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PROXY STATEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Preliminary Proxy Statement. |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)). |
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Definitive Proxy Statement. |
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Definitive Additional Materials. |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12. |
Comerica Incorporated | ||||
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) |
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant) |
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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(1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. |
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(4) | Date Filed: |
Comerica Incorporated
Proxy Statement and Notice of
2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Comerica Incorporated
Comerica Bank Tower
1717 Main Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
March 16, 2012
Dear Shareholder,
It is our pleasure to invite you to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Comerica Incorporated at 9:30 a.m., Central Time, on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, 4th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., Central Time. A map showing the location of the Annual Meeting is on the back cover of the accompanying proxy statement.
The annual report, which we are simultaneously mailing or otherwise providing to you (or which we previously mailed or otherwise provided to you), summarizes Comerica's major developments during 2011 and includes the 2011 consolidated financial statements.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please submit your proxy promptly so that your shares will be voted as you desire.
Sincerely, | ||
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider, and you should read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders |
Time and Date |
9:30 a.m., April 24, 2012 | |
Place |
Comerica Bank Tower |
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Record Date |
February 24, 2012 |
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Proxy Mailing Date |
On or around March 16, 2012 |
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Voting |
Shareholders as of the record date are entitled to vote. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote for each director nominee and one vote for each of the proposals to be voted on. |
Meeting Agenda |
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Election of seven directors | |
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Ratification of Ernst & Young as independent auditors for 2012 |
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Advisory approval of the Company's executive compensation |
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Transact other business that may properly come before the meeting |
Voting Matters |
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Board Vote Recommendation |
Page Reference |
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Election of directors | FOR EACH DIRECTOR NOMINEE | 72-77 | ||
Ratification of Ernst & Young as auditors for 2012 |
FOR |
87 |
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Advisory approval of the Company's executive compensation |
FOR |
91 |
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1
Board Nominees |
The following table provides summary information about each director nominee. Each director nominee will be elected for a one-year term. Directors are elected by a majority of votes cast.
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Committee Memberships |
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Director since |
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Other Public Company Boards |
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Name | Age | Occupation | Independent | AC | GCNC | ERC | QLCC | |||||||||||||
Roger A. Cregg | 55 | 2006 | SVP Finance/ CFO, The ServiceMaster Company | X | F | X | X | |||||||||||||
T. Kevin DeNicola |
57 |
2006 |
Former CFO, KIOR, Inc. |
X |
C, F |
X |
C |
Georgia Gulf Corporation |
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Alfred A. Piergallini |
65 |
1991 |
Consultant, Desert Trail Consulting |
X |
X |
Central Garden & Pet Company |
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Nina G. Vaca |
40 |
2008 |
Chairman & CEO, Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc. |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Kohl's Corporation |
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Richard G. Lindner |
57 |
2008 |
Retired; Former SEVP & CFO, AT&T, Inc. |
IFD |
C |
X |
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Robert S. Taubman |
58 |
1987 |
Chairman, President & CEO, Taubman Centers, Inc. |
X |
X |
Sotheby's Holdings, Inc., Taubman Centers, Inc. |
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Reginald M. Turner, Jr. |
52 |
2005 |
Attorney, Clark Hill PLC |
X |
X |
C |
X |
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AC Audit Committee; C Chair; ERC Enterprise Risk Committee; F Financial expert; GCNC Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee; IFD Independent Facilitating Director; QLCC Qualified Legal Compliance Committee
Attendance |
All director nominees and all incumbent directors attended at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the aggregate number of meetings held by the Board and all the committees of the Board on which the respective directors served.
Corporate Governance Highlights |
Comerica is very committed to sound corporate governance practices. We believe that strong corporate governance is important, and that integrity and trustworthiness are the cornerstones upon which successful companies are built. In light of this belief, over the past several years, we have implemented multiple enhancements in the corporate governance of Comerica. Specifically, we have:
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Auditors |
As a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking our shareholders to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young as our independent auditors for 2012. Set forth below is summary information with respect to Ernst & Young's fees for services provided in 2011 and 2010.
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2011 | 2010 | |||||
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Audit Fees |
$ | 2,092,177 | $ | 1,900,885 | |||
Audit-Related Fees |
364,415 | 269,800 | |||||
Tax Fees |
228,508 | 171,489 | |||||
All Other Fees |
1,995 | 2,790 | |||||
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$ | 2,687,095 | $ | 2,344,964 | |||
Three-Year Total Shareholder Return |
Comerica experienced positive long-term total shareholder return ("TSR") of 34% for the three-year period ended 12/31/11.
Three-Year Total Shareholder Return
For the Three Years Ended 12/31/11
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Compensation Practices Comerica Does NOT Utilize |
Compensation Practices Comerica Does NOT Utilize |
Description | |
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Employment Agreements* |
Employment agreements are not provided to Comerica's executive team. | |
Perquisites |
As of June 30, 2010, Comerica eliminated all executive officer perquisite programs. |
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Personal Use of Corporate Aircraft |
Comerica does not allow executives to use corporate aircraft for personal travel (except in the event of an emergency such as a medical or life-threatening event, in which case the executive is required to reimburse Comerica for the full incremental cost of such use). |
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Change of Control Agreements |
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Excise Tax Gross-Up Payments |
Since 2008, Comerica has not entered into any new Change of Control Agreements that include any provision for excise tax gross-up payments on behalf of terminated executives, and it will not include the provision in any future agreements. |
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Severance Payment Rights |
Since 2008, Comerica has not entered into any new Change of Control Agreements that include any provision that effectively allows for severance payments to be made solely on account of the occurrence of a change of control event (typically referred to as "single trigger" or "modified single trigger" provisions). Additionally, Comerica will not include such provisions in any future agreements. More details can be found on pages 43-44. |
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Executive Compensation Elements |
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Key Objectives |
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Compensation Elements |
Philosophy Statement |
Attract & Retain |
Reward Short-Term Performance |
Reward Long-Term Performance |
Align to Shareholder Interests |
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TARGET CASH The mix of base salary and STIs is balanced against LTIs to |
Base Salary | Base salary is used to compete in the market for talent and forms the foundation for our other reward vehicles. | X | |||||||||||||
provide appropriate focus on | ||||||||||||||||
both short and long-term results, with the goal of discouraging behavior that could give rise to excessive risk-taking. | Short-Term Incentives ("STIs") |
Our short-term cash incentive plan rewards annual relative performance against our 11 peer financial institutions, based on specific metrics. To achieve a top payout, our performance must rank first among our peers in all metrics. | X | X | X | |||||||||||
Cash Incentives | Our long-term cash incentive plan rewards three-year relative performance against our 11 peer financial institutions, based on specific metrics. To achieve a top payout, our performance must rank first among our peers in all metrics. | X | X | X | ||||||||||||
Equity Incentives |
Long-term equity incentives align management with shareholder interests and reward long-term performance. Value is created for participants when sustained performance increases stock price over several years. We primarily use two vehicles, stock options and restricted stock: |
X |
X |
X |
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LONG-TERM INCENTIVES | ||||||||||||||||
("LTIs") We use a mix of both cash and equity in our long-term incentive programs. Measuring long-term performance incents behaviors that preserve shareholder value. |
Stock Options. Our stock options use the closing price on the date of grant for the strike price. Vesting occurs over four years, and the participant only receives a benefit when the stock price increases so that the shareholders also benefit. Restricted Stock. Restricted stock grants for the NEOs vest in their entirety at the end of five years. They are utilized as a retention tool to incent key leadership to remain with Comerica. Their value is directly tied to the stock price and therefore aligns management with shareholder interests. |
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OTHER | Other Compensation and Benefit Programs / Retirement Benefits | Comerica offers all employees benefits programs that provide protections for health, welfare and retirement. | X |
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2011 Compensation Summary |
Set forth below is the 2011 compensation for each named executive officer as determined under SEC rules.
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Name and Principal Position (a) |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($) |
Option Awards ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
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Ralph W. Babb, Jr. | 2011 | 1,170,873 | 0 | 2,127,040 | 1,349,010 | 2,416,944 | 2,745,500 | 9,800 | 9,819,167 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Chairman of the Board, | 2010 | 2,727,452 | 0 | 1,233,540 | 757,680 | 1,986,350 | 2,108,247 | 32,180 | 8,845,449 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | 2009 | 985,000 | 0 | 1,801,280 | 545,908 | 0 | 866,533 | 67,674 | 4,266,395 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Elizabeth S. Acton |
2011 |
598,712 |
0 |
430,100 |
274,950 |
725,274 |
391,573 |
9,800 |
2,430,409 |
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Executive Vice President | 2010 | 981,416 | 0 | 372,020 | 227,920 | 446,000 | 275,273 | 15,115 | 2,317,744 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
and Chief Financial Officer, | 2009 | 512,500 | 0 | 394,659 | 151,496 | 0 | 177,884 | 30,308 | 1,266,847 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Karen L. Parkhill |
2011 |
218,942 |
792,222 |
1,131,078 |
505,800 |
357,778 |
0 |
991,242 |
3,997,062 |
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Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lars C. Anderson |
2011 |
600,000 |
0 |
1,818,150 |
280,800 |
907,667 |
0 |
261,616 |
3,868,233 |
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Vice Chairman, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank |
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Curtis C. Farmer |
2011 |
571,393 |
0 |
410,550 |
257,400 |
912,635 |
0 |
22,050 |
2,174,028 |
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Vice Chairman, | 2010 | 937,042 | 0 | 411,180 | 258,720 | 346,000 | 0 | 30,952 | 1,983,894 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | 2009 | 430,769 | 0 | 262,564 | 119,499 | 55,781 | 0 | 699,274 | 1,567,887 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Michael Fulton |
2011 |
547,854 |
0 |
391,000 |
234,000 |
661,540 |
884,586 |
9,800 |
2,728,780 |
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Executive Vice President, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dale E. Greene |
2011 |
445,073 |
75,488 |
782,000 |
0 |
562,909 |
961,353 |
9,800 |
2,836,623 |
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Executive Vice President, | 2010 | 1,009,073 | 450,340 | 277,200 | 522,000 | 1,142,136 | 19,374 | 3,420,123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank |
For more information, see the narrative and notes accompanying the "2011 Summary Compensation Table" set forth on pages 47-50.
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COMERICA INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
APRIL 24, 2012
Date: | April 24, 2012 | |||||
Time: |
9:30 a.m., Central Time |
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Place: |
Comerica Bank Tower 1717 Main Street, 4th Floor Dallas, Texas 75201 |
We invite you to attend the Comerica Incorporated Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the following purposes:
The record date for the Annual Meeting is February 24, 2012 (the "Record Date"). Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date can vote at the Annual Meeting. Comerica mailed this Notice of Annual Meeting to those shareholders. Action may be taken at the Annual Meeting on any of the foregoing proposals on the date specified above or any date or dates to which the Annual Meeting may be adjourned or postponed.
Comerica will have a list of shareholders who can vote at the Annual Meeting available for inspection by shareholders at the Annual Meeting and, for 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting, during regular business hours at the offices of the Comerica Corporate Legal Department, Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75201.
If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting but are not a shareholder of record because you hold your shares in street name, please bring evidence of your beneficial ownership of your shares with you to the Annual Meeting. See the "Questions and Answers" section of the proxy statement for a discussion of the difference between a shareholder of record and a street name holder.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting and whether you own a few or many shares of stock, the Board of Directors urges you to vote promptly. Registered holders may vote by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card, if applicable, by using the automated telephone voting system, or by using the Internet voting system. "Street name" holders must vote
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their shares in the manner prescribed by their brokerage firm, bank or other nominee. You will find instructions for voting in the "Questions and Answers" section of the proxy statement.
By Order of the Board of Directors, | ||
Jon W. Bilstrom Executive Vice President Governance, Regulatory Relations and Legal Affairs, and Corporate Secretary |
March 16, 2012
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Comerica Incorporated
Comerica Bank Tower
1717 Main Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
2012 PROXY STATEMENT
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is a proxy?
A proxy is your authorization for someone else to vote for you in the way that you want to vote. When you complete and submit a proxy card or use the automated telephone voting system or the Internet voting system, you are submitting a proxy. The Board of Directors of Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica" or the "Company") is soliciting this proxy. All references in this proxy statement to "you" will mean you, the shareholder, and to "yours" will mean the shareholder's or shareholders', as appropriate.
What is a proxy statement?
A proxy statement is a document the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") requires to explain the matters on which you are asked to vote on by proxy and to disclose certain related information. This proxy statement and, if applicable, the accompanying proxy card were first mailed to the shareholders on or about March 16, 2012.
Who can vote?
Only record holders of Comerica's common stock at the close of business on February 24, 2012, the Record Date, can vote at the Annual Meeting. Each shareholder of record has one vote, for each share of common stock owned, on each matter presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting.
What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a "street name" holder?
If your shares are registered directly in your name, you are considered the shareholder of record with respect to those shares.
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, then the brokerage firm, bank or other nominee is considered to be the shareholder of record with respect to those shares. However, you still are considered the beneficial owner of those shares, and your shares are said to be held in "street name." Street name holders generally cannot vote their shares directly and must instead instruct the brokerage firm, bank or other nominee how to vote their shares. See "How can I vote?" below.
How can I vote?
If you are a shareholder of record as of the Record Date, as opposed to a street name holder, you will be able to vote in four ways: In person, by telephone, by the Internet, or (in most cases) by proxy card. If you previously enrolled in a program to receive electronic versions of Comerica's
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annual report and proxy statement instead of receiving the printed versions, however, you may receive an email notice rather than a proxy card, in which case the email notice will provide you with the information you will need to vote.
To vote by proxy card, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card, if applicable. To vote by using the automated telephone voting system or the Internet voting system, the instructions for shareholders of record are as follows:
TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-560-1965
(OR)
TO VOTE BY THE INTERNET: http://www.ematerials.com/cma
If you submit a proxy to Comerica before the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote your shares as you direct. If no instructions are specified, the proxy will be voted for the seven Class I and Class III directors nominated by the Board of Directors; for the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012; and for the approval of executive compensation.
You may revoke a proxy at any time before the proxy is exercised by:
If you hold your shares in "street name," you must vote your shares in the manner prescribed by your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee. Your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee should have enclosed or otherwise provided a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the brokerage firm, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares. If you hold your shares in street
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name and you want to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from your broker and present it at the Annual Meeting.
What is a quorum?
There were 197,451,106 shares of Comerica's common stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date. A majority of the issued and outstanding shares, 98,725,554 shares, present or represented by proxy at the meeting, constitutes a quorum. A quorum must exist to conduct business at the Annual Meeting.
What vote is required?
Directors: If a quorum exists, the nominees for Class I and Class III directors receiving a majority of the votes cast (i.e., the number of shares voted "for" a director nominee exceeds the number of votes cast "against" that nominee) will be elected as Class I or Class III directors. Votes cast will include only votes cast with respect to shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote and will exclude abstentions. Therefore, shares not present at the meeting, broker non-votes (described below) and shares voting "abstain" have no effect on the election of directors. If the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, the directors shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the meeting.
Other Proposals: If a quorum exists, the proposals: (i) to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors and (ii) to approve a non-binding, advisory proposal to approve executive compensation must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal in question. Therefore, abstentions will have the same effect as voting against the applicable proposal. Broker non-votes will not be counted as eligible to vote on the applicable proposal and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the voting on that proposal.
If you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker, your shares will not be voted on any proposal on which your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote under the rules of the stock exchange or other organization of which it is a member. In this situation, a "broker non-vote" occurs.
Comerica will vote properly completed proxies it receives prior to the Annual Meeting in the way you direct. If you do not specify instructions, the shares represented by those properly completed proxies will be voted (i) to elect the seven Class I and Class III directors nominated by the Board of Directors; (ii) to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors; and (iii) to approve the non-binding, advisory proposal to approve executive compensation. No other matters are currently scheduled to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.
An independent third party, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., will act as the inspector of the Annual Meeting and the tabulator of votes.
Who pays for the costs of the Annual Meeting?
Comerica pays the cost of preparing and printing the proxy statement and soliciting proxies. Comerica will solicit proxies primarily by mail, but may also solicit proxies personally and by telephone, the Internet, facsimile or other means. Comerica will use the services of Georgeson Inc., a proxy solicitation firm, at a cost of $10,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses and fees for any special services. Officers and regular employees of Comerica and its subsidiaries may also solicit proxies, but they will not receive additional compensation for soliciting proxies. Comerica also will reimburse
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banks, brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners of Comerica's common stock.
How does the Board select nominees for the Board?
In identifying potential candidates for nomination as directors, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee considers the specific qualities and skills of potential directors. Criteria for assessing nominees include a potential nominee's ability to represent the interests of Comerica's four core constituencies: its shareholders, its customers, the communities it serves and its employees. Minimum qualifications for a director nominee are experience in those areas that the Board determines are necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of Comerica, including leadership positions in public companies, small or middle market businesses, or not-for-profit, professional or educational organizations.
For those proposed director nominees who meet the minimum qualifications, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee then assesses the proposed nominee's specific qualifications, evaluates his or her independence, and considers other factors, including skills, geographic location, considerations of diversity, standards of integrity, memberships on other boards (with a special focus on director interlocks), and ability and willingness to commit to serving on the Board for an extended period of time and to dedicate adequate time and attention to the affairs of Comerica as necessary to properly discharge his or her duties.
The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee will consider director nominees proposed by shareholders, as well as other shareholder proposals, provided such proposals comply with Comerica's applicable procedures as described below. More information regarding the selection of director nominees is included below under "Proposal I Submitted for Your Vote Election of Directors."
When are shareholder proposals for the 2013 Annual Meeting due?
To be considered for inclusion in next year's proxy statement, all shareholder proposals must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including SEC Rule 14a-8, as well as Comerica's bylaws, and must be submitted in writing to the Corporate Secretary, Comerica Incorporated, Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, MC 6404, Dallas, Texas 75201, and received by November 16, 2012.
Under Comerica's bylaws, shareholders of Comerica must provide advance notice to Comerica if they wish to propose items of business at an Annual Meeting of Comerica's shareholders. For the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, notice must be received by Comerica's Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on January 24, 2013 and no earlier than the close of business on December 25, 2012. If, however, Comerica moves the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to a date that is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the date which is the one-year anniversary of this year's Annual Meeting date (i.e., April 24, 2012), Comerica must receive your notice no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the new Annual Meeting date and no later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the new Annual Meeting date or the 10th day following the day on which Comerica first made a public announcement of the new Annual Meeting date.
Comerica's bylaws contain additional requirements for shareholder proposals. A copy of Comerica's bylaws can be obtained by making a written request to the Corporate Secretary.
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How can shareholders nominate persons for election as directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting?
All shareholder nominations of persons for election as directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must comply with applicable laws and regulations, as well as Comerica's bylaws, and must be submitted in writing to the Corporate Secretary, Comerica Incorporated, Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, MC 6404, Dallas, Texas 75201.
Under Comerica's bylaws, shareholders of Comerica must provide advance notice to Comerica if they wish to nominate persons for election as directors at an Annual Meeting of Comerica's Shareholders. For the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, written notice must be received by Comerica's Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on January 24, 2013 and no earlier than the close of business on December 25, 2012.
If, however, Comerica moves the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to a date that is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the date which is the one-year anniversary of this year's Annual Meeting date (i.e., April 24, 2012), or if a special meeting of shareholders is called for the purpose of electing directors, Comerica must receive your notice no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the meeting date and no later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the meeting date or the 10th day following the day on which Comerica first made a public announcement of the meeting date (and, in the case of a special meeting, of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting).
If Comerica increases the number of directors to be elected to the Board at the Annual Meeting and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board at least 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding year's Annual Meeting, then Comerica will consider your notice timely (but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase) if Comerica receives your notice no later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which Comerica first makes the public announcement of the increase in the number of directors.
In addition, Article III, Section 12 of the bylaws requires a nominee for election or re-election as a director of Comerica to complete and deliver to the Corporate Secretary (in accordance with the time periods described above, in the case of director nominations by shareholders) a written questionnaire prepared by Comerica with respect to the background and qualification of the person and, if applicable, the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made.
