SCHEDULE 14A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, For Use of the Commission
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
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Cass Information Systems, Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held on
April 17, 2006
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Cass Information Systems, Inc. will
be held at the location specified below on Monday, April 17, 2006, at 11:00 a.m.
local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect four directors, each to serve for a three-year term;
2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered
public accounting firm for 2006; and,
3. To act upon such other matters as may properly come before the
meeting.
The close of business on March 3, 2006 has been fixed as the record date
for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual
Meeting.
This year's Annual Meeting will be held at The Charles F. Knight Executive
Education Center, Room 210, Olin School of Business at Washington University,
One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, Missouri, 63130. For your reference, a map is
provided inside the back cover of this Proxy Statement.
Please note that you will be required to present an admission ticket to
attend the Annual Meeting. Your admission ticket is attached to your proxy card.
If your shares are held in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee,
you can request an admission ticket by contacting our Investor Relations
Department at (314) 506-5500.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Eric H. Brunngraber
Eric H. Brunngraber
Secretary
March 14, 2006
Bridgeton, Missouri
ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE
REPRESENTED AND VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. YOU CAN VOTE YOUR SHARES BY ONE OF
THE FOLLOWING METHODS: VOTE OVER THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE USING THE
INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD, OR MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. THE PRESENCE, IN PERSON OR BY PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXY,
OF A MAJORITY OF THE COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING ON THE RECORD DATE IS NECESSARY TO
CONSTITUTE A QUORUM AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.
13001 Hollenberg Drive
Bridgeton, Missouri 63044
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held April 17, 2006
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the common shareholders of Cass
Information Systems, Inc. (the "Company") on or about March 14, 2006 in
connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors
of the Company (the "Board") for use at the annual meeting of shareholders (the
"Annual Meeting") to be held on April 17, 2006 at the time and place and for the
purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting, and at any
adjournment or postponement of that meeting.
Holders of shares of Common Stock, par value $.50 per share ("Shares" or
the "Common Stock"), of the Company at its close of business on March 3, 2006
(the "Record Date") are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Annual
Meeting. On the Record Date, 5,565,463 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.
Holders of record of Common Stock (the "Shareholders") are entitled to one vote
per share of Common Stock they held of record on the Record Date on each matter
that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. Company management
("Management"), and members of the Board, in the aggregate, directly or
indirectly controlled approximately 19.47% of the Common Stock outstanding on
the Record Date.
Shareholders of record on the Record Date are entitled to cast their votes
in person or by properly executed proxies at the Annual Meeting. The presence,
in person or by properly executed proxy, of a majority of the Common Stock
outstanding on the Record Date is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual
Meeting. If a quorum is not present at the time the Annual Meeting is convened,
the Company may adjourn or postpone the Annual Meeting.
A plurality of the votes of Shareholders cast at the Annual Meeting is
required for the election of each director. Abstentions are counted in the
number of shares present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is
present, and are counted as having voted on each matter presented for vote. As a
result, an abstention has the same effect as a vote against a proposal, but will
have no effect on the vote to elect directors. Broker non-votes are counted in
the number of shares present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is
present, but as not being present as to matters for which voting instructions
are not given. As a result, broker non-votes will not affect voting on any
matter voted on at the meeting.
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person
giving it at any time before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by (i) filing
with the Secretary of the Company, at or before the Annual Meeting, a written
notice of revocation bearing a date later than the date of the proxy, (ii) duly
executing and dating a subsequent proxy relating to the Common Stock and
delivering it to the Secretary of the Company at or before the vote is taken at
the Annual Meeting or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person
(although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself constitute
a revocation of a proxy). Any written notice revoking a proxy, or any subsequent
proxy should be sent to Eric H. Brunngraber, Secretary, Cass Information
Systems, Inc., 13001 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, Missouri 63044 (telephone
number (314) 506-5500).
All Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting by properly executed
proxies received prior to or at the Annual Meeting and not properly revoked will
be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated in
such proxies. If no instructions are indicated, such proxies will be voted FOR
the election of the Board's director nominees and FOR the ratification of the
appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company's independent registered public
accountants for 2006. The Board of the Company does not know of any matters
other than the matters described in the Notice of Annual Meeting attached to the
Proxy Statement that will come before the Annual Meeting.
The Board solicits the proxies. In addition to the use of the mails,
proxies may be solicited personally or by telephone or facsimile transmission by
directors, officers or regular employees of the Company or persons employed by
the Company for the purpose of soliciting proxies. It is contemplated that
brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries will be requested to
forward the soliciting material to the beneficial owners of Common Stock held of
record by such persons, and will be reimbursed by the Company for expenses
incurred therewith. The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the
Company.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the by-laws of the Company, the Company's Board consists of
twelve members and is divided into three classes of approximately equal numbers
of directors. Each director is elected for a three-year term, and the term of
each class of directors expires in successive years.
The Board has instituted a policy for individual members to resign upon
reaching the age of 80 or upon reaching the end of the term in which he or she
reaches such age. It is also the Board's practice to limit new directors to no
more than two per year for the purpose of maintaining Board membership
continuity. The Board has nominated Robert J. Bodine and Harry J. Krieg, whose
terms as directors of the Company will expire at the 2006 annual meeting, for
re-election to the Board. The Company anticipates the resignation of Mr. Bodine
and Mr. Krieg prior to the completion of their full terms to allow two new
directors to be nominated in each of the next two years. In addition, the Board,
upon recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has
nominated Robert A. Ebel and Dr. Franklin D. Wicks, Jr. for election to the
Board. Howard A. Kuehner and Thomas J. Fucoloro, whose terms as directors expire
at the 2006 annual meeting, are not standing for re-election.
The following information is submitted respecting the members of the
Company's Board whose terms will continue after the meeting, together with the
nominees for election to the Board:
Nominees to serve until 2009:
Robert J. Bodine ............... Mr. Bodine, 81, has been a director since 1966. He is Chairman Emeritus and
former Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of Bodine Aluminum, Inc. where he
served from 1947 to 1990. He is an active member of numerous civic and
charitable organizations, including Chairman of the Aluminum Association-
Foundry Division, past Board Chairman of the St. Louis Salvation Army, Board
Trustee of the St. Louis Zoo, and Board member of St. Joseph Hospital, located
in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Robert A. Ebel ................. Mr. Ebel, 50, is a director-nominee for 2006. He is a director and CEO of
Universal Printing, a privately-held manufacturing company headquartered in
St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Ebel currently serves on the Board of the St. Louis
Graphic Arts Joint Health and Welfare Fund and is active in various civic and
charitable organizations in the St. Louis area.
Harry J. Krieg ................. Mr. Krieg, 81, has been a director since 1962. He is Chairman Emeritus of the
Company's Board. He began his career with the Company in 1955. He served as
the President of Cass Bank & Trust Company (presently known as Cass
Commercial Bank, the banking subsidiary of the Company) from 1964 to 1969.
He became CEO and Chairman in 1969 and 1974, respectively. Mr. Krieg also
served as CEO and Chairman of Cass Commercial Corporation (the predecessor
name of the Company) until 1992.
Franklin D. Wicks, Jr. ......... Dr. Wicks, 52, is a director-nominee for 2006. He is President of Fine Chemical
Division of Sigma-Aldrich, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Wicks has worked
for Sigma-Aldrich since 1982, beginning as a research chemist and subsequently
working in marketing, as President of Sigma Chemical and Vice President of
Worldwide Operations, Sigma-Aldrich. Prior to his current position, he served as
President, Scientific Research Division, Sigma-Aldrich from 1999 to 2002 and
was responsible for operations in 34 countries. After receiving his PhD, Dr.
