectives. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, require payment or other conditions of the participant respecting any Restricted Performance Unit. The Compensation Committee shall establish, with respect to and at the time of each Restricted Performance Unit, a period over which the award shall vest with respect to the participant. In determining the value of Restricted Performance Units, the Compensation Committee shall take into account a participant’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate. Following the end of the vesting period for a Restricted Performance Unit (or at such other time as the applicable Restricted Performance Unit Agreement may provide), the holder of a Restricted Performance Unit shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount, not exceeding the maximum value of the Restricted Performance Unit, based on the then vested value of the award. Payment of a Restricted Performance Unit may be made in cash, Common Stock, or a combination thereof as determined by the Compensation Committee. Payment shall be made in a lump sum or in installments as prescribed by the Compensation Committee. Any payment to be made in cash shall be based on the fair market value of the Common Stock on the payment date. Cash dividend equivalents may be paid during or after the vesting period with respect to a Restricted Performance Unit, as determined by the Compensation Committee. A Restricted Performance Unit shall terminate if the participant does not remain continuously in the employ of the Company and its subsidiaries or does not continue to perform services as a consultant or a director for the Company and its subsidiaries at all times during the applicable vesting period, except as may be otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The terms and provisions of Restricted Performance Unit Agreements need not be identical. Stock Appreciation Rights A Stock Appreciation Right is an award that may or may not be granted in tandem with an option, and entitles the holder to receive an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock at the time of exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right and the base amount, subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the tandem options and the Equity Incentive Plan. A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle the holder of an option to receive, upon the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right, shares of Common Stock (valued at their fair market value at the time of exercise), cash, or a combination thereof, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, in an amount equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right as of the date of such exercise over the purchase price of the Stock Appreciation Right. If granted in tandem with an option, the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will result in the surrender of the related option and, unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, the exercise of an option will result in the surrender of a related Stock Appreciation Right, if any. The terms and provisions of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreements need not be identical. The “expiration date” with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Compensation Committee, and if granted in tandem with an option, shall be not later than the expiration date for the related option. If neither the right nor the related option is exercised before the end of the day on which the right ceases to be exercisable, such right shall be deemed exercised as of such date and payment shall be made to the holder in cash. Stock Units The Compensation Committee may grant Stock Units to eligible individuals upon such terms and conditions as it may determine. A “Stock Unit” Award is the grant of a right to receive shares of Common Stock or cash in the future. The minimum vesting or performance period for Awards of Stock Units shall be determined by the Compensation Committee. For each participant, the Compensation Committee will determine the timing of awards; the number of Stock Units awarded; the value of Stock Units, which may be stated either in cash or in shares of Common Stock; any performance measures used for determining whether the Stock Units are earned; the number of earned Stock Units that will be paid in cash and/or shares of Common Stock; and whether dividend equivalents will be paid on Stock Units, either currently or on a deferred basis. A participant’s Award Agreement shall designated the extent to which an award shall become vested if the participant’s employment is terminated (i) without cause, (ii) by the Participant resigns for good reason or voluntary retirement, or (iii) as a result of the participant’s death or disability. If no such designation is made, then any unvested Stock Units shall be forfeited. In the event the participant’s employment or service with the Company terminates for cause, the Participant terminates employment due to a corporate change, or the Participant violates the confidentiality, non-competition, conflicts of interest, or non-solicitation provisions applicable to his relationship with the Company during a performance period or prior to the delivery date for deferred Stock Units, any unvested Stock Units will be forfeited on the date his employment or service with the Company terminates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee may determine that the participant will be entitled to receive all or any portion of the Stock Units that he would otherwise receive, and may accelerate the determination and payment of the shares or units or make such other adjustments as the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, deems desirable. An award may provide that in the event of a corporate change, all unvested Stock Units held by a participant shall become immediately vested upon the corporate change and the level of vesting that shall occur. The terms and provisions of Stock Unit Award Agreements need not be identical. Performance Awards The Equity Incentive Plan provides the Compensation Committee the ability to (i) grant Restricted Stock Awards, Stock Unit Awards, and Restricted Performance Units as qualified performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and (ii) grant Performance Awards that are settled in cash or shares of Common Stock based on the satisfaction of performance criteria and, where applicable, to cause such awards to be qualified performance-based compensation as discussed below under “Deductibility of Executive Compensation.” A Performance Award shall be awarded to a participant contingent upon future performance of the Company or any Subsidiary, division, or department thereof during the performance period. The Compensation Committee shall designate (i) the performance criteria for each performance award, (ii) the performance period for each performance award, and (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to, or the maximum value of, the performance award. In determining the value of Performance Awards, the Compensation Committee shall take into account a participant’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for a reduction in the value of a participant’s Performance Award during a performance period. Following the end of the performance period, the holder of a Performance Award shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount not exceeding the number of shares of Common Stock subject to, or the maximum value of, the Performance Award, based on the achievement of the performance measures for such performance period, as determined and certified in writing by the Compensation Committee. Payment of a Performance Award may be made in a lump sum in cash, Common Stock, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Compensation Committee, and shall be made no later than 2-1/2 months after the end of the performance period. If a Performance Award covering shares of Common Stock is to be paid in cash, such payment shall be based on the fair market value of the Common Stock on the payment date. A Performance Award shall terminate if the participant does not remain continuously in the employ of the Company or does not continue to perform services as a consultant or a director for the Company at all times during the applicable performance period, except as may be determined by the Compensation Committee. Federal Income Tax Consequences The following is a brief summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the grant, vesting and exercise of awards under the Equity Incentive Plan. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive, and, among other things, does not describe state, local or non-United States tax consequences, or the effect of gift, estate or inheritance taxes. Individuals receiving option awards under the Equity Incentive Plan should rely upon their own tax advisors for advice concerning the specific tax consequences applicable to them, including the applicability and effect of state, local and foreign tax laws. Options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan may be either incentive stock options, which satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or non-statutory stock options, which are not intended to meet such requirements. The federal income tax treatment for the two types of options differs, as described below. Incentive Stock Options An optionee will not recognize any taxable income at the time of the award of an incentive stock option. In addition, an optionee will not recognize any taxable income at the time of the exercise of an incentive stock option (although taxable income may arise at the time of exercise for alternative minimum tax purposes) if the optionee has been an employee of the Company at all times beginning with the option award date and ending three months before the date of exercise (or twelve months in the case of termination of employment due to disability). If the optionee has not been so employed during that time, the optionee will be taxed as described below for non-statutory stock options. If the optionee disposes of the shares purchased through the exercise of an incentive stock option more than two years after the option was granted and more than one year after the option was exercised, then the optionee will recognize any gain or loss upon disposition of those shares as capital gain or loss. However, if the optionee disposes of the shares prior to satisfying these holding periods (known as a “disqualifying disposition”), the optionee will be obligated to report as taxable ordinary income for the year in which that disposition occurs the excess, with certain adjustments, of (i) the fair market value of the shares disposed of on the date of exercise over (ii) the exercise price paid for those shares. Any additional gain realized by the optionee on the disqualifying disposition would be capital gain. If the total amount realized in a disqualifying disposition is less than the exercise price of the incentive stock option, the difference would be a capital loss for the optionee. The Company will generally be entitled at the time of the disqualifying disposition to a tax deduction equal to that amount of ordinary income reported by the optionee. Non-Statutory Options An optionee will not recognize any taxable income at the time of the award of a non-statutory option. The optionee will recognize ordinary income in the year in which the optionee exercises the option equal to the excess of the fair market value of the purchased shares on the exercise date over the exercise price paid for the shares, and the optionee will be required at that time to satisfy the tax withholding requirements applicable to such income. Any appreciation or depreciation in the fair market value of those shares after the exercise date will generally result in a capital gain or loss to the optionee at the time he or she disposes of those shares. The Company will generally be entitled to an income tax deduction at the time of exercise equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee at that time. Restricted Stock Awards The recipient of shares of restricted stock will not recognize any taxable income at the time of the award so long as the shares of Common Stock are not transferable and are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Accordingly, the Company is not entitled to a compensation deduction at that time. The recipient will have to report as ordinary income as and when those shares of Common Stock subsequently vest, that is, when they either become transferable or are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, an amount equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of the shares upon vesting over (ii) the cash consideration (if any) paid for the shares. The Company will, subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, then be entitled to a corresponding compensation deduction. All dividends and distributions (or the cash equivalent thereof) with respect to a restricted stock award paid to the employee before the risk of forfeiture lapses will also be compensation income to the participant when paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the recipient of a restricted stock award may elect under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at the time of grant of the restricted stock award based on the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date of the award, in which case (1) subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount, (2) dividends paid to the recipient during the period the forfeiture restrictions apply will be taxable as dividends and will not be deductible by the Company and (3) there will be no further federal income tax consequences when the risk of forfeiture lapses. In such case, any appreciation or depreciation in the fair market value of those shares of Common Stock after grant will generally result in a capital gain or loss to the recipient at the time he or she disposes of those shares. This election must be made not later than thirty days after the grant of the restricted stock award and is irrevocable. Restricted Performance Units Restricted performance units are not subject to taxation at the time of grant, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction at that time, assuming that the restrictions constitute a substantial risk of forfeiture for federal income tax purposes. When the risk of forfeiture with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to the award lapses, the participant will realize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock received in settlement for the units at such time over the amount, if any, paid for the shares, and subject to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Stock Appreciation Rights The recipient of a stock appreciation right will not recognize taxable income at the time of the award. The recipient will recognize ordinary income when the stock appreciation right is exercised in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of the underlying shares of Common Stock on the exercise date over (ii) the base price in effect for the stock appreciation right, and the recipient will be required to satisfy the tax withholding requirements applicable to such income. The Company will generally be entitled at the time of exercise to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the recipient in connection with the exercise of the stock appreciation right. Performance Awards and Stock Units Performance Awards and Stock Units paid in cash generally result in taxable income to the participant and a compensation deduction by the Company at the time the cash payment is made. Performance Awards and Stock Units paid in shares of Common Stock result in taxable income to the participant equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of transfer and result in a corresponding compensation deduction for the Company. Performance Awards and Stock Units are subject to federal income and employment tax withholding. Effect of a Change of Control Under certain circumstances, accelerated vesting, exercise or payment of awards under the Equity Incentive Plan in connection with a “change of control” of the Company might be deemed an “excess parachute payment” for