A nominee also must make certain representations and agree that he or she (A) will abide by the requirements of Article III, Section 13 of the bylaws (concerning, among other things, the required tendering of a resignation by a director who does not receive a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election), (B) is not and will not become a party to (1) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how, if elected as a director of Comerica, he or she will act or vote on any issue or question (a "Voting Commitment") that has not been disclosed to Comerica or (2) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with his or her ability to comply, if elected as a director of Comerica, with his or her fiduciary duties under applicable law, (C) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than Comerica with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed, and (D) in his or her individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of Comerica, and would comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of Comerica.
13
You may receive a copy of Comerica's bylaws specifying the advance notice and additional requirements for shareholder nominations by making a written request to the Corporate Secretary.
How many of Comerica's directors are independent?
Comerica's Board of Directors has determined that 8 of Comerica's 9 current directors, or 89%, are independent. For a discussion of the Board of Directors' basis for this determination, see the section of this proxy statement entitled "Director Independence and Transactions of Directors with Comerica."
Does Comerica have a Code of Ethics?
Yes, Comerica has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees, which applies to employees and agents of Comerica and its subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors. Comerica also has a Senior Financial Officer Code of Ethics that applies to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Finance of Comerica. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors and the Senior Financial Officer Code of Ethics are available on Comerica's website at www.comerica.com. Copies of such codes can also be obtained in print by making a written request to the Corporate Secretary.
How many copies of the annual report and proxy statement should I receive?
Unless we receive contrary instructions, we normally send a single set of our annual report or proxy statement to a household at which two or more shareholders reside if they share the same last name or we reasonably believe they are members of the same family. This procedure is referred to as "Householding," and it benefits both Comerica and you. It reduces the volume of duplicate information received at your household and helps Comerica reduce expenses. Each shareholder subject to Householding will continue to receive a separate proxy card or voting instruction card.
Comerica will deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of the annual report or proxy statement, as applicable, to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the document was delivered. If you received a single set of disclosure documents for the current year, but you would prefer to receive your own copy this year, you may direct requests for separate copies to the Corporate Secretary.
If you are a registered shareholder who resides at the same address as another shareholder and you would prefer to receive your own set of the annual report and/or proxy statement in future years, you may contact our transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, at (877) 602-7615. You will need to enter your account number and Comerica number 114. Alternatively, you may write to our transfer agent at the following address: Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, Attn: Householding, P.O. Box 64854, St. Paul, MN 55164-0854. If you hold your shares in street name, you may revoke your consent to Householding by contacting your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee or by following the directions set forth on the voting instruction card you received with the proxy materials. If you are currently receiving multiple copies of the annual report and/or proxy statement and want to receive only a single copy in the future through Householding, follow the same instructions set forth above for registered shareholders or street name holders, as applicable.
Is this year's proxy statement available electronically?
Yes. You may view this proxy statement, as well as the 2011 annual report, electronically by going to www.ematerials.com/cma and clicking on the document you wish to view, either the proxy statement or annual report.
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Can I receive future annual reports and proxy statements electronically instead of receiving paper copies through the mail?
Yes. If your shares are registered directly in your name (i.e., you do not hold them in street name) and you have access to the Internet, you can receive Comerica's annual report and proxy statement over the Internet rather than in printed form. Enrolling in this service will take just a few minutes of your time. It will give you faster delivery of the documents and will save Comerica the cost of printing and mailing. To agree to access the electronic versions of Comerica's annual report and proxy statement instead of receiving the printed versions by mail, go to www.ematerials.com/cma and follow the instructions under Request Meeting Materials. Have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number available when you access the website. If you agree to electronic delivery, once the annual report and proxy statement are available on the website, we will email you a notice with the website address that you should use to access the information and to receive voting instructions. Paper copies of the annual report and proxy statement would not be sent unless you request them. Comerica also may choose to send one or more items to you in paper form despite your consent to receive them electronically.
If you hold your shares in street name, you should contact your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee to determine the process for receiving Comerica's annual report and proxy statement over the Internet rather than in printed form.
By consenting to electronic delivery, you are stating that you currently have access to the Internet and expect to have access in the future. If you do not have access to the Internet, or do not expect to have access in the future, please do not consent to electronic delivery because Comerica may rely on your consent and not deliver paper copies of future Annual Meeting materials. In addition, if you consent to electronic delivery, you will be responsible for the costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies, in connection with the electronic delivery of the annual report and proxy statement.
A copy of Comerica's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, may be obtained without charge upon written request to the Corporate Secretary, Comerica Incorporated, Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, MC 6404, Dallas, Texas 75201.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 24, 2012.
The proxy statement and annual report to security holders are available at www.ematerials.com/cma.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table contains information about the number of shares of Comerica's common stock beneficially owned by Comerica's incumbent directors and director nominees, the persons named in the "2011 Summary Compensation Table" presented in this proxy statement (the "named executive officers") and all incumbent directors and executive officers as a group. The number of shares each individual beneficially owns includes shares over which the person has or shares voting or investment power as of February 24, 2012 and also any shares which the individual can acquire by April 24, 2012 (60 days after the Record Date), through the exercise of any stock option or other right. Unless indicated otherwise, each individual has sole investment and voting power (or shares those powers with his or her spouse or other family members) with respect to the shares listed in the table.
|
Name of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percent of Class |
|
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Elizabeth S. Acton |
317,213 | (1)(2) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Lars C. Anderson |
92,485 | (3) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. |
1,476,903 | (2)(4) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Roger A. Cregg |
17,185 | (5)(6)(7) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
T. Kevin DeNicola |
15,720 | (5)(6) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Curtis C. Farmer |
78,522 | (8) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
J. Michael Fulton |
327,475 | (2)(9) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Dale E. Greene |
342,692 | (2)(10) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Jacqueline P. Kane |
9,861 | (5)(6)(11) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Richard G. Lindner |
19,639 | (5)(6) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Karen L. Parkhill |
60,483 | (12) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Alfred A. Piergallini |
70,402 | (5)(6)(13) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Robert S. Taubman |
34,023 | (5)(6)(13) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Reginald M. Turner, Jr. |
14,732 | (5)(6) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Nina G. Vaca (Ximena G. Humrichouse) |
9,493 | (5)(6) | * | ||||||||||||||
|
Directors and executive officers as a group (24 people) | 3,925,105 | (14)(15) | 1.96% |
Footnotes:
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holds 8,190 restricted stock units and Jacqueline P. Kane and Nina G. Vaca, who each hold 6,125 restricted stock units. These restricted stock units vest one year after the date of the award, with such vesting contingent upon the participant's continued service as a director of Comerica for a period of one year after the date of the award. They will be settled in common stock one year after the respective director's service as a director of Comerica terminates.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") requires that Comerica's directors, executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of Comerica's equity securities file reports of stock ownership and any subsequent changes in stock ownership with the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange not later than specified deadlines. Based solely on its review of the copies of such reports received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, Comerica believes that, during the year ended December 31, 2011, each of its executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders complied with all such applicable filing requirements.
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The following table provides information about Comerica's current executive officers. The Board has determined that the current officers who are in charge of principal business units, divisions or functions and officers of Comerica or its subsidiaries who perform significant policy making functions for Comerica are (1) the members of the Management Policy Committee and (2) the Chief Accounting Officer. The current members of the Management Policy Committee are the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Mr. Babb), the Executive Vice President, Finance (Ms. Acton), the Vice Chairman, Business Bank (Mr. Anderson), the Executive Vice President, Governance, Regulatory Relations and Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary (Mr. Bilstrom), the Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer (Ms. Burkhart), the Executive Vice President, General Auditor (Mr. Duprey) (non-voting member), the Vice Chairman, Wealth Management and Retail Bank (Mr. Farmer), the Executive Vice President of Comerica Incorporated and President of Comerica Bank-Texas Market (Mr. Faubion), the Executive Vice President of Comerica Incorporated and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Comerica Bank-Western Market (Mr. Fulton), the Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer (Mr. Killian), the Executive Vice President, Planning, Forecasting, Analysis & Enterprise Risk (Mr. Michalak), the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer (Mr. Obermeyer), the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer (Ms. Parkhill), and the Executive Vice President of Comerica Incorporated and the President of Comerica Bank-Michigan Market (Mr. Ogden). The Chief Accounting Officer is Ms. Carr.
Name | Age as of March 16, 2012 |
Principal Occupation and Business Experience During Past 5 Years(1) |
Executive Officer |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elizabeth S. Acton |
60 | Executive Vice President (since April 2002), Chief Financial Officer (April 2002 to November 2011) and Treasurer (May 2004 to May 2005), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. | 2002-Present | |||
Lars C. Anderson |
51 | Vice Chairman (since December 2010), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank; Executive Vice President (October 2010 to November 2010), Group Banking Executive (August 2010 to November 2010), Group President, Georgia and Texas (August 2009 to August 2010), Group President, Georgia and Alabama (2003 to August 2009) and Regional President (2001 to October 2010), BB&T Corporation (financial services company). | 2010-Present |
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Name | Age as of March 16, 2012 |
Principal Occupation and Business Experience During Past 5 Years(1) |
Executive Officer |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. |
63 | President and Chief Executive Officer (since January 2002), Chairman (since October 2002), Chief Financial Officer (June 1995 to April 2002) and Vice Chairman (March 1999 to January 2002), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. | 1995-Present | |||
Jon W. Bilstrom |
65 | Executive Vice President (since January 2003) and Corporate Secretary (since June 2003), Comerica Incorporated; Executive Vice President (since May 2003) and Secretary (since June 2003), Comerica Bank. | 2003-Present | |||
Megan D. Burkhart |
40 | Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer (since January 2010), Senior Vice President and Director of Compensation (February 2007 to January 2010), and First Vice President, Human Resources Director, Credit and Corporate Staff (June 2004 to February 2007), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. | 2010-Present | |||
Muneera S. Carr |
43 | Chief Accounting Officer (since July 2010) and Senior Vice President (since February 2010), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank; Senior Vice President, Head of Accounting Policy (June 2009 to January 2010), Suntrust Banks, Inc. (financial services company); Professional Accounting Fellow (June 2007 to June 2009), Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Chief Accountant (federal securities regulatory agency); Senior Vice President, Accounting Policy (July 2005 to June 2007), Bank of America (financial services company). | 2010-Present |
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Name | Age as of March 16, 2012 |
Principal Occupation and Business Experience During Past 5 Years(1) |
Executive Officer |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
David E. Duprey |
54 | Executive Vice President, General Auditor (since March 2006), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. | 2006-Present | |||
Curtis C. Farmer |
49 | Vice Chairman (since May 2011) and Executive Vice President (October 2008 to May 2011), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank; Executive Vice President and Wealth Management Director (October 2005 to October 2008), Wachovia Corporation (financial services company). | 2008-Present | |||
J. Patrick Faubion |
58 | Executive Vice President (since August 2010), Comerica Incorporated; President Texas Market (since July 2010), Executive Vice President (January 2010 to July 2010) and Executive Vice President Texas Market (July 2003 to January 2010), Comerica Bank. | 2010-Present | |||
J. Michael Fulton |
62 | Executive Vice President (since May 2002 and April 1997 to May 2000), Comerica Incorporated; President and Chief Executive Officer Western Market (since July 2003), Comerica Bank. | 1994-2001; 2003-Present |
|||
John M. Killian |
59 | Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer (February 2010 to present) and Executive Vice President, Credit Policy (October 2002 to January 2010), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. | 2010-Present |
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Name | Age as of March 16, 2012 |
Principal Occupation and Business Experience During Past 5 Years(1) |
Executive Officer |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael H. Michalak |
54 | Executive Vice President (since November 2007), Treasurer (July 2011 to November 2011) and Senior Vice President (March 1998 to November 2007), Comerica Incorporated; Executive Vice President (since November 2007), Treasurer (July 2011 to November 2011) and Senior Vice President (November 2003 to November 2007), Comerica Bank. | 2003-Present | |||
Paul R. Obermeyer |
54 | Executive Vice President (since September 2010) and Chief Information Officer (since November 2010), Comerica Incorporated; Executive Vice President (since September 2005), Comerica Bank. | 2010-Present | |||
Thomas D. Ogden |
63 | Executive Vice President (since March 2007), Comerica Incorporated; President Michigan Market (since March 2007) and Executive Vice President (March 2001 to March 2007), Comerica Bank. | 1999-2001; 2007-Present |
|||
Karen L. Parkhill |
46 | Vice Chairman (since August 2011) and Chief Financial Officer (since November 2011), Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Banking Business, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (September 2007 to March 2011); on sabbatical from JP Morgan Chase & Co. (April 2006 to May 2007); Managing Director, Investment Banking Coverage Group, JP Morgan Chase & Co. (May 2002 to April 2006). | August 2011-Present |
Footnotes:
21
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Executive Summary
Economic conditions improved in 2011 compared to 2010 but still remained challenging, particularly during the last half of the year. The Company remained focused, however, on increasing shareholder returns, executing our relationship banking strategy and delivering outstanding customer service. As a result, Comerica was able to navigate these challenging times effectively and maintain its solid capital and liquidity positions and improve operating results. Significant accomplishments during 2011 include the following:
22
Three-Year Total Shareholder Return
For the Three Years Ended 12/31/11
Compensation Philosophy
Comerica's executive compensation programs are structured to align the interests of our executives with the interests of our shareholders. They are designed to attract, retain and motivate superior executive talent, provide a competitive advantage within the banking industry and create a framework that delivers pay commensurate with financial results over the short and long-term. Our executive compensation programs and principles are based on a strong pay for performance philosophy and a commitment to balanced performance metrics and sound governance.
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We maintain executive compensation practices that support our compensation philosophy and make changes as appropriate based on market conditions, regulatory changes and shareholder feedback. As a result, there are several compensation practices Comerica does NOT utilize.
Compensation Practices Comerica Does NOT Utilize |
Description | |
---|---|---|
Employment Agreements* |
Employment agreements are not provided to Comerica's executive team. | |
Perquisites |
As of June 30, 2010, Comerica eliminated all executive officer perquisite programs. |
|
Personal Use of Corporate Aircraft |
Comerica does not allow executives to use corporate aircraft for personal travel (except in the event of an emergency such as a medical or life-threatening event, in which case the executive is required to reimburse Comerica for the full incremental cost of such use). |
|
Change of Control Agreements |
||
Excise Tax Gross-Up Payments |
Since 2008, Comerica has not entered into any new Change of Control Agreements that include any provision for excise tax gross-up payments on behalf of terminated executives, and it will not include the provision in any future agreements. |
|
Severance Payment Rights |
Since 2008, Comerica has not entered into any new Change of Control Agreements that include any provision that effectively allows for severance payments to be made solely on account of the occurrence of a change of control event (typically referred to as "single trigger" or "modified single trigger" provisions). Additionally, Comerica will not include such provisions in any future agreements. More details can be found on pages 43-44. |
Changes Implemented in Response to Shareholder Feedback
Management Incentive Plan
In response to shareholder feedback, and in conjunction with our annual detailed review of our incentive programs undertaken during 2010, Comerica made several structural changes to its cash incentive program for the 2011 performance year. The changes included the following:
24
2011 "Say-on-Pay" Vote
At the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 26, 2011, over 95% of the shares voted were in support of compensation paid to our named executive officers as disclosed in the 2011 proxy statement. In addition, the shareholders approved the Comerica Incorporated 2011 Management Incentive Plan by over 96% of the shares voted.
Based on the results of the 2011 Annual Meeting and conversations the Company had with shareholders, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee (the "Committee") and the Board concluded that the compensation paid to Mr. Babb and the other NEOs, as well as Comerica's overall pay practices, enjoy strong shareholder support. Accordingly, the Committee continued to apply the same effective principles and philosophy it has used in prior years in determining executive compensation and will continue to consider shareholder feedback, as well as evolving executive compensation practices in the future when determining executive compensation.
Recoupment (Clawback) Policy
In September 2010, our Board adopted a policy related to the recoupment of compensation in response to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") and shareholder feedback. The recoupment policy provides that in the event we are required to prepare an accounting restatement of our financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, the Board will require reimbursement or forfeiture of incentive-based compensation received by any current or former executive officer during the three-year period preceding the date on which the accounting restatement is required. The clawback pertains to any excess income derived by the executive officer based on materially inaccurate accounting statements.
This recoupment policy applies in addition to the clawback provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the clawback provisions of our shareholder-approved Long-Term Incentive Plan, which provide that the Committee has the express right to cancel an option or restricted stock grant if the Committee determines in good faith that the recipient has engaged in conduct harmful to Comerica, such as having: (i) committed a felony; (ii) committed fraud; (iii) embezzled; (iv) disclosed confidential information or trade secrets; (v) been terminated for cause; (vi) engaged in any activity in competition with our business or the business of any of our subsidiaries or affiliates; or (vii) engaged in conduct that adversely affected Comerica.
Governance Programs
Our executive compensation programs and principles are based on a strong pay for performance philosophy and a commitment to balanced performance metrics and sound governance. Some of our executive compensation-related governance programs include:
25
Roles of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee, Compensation Consultant and Management
The Committee is comprised solely of independent directors and is responsible for determining the compensation of our named executive officers, who are the CEO, the CFO, the former CFO, the three other most highly compensated current executive officers and, for 2011, the former Executive Vice President, Business Bank ("NEOs"). The Committee receives assistance from two sources during its evaluation process: (1) Aon Hewitt ("Hewitt"), the Committee's independent consulting firm; and (2) our internal compensation staff, led by our Executive Vice President of Human Resources.
Hewitt has been retained by and reports directly to the Committee; it does not have any other consulting engagements with management. Hewitt, at the Committee's request, regularly provides independent advice on current trends in compensation design, including a proxy analysis of compensation of the NEOs at each of our peer group members (described below in the "Short-Term Incentives" section on pages 30-34), the pros and cons of particular forms of compensation in relation to our business strategy and compensation philosophy, compensation levels, the appropriate mix of compensation, and emerging compensation practices, not only within the banking industry but across all U.S. business sectors.
Hewitt additionally advises the Committee on CEO compensation. In providing advice, Hewitt relies on its knowledge of Comerica's business, financial performance and compensation programs and its independent research and analysis. Hewitt does not separately meet with the CEO or discuss with the CEO any aspect of his compensation.
For the remaining NEOs and the rest of the leadership team, the CEO provides compensation recommendations to the Committee for its consideration and approval. These recommendations are developed in consultation with the Executive Vice President of Human Resources based on our operational performance, individual performance, competitive market practices, internal equity and alignment with shareholder interests. While Hewitt does not provide specific recommendations, it acts in an advisory capacity to the Committee by providing compensation ranges and market practice insight. Hewitt was paid $89,845 in fees for its services to the Committee in 2011.
Comerica's management from time to time engages the services of Towers Watson ("TW") to perform specific compensation studies. TW predominantly assists management with assessing the risk of Comerica's incentive plans. Occasionally, TW provides market analyses, either for select groups within the organization or for key business unit incentive plans. In 2011, TW completed an in-depth review of Comerica's incentive compensation plans as part of a risk assessment performed to comply with the Federal Reserve's "Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies." TW was paid $56,597 in fees for its services to Comerica's management in 2011.
Benchmarking
Hewitt generates a compensation analysis for the Committee based on our peer group's proxy data (more detail on the peer group is provided in the "Short-Term Incentives" section on pages 30-34). Recognizing that peers may be bigger or smaller than Comerica and that officer positions listed in the proxy vary from company to company, the data is used as a general indicator of compensation
26
trends and pay levels. The information is not used to set specific compensation targets for the CEO or the other NEOs. The Committee reviews individual and company performance, historical compensation, as well as the scope of each position, to determine total compensation for the NEOs. Once total compensation targets are established, they are reviewed in relation to the market data to ensure they are both appropriate and competitive. Additionally, annually, Comerica purchases several published compensation surveys to evaluate compensation for our broader executive group and other staff positions. We strive to be at the median of the marketplace on all elements of total compensation and expect variable compensation to increase or decrease relative to the median based on performance.