Wicks served for four years on the staff of the Navigators at the Air Force
Academy and at the University of Colorado at Boulder before joining Sigma-
Aldrich. He is currently a member of Focus on the Family's CEO Forum, and
serves on the Advisory Board of Covenant Theological Seminary.
The Company's Board recommends a vote FOR the four nominees for election to the
Board of Directors.
2
Directors to serve until 2008:
K. Dane Brooksher ............... Mr. Brooksher, 67, has been a director since 2005. He is Chairman of the Board of
ProLogis, a leading provider of distribution facilities. He has been with ProLogis
since 1993 and has held positions including Chief Operating Officer ("COO"),
Co-Chairman and CEO. Prior to joining ProLogis, he spent over 32 years with
KPMG LLP, serving as the Mid-West area-managing partner and Chicago office-
managing partner, as well as serving on the firm's Board of Directors, Management
Committee and as International Development Partner. Mr. Brooksher is currently a
director of Qwest Communications International, Inc., Pactiv Corporation,
CarrAmerica Realty Corporation, and is a current member of the Advisory Board of
the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University,
William and Mary Business School Foundation and St. Anthony's Hospital
(St. Louis).
Eric H. Brunngraber ............. Mr. Brunngraber, 49, has been a director since 2003. He has served as Chief
Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company since 1997. He has held numerous
positions with the Company since his employment began in 1979, including
Executive Vice President-Secretary of Cass Commercial Bank, the Company's
bank subsidiary. Mr. Brunngraber has been active in various civic, charitable,
professional and church-related groups. He is a current board member of the
St. Louis Equity Fund, Inc.
Bryan S. Chapell ................ Dr. Chapell, 51, has been a director since 1998. Dr. Chapell joined the faculty of
Covenant Theological Seminary in 1985, and has served as seminary President
since 1994. Dr. Chapell has obtained degrees from Northwestern University,
Covenant Theological Seminary and Southern Illinois University and has
authored numerous books and publications.
Benjamin F. Edwards, IV ......... Mr. Edwards, 50, has been a director since 2005. He has been with A. G.
Edwards & Sons, Inc., one of the nation's largest investment firms, since 1977.
He is currently the branch manager of the firm's Town & Country, Missouri
office. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of A. G. Edwards
since 1994. During his career with A. G. Edwards, he has held positions
including Employment Manager, Financial Advisor, Associate Branch Manager,
Regional Officer, Director of Sales and Marketing and President. He serves on
the Advisory Boards of Sunshine Missions, Bethesda Hospital and Homes,
Trinity University and Covenant Theological Seminary. Mr. Edwards is also a
board member of The Missouri Historical Society.
Directors to serve until 2007:
Lawrence A. Collett ......... Mr. Collett, 63, has been a director since 1983. He has been the CEO and
Chairman of the Board of the Company since 1990 and 1992, respectively. He
began his career with the Company in 1963 and served as Executive Vice
President from 1974 to 1983 and President from 1983 to 1990. He has held
numerous positions with civic, charitable, and church-related institutions.
Mr. Collett is a current member of the St. Louis Regional Business Council.
Wayne J. Grace .............. Mr. Grace, 65, has been a director since 2003. He recently retired from the
position of Managing Director of UHY Advisors, Tax and Business Consultants,
a position he held since 2004. He was the founder and Managing Director of
Grace Advisors, Inc. from 1983 to 2004. From 1966 to 1983, he was the
Managing Partner of the St. Louis office of Fox & Company, where he served as
a member of the National Consulting Services Steering Committee. Mr. Grace
serves on the Board of Managers for the YMCA of the Ozarks.
3
Irving A. Shepard ............ Mr. Shepard, 88, has been a director since 1970. He is the President of Venture
Consulting, a nationwide consulting firm. He has held numerous engineering
positions throughout his career, including Aerodynamicst, Chief of Flight Test
with McDonnell Aircraft, President of Shepard Engineering Company and President
and CEO of Chromalloy American Corporation.
Andrew J. Signorelli ......... Mr. Signorelli, 66, has been a director since 1986. He currently serves as CEO of
Andrews Educational & Research Center and Hope Educational & Research
Center, which he founded in the early 1980's. He has also served as
Administrator for St. Louis University Association from 1963 to 1965 and Faith
Hospital Association from 1965 to 1986. Mr. Signorelli is a member of the
Board of Directors for Andrews and Hope Educational & Research Centers, as
well as various other private corporations located in the St. Louis area.
Board and Committee Membership
The Company's Board oversees and guides the Company's management and its
business. Committees support the role of the Board on issues that benefit from
consideration by a smaller, more focused subset of directors.
Each director of the Company who is neither an officer nor an employee of
the Company receives compensation for his services. The following table shows
the 2005 fee schedule, noting changes that were approved and implemented on
March 1, 2005:
Director Fees Prior to March 1 After March 1
------------- ---------------- -------------
Regular Board Meeting ............................ $ 600 $ 700
Board Member Monthly Retainer .................... 500 600
Board Committee Meeting (Members/Chair) .......... 400/500 400/500
Board Committee Chair Monthly Retainer:
Audit ........................................... -- 600
Nominating and Corporate Governance ............. -- 400
Compensation .................................... -- 200
Additionally, upon re-election to the Board, each director that is not an
officer of the Company receives shares of restricted stock, carrying voting and
dividend rights. Shares are subject to a three-year vesting schedule, with 1/3
of the shares vesting each year on the anniversary date of the awards. Effective
March 1, 2005, the number of shares awarded upon re-election increased from 300
to 600.
Based on the independence standards as defined by the marketplace rules of
The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq"), the Board has determined in its
business judgment that each of the non-management directors on the Board is
independent. Mr. Collett and Mr. Brunngraber are members of Management and as a
result are not considered independent directors.
During 2005, there were 12 meetings of the Board. With the exception of Mr.
Brooksher and Mr. Kuehner, all directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate
number of meetings of the Board and committees on which they served. The
Company's directors are encouraged, but not required, to attend the Company's
Annual Meeting of shareholders. Five directors attended the 2005 Annual Meeting.
The following table presents, as of March 3, 2006, the key committees of
the Board, the number of times each such committee met in 2005 (in parentheses)
and the membership of such committees:
Nominating and Corporate
Audit (5) Governance (4) Compensation (4)
---------------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------
Wayne J. Grace* Bryan S. Chapell Robert J. Bodine
Harry J. Krieg Wayne J. Grace Irving A. Shepard
Irving A. Shepard Harry J. Krieg* Andrew J. Signorelli*
------------
*Committee Chairman
4
The Audit Committee is composed entirely of independent directors, as
defined by the Nasdaq listing standards, and operates pursuant to a written
charter, included as Exhibit I and available on the Company's website at
www.cassinfo.com. The Committee is responsible for selecting, evaluating and
where appropriate, replacing the independent registered public accountants for
the Company, and meeting with the independent registered public accountants and
other corporate officers to review matters relating to corporate financial
reporting and accounting procedures and policies. Among other responsibilities,
the Audit Committee also reviews financial information provided to Shareholders
and others, assesses the adequacy of financial, accounting, operating and
disclosure controls, evaluates the scope of the audits of the independent
registered public accountants and reports on the results of such reviews to the
Board. In addition, the Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the
performance of the Company's internal auditors. The Committee meets with the
internal auditors on a quarterly basis to review the scope and results of such
services. The Board has determined that Mr. Grace and Mr. Krieg serve as "audit
committee financial experts", as defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") and the Nasdaq listing rules.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is composed entirely of
independent directors, as defined by the Nasdaq listing standards, and operates
pursuant to a written charter, which is available on the Company's website at
www.cassinfo.com. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is
responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become members of the
Board, recommending director nominees and developing and addressing corporate
governance principles and issues applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries.