purposes of the golden parachute payment provisions of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent it is so considered, the participant holding the award would be subject to an excise tax equal to 20% of the amount of the excess parachute payment, and the Company would be denied a tax deduction for the excess parachute payment. Deductibility of Executive Compensation Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code places a limit of $1,000,000 on the amount of compensation that the Company may deduct in any taxable year with respect to each “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Compensation paid under certain qualified performance-based compensation arrangements, which (among other things) provide for compensation based on pre-established performance goals established by the Compensation Committee, is not considered in determining whether a covered employee’s compensation exceeds $1,000,000. The Equity Incentive Plan’s terms allow the Compensation Committee to designate that an award shall be subject to performance criteria that will permit the award to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. For this purpose, the “performance criteria” shall include one or more of the following with respect to the Company’s performance (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan, which is provided as Appendix I to this proxy statement): (1) cash flow, determined as operating cash flow or free cash flow, or any other cash flow metric, (2) return on investment of the Company or any segment or portion of the Company designated by the Compensation Committee, (3) earnings before or after interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization, (4) earnings per share, (5) economic value added, (6) net income (before or after taxes) of the Company or any segment or portion of the Company designated by the Compensation Committee, (7) price of a share of Common Stock, (8) return on assets, (9) return on capital, (10) return on equity, (11) sales, (12) premium revenues, (13) policy losses, (14) total shareholder return, or (15) a combination of any of the foregoing. The Compensation Committee will determine whether the foregoing criteria will be computed without recognition of (i) unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company or its financial statements or (ii) changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles. Miscellaneous The Compensation Committee may amend or modify the Equity Incentive Plan at any time; provided, however, that stockholder approval will be obtained for any amendment (1) to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, (2) to increase the number of shares available, or (3) to permit the exercise price of any outstanding option to be reduced. Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans The following table sets forth information as of March 24, 2014, with respect to compensation plans under which our Common Stock may be issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | | Plan Category | | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of warrants and rights (a) | | | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding rights (b) | | | Number of securities remaining available for equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) (1) | | Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | | | 28,500 | | | $ | 34.32 | | | | 766,007 | | Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Total | | | 28,500 | | | $ | 34.32 | | | | 766,007 | |
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION 2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN. PROPOSAL NO. 5 APPROVAL OF THE STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION ANNUAL BONUS PLAN At its March 6, 2014 meeting, the board of directors unanimously adopted the Stewart Information Services Corporation Annual Bonus Plan (the “Bonus Plan”), subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting. If approved, the Bonus Plan will become effective as of January 1, 2014. The Bonus Plan has a five year term, and any extension beyond that term will require further stockholder approval. We are seeking stockholder approval of the Bonus Plan in order to receive favorable tax treatment for the Bonus Plan under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Description of the Bonus Plan The following summary describes briefly the principal features of the Bonus Plan, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Bonus Plan, which is provided as Appendix II to this proxy statement. General The Bonus Plan is designed to benefit the Company and its stockholders by providing certain officers of the Company with incentive compensation that is tied to the achievement of specified performance goals. The Compensation Committee of the board of directors will select on an annual basis officers of the Company who will participate in the Bonus Plan. The Bonus Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee in accordance with the terms of the Bonus Plan. The Compensation Committee has the authority to: (1) manage the operation and administration of the Bonus Plan, (2) interpret the Bonus Plan, (3) select the executives who are eligible to participate in the Bonus Plan, (4) establish the performance objectives and corresponding award opportunities for each participant, (5) approve all awards, and (6) make all other decisions and to take all other actions necessary or appropriate for the proper administration of the Bonus Plan. Performance Objectives and Incentive Awards For each calendar year, the Compensation Committee will determine the performance objectives and the corresponding incentive award opportunities for each participant expressed as a percentage of such participant’s base salary. Performance objectives may be expressed in terms of one or more of the following performance criteria (as defined in the Bonus Plan, which is provided as Appendix II to this proxy statement): | (b) | Cash flow, determined as operating cash flow, free cash flow, or any other cash flow metric, |
| (c) | Customer service scores or metrics, including Customer Service Index, |
| (g) | Absolute or relative metrics related to certain Company expenses or costs, including Employee Costs Ratio, Expense Reduction, and National Production Services (NPS) Expenses Ratio, |
| (h) | Net income (before or after taxes), |
| (i) | Policy losses, including Policy Loss Ratio, |
| (j) | Premium revenues, including Premium Remittance Per Agency Ratio, |
| (k) | Total shareholder return, |
| (l) | Price of a share of Common Stock, |
| (q) | any combination of any of the foregoing. |
Performance objectives may be stated in absolute terms or based on comparisons to peer group companies or indices to be achieved during a calendar year. The Compensation Committee shall determine after the end of each calendar year the extent to which the performance objectives set for each participant were achieved, and shall certify in writing the extent to which the objectives have been achieved. Each award, if any, shall be paid in a cash lump sum as soon as practicable following the Compensation Committee’s certification. The maximum award any participant may receive for any calendar year is $5 million. The relative benefits or amounts that will be received by or allocated to the various categories of eligible participants under the Bonus Plan during the life of the Bonus Plan are currently not determinable. Tax Matters Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code places a limit of $1,000,000 on the amount of compensation that the Company may deduct in any taxable year with respect to each “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, certain “performance-based compensation” is not subject to the deduction limit if the compensation is paid based solely on the attainment of pre-established objective performance measures established by a committee of outside directors and the Bonus Plan providing for such compensation is approved by the stockholders. The Bonus Plan is designed to meet these requirements. To qualify, we are seeking stockholder approval of the Bonus Plan. The Bonus Plan is intended to be exempt from the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code regarding deferred compensation. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION ANNUAL BONUS PLAN. PROPOSAL NO. 6 APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION TO ELIMINATE CUMULATIVE VOTING IN ORDER TO ADOPT A MAJORITY VOTING STANDARD The board of directors determined that it would be in the best interests of stockholders to adopt a majority voting standard in uncontested elections of directors. Because the board of directors believes majority voting is incompatible with cumulative voting, the board of directors is asking stockholders to approve a charter amendment which would eliminate the right of Common Stockholders to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. On March 6, 2014, the board of directors unanimously approved, on a conditional basis, an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws to change the voting standard for uncontested director elections from a plurality standard to a majority standard. The majority voting standard raises the standard for election to the board of directors by requiring affirmative votes from a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election. In connection with the majority voting standard, the board of directors further approved a policy requiring the resignation of a director who fails to receive a majority vote in an uncontested election. Under the new By-law, in a contested election, the plurality voting standard would still apply. The effectiveness of the amended By-law implementing the majority voting standard and related director resignation policy is conditioned on stockholder approval of this Proposal No. 6 to eliminate cumulative voting. Under Delaware law, stockholders do not have the right to cumulatively vote their shares in any election of directors unless a company’s certificate of incorporation grants such a right. Article FOURTH of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) currently authorizes cumulative voting for the holders of Common Stock. For the five directors to be elected by such holders of Common Stock, the Certificate of Incorporation permits each holder to “cumulate his votes by giving one candidate as many votes as five times the number of his shares shall equal, or by distributing such votes on the same principle among any number of such five candidates.” By permitting the holders of Common Stock to cumulate their votes, the Certificate of Incorporation allows minority stockholders a disproportionate influence in the elections of the Company’s directors. The board of directors believes that cumulative voting is incompatible with the objectives of a majority voting standard. Cumulative voting allows stockholders with less than a majority of the shares to determine the outcome of director elections, while majority voting seeks to hold directors accountable to the holders of a majority of the shares voting. The board of directors believes that each director is responsible to all of the Company’s stockholders, and not just a minority of stockholders that have cumulatively voted their shares and may harbor special interests contrary to the best interests of the majority of the Company’s stockholders. The board of directors thus believes it is in the interests of stockholders to eliminate cumulative voting and adopt a majority voting standard in the election of directors for uncontested elections. The recommendation to eliminate cumulative voting in director elections is not part of a plan by the Company’s management to adopt a series of anti-takeover amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws, and management has no present intention to propose other anti-takeover measures in future proxy solicitations. Under Delaware law, because the Company permits cumulative voting, if less than the entire board of directors is to be removed, no director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against such director’s removal would be sufficient to elect such director if then cumulatively voted at an election of the entire board of directors. If this Proposal No. 6 is adopted, any director elected by Common Stockholders may be removed by the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at an election of directors. The board of directors believes that the elimination of cumulative voting supports the Company’s commitment to strong corporate governance, as well as a focused approach to manage the Company for the long-term benefit of all of its constituents. Accordingly, the board of directors recommends that stockholders approve and adopt an amendment to Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation that would eliminate the right of the holders of Common Stock to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. The text of Article FOURTH, as proposed to be amended, is included in the attachment marked as Appendix III to this proxy statement. Should the Company’s stockholders elect to retain cumulative voting, the By-law amendment that has been approved by the board of directors to implement a majority voting standard in uncontested elections would not take effect. Approval of this Proposal No. 6 requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting as a class. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote “against” this Proposal No. 6. Should stockholder approval not be obtained, then the Certificate of Incorporation will not be amended and Common Stockholders will retain the right to cumulate their votes in director elections. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION TO ELIMINATE CUMULATIVE VOTING IN ORDER TO ADOPT A MAJORITY VOTING STANDARD. CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS Stewart Morris, Sr. is the father of Stewart Morris, Jr. and the uncle of Malcolm S. Morris. During the year ended December 31, 2012,2013, Stewart Morris served as Senior Advisor to the board, and a director of Stewart Title Guaranty Company, receiving compensation of approximately $156,623,$163,643, consisting primarily of salary and bonus. For many decades, the Company has maintained and utilized a collection of antique and replica carriages for business promotion and customer entertainment purposes and they have come to be associated with and symbolize the Company’s long history and tradition of quality and stability. The carriages are owned by Stewart Morris, Jr., Vice Chairman of the board of directors, and Stewart Morris, Sr., Senior AdvisorPursuant to the board of directors. The associated equipment, such as trucks and trailers, are now primarily owned by Morris Ranch LLC, which is owned by the Morris family. The carriage house and stabling is owned by the 2012 Stewart Morris Jr Family Limited Partnership, is leased to Morris Ranch LLC and then subleased to the Company. Prior to June 1, 2012, the horses and carriages were provided to the Company under terminable leases at no charge from Stewart Morris, Jr. and Stewart Morris, Sr.; however, the Company was responsible for the labor, maintenance, housing and operating costs of these assets. As of June 1, 2012, the Company entered into a ten month agreement with Tally Ho Enterprises, LLC, owned in part by Stewart Morris, Sr., to provide the horses and carriages for Company-sponsored events on a per-event fee basis, with a minimum fee of $60,000 for the term of the agreement. Under this arrangement, Tally Ho Enterprises assumed substantially all the housing and maintenance costs of the horses and carriages. The Company’s total business promotion expense for these operations in 2012 was approximately $150,062. Upon the expiration of the current agreement, the Company expects to enter into a new agreement with Tally Ho Enterprises to provide carriages at customer events on a per-event fee only basis with no minimum commitment. Under the new agreement, Tally Ho will become solely responsible for the labor, insurance, maintenance, transport, housing and operating costs of all carriage related assets in addition to providing the carriages and horses for Company events, resulting in a reduction in the Company’s costs for such events.