27
2011 Compensation Elements
|
||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
Key Objectives |
|
|||||||||||
|
|
Compensation Elements |
Philosophy Statement |
Attract & Retain |
Reward Short-Term Performance |
Reward Long-Term Performance |
Align to Shareholder Interests |
|
||||||||
TARGET CASH The mix of base salary and STIs is balanced |
Base Salary | Base salary is used to compete in the market for talent and forms the foundation for our other reward vehicles. | X | |||||||||||||
against LTIs to provide | ||||||||||||||||
appropriate focus on both short and long-term results, with the goal of discouraging behavior that could give rise to excessive risk-taking. | Short-Term Incentives ("STIs") |
Our short-term cash incentive plan rewards annual relative performance against our 11 peer financial institutions, based on specific metrics. To achieve a top payout, our performance must rank first among our peers in all metrics. | X | X | X | |||||||||||
Cash Incentives | Our long-term cash incentive plan rewards three-year relative performance against our 11 peer financial institutions, based on specific metrics. To achieve a top payout, our performance must rank first among our peers in all metrics. | X | X | X | ||||||||||||
Equity Incentives | Long-term equity incentives align management with shareholder interests and reward long-term performance. Value is created for participants when sustained performance increases stock price over several years. We primarily use two vehicles, stock options and restricted stock: | X | X | X | ||||||||||||
LONG-TERM INCENTIVES ("LTIs") We use a mix of both cash and equity in our long-term incentive programs. Measuring long-term performance incents behaviors that preserve shareholder value. |
Stock Options. Our stock options use the closing price on the date of grant for the strike price. Vesting occurs over four years, and the participant only receives a benefit when the stock price increases so that the shareholders also benefit. |
|||||||||||||||
Restricted Stock. Restricted stock grants for the NEOs vest in their entirety at the end of five years. They are utilized as a retention tool to incent key leadership to remain with Comerica. Their value is directly tied to the stock price and therefore aligns management with shareholder interests. |
||||||||||||||||
OTHER | Other Compensation and Benefit Programs / Retirement Benefits |
Comerica offers all employees benefits programs that provide protections for health, welfare and retirement. | X |
28
Supporting our pay for performance philosophy, variable compensation plans account for the majority of compensation. This effectively makes compensation contingent on our performance. To ensure we have balanced performance metrics and sound governance, we utilize a mix of cash and equity compensation with varying time horizons to reward sustained performance.
As shown in the charts below, base salary comprised only 18% of the CEO's 2011 compensation opportunity and only 30% of the other NEOs' 2011 compensation opportunity (excluding Mr. Greene, who retired during the year). The following charts illustrate the target compensation opportunity mix of the CEO and our other active NEOs for each compensation element except the "Other Compensation and Benefit Programs / Retirement Benefits" listed in the "2011 Compensation Elements" chart above. These percentages represent target levels approved for 2011. Equity award values in the charts below reflect the grant date fair market value of the awards granted at the beginning of 2011. Those equity awards were granted based on individual and Company performance during 2010.
2011 Compensation Opportunity Mix
Compensation Elements
Base Salary
Base salaries for the NEOs are typically reviewed in the first quarter during the annual performance review process. Adjustments, if any, are made based on individual performance and market competitiveness while maintaining fixed cost at an appropriate level. On occasion, factors such as promotion, change in job duties, performance and market competitiveness may support an adjustment outside of the annual performance review. The CEO makes recommendations to the Committee for salary adjustments for his leadership team. The Committee independently establishes the base salary for the CEO.
In early 2011, the Committee discontinued the use of phantom salary stock units as a portion of base salary ("salary stock"), and the NEOs received cash salary increases as part of the regular annual review cycle. Individual salary detail for each NEO is provided in the "2011 Summary Compensation Table" on pages 47-50.
29
Short-Term Incentives
The chart below shows Comerica's annual adjusted EPS and TSR growth relative to CEO incentive awards under our Management Incentive Plan ("MIP").
Adjusted EPS and TSR Growth v CEO Incentives
Chart Notes
Short-Term Cash Incentive Program
The MIP is a cash incentive program that provides awards to the NEOs and other key employees based on the achievement of performance goals established annually by the Committee. In response to shareholder feedback and to reinforce the importance of both short and long-term results, the MIP is made up of two separate programs: the Annual Management Incentive Program ("AMI"), which measures one-year performance, and the Long-Term Management Incentive Program (see the "Long-Term Incentives" section on pages 35-39 for more information), which measures three-year performance. Information regarding the AMI is provided below. The performance criteria applicable to the CEO and the other NEOs for purposes of the MIP are determined solely on corporate financial performance.
30
|
Metric | Measurement Period |
Performance Goal |
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Short-Term Incentive |
||||||||
|
Annual Adjusted EPS Growth |
2011 | Relative Rank | ||||||
|
Annual Adjusted Return on Common Equity (Adjusted ROCE) |
2011 | Relative Rank |
As can be seen in the chart above, the AMI measures Comerica's relative adjusted ROCE and adjusted EPS growth compared to a peer group over one year (short-term).
These two metrics have been chosen because they are two of the most commonly used metrics by investors and analysts to evaluate a bank's performance. In addition, unlike other metrics that may be calculated differently, adjusted ROCE and adjusted EPS growth have a generally prescribed formula, allowing these metrics to be easily validated and compared to Comerica's peers. Comerica believes the use of measures that are well understood, transparent and based on the audited financial results of Comerica are the foundation of a responsible incentive program that rewards performance without encouraging participants to take excessive risk.
Comerica computes and compares its one-year and three-year adjusted EPS growth and adjusted ROCE performance relative to its peers. For Comerica, annual performance is measured on a calendar year basis, while for its peers, the annual performance measurement period comprises the first three quarters of the calendar year plus the fourth quarter of the prior calendar year. The difference in measurement periods between Comerica and its peers is necessitated by the timing of publicly available peer data required for the calculations. EPS is calculated based on net income available to common shareholders, and ROCE is calculated based on net income less preferred stock dividends. The after-tax impact of any adjustments related to a change in accounting principle and/or merger and restructuring charges incurred during the year for any business combinations are added back to reported net income to determine adjusted EPS and adjusted ROCE. To determine the adjusted EPS growth and adjusted ROCE performance over a three-year period, the one-year computations described earlier are averaged over the three-year timeframe.
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Based on key performance measures, adjusted EPS growth and adjusted ROCE, Comerica ranked 6th among our peers and above or at the median for both categories. The chart below details the funding for the AMI.
|
Comerica One-Year Adjusted EPS Growth | 167.1% | ||||
|
Comerica One-Year Adjusted ROCE Performance | 6.9% |
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
One-Year Adjusted EPS(1)(2) Growth Ranking |
One-Year Adjusted ROCE(1)(2) Performance Ranking |
|
||||||
|
Comerica | 6 | 6 | |||||||
|
BB&T Corporation |
10 |
7 |
|||||||
|
BOK Financial Corp. | 12 | 1 | |||||||
|
Fifth Third Bancorp | 1 | 4 | |||||||
|
First Horizon National Corp. | 5 | 9 | |||||||
|
Huntington Bancshares Inc. | 3 | 5 | |||||||
|
KeyCorp | 2 | 3 | |||||||
|
M&T Bank Corp. | 11 | 2 | |||||||
|
Regions Financial Corp. | 7 | 10 | |||||||
|
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | 4 | 8 | |||||||
|
Synovus Financial Corp. | 9 | 12 | |||||||
|
Zions Bancorporation | 8 | 11 |
2011 Award Calculation
An award under the AMI is the product of base salary, AMI target incentive opportunity and the funding percentage.
Target and Maximum Incentive Opportunity
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NEO | Target | Maximum |
|
||||||
|
Mr. Babb |
100 | % | 200 | % | |||||
|
Ms. Acton |
65 | % | 130 | % | |||||
|
Ms. Parkhill |
90 | % | 180 | % | |||||
|
Mr. Anderson |
90 | % | 180 | % | |||||
|
Mr. Farmer |
90 | % | 180 | % | |||||
|
Mr. Fulton |
65 | % | 130 | % | |||||
|
Mr. Greene |
65 | % | 130 | % | |||||
32
2011 Annual Funding Percentages for Adjusted EPS Growth and Adjusted ROCE Performance
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Relative Rank | Funding |
|
|||
|
1 |
100% | ||||
|
2 |
95% | ||||
|
3 |
90% | ||||
|
4 |
85% | ||||
|
5 |
80% | ||||
|
6 |
70% | ||||
|
7 |
60% | ||||
|
8 |
50% | ||||
|
9 |
40% | ||||
|
10 |
0% | ||||
|
11 |
0% | ||||
|
12 | 0% |
To ensure appropriate alignment between pay and performance, Comerica's target incentive opportunity percentages and funding opportunities (detailed in the above charts) are developed based on market pay levels so that at various levels of performance relative to peers, the pay is consistent with that level of performance (e.g., median pay for median performance). Maintaining this alignment with the market allows us to put more emphasis on variable compensation for our executives instead of base salary, or fixed compensation.
The following chart illustrates how the payout percentage of the AMI is calculated using Comerica's 2011 performance.
2011 AMI Program Payout Calculation
|
Metric
|
Rank | Funding |
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Annual Adjusted EPS Growth |
6 | 70 | % | ||||||
|
Annual Adjusted ROCE Performance |
6 | 70 | % | ||||||
|
Annual Total |
140 | % |
Assuming a NEO had a base salary of $300,000 and a Target Incentive Opportunity of 65% of annual base salary, the incentive award would be calculated as described below.
|
|
Base Salary | |
Target Incentive Opportunity |
|
Funding Percentage |
|
|
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Annual Portion | $ | 300,000 | X | 65% | X | 140% | = | $ | 273,000 |
The Committee reserves the right to reduce the calculated awards to account for individual performance or other operating considerations, and has used this discretion to adjust awards downward in prior years. It cannot increase the calculated awards for employees covered under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, in specified circumstances, the Committee may increase the award for employees not covered under 162(m) and did so in 2011. See footnote 2 of the "2011 Summary Compensation Table."
33
|
NEOs | Annual Award |
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mr. Babb |
$ | 1,646,540 | ||||
|
Ms. Acton |
$ | 547,821 | ||||
|
Ms. Parkhill(1) |
$ | 301,875 | ||||
|
Mr. Anderson |
$ | 756,000 | ||||
|
Mr. Farmer |
$ | 663,133 | ||||
|
Mr. Fulton |
$ | 499,682 | ||||
|
Mr. Greene(2) | $ | 468,608 |
Several factors were considered in determining the 2011 awards for each of the NEOs. Such factors included Comerica's relative and absolute performance, market competitive total compensation, current and prior compensation levels, and each NEO's individual performance (more detail is provided in the "Roles of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee, Compensation Consultant and Management" section listed above). After the Committee conducted its review and evaluated total compensation for each NEO, then it approved the 2011 awards in the above table.
In 2012, Comerica's independent accountants, at the request of the Committee, issued a report applying certain agreed-upon procedures to assist the Committee in determining that the computations for the incentive awards issued for periods ended December 31, 2011 were made in conformity with the MIP. The report addressed Comerica's 2011 rankings in relation to the peer group for the annual and three-year performance periods, using the measurement components set by the Committee. In order to facilitate making the peer comparison computations in a timely manner, Comerica's results are measured over calendar year-end periods, whereas peer data is taken from periods ending in the third calendar quarter. For example, Comerica's performance for the annual performance period that began on January 1, 2011 and ended on December 31, 2011 would be compared against our peers' performance for the four quarters that began on October 1, 2010 and ended on September 30, 2011.
34
Long-Term Incentives
The chart below shows Comerica's annual adjusted EPS and TSR growth relative to CEO realizable stock value from prior equity awards made under our long-term equity incentive program. For 2011, adjusted EPS growth increased 167% and TSR declined 38%, while CEO realizable stock value reflected alignment with long-term shareholder interests.
Adjusted EPS and TSR Growth v CEO Realizable Stock Value
Chart Notes
Long-Term Cash Incentive Program
Comerica's long-term portion of the MIP, the Long-Term Management Incentive Program ("LMI"), measures Comerica's relative adjusted EPS growth and adjusted ROCE performance over a three-year period. Utilizing the same metric in both our long and short-term programs ensures that short-term management decisions are not encouraged at the expense of longer-term performance. By using the same metrics, the Committee is incenting sustained performance of the Company in these areas over multiple years. This balanced focus on short and long-term results, in combination with our long-term equity program, discourages the management team from taking undue risks.
|
Metric | Measurement Period |
Performance Goal |
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Long-Term Incentive |
||||||||
|
Three-Year Adjusted EPS Growth |
2009-2011 | Relative Rank | ||||||
|
Three-Year Adjusted ROCE Performance |
2009-2011 | Relative Rank |
35
For the measurement period 2009 to 2011, Comerica ranked in 3rd place for adjusted EPS growth and 4th place for adjusted ROCE performance relative to our peers and performed above the median. The chart below details the funding for the LMI.
|
Comerica Three-Year Adjusted EPS Growth | 72.2% | ||||
|
Comerica Three-Year Adjusted ROCE Performance | 2.4% |
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Three-Year Adjusted EPS(1) Growth Ranking |
Three-Year Adjusted ROCE(1) Performance Ranking |
|
||||||
|
Comerica | 3 | 4 | |||||||
|
BB&T Corporation |
7 |
3 |
|||||||
|
BOK Financial Corp. | 5 | 1 | |||||||
|
Fifth Third Bancorp | 11 | 5 | |||||||
|
First Horizon National Corp. | 2 | 7 | |||||||
|
Huntington Bancshares Inc. | 12 | 11 | |||||||
|
KeyCorp | 1 | 8 | |||||||
|
M&T Bank Corp. | 4 | 2 | |||||||
|
Regions Financial Corp. | 8 | 10 | |||||||
|
SunTrust Banks, Inc. | 6 | 6 | |||||||
|
Synovus Financial Corp. | 10 | 12 | |||||||
|
Zions Bancorporation | 9 | 9 |
2011 Award Calculation
An award under the LMI is the product of base salary, LMI target incentive opportunity and the funding percentage.
Target and Maximum Incentive Opportunity
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NEO | Target | Maximum |
|
||||||
|
Mr. Babb |
50 | % | 100 | % | |||||
|
Ms. Acton |
22.5 | % | 45 | % | |||||
|
Ms. Parkhill |
40 | % | 80 | % | |||||
|
Mr. Anderson |
40 | % | 80 | % | |||||
|
Mr. Farmer |
40 | % | 80 | % | |||||
|
Mr. Fulton |
22.5 | % | 45 | % | |||||
|
Mr. Greene |
22.5 | % | 45 | % |
36
2011 Long-Term Funding Percentages for Adjusted EPS Growth and Adjusted ROCE Performance
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Relative Rank | Funding |
|
|||
|
1 |
100% | ||||
|
2 |
95% | ||||
|
3 |
90% | ||||
|
4 |
85% | ||||
|
5 |
80% | ||||
|
6 |
70% | ||||
|
7 |
60% | ||||
|
8 |
50% | ||||
|
9 |
40% | ||||
|
10 |
0% | ||||
|
11 |
0% | ||||
|
12 | 0% |
|
NEOs | 2009 - 2011 Award |
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mr. Babb(1) |
$ | 770,404 | ||||
|
Ms. Acton(1) |
$ | 177,453 | ||||
|
Ms. Parkhill(2) |
$ | 55,903 | ||||
|
Mr. Anderson(2) |
$ | 151,667 | ||||
|
Mr. Farmer(1) |
$ | 249,502 | ||||
|
Mr. Fulton(1) |
$ | 161,858 | ||||
|
Mr. Greene(1)(2) | $ | 169,789 |
37
The following chart illustrates how the payout percentage of the LMI is calculated using Comerica's 2011 performance.
2011 LMI Program Payout Calculation
|
Metric
|
Rank | Funding |
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Three-Year Adjusted EPS Growth |
3 | 90 | % | ||||||
|
Three-Year Adjusted ROCE Performance |
4 | 85 | % | ||||||
|
Three-Year Total |
175 | % |
Assuming a NEO had a base salary of $300,000 and a Target Incentive opportunity of 22.5% of annual base salary, the incentive award would be calculated as described below.
|
|
Base Salary | |
Target Incentive Opportunity |
|
Funding Percentage |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Three-Year Portion | $ | 300,000 | X | 22.5 | % | X | 175 | % | = | $ | 118,125 |
All of the NEOs' incentive awards were calculated in this manner and then prorated, where applicable, to comply with TARP regulations due to our participation in TARP until March 17, 2010. Awards were also prorated in the event the NEO was not employed by Comerica during the entire performance period.
Long-Term Equity Incentive Program
Comerica believes the combination approach of granting stock options and restricted stock best allows us to motivate and retain our NEOs. Stock options align management with shareholder interests by providing value when the stock price increases. Restricted shares help to build long-term value that is realized with continued employment, reinforce our share ownership guidelines, and align management with shareholder interest, since the value increases or decreases based on Comerica's stock performance.
In determining the pool of shares available to grant each year, the Committee considers the following factors:
While stock value is tied to the long-term future performance of the Company, the grant is made as part of our annual review and accordingly is primarily based on Comerica's prior year performance. The Committee also assesses the NEO's future potential to contribute to Comerica's sustained performance (which includes individual performance, level of responsibility and criticality to the organization), as well as the individual's prior year performance, in determining grants.
38
2011 Equity Award Grants
Generally, as described below under "Stock Granting Policy," stock grants are made once per year at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee. The targeted mix of stock options to restricted stock historically has been 40% and 60%, respectively. This mix has allowed us to appropriately balance between rewarding participants for mid-range and long-term performance. Stock options can provide realizable compensation over their duration (they typically vest over four years and expire after ten years), while restricted shares provide strong retentive value, with 100% of the shares vesting at the end of five years for NEOs. Additionally, this value mix (40% options / 60% restricted shares) has allowed us to responsibly manage our shares available for grant and provide awards where participant value and company cost are generally equivalent.
Stock Characteristics
Stock Options We grant non-qualified stock options that vest 25% per year over four years and have a term of ten years. The exercise price is based on the closing price of Comerica's stock price on the date of grant.
Restricted Stock We grant restricted shares that cliff vest five years from the date of grant for the NEOs. This is more stringent than market practice, which is typically three to four years. Participants receive quarterly cash dividends during the vesting period.
Restricted Stock Units From time to time, we may grant restricted stock units to executive officers. In 2011, we granted restricted stock units to Ms. Parkhill and Mr. Anderson in conjunction with starting employment with Comerica. Restricted stock units not subject to performance measures have a minimum vesting period of three years.
Stock Granting Policy
Comerica's stock grants are governed by the Stock Granting Policy. In general, the policy states that annual stock grants to eligible employees will be made once per year during the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee. This meeting typically takes place toward the end of January every year.
The Stock Granting Policy also governs the granting of off-cycle awards. Off-cycle awards include such things as grants to new hires and grants for retention purposes or special recognition. With respect to grants made to newly hired employees, the grant date is typically determined based on their start date with the Company. Generally, individuals who start employment during the first half of the month will receive their grant on the last day of that month, and individuals who start employment during the last half of the month will receive their grant on the 15th day of the subsequent month. In all cases, the grant date will be adjusted if the prescribed date is not a trading day for the NYSE. The exercise price is the closing price of Comerica's stock on the grant date. Other off-cycle awards are normally approved at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee, and the grant date is the date of the Committee meeting. Additionally, the CEO may make off-cycle grants to existing employees who are not executive officers for promotions and retention purposes. Such grants are made on the same schedule as off-cycle grants approved by the Committee and may not exceed 5,000 shares per individual per calendar year.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
In order to pursue our executive compensation philosophy of aligning the interests of our senior officers with those of the shareholders, we have stock ownership guidelines that encourage senior officers, including all of the active NEOs, to own a significant number of shares of Comerica's common stock. The stock ownership guidelines are a multiple of the senior officer's annual base salary. Comerica encourages its senior officers to achieve the targeted stock ownership levels within
39
five years of being promoted or named to the applicable senior officer position. For purposes of the stock ownership guidelines, stock ownership includes:
There are approximately 116 senior officers subject to stock ownership guidelines, including the active NEOs. As of December 31, 2011, all active NEOs who had held their current title for at least five years had met their respective stock ownership guideline levels.