In recommending director nominees to the Board, the Committee solicits candidate
recommendations from its own members, other directors and Management. No person
who has reached the age of 80 prior to the election date may be nominated for
election or re-election to the Board. It is also the Board's practice to limit
new directors to no more than two per year in order to maintain Board
continuity. As discussed above, because the Board has nominated two new nominees
for election at the 2006 annual meeting, it has also nominated Messrs. Bodine
and Krieg, each of whom is 81, for re-election. The Board anticipates the
resignation from the Board of Messrs. Bodine and Krieg prior to expiration of
their terms in order for the Company to nominate two new directors for election
at each of the Company's annual meetings in 2007 and 2008. Although the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not specifically solicit
suggestions for possible candidates from Shareholders, the Committee will
consider candidates meeting the criteria set by the Committee, with the
concurrence of the full Board and re-evaluated periodically, including those
criteria set out in the Committee's charter. Suggestions, together with a
description of the proposed nominee's qualifications, other relevant
biographical information and an indication of the willingness of the proposed
nominee to serve, should be sent to the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee, c/o Eric H. Brunngraber, Secretary, Cass Information Systems, Inc.,
13001 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, Missouri 63044.
The Compensation Committee is composed entirely of independent directors,
as defined by the Nasdaq listing standards, and operates pursuant to a written
charter, which is available on the Company's website at www.cassinfo.com. The
Committee reviews and recommends to the Board the salaries and all other forms
of compensation of the officers of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct and Business Ethics policy,
applicable to all Company directors, executive officers and employees. This
policy is publicly available and can be viewed on the Company's website at
www.cassinfo.com.
5
Communications with the Board of Directors
Shareholders may communicate with any and all members of the Board by
transmitting correspondence to the following address or fax number:
Name of Director(s)
c/o Eric H. Brunngraber, Secretary
Cass Information Systems, Inc.
13001 Hollenberg Drive
Bridgeton, Missouri 63044
(314) 506-5560 (fax)
The Secretary will forward all correspondence to the Chairman of the Board
or the identified director as soon as practicable. Communications that are
abusive, in bad taste or that present a safety or security concern may be
handled differently. Correspondence addressed to the full Board will be
forwarded to the Chairman of the Board. As deemed necessary, the Chairman will
present the correspondence to the full Board or a committee thereof. If a
response to the communication is warranted, the content and method of the
response may be coordinated with the Company's legal counsel.
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, composed entirely of independent directors, as defined
by the Nasdaq listing standards, assists the Board in its oversight of (i) the
integrity of the financial statements of the Company, (ii) the independent
registered public accountants' qualifications and independence (iii) the
performance of the independent registered public accountants and the Company's
internal audit function, and (iv) the compliance by the Company with legal and
regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written
charter that was last revised and adopted in February 2006 and is attached as
Exhibit I to this Proxy Statement.
In the performance of its oversight function for the year ended December
31, 2005 the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated
financial statements with Management and the independent registered public
accountants. The Committee also discussed with the independent registered public
accountants the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61,
Communications with Audit Committees, as currently in effect. The Committee has
also received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent
registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board
Statement No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as currently in
effect and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm
its independence. The Committee has considered whether the provision of all
non-audit services to the Company by the independent registered public
accountants is compatible with maintaining the registered public accountants'
independence and has discussed with them their independence.
Based upon these reviews and discussions, and the roles and
responsibilities of the Committee outlined in its charter, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Board that the Company's audited consolidated financial
statements be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005 filed with the SEC.
Wayne J. Grace, Chairman
Harry J. Krieg
Irving A. Shepard
6
Report of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and is
composed of three independent directors, as defined by the Nasdaq listing
standards. The Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board;
the charter is available on the Company's website at www.cassinfo.com. The
Committee establishes and administers the Company's executive compensation
programs and benefits. While the Committee may seek input occasionally from the
CEO, the CFO or the Vice President, Human Resources, all matters are
independently resolved and decided without the presence or voting of any officer
of the Company or its subsidiaries. The Compensation Committee of the Board is
also responsible for recommending salary levels for executive officers to the
Board of the Company and recommending the overall levels of salary compensation
for all Company employees.
Compensation Philosophy
-----------------------
The Committee's goal with regard to executive compensation has been to
develop and provide a combination of programs that enable the Company to attract
and retain competent executive officers and other management personnel with the
capabilities and experience necessary to continue leading the Company in meeting
its objectives and in furthering its growth and profitability. Additionally, the
Committee's goal is to reward executives and managers in accordance with the
results that are accomplished. The Committee believes that total compensation
should be related to results and to individual and Company performance over the
long term.
Use of HR Specialists
---------------------
The Company does occasionally use compensation specialists to assist in
designing or modifying some components of its overall compensation program. When
this occurs, the arrangement is with the Committee and not with Management.
Also, in such circumstances, the Committee does not solely rely on the
consultant's judgment or recommendation, but considers such in exercising its
own careful and informed deliberation.
In order to determine the levels of peer compensation within its industry,
the Committee utilizes the services of Peter R. Johnson & Company of West
Chester, Pennsylvania. Additionally, when evaluating the cash compensation and
stock incentives for senior executive management, the Committee utilizes the
services of Mercer Human Resource Consulting and other sources for comparison to
compensation levels at companies performing in industries similar to those of
the Company. For peer group comparison, compensation data is gathered from both
the Financial Services and Professional/Business Services industries.
Elements of Compensation
------------------------
Most elements of compensation are tied to plans directly related to the
Company's earnings or its return on equity. The Company also places a strong
emphasis on retaining key employees and seeks to provide programs that provide
benefits over extended periods of time in addition to earnings-based
compensation.
Cash Compensation
-----------------
The Committee seeks to maintain salaries at levels competitive with peer
groups as long as satisfactory economic, regulatory and governance results are
being achieved. Bonuses are available to all personnel of the Company based upon
the level of profits before taxes achieved by the Company. These bonuses are
distributed on the basis of merit. The pool available for executive bonuses is
formula-driven and is based on the size of the overall bonus pool, which is
determined by the level of earnings achieved before taxes. The portion available
for executive bonuses takes into consideration such factors as the return on
investment and the growth in the Company's net profits after taxes.
The determination of salaries for the Company's executive officers is a
process, which consists of individual performance, growth in the Company's
profits and resources, and the quality of the Company's operations, as well as
adherence to regulatory requirements. The amount of bonuses available for
executive officers is a percentage of the profit-sharing allocation for all
staff members and is based on the growth in net earnings of the Company. Because
the Company's net earnings in 2005 were greater than in 2004 and its return on
investment grew significantly, the bonus amount available for executive officers
in 2005 was higher than 2004 levels, and most of the executives received bonuses
in 2005 that exceeded those received in 2004.
7
The Committee reviews salaries of the CEO, CFO and other executive officers
annually in January for the current fiscal year. Salaries are determined based
on performance in meeting financial results such as growth in profits and return
on equity, as well as continuity of performance and leadership. Bonuses are
calculated in July and January, and relate directly to the profit performance
for the year. The CEO's bonus is a percentage of total profit sharing
allocations and fluctuates with the Company's return on equity. The CEO's salary
was increased in 2005 due to improved profitability and continued success on
meeting the Company's long term goals related to profitability, return on equity
and capital adequacy. The CEO's bonus for 2005 was directly related to profit
performance in 2005 and was therefore higher than that received in 2004.