Pursuant to theStewart Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Company’sCode of Ethics for Chief Executive Officers, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer,, each of which are available on our web site atwww.stewart.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance(together, (together, the “Codes”), if any director or executive officer has a conflict of interest (direct or indirect, actual or potential) with the Company, such as any personal interest in a transaction involving the Company, the conflict must be fully, fairly and timely disclosed to the Company (either to the board of directors, the Company’s Chief Legal Officer, as provided for by the Codes). Conflicts of interest may include transactions between the Company and the immediate family of a director or executive officer, such as their spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers- and fathers-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, brothers- and sisters-in-law and cohabitants. Any transaction involving an actual and material conflict of interest between the Company and any of its directors or executive officers is prohibited unless approved by the board of directors. A director with a conflict of interest must recuse himself or herself from participating in any decision to approve any such transaction. Furthermore, any material transaction between the Company and any holder of 5% or more of the Company’s voting securities is also prohibited unless approved by the board of directors.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING To be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to our 20142015 annual meeting of stockholders, proposals of Common Stockholders and Class B Stockholders must comply with Rule14a-8 and be received by us at our principal executive offices, 1980 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 800, Houston, Texas 77056, by November 28, 2013.2014. HOUSEHOLDING To reduce the expenses of delivering duplicate proxy materials, we may take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “householding” rules that permit us to deliver only one set of proxy materials to shareholders who share an address, unless otherwise requested. If you share an address with another shareholder and have received only one set of proxy materials, you may request a separate copy of these materials at no cost to you by contacting us at Stewart Information Services Corporation, Attn.: J. Allen Berryman, Corporate Secretary, 1980 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 800, Houston, Texas 77056 or at (713) 625-8100. For future Annual Meetings, you may request separate voting materials, or request that we send only one set of proxy materials to you if you are receiving multiple copies, by calling or writing to us at the phone number and address given above. OTHER MATTERS Our management does not know of any other matters that may come before the annual meeting. However, if any matters other than those referred to above should properly come before the annual meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy intend to vote such proxy in accordance with their best judgment. Proxies for our 20142015 annual meeting of stockholders may confer discretionary power to vote on any matters that may come before the meeting unless, with respect to a particular matter, (i) we receive, by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to our Secretary, notice not later than February 15, 20142015 that the matter will be presented at the annual meeting and (ii) we fail to include in our proxy statement for the annual meeting advice on the nature of the matter and how we intend to exercise our discretion to vote on the matter. If you wish to nominate an individual for election as a director at our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, you must provide notice of your intention to do so in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Company’s By-laws by February 15, 2015. We will pay the cost of solicitation of proxies in the accompanying form. We have retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated, a proxy solicitation firm, to assist us in soliciting proxies for the proposals described in this proxy statement. We will pay Innisfree a fee for such service, which is not expected to exceed $7,500$20,000 plus expenses. In addition to solicitation by use of the mails, certain of our officers or employees, and certain officers or employees of Innisfree, may solicit the return of proxies by telephone, telegram, e-mail or personal interview. | | | | | By Order of the Board of Directors, | | | | | ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693g75k41.jpg)
J. Allen Berryman | | | Secretary | | | March 28, 2013[—], 2014 | | |
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/DEF 14A/0001193125-13-136961/g51486001.jpg) APPENDIX I
UsingSTEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION
2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN I. PURPOSE The purpose of the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to provide a black ink pen, mark your votesmeans through which Stewart Information Services Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and its Subsidiaries may attract qualified persons to serve as Directors or Consultants or to enter the employ of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities of the successful administration and management of the Company and its Subsidiaries rest, and whose present and potential contributions to the Company and its Subsidiaries are of importance, can acquire and maintain stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the welfare of the Company and its Subsidiaries. A further purpose of the Plan is to provide such individuals with additional incentive and reward opportunities designed to enhance the profitable growth of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Accordingly, the Plan provides for granting Incentive Stock Options, options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Performance Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Stock Units, and Performance Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, as is best suited to the circumstances of the particular Employee, Consultant, or Director as provided herein. II. DEFINITIONS The following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan unless specifically modified by any paragraph. (a) “Award” means, individually or collectively, any Option, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Performance Unit, Stock Appreciation Right Award, Stock Unit Award, or Performance Award. (b) “Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to a grant of an Award. For purposes of this Plan, the forms of Award Agreement shall include the following: (1) Performance Award Agreements; (2) Restricted Performance Unit Agreements; (3) Restricted Stock Award Agreements; (4) Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreements; (5) Stock Option Award Agreements; and (6) Stock Unit Award Agreements. (c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company. (d) “Cause” means, in the good faith determination of the Board, any: (i) willful failure to substantially perform Employee’s duties with the Company (other than by reason of Employee’s Disability), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Employee that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Employee has not substantially performed such duties, and the Employee has failed to remedy the situation within 30 days of such written notice from the Company; (ii) gross negligence in the performance of the Employee’s duties; (iii) conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendre to any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude or the personal enrichment of the Employee at the expense of the Company; (iv) willful engagement in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or
otherwise, including without limitation Employee’s breach of fiduciary duties owed to the Company; (v) willful violation of any material provision of the Company’s code of conduct; (vi) willful violation of any of the material covenants contained in the Participant’s individual employment agreement with the Company, if any; (vii) act of dishonesty resulting in or intending to result in personal gain at the expense of the Company; or (viii) engaging in any material act that is intended or may be reasonably expected to harm the reputation, or operations of the Company. (e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References herein to any Section of the Code shall also refer to any successor provision thereof, and the regulations and other authority issued thereunder by the appropriate governmental authority. (f) “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other Committee approved by the Board to administer the Plan as provided in Article IV. In any event, the Committee shall be comprised solely of 2 or more non-Employee members of the Board who qualify to administer the Plan as “disinterested directors” under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and as “outside directors” under Code Section 162(m) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(3). (g) “Common Stock” means the common stock, $1.00 par value per share, of the Company, or any security into which such common stock may be changed by reason of any transaction or event of the type described in Article XIII. (h) “Company” means Stewart Information Services Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or its successor in interest. (i) “Consultant” means any person who is not an Employee or a Director and who is providing advisory or consulting services to the Company or any Subsidiary. (j) “Corporate Change” shall means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any “Person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; (ii) there occurs a proxy contest or a consent solicitation, or the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, sale of assets, plan of liquidation or other reorganization, as a consequence of which members of the Board in office immediately prior to such transaction or event thereafter constitute less than a majority of the Board; (iii) there occurs a reverse merger involving the Company in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of common stock of the Company outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise; (iv) there is a sale of other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; (v) there is an adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or (vi) Stewart Title Guaranty Company is placed in supervision, receivership, conservatorship, or special administrative action by the Texas Department of Insurance. (k) “Covered Employee” means an Employee who is, or as determined by the Committee may become, a “covered employee” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m) and Treasury RegulationSection 1.162-27(c)(2). (l) “Director” means an individual who is a member of the Board. (m) “Disability” has the meaning provided in the Company’s Long-Term Disability Plan. (n) “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)” means pretax earnings plus interest expense, tax expense, depreciation expense and amortization expense. (o) “Employee” means any person in an employment relationship with the Company or any Subsidiary. - 2 -
(p) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (q) “Forfeiture Restriction” has the meaning provided in Section VIII(a) of the Plan. (r) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any specified date, the closing sales price of the Common Stock reported on the stock exchange composite tape on that date (or such other reporting service approved by the Committee), or, if no prices are reported on that date, on the last preceding date on which such prices of the Common Stock are so reported. In the event Common Stock is not publicly traded at the time a determination of its value is required to be made hereunder, the determination of its Fair Market Value shall be made by the Committee in such manner as it deems appropriate, in accordance with Code Section 409A. (s) “Good Reason” has the meaning provided in a Participant’s individual employment agreement with the Company, if any. (t) “Incentive Stock Option” means an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422. (u) “Option” means an Award granted under Article VII of the Plan and includes both Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock and Options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock. (v) “Participant” means an Employee, Consultant, or Director who has been granted an Award. With respect to a Qualified Performance-Based Award only, Participant shall mean a Covered Employee. (w) “Performance Award” means an Award granted under Article XII of the Plan. (x) “Performance Criteria” means the criteria the Committee selects for purposes of (i) establishing the Performance Goal for a Qualified Performance-Based Award, or (ii) establishing a Forfeiture Restriction for a Restricted Stock Award, Stock Unit Award, or Restricted Performance Unit. In general, the Company’s performance is measured in relation to “corporate performance” and “operational performance.” The metrics used by the Committee with respect to the Company’s performance may include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Cash flow, determined as operating cash flow or free cash flow, or any other cash flow metric, (2) Return on investment of the Company or any segment or portion of the Company designated by the Committee, (3) Earnings before or after interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization (EBITDA), (4) Earnings per share, (5) Economic value added, (6) Net income (before or after taxes) of the Company or any segment or portion of the Company designated by the Committee, (7) Price of a share of Common Stock, (8) Return on assets, (9) Return on capital, (10) Return on equity, (11) Sales, (12) Premium revenues, (13) Policy losses, - 3 -
(14) Total shareholder return, or (15) a combination of any of the foregoing. The Performance Criteria may be subject to adjustment for specified significant extraordinary items or events, and may be absolute, relative to one or more other companies, or relative to one or more indexes, and may be contingent upon future performance of the Company or any Subsidiary, division, or department thereof. (y) “Performance Goals” provide the threshold, target and maximum measurements that must be achieved in order to receive the related level of compensation. (z) “Performance Period” means the designated period during which the Performance Goals must be satisfied with respect to the Award to which the Performance Goals relate. (aa) “Plan” means the 2014 Stewart Information Services Corporation Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time. (bb) “Qualified Performance-Based Award” means a Performance Award that is intended to qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27 that is designated as a Qualified Performance-Based Award pursuant to Article XII of the Plan. (cc) “Restricted Performance Unit” means an Award of cash compensation that is restricted by time of service and/or corporate performance that is granted under Article IX of the Plan. (dd) “Restricted Stock Award” means an Award of share-based compensation that is restricted by time of service and/or corporate performance that is granted under Article VIII of the Plan. (ee) “Stock Appreciation Right” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Article X of the Plan. (ff) “Stock Unit” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Article XI of the Plan. (gg) “Subsidiary” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or partnership, association, trust or other organization which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. (hh) “Voluntary Retirement” means the termination of employment after age 65 with no expectation of returning to the industry. III. EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN The Plan shall become effective upon the date of its adoption by the Board, provided the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months thereafter. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan, no Option shall be exercisable and no Performance Award, Restricted Performance Unit, Restricted Stock Award, Stock Appreciation Right Award, or Stock Unit Award shall vest or become satisfiable prior to such stockholder approval. No further Awards may be granted under the Plan after 10 years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. The Plan shall remain in effect until all Options granted under the Plan have been exercised or expired; all Restricted Stock Awards, Stock Appreciation Right Awards, and Stock Unit Awards granted under the Plan have vested, been forfeited, or expired; and all Performance Awards and Restricted Performance Units have been satisfied or expired. IV. ADMINISTRATION (a)Powers. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have authority, in its discretion, to determine which Employees, Consultants, or Directors shall receive an Award, the time or times - 4 -
when such Award shall be made, the type of Award that shall be made, the number of shares to be subject to each Option, Restricted Stock Award, Stock Appreciation Right Award, or Stock Units Award, the number of shares subject to or the value of each Performance Award, and the value of each Restricted Performance Unit. In making such determinations, the Committee shall take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective Employees, Consultants, or Directors, their present and potential contribution to the Company’s success and such other factors as the Committee in its sole discretion shall deem relevant. (b)Additional Powers. The Committee shall have such additional powers as are delegated to it by the other provisions of the Plan. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, this shall include the power to construe the Plan and the respective Award Agreements granted hereunder, to prescribe rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to determine the terms, restrictions and provisions of the Award Agreements, including such terms, restrictions and provisions as shall be requisite in the judgment of the Committee to cause designated Options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent it shall deem expedient to carry it into effect. The determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this Article IV shall be conclusive. V. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; AWARD LIMITS; GRANT OF AWARDS (a)Shares Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Article XIII with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options then outstanding, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed 1,000,000 shares. Shares shall be deemed to have been issued under the Plan only (i) to the extent actually issued and delivered pursuant to an Award or (ii) to the extent an Award denominated in shares of Common Stock is settled in cash. To the extent that an Award lapses or the rights of its holder terminate, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award shall not again be available for the grant of an Award under the Plan. (b)Award Limits. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary: (1) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Stock Unit Awards, and Performance Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock granted to any one individual during any calendar year may not exceed 150,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Article XIII with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to Options then outstanding), and (2) The maximum amount of compensation that may be paid under all Performance Awards denominated in cash (including the Fair Market Value of any shares of Common Stock paid in satisfaction of such Performance Awards) granted to any one individual during any calendar year may not exceed $5,000,000, and any payment due with respect to a Performance Award shall be paid no later than 10 years after the date of grant of such Performance Award. The limitations set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above shall be applied in a manner that will permit compensation generated under the Plan to constitute “performance-based” compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m), including, without limitation, counting against such maximum number of shares, to the extent required under Code Section 162(m) and applicable interpretive authority thereunder, any shares subject to Options that are canceled or adjusted as provided in Section XIII(b) below. (c)Grant of Awards. The Committee may from time to time grant Awards to one or more Employees, Consultants, or Directors determined by it to be eligible for participation in the Plan in accordance with the terms of the Plan. - 5 -