Officer Stock Ownership Guidelines
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level |
|
Multiple of Annual Salary |
|
Approximate Value |
|
Years to Attain |
|
||||||||
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | 5.0 times | $5.9MM | 5 Years | |||||||||||||
Vice Chairman | 3.0 times | $1.7MM | 5 Years | |||||||||||||
Executive Vice President (Salary Grades BE3 and BE4) | 3.0 times | $1.3MM | 5 Years | |||||||||||||
Senior Vice President (Salary Grade BE2) | 2.0 times | $0.4MM | 5 Years |
Looking Forward 2012 Executive Compensation Plan Design Changes
Throughout 2011, the Committee continued to refine Comerica's executive compensation programs consistent with the Company's long-term goals, evolving governance and market practices and shareholder feedback. An analysis of such programs was conducted during the course of 2011. As a result of that analysis, we have determined the following:
40
voluntarily or is terminated for cause in the third year following relocation, and will apply to all future relocation packages. Previously, the policy required repayment if an employee terminated in the first year following relocation, with repayment prorated based on service during that time period.
Other Compensation and Benefit Programs
Comerica offers all employees benefit programs that provide protection for health, welfare and retirement. These programs are typical at most companies and include healthcare, life insurance, disability, dental, and vision, as well as an employee stock purchase program and other programs described below under "Retirement Benefits." A deferred compensation program is also provided for highly compensated individuals, including each of the NEOs, and is described in detail below under "Employee Deferred Compensation Plans."
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comerica offers employees an Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), which provides participating employees a convenient and affordable way to purchase shares of Comerica common stock without being charged a brokerage fee. Comerica provides a 15% quarterly match on contributions the employee made during that same quarter, provided the employee does not make any withdrawals during the quarter. Following each year-end, Comerica provides a 5% annual retention match on eligible contributions made during the first of the prior two plan-year periods if the employee has not taken any withdrawals from his or her ESPP account during the two year period and is still an employee at the end of the two year period. This encourages stock ownership, which supports our compensation philosophy of aligning the interests of Comerica's employees with those of its shareholders. For further details on ESPP matching contributions made to NEOs during 2011, please see the "2011 Summary Compensation Table."
Relocation Assistance
Comerica's relocation policy provides benefits to many employees at various levels within the organization when they are asked by the Company to relocate or as an inducement to join the Company. Such benefits include: pre-commitment visits, miscellaneous expense allowances, tax assistance, home sale assistance, closing costs on home sale and home purchase, home buyout assistance, home sale incentives of up to $100,000 of employee losses on the sale of homes, home finding trips, household goods shipping, temporary living expenses, duplicate housing expenses and final trip expenses, as applicable. Home buyout assistance is offered if an employee is unable to sell his or her home after marketing the home for 90 days. Home buyout costs are typically based on the average of two independent appraisals; however, in the event the lower appraisal is more than 5% less than the higher appraisal, a third independent appraisal is obtained and the purchase price is based on the average of the two closest appraisals. The relocation policy includes a clawback provision that requires the employee to reimburse Comerica for all or part of the relocation expenses if the employee terminates voluntarily or is terminated for cause within a specified amount of time after receiving the benefits.
Retirement Benefits
Comerica provides retirement benefits to attract and retain employees and to provide avenues for employees to save money for their retirement.
41
Pension Plan
Comerica sponsors a tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan (the "defined benefit plan") that provides a retirement benefit based on an eligible employee's years of service and final average monthly pay. Final average monthly pay is a participant's highest aggregate monthly compensation for 60 consecutive calendar months within the last 120 calendar months before the earlier of retirement or separation from service, divided by 60. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan, but are eligible to participate in the Retirement Account Plan discussed below.
For those employees who participate in the defined benefit plan, Comerica also sponsors a Benefit Equalization Plan (the "SERP") to restore benefits that are capped by Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") limits imposed on annual compensation and annual benefit amounts under the defined benefit plan.
401(k) Plan
Comerica also maintains a 401(k) savings plan for all employees. The 401(k) plan provides a 100% match on the first four percent of a participant's qualified earnings, as allowed under the IRS annual compensation limit. The match vests immediately for all 401(k) participants, and the matching criteria are the same for all employees, including the NEOs.
Retirement Account Plan
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2007 are not eligible to participate in Comerica's defined benefit plan but are eligible for a Company allocation pursuant to the Retirement Account Plan after attaining age 21 and completing one year of service. To receive an annual Company allocation (which typically occurs in the first quarter of the year), the participant must have completed at least 1,000 hours of service during the prior calendar year. The allocation varies based on the sum of the participant's age and years of service and is based on a percentage of base salary:
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Age+ Service Points |
Company Allocation |
|
|||
Less than 40 | 3.0% | |||||
40-49 |
4.0% | |||||
50-59 |
5.0% | |||||
60-69 |
6.0% | |||||
70-79 |
7.0% | |||||
80 or more |
8.0% |
The maximum annual compensation of any participant that Comerica can consider in computing an allocation under the Retirement Account Plan for 2011 was $245,000. Company contributions are 100% vested after 3 years of service or at age 65 or upon death while an employee. Payment of vested accounts may be made in a lump sum, periodic or partial distributions. No in-service distributions or loans are allowed from Comerica contribution accounts. Mr. Farmer and Mr. Anderson are current participants in the Retirement Account Plan, and Ms. Parkhill will participate in the Retirement Account Plan once she meets applicable service eligibility requirements.
Perquisites
Effective June 30, 2010, Comerica eliminated all of its perquisite programs. Comerica determined it was no longer necessary to provide the NEOs with perquisites as part of a competitive compensation and benefits package. With the acquisition of Sterling Bancshares, Inc., we will fulfill
42
certain outstanding obligations concerning perquisites for legacy employees of Sterling (none of whom are NEOs), but do not intend to continue the programs going forward.
Comerica has historically prohibited, and continues to prohibit, the use of corporate aircraft for personal use by executive officers, including the NEOs (except in the event of an emergency such as a medical or life-threatening event, in which case the executive is required to reimburse Comerica for the full incremental cost of such use).
Employment Contracts and Severance or Change of Control Agreements
Change of Control Agreements
We maintain change of control agreements with all of our active NEOs. The change of control agreements aid us in attracting and retaining executives by reducing the personal uncertainty that arises from any business combination. Such change of control agreements further make executives neutral to any change of control transaction, ensuring executives make decisions that are in the best interest of Comerica and our shareholders.
If a change of control of Comerica occurs, each active NEO will have a right to continued employment for a period of 30 months from the date of the change of control (the "Employment Period").
If the executive dies or becomes disabled during the Employment Period, the executive or his or her beneficiary will receive accrued obligations, including salary, pro rata bonus, deferred compensation and vacation pay, and death or disability benefits.
If Comerica terminates the executive's employment for a reason other than cause or disability during the Employment Period, the agreement provides the following severance benefits ("Change of Control Benefits"):
These amounts would be paid in a lump sum with the exception of the health, accident, disability and life insurance benefits and the payment of legal fees and outplacement services, which would be paid as the expenses were incurred. All payments would be made by Comerica or the surviving entity.
43
Change of control agreements issued in 2008 and before included an excise tax benefit and a window period feature. Accordingly, Mr. Babb, Ms. Acton, Mr. Farmer and Mr. Fulton would also receive the Change of Control Benefits if they resigned for any reason within the 30 days after the one-year anniversary of the change of control. Additionally, if any payment or benefit to such executives under the agreement or otherwise were subject to the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the executive would receive an additional payment in an amount sufficient to make the executive whole for any such excise tax. However, if such payments (excluding additional amounts payable due to the excise tax) did not exceed 110% of the greatest amount that could be paid without giving rise to the excise tax, no additional payments would be made with respect to the excise tax, and the payments otherwise due to the executive would be reduced to an amount necessary to prevent the application of the excise tax. Mr. Greene was party to a change of control agreement while employed with Comerica, but such agreement expired upon his retirement.
Comerica has not entered into any new agreements since 2008 that include the excise tax benefit and window period provisions. Furthermore, Comerica will not include these provisions in new agreements going forward.
Supplemental Pension and Retiree Medical Agreement with Ralph W. Babb, Jr.
On May 29, 1998, Comerica entered into a Supplemental Pension and Retiree Medical Agreement with Mr. Babb, which is designed to make him whole with respect to pension benefits that he lost when he left his prior employer to come to Comerica. The agreement was entered into pursuant to an understanding reached when Mr. Babb was hired. This supplemental pension provides Mr. Babb a benefit equal to the amount to which he would have been entitled under Comerica's Pension Plan had he been employed by Comerica since October 1978 (an additional 17 years of service), less amounts received by him under both Comerica's Pension Plan and the defined benefit pension plans of his prior employer. In addition, Comerica will provide Mr. Babb and his spouse with retiree medical and accidental insurance coverage for his and her lifetime on a basis no less favorable than such benefits were provided to them as of the date of the agreement. For additional information on Mr. Babb's supplemental pension arrangements, please see the table below entitled, "Pension Benefits at Fiscal Year-End 2011."
Deductibility of Executive Compensation
Comerica's executive compensation programs are designed to maximize the deductibility of executive compensation under the Internal Revenue Code. However, the Committee reserves the right in the exercise of its business judgment to establish appropriate compensation levels for executive officers that may exceed the limits on tax deductibility established under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code or not satisfy the performance-based award exception under Section 162(m), and therefore would not be deductible.
Participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program imposed additional limitations under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. During the TARP period, the Company's deduction for annual compensation for the Section 162(m) "covered executives" was limited to $500,000 and the "performance-based exception" of Section 162(m) was not available. As a result, certain portions of our executive officers' compensation attributable to services during our TARP participation period (November 13, 2008 to March 17, 2010) may not be deductible when paid. Such additional deductibility limitations ceased with respect to compensation earned after the Company's redemption on March 17, 2010, of the preferred stock issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program.
The aggregate nondeductible portion of compensation paid in 2011 to NEOs is $1,965,570. The primary component of this nondeductible compensation is the value of restricted stock that vested
44
in 2011. As discussed in the "Base Salary" section above, the salary stock was granted to maintain competitive compensation, and restricted stock is a critical component of Comerica's executive compensation program. Both helped to attract and retain executives who are vital to our long-term strategy. At a 35% tax rate, the aggregate cost to the Company associated with the inability to deduct this compensation for 2011 is $687,950, or approximately $0.0035 per share outstanding as of December 31, 2011.
Compensation Policies and Practices that Affect Risk Management
We use incentive compensation plans for a significant number of employees in addition to our executive officers. In this section, we describe some of our policies regarding our use and management of our incentive compensation plans, and how we manage risks arising from our use of incentive compensation.
How We Consider Risk When Structuring Incentive Compensation Programs
How We Identify Potential Risks Arising from Incentive Compensation
45
rewarded for taking unnecessary or excessive risks, nor, based on their review, was there any evidence that plans encouraged behavior that might lead to taking excessive business risks. Hewitt, the Committee's independent executive compensation consultant, also reviewed the report and agreed with the conclusions drawn by Towers Watson.
How We Manage Potential Risks Arising from Incentive Compensation
Based on the factors identified above, we have determined that risks arising from Comerica's employee compensation plans are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Comerica. Further, it is both the Committee's and management's intent to continue to evolve our processes going forward by monitoring regulations and best practices for sound incentive compensation.
GOVERNANCE, COMPENSATION AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on that review and those discussions, it recommended to the Board of Directors that the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Comerica's proxy statement.
The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee
Richard
G. Lindner, Chairman
Roger A. Cregg
Jacqueline P. Kane
Alfred A. Piergallini
February 28, 2012
46
The following table summarizes the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer of Comerica, the Chief Financial Officer of Comerica, the former Chief Financial Officer of Comerica and the three other most highly compensated executive officers of Comerica who were serving at the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as well as Dale E. Greene, who would have been included in that category but for the fact that he was not serving as an executive officer at the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 (collectively, the "named executive officers" or "NEOs").
2011 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
Name and Principal Position (a) |
Year | Salary(1) ($) |
Bonus(2) ($) |
Stock Awards (3)(4) ($) |
Option Awards (5) ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation (6) ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings (7) ($) |
All Other Compensation (8)(9) ($) |
Total (b) ($) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. | 2011 | 1,170,873 | 0 | 2,127,040 | 1,349,010 | 2,416,944 | 2,745,500 | 9,800 | 9,819,167 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Chairman of the Board, | 2010 | 2,727,452 | 0 | 1,233,540 | 757,680 | 1,986,350 | 2,108,247 | 32,180 | 8,845,449 | |||||||||||||||||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | 2009 | 985,000 | 0 | 1,801,280 | 545,908 | 0 | 866,533 | 67,674 | 4,266,395 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Elizabeth S. Acton |
2011 |
598,712 |
0 |
430,100 |
274,950 |
725,274 |
391,573 |
9,800 |
2,430,409 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President | 2010 | 981,416 | 0 | 372,020 | 227,920 | 446,000 | 275,273 | 15,115 | 2,317,744 | |||||||||||||||||||||
and Chief Financial Officer, | 2009 | 512,500 | 0 | 394,659 | 151,496 | 0 | 177,884 | 30,308 | 1,266,847 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Karen L. Parkhill |
2011 |
218,942 |
792,222 |
1,131,078 |
505,800 |
357,778 |
0 |
991,242 |
3,997,062 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lars C. Anderson |
2011 |
600,000 |
0 |
1,818,150 |
280,800 |
907,667 |
0 |
261,616 |
3,868,233 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Vice Chairman, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Curtis C. Farmer |
2011 |
571,393 |
0 |
410,550 |
257,400 |
912,635 |
0 |
22,050 |
2,174,028 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Vice Chairman, | 2010 | 937,042 | 0 | 411,180 | 258,720 | 346,000 | 0 | 30,952 | 1,983,894 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | 2009 | 430,769 | 0 | 262,564 | 119,499 | 55,781 | 0 | 699,274 | 1,567,887 | |||||||||||||||||||||
J. Michael Fulton |
2011 |
547,854 |
0 |
391,000 |
234,000 |
661,540 |
884,586 |
9,800 |
2,728,780 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dale E. Greene |
2011 |
445,073 |
75,488 |
782,000 |
0 |
562,909 |
961,353 |
9,800 |
2,836,623 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank | 2010 | 1,009,073 | 450,340 | 277,200 | 522,000 | 1,142,136 | 19,374 | 3,420,123 |
Footnotes:
47
Adjusted EPS and TSR Growth v CEO Compensation
See "Short-Term Cash Incentive Program" above for a description of how we calculate adjusted EPS growth.
|
Named Executive Officer |
2010 Regular Salary |
Salary Stock Value |
2010 Total Salary |
Salary Stock Payment |
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mr. Babb | $ | 1,098,285 | $ | 1,629,167 | $ | 2,727,452 | $ | 1,676,584 | ||||||||
Ms. Acton | $ | 561,486 | $ | 419,930 | $ | 981,416 | $ | 430,445 | ||||||||
Mr. Farmer | $ | 527,354 | $ | 409,688 | $ | 937,042 | $ | 422,121 | ||||||||
Mr. Greene | $ | 597,402 | $ | 411,671 | $ | 1,009,073 | $ | 421,578 |
Use of salary stock was discontinued in mid-January 2011. The payout value of the salary stock was based on Comerica's closing stock price on February 4, 2011 ($38.60), and includes salary stock earned during the first pay period of 2011. The salary stock was settled on February 18, 2011.
Mr. Fulton received a salary stock award in January 2011 in the amount of $17,066.
Mr. Greene served as Executive Vice President and interim head of the Business Bank from early 2010 until his retirement on September 1, 2011, succeeding the former Vice Chairman of the Business Bank, Joseph Buttigieg. Mr. Greene provided leadership and oversight of this major business segment and facilitated a smooth transition to the newly hired Vice Chairman of the Business Bank, Mr. Anderson. Since incentive compensation funding for an Executive Vice President is lower than that of a Vice Chairman, the Committee provided Mr. Greene an additional 2011 annual award in the amount of $75,488 under the MIP to recognize his contribution to the Company in such a critical role.
Both Ms. Parkhill and Mr. Anderson received a restricted stock unit grant when joining Comerica. Ms. Parkhill was granted 34,200 restricted stock units that vest in thirds in years 3, 4 and 5 from the date of grant. All units will be distributed as shares on the 5th anniversary of the date of grant.
Mr. Anderson was granted 35,000 restricted stock units to help offset any loss of pension benefits he may have accrued with his former employer. The units vest in thirds in years 4, 6 and 8 from the date of grant. All units will be distributed in shares when Mr. Anderson reaches the age of 60.
For both awards, dividends are accumulated over the vesting period and are converted into additional restricted stock units based on the fair market value of Comerica's stock price on the date of the dividend payment.
The shares granted to Mr. Babb in 2009 included 58,000 shares with a fair market value of $1,004,560 on the date of grant. At Mr. Babb's request, the cash incentive award that Mr. Babb would have otherwise received under the MIP for the one-year period ended
48
December 31, 2008 was reduced to zero, and these shares were granted in lieu of the cash payment. Mr. Babb's regular restricted stock award for 2009 was 46,000 shares with a fair market value of $796,720 on the date of grant.
In 2009, due to the restrictions imposed on Comerica as a participant in TARP, grants of long-term restricted stock were made to Ms. Acton and Mr. Greene in lieu of a cash payment for the three-year portion of the MIP. At Mr. Babb's request, he did not receive any consideration for the 2009 three-year portion of the MIP. The value of Mr. Babb's foregone long-term restricted stock award was $738,750. Mr. Farmer received cash for his three-year portion of the MIP because he was not subject to the same TARP restrictions.
|
|
2011 Dividend |
2010 Dividend |
2009 Dividend |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mr. Babb | $ | 99,020 | $ | 42,275 | $ | 71,230 | |||||||
Ms. Acton | $ | 25,504 | $ | 11,327 | $ | 22,654 | |||||||
Ms. Parkhill | $ | 1,000 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Mr. Anderson | $ | 7,950 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Mr. Farmer | $ | 15,009 | $ | 4,354 | $ | 4,395 | |||||||
Mr. Fulton | $ | 21,886 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Mr. Greene | $ | 20,683 | $ | 11,064 | N/A |
Ms. Parkhill and Mr. Anderson were also paid dividend equivalents on their outstanding restricted stock units of $3,420 and $10,529, respectively.
|
|
Option Value |
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2009 |
$ | 6.53 | ||||
|
2010 |
$ | 12.32 | ||||
|
2011 |
$ | 11.70 |
Due to Ms. Parkhill's hire date, her grant was done separately in 2011, making her binomial value $8.43. For additional information on the valuation assumptions used in determining fair value for share-based compensation, refer to Notes 1 and 17 in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Comerica's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
If eligible, participants can elect to defer all or a portion of the one-year and three-year performance awards. The deemed investment choices for the deferral are either an investment fund where the participant elects the deemed investments or Comerica common stock.
As Mr. Babb, Ms. Acton and Mr. Greene were TARP "Covered Employees" (the Senior Executive Officers and the twenty next most highly compensated employees) in 2009, they were not eligible to receive a cash bonus under the MIP as prescribed by the applicable TARP regulations. Mr. Farmer was not a TARP "Covered Employee" in 2009 and, therefore, was eligible to receive a cash bonus under the MIP.
A break-down of the AMI and LMI earned in 2011 and paid in February 2012 under the MIP are set forth in the table below with respect to each of the NEOs:
2011 Management Incentive Plan Awards
|
NEOs | AMI Funding |
LMI Funding |
Total Funding |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mr. Babb(a) |
$ | 1,646,540 | $ | 770,404 | $ | 2,416,944 | ||||||
|
Ms. Acton(c) |
$ | 547,821 | $ | 177,453 | $ | 725,274 | ||||||
|
Ms. Parkhill(b) |
$ | 301,875 | $ | 55,903 | $ | 357,778 | ||||||
|
Mr. Anderson(c) |
$ | 756,000 | $ | 151,667 | $ | 907,667 | ||||||
|
Mr. Farmer(a) |
$ | 663,133 | $ | 249,502 | $ | 912,635 | ||||||
|
Mr. Fulton(a) |
$ | 499,682 | $ | 161,858 | $ | 661,540 | ||||||
|
Mr. Greene(a)(b) |
$ | 468,608 | $ | 169,789 | $ | 638,397 |
(a) LMI funding and total funding reflects required proration, where applicable, to exclude impermissible amounts attributable to the time Comerica was a participant in TARP.