Incentive Stock Compensation
The Committee considers stock options and restricted stock grants to be a
significant motivational tool for rewarding its executive officers and senior
management. Stock options and grants provided under the Company's stock
incentive programs are awarded primarily on the basis of performance of the
Company, performance of the individual operating subsidiaries, relationship of
the Company's performance to other companies in its peer group and the
recommendation of the CEO regarding the individual's performance.
The Company has also developed supplemental guidelines for stock
compensation based on the return on investment received. In determining the
amount of such incentive stock compensation, the Company does not rely on
statistics provided by retained consultants, but rather on how such incentives
fit within the overall compensation structure desired and how total compensation
relates to the performance achieved. Because of the relatively small number of
restricted stock options and shares held by the Company's executive officers,
the Committee has not considered the overall amount of restricted stock grants
and stock options outstanding as a significant factor in granting additional
restricted shares and options.
In 2005, the CEO and other executive officers also received long-term
incentive awards, based on results of 2004, in the form of incentive stock
options and restricted stock grants in conjunction with the plans adopted by the
Committee and approved by the Board. Their awards are based on the return on
equity of the Company. The higher the return the larger the amount of options
and grants awarded. The number of shares provided in 2005 was similar to that in
2004 since the return on equity in 2004 and 2003 was similar. However, awards in
2006 will be higher as a result of a significant increase in the return on
equity being achieved.
Federal Income Tax Deductibility Limitations
--------------------------------------------
The Compensation Committee also considers the potential impact of Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 162(m) disallows a tax deduction
for any publicly held corporation for individual compensation exceeding $1
million in any taxable year for the CEO and the other senior executive officers,
other than compensation that is performance-based under a plan that is approved
by the Shareholders of the Company and that meets certain other technical
requirements. Based on these requirements, the Compensation Committee has
determined that Section 162(m) will not prevent the Company from receiving a tax
deduction for any of the compensation paid to executive officers.
Total Compensation
------------------
The Committee also reviews total compensation, including the value of
non-cash benefits, provided the CEO and CFO. This includes the calculated values
of any retirement benefits provided under the Company's defined benefit and
defined contribution plans as well as those provided under the Supplemental
Employee Retirement Plan. In addition, benefits such as Company-provided
automobiles or country club memberships are also considered. The Committee
evaluates the total of all these benefits together with cash compensation and
any incentive stock compensation in determining the levels of compensation
provided. The objective is to insure that all compensation items are reviewed
before determining any salary or incentive stock awards for the forthcoming
year.
Andrew J. Signorelli, Chairman
Robert J. Bodine
Irving A. Shepard
8
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No member of the Compensation Committee is or was during the year ended
December 31, 2005 an officer, former officer or employee of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries or a person having a relationship requiring disclosure by
the Company pursuant to item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K. No executive officer of
the Company served as a member of (i) the compensation committee of another
entity of which one of the executive officers of such entity served on the
Company's Compensation Committee or (ii) the Board of another entity of which
one of the executive officers of such entity served on the Company's Board,
during the year ended December 31, 2005.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Some of the directors and executive officers of the Company, and members of
their immediate families and firms and corporations with which they are
associated, have had transactions with the Company's subsidiary bank, including
borrowings and investments in depository accounts. All such loans and
investments have been made in the ordinary course of business, and on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates charged or paid and
collateral required, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable
transactions with unaffiliated persons, and did not involve more than the normal
risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. As of December 31,
2005, the aggregate indebtedness to officers and directors of the Company and to
firms and corporations in which they have at least a 10% beneficial interest was
approximately $4,042,292, which represents approximately 5% of the Company's
consolidated shareholders' equity at that date.
Performance Quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market for the last Five Fiscal Years
The following graph compares the cumulative total returns over the last
five fiscal years of a hypothetical investment of $100 in shares of Common Stock
of the Company with a hypothetical investment of $100 in the Nasdaq Stock Market
(US) and in the index of Nasdaq Computer and Data Processing Stocks. The graph
assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2000, with dividends reinvested.
Returns are based on period end prices.
[THE FOLLOWING DATA WAS REPRESENTED AS LINE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
Cass Information Nasdaq Stock Nasdaq Computer and
Systems, Inc. Market (US) Data Processing Stocks
12/29/2000 100.000 100.000 100.000
127.857 112.111 115.625
117.143 86.784 88.434
106.015 74.579 72.950
112.823 85.702 89.627
114.814 85.608 89.773
115.348 87.945 94.986
116.572 82.359 83.351
116.222 73.392 68.781
123.696 61.024 58.098
123.578 68.858 67.539
138.878 78.662 76.622
12/31/2001 145.396 79.322 80.527
145.396 78.719 80.104
148.809 70.533 72.185
150.126 75.158 74.305
148.362 68.914 62.907
149.977 65.875 58.887
150.152 59.908 59.055
147.112 54.437 51.865
138.694 53.859 52.124
140.813 48.067 45.682
141.908 54.633 55.220
148.295 60.723 62.488
12/31/2002 158.398 54.836 55.529
163.549 54.243 54.288
170.761 55.005 53.968
170.337 55.164 54.098
210.050 60.177 58.296
171.310 65.461 61.364
195.344 66.511 62.763
190.735 71.094 64.947
204.335 74.192 67.908
216.953 73.229 68.512
203.723 79.125 70.712
197.239 80.297 70.278
12/31/2003 219.431 81.989 73.154
220.690 84.420 75.094
228.106 82.831 72.055
250.608 81.421 68.348
262.129 78.721 67.140
284.739 81.335 69.993
293.611 83.834 74.337
296.931 77.435 68.691
276.644 75.539 65.878
274.394 77.793 69.512
274.394 80.947 73.226
261.045 85.934 78.149
12/31/2004 260.673 89.225 80.569
265.446 84.582 77.469
273.613 84.101 74.759
288.745 81.962 72.721
284.995 78.980 72.250
299.995 85.087 77.661
309.146 84.741 76.127
334.893 90.149 78.696
416.241 88.719 79.847
355.319 88.789 79.681
374.617 87.647 81.206
363.208 92.427 85.013
12/30/2005 378.790 91.118 83.304
9
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following tables list all executive officers of the Company, their ages
and their position(s) with the Company. All officers serve at the pleasure of
the Company's Board.
Lawrence A. Collett .............. Information on Mr. Collett can be found in the Section "Election of Directors."
Eric H. Brunngraber .............. Information on Mr. Brunngraber can be found in the Section "Election of
Directors."
Harry M. Murray .................. Mr. Murray, 52, Executive Vice President since 2003. He has held various
positions with the Company since his initial employment in 1982, including
COO -- Utility Division from 2000 to 2003, and Executive Vice President --
Operations from 1995 to 2000.
John F. Pickering ................ Mr. Pickering, 54, COO -- Transportation Information Services since 2001. He
has held various positions with the Company since 1977, including President --
Transportation Information Services from 1990 to 2001.
Gary B. Langfitt ................. Mr. Langfitt, 50, COO -- Utility Information Services since 2003. Prior to that
he was Vice President, Sales and Marketing -- Utility Division since joining the
Company in 1999.
Kenneth A. Witbrodt, Jr. ......... Mr. Witbrodt, 42, President -- Cass Commercial Bank since 2003. Prior to that
he was Executive Vice President -- Commercial Lending since joining the
Company's bank subsidiary in 1997. Mr. Witbrodt was named executive officer
in January 2006.