(d)Stock Offered. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section V(a), the stock to be offered pursuant to the grant of an Award may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or Common Stock previously issued and outstanding and reacquired by the Company. Any of such shares which remain unissued and which are notsubject to outstanding Awards at the termination of the Plan shall cease to be subject to the Plan but, until termination of the Plan, the Company shall at all times make available a sufficient number of shares to meet the requirements of the Plan. VI. ELIGIBILITY Awards may be granted only to persons who, at the time of grant, are Employees, Consultants, or Directors. An Award may be granted on more than one occasion to the same person, and, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, such Award may include an Incentive Stock Option, an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a Performance Award, a Restricted Performance Unit, a Stock Appreciation Right Award, a Stock Unit Award, or any combination thereof. VII. STOCK OPTIONS (a)Option Period. The term of each Option shall be as specified by the Committee at the date of grant, but in no event shall an Option be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the date of grant. (b)Limitations on Exercise of Option. An Option shall be exercisable in whole or in such installments and at such times as determined by the Committee. (c)Special Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to an individual who is employed by the Company or any parent or Subsidiary corporation (as defined in Code Section 424) at the time the Option is granted. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time the respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any calendar year under all incentive stock option plans of the Company and its parent and Subsidiary corporations exceeds $100,000, such Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Options which do not constitute Incentive Stock Options. The Committee shall determine, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and other administrative pronouncements, which of a Participant’s Incentive Stock Options will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation and shall notify the Participant of such determination as soon as practicable after such determination. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an individual if, at the time the Option is granted, such individual owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its parent or Subsidiary corporation, within the meaning of Code Section 422(b)(6), unless (i) at the time such Option is granted the option price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option and (ii) such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of 5 years from the date of grant. An Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by such Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative. (d)Stock Option Award Agreement. Each Option shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Award Agreement in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee from time to time shall approve, including, without limitation, provisions to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Code Section 422. Each Stock Option Award Agreement shall specify the effect of termination of (i) employment, (ii) the consulting or advisory relationship, or (iii) membership on the Board, as applicable, on the exercisability of the Option. A Stock Option Award Agreement may provide for the payment of the option price, in whole or in part, by the delivery of a number of shares of Common Stock (plus cash if necessary) having a Fair Market Value equal to such option price. Moreover, a Stock Option Award Agreement may provide for a - 6 -
“cashless exercise” of the Option by establishing procedures satisfactory to the Committee with respect thereto. Further, a Stock Option Award Agreement may provide for the surrender of the right to purchase shares under the Option in return for a payment under a Stock Appreciation Right, in accordance with Article X of the Plan. The terms and conditions of the respective Award Agreements need not be identical. Subject to the consent of the Participant, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Stock Option Award Agreementfrom time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, an amendment that accelerates the time at which the Option, or a portion thereof, may be exercisable). (e)Option Price and Payment. The price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Committee but, subject to adjustment as provided in Article XIII, such purchase price shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date such Option is granted. The Option, or a portion thereof, may be exercised by delivery of an irrevocable notice of exercise to the Company, as specified by the Committee. The purchase price of the Option, or a portion thereof, shall be paid in full in the manner prescribed by the Committee. Separate stock certificates shall be issued by the Company for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option and for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of any Option that does not constitute an Incentive Stock Option. (f)Restrictions on Repricing of Options. Except as provided in Article XIII, the Committee may not, without approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend any outstanding Award Agreement to lower the option price. (g)Stockholder Rights and Privileges. The Participant shall be entitled to all the privileges and rights of a stockholder only with respect to such shares of Common Stock as have been purchased under the Option and for which certificates of stock have been registered in the Participant’s name. (h)Options in Substitution for Options Granted by Other Employers.Options may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for options held by individuals providing services to corporations or other entities who become Employees, Consultants, or Directors as a result of a merger or consolidation or other business transaction with the Company or any Subsidiary. VIII. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS (a)Forfeiture Restrictions To Be Established by the Committee. Shares of Common Stock that are the subject of a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to restrictions on disposition by the Participant and an obligation of the Participant to forfeit and surrender the shares to the Company under certain circumstances (the “Forfeiture Restrictions”). The Forfeiture Restrictions shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and the Committee may provide that the Forfeiture Restrictions shall lapse upon (i) the attainment of one or more Performance Goals, (ii) the Participant’s continued employment with the Company or continued service as a Consultant or Director for a specified period of time, (iii) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Committee in its sole discretion, or (iv) a combination of any of the foregoing. Each Restricted Stock Award may have different Forfeiture Restrictions, in the discretion of the Committee. (b)Other Terms and Conditions. Common Stock awarded pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award shall be represented by a stock certificate registered in the name of the Participant. Unless provided otherwise in an Award Agreement, the Participant shall have the right to receive dividends with respect to Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award, to vote Common Stock subject thereto and to enjoy all other stockholder rights, except that (i) the Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (ii) the Company shall retain custody of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (iii) the Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, and (iv) a breach of the terms and conditions established by - 7 -
the Committee pursuant to the Award Agreement shall cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Award. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms, conditions or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to a Participant’s termination of employment or termination of services provided by the Participant as a Consultant or Director (by retirement, disability, death or otherwise) prior to the expiration of the Forfeiture Restrictions. Such additional terms, conditions or restrictions shall be set forth in an Award Agreement made in conjunction with the Award. (c)Payment for Restricted Stock. The Committee shall determine the amount and form of any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, provided that in the absence of such a determination, a Participant shall not be required to make any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law. (d)Committee’s Discretion to Accelerate Vesting of Restricted Stock Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion and as of a date determined by the Committee, fully vest any or all Common Stock awarded to a Participant pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award and, upon such vesting, all restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock Award shall terminate as of such date. Any action by the Committee pursuant to this Subsection may vary among individual Participants and may vary among the Restricted Stock Awards held by any individual Participant. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Subsection, the Committee may not take any action described in this Subsection with respect to a Restricted Stock Award that has been designated as a Qualified Performance-Based Award. (e)Restricted Stock Award Agreements. At the time any Award is made under this Article VIII, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Restricted Stock Award Agreements need not be identical. Subject to the consent of the Participant and the restriction set forth in the last sentence of Subsection (d) above, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Restricted Stock Award Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan. IX. RESTRICTED PERFORMANCE UNITS (a)Restricted Performance Units. Restricted Performance Units are rights to receive shares of Common Stock (or the Fair Market Value thereof), or rights to receive an amount equal to any appreciation or increase in the Fair Market Value of Common Stock over a specified period of time, which vest over a period of time as established by the Committee and with the satisfaction of certain Performance Criteria or objectives. The Committee may, in its discretion, require payment or other conditions of the Participant respecting any Restricted Performance Unit. (b)Award Period. The Committee shall establish, with respect to and at the time of grant of each Restricted Performance Unit, a period over which the Award shall vest with respect to the Participant. (c)Awards Criteria. In determining the value of Restricted Performance Units, the Committee shall take into account a Participant’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other Awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate. (d)Payment. Following the end of the vesting period for a Restricted Performance Unit (or at such other time as the applicable Restricted Performance Unit Award Agreement may provide), the holder of a Restricted Performance Unit shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount, not exceeding the maximum value of the Restricted Performance Unit, based on the then vested value of the Award. Payment of a Restricted Performance Unit may be made in cash, Common Stock, or a combination thereof as determined by the Committee. Payment shall be made in a lump sum or in installments as prescribed by the Committee. Any payment to be made in cash - 8 -
shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the payment date. Cash dividend equivalents may be paid during or after the vesting period with respect to a Restricted Performance Unit, as determined by the Committee. In the event that payment is not made at the time vesting occurs, the Restricted Performance Unit Award Agreement for the Restricted Performance Unit shall contain provisions that comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. (e)Termination of Award. A Restricted Performance Unit shall terminate if the Participant does not remain continuously in the employ of the Company and its Subsidiaries or does not continue to perform services as a Consultant or a Director for the Company and its Subsidiaries at all times during the applicable vesting period, except as may be otherwise determined by the Committee. At the time of the Award is issued, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms, conditions or restrictions relating to the Restricted Performance Unit, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to a Participant’s termination of employment or termination of services provided by the Participant as a Consultant or Director (by retirement, disability, death or otherwise) prior to the expiration of the Forfeiture Restrictions. Such additional terms, conditions or restrictions shall be set forth in a Restricted Performance Unit Award Agreement made in conjunction with the Award. (f)Restricted Performance Unit Award Agreements. At the time any Award is made under this Article IX, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Restricted Performance Unit Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby, and such additional matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Restricted Performance Unit Award Agreements need not be identical. X. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS (a)Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right is an award that may or may not be granted in tandem with an Option, and entitles the holder to receive an amount equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock at the time of exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right and the base amount, subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the tandem options and the following provisions of this Article X. (b)Exercise. A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle the holder of an Option to receive, upon the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right, shares of Common Stock (valued at their Fair Market Value at the time of exercise), cash, or a combination thereof, in the discretion of the Committee, in an amount equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right as of the date of such exercise over the purchase price of the Stock Appreciation Right. If granted in tandem with an Option, the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will result in the surrender of the related Option and, unless otherwise provided by the Committee in its sole discretion, the exercise of an Option will result in the surrender of a related Stock Appreciation Right, if any. (c)Expiration Date. The “expiration date” with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Committee, and if granted in tandem with an Option, shall be not later than the expiration date for the related Option. If neither the right nor the related Option is exercised before the end of the day on which the right ceases to be exercisable, such right shall be deemed exercised as of such date and payment shall be made to the holder in cash. (d)Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreements. At the time any Award is made under this Article X, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby, and such additional matters as shownthe Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreements need not be identical. - 9 -