(b) AMI funding, LMI funding and total funding reflects proration based on the period of time Ms. Parkhill and Mr. Greene were employed by Comerica.
(c) LMI funding and total funding reflects proration based on the period of time Mr. Anderson was employed by Comerica.
The years of service credited to Mr. Babb under the SERP include the 17 years of service that Comerica agreed to provide Mr. Babb upon commencing his employment with Comerica.
49
Comerica has not provided above-market or preferential earnings on any nonqualified deferred compensation and, accordingly, no such amounts are reflected in the column. Since Ms. Parkhill, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Farmer were hired after January 1, 2007, they are not eligible to participate in the qualified pension plan or the SERP. See "Pension Benefits at Fiscal Year-End 2011" for more information.
|
|
401(k) Match |
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. |
$ | 9,800 | ||||
|
Elizabeth S. Acton |
$ | 9,800 | ||||
|
Karen L. Parkhill |
N/A | |||||
|
Lars C. Anderson |
$ | 9,800 | ||||
|
Curtis C. Farmer |
$ | 9,800 | ||||
|
J. Michael Fulton |
$ | 9,800 | ||||
|
Dale E. Greene |
$ | 9,800 |
Ms. Parkhill was not eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan in 2011.
Mr. Farmer's 2011 amount includes a contribution of $12,250 under the Retirement Account Plan.
In addition, certain amounts in the "All Other Compensation" column for Mr. Farmer for 2009 have been adjusted to conform to current summary compensation table presentation.
50
The following table provides information on grants of awards to NEOs in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 under Comerica's plans, as well as potential payouts for each of the NEOs under the AMI and LMI for the annual performance period covering 2011 and the three-year performance period covering 2009-2011. Where applicable, the estimated future payout values are prorated for the time Comerica was a participant in TARP during the performance period. For more information on our equity compensation plans, see the "Long-Term Incentives" section of the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."
2011 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units(3) |
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securitites Underlying Options(4) |
Exercise of Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh)(5) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards(6) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Award Type | Date Award Approved |
Grant Date |
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum(2) ($) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. |
Cash Incentive | 0 | 1,617,138 | 3,234,275 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 54,400 | 2,127,040 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Options | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 115,300 | 39.10 | 1,349,010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Phantom Salary | 01/26/2010 | 01/07/2011 | 1,583 | 70,833 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Elizabeth S. Acton |
Cash Incentive | 0 | 492,888 | 985,775 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 11,000 | 430,100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Options | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 23,500 | 39.10 | 274,950 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Phantom Salary | 01/26/2010 | 01/07/2011 | 410 | 18,258 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Karen L. Parkhill |
Cash Incentive | 0 | 247,569 | 495,139 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock | 04/26/2011 | 08/31/2011 | 10,000 | 255,900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units | 04/26/2011 | 08/31/2011 | 34,200 | 875,178 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Options | 04/26/2011 | 08/31/2011 | 60,000 | 25.59 | 505,800 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Lars C. Anderson |
Cash Incentive | 0 | 626,667 | 1,253,333 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 11,500 | 449,650 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 35,000 | 1,368,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Options | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 24,000 | 39.10 | 280,800 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Curtis C. Farmer |
Cash Incentive | 0 | 616,008 | 1,232,017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 10,500 | 410,550 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Options | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 22,000 | 39.10 | 257,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Phantom Salary | 01/26/2010 | 01/07/2011 | 400 | 17,813 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
J. Michael Fulton |
Cash Incentive | 0 | 449,576 | 899,151 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 10,000 | 391,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Options | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 20,000 | 39.10 | 234,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Phantom Salary | 01/26/2010 | 01/07/2011 | 377 | 17,066 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Dale E. Greene |
Cash Incentive | 378,000 | 756,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock | 01/25/2011 | 01/25/2011 | 20,000 | 782,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Phantom Salary | 01/26/2010 | 01/07/2011 | 402 | 17,899 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Units |
Footnotes:
51
Ms. Parkhill's and Mr. Anderson's restricted stock unit grants are also reflected in this column. Grants of restricted stock units include dividend equivalents. For more information regarding these grants see footnote (3) of the "2011 Summary Compensation Table."
Also provided in this column are the phantom salary stock units (salary stock) awarded to Mr. Babb, Ms. Acton, Mr. Farmer, Mr. Fulton and Mr. Greene in January 2011. The specific number of phantom salary stock units was determined each pay period based on Comerica's closing stock price on the grant date. More information can be found above in the "Base Salary" section of the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis." The phantom salary stock units were settled in cash and paid in February 2011. For more details, see footnote (1) of the "2011 Summary Compensation Table" above.
The restricted stock and restricted stock unit value is calculated using the closing stock price on the date of grant.
The stock option grant value is based on a binomial lattice valuation. The binomial value assigned to the option grant date in January of 2011 was $11.70. The binomial value assigned to Ms. Parkhill's award was $8.43.
The phantom salary stock unit value reflects the target value Comerica awarded to each applicable NEO.
52
The following table provides information on stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants awarded under the Long-Term Incentive Plan for each NEO that were outstanding as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The market value of the stock awards is based on the closing market price of Comerica stock on December 30, 2011 of $25.80 per share. For more information on our equity compensation plans, see the "Long-Term Incentives" section of the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END 2011
|
||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|||||||||||||
|
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
|
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) |
|
|||||||||
|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. |
0 | 115,300(1) | 39.10 | 1/25/2021 | 54,400(8) | 1,403,520 | |||||||||||
|
15,375 | 46,125(2) | 39.16 | 7/27/2020 | 31,500(9) | 812,700 | ||||||||||||
|
41,800 | 41,800(3) | 17.32 | 1/27/2019 | 104,000(10) | 2,683,200 | ||||||||||||
|
75,000 | 25,000(4) | 37.45 | 1/22/2018 | 34,000(11) | 877,200 | ||||||||||||
|
100,000 | 0 | 58.98 | 1/23/2017 | 30,000(12) | 774,000 | ||||||||||||
|
100,000 | 0 | 56.47 | 2/15/2016 | ||||||||||||||
|
175,000 | 0 | 54.99 | 4/21/2015 | ||||||||||||||
|
150,000 | 0 | 52.50 | 4/16/2014 | ||||||||||||||
|
70,000 | 0 | 40.32 | 4/17/2013 | ||||||||||||||
|
125,000 | 0 | 63.20 | 4/17/2012 | ||||||||||||||
|
Elizabeth S. Acton |
0 |
23,500(1) |
39.10 |
1/25/2021 |
11,000(8) |
283,800 |
|||||||||||
|
4,625 | 13,875(2) | 39.16 | 7/27/2020 | 9,500(9) | 245,100 | ||||||||||||
|
0 | 11,600(3) | 17.32 | 1/27/2019 | 12,800(10) | 330,240 | ||||||||||||
|
24,000 | 8,000(4) | 37.45 | 1/22/2018 | 6,014(13) | 155,161 | ||||||||||||
|
32,000 | 0 | 58.98 | 1/23/2017 | 18,445(11) | 475,881 | ||||||||||||
|
32,000 | 0 | 56.47 | 2/15/2016 | 7,000(12) | 180,600 | ||||||||||||
|
45,000 | 0 | 54.99 | 4/21/2015 | ||||||||||||||
|
45,000 | 0 | 52.50 | 4/16/2014 | ||||||||||||||
|
30,000 | 0 | 62.02 | 4/13/2012 | ||||||||||||||
|
Karen L. Parkhill |
0 |
60,000(5) |
25.59 |
8/31/2021 |
10,000(14) |
258,000 |
|||||||||||
|
34,354(15) | 886,333 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Lars C. Anderson |
0 |
24,000(1) |
39.10 |
1/25/2021 |
11,500(8) |
296,700 |
|||||||||||
|
7,500 | 22,500(6) | 42.24 | 12/31/2020 | 35,352(16) | 912,082 | ||||||||||||
|
15,000(17) | 387,000 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Curtis C. Farmer |
0 |
22,000(1) |
39.10 |
1/25/2021 |
10,500(8) |
270,900 |
|||||||||||
|
5,250 | 15,750(2) | 39.16 | 7/27/2020 | 10,500(9) | 270,900 | ||||||||||||
|
0 | 9,150(3) | 17.32 | 1/27/2019 | 10,100(10) | 260,580 | ||||||||||||
|
6,250 | 6,250(7) | 21.95 | 11/14/2018 | 3,047(13) | 78,613 | ||||||||||||
|
6,000(18) | 154,800 | ||||||||||||||||
|
J. Michael Fulton |
0 |
20,000(1) |
39.10 |
1/25/2021 |
10,000(8) |
258,000 |
|||||||||||
|
4,625 | 13,875(2) | 39.16 | 7/27/2020 | 9,500(9) | 245,100 | ||||||||||||
|
7,850 | 7,850(3) | 17.32 | 1/27/2019 | 7,516(13) | 193,913 | ||||||||||||
|
24,000 | 8,000(4) | 37.45 | 1/22/2018 | 10,200(10) | 263,160 | ||||||||||||
|
32,000 | 0 | 58.98 | 1/23/2017 | 10,000(11) | 258,000 | ||||||||||||
|
32,000 | 0 | 56.47 | 2/15/2016 | 8,000(12) | 206,400 | ||||||||||||
|
40,000 | 0 | 54.99 | 4/21/2015 | ||||||||||||||
|
40,000 | 0 | 52.50 | 4/16/2014 | ||||||||||||||
|
24,700 | 0 | 40.32 | 4/17/2013 | ||||||||||||||
|
25,800 | 0 | 63.20 | 4/17/2012 | ||||||||||||||
|
Dale E. Greene |
5,625 |
16,875(2) |
39.16 |
7/27/2020 |
|||||||||||||
|
13,350 | 13,350(3) | 17.32 | 1/27/2019 | ||||||||||||||
|
24,750 | 8,250(4) | 37.45 | 1/22/2018 | ||||||||||||||
|
32,000 | 0 | 58.98 | 1/23/2017 | ||||||||||||||
|
32,000 | 0 | 56.47 | 2/15/2016 | ||||||||||||||
|
40,000 | 0 | 54.99 | 4/21/2015 | ||||||||||||||
|
40,000 | 0 | 52.50 | 4/16/2014 | ||||||||||||||
|
23,400 | 0 | 40.32 | 4/17/2013 | ||||||||||||||
|
23,600 | 0 | 63.20 | 4/17/2012 |
53
Footnotes:
The following table provides information concerning the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, for each of the NEOs. For more information on our equity compensation plans, see the "Long-Term Incentives" section of the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."
2011 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
|
|
Option Awards | Stock Awards(1) |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) |
|
||||||
|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr.(2) |
0 | 0 | 30,583 | 1,223,293 | |||||||
|
Elizabeth S. Acton(3) |
5,800 | 126,440 | 7,410 | 296,438 | |||||||
|
Karen L. Parkhill |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
|
Lars C. Anderson |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
|
Curtis C. Farmer(4) |
10,825 | 209,150 | 400 | 17,813 | |||||||
|
J. Michael Fulton(5) |
0 | 0 | 8,377 | 334,986 | |||||||
|
Dale E. Greene(6) | 0 | 0 | 74,202 | 1,945,287 |
Footnotes:
54
The following table gives information with respect to each plan that provides for payments or other benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement, including, without limitation, tax-qualified defined benefit plans and supplemental executive retirement plans, but excluding tax-qualified defined contribution plans and nonqualified defined contribution plans. In the table below, the Comerica Incorporated Retirement Plan is referred to as the "Pension Plan", and the supplemental executive retirement plan, or Benefit Equalization Plan, is referred to as the "SERP". Since Ms. Parkhill, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Farmer were hired after January 1, 2007, they are not eligible to participate in the Pension Plan or the SERP. For more information, see the "Retirement Benefits" section of the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."
PENSION BENEFITS AT FISCAL YEAR-END 2011(1)
|
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Name | Plan Name | Number of Years Credited Service (#)(2) |
Present Value of Accumulated Benefit ($) |
Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($) |
|
||||||
|
Pension Plan | 15.58 | 1,309,435 | 0 | ||||||||
|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. |
SERP
|
33.58 | 14,292,132
|
0
|
|||||||
|
Total Pension Value | 15,601,567 | 0 | |||||||||
|
Pension Plan | 8.75 | 297,441 | 0 | ||||||||
|
Elizabeth S. Acton |
SERP
|
8.75 | 1,224,735
|
0
|
|||||||
|
Total Pension Value | 1,522,176 | 0 | |||||||||
|
Pension Plan | 40.67 | 1,545,361 | 0 | ||||||||
|
J. Michael Fulton |
SERP
|
40.67 | 4,320,848
|
0
|
|||||||
|
Total Pension Value | 5,866,209 | 0 | |||||||||
|
Pension Plan | 33.58 | 1,691,429 | 27,630 | ||||||||
|
Dale E. Greene |
SERP
|
33.58 | 5,171,673
|
0
|
|||||||
|
Total Pension Value | 6,863,102 | 27,630 |
Footnotes:
55
except that, as required by SEC regulations, the assumed retirement age is the normal Pension Plan retirement age of 65. For these purposes, the actuarial assumptions under both plans include a discount rate of 4.99%; post-retirement mortality projections from the RP2000 Combined Healthy Mortality Table for males and females projected to 2015 using Scale AA; no assumed pre-retirement mortality; and that payments are projected to commence at age 65 in the form of a single life annuity.
At December 31, 2011, Mr. Fulton had 40.67 years of benefit service. However, benefits under the Pension Plan and the SERP are limited to a 35-year service cap.
The Pension Plan is a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan and a consolidation of the former Manufacturers National Corporation Pension Plan, the Comerica Incorporated Retirement Plan and pension plans of other companies acquired by Comerica. The Pension Plan in general covers salaried employees who are age 21 and have at least one year of service. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2007 are not eligible to participate in the Pension Plan.
The Pension Plan provides the following types of benefits:
A participant may not receive multiple levels of benefits under the Pension Plan.
A participant who retires under the Pension Plan receives a pension comprised of two parts. The first part is the pension based on the service the participant accrued under one of the aforementioned plans on the day prior to the January 1, 1994 merger of those plans into the Pension Plan. The second part is the sum of (i) nine-tenths of one percent times the participant's final average monthly compensation, times the participant's years of benefit service since January 1, 1994 (total service not to exceed 35); plus (ii) seven tenths of one percent times the participant's final average monthly compensation in excess of the participant's covered compensation (the average of the taxable wage bases in effect for each calendar year during the 35-year period ending on the last day of the calendar year in which the participant attains Social
56
Security Retirement Age), times the participant's years of benefit service since January 1, 1994 (total service not exceeding 30).
Final average monthly compensation is a participant's aggregate monthly compensation for the 60 consecutive calendar months that fall within the 120 calendar months preceding the participant's retirement or separation from service prior to retirement, which results in the highest aggregate monthly compensation, divided by 60. Compensation under the Pension Plan is defined as wages, salary (including salary awarded in the form of phantom salary stock units) and any other amounts received for personal service actually rendered in the course of the employee's employment with the employer, to the extent such amounts are includible in gross income, plus incentives earned under the management incentive program, inclusive of awards earned under the MIP that the Committee determines will be paid under Comerica's Long-Term Incentive Plan in lieu of a cash incentive.
The Pension Plan also provides a benefit feature intended to help retiring employees purchase additional health care insurance. This is a level benefit to all employees that is not based on compensation but is based on "points". "Points" are the participant's age plus service at termination or retirement not exceeding 100 points. This benefit provides $1.50 per "point" payable monthly commencing on the participant's normal retirement date. Participants eligible to retire early under the Pension Plan who have also attained age 60 with 10 years of service or who have accumulated 80 points on or after age 55, are entitled to a benefit equal to $3.00 per point payable monthly commencing on their early retirement date and ending on their normal retirement date. For example, a participant retiring at age 60 and with 20 years of service, would receive a monthly payment of $240 until his or her normal retirement date, and a monthly benefit of $120 thereafter. Those vested employees not meeting the age 60 and 10 years of service or 80 point criteria would receive a flat $1.50 per point monthly benefit commencing on his or her normal retirement date.
In past years, there was some flexibility provided in the IRS regulations to include an additional benefit in the Pension Plan that would otherwise be payable from the Benefit Equalization Plan. Accordingly, certain participants in the Pension Plan are entitled to receive an annual benefit that is the greater of (a) their normal retirement benefit calculated regularly, and (b) their normal retirement benefit calculated applying the 2005 compensation limit for earnings after 2005, but adding a stated additional amount. The NEOs who were eligible for the additional benefit under the Pension Plan at December 31, 2011 are: Mr. Babb, with an additional annual benefit at age 65 of $78,852; Mr. Fulton, with an additional annual benefit at age 65 of $37,272 and Mr. Greene, with an additional annual benefit at age 65 of $31,836.
The 2011 limit under the Internal Revenue Code on the maximum annual pension that any participant, including any NEO, may receive under a tax-qualified defined benefit plan is $195,000. The maximum annual compensation of any participant that Comerica can consider in computing a pension under a qualified plan is $245,000.
A participant who is unmarried at the time of retirement generally receives a pension in the form of a single life annuity, the annual amount of which is listed in the "Pension Benefits at Fiscal Year-End 2011" table above. A participant who is married at the time of retirement generally receives a pension in the form of a joint and 50% survivor annuity, the amount of which is actuarially equivalent to the single life annuity.
The amounts set forth in the table above are not subject to deduction for Social Security or other offset amounts. The pension benefit formula under each of these plans is designed so that the pension benefits payable are integrated with the Social Security taxable wage base.
In addition to the Pension Plan, Comerica maintains the SERP, which is a consolidation of the nonqualified retirement plans previously maintained by Comerica and Manufacturers National Corporation. The SERP makes up the portion of the retirement benefits lost by participants in the
57
Pension Plan due to limits under the Internal Revenue Code on tax-qualified retirement plans that cap annual compensation which can be taken into account in determining pension benefits, cap the annual benefit that can be paid to any participant and set restrictions when a plan is top-heavy. The SERP includes the amount of certain deferrals that are not included within the compensation definition in the Pension Plan. The SERP benefits are calculated in the form of a 100% joint and survivor annuity if a participant is married, and in the form of a life annuity if a participant is not married when payments commence.
The SERP also provides the supplemental pension to Mr. Babb that is described in the May 29, 1998 Supplemental Pension and Retiree Medical Agreement between Comerica and Mr. Babb, referenced on page 44 under "Employment Contracts and Severance or Change of Control Agreements" of the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" portion of the proxy statement, which serves to equalize the effect that the departure from his prior employer had on Mr. Babb's pension.
The following table provides information on the nonqualified deferred compensation of the NEOs with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The plans under which these deferrals were made are described in the section entitled "Employee Deferred Compensation Plans" below.