The following table shows compensation for the last three fiscal years for
the CEO and each named executive officer serving in such capacity at December
31, 2005.
Summary Compensation Table
Long Term Compensation
----------------------
Annual Compensation Restricted All Other
Name and ------------------------------- Stock Securities Compensation
Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Awards ($)(1) Underlying ($)(2)
------------------ ------ ------------ ----------- --------------- ------------ -------------
Lawrence A. Collett 2005 $440,000 $103,700 $28,320 3,493 $5,130
Chairman and CEO 2004 410,000 59,100 42,988 6,390 5,055
of the Company and subsidiaries 2003 365,000 60,900 67,716 13,544 4,980
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric H. Brunngraber 2005 $224,000 $ 65,000 $10,827 1,333 $3,600
CFO and Vice President -- Secretary 2004 202,000 36,000 16,226 2,415 3,525
of the Company and subsidiaries 2003 181,600 33,000 22,275 4,455 3,450
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry M. Murray 2005 $195,000 $ 62,800 $ 6,005 759 $3,840
Executive Vice President 2004 180,000 32,000 6,354 795 3,765
2003 170,000 30,500 15,042 2,727 3,690
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John F. Pickering 2005 $163,400 $ 41,000 $ 5,147 646 $3,660
Chief Operating Officer -- 2004 153,400 26,000 5,600 700 3,381
Transportation Information Services 2003 150,000 24,000 -- -- 3,378
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary B. Langfitt 2005 $130,000 $ 46,112 $ 4,027 505 $2,909
Chief Operating Officer -- 2004 120,000 55,436 4,093 514 3,542
Utility Information Services 2003 110,000 112,041 -- -- 3,400
Note: All share information has been restated to reflect the 50% stock dividend
declared by the Company in September 2005.
10
------------
(1) This item shows the grant date value of restricted stock awards, pursuant
to the terms of the Company's 1995 Restricted Stock Bonus Plan. The value
of restricted stock was calculated by multiplying the number of shares
awarded by the average of the high and low market price of the Company's
stock on the day prior to the date of the award. During 2005, Messrs.
Collett and Brunngraber received awards of 1,164 and 445 shares,
respectively; these shares are subject to a three-year vesting schedule,
with 1/3 of the shares vesting each year on the anniversary date of the
awards, beginning February 15, 2006. Also during 2005, Messrs. Murray,
Pickering and Langfitt received awards of 252, 216 and 169 shares,
respectively; these shares are subject to a three-year vesting schedule,
with 1/3 of the shares vesting each year on the anniversary date of the
awards, beginning January 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005, the aggregate
number and value of all restricted shares held by each named executive
officer was as follows:
Number of Values at
Name Shares December 31, 2005*
---- --------- ------------------
Mr. Collett ............. 4,087 $135,688
Mr. Brunngraber ......... 1,474 48,937
Mr. Murray .............. 732 24,302
Mr. Pickering ........... 372 12,350
Mr. Langfitt ............ 283 9,396
------------
* These values are based on the closing market price of the Company's Common
Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on December 31, 2005. The executive
officers are entitled to vote and receive dividends on the restricted
shares awarded to them.
(2) This item represents the Company's matching contributions paid on behalf of
the executive under the Company's 401(k) Plan (in 2005, contributions were
$3,150 for Mr. Collett, $3,150 for Mr. Brunngraber, $3,150 for Mr. Murray,
$2,970 for Mr. Pickering, and $2,440 for Mr. Langfitt) and the imputed
value of group term life premiums paid on their behalves (in 2005, premiums
were $1,980 for Mr. Collett, $450 for Mr. Brunngraber, $690 for Mr. Murray,
$690 for Mr. Pickering, and $469 for Mr. Langfitt).
Option/SAR Grants in 2005
Pursuant to the terms of the Company's 1995 Performance-Based Stock Option
Plan, the Board may grant options on up to 693,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock to aid in securing and retaining qualified personnel. These options
vest over a period not to exceed seven years, but the vesting period can be
accelerated based on the Company's attainment of certain financial operating
performance criteria.
The following table summarizes options granted during 2005 to the executive
officers named above, together with estimates of the value of such options at
the end of their seven-year terms assuming the market value of the Common Stock
appreciates at an annual rate of 5% or 10%.
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed Annual
Number of Percent of Rates of Stock Price
Securities Total Options Appreciation For
Underlying Granted to Exercise Options Term
Options Employees Base Price Expiration ---------------------------
Name Granted (#) in Fiscal ($/SH) Date 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- ------------- -------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- -----------
Mr. Collett ............. 3,493 42% $24.33 2012 $78,193 $141,003
Mr. Brunngraber ......... 1,333 16 24.33 2012 29,840 53,809
Mr. Murray .............. 759 9 23.83 2012 17,370 31,018
Mr. Pickering ........... 646 8 23.83 2012 14,784 26,400
Mr. Langfitt ............ 505 6 23.83 2012 11,557 20,638
11
Options Exercised in 2005 and Year-end Option Values
The following table summarizes options exercised during 2005 and the values
of options outstanding on December 31, 2005, for the executive officers named
above.
Number of Securities Value of
Underlying Unexercised
Unexercised in-the-Money
Options at Options at
Shares Fiscal Year-End Fiscal Year-End
Acquired on Value Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name Exercise (#) Realized ($) Unexercisable (#) Unexercisable ($)(1)
----- ------------ ------------ -------------------- --------------------
Mr. Collett ............. -- -- 12,292/54,446 $228,519/$938,807
Mr. Brunngraber ......... 3,679 $31,742 5,382/13,000 99,728/213,821
Mr. Murray .............. 2,143 31,555 0/10,798 0/181,782
Mr. Pickering ........... 1,867 27,823 0/8,140 0/139,071
Mr. Langfitt ............ -- -- 746/3,738 14,161/61,105
------------
(1) These values are based on the closing market price of the Company's Common
Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on December 31, 2005.
Defined Contribution Savings Plan
All full-time employees of the Company and subsidiaries are eligible to
participate in the Cass Information Systems, Inc. 401(k) Plan. Employees may
voluntarily defer up to 15% of pre-tax earnings subject to the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS") maximum limitation, which was $14,000 for 2005. Voluntary
deferrals contributed to the 401(k) Plan by the executive officers are included
in "Annual Compensation -- Salary" in the Summary Compensation Table. The
Company matches 50% of the first 3% of employee contributions, subject to IRS
limitations. Amounts contributed to the Plan in 2005 for the benefit of the
executive officers are included in the section titled "All Other Compensation"
in the Summary Compensation Table. Each executive officer is fully vested in
Company contributions.
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
Retirement Plan for Employees of Cass Information Systems, Inc.
All executive officers of the Company and subsidiaries are participants in
the Retirement Plan for Employees of Cass Information Systems, Inc., which
covers all full-time employees. Upon retirement, participants in the plan will
begin to receive monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the sum of:
(a) .9% of Final Average Earnings multiplied by the number of years of
participation, plus
(b) .5% of Final Average Earnings in excess of Covered Compensation
multiplied by years of participation.
Final Average Earnings is defined as the average annual total compensation
for the five consecutive years of highest earnings during the last ten years of
employment. Covered Compensation is the average of the maximum social security
taxable wage bases in effect for each calendar year during the 35-year period,
ending with the year in which retirement age is attained under the Social
Security Act. Earnings covered by the Plan equal total compensation as reported
in the Summary Compensation Table, including any amounts deferred under the Cass
Information Systems, Inc. 401(k) Plan.