XI. STOCK UNITS (a)Stock Units. The Committee may, subject to the limitations of the Plan and the availability of shares reserved but not previously awarded under this Plan, grant Stock Units to eligible individuals upon such terms and conditions as it may determine to the extent such terms and conditions are consistent with the following provisions. A “Stock Unit” Award is the grant of a right to receive shares of Common Stock or cash in the future. The minimum vesting or Performance Period for Awards of Stock Units shall be determined by the Committee. (b)Terms and Conditions of Awards. For each Participant, the Committee will determine the timing of awards; the number of Stock Units awarded; the value of Stock Units, which may be stated either in cash or in shares of Common Stock; any performance measures used for determining whether the Stock Units are earned; the number of earned Stock Units that will be paid in cash and/or shares of Common Stock; and whether dividend equivalents will be paid on Stock Units, either currently or on a deferred basis. (c)Payment. Payment for Stock Units earned shall be wholly in cash, wholly in Common Stock or in a combination of the two, in a lump sum or installments, and subject to vesting requirements and such other conditions as the Committee shall provide. The Committee will determine the number of earned Stock Units to be paid in cash and the number to be paid in Common Stock. For Stock Units payable in shares of Common Stock, one share of Common Stock will be paid for each share earned, or cash will be paid for each share earned equal to either (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the delivery date, as applicable, or (ii) the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock averaged for a number of days determined by the Committee. For Stock Units awarded in cash, the value of each share earned will be paid in its initial cash value, or shares of Common Stock will be distributed based on the cash value of the shares earned divided by (x) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the delivery date or end of the Performance Period, as applicable, or (y) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock averaged for a number of days determined by the Committee. In the event that payment is not made at the time vesting occurs, the Stock Unit Award Agreement shall contain provisions that comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. (d)Death, Disability or Termination of Employment or Service. A Participant’s Stock Unit Award Agreement shall designate the extent to which an Award shall become vested if the Participant’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company without Cause, (ii) by the Participant for Good Reason or Voluntary Retirement, or (iii) as a result of the Participant’s death or Disability. If no such designation is made, then any unvested Stock Units shall be forfeited. In the event the Participant’s employment or service with the Company and Subsidiaries terminates for Cause, the Participant terminates employment due to a Corporate Change, or the Participant violates the confidentiality, non-competition, conflicts of interest, or non-solicitation provisions applicable to his relationship with the Company during a Performance Period or prior to the delivery date for deferred Stock Units, any unvested Stock Units will be forfeited on the date his employment or service with the Company and Subsidiaries terminates. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Committee may determine that the Participant will be entitled to receive all or any portion of the Stock Units that he would otherwise receive, and may accelerate the determination and payment of the shares or units or make such other adjustments as the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems desirable. (e)Acceleration Upon a Corporate Change. An award may provide that in the event of a Corporate Change, all unvested Stock Units held by a Participant shall become immediately vested upon the Corporate Change and the level of vesting that shall occur. (f)Stock Unit Award Agreements. At the time any Award is made under this example. PleaseArticle XI, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Stock Unit Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby, and such additional matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Stock Unit Award Agreements need not be identical. - 10 -
XII. PERFORMANCE AWARDS (a)Purpose.The purpose of this Article XII is to provide the Committee the ability to (i) grant Restricted Stock Awards, Stock Unit Awards, and Restricted Performance Units as Qualified Performance-Based Awards, and (ii) grant Performance Awards that are settled in cash or shares of Stock based on the satisfaction of Performance Criteria and, where applicable, to cause such awards to be Qualified Performance-Based Awards. If the Committee, in its discretion, decides to grant to a Covered Employee an Award that is intended to constitute a Qualified Performance-Based Award, the provisions of this Article XII shall control over any contrary provision contained herein;provided, however, that the Committee may grant Awards to Covered Employees that are based on Performance Criteria or Performance Goals that do not write outsidesatisfy the requirements of this Article XII. (b)Performance Measures. A Performance Award shall be awarded to a Participant contingent upon future performance of the Company or any Subsidiary, division, or department thereof during the Performance Period. The Committee shall designate (i) the Performance Criteria for each Performance Award, (ii) the Performance Period for each Performance Award, and (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to, or the maximum value of, the Performance Award. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for an adjustable Performance Award value based upon the level of achievement of the Performance Goals. (c)Awards Criteria. In determining the value of Performance Awards, the Committee shall take into account a Participant’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other Awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for a reduction in the value of a Participant’s Performance Award (including any Qualified Performance-Based Award) during a Performance Period. (d)Payment. Following the end of the Performance Period, the holder of a Performance Award shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount not exceeding the number of shares of Common Stock subject to, or the maximum value of, the Performance Award, based on the achievement of the performance measures for such Performance Period, as determined and certified in writing by the Committee. Payment of a Performance Award may be made in a lump sum in cash, Common Stock, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee, and shall be made no later than 2-1/2 months after the end of the Performance Period. If a Performance Award covering shares of Common Stock is to be paid in cash, such payment shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the payment date. (e)Termination of Award. A Performance Award shall terminate if the Participant does not remain continuously in the employ of the Company and its Subsidiaries or does not continue to perform services as a Consultant or a Director for the Company and its Subsidiaries at all times during the applicable Performance Period, except as may be determined by the Committee. (f)Performance Award Agreements. At the time any Award is made under this Article XII, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Performance Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby, and such additional matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Performance Award Agreements need not be identical. (g)Special Rules for Qualified Performance-Based Awards. (1)Applicability. This Subsection (g) shall apply only to Awards made to those Covered Employees selected by the Committee to receive Qualified Performance-Based Awards. The designation of a Covered Employee as a Participant for a Performance Period shall not in any manner entitle the Participant to receive an Award for the relevant Performance Period. Moreover, designation of a Covered Employee as a Participant for a particular Performance Period shall not require designation of such Covered Employee as a Participant in any subsequent Performance Period and designation of one Covered Employee as a Participant shall not require designation of any other Covered Employees as a Participant in such period or in any other period. - 11 -
(2)Procedures with Respect to Qualified Performance-Based Awards. To the extent necessary to comply with the Qualified Performance-Based Award requirements of Code Section 162(m)(4)(C), with respect to any Award that may be granted to one or more Covered Employees, no later than 90 days following the commencement of any fiscal year in question or any other designated areas. X 01M8ID 1 U P X + Annual Meeting Proxy Cardfiscal period or period of service (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Code Section 162(m)), the Committee shall, in writing: Authorized Signatures — This section(i) designate one or more Covered Employees,
(ii) select the Performance Criteria applicable to the Performance Period, (iii) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts of such Awards, as applicable, which may be earned for such Performance Period, (iv) specify the relationship between Performance Criteria and the Performance Goals and the amounts of such Awards, as applicable, to be earned by each Covered Employee for such Performance Period; and (v) specify the minimum and maximum amount payable with respect to an Award. Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing whether the applicable Performance Goals have been achieved for such Performance Period and the amount that shall be payable with respect to that Award. No Award, or portion thereof, that is subject to the satisfaction of any condition shall be considered to be earned or vested until the Committee certifies in writing that the conditions to which the distribution, earning or vesting of such Award is subject have been achieved. The Committee may not increase during a year the amount of a Qualified Performance-Based Award that would otherwise be payable upon satisfaction of the conditions but may reduce or eliminate the payments as provided for in the Award Agreement. (3)Payment of Qualified Performance-Based Awards. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant must be employed by the Company or a Subsidiary on the day a Qualified Performance-Based Award for such Performance Period is paid to the Participant. Furthermore, a Participant shall be eligible to receive payment pursuant to a Qualified Performance-Based Award for a Performance Period only if the Performance Goals for such period are achieved. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, in the event of termination of the Participant’s service due to death, or in the event the Participant incurs a Disability, all unvested Qualified Performance-Based Awards held by such Participant shall immediately vest. (4)Acceleration Upon a Corporate Change. An Award Agreement may provide that in the event of a Corporate Change, the unvested portion of the Qualified Performance-Based Award held by a Participant shall become immediately vested upon the Corporate Change. (5)Additional Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any Award granted to a Covered Employee that is intended to constitute a Qualified Performance-Based Award shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in Code Section 162(m) or any regulations or rulings issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as qualified performance-based compensation as described in Code Section 162(m)(4)(C), and the Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements. (6)Effect on Other Plans and Arrangements. Nothing contained in this Subsection will be deemed in any way to limit or restrict the Committee from making any award or payment to any person under any other plan, arrangement or understanding, whether now existing or hereafter in effect. - 12 -
XIII. RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION (a)No Effect on Right or Power. The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary, any issue of debt or equity securities ahead of or affecting Common Stock or the rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any Subsidiary or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding. (b)Adjustment upon a Change in Capitalization (1)Subdivision or Consolidation of Shares; Stock Dividends. The shares with respect to which Awards may be granted are shares of Common Stock as presently constituted, but if, and whenever, prior to the expiration of an Award theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation of shares of Common Stock or the payment of a stock dividend on Common Stock without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such Award may thereafter be exercised or satisfied, as applicable (i) in the event of an increase in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately increased, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately reduced, and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately increased. Any fractional share resulting from such adjustment shall be rounded down to the next whole share. (2)Recapitalizations. If the Company recapitalizes, reclassifies its capital stock, or otherwise changes its capital structure (a “recapitalization”), the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by an Award theretofore granted shall be adjusted so that such Award shall thereafter cover the number and class of shares of stock and securities to which the Participant would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to the recapitalization, the Participant had been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock then covered by such Award. (c)Adjustment upon a Corporate Change. If a Corporate Change occurs, no later than (i) 10 days after the approval by the stockholders of the Company of the merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale, lease or exchange of assets or dissolution or such election of Directors or (ii) 30 days after a Corporate Change of the type described in Section 2(j)(iii), the Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any Participant, shall effect one or more of the following alternatives, which alternatives may vary among individual Participants and which may vary among Options held by any individual Participant: (1) accelerate the time at which Options then outstanding may be exercised so that such Options may be exercised in full for a limited period of time on or before a specified date (before or after such Corporate Change) fixed by the Committee, after which specified date all unexercised Options and all rights of Participants thereunder shall terminate; (2) require the mandatory surrender to the Company by selected Participants of some or all of the outstanding Options held by such Participants (irrespective of whether such Options are then exercisable under the provisions of the Plan) as of a date, before or after such Corporate Change, specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such Options and the Company shall pay (or cause to be paid) to each Participant an amount of cash per share equal to the excess, if any, of the amount calculated in Subsection (d) below (the “Change of Control Value”) of the shares subject to such Option over the exercise price(s) under such Options for such shares, or (3) make such adjustments to Options then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Corporate Change (provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary to Options then outstanding), including, without limitation, adjusting an Option to provide that the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by such Option shall be adjusted so - 13 -
that such Option shall thereafter cover securities of the surviving or acquiring corporation or other property (including, without limitation, cash) as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. (d)Change of Control Value. For the purposes of clause (2) in Subsection (c) above, the “Change of Control Value” shall equal the amount determined in clause (i), (ii) or (iii), whichever is applicable, as follows; (i) the per share price offered to stockholders of the Company in any such merger, consolidation, sale of assets or dissolution transaction, (ii) the price per share offered to stockholders of the Company in any tender offer or exchange offer whereby a Corporate Change takes place, or (iii) if such Corporate Change occurs other than pursuant to a tender or exchange offer, the Fair Market Value per share of the shares into which such Options being surrendered are exercisable, as determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee to be the date of cancellation and surrender of such Options. In the event that the consideration offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction described in this Subsection (d) or Subsection (c) above consists of anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered which is other than cash. (e)Other Changes in the Common Stock. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock by reason of recapitalizations, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, split-ups, split-offs, spin-offs, exchanges or other relevant changes in capitalization or distributions to the holders of Common Stock occurring after the date of the grant of any Award and not otherwise provided for by this Article XIII, such Award and any Award Agreement shall be subject to adjustment by the Committee at its sole discretion as to the number and price of shares of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Award. In the event of any such change in the outstanding Common Stock or distribution to the holders of Common Stock, or upon the occurrence of any other event described in this Article XIII, the aggregate number of shares available under the Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be subject to Restricted Stock Awards, Stock Unit Awards, and the maximum number of shares that may be subject to Awards granted to any one individual may be appropriately adjusted to the extent, if any, determined by the Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise provided by the Committee, upon the occurrence of a Corporate Change, the Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any Participant, may require the mandatory surrender to the Company by selected Participants of some or all of the outstanding Performance Awards and Restricted Performance Units as of a date, before or after such Corporate Change, specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such Performance Awards and Restricted Performance Units and the Company shall pay (or cause to be paid) to each Participant an amount of cash equal to the maximum value of such Performance Award or Restricted Performance Unit which, in the event the applicable performance or vesting period set forth in such Performance Award or Restricted Performance Unit has not been completed, shall be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the first day of the applicable performance or vesting period and ending on the date of the surrender, and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of days in the applicable performance or vesting period. (f)Stockholder Action. Any adjustment provided for yourin the above Subsections shall be subject to any required stockholder action. (g)No Adjustments unless Otherwise Provided. Except as hereinbefore expressly provided, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards theretofore granted or the purchase price per share, if applicable. (h)Code Section 409A Provisions with Respect to Adjustments. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) any adjustments made pursuant to this Article to Awards that are considered “deferred compensation” within the - 14 -