2011 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Name | Plan Name | Executive Contributions in Last FY ($)(1) |
Registrant Contributions in Last FY ($) |
Aggregate Earnings (Loss) in Last FY ($) |
Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($) |
Aggregate Balance at Last FYE ($)(2) |
|
||||||||
|
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. |
Deferred Compensation Plan |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
|
Common Stock Deferred Incentive Award Plan |
0
|
0
|
(614,386)
|
0
|
995,321
|
||||||||||
|
Total Deferred Compensation Balance |
0 | 0 | (614,386) | 0 | 995,321 | ||||||||||
|
Elizabeth S. Acton |
Deferred Compensation Plan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||
|
Common Stock Deferred Incentive Award Plan |
0
|
0
|
(10,164)
|
0
|
16,467
|
||||||||||
|
Total Deferred Compensation Balance |
0 | 0 | (10,164) | 0 | 16,467 | ||||||||||
|
Karen L. Parkhill |
Deferred Compensation Plan |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
|
Common Stock Deferred Incentive Award Plan |
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
||||||||||
|
Total Deferred Compensation Balance |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
|
Lars C. Anderson |
Deferred Compensation Plan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||
|
Common Stock Deferred Incentive Award Plan |
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
||||||||||
|
Total Deferred Compensation Balance |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
|
Curtis C. Farmer |
Deferred Compensation Plan |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
|
Common Stock Deferred Incentive Award Plan |
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
||||||||||
|
Total Deferred Compensation Balance |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
|
J. Michael Fulton |
Deferred Compensation Plan |
0 |
0 |
(1,374) |
0 |
211,267 |
|||||||||
|
Common Stock Deferred Incentive Award Plan |
0
|
0
|
(93,820)
|
0
|
151,991
|
||||||||||
|
Total Deferred Compensation Balance |
0 | 0 | (95,194) | 0 | 363,258 | ||||||||||
|
Dale E. Greene(3) |
Deferred Compensation Plan |
0 | 0 | (14,981) | 0 | 601,171 | |||||||||
|
Common Stock Deferred Incentive Award Plan |
0
|
0
|
(188,388)
|
0
|
305,193
|
||||||||||
|
Total Deferred Compensation Balance |
0 | 0 | (203,369) | 0 | 906,364 |
Footnotes:
58
Employee Deferred Compensation Plans. Comerica maintains two deferred compensation plans for eligible employees of Comerica and its subsidiaries: the 1999 Comerica Incorporated Amended and Restated Common Stock Deferred Incentive Award Plan (the "Employee Common Stock Deferral Plan") and the 1999 Comerica Incorporated Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Employee Investment Fund Deferral Plan"). Under the Employee Common Stock Deferral Plan, eligible employees may defer up to 100% of their incentive awards into units that are functionally equivalent to shares of Comerica common stock. Dividend payments are converted to an equivalent unit value and credited to the employee's account. Generally, the deferred compensation under the Employee Common Stock Deferral Plan is payable in shares of Comerica's common stock following termination of service as an employee, over the period elected by the employee, except in the case of termination due to death or separation of service prior to retirement, in which case the deferred compensation is payable in shares of Comerica's common stock in a single lump sum distribution within ninety days.
Similarly, under the Employee Investment Fund Deferral Plan, eligible employees may defer a portion of their compensation, including up to 60% of salary, and up to 100% of bonus and incentive awards, into units that are functionally equivalent to shares of mutual funds offered under the Employee Investment Fund Deferral Plan. As of 1999, Comerica stock was no longer an investment choice under the Employee Investment Fund Deferral Plan. Any dividend payments are converted to an equivalent unit value and credited to the employee's account. Generally, the deferred compensation under the Employee Investment Fund Deferral Plan is payable in cash following termination of service as an employee, over the period elected by the employee, except in the case of termination due to death or separation of service prior to retirement, in which case the deferred compensation is payable in cash in a single lump sum distribution within ninety days.
Additionally, upon Comerica's acquisition of Sterling, Comerica assumed the Sterling Bancshares, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (as Amended and Restated). None of the NEOs participate in this plan.
59
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL
AT FISCAL YEAR-END 2011
|
Benefits and Payments Upon Separation |
Early Retirement(1) |
For Cause Termination |
Change of Control Termination(2) |
Disability | Death |
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cash Compensation |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary/severance |
| | $ | 9,645,849 | $ | 59,809 | (3) | | ||||||||||
|
MIP |
$ | 2,416,944 | (4) | | $ | 2,416,944 | $ | 2,416,944 | $ | 2,416,944 | ||||||||
|
Equity Compensation |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Options |
| (5) | | $ | 354,464 | (6) | | (7) | | (7) | ||||||||
|
Restricted Stock |
$ | 6,550,620 | (8) | | $ | 6,550,620 | (6) | $ | 6,550,620 | $ | 6,550,620 | |||||||
|
Benefits & Other Payments |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred Compensation(9) |
$ | 995,321 | $ | 995,321 | $ | 995,321 | $ | 995,321 | $ | 995,321 | ||||||||
|
Pension Plan/SERP(10) |
$ | 16,367,044 | $ | 16,367,044 | $ | 22,590,181 | (11) | $ | 18,352,467 | $ | 14,872,532 | |||||||
|
Retirement Account Plan(12) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||
|
Life Insurance(13) |
| | $ | 296,820 | | $ | 2,000,000 | |||||||||||
|
Medical Insurance Premiums(14) |
$ | 271,110 | $ | 271,110 | $ | 271,110 | $ | 271,110 | $ | 145,988 | ||||||||
|
Outplacement Assistance |
| | $ | 12,500 | (15) | | | |||||||||||
|
Tax Assistance |
| | $ | 8,208,842 | | | ||||||||||||
|
Total | $ | 26,601,039 | $ | 17,633,475 | $ | 51,342,651 | $ | 28,646,271 | $ | 26,981,405 |
60
61
|
Benefits and Payments Upon Separation |
Voluntary Resignation |
Early Retirement(1) |
Involuntary Not for Cause Termination(2) |
For Cause Termination |
Change of Control Termination(3) |
Disability | Death |
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cash Compensation |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary/severance |
| N/A | $ | 602,000 | | $ | 3,392,483 | $ | 15,943 | (4) | | ||||||||||||
|
MIP |
| N/A | | | $ | 725,274 | $ | 725,274 | $ | 725,274 | |||||||||||||
|
Equity Compensation |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Options |
| N/A | | | $ | 98,368 | (6) | | (7) | | (7) | ||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock |
$ | 1,670,782 | (5) | N/A | | | $ | 1,670,782 | (6) | $ | 1,670,782 | $ | 1,670,782 | ||||||||||
|
Benefits & Other Payments |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred Compensation(8) |
$ | 16,467 | N/A | $ | 16,467 | $ | 16,467 | $ | 16,467 | $ | 16,467 | $ | 16,467 | ||||||||||
|
Pension Plan/SERP(9) |
$ | 1,345,059 | N/A | $ | 1,345,059 | $ | 1,345,059 | $ | 2,474,365 | (10) | | $ | 980,612 | ||||||||||
|
Retirement Account Plan(11) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
|
Life Insurance(12) |
| N/A | | | $ | 137,792 | $ | 3,669 | $ | 1,205,000 | |||||||||||||
|
Medical Insurance Premiums(13) |
| N/A | $ | 2,962 | | $ | 39,896 | $ | 28,633 | $ | 3,325 | ||||||||||||
|
Outplacement Assistance |
| N/A | $ | 12,500 | | $ | 12,500 | (14) | | | |||||||||||||
|
Tax Assistance |
| N/A | | | $ | 2,140,195 | | | |||||||||||||||
|
Total |
$ | 3,032,308 | N/A | $ | 1,978,988 | $ | 1,361,526 | $ | 10,708,122 | $ | 2,460,768 | $ | 4,601,460 |
62
remain at December 31, 2011 levels. For "Death," includes proceeds of life insurance, of which any amount up to $2 million would be paid by Comerica's life insurance provider.
63
|
Benefits and Payments Upon Separation |
Voluntary Resignation |
Early Retirement(1) |
Involuntary Not for Cause Termination(2) |
For Cause Termination |
Change of Control Termination(3) |
Disability(4) | Death |
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cash Compensation |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary/severance |
| N/A | $ | 575,000 | | $ | 1,725,000 | N/A | | |||||||||||
|
MIP |
| N/A | | | $ | 650,000 | N/A | $ | 650,000 | |||||||||||
|
Equity Compensation |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Options |
| N/A | | | $ | 12,600 | (5) | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock/Restricted Stock Units |
| N/A | | | $ | 1,144,336 | (5) | N/A | $ | 1,144,336 | ||||||||||
|
Benefits & Other Payments |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred Compensation |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||
|
Pension Plan/SERP(6) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||
|
Retirement Account Plan(7) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||
|
Life Insurance(8) |
| N/A | | | $ | 60,918 | N/A | $ | 1,150,000 | |||||||||||
|
Medical Insurance Premiums(9) |
| N/A | $ | 2,280 | | $ | 32,675 | N/A | $ | 2,723 | ||||||||||
|
Outplacement Assistance |
| N/A | $ | 12,500 | | $ | 12,500 | (10) | N/A | | ||||||||||
|
Tax Assistance |
| N/A | | | | N/A | | |||||||||||||
|
Total |
| N/A | $ | 589,780 | | $ | 3,638,029 | N/A | $ | 2,947,059 |
64
|
Benefits and Payments Upon Separation |
Voluntary Resignation |
Early Retirement(1) |
Involuntary Not for Cause Termination(2) |
For Cause Termination |
Change of Control Termination(3) |
Disability | Death |
|
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cash Compensation |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary/severance |
| N/A | $ | 600,000 | | $ | 1,800,001 | | | ||||||||||||
|
MIP |
| N/A | | | $ | 907,667 | $ | 907,667 | $ | 907,667 | |||||||||||
|
Equity Compensation |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Options |
| N/A | | | | (4) | | (5) | | (5) | |||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock/Restricted Stock Units |
| N/A | | | $ | 1,595,794 | (4) | $ | 1,595,794 | $ | 1,595,794 | ||||||||||
|
Benefits & Other Payments |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred Compensation |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
|
Pension Plan/SERP(6) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
|
Retirement Account Plan(7) |
| N/A | | | $ | 49,000 | | $ | 12,250 | ||||||||||||
|
Life Insurance(8) |
| N/A | | | $ | 84,014 | $ | 3,657 | $ | 1,201,000 | |||||||||||
|
Medical Insurance Premiums(9) |
| N/A | $ | 3,599 | | $ | 48,862 | $ | 34,786 | $ | 4,072 | ||||||||||
|
Outplacement Assistance |
| N/A | $ | 12,500 | | $ | 12,500 | (10) | | | |||||||||||
|
Tax Assistance |
| N/A | | | | | | ||||||||||||||
|
Total |
| N/A | $ | 616,099 | | $ | 4,497,838 | $ | 2,541,904 | $ | 3,720,783 |
65
|
Benefits and Payments Upon Separation |
Voluntary Resignation |
Early Retirement(1) |
Involuntary Not for Cause Termination(2) |
For Cause Termination |
Change of Control Termination(3) |
Disability | Death |
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cash Compensation |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary/severance |
| N/A | $ | 580,000 | | $ | 2,957,813 | $ | 13,165 | (4) | | ||||||||||||
|
MIP |
| N/A | | | $ | 912,635 | $ | 912,635 | $ | 912,635 | |||||||||||||
|
Equity Compensation |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Options |
| N/A | | | $ | 101,655 | (5) | | (6) | | (6) | ||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock |
| N/A | | | $ | 1,035,793 | (5) | $ | 1,035,793 | $ | 1,035,793 | ||||||||||||
|
Benefits & Other Payments |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred Compensation |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
|
Pension Plan/SERP(7) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
|
Retirement Account Plan |
$ | 34,092 | N/A | $ | 34,092 | $ | 34,092 | $ | 70,842 | $ | 34,092 | $ | 34,092 | ||||||||||
|
Life Insurance(8) |
| N/A | | | $ | 72,380 | $ | 3,535 | $ | 1,161,000 | |||||||||||||
|
Medical Insurance Premiums(9) |
| N/A | $ | 3,599 | | $ | 48,862 | $ | 34,786 | $ | 4,072 | ||||||||||||
|
Outplacement Assistance |
| N/A | $ | 12,500 | | $ | 12,500 | (10) | | | |||||||||||||
|
Tax Assistance |
| N/A | | | $ | 1,523,473 | | | |||||||||||||||
|
Total |
$ | 34,092 | N/A | $ | 630,191 | $ | 34,092 | $ | 6,735,953 | $ | 2,034,006 | $ | 3,147,592 |
66
|
Benefits and Payments Upon Separation |
Early Retirement(1) |
For Cause Termination |
Change of Control Termination(2) |
Disability | Death |
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cash Compensation |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary/severance |
| | $ | 2,898,499 | $ | 12,479 | (3) | | ||||||||||
|
MIP |
$ | 661,540 | (4) | | $ | 661,540 | $ | 661,540 | $ | 661,540 | ||||||||
|
Equity Compensation |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock Options |
| (5) | | $ | 66,568 | (6) | | (7) | | (7) | ||||||||
|
Restricted Stock |
$ | 1,424,573 | (8) | | $ | 1,424,573 | (6) | $ | 1,424,573 | $ | 1,424,573 | |||||||
|
Benefits & Other Payments |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Deferred Compensation(9) |
$ | 363,258 | $ | 363,258 | $ | 363,258 | $ | 363,258 | $ | 363,258 | ||||||||
|
Pension Plan/SERP(10) |
$ | 6,175,457 | $ | 6,175,457 | $ | 7,680,364 | (11) | $ | 6,987,646 | $ | 4,943,221 | |||||||
|
Retirement Account Plan(12) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||
|
Life Insurance(13) |
| | $ | 133,559 | | $ | 1,099,000 | |||||||||||
|
Medical Insurance Premiums(14) |
| | $ | 35,407 | $ | 26,090 | $ | 2,951 | ||||||||||
|
Outplacement Assistance |
| | $ | 12,500 | (15) | | | |||||||||||
|
Tax Assistance |
| | $ | 2,012,887 | | | ||||||||||||
|
Total | $ | 8,624,828 | $ | 6,538,715 | $ | 15,289,155 | $ | 9,475,586 | $ | 8,494,543 |
67
Payments are projected to commence on December 31, 2011 in the form of a single life annuity assuming a 50% joint and survivor option upon death.
68
|
Benefits and Payments Upon Separation
|
Retirement(1) |
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cash Compensation |
||||||
|
Base salary/severance |
| |||||
|
MIP(2) |
$ | 638,397 | ||||
|
Equity Compensation |
||||||
|
Stock Options(3) |
| |||||
|
Restricted Stock(4) |
$ | 1,609,468 | ||||
|
Benefits & Other Payments |
||||||
|
Deferred Compensation(5) |
$ | 906,364 | ||||
|
Pension Plan/SERP(6) |
$ | 6,890,732 | ||||
|
Retirement Account Plan(7) |
| |||||
|
Life Insurance |
| |||||
|
Medical Insurance Premiums |
| |||||
|
Outplacement Assistance |
| |||||
|
Tax Assistance |
| |||||
|
Total |
$ | 10,044,961 |
69
TRANSACTIONS OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WITH COMERICA
Some of the executive officers of Comerica, their related entities, and members of their immediate families were customers of and had transactions (including loans and loan commitments) with banking affiliates of Comerica during 2011. Comerica made all loans and commitments in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons not related to or affiliated with Comerica or its subsidiaries, and the transactions did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.
For information on procedures and policies for reviewing transactions between Comerica and its executive officers, their immediate family members and entities with which they have a position or relationship, see "Director Independence and Transactions of Directors with Comerica Review of Transactions with Related Persons."
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The SEC requires that Comerica provide information about any shareholder who beneficially owns more than 5% of Comerica's common stock. The following table provides the required information about the only shareholders known to Comerica to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Comerica's common stock. To report this information, Comerica relied solely on information that BlackRock, Inc. furnished in its Schedule 13G/A, filed February 13, 2012, on information that Fiduciary Management, Inc. furnished in its Schedule 13G, filed February 10, 2012, on information that FMR LLC furnished in its Schedule 13G/A, filed February 14, 2012 and on information that The Vanguard Group, Inc. furnished in its Schedule 13G, filed February 8, 2012, in each case relating to their respective beneficial ownership of Comerica as of December 31, 2011.
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership as of December 31, 2011 |
|
|||||||
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percent of Class |
|
|||||
BlackRock, Inc. and certain affiliates 40 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022 |
12,191,915(1) | 6.14% | |||||||
|
11,259,522(2) |
5.67% |
|||||||
|
11,355,421(3) |
5.715% |
|||||||
|
10,286,509(4) |
5.17% |
Footnotes:
70
71
PROPOSAL I SUBMITTED FOR YOUR VOTE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote "FOR"
the candidates for Class I and Class III directors.
Election of Directors. Comerica's Board of Directors is divided into three classes. In previous years, each class of directors was elected to a three-year term of office. Beginning with the 2011 Annual Meeting, directors have been elected annually for terms of one year. However, any director in office at this Annual Meeting whose current term will not expire until the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2013 shall continue to hold office until the end of the term for which such director was elected and until such director's successor shall have been elected and qualified. There are currently 9 directors, constituting the whole Board of Directors.
At this Annual Meeting of Shareholders, you will elect two classes of directors for a one-year term to succeed the classes of directors whose term of office expires at such meeting. You are voting on seven candidates for the Class I and Class III directors this year. Based on the recommendation of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee, the Board has nominated the following current Class I and Class III directors for election: Roger A. Cregg, T. Kevin DeNicola, Alfred A. Piergallini, Nina G. Vaca, Richard G. Lindner, Robert S. Taubman and Reginald M. Turner, Jr. Each of the nominees has consented to his or her nomination and has agreed to serve as a director of Comerica, if elected. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of people than the number of nominees named.
Commencing with the 2013 Annual Meeting, the directors will no longer be divided into classes, and each director will be elected to a one-year term expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting.
If any director is unable to stand for re-election, Comerica may vote the shares to elect any substitute nominees recommended by the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee. If the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee does not recommend any substitute nominees, the number of directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting may be reduced by the number of nominees who are unable to serve.
In identifying potential candidates for nomination as directors, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee considers the specific qualities and skills of potential directors. Criteria for assessing nominees include a potential nominee's ability to represent the interests of Comerica's four core constituencies: its shareholders, its customers, the communities it serves and its employees. Minimum qualifications for a director nominee are experience in those areas that the Board determines are necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of Comerica, including leadership positions in public companies, small or middle market businesses, or not-for-profit, professional or educational organizations.
For those proposed director nominees who meet the minimum qualifications, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee then assesses the proposed nominee's specific qualifications, evaluates his or her independence, and considers other factors, including skills, geographic location, considerations of diversity, standards of integrity, memberships on other boards (with a special focus on director interlocks), and ability and willingness to commit to serving on the Board for an extended period of time and to dedicate adequate time and attention to the affairs of Comerica as necessary to properly discharge his or her duties. Considerations of diversity can include seeking nominees with a broad diversity of experience, professions, skills, geographic representation and/or backgrounds. The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria, and no particular criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective nominees. Nominees are not discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis proscribed by law.
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In addition, Article III, Section 12 of the bylaws requires a nominee for election or re-election as a director of Comerica to complete and deliver to the Corporate Secretary a written questionnaire prepared by Comerica with respect to the background and qualification of the person and, if applicable, the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made. All of the director nominees completed the required questionnaire.
A nominee also must make certain representations and agree that he or she (A) will abide by the requirements of Article III, Section 13 of the bylaws (concerning, among other things, the required tendering of a resignation by a director who does not receive a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election), (B) is not and will not become a party to (1) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how, if elected as a director of Comerica, he or she will act or vote on any issue or question (a "Voting Commitment") that has not been disclosed to Comerica or (2) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with his or her ability to comply, if elected as a director of Comerica, with his or her fiduciary duties under applicable law, (C) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than Comerica with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed, and (D) in his or her individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of Comerica, and would comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of Comerica. All of the director nominees made the foregoing representations and agreements.
The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee does not have a separate policy for consideration of any director candidates recommended by shareholders. Instead, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee considers any candidate meeting the requirements for nomination by a shareholder set forth in Comerica's bylaws (as well as applicable laws and regulations) in the same manner as any other director candidate. The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee believes that requiring shareholder recommendations for director candidates to comply with the requirements for nominations in accordance with Comerica's bylaws ensures that the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee receives at least the minimum information necessary for it to begin an appropriate evaluation of any such director nominee.