Normal retirement under the Plan commences at age 65. At normal
retirement, the years of participation under the Plan for the executive
officers listed in the Compensation Table would be as follows: Mr. Collett --
41; Mr. Brunngraber -- 41; Mr. Murray -- 34; Mr. Pickering -- 37; and Mr.
Langfitt -- 21.
12
The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable at
retirement, assuming a straight-life annuity with 120 months guaranteed.
Estimated Annual Retirement Benefit (1)(2)
Final Years of Service Credited at Retirement
Average ---------------------------------------
Earnings 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
$125,000 $14,800 $22,300 $29,700 $37,100 $44,500 $51,900 $ 59,300
150,000 18,300 27,500 36,700 45,800 55,000 64,200 73,300
175,000 21,800 32,300 43,700 54,600 65,500 76,400 87,300
200,000 25,300 38,000 50,700 63,300 76,000 88,700 101,300
------------
(1) Estimated benefit calculation assumes retirement at age 65 in the year 2007
with no increase in the maximum social security taxable wage base after
2005.
(2) Estimated benefits would be subject to IRS maximum retirement limitations
in effect at the retirement date. The maximum annual compensation that may
be recognized for determining benefits in 2005 was $210,000.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
In addition to the Retirement Plan for Employees of Cass Information
Systems, Inc. described above, the Company established the Cass Information
Systems, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan in 1998, which covers key executive
officers of the Company. This supplemental plan was designed to provide
additional retirement benefits to key executives whose benefits are limited by
the IRS under the Company's qualified plan.
Upon retirement, participants in the plan will receive monthly payments
equal to 1/12 of 70% of the Final Average Earnings, reduced proportionately for
length of service less than 25 years and reduced by the participant's: (i)
qualified retirement plan benefit, (ii) primary social security benefit and
(iii) 401(k) hypothetical annuity.
Final Average Earnings, normal retirement age and years of participation at
normal retirement are the same as under the Retirement Plan for Employees of
Cass Information Systems, Inc.
The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable at
retirement, assuming a straight-life annuity with 120 months guaranteed.
Estimated Annual Retirement Benefit (1)
Final Years of Service Credited at Retirement
Average ---------------------------------------
Earnings 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
--------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
$125,000 $ -- $ -- $ 500 $ 10,600 $ 3,200 $ -- $ --
150,000 -- -- 3,900 15,800 6,600 -- --
175,000 -- -- 7,300 20,900 10,000 -- --
200,000 -- 3,400 13,600 29,000 16,300 3,600 --
300,000 25,700 45,400 69,600 99,000 86,300 73,600 61,000
400,000 53,700 87,400 125,600 169,000 156,300 143,600 131,000
------------
(1) Estimated benefit calculation assumes retirement at age 65 in the year
2007.
13
Principal Shareholders
The following table contains information with respect to beneficial
ownership of the Company's outstanding Common Stock as of March 3, 2006, by: (i)
each person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
Common Stock, (ii) each director and nominee for director and (iii) each
executive officer of the Company. The address of each director and executive
officer is c/o Cass Information Systems, Inc., 13001 Hollenberg Drive,
Bridgeton, Missouri 63044. Unless otherwise indicated, the named person has sole
voting and investment rights with respect to such shares.
Name and Address of Number of Shares Percent
Beneficial Owner Beneficially Owned of Class
---------------- ------------------ --------
Five Percent Shareholders
Jake Nania .............................................. 596,611 10.72%
1700 S. Ocean Blvd., 17C
Lauderdale by the Sea, FL 33062
Rutabaga Capital Management ............................. 376,498(1) 6.76%
64 Broad Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Directors and Executive Officers:
Robert J. Bodine ........................................ 164,246(2) 2.95%
K. Dane Brooksher ....................................... 900(3) *
Eric H. Brunngraber ..................................... 14,140(4) *
Bryan S. Chapell ........................................ 2,476(5) *
Lawrence A. Collett ..................................... 118,490(6) 2.13
Robert A. Ebel .......................................... -- *
Benjamin F. Edwards, IV ................................. 2,600(7) *
Thomas J. Fucoloro ...................................... 1,360(8) *
Wayne J. Grace .......................................... 6,690(9) *
Harry J. Krieg .......................................... 169,954(10) 3.05
Howard A. Kuehner ....................................... 332,988(11) 5.98
Gary B. Langfitt ........................................ 4,034(12) *
Harry M. Murray ......................................... 20,934(13) *
John F. Pickering ....................................... 20,407(14) *
Irving A. Shepard ....................................... 31,123(15) *
Andrew J. Signorelli .................................... 193,064(16) 3.47
Franklin D. Wicks ....................................... -- *
---------
All directors and executive officers as a group ......... 1,083,406 19.47%
------------
* Less than 1% of class.
(1) This share ownership information was provided by a Schedule 13G/A dated
February 14, 2006, which discloses that Rutabaga Capital Management
possesses sole voting power of 148,097 shares, shared voting power of
228,401 shares, sole dispositive power of 376,498 and shared dispositive
power over no shares.
(2) Includes 163,081 shares held in trust of which Mr. Bodine has shared voting
and investment rights. Includes 1,000 shares held in the Bodine Family
Foundation of which Mr. Bodine has voting and investment rights. Also
includes 165 shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Bodine
has voting but no investment rights.
(3) Includes 900 shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr.
Brooksher has voting but no investment rights.
(4) Includes 7,557 shares owned jointly with his spouse. Includes 1,659 shares
of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Brunngraber has voting but
no investment rights. Also includes presently exercisable stock options to
purchase 325 shares granted by the Company.
14
(5) Shares owned jointly with his spouse. Includes 900 shares of restricted
stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Chapell has voting but no investment
rights.
(6) Includes 42,636 shares owned jointly with his spouse. Includes 4,255 shares
of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Collett has voting but no
investment rights. Also, includes presently exercisable stock options to
purchase 1,273 shares granted by the Company.
(7) Includes 900 shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Edwards
has voting but no investment rights.
(8) Includes 849 shares held in trust of which Mr. Fucoloro has voting and
investment rights. Includes 346 shares owned by Mr. Fucoloro's spouse. Also
includes 165 shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Fucoloro
has voting but no investment rights.
(9) Includes 3,000 shares held in trust of which Mr. Grace has voting and
investment rights. Includes 3,075 shares owned by Mr. Grace's spouse. Also
includes 354 shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Grace
has voting but no investment rights.
(10) Includes 81,817 shares held in trust of which Mr. Krieg has voting and
investment rights. Includes 87,972 shares owned by Mr. Krieg's spouse. Also
includes 165 shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Krieg
has voting but no investment rights.
(11) Includes 40,158 shares held in trust of which Mr. Kuehner has voting and
investment rights. Includes 92,676 shares owned by Mr. Kuehner's spouse.
Also includes 165 shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr.
Kuehner has voting but no investment rights.
(12) Includes presently exercisable stock options to purchase 455 shares granted
by the Company.
(13) Includes 19,858 shares owned jointly with his spouse. Also includes 992
shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Murray has voting but
no investment rights.
(14) Includes 15,985 shares owned jointly with his spouse. Also includes 588
shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Pickering has voting
but no investment rights.
(15) Includes 30,823 shares held in family partnerships. Also includes 300
shares of restricted stock subject to forfeiture; Mr. Shepard has voting
but no investment rights.
(16) Includes 192,764 shares held in trust of which Mr. Signorelli has shared
voting and investment rights. Includes 300 shares of restricted stock
subject to forfeiture; Mr. Signorelli has voting but no investment rights.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of the
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and The Nasdaq Stock Market.
Directors and executive officers and greater than 10% Shareholders are required
by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file.