meaning of Code Section 409A shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Code Section 409A unless the Participant consents otherwise; (ii) any adjustments made to Awards that are not considered “deferred compensation” subject to Code Section 409A shall be made in such a manner as to ensure that after such adjustment, the Awards either continue not to be subject to Code Section 409A or comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A unless the Participant consents otherwise; and (iii) the Committee shall not have the authority to make any adjustments under this Section to the extent that the existence of such authority would cause an Award that is not intended to be subject to Code Section 409A to be subject thereto. XIV. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with respect to any shares of Common Stock for which Awards have not theretofore been granted. The Board shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof from time to time; provided that no change in the Plan may be made that would impair the rights of a Participant with respect to an Award theretofore granted without the consent of the Participant, and provided, further, that the Board may not, without approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) amend the Plan to increase the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan or change the class of individuals eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, or (ii) amend or delete Article VII(f). XV. MISCELLANEOUS (a)No Right To An Award. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any action of the Board or of the Committee shall be deemed to give any individual any right to be granted an Option, a right to a Restricted Stock Award, a right to a Performance Award, a right to a Stock Appreciation Right Award, a right to a Stock Unit Award, or a right to a Restricted Performance Unit, or any other rights hereunder except as may be evidenced by an Award Agreement duly executed on behalf of the Company, and then only to the extent and on the terms and conditions expressly set forth therein. The Plan shall be unfunded. The Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of funds or assets to assure the performance of its obligations under any Award. (b)No Employment/Membership Rights Conferred. Nothing contained in the Plan shall (i) confer upon any Employee or Consultant any right with respect to continuation of employment or of a consulting or advisory relationship with the Company or any Subsidiary or (ii) interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate his or her employment or consulting or advisory relationship at any time. Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon any Director any right with respect to continuation of membership on the Board. (c)Other Laws; Withholding. The Company shall not be obligated to issue any Common Stock pursuant to any Award granted under the Plan at any time when the shares covered by such Award have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such other state and federal laws, rules and regulations as the Company or the Committee deems applicable and, in the opinion of legal counsel for the Company, there is no exemption from the registration requirements of such laws, rules and regulations available for the issuance and sale of such shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be delivered, nor shall any cash in lieu of fractional shares be paid. The Company shall have the right to deduct in connection with all Awards any taxes required by law to be withheld and to require any payments required to enable it to satisfy its withholding obligations. (d)No Restriction on Corporate Action. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from taking any action which is deemed by the Company or such Subsidiary to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award made under the Plan. No Participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of any such action. - 15 -
(e)Restrictions on Transfer. An Award (other than an Incentive Stock Option, which shall be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in Article VII(c)) shall not be transferable otherwise than (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution, (ii) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder, or (iii) with the consent of the Committee. (f)Right of Offset. The Company will have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock under the Plan or any Award Agreement any outstanding amounts (including, without limitation, travel and entertainment or advance account balances, loans, repayment obligations under any Awards, or amounts repayable to the Company pursuant to tax equalization, housing, automobile or other employee programs) that the Participant then owes to the Company and any amounts the Committee otherwise deems appropriate pursuant to any tax equalization policy or agreement; provided, however, that no such offset shall be permitted if it would constitute an “acceleration” of a payment hereunder within the meaning of Code Section 409A. This right of offset shall not be an exclusive remedy and the Company’s election not to exercise the right of offset with respect to any amount payable to a Participant shall not constitute a waiver of this right of offset with respect to any other amount payable to the Participant or any other remedy. (g)Code Section 409A. It is the intention of the Company that no Award shall be “deferred compensation” subject to Code Section 409A unless and to the extent that the Committee specifically determines otherwise, and the Plan and the terms and conditions of all Awards shall be interpreted accordingly. The terms and conditions governing any Awards that the Committee determines will be subject to Code Section 409A, including any rules for elective or mandatory deferral of the delivery of cash or shares of Common stock pursuant thereto, shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, and shall comply in all respects with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, any Award issued under the Plan that constitutes a deferral of compensation under a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” as defined under Code Section 409A(d)(1) and is not specifically designated as such by the Committee shall be modified or cancelled to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, including any rules for elective or mandatory deferral of the delivery of cash or shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto. Unless expressly permitted by the Committee in an Award Agreement, a Participant does not have any right to make any election regarding the time or form of any payment pursuant to an Award. (h)Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. - 16 -
APPENDIX II STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION ANNUAL BONUS PLAN Purpose The Stewart Information Services Corporation Annual Bonus Plan (the “Plan”) is intended to promote the interests of Stewart Information Services Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, (the “Company”) and its shareholders by providing designated Executives with incentive compensation that is correlated with the achievement of specified performance goals by the Executives and the Company. The Plan is intended to provide annual incentive compensation, primarily to Executives who are considered to be “covered employees” within the meaning of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code (as defined below), that is considered “qualified performance-based compensation” for purposes of Code Section 162(m) and Section 1.162-27 of the Regulations (as defined below) and thus not subject to the annual compensation deduction limit under Section 162(m). ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS For purposes of the Plan, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated. 1.1 “Average Shareholders’ Equity” means the result of subtracting cumulative other comprehensive income and noncontrolling interest from shareholders’ equity. This calculation is done as of the beginning of the year and the end of the year. The average is then calculated by adding the beginning of the year and ending of the year calculations and then dividing by two. 1.2 “Base Pay” means the regular, annual, base salary payable by the Employer for a Performance Period to a Participant for services rendered, but excluding Incentive Compensation payable under the Plan, income derived from stock options, restricted stock awards, fringe benefits, and any bonuses, incentive compensation, special awards or other extraordinary remuneration. The Committee shall stipulate a Participant’s Base Pay for purposes of computing Incentive Compensation awarded under the Plan to the Participant. 1.3 “Beneficiary” means the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated to receive any amounts payable under the Plan pursuant to Section 6.2 upon the Participant’s death. 1.4 “Budget Attainment” means the variance between actual expenses and budget expenses. 1.5 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company. 1.6 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References herein to any Section of the Code shall also refer to any successor provision thereof, and the regulations and other authority issued thereunder by the appropriate governmental authority. 1.7 “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other Committee approved by the Board to administer the Plan. In any event, the Committee shall be comprised solely of 2 or more non-Employee members of the Board who qualify to administer the Plan as “disinterested directors” under Rule16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and as “outside directors” under Code Section 162(m) and Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(3). 1.8 “Company” means Stewart Information Services Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or its successor in interest. 1.9 “Customer Service Index” means an internal survey conducted at least annually. The metric is calculated by taking the subsequent survey score minus the benchmark survey score. The difference is then divided by the benchmark survey score. 1.10 “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization” or “EBITDA” means pretax earnings plus interest expense, taxes expense, depreciation expense and amortization expense. 1.11 “Employee Costs” means a line item on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations, Retained Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings that includes salaries, bonuses, commissions, payroll taxes, group insurance, profit sharing and other employee costs. 1.12 “Employee Costs Ratio” means the result of dividing the Employee Costs by Operating Revenues. 1.13 “Effective Date” means January 1, 2014, the initial effective date of the Plan. 1.14 “Employer” means the Company and any Subsidiary. 1.15 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 1.16 “Executive” means an officer of the Company or a Subsidiary. 1.17 “Expense Reduction” means specific annual expense reduction goals for the Company or any of its business units or segments. 1.18 “Incentive Compensation” means the compensation approved by the Committee to be awarded to a Participant for any Performance Period under the Plan. 1.19 “Investment and Other Gains (Losses) – Net” means a line item on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations, Retained Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings that includes, but not limited to, realized earnings (losses) from the sale of various types of financial and non-financial instruments; sale of subsidiaries, equity basis investments, and cost-basis investments; impairment of equity and cost-basis investments; and other types of non-operating transactions. 1.20 “Investment Income” means a line item on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations, Retained Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings that includes, but not limited to, interest income, dividends, royalties and certain rental income less any fees incurred from investments. 1.21 “Maximum Performance Level” means the attainment of 200% of the Performance Level set by the Committee. 1.22 “Maximum Target Payout” means the maximum annual cash bonus that can be earned and paid under the Plan to a Participant. 1.23 “National Production Services (NPS) Expenses Ratio” means the result of dividing NPS expenses by the sum of (i) Operating Revenues less the Company’s portion of earnings from equity investees from the Direct Operations Segment, and (ii) external Operating Revenues less the Company’s portion of earnings from equity investees from NPS. 1.24 “Operating Revenues” means the result of deducting Investment Income and Investment and Other Gains (Losses) – Net from total gross revenues. The Company’s portion of earnings from equity investees shall be included in the calculation. 1.25 “Participant” means an Executive who is selected by the Committee to participate in the Plan pursuant to Article III for any Performance Period. Each Participant shall be determined to be a “covered employee” of the Company within the meaning of Code Section 162(m) and Regulation Section 1.162-27(c)(2). 1.26 “Performance Criteria” means the business criteria that are specified by the Committee pursuant to Article VII. 1.27 “Performance Goal” means (i) the selected Performance Criteria and (ii) the objective goals established relative to such Performance Criteria, as determined by the Committee for any Performance Period. 1.28 “Performance Level” represents the range of possible payout depending on the performance driver for each metric. The payout range is defined as the Threshold (50%), Target (100%) and Maximum (200%). 1.29 “Performance Period” means the Company’s fiscal year or such other period selected by the Committee for the award of Incentive Compensation 1.30 “Plan” means the Stewart Information Services Corporation Annual Bonus Payment Program, as it may be amended from time to time. 1.31 “Policy Loss Ratio” means the result of dividing Title Losses and Claims by Title Insurance Revenues from Direct Operations and Agency Operations. 1.32 “Premium Remittance Per Agency Ratio” means the result of dividing premium revenues remitted by active independent agencies by the number of active independent agencies. The source of the data is STNET, which is the primary source for policy remittances, along with the number of agencies. 1.33 “Regulation(s)” shall mean the Treasury Regulation(s) promulgated under the Code, as amended from time to time. 1.34 “Subsidiary” means any corporation (whether now or hereafter existing) which constitutes a “subsidiary” of the Company, as defined in Code Section 424(f), and any limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, or other entity in which the Company controls more than fifty percent (50%) of its voting power or equity interests. 1.35 “Target Payout” means the annual cash bonus that can be earned and paid under the Plan. Target Payout is calculated by multiplying Base Pay by an agreed upon percentage as designated by the Committee or specified in a Participant’s individual employment agreement. 1.36 “Target Performance Level” means the attainment of 100% of the Performance Level set by the Committee. 1.37 “Threshold Performance Level” means the attainment of 50% of the Performance Level set by the Committee. 1.38 “Title Insurance Revenues” means revenues earned from title insurance and escrow and other related fees. 1.39 “Title Losses and Claims�� means a line item on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations, Retained Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings that is defined in the Company’s Annual Report filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on the Form 10-K. 1.40 “Weighting” means the calculation that applies a percentage to each metric. The aggregation of the percentages is 100%. ARTICLE II ADMINISTRATION Subject to the terms and conditions of this Article II, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee. All Committee actions under the Plan shall be taken in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Company’s bylaws and the Committee’s Charter. The Committee shall have the power, in its discretion, to take such actions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Plan and the authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the Plan. In order to effectuate the purposes of the Plan, the Committee shall have the discretionary power and authority to construe and interpret the Plan, to supply any omissions therein, to reconcile and correct any errors or inconsistencies, to decide any questions in the administration and application of the Plan, and to make equitable adjustments for any mistakes or errors made in the administration of the Plan. All such actions or determinations made by the Committee, and the application of rules and regulations to a particular case or issue by the Committee, in good faith, shall not be subject to review by anyone, but shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons ever interested hereunder. In construing the Plan and in exercising its power under provisions requiring the Committee’s approval, the Committee shall attempt to ascertain the purpose of the provisions in question, and when the purpose is known or reasonably ascertainable, the purpose shall be given effect to the extent feasible as determined by the Committee. Likewise, the Committee is authorized to determine all questions with respect to the individual rights of all Participants under the Plan, including, but not limited to, all issues with respect to eligibility. The Committee shall have all powers necessary or appropriate to accomplish its duties under the Plan including, but not limited to, the power and duty to: (a) designate the Executives who are eligible to participate in the Plan as Participants; (b) maintain records of all Plan transactions and other data in the manner necessary for proper administration of the Plan; (c) adopt rules of procedure and regulations necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the Plan, provided the rules and regulations are not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan as set out herein; (d) enforce the terms of the Plan and the rules and regulations it adopts; (e) review claims and render decisions on claims for benefits under the Plan; (f) furnish the Company or the Participants, upon request, with information that the Company or the Participants may require for tax or other purposes; (g) employ agents, attorneys, accountants or other persons (who also may be employed by or represent the Company) for such purposes as the Committee deems necessary or desirable in connection with its duties hereunder; and (h) perform any other acts necessary or appropriate for the proper management and administration of the Plan. The Committee may delegate to one or more members of the Committee (the “subcommittee”) any of its administrative duties under the Plan pursuant to such conditions or limitations as the Committee may establish from time to time by directive or practice; provided, however, the Committee cannot delegate to the subcommittee the power, authority or duty to (i) award Incentive Compensation under the Plan or (ii) to take any action which would contravene the requirements of Code Section 162(m) or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. ARTICLE III ELIGIBILITY For each Performance Period, the Committee shall select, in its sole and absolute discretion, the particular Executives to whom Incentive Compensation may be awarded under the Plan for such Performance Period. Executives who participate in the Plan may also participate in other incentive or benefit plans maintained by an Employer. ARTICLE IV ESTABLISHMENT OF INCENTIVE COMPENSATION TARGETS 4.1Incentive Compensation Award Target. For each award of Incentive Compensation for a Performance Period, the Committee will establish the Performance Level of targeted Incentive Compensation for each Participant within the first 90 days of the Performance Period (or within such shorter deadline as may apply under Code Section 162(m) if the Performance Period is fewer than 12 months). The Incentive Compensation Performance Levels for each Participant that are established by the Committee will be expressed as a percentage of such Participant’s Base Pay, provided, however, in no event will a Participant’s Incentive Compensation exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000) for any single Performance Period. Once the Committee has determined the amount of a Participant’s Incentive Compensation for a Performance Period, and upon certification required under Section 6.1, the Committee shall approve the Participant’s Incentive Compensation award pursuant to such procedures as the Committee may adopt under Article II. 4.2Increase in Incentive Compensation. Under no circumstances may the amount of any Incentive Compensation awarded to any Participant for a specified Performance Period be increased by the Committee without the requisite shareholder approval to the extent required by Code Section 162(m) and Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(4)(vi). ARTICLE V DETERMINATION OF GOALS FOR INCENTIVE COMPENSATION 5.1Establishment of Performance Goals. For each Performance Period for which the Committee determines to establish potential Incentive Compensation awards for one or more Participants, the Committee, within the first 90 days of such Performance Period (or within such shorter deadline as may apply under Code Section 162(m) if the Performance Period is fewer than 12 months), will set forth in writing all of the terms and conditions of such Incentive Compensation awards, including: (i) the Performance Goals for the Performance Period, including the Performance Criteria and the objective goals established relative to such Performance Criteria, which will include a Threshold, Target, and Maximum Performance Level, and the relative weighting of each Performance Goal in determining the Participant’s actual Incentive Compensation; provided, however, the outcome of such Performance Goals must be substantially uncertain at the time they are established by the Committee, and (ii) with respect to each Participant, the Maximum Target Payout. 