Under Comerica's bylaws, shareholders of Comerica must provide advance notice to Comerica if they wish to nominate persons for election as directors at an Annual Meeting of Comerica's Shareholders. For the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, notice must be received by Comerica's Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on January 24, 2013 and no earlier than the close of business on December 25, 2012. If, however, Comerica moves the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to a date that is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the date which is the one-year anniversary of this year's Annual Meeting date (i.e., April 24, 2013), or if a special meeting of shareholders is called for the purpose of electing directors, Comerica must receive a shareholder's notice no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the meeting date and no later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the meeting date or the 10th day following the day on which Comerica first made a public announcement of the meeting date (and, in the case of a special meeting, of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting). If Comerica increases the number of directors to be elected to the Board at the Annual Meeting and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board at least 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the immediately preceding year's Annual Meeting, then Comerica will consider a shareholder's notice timely (but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase) if Comerica receives a shareholder's notice no later
73
than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which Comerica first makes the public announcement of the increase in the number of directors.
The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee also periodically uses a third-party search firm for the purpose and function of identifying potential director nominees.
Further information regarding the Board and these nominees begins directly below.
COMERICA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE CANDIDATES FOR CLASS I AND CLASS III DIRECTORS.
INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES AND INCUMBENT DIRECTORS
The following section provides information as of March 16, 2012 about each nominee for election as a Class I or Class III director and each of the incumbent Class II directors who will serve past the Annual Meeting.
The information provided includes the age of each nominee or incumbent director; the nominee's or incumbent director's principal occupation, employment and business experience during the past five years, including employment with Comerica and Comerica Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comerica; other public company or registered investment company directorships during the past five years; and the year in which the nominee or incumbent director became a director of Comerica (except as noted in a separate footnote below).
NOMINEES FOR CLASS I DIRECTORS TERMS EXPIRING IN 2013
Richard G. Lindner Director since 2008 Mr. Lindner, 57, is retired. He served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AT&T, Inc. (formerly SBC Communications, Inc.), a telecommunications company, from May 2004 to June 2011. From October 2000 to May 2004, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Cingular Wireless LLC (now AT&T Mobility LLC), a wireless telecommunications company. From October 2002 to March 2007, he served as a director of Sabre Holdings. As the former Chief Financial Officer of AT&T, Inc., Mr. Lindner has demonstrated leadership capability and extensive knowledge of complex financial and operational issues facing large organizations. In addition, Mr. Lindner is able to draw upon, among other things, his knowledge of several of our key geographic markets that he has gained through experience in the telecommunications industry. |
74
Robert S. Taubman Director since 1987(1) Mr. Taubman, 58, has been Chairman of Taubman Centers, Inc., a real estate investment trust that owns, develops and operates regional shopping centers nationally, since December 2001 and has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Taubman Centers, Inc., since August 1992. He has been Chairman of The Taubman Company, a shopping center management company engaged in leasing, management and construction supervision, since December 2001 and has been President and Chief Executive Officer of The Taubman Company since September 1990. He has been a director of Sotheby's Holdings, Inc. since 2000 and Taubman Centers, Inc. since 1992. As an executive involved in real estate development and operations and with his experience as a member of the board of directors of two public companies, Mr. Taubman has demonstrated leadership capability and brings key experience of the real estate markets. He also brings insight through experience in many of Comerica's geographic markets. |
||
Reginald M. Turner, Jr. Director since 2005 Mr. Turner, 52, has been an attorney with Clark Hill PLC, a law firm, since April 2000. As a lawyer, Mr. Turner has a unique legal perspective to offer the Board. He also has extensive involvement and experience in community affairs. |
NOMINEES FOR CLASS III DIRECTORS TERMS EXPIRING IN 2013
Roger A. Cregg Director since 2006 Mr. Cregg, 55, has been senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer of The ServiceMaster Company, a residential and commercial service company, since August 2011. He served as Executive Vice President of PulteGroup, Inc. (formerly known as Pulte Homes, Inc.), a national homebuilding company, from May 2003 to May 2011 and Chief Financial Officer of PulteGroup, Inc. from January 1998 to May 2011. He served as Senior Vice President of PulteGroup, Inc. from January 1998 to May 2003. He was a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Detroit Branch, from January 2004 to December 2009 and served as Chair from January to December 2006. As a senior executive and Chief Financial Officer of a public company, Mr. Cregg has demonstrated leadership capability and extensive knowledge of complex financial and operational issues. |
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T. Kevin DeNicola Director since 2006 Mr. DeNicola, 57, served as Chief Financial Officer of KIOR, Inc., a biofuels company, from November 2009 to January 2011. He was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of KBR, Inc., a global engineering, construction and services company, from June 2008 until October 2009. From June 2002 to January 2008, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Lyondell Chemical Company, a global manufacturer of basic chemicals. Mr. DeNicola also served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Equistar Chemicals, LP and Millenium Chemicals Inc., both subsidiaries of Lyondell Chemical Company, from June 2002 to January 2008. In January 2009, Lyondell Chemical Company and certain of its subsidiaries, including Equistar Chemicals, LP and Millenium Chemicals Inc., filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Lyondell emerged from bankruptcy in April 2010. Mr. DeNicola has been an adjunct professor at Rice University, a higher learning institution, from March 2008 to the present. He also has been a director of Georgia Gulf Corporation since September 2009. Mr. DeNicola is an experienced financial leader with the skills necessary to lead our Audit Committee. His service as Chief Financial Officer of several public companies makes him a valuable asset, both on our Board of Directors and as the Chairman of our Audit Committee. Mr. DeNicola's positions have provided him with a wealth of knowledge in dealing with financial and accounting matters. The depth and breadth of his exposure to complex financial issues make him a skilled advisor. |
||
Alfred A. Piergallini Director since 1991 Mr. Piergallini, 65, has been a consultant with Desert Trail Consulting, a marketing consulting organization, since January 2001. He was Chairman of Wisconsin Cheese Group, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of ethnic and specialty cheeses, from January 2006 until December 2010. He also was President and Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin Cheese Group, Inc. from January 2006 to June 2007. He was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novartis Consumer Health Worldwide, a health care and infant nutrition company, from December 1999 to December 2001. He was Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gerber Products Company, a manufacturer and developer of infant and toddler nutrition and wellness products, until February 1999. He has been a director of Central Garden & Pet Company since January 2004. As a senior executive with experience in general management, marketing, sales and branding, as well as experience in several of our key markets, Mr. Piergallini contributes valuable insight to the Board. |
76
Nina G. Vaca(2) Director since 2008 Ms. Vaca, 40, has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc., a staffing, vendor management and information technology services firm, since October 1996. She also has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vaca Industries Inc., a management company, since April 1999. She has been a director of Kohl's Corporation since March 2010. As a chief executive officer with experience in staffing, vendor management and information technology, as well as successful entrepreneurial endeavors, Ms. Vaca offers a unique and insightful perspective to the Board. |
INCUMBENT CLASS II DIRECTORS TERMS EXPIRING IN 2013
Ralph W. Babb, Jr. Director since 2000(3) Mr. Babb, 63, has been President and Chief Executive Officer (since January 2002), Chairman (since October 2002), Chief Financial Officer (June 1995 to April 2002) and Vice Chairman (March 1999 to January 2002) of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. He has been a director of Texas Instruments Inc. since March 2010. As our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and our former Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Babb has extensive knowledge of all aspects of our business which, combined with his drive for excellence and his strong leadership skills, position him well to continue to serve as our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. |
||
Jacqueline P. Kane Director since 2008 Ms. Kane, 59, has been Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, of The Clorox Company, a manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, since January 2005. She was Senior Vice President, Human Resources from June 2004 to December 2004, and Vice President, Human Resources from March 2004 to May 2004 for The Clorox Company. From March 2003 to January 2004, she was Vice President, Human Resources and Executive Leadership for The Hewlett-Packard Company, a technology company. As a senior executive with experience in human resources, including compensation matters, as well as experience in several of our key geographic markets, Ms. Kane has a unique and insightful perspective to offer the Board. As a member of our Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee, she is able to use her experience and perspectives to offer best practices advice. |
Footnotes:
77
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
The Board has several committees, as set forth in the following chart and described below. The names of the directors serving on the committees and the committee chairs are also set forth in the chart. The current terms of the various committee members expire in April 2012.
|
|
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AUDIT(2) | ENTERPRISE RISK(2) | GOVERNANCE, COMPENSATION AND NOMINATING |
QUALIFIED LEGAL COMPLIANCE(2) |
SPECIAL PREFERRED STOCK |
CAPITAL |
|
|||||||
Cregg, Roger A. | DeNicola, T. Kevin | Cregg, Roger A. | Cregg, Roger A. | Babb, Ralph W., Jr. | Babb, Ralph W., Jr. | |||||||||
DeNicola, T. Kevin | Lindner, Richard G. | Kane, Jacqueline P. | DeNicola, T. Kevin | |||||||||||
Turner, Reginald M., Jr. | Taubman, Robert S. | Lindner, Richard G. | Turner, Reginald M., Jr. | |||||||||||
Vaca, Nina G. | Turner, Reginald M., Jr. | Piergallini, Alfred A. | Vaca, Nina G. | |||||||||||
Vaca, Nina G. |
Footnotes:
Audit Committee. As provided in its Board-adopted written charter, this committee consists solely of members who are outside directors and who meet the independence and experience requirements of applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the SEC with respect to audit committee members. This committee is responsible, among other things, for providing assistance to the Board by overseeing: (i) the integrity of Comerica's financial statements; (ii) Comerica's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) the independent auditors' qualifications and independence; and (iv) the performance of Comerica's internal audit function and independent auditors, including with respect to both bank and non-bank subsidiaries; and by preparing the "Audit Committee Report" found in this proxy statement. None of the members of the Audit Committee serves on the audit committees of more than three public companies. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are independent within the meaning of those independence requirements established from time to time by the Board and the SEC and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (see the "Director Independence and Transactions of Directors with Comerica" section in this proxy statement). Although the SEC requires only one financial expert serve on the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors has determined that Comerica has two audit committee financial experts serving on the Audit Committee. These directors are Roger A. Cregg and T. Kevin DeNicola. A current copy of the charter of the Audit Committee is available to security holders on Comerica's website at www.comerica.com or may be obtained in print by making a written request to the Corporate Secretary. The Audit Committee met 13 times in 2011.
Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee. This committee, among other things, establishes Comerica's executive compensation policies and programs, administers Comerica's 401(k), stock, incentive, pension and deferral plans, monitors compliance with laws and regulations applicable to the documentation and administration of Comerica's employee benefit plans, monitors the effectiveness of the Board and oversees corporate governance issues. Among its various other duties, this committee reviews and recommends to the full Board candidates to become Board members, develops and administers performance criteria for members of the Board, and oversees matters relating to the size of the Board, its committee structure and assignments, and the conduct and frequency of Board meetings. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee are independent, pursuant to independence requirements established from time to time by the Board and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (see the "Director Independence and Transactions of Directors with
78
Comerica" section of the proxy statement). A current copy of the charter of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee is available to security holders on Comerica's website at www.comerica.com or may be obtained in print by making a written request to the Corporate Secretary. The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee also oversees the discussion, review and evaluation of our compensation plans as described below. The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee met six times in 2011.
Enterprise Risk Committee. This committee oversees policies, procedures and practices relating to enterprise-wide risk and compliance with bank regulatory obligations. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Enterprise Risk Committee are independent, pursuant to independence requirements established from time to time by the Board and the SEC and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (see the "Director Independence and Transactions of Directors with Comerica" section of the proxy statement). A current copy of the charter of the Enterprise Risk Committee is available to security holders on Comerica's website at www.comerica.com or may be obtained in print by making a written request to the Corporate Secretary. The Enterprise Risk Committee met four times in 2011.
Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. This committee assists the Board in promoting the best interests of Comerica by reviewing evidence of potential material violations of securities law or breaches of fiduciary duties or similar violations by Comerica or any officer, director, employee, or agent thereof, providing recommendations to address any such violations, and monitoring Comerica's remedial efforts with respect to any such violations. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee are independent, pursuant to independence requirements established from time to time by the Board and the SEC and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (see the "Director Independence and Transactions of Directors with Comerica" section of the proxy statement). A current copy of the charter of the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee is available to security holders on Comerica's website at www.comerica.com or may be obtained in print by making a written request to the Corporate Secretary. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee did not meet in 2011.
Special Preferred Stock Committee. This committee is a temporary committee of the Board of Directors that is authorized to carry out the Board's authority with respect to the issuance of securities. It did not meet in 2011.
Capital Committee. This committee is a temporary committee of the Board of Directors that was authorized to carry out the Board's authority with respect to the Company's March 2010 common stock offering and the October 2010 redemption of trust preferred securities. It did not meet in 2011.
Board and Committee Meetings. There were six regular meetings of the Board, one special meeting of the Board and 23 meetings of the various committees and subcommittees of the Board, including actions by unanimous written consents, during 2011. All director nominees and all incumbent directors attended at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the aggregate number of meetings held by the Board and all the committees of the Board on which the respective directors served.
Comerica expects all of its directors to attend the Annual Meeting except in cases of illness, emergency or other reasonable grounds for non-attendance. Nine of the 10 Board members on the date of the 2011 Annual Meeting attended that meeting.
NON-MANAGEMENT DIRECTORS AND COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD
The non-management directors meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. Richard G. Lindner is the Facilitating Director at such sessions. Interested parties may communicate directly with Mr. Lindner or with the non-management directors as a group by
79
sending written correspondence, delivered via United States mail or courier service, to: Secretary of the Board, Comerica Incorporated, Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, MC 6404, Dallas, Texas 75201, Attn: Non-Management Directors. Alternatively, shareholders may send communications to the full Board by sending written correspondence, delivered via United States mail or courier service, to: Secretary of the Board, Comerica Incorporated, Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, MC 6404, Dallas, Texas 75201, Attn: Full Board of Directors. The Board of Directors' current practice is that the Secretary will relay all communications received to the Facilitating Director, in the case of communications to non-management directors, and to the Chairman of the Board, in the case of communications to the full Board.
Our Chief Executive Officer also serves as the Chairman of the Board. The Board has chosen this structure because it believes the Chief Executive Officer serves as a bridge between management and the Board, ensuring that both groups act with a common purpose. Separating the roles would risk creating the perception of having two chiefs, which could lead to fractured leadership and a weakened ability to develop and implement strategy. Mr. Babb has provided strong leadership to the Board and management, instilling a clear focus on the Company's strategy and business plans. Although the Board believes that it is more effective to have one person serve as the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive, it also believes that it is simultaneously important to have a strong governance structure to ensure a strong and independent Board. All directors, with the exception of the Chairman, are independent as defined under New York Stock Exchange rules, and the Audit Committee, the Enterprise Risk Committee, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee and the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee are comprised entirely of independent directors. The Board also has an independent Facilitating Director (Mr. Lindner) who leads the non-management directors in regularly scheduled executive sessions. As Facilitating Director, Mr. Lindner's duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
The Facilitating Director position is elected annually by the non-management directors. The Board believes that the Facilitating Director further strengthens the Board's independence and autonomous oversight of our business as well as Board communication and effectiveness.
The Board oversees the management of risk through the Enterprise Risk Committee, with guidance from the Audit Committee on major financial risks and from the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee on risks associated with the Company's compensation practices. The Enterprise Risk Committee has established the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Committee and charged it with responsibility for establishing governance over the risk management process, providing oversight in managing Comerica's aggregate risk position and reporting on the comprehensive portfolio of risks and the potential impact these risks can have on Comerica's risk profile and resulting capital level. The Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Committee is principally composed of senior officers representing the different risk areas and business units who are
80
appointed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comerica. It meets at least quarterly and submits a comprehensive risk report to the Enterprise Risk Committee each quarter providing management's view of Comerica's risk position. The Enterprise Risk Committee reports regularly to the full Board. The Board believes that the combination of the joint Chief Executive Officer and Chairman positions, the independent Facilitating Director and the roles of the Board and its Committees provide the appropriate leadership to help ensure effective risk oversight.
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE AND
TRANSACTIONS OF DIRECTORS WITH COMERICA
Independence and Transactions of Directors
The Board of Directors has determined that all non-management directors, currently constituting 89% of the full Board of Directors of Comerica, are independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. To assist in making these determinations of independence, Comerica adopted categorical standards found in its Corporate Governance Guidelines, a current copy of which is available to security holders on Comerica's website at www.comerica.com or may be obtained in print by making a written request to the Corporate Secretary.
In addition to the categorical standards, the Board of Directors, in making its determinations of independence, reviewed certain relationships that multiple Board members, or members of their immediate family, may have with the same charitable or civic organization, as well as certain other types of relationships that directors, members of their immediate family or affiliated entities, may have with each other or Comerica, and determined that such relationships are not material. These relationships with Comerica include, among other things, lending relationships, other banking relationships (such as depository, transfer, registrar, indenture trustee, trusts and estates, private banking, investment management, custodial, securities brokerage, cash management and similar services) and other commercial or charitable relationships between Comerica and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and a director or an entity with which the director (or any of the director's immediate family members, as defined in the categorical standards) is affiliated by reason of being a director, trustee, officer or person holding a comparable position or a significant shareholder thereof, on the other. They also include situations in which Comerica, or one or more affiliates, serves in a fiduciary capacity for a client needing legal services. The Board additionally reviewed certain relationships involving directors or their companies and Comerica's independent auditor.
In connection with making its director independence determinations, the Board specifically considered the following relationships and transactions:
Loans, extensions of credits and related commitments to Messrs. Cregg, Lindner, Taubman and Vaca, their respective immediate family members and/or affiliated entities have been made by Comerica Bank in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons not related to or affiliated with Comerica or its subsidiaries, and the transactions did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. Such relationships are immaterial pursuant to the Board's categorical standards of independence.
Certain directors, their respective immediate family members and/or affiliated entities have banking relationships (other than extensions of credit) with Comerica in the ordinary course of business, on terms and conditions not more favorable than those afforded by Comerica to other similarly situated customers. Such relationships are deemed immaterial.
In certain instances, Comerica, acting in a fiduciary capacity, selects, on behalf of its client, a law firm to represent the client. If applicable, the firm with a related pre-existing relationship with the client is typically selected by Comerica (e.g., the firm that drafted a will in which Comerica is named
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fiduciary of the associated estate). From time to time, this has resulted in the engagement, by the client, of the firm in which Mr. Turner is a member. Mr. Turner is not directly involved in providing these legal services, and any associated fees are paid to the firm from the client's funds, not from funds belonging to Comerica. The Board determined that such relationships are immaterial.
Mr. Turner is not personally involved in any litigation in which Comerica is directly or indirectly adverse. However, on occasion, his firm represents clients in legal matters indirectly or potentially directly adverse to Comerica, such as loans and other commercial transactions (in which his firm represents a borrower), trust matters (where Clark Hill might represent a trust or beneficiary and/or act as co-trustee for a trust for which Comerica serves as trustee) and bankruptcy litigation (in which his firm represents creditors other than Comerica), and thus receives fees from such parties it represents, but not from Comerica. The Board determined that such relationships are immaterial.
Comerica has historically used AT&T, Inc., for whom Mr. Lindner served as Chief Financial Officer during part of 2011, for voice, data, internet and wireless services through an arm's length, non-preferential arrangement that commenced many years before Mr. Lindner joined the Board. In 2011, Comerica paid AT&T, Inc. far less than 1% of AT&T's consolidated gross revenues. Such relationship is immaterial pursuant to the Board's categorical standards of independence.
Ms. Vaca is the executive officer of a company that maintains an arm's length business relationship with AT&T, Inc., for whom Mr. Lindner served as Chief Financial Officer during part of 2011. This relationship commenced prior to the time that either Ms. Vaca or Mr. Lindner joined the Board. This business relationship is immaterial in the Board's judgment.
Ms. Kane and Messrs. Cregg, DeNicola and Lindner are or were during 2011 executive officers and/or directors of companies that use Comerica's independent auditor for certain financial services, including audit and audit-related services as well as non-audit-related services. The Board considered the use of the same independent auditor by Comerica and companies employing its directors. The Board determined that such relationships are immaterial.