Based on its review of the copies of such forms received by it and written
representation from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that all
Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to 2005 for directors, executive
officers and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with in a timely
manner.
15
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
KPMG LLP served as the Company's independent registered public accounting
firm during the year ended December 31, 2005 and has been selected by the Audit
Committee of the Board to serve as such firm for the present year, 2006. KPMG
LLP has served as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm
since 1983. A representative of KPMG LLP is expected to be present at the
Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement and is expected to be
available to respond to appropriate questions of Shareholders.
Fees Incurred For 2005 Services Performed by the Independent Registered
Public Accountants
It is the policy of the Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit,
audit-related and non-audit services provided by our independent registered
public accountants. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company
incurred the following fees for services performed by KPMG LLP:
2005 2004
-------- --------
Audit Fees (1) .............. $238,000 $225,000
Audit-related Fees .......... -- --
Taxes (2) ................... 64,768 61,520
All Other Fees .............. -- --
------------
(1) Represents fees for services related to the audit of the consolidated
financial statements, review of the quarterly financial statements and
assessment of the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.
These services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
(2) Represents tax compliance and preparation services. These services were
pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
The Company's Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of KPMG LLP as the
Company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2006.
16
OTHER MATTERS, HOUSEHOLDING and SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Management does not intend to present to the Annual Meeting any business
other than the items stated in the "Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders"
and does not know of any matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting other
than those referred to above. If, however, any other matters properly come
before the Annual Meeting, the persons designated as proxies will vote on each
such matter in accordance with their best judgment.
Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating
in the practice of "householding" proxy statements and annual reports. This
means that only one copy of this proxy statement or annual report may have been
sent to multiple Shareholders in your household. We will promptly deliver a
separate copy of either document to you if you write us at Cass Information
Systems, Inc., Attn: Eric H. Brunngraber, Secretary, 13001 Hollenberg Drive,
Bridgeton, Missouri 63044, or call (314) 506-5500.
If you wish to receive separate copies of our proxy statements and annual
reports to Shareholders in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies
and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact
your bank, broker or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at the
above address and phone number.
Any Shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Company's
Proxy Statement for its next Annual Meeting, which is expected to be held in
April, 2007, must be received by the Company in writing at its principal office
at the address listed in the section above no later than November 14, 2006. The
deadline for written notice of a proposal for which the Shareholder will conduct
his or her own solicitation is January 29, 2007.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Eric H. Brunngraber
Eric H. Brunngraber, Secretary
17
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
Exhibit I
Cass Information Systems, Inc.
Audit Committee Charter
I. PURPOSE
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board to oversee the accounting and
financial reporting processes of the Company and the audits of the Company's
financial statements. In that regard, the Audit Committee assists the Board in
monitoring (1) the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, (2) the
independent auditors' qualifications and independence, (3) the performance of
the Company's internal audit function and independent auditors, (4) the
compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements, and (5) the
Company's efforts to manage its information technology and data security risks.
The Audit Committee shall prepare the report required by the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") to be included in the
Company's annual proxy statement.
II. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The Audit Committee shall consist of no fewer than three members. Each
member of the Audit Committee shall meet the independence and experience
requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. Marketplace Rules and the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). All members of the Audit
Committee shall be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements.
No member of the Audit Committee shall have participated in the preparation of
the financial statements of the Company in the past three years. At least one
member of the Audit Committee shall be an "audit committee financial expert" as
defined by the Commission. However, one director who does not meet the NASDAQ
definition of independence, but who meets the criteria set forth in Section
10A(m)(3) under the Exchange Act and the rules there under, and who is not a
current officer or employee or a family member of such person, may serve for no
more than two years on the audit committee if the Board, under exceptional and
limited circumstances, determines that such individual's membership is required
by the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Such person must
satisfy the independence requirements set forth in Section 10A(m)(3) of the
Exchange Act, and may not chair the Audit Committee. The use of this
"exceptional and limited circumstances" exception, as well as the nature of the
individual's relationship to the Company and the basis for the board's
determination, shall be disclosed in the annual proxy statement.
In addition, if an audit committee member ceases to be independent for
reasons outside the member's reasonable control, his or her membership on the
audit committee may continue until the earlier of the Company's next annual
shareholders' meeting or one year from the occurrence of the event that caused
the failure to qualify as independent. If the Company is not already relying on
this provision, and falls out of compliance with the requirements regarding
audit committee composition due to a single vacancy on the audit committee, then
the Company will have until the earlier of the next annual shareholders' meeting
or one year from the occurrence of the event that caused the failure to comply
with this requirement. The Company shall provide notice to Nasdaq immediately
upon learning of the event or circumstance that caused the non-compliance, if it
expects to rely on either of these provisions for a cure period.
The members of the Audit Committee shall be appointed and may be replaced
by the Board.
III. MEETINGS
The Audit Committee shall meet as often as it determines necessary but not
less frequently than quarterly. The Audit Committee shall meet periodically in
separate executive sessions with management, the internal auditors and the
independent auditors, and have such other direct and independent interaction
with such persons from time to time, as the members of the Audit Committee deem
appropriate. The Audit Committee may request any officer or employee of the
Company or the Company's outside counsel or independent auditors to attend a
meeting of the Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the
Committee.
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IV. COMMITTEE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Audit Committee shall have the sole authority to appoint, determine
funding for, and oversee the outside auditors (subject, if applicable, to
shareholder ratification). The Audit Committee shall be directly responsible for
the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditors
(including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent
auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing
an audit report or related work. The independent auditors shall report directly
to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services, internal
control-related services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees
and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent auditors,
subject to the de minimis exception for non-audit services that are approved by
the Audit Committee prior to the completion of the audit. The Audit Committee
may delegate to one or more members the authority to grant pre-approvals of
audit and permitted non-audit services, provided that such decisions to grant
pre-approvals shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next
scheduled meeting.
The Audit Committee shall have the authority, to the extent it deems
necessary or appropriate, to engage and determine funding for independent legal,
accounting or other advisors. The Company shall provide for appropriate funding,
as determined by the Audit Committee, for payment of compensation to the
independent auditors for the purpose of rendering or issuing an audit report or
performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company and to any
advisors employed by the Audit Committee, as well as funding for the payment of
ordinary administrative expenses of the Audit Committee that are necessary or
appropriate in carrying out its duties.
The Audit Committee shall make regular reports to the Board. The Audit
Committee shall review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter annually and
recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
V. FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND DISCLOSURE MATTERS
The Audit Committee, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate,
shall:
(1) Review and discuss with management and the independent auditors the
annual audited financial statements, including disclosures made in
management's discussion and analysis, and recommend to the Board
whether the audited financial statements should be included in the
Company's Form 10-K.
(2) Review and discuss with management and the independent auditors the
Company's quarterly financial statements prior to the filing of its
Form 10-Q, including the results of the independent auditors' review
of the quarterly financial statements.
(3) Discuss with management and the independent auditors significant
financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the
preparation of the Company's financial statements, including any
significant changes in the Company's selection or application of
accounting principles, any major issues as to the adequacy of the
Company's internal controls and any special steps adopted in light of
material control deficiencies.
(4) Review and discuss with management and the independent auditors any
major issues as to the adequacy of the Company's internal controls,
any special steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies
and the adequacy of disclosures about changes in internal control over
financial reporting.
(5) Review and discuss with management (including the senior internal audit
executive) and the independent auditors the Company's internal controls
report and the independent auditors' attestation of the report prior to
the filing of the Company's Form 10-K.