5.2Determination. Within a reasonable period of time after the end of each Performance Period, the Committee shall determine the extent to which the Performance Goals assigned to each Participant were achieved for the Performance Period, and based solely on such achievement, shall approve the calculation of the Participant’s actual Incentive Compensation award. No Incentive Compensation is payable hereunder unless the Threshold Performance Level for a Performance Goal has been achieved, as determined by the Committee. 5.3Committee Discretion. The Committee shall have no discretion to approve an amount of Incentive Compensation to be paid under the Plan that is in excess of the pre-established Incentive Compensation Maximum Target Payout for the applicable Performance Period. The Committee may elect to reduce the amount of any Incentive Compensation payable to a Participant in its sole discretion. ARTICLE VI PAYMENT OF INCENTIVE COMPENSATION 6.1Form and Time of Payment. Subject to Section 6.2, a Participant’s Incentive Compensation for each Performance Period, if any, shall be paid in a cash lump sum (net of applicable tax and other required withholdings) as soon as practicable after (i) the results for such Performance Period have been finalized and (ii) the Committee has certified, in writing, that the applicable Performance Goals have been satisfied for the Performance Period. The Incentive Compensation shall be paid under the Plan no earlier than January 1st, and no later than March 31st, of the year following the year in which such Incentive Compensation is earned by the Participant, provided the Participant is employed on the date of payment. 6.2Payment in the Event of Termination. (a) If a Participant’s employment terminates for any reason prior to the end of a Performance Period, then such Participant shall immediately forfeit and relinquish any and all rights and claims to receive any Incentive Compensation hereunder for such Performance Period. (b) If a Participant’s employment terminates for any reason after the end of a Performance Period but prior to the date of actual payment pursuant to Section 6.1, then such Participant shall immediately forfeit and relinquish any and all rights and claims to receive any Incentive Compensation hereunder for such Performance Period. ARTICLE VII PERFORMANCE CRITERIA The Incentive Compensation will be determined by the attainment towards metrics that are specific to a Participant’s position and reflective of the Company’s performance. The metrics applicable to a specific Participant shall be described in detail in such Participant’s Executive Compensation Plan Summary as determined by the Committee. 7.1Participant’s Performance. In general, the Participant’s performance is measured against one or more Performance Criteria established by the Committee (as listed in Section 7.2 below). A Performance Criteria may be measured based on the performance of the Company or, as determined by the Committee, any of its divisions, business segments or operating units, and may be absolute, relative to one or more other companies, or relative to one or more other metrics or indexes. In establishing the Performance Criteria for each award of Incentive Compensation, the Committee may provide that the effect of specified extraordinary or unusual events will be included or excluded (including, but not limited to, all items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence or related to the disposal of a segment of business or related to a change in accounting principle, all as determined in accordance with standards set by Opinion No. 30 of the Accounting Principles Board (APB Opinion 30) or other authoritative financial accounting standards). The terms of the stated Performance Criteria for each applicable award of Incentive Compensation must preclude the Committee’s discretion to increase the amount payable to any Participant that would otherwise be due upon attainment of the Performance Criteria. The Performance Criteria specified need not be applicable to all awards of Incentive Compensation, and may be particular or unique to an individual Participant’s function, duties or business unit. 7.2Company’s Performance. In general, the Company’s performance is measured in relation to “corporate performance” and “operational performance.” The metrics used by the Committee with respect to the Company’s performance may include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) Budget Attainment, (b) Cash flow, determined as operating cash flow, free cash flow, or any other cash flow metric, (c) Customer services scores or metrics, including Customer Service Index, (d) Earnings per share, (e) EBITDA, (f) Economic value added, (g) Absolute or relative metrics related to certain Company expenses or costs, including Employee Costs Ratio, Expense Reduction, and National Production Services (NPS) Expenses Ratio, (h) Net income (before or after taxes), (i) Policy losses, including Policy Loss Ratio, (j) Premium revenues, including Premium Remittance Per Agency Ratio, (k) Total shareholder return, (l) Price of a share of Common Stock, (m) Return on assets, (n) Return on capital, (o) Return on equity, (p) Sales volume, or (q) any combination of any of the foregoing. ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 8.1Non-Assignability. A Participant cannot alienate, assign, pledge, encumber, transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any rights or benefits under the Plan prior to the actual receipt thereof; and any attempt to alienate, assign, pledge, sell, transfer or assign prior to such receipt, or any levy, attachment, execution or similar process upon any such rights or benefits, shall be null and void. 8.2No Right to Continue in Employment. Nothing in the Plan confers upon any Participant the right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary, or interferes with or restricts in any way the right of the Employer to discharge any Participant at any time (subject to any contract rights of such Participant). 8.3Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold, or require an Eligible Executive to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax requirements imposed with respect to the payment of any Incentive Compensation. 8.4Indemnification of Committee Members. Each person who is or was a member of the Committee shall be indemnified by the Company against and from any damage, loss, liability, cost and expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he is or may be a party, or in which he may be involved, by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan, except for any such act or omission constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence. Each such person shall be indemnified by the Company for all amounts paid by him in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against him, provided he shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he undertakes to handle and defend it on his own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled from the Company, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless. 8.5No Plan Funding. The Plan shall at all times be entirely unfunded and no provision shall be made with respect to segregating any assets of any Employer for payment of any amounts due hereunder. No Participant, Beneficiary, or other person or entity shall have any interest in any particular assets of an Employer by reason of the right to receive any Incentive Compensation under the Plan until such payment is actually received by such person. Participants and Beneficiaries shall have only the rights of general unsecured creditors of the Company. 8.6Governing Law. The Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. 8.7Binding Effect. The Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Employer and its successors and assigns, and the Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, and personal representatives. 8.8Construction of Plan. The captions used in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed in interpreting the Plan. Whenever the context so requires, the masculine shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular shall also include the plural, and conversely. 8.9Compliance with Code Section 409A. The Plan is intended to be excluded from coverage under Code Section 409A pursuant to the “short-term deferral exception” under Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4). However, to the extent that any payment under the Plan is determined by the Committee to be nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, the Company may amend the Plan to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A. ARTICLE IX AMENDMENT OR DISCONTINUANCE The Committee may at any time, and from time to time, without the consent of any Participant, amend, revise, suspend, or discontinue the Plan, in whole or in part, subject to any shareholder approval required by law; provided, however, the Committee may not amend the Plan to change the method for determining Incentive Compensation or the Performance Goals under Articles IV, V, VI and VII without the approval of the majority of votes cast by the shareholders of the Company in a separate vote to the extent required by Code Section 162(m). ARTICLE X EFFECT OF THE PLAN Neither the adoption of the Plan, nor any action of the Board or the Committee hereunder, shall be counted. — Datedeemed to give any Participant any right to be granted Incentive Compensation hereunder. In addition, nothing contained in the Plan, and Sign BeloC wno action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall be construed to (i) give any Participant any right to any compensation, except as expressly provided herein; (ii) be evidence of any agreement, contract or understanding, express or implied, that any Employer will employ a Participant in any particular position or for any particular duration; (iii) give any Participant any right, title, or interest whatsoever in, or to, any assets or investments which the Participant may make to aid it in meeting its obligations hereunder; (iv) create a trust or fund of any kind; or (v) create any type of fiduciary relationship between an Employer and a Participant or any other person. NOTE: Please signARTICLE XI
TERM The Plan shall be effective as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signatureof January 1, — Please keep signature within2014, contingent upon its approval by the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature withinCompany’s shareholders in a manner consistent with the box. +shareholder approval requirements of Code Section 162(m). APPENDIX III “The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the corporation shall have the authority to issue is 52,500,000 shares, consisting of 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share; 1,500,000 shares of Class B Non-Voting Items A Proposals —Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share; and 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR allis authorized to establish, from the nominees listedauthorized shares of Preferred Stock, one or more classes or series of shares, to designate each such class and FOR Proposals 2 – 3. 2. Advisory approval regardingseries, and to fix the compensationrights and preferences of Stewart Information Services Corporation’s named executive officers (Say-on-Pay). 3. Ratificationeach such class and series. Without limiting the authority of the appointmentBoard of KPMG LLPDirectors granted hereby, each such class or series of Preferred Stock shall have such voting powers (full or limited or no voting powers), such preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and such qualifications, limitations, or restrictions as Stewart Information Services Corporation’s independent auditorsshall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for 2013. The undersigned acknowledges receiptthe issue of such class or series of Preferred Stock as may be adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors prior to the issuance of any shares thereof. Except as provided in the resolution or resolutions of the NoticeBoard of Annual MeetingDirectors creating any series of StockholdersPreferred Stock, the shares of Common Stock and ofClass B Common Stock shall have the Proxy Statement. Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. 1. Election of Directors: IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION For Against Abstain For Against Abstain Mark here to WITHHOLD vote from all nominees Mark here to vote FOR all nominees For All EXCEPT - To withhold authorityexclusive right to vote for the election and removal of directors and for all other purposes as set forth herein. The designations and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are as follows: (1) Voting. The Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes, each holder of the Common Stock and each holder of the Class B Common Stock being entitled to one vote for each share held. For so long as there are issued and outstanding 1,050,000 or more shares of Class B Common Stock (adjusted proportionately for stock dividends and stock splits or combinations occurring after March 19, 2001), at each election for directors the Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock shall be voted as separate classes, and the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to elect five of the nine directors (each holder of Common Stock having the right to vote, in person or by proxy, the number of shares owned by him for the five directors to be elected by the holders of the Common Stock and for whose election he has a right to vote, or to cumulate his votes by giving one candidate as many votes as five times the number of his shares shall equal, or by distributing such votes on the same principle among any nominee(s), write the name(s)number of such nominee(s) below. 01 - Catherine A. Allen 02 - Robert L. Clarke 03 - Dr. E. Douglas Hodo 04 - Laurie C. Moore 05 - Dr. W. Arthur Porter MMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000004 MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY)five candidates). The holders of the Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to elect the remaining four of the nine directors, and no. No holder ofCommon Stock or Class B Common Stock shall have the right of cumulative voting at any election of directors. In the event that issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock are less than 1,050,000 shares but more than 600,000 shares (adjusted proportionately for stock dividends and stock splits or combinations occurring after March 19, 2001), the number of directors to be so elected by the holders of the Common Stock shall be six and the number of directors to be so elected by the holders of the Class B Common Stock shall be three. Any amendment to, or rescission of, Section 3.7 of the Company’s by-laws must be approved by a majority of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock and a majority of the Company’s outstanding Class B Common Stock, voting as separate classes. Except as otherwise provided hereinafter in this paragraph and as otherwise required by law, all shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall, upon all matters other than the election of directors, be voted as a single class (and, in the event that the number of issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock is ever less than 600,000 (adjusted proportionately for stock dividends and stock splits or combinations occurring after March 19, 2001), the Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock shall be voted as a single class upon all matters,withwithout the right to cumulate votes for the election of directors); provided, however, that no change in the Certificate of Incorporation which would affect the Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock unequally shall be made without the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of each class, voting as a class. ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________(2) Dividends. The holders of the Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available therefore, dividends payable in cash, stock or otherwise, subject to the following preferences and restrictions:
1234 5678 9012 345 MMMMMMM 1 5 9 4 0 7 1 MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE(a) No cash dividends shall be declared or paid upon the Class B Common Stock;
140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MMMMMMMMM
C 1234567890 J N T C123456789(b) Dividends payable in property (other than cash or stock) of the corporation shall be payable upon the shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock without distinction between the two classes;
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/DEF 14A/0001193125-13-136961/g51486002.jpg) (c) If a dividend payable in stock of the corporation shall be declared at any time upon either the Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock, a like dividend shall be declared upon the other class of common stock. All dividends payable in stock of the corporation shall be paid in shares of Common Stock with respect to the dividends upon shares of the Common Stock and in shares of Class B Common Stock with respect to dividends upon shares of the Class B Common Stock.
qIF(3) Preemptive Rights. No stockholder shall have any preemptive right to subscribe to an additional issue of capital stock of the corporation or to any security convertible into such stock. Any preferential rights to purchase stock or securities of the corporation which are granted to the stockholders shall be granted to the holders of the Common Stock and Class B Common Stock without distinction between the two classes.