On the bases described above, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that the following current directors meet the categorical standards of independence, where applicable, and have no material relationship with Comerica (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with Comerica) other than as a director: Roger A. Cregg, T. Kevin DeNicola, Jacqueline P. Kane, Richard G. Lindner, Alfred A. Piergallini, Robert S. Taubman, Reginald M. Turner, Jr. and Nina G. Vaca. The Board of Directors further determined that Ralph W. Babb, Jr. is not independent because he is an employee of Comerica. In addition, one former director, James F. Cordes, served on the Board of Directors in 2011. Mr. Cordes retired from the Board effective April 26, 2011. When the Board of Directors last considered the independence of Mr. Cordes (while he was serving as a director), it affirmatively determined that Mr. Cordes met the categorical standards of independence, where applicable, and had no material relationship with Comerica (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with Comerica) other than as a director.
Review of Transactions with Related Persons
Comerica has adopted a Regulation O Policy and Procedure document to implement the requirements of Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board, which restricts the extension of credit to directors and executive officers and their family members, as well as 10% or greater shareholders, and the related interests of any of the foregoing. Under the policy and procedure, extensions of credit that exceed regulatory thresholds must be approved by the board of the appropriate subsidiary bank.
Comerica also has other procedures and policies for reviewing transactions between Comerica and its directors and executive officers, their immediate family members and entities with which they
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have a position or relationship. These other procedures are intended to determine whether any such transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director or executive officer.
Annually, each director and executive officer is required to complete a director, director nominee and executive officer questionnaire, and each non-management director is required to complete an independence certification. Both of these documents elicit information about related person transactions. The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors annually review the transactions and relationships disclosed in the questionnaire and certification, prior to the Board of Directors making a formal determination regarding the directors' independence. To assist them in their review, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors use the categorical standards found in Comerica's Corporate Governance Guidelines, as discussed above.
In order to monitor transactions that occur between the annual review, the independence certification also obligates the directors to immediately notify Comerica's Head of Legal Affairs in writing if they discover that any statement in the certification was untrue or incomplete when made, or if any statement in the certification becomes untrue or incomplete at any time in the future. Likewise, under the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors, any situation that involves, or may involve, a conflict of interest with Comerica, should be promptly disclosed to the Chairman of the Board, who will consult with the Chair of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee.
Executive officers are bound by the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees and, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers, by the Senior Financial Officer Code of Ethics.
The Regulation O Policy and Procedure, questionnaire, certification, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees and Senior Financial Officer Code of Ethics are all in writing.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During 2011, Mr. Cregg, Ms. Kane, Mr. Lindner and Mr. Piergallini served as members of the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee. No such individual is, or was during 2011, an officer or employee of Comerica or any of its subsidiaries, nor was any such member formerly an officer of Comerica or any of its subsidiaries.
The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee determines the form and amount of non-employee director compensation and makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors for final approval. In determining director compensation, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee considers the recommendations of Mr. Babb, as well as information provided by Aon Hewitt, a nationally known compensation consulting firm retained by the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee to provide market analyses and consulting services on director compensation matters.
The table below illustrates the compensation structure for non-employee directors in 2011. Employee directors receive no compensation for their Board service. In addition to the
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compensation described below, each director is reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred for travel and attendance related to meetings of the Board of Directors or its committees.
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Elements of 2011 Compensation |
|
Amount |
|
||||
|
Annual Retainer (cash)(1) |
$45,000 | ||||||
|
Annual Committee Chair and Vice Chair Retainer (cash)(2) |
$10,000 | ||||||
|
Annual Facilitating Director Retainer (cash) |
$10,000 | ||||||
|
Board or Committee Meeting Fees per meeting (cash) |
$ 1,500 | ||||||
|
Board Sponsored Training Seminar Fees per seminar (cash) |
$ 1,500 | ||||||
|
Briefing Fees per briefing session (cash) |
$ 1,500 | ||||||
|
Restricted Stock Unit Award(3) |
$65,000 |
Footnotes:
Deferred Compensation Plans. Comerica allows non-employee directors to defer some or all of their annual retainer(s), as well as meeting or training fees, under two deferred compensation plans. Under the first plan, deferred compensation earns a return based on the return of Comerica common stock during the deferral period. Deferred compensation under this plan is settled in Comerica's common stock. Under the second plan, deferred compensation earns a return based on investment funds elected by the director. Deferred compensation under this plan is settled in cash.
Stock Option Plans. Comerica has not granted stock options to non-employee directors since 2004. Comerica formerly had a stock option plan for non-employee directors under which a total of 375,000 shares of common stock could be issued as options. On the date of each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Comerica granted each non-employee director an option to purchase shares of common stock of Comerica. The exercise price of each option is the fair market value of each share of common stock on the date the option was granted.
Comerica also formerly had a stock option plan for non-employee directors of its affiliated banks (the "Bank Directors Option Plan"), under which a total of 450,000 shares of common stock of Comerica could be issued as options. Any current Comerica director who previously was a non-employee director of an affiliated bank received options under the Bank Directors Option Plan during the period that the non-employee director served on the board of the affiliated bank. Comerica terminated the Bank Directors Option Plan, as there currently are no non-employee directors on the boards of Comerica's affiliated banks.
Retirement Plans for Directors. Until May 15, 1998, Comerica and Comerica Bank, its wholly owned subsidiary, each had a retirement plan for non-employee directors who served at least five years on the Board. The plans terminated on May 15, 1998, and benefit accrual under the plans froze on the same date. Any non-employee director of either Comerica or Comerica Bank as of May 15, 1998 who served at least five years on the Board, whether before or after that date, has vested benefits under the plans. Any director who became a non-employee director of either Comerica or Comerica Bank on or after May 15, 1998, is not eligible to participate in the plans.
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However, non-employee directors who became members of the Board of Comerica in the year 2000, but who were directors of Comerica Bank prior to May 15, 1998, are covered by the Comerica Bank retirement plan.
Under the plans, Comerica or Comerica Bank, as appropriate, accrued one month of retirement income credit for each month of service as of May 15, 1998, up to a maximum of 120 months, on behalf of each eligible director. Benefits under the plans become payable when the director reaches age 65 or retires from the Board, whichever occurs later. Payments may commence prior to the director's 65th birthday if he or she retires from the Board due to illness or disability. There is no survivor benefit. If a director passes away before all, or any, payments have been made, his or her beneficiary does not receive any payment. The maximum benefit payable is $20,000 per year for 10 years.
The following table provides information on the compensation of Comerica's directors who served at any point during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
2011 Director Compensation Table
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Name(1) | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash(2) ($) |
Stock Awards(3) ($) |
Option Awards(4) ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings(5)(6) |
All Other Compensation(7) ($) |
Total ($) |
|
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|
James F. Cordes |
40,000 | | | | 13,333 | 53,333 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Roger A. Cregg |
84,147 | 65,000 | | | | | 149,147 | |||||||||||||||||
|
T. Kevin DeNicola |
106,147 | 65,000 | | | | | 171,147 | |||||||||||||||||
|
Jacqueline P. Kane |
64,647 | 65,000 | | | | | 129,647 | |||||||||||||||||
|
Richard G. Lindner |
90,647 | 65,000 | | | | | 155,647 | |||||||||||||||||
|
Alfred A. Piergallini |
64,647 | 65,000 | | | | | 129,647 | |||||||||||||||||
|
Robert S. Taubman |
58,647 | 65,000 | | | | | 123,647 | |||||||||||||||||
|
Reginald M. Turner, Jr. |
89,647 | 65,000 | | | | | 154,647 | |||||||||||||||||
|
Nina G. Vaca |
79,647 | 65,000 | | | | | 144,647 |
Footnotes:
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Mr. Cregg: no options; Mr. DeNicola: no options; Ms. Kane: no options; Mr. Lindner: no options; Mr. Piergallini: 7,500 options; Mr. Taubman: 7,500 options; Mr. Turner: no options; and Ms. Vaca: no options.
For additional information regarding Comerica's equity compensation plans, please refer to Note 1 (see pages F-55 through F-63) and Note 17 (see pages F-100 through F-101) to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Comerica's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2011.
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PROPOSAL II SUBMITTED FOR YOUR VOTE
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote "FOR"
the proposal set forth below.
The Audit Committee of Comerica has selected Ernst & Young LLP ("Ernst & Young"), independent auditors, to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, and recommends that the shareholders vote for ratification of such appointment.
Ernst & Young has served as our independent auditors since 1992. As a matter of good corporate governance, the selection of Ernst & Young is being submitted to the shareholders for ratification. In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection. Even if Ernst & Young is ratified as independent auditors by the shareholders, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Comerica and its shareholders. Representatives of Ernst & Young are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire. The representatives also are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
COMERICA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
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Fees to Independent Auditor
The following aggregate fees were billed to Comerica for professional services by Ernst & Young LLP for fiscal years 2011 and 2010.
|
2011 | 2010 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audit Fees |
$ | 2,092,177 | $ | 1,900,885 | |||
Audit-Related Fees* |
364,415 | 269,800 | |||||
Tax Fees* |
228,508 | 171,489 | |||||
All Other Fees |
1,995 | 2,790 | |||||
|
$ | 2,687,095 | $ | 2,344,964 | |||
Audit Fees
Audit fees consist of fees billed to Comerica and its subsidiaries by Ernst & Young for the audit of Comerica's annual consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, the review of financial statements included in Comerica's Forms 10-Q, and services that are normally provided by Ernst & Young in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees consist of fees billed to Comerica and its subsidiaries by Ernst & Young for the assurance and related services provided by Ernst & Young that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of Comerica's financial statements. Audit-related fees consisted mainly of the audits of Comerica's benefit plans and the internal control (SSAE 16 Report for 2011 and SAS 70 Report for 2010) for Comerica's trust department. The Audit Committee considered whether, and determined that, the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the independence of Ernst & Young.
Tax Fees
Tax fees consist of fees billed to Comerica and its subsidiaries by Ernst & Young for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. Tax fees consisted mainly of consultation on various tax planning strategies for Comerica and its subsidiaries, IRS examinations and Form 1120. The Audit Committee considered whether, and determined that, the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the independence of Ernst & Young.
All Other Fees
Ernst & Young billed Comerica for fees for products and services other than those described in the previous three paragraphs. Those products and services consisted of subscription fees for on-line accounting and tax research tools.
Services for Investment Vehicles
In connection with the advisory, management, trustee and similar services that Comerica's affiliates provide to mutual funds, collective funds and common trust funds, Comerica from time to time
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selects, and in limited circumstances employs, outside accountants to perform audit and other services for the investment vehicles. In such cases, Comerica typically uses a request-for-proposal process that has resulted in the selection of Ernst & Young among other independent public accounting firms. In addition, Ernst & Young has agreements with financial services companies pursuant to which it may receive compensation for certain transactions, including transactions in which Comerica may participate from time-to-time, and Ernst & Young also receives fees from time to time from Comerica's customers when acting on their behalf in connection with lending or other relationships between Comerica's affiliates and their customers. The fees discussed in this paragraph are not included in the totals provided in the above paragraphs because the fees are generally charged to the investment vehicle, customer or other applicable party, except as noted on the "Fees to Independent Auditor" schedule above.
Pre-Approval Policy
The Audit Committee has a policy to review, and, if such services are appropriate in the discretion of the Audit Committee, pre-approve (i) all auditing services to be provided by the independent auditor (which may entail providing comfort letters in connection with securities underwritings or statutory audits required for insurance companies for purposes of state law) and (ii) all permitted(1) non-audit services (including tax services) to be provided by the independent auditor, provided that pre-approval is not required with respect to non-audit services if (a) the aggregate amount of non-audit services provided to Comerica constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by Comerica to its auditor during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided; (b) such services were not recognized by Comerica at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (c) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit Committee or by one or more members of the Audit Committee who are members of the Board of Directors to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has authorized its chair to pre-approve such services between Audit Committee meetings. All of the services provided by Ernst & Young for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee under its pre-approval policy.
Footnote:
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The information contained in the Audit Committee Report is not deemed to be soliciting material or to be filed for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating the document by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that Comerica specifically incorporates such information by reference, and shall not be otherwise deemed filed under such acts.
The Audit Committee oversees Comerica's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors and is comprised of all outside directors who are independent within the meaning of, and meet the experience requirements of, the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the SEC. In addition to its duties regarding oversight of Comerica's financial reporting process, including as it relates to the integrity of the financial statements, the independent auditors' qualifications and independence and the performance of the independent auditors and Comerica's internal audit function, the Audit Committee also has sole authority to appoint or replace the independent auditors and is directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditors as provided in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Audit Committee charter, which was adopted and approved by the Board, specifies the scope of the Audit Committee's responsibilities and the manner in which it carries out those responsibilities. Management has primary responsibility for the financial statements, reporting processes and system of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, among other things, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements included in Comerica's Annual Report on Form 10-K with management and the independent auditors, including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, reasonableness of significant judgments, and clarity of disclosures in the financial statements and a discussion of related controls, procedures, compliance and other matters.
The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1. AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.
The Audit Committee also has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountant required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors their independence from management and Comerica, and reviewed and considered whether the provision of non-audit services and receipt of certain compensation by the independent auditors are compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence. In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed with the independent auditors all critical accounting policies and practices to be used.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above and such other considerations as the Audit Committee determined to be appropriate, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors approved, that the audited financial statements be included in Comerica's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for filing with the SEC.
The Audit Committee
T.
Kevin DeNicola, Chairman
Roger A. Cregg
Reginald M. Turner, Jr.
Nina G. Vaca
January 24, 2012
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PROPOSAL III SUBMITTED FOR YOUR VOTE
NON-BINDING, ADVISORY PROPOSAL APPROVING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote "FOR"
the proposal set forth below.
Executive Compensation
The Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee annually reviews Comerica's programs to ensure that they demonstrate a strong pay for performance linkage and reflect good governance and appropriate industry practice. As discussed in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section beginning on page 22 of this proxy statement, our compensation programs are structured to align the interests of our executives with the interests of our shareholders; attract, retain and motivate superior executive talent; provide a competitive advantage within the banking industry and create a framework that delivers pay commensurate with financial results over the short and long-term.
At the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 26, 2011, over 95% of the shares voted were voted in support of compensation paid to our named executive officers as disclosed in the 2011 proxy statement. As required pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are submitting to shareholders for their approval, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.
At the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders supported an annual frequency for this advisory vote. As such, the Board has determined that Comerica will hold this advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers each year until the next required vote on the frequency of shareholder votes on executive compensation. This proposal (commonly known as a "say on pay" proposal) is set forth in the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Comerica Incorporated approve the compensation paid to Comerica's named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion.
Because your vote on this proposal is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board. However, the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.
COMERICA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
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Comerica mailed, or otherwise provided, the 2011 annual report to shareholders, containing financial statements and other information about the operations of Comerica for the year ended December 31, 2011, to you along with this proxy statement. You should not regard the 2011 annual report as proxy soliciting material.
The Board is not aware of any other matter upon which action will be taken at the Annual Meeting. The Board does not currently intend to submit any additional matters for a vote at the Annual Meeting, and no shareholder has provided the required proper notice of the shareholder's intention to propose any additional matter for a vote at the Annual Meeting. However, under Comerica's bylaws, the Board may, without notice, properly submit additional matters for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If the Board does so, the shares represented by proxies in the accompanying form will be voted with respect to the matter in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons voting the shares.
By Order of the Board of Directors | ||
Jon W. Bilstrom Executive Vice President Governance, Regulatory Relations and Legal Affairs, and Corporate Secretary |
March 16, 2012
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Location of Comerica Incorporated
2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Comerica Bank Tower
1717 Main Street, 4th Floor
Dallas, Texas 75201
Comerica Bank Tower is located on the corner of Main Street and North Ervay Street in downtown Dallas.
Briefcases, purses and other bags brought to the meeting may be subject to inspection at the door.
PLEASE VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET.
PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.
Comerica encourages you to take advantage of the following convenient ways to vote your shares for matters to be covered at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Please take the opportunity to use one of the two voting methods outlined below to cast your ballot. These methods are easy to use and save Comerica postage and other expenses.
VOTE BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-560-1965
(OR)
VOTE BY THE INTERNET: http://www.ematerials.com/cma
If you vote by telephone or the Internet, please do not mail your proxy card.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET.
Important Notice Regarding Delivery of
Security Holder Documents
The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rules that allow Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica") to deliver a single copy of its annual report to security holders, proxy statement, or notice of Internet availability of proxy materials, as applicable, to any household at which two or more shareholders reside who share the same last name or whom Comerica reasonably believes to be members of the same family. This procedure is referred to as "Householding." The Delaware General Corporation Law also allows Householding of notices to shareholders.
If you share the same last name and address with one or more shareholders, from now on, unless we receive contrary instructions from you, your household will receive only one copy of Comerica's annual report to security holders, notice of annual or special meeting of shareholders, proxy statement, or notice of Internet availability of proxy materials, as applicable. We will deliver, together with or subsequent to delivery of the proxy statement, a separate proxy card for each registered shareholder at your address. Householding may not apply with respect to accounts under certain of Comerica's employee benefit plans.
If you object to Householding, or if you wish to revoke your consent to Householding in the future, call Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, our Stock Transfer Agent, at (877) 602-7615. You will need to enter your account number and Comerica number 114.
If we do not hear from you, you will be deemed to have consented to the delivery of only one set of these documents to your household. Comerica intends to Household indefinitely, and your consent will be perpetual unless you revoke it. If you revoke your consent, we will begin sending you individual copies of these documents within 30 days after we receive your revocation notice.
Your participation in this program is encouraged. It will reduce the volume of duplicate information received at your household, as well as the cost to Comerica of preparing and mailing duplicate materials.
A. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all of the listed nominees. 1. Nominees: FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 01. Richard G. Lindner 05. T. Kevin DeNicola 02. Robert S. Taubman 06. Alfred A. Piergallini 03. Reginald M. Turner, Jr. 07. Nina G. Vaca 04. Roger A. Cregg B. DIRECTOR PROPOSALS The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Items 2 and 3. 2. Ratification of the Appointment of Ernst & Young as Independent Auditors For Against Abstain 3. Non-Binding, Advisory Proposal Approving Executive Compensation For Against Abstain IN THEIR DISCRETION, PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE MEETING. WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES, AND FOR ITEMS 2 AND 3. Date _____________________________________ Signature(s) in Box Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the Proxy. COMPANY # Please fold here Do not separate TO VOTE BY INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, SEE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS PROXY CARD. TO VOTE BY MAIL AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS ON ALL ITEMS BELOW, SIMPLY SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD. Address Change? Mark box, sign, and indicate changes below: Shareowner Services P.O. Box 64945 St. Paul, MN 55164-0945 |
COMERICA INCORPORATED 2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS Tuesday, April 24, 2012 9:30 a.m., Central Time Comerica Bank Tower 1717 Main Street, 4th Floor Dallas, Texas 75201 Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on April 24, 2012. The proxy statement and annual report to security holders are available at www.ematerials.com/cma. If you would like to access the proxy information electronically in the future rather than receive paper copies in the mail, please visit www.ematerials.com/cma and follow the instructions. proxy This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors. The undersigned appoints Jon W. Bilstrom and Nicole V. Gersch, or either of them, as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her substitute, as the case may be, and authorizes them to represent and vote, as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of common stock of Comerica Incorporated held of record by the undersigned on February 24, 2012, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 2012, and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon any other business that may properly come before the meeting. This card also constitutes voting instructions to the trustees or administrators, as applicable, of certain of Comericas employee benefit plans to vote shares attributable to accounts the undersigned may hold under such plans as indicated on the reverse of this card. If no voting instructions are provided, the shares will be voted in accordance with the provisions of the respective plans. COMERICA INCORPORATED 2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS APRIL 24, 2012 9:30 a.m., Central Time Vote by Internet, Telephone or Mail Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. If you vote your proxy by Internet or by Telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your Proxy Card. INTERNET www.ematerials.com/cma Use the Internet to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on April 23, 2012. For shares held in Comericas employee benefit plans, the deadline is 11:59 p.m. (CT) on April 22, 2012. Please have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number available. Follow the simple instructions to obtain your records and create an electronic ballot. TELEPHONE 1-800-560-1965 Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on April 23, 2012. For shares held in Comericas employee benefit plans, the deadline is 11:59 p.m. (CT) on April 22, 2012. Please have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number available. Follow the simple instructions the voice provides you. MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided. |