(6) Review and discuss quarterly reports from the independent auditors on:
(a) all critical accounting policies and practices to be used;
(b) all alternative treatments of financial information within
generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed
with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative
disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the
independent auditors, and
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(c) other material written communications between the independent
auditors and management, such as any management letter or schedule
of unadjusted differences.
(7) Discuss with management the Company's earnings press releases,
including the use of "pro forma" or "adjusted" non-GAAP information,
as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to
analysts and rating agencies. Such discussion may be done generally
(consisting of discussing the types of information to be disclosed and
the types of presentations to be made).
(8) Discuss with management and the independent auditors the effect of
regulatory and accounting initiatives as well as off-balance sheet
structures on the Company's financial statements.
(9) Discuss with management the Company's major financial risk exposures
and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such
exposures, including the Company's risk assessment and risk management
policies.
(10)Discuss with the independent auditors the matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to the
conduct of the audit, including any difficulties encountered in the
course of the audit work, any restrictions on the scope of activities
or access to requested information, and any significant disagreements
with management.
(11)Review disclosures made to the Audit Committee by the company's CEO and
CFO during their certification process for the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q
about any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls of material weaknesses therein and any fraud
involving management or other employees who have a significant role in
the Company's internal controls.
(12)Ensure that a public announcement of the Company's receipt of an audit
opinion that contains a going concern qualification is made promptly.
VI. OVERSIGHT OF THE COMPANY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
(1) Review and evaluate the lead partner of the independent auditors team.
(2) Obtain and review a report from the independent auditors at least
annually regarding (a) the independent auditors' internal
quality-control procedures, (b) any material issues raised by the most
recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the firm,
or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional
authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more
independent audits carried out by the firm and (c) any steps taken to
deal with any such issues. Evaluate the qualifications, performance
and independence of the independent auditors, including considering
whether the auditors' quality controls are adequate and the provision
of permitted non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the
auditors' independence, and taking into account the opinions of
management and internal auditors. The Audit Committee shall present
its conclusions with respect to the independent auditors of the Board.
(3) Obtain from the independent auditors a formal written statement
delineating all relationships between the independent auditors and the
Company. It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to actively
engage in a dialogue with the independent auditors with respect to any
disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and
independence of the auditors and for purposes of taking, or
recommending that the full board take, appropriate action to oversee
the independence of the outside auditors.
(4) Ensure the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having
primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible
for reviewing the audit as required by law. Consider whether, in order
to assure continuing auditor independence, it is appropriate to adopt
a policy of rotating the independent auditing firm on a regular basis.
(5) Recommend to the Board policies for the Company's hiring of employees
or former employees of the independent auditors.
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(6) Discuss with the independent auditors material issues on which the
national office of the independent auditors was consulted by the
Company's audit team.
(7) Meet with the independent auditors prior to the audit to discuss the
planning and staffing of the audit.
VII. OVERSIGHT OF THE COMPANY'S INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION
(1) Review the appointment and replacement of the senior internal auditing
executive.
(2) Review the significant reports to management prepared by the internal
auditing department and management's responses.
(3) Discuss with the independent auditors and management the internal audit
department responsibilities, budget and staffing and any recommended
changes in the planned scope of the internal audit.
VIII. COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) Obtain from the independent auditors assurance that Section 10A(b) of
the Exchange Act has not been implicated.
(2) Obtain reports from management, the Company's senior internal auditing
executive and the independent auditors that the Company and its
subsidiary/foreign-affiliated entities are in conformity with
applicable legal requirements and the Company's Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics. Advise the Board with respect to the Company's
policies and procedures regarding compliance with applicable laws and
regulations and with the Company's Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics.
(3) Approve all related party transactions.
(4) Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of
complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal
accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential,
anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters.
(5) Discuss with management and the independent auditors any correspondence
with regulators or governmental agencies and any published reports that
raise material issues regarding the Company's financial statements or
accounting policies.
(6) Discuss with the Company's General Counsel legal matters that may have
a material impact on the financial statements or the Company's
compliance polices.
IX. OVERSIGHT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY RISKS
Review and evaluate the Company's policies and practices with respect to
risk assessment and risk management over information technology, security and
data privacy protection.
X. LIMITATION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE'S ROLE
While the Audit Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in
this Charter, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct
audits or to determine that the Company's financial statements and disclosures
are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations. These are the
responsibilities of management and the independent auditors.
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Charles F. Knight Executive Education Center
John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis
Knight Center Reception Desk (314) 933-9400
[Graphic: Map]
From I-70 (or Lambert International Airport)
Go south on I-170 to the Delmar exit.
Turn left (east) on Delmar, continue to Big Bend Boulevard.
Turn right (south) onto Big Bend Boulevard and continue to Forest Park Parkway.
Turn left (east) onto Snow Way and continue to Throop Drive Turn left (north)
onto Throop Drive to the garage.
The Charles F. Knight Center is located across from the parking garage on the
south side of Throop Drive. Please park in the parking garage and proceed into
the main entrance of the Charles F. Knight Center to Room 210.
From I-64 (Hwy 40), heading west (from downtown St. Louis) or east (from West
County)
Take the Hanley (north) exit. Go north onto Hanley. Turn right (east)
onto Clayton. Turn left (north) onto Big Bend.
Turn right (east) onto Snow Way.
Continue on Snow Way to Throop Drive.
Turn left (north) onto Throop Drive.
The Charles F. Knight Center is located across from the parking garage on the
south side of Throop Drive.
Please park in the parking garage and proceed into the main entrance of the
Charles F. Knight Center to Room 210.
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THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE PROPOSALS. Please
Mark Here |_|
for Address
Change or
Comments
SEE REVERSE SIDE
FOR WITHHELD 2. Ratification of appointment of FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
FOR ALL KPMG LLP as Independent I/We plan to
1. Election of Directors Auditors. |_| |_| |_| attend the |_|
|_| |_| meeting. (Please
Nominees: detach admittance
01 Robert J. Bodine card below and
02 Robert A. Ebel bringto the
03 Harry J. Krieg meeting.)
04 Franklin D. Wicks, Jr.
Withheld for the nominee you list below Choose MLink(sm)for fast, easy and
(Write that nominee's name in the space secure 24/7 online access to your
provided below.) future proxy materials, investment
plan statements, tax documents and
more. Simply log on to Investor
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Signature_____________________________________________Signature_____________________________________________Date________________
NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.
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^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^
Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day prior to annual meeting day.
Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and
returned your proxy card.
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------
Internet Telephone Mail
http://www.proxyvoting.com/cass 1-866-540-5760 Mark, sign and
Use the internet to vote your Use any touch-tone telephone OR date your proxy
proxy. Have your proxy card in OR to vote your proxy. Have your card and return
hand when you access the web proxy card in hand when you it in the enclosed
site. call. postage-paid envelope.
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------
If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone,
you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.
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THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints Lawrence A. Collett and Eric H. Brunngraber,
and each of them, with power to act without the other and with power of
substitution, as proxies and attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes them to
represent and vote, as provided on the other side, all the shares of Cass
Information Systems, Inc. Common Stock which the undersigned is entitled to
vote, and, in their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly
come before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the company to be held April
17, 2006 or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, with all powers which
the undersigned would possess if present at the Meeting.
(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
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Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)
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^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^
ADMISSION TICKET
CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.
2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Monday, April 17, 2006
11:00 A.M. Local Time
The Charles F. Knight Executive Education Center
Olin School of Business at Washington University
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63130
For your reference, a map is provided inside the back cover of the Proxy
Statement.
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