(4) Conversion. Each share of Class B Common Stock of the corporation shall, at any time at the option of the holder thereof, be convertible into one share of Common Stock of the corporation. In the event of any transfer, upon death or otherwise, of any share of Class B Common Stock to any person or entity other than a “qualified holder” (as hereinafter defined), such share shall thereupon become a share of Common Stock. As used in the preceding sentence, the term “qualified holder” means (i) a lineal descendant of William H. Stewart (who died in 1903 in Galveston County, Texas), (ii) a spouse of any such descendant and (iii) a personal representative, trustee or custodian for the benefit of any such spouse or descendant. A partnership shall be deemed to be a qualified holder if each of its partners is a qualified holder; a corporation shall be deemed to be a qualified holder if each holder of its capital stock is a qualified holder; and a trust shall be deemed to be a qualified holder if each beneficiary is a qualified holder. (5) Liquidation. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the remaining net assets of the corporation shall be distributed pro rata to the holders of the Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock in accordance with their respective rights and interest. ****** Whenever the vote of stockholders at a meeting thereof is required or permitted to be taken for or in connection with any corporate action, the meeting and vote of stockholders may be dispensed with and such action may be taken with the written consent of stockholders having not less than the minimum percentage of the vote required by statute for the proposed corporate action, provided that prompt notice shall be given to all stockholders of the taking of corporate action without a meeting and by less than unanimous consent.”
Preliminary Copy—Subject to Completion, Dated March 12, 2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693i1.jpg)
| | | | | | | | ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693i2.jpg) | | | | | | | | | | Electronic Voting Instructions | | | | | | | | | | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! | | | | | | | | | | Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. | | | | | | | | | | VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. | | | | | | | | | | | Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 1, 2014. | | | | | | | | | | | ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693im3.jpg) | | Vote by Internet | | | | | | | | | | | | • Go towww.investorvote.com/STC | | | | | | | | | | | | • Or scan the QR code with your smartphone | | | | | | | | | | | | • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Vote by telephone | | | | | | | | | | | • Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone | Using ablack ink pen, mark your votes with anX as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. | | | | x | | | | • Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message | | | | | | | | | | |
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693im4.jpg)
q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q Electronic Voting Instructions Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! InsteadENVELOPE.q | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A | | Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR all the nominees listed andFOR Proposals 2 – 6. | | | | | 1. | | Election of Directors: | | 01 - Arnaud Ajdler 04 - Laurie C. Moore | | 02 - Glenn C. Christenson 05 - Dr. W. Arthur Porter | | 03 - Robert L. Clarke | | | | + | | | | | | | ¨Mark here to vote FOR all nominees | | ¨Mark here toWITHHOLD vote from all nominees | | ¨For AllEXCEPT- To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), write the name(s) of such nominee(s) below.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | For | | Against | | Abstain | | | | | | For | | Against | | Abstain | 2. | | Advisory approval regarding the compensation of Stewart Information Services Corporation’s named executive officers (Say-on-Pay). | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | 3. | | Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Stewart Information Services Corporation’s independent auditors for 2014. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | | | | | | | | | | 4. | | Approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | 5. | | Approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation Annual Bonus Plan. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | | | | | | | 6. | | Approval of an amendment to the Stewart Information Services Corporation Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting in order to adopt a majority voting standard. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | | | The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and of the Proxy Statement. |
| | | | | | | | | B | | Non-Voting Items | | | | | | | Change of Address— Please print new address below. | | | | Comments — Please print your comments below. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C | | Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below | | | | | | NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. |
| | | | | | | | | Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. | | | | Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. | | | | Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. | / / | | | | | | | | |
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693im5.jpg)
Important notice regarding the Internet availability of mailing your proxy you may choose onematerials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Proxy Statement and the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at: http://www.stewart.com/2014-annual-meeting q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 2, 2013. Vote by Internet Go to www.investorvote.com/STC Or scan the QR code with your smartphone Follow the steps outlined on the secure website Vote by telephone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message 514860-002 01Apr2013 04:43 QTA Page 1 . ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693im6.jpg)
Proxy — STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 3, 2013 2, 2014 The undersigned appoints Ken Anderson, Jr., John L. Killea and Steven I. Soffer, and each of them, as proxies with full power of substitution and revocation, to vote, as designated on the reverse side hereof, all the Common Stock of Stewart Information Services Corporation which the undersigned has power to vote, with all powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the annual meeting of stockholders thereof to beheldbe held on May 3, 2013,2, 2014, or at any adjournment thereof. Unless otherwise marked, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of the nominees named, FOR the approval of the advisory resolution regarding the compensation of Stewart Information Services Corporation’s named executive officers, and FOR ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Stewart Information Services Corporation’s independent auditors for 2013. (Continued2014, FOR the approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan, FOR the approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation Annual Bonus Plan, and FOR the approval of an amendment to the Stewart Information Services Corporation Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting in order to adopt a majority voting standard. (Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side) Proxy — STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Proxy Statement and the 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at: http://www.stewart.com/2013-annual-meeting qIF
Preliminary Copy—Subject to Completion, Dated March 12, 2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693i3.jpg)
| | | | | | | | ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693i4.jpg) | | | | | | | | | | Electronic Voting Instructions | | | | | | | | | | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! | | | | | | | | | | Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. | | | | | | | | | | VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. | | | | | | | | | | | Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on April 30, 2014. | | | | | | | | | | | ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693im9.jpg) | | Vote by Internet | | | | | | | | | | | | • Go towww.investorvote.com/STC | | | | | | | | | | | | • Or scan the QR code with your smartphone | | | | | | | | | | | | • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Vote by telephone | | | | | | | | | | | • Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone | Using ablack ink pen, mark your votes with anX as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. | | | | x | | | | • Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message | | | | | | | | | | |
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693im10.jpg)
q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q 514860-002 01Apr2013 04:43 QTA PageENVELOPE.q | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A | | | | Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR all the nominees listed andFOR Proposals 2 – 6. | | | | | | | | | | | | 1. | | Election of Directors: | | 01 - Arnaud Ajdler 04 - Laurie C. Moore | | 02 - Glenn C. Christenson 05 - Dr. W. Arthur Porter | | 03 - Robert L. Clarke | | | | + | | | ¨Mark here to vote FOR all nominees | | ¨Mark here toWITHHOLD vote from all nominees | | ¨For AllEXCEPT- To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), write the name(s) of such nominee(s) below.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | For | | Against | | Abstain | | | | | | For | | Against | | Abstain | 2. | | Advisory approval regarding the compensation of Stewart Information Services Corporation’s named executive officers (Say-on-Pay). | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | 3. | | Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Stewart Information Services Corporation’s independent auditors for 2014. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | | | | | | | | | | 4. | | Approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | 5. | | Approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation Annual Bonus Plan. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | | | | | | | 6. | | Approval of an amendment to the Stewart Information Services Corporation Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting in order to adopt a majority voting standard. | | ¨ | | ¨ | | ¨ | | | | The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and of the Proxy Statement. |
| | | | | | | | | B | | Non-Voting Items | | | | | | | Change of Address— Please print new address below. | | | | Comments — Please print your comments below. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | C | | Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below | | | | | | NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. |
| | | | | | | | | Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. | | | | Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. | | | | Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. | / / | | | | | | | | |
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693im11.jpg)
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/DEF 14A/0001193125-13-136961/g51486003.jpg)
MMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789
IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext
ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext
000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext MR A SAMPLE Electronic Voting Instructions DESIGNATION (IF ANY) Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! ADD 1 Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting ADD 2 methods outlined below to vote your proxy. ADD 3 VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. ADD 4 MMMMMMMMM ADD 5 Proxies 11:59 p. m. submitted , Eastern by Time, the on Internet May 1, or 2013. telephone must be received by ADD 6 Vote by Internet Go to www.investorvote.com/STC Or scan the QR code with your smartphone Follow the steps outlined on the secure website Vote by telephone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in X Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. Annual Meeting Proxy Card 1234 5678 9012 345
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH ANDRETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2 – 3. 1. Election of Directors: 01 - Catherine A. Allen 02 - Robert L. Clarke 03 - Dr. E. Douglas Hodo 04 - Laurie C. Moore 05 - Dr. W. Arthur Porter +
Mark here to vote Mark here to WITHHOLD For All EXCEPT - To withhold authority to vote for any
FOR all nominees vote from all nominees _____________________________________________ nominee(s), write the name(s) of such nominee(s) below. For Against Abstain For Against Abstain 2. Advisory approval regarding the compensation of 3. Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Stewart Information Services Corporation’s named Stewart Information Services Corporation’s independent executive officers (Say-on-Pay). auditors for 2013. The Stockholders undersigned and acknowledges of the Proxy Statement. receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of B Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. C Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keepsignature within the box. C 1234567890 J N T MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND
MMMMMM 1 U P X 1 5 9 4 0 7 3 MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND +
01M8KD
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The undersigned, as a named fiduciary for voting purposes, hereby directs Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the Company’s 401(k) Salary Deferral Plan, to vote all shares of common stock of Stewart Information Services Corporation allocated to my account as of March 1, 2013,24, 2014, as directed.IF NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, the shares will be voted FOR each of the nominees, FOR the approval of the advisory resolution regarding the compensation of Stewart Information Services Corporation’s named executive officers, and FOR ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Stewart Information Services Corporation’s independent auditors for 2013. 2014, FOR the approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan, FOR the approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation Annual Bonus Plan, and FOR the approval of an amendment to the Stewart Information Services Corporation Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting in order to adopt a majority voting standard.As noted in the accompanying proxy statement, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, if any of the listed nominees becomes unavailable for any reason and authority to vote for election of directors is not withheld, the shares will be voted for another nominee or other nominees to be selected by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. I understand that I am to mail this confidential voting instruction card toComputershareacting as tabulation agent, or vote by Internet or telephone as described on proxy, and that my instructions must be received byComputershareno later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time two days prior to the annual meeting day. If my instructions are not received by that date, or if the voting instructions are invalid because this form is not properly signed and dated, the shares in my account will be voted in accordance with the terms of the Plan document. I acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and of the Proxy Statement. Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Proxy Statement and the 20122013 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at: http://www.stewart.com/2013-annual-meeting2014-annual-meeting q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q ![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/PRE 14A/0001193125-14-095820/g663693im12.jpg)
Proxy — STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION - 401(k) Salary Deferral Plan PROXY VOTINGINSTRUCTIONS VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 3, 2013 2, 2014 The undersigned appoints Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the Company’s 401(k) Salary Deferral Plan, as proxy with full power of substitution and revocation, to vote, as designated on the reverse side hereof, all the Common Stock of Stewart Information Services Corporation which the undersigned has power to vote, with all powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the annual meeting of stockholders thereof to be held on May 3, 2013,2, 2014, or at any adjournment thereof. Unless otherwise marked, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of the nominees named, FOR the approval of the advisory resolution regarding the compensation of Stewart Information Services Corporation’s named executive officers, and FOR ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Stewart Information Services Corporation’s independent auditors for 2013.2014, FOR the approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan, FOR the approval of the Stewart Information Services Corporation Annual Bonus Plan, and FOR the approval of an amendment to the Stewart Information Services Corporation Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting in order to adopt a majority voting standard. (Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side) |