UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE 14A-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

Filed by the Registrantþ

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant¨

Check the appropriate box:

 

¨       Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

¨  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

x 

Definitive Proxy Statement

¨ 

Definitive Additional Materials

¨ 

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

Webster Financial Corporation

 

 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

þ 

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 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

  

 

 (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:

 

  

 


LOGO

March 13, 201517, 2017

To the Shareholders of

Webster Financial Corporation:

You are cordially invited to attend the Webster Financial Corporation Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Thursday, April 23, 201527, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at the Webster Bank Resource Center, 436 Slater Road, New Britain Connecticut 06053.Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT 06052.

At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked: (i) to elect eleventen directors to serve for one-year terms; (ii) to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers of Webster; (iii) to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Webster for the year ending December 31, 2015;2017; (iv) to approvevote, on a non-binding, advisory basis, on the material terms for paymentfrequency of performance basedan advisory vote on the compensation of the named executive officers of Webster; and (v) to transact any other business that properly comes before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments of the meeting.

We encourage you to read the accompanying Proxy Statement, which provides information regarding Webster and the matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Also enclosed is our 20142016 Annual Report.

It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote your common shares via a toll-free telephone number or on the Internet or you may complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you attend the meeting and prefer to vote in person, you may do so.

 

Sincerely,

LOGO

James C. Smith

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Webster Plaza

145 Bank Street

Waterbury, Connecticut 06702

800-325-2424

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON APRIL 23, 201527, 2017

To the Shareholders of

Webster Financial Corporation:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVENthat the annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Webster Financial Corporation (“Webster”) will be held on Thursday, April 23, 201527, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at the Webster Bank Resource Center, 436 Slater Road, New Britain Connecticut 06053,Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT 06052, for the following purposes:

 

 1.

Election of Directors -To elect eleventen directors to serve for one-year terms (Proposal 1);

 

 2.

Say on Pay - To approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers of Webster (Proposal 2);

 

 3.

Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - To ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Webster for the year ending December 31, 20152017 (Proposal 3);

 

 4.

TermsFrequency of Performance-Based CompensationSay on Pay Vote -To approvevote, on a non-binding, advisory basis, on the material terms for paymentfrequency of performance-basedan advisory vote on the compensation underof the 1992 Stock Option Plannamed executive officers of Webster (Proposal 4); and

 

 5.

Other Business - To transact any other business that properly comes before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof, in accordance with the determination of a majority of Webster’s Board of Directors.

    The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 23, 201527, 2017 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

James C. Smith

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Waterbury, Connecticut

March 13, 201517, 2017

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU VOTE PROMPTLY. THEREFORE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE VOTE YOUR COMMON SHARES VIA THE TOLL-FREETOLL- FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER LISTED ON THE PROXY CARD, THE INTERNET OR BY MAIL.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to Be Held on April 23, 2015:27, 2017: This proxy statement,Proxy Statement, along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20142016 and our 20142016 Annual Report, are available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our website (www.wbst.com).


WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Webster Plaza

145 Bank Street

Waterbury, Connecticut 06702

800-325-2424

PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON APRIL 23, 201527, 2017

Solicitation, Voting and Revocability of Proxies

This Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) is being furnished to the shareholders of Webster Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Webster” or the “Company” or the “Corporation”), as part of the solicitation of proxies by its Board of Directors from holders of its outstanding shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Webster to be held on Thursday, April 23, 201527, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at the Webster Bank Resource Center, 436 Slater Road, New Britain Connecticut 06053Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT 06052 (the “Annual Meeting”) and at any adjournments thereof. The Proxy Statement, together with the enclosed proxy card, is being mailed to shareholders of Webster on or about March 13, 2015.17, 2017.

The Annual Meeting has been called for the following purposes:

1. To elect eleventen directors to serve for one-year terms (Proposal 1);

2. To approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers of Webster (Proposal 2);

3. To ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of the firm of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Webster for the year ending December 31, 20152017 (Proposal 3);

4. To approvevote, on a non-binding, advisory basis, on the material terms for paymentfrequency of performance-basedan advisory vote on the compensation underof the 1992 Stock Option Plannamed executive officers of Webster (Proposal 4); and

5. To transact any other business that properly comes before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

If you vote using the enclosed proxy card, your shares will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated.Executed but unmarked proxies will be voted:

1.   FOR the election of the Board’s nominees as directors;

2.  FOR the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers of Webster;

3. FOR the ratification of the appointment of Webster’s independent registered public accounting firm; and

4.  FOR the approvalholding of an advisory vote on the compensation of the material terms for paymentnamed executive officers of performance-based compensation under the 1992 Stock Option Plan.Webster every year.

Except for procedural matters incident to the conduct of the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors does not know of any matters other than those described in the Notice of Annual Meeting that are to come before the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the persons

1


named in the proxy will vote the shares represented by such proxy on such matters as determined by a majority of the Board of Directors. The proxies confer discretionary authority to vote on any matter of which Webster did not have notice at least 30 days prior to the date of the Annual Meeting.


The presence of a shareholder at the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke that shareholder’s proxy. A shareholder may, however, revoke a proxy at any time before it is voted: (i) by delivering either a written notice of revocation of the proxy or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date to Frederik F. Erikson,John H. Beers, Assistant Secretary, Webster Financial Corporation, 145 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut 06702; (ii) by re-voting by telephone or on the Internet; or (iii) by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

The cost of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting will be borne by Webster. In addition to use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally or by telephone or telecopy by directors, officers and employees, who will not be specially compensated for such activities. Webster also will request persons, firms and companies holding shares in their names or in the name of their nominees, which are beneficially owned by others, to send proxy materials to and obtain proxies from those beneficial owners and will reimburse those holders for their reasonable expenses incurred in that connection. Webster also has retained Morrow & Co.,Sodali LLC, a proxy soliciting firm, to assist in the solicitation of proxies at a fee of $7,500 plus reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket expenses.

Who Can Vote - The securities which can be voted at the Annual Meeting consist of shares of Common Stock of Webster with each share entitling its owner to one vote on all matters properly presented at the Annual Meeting. There is no cumulative voting of shares. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 23, 201527, 2017 as the record date for the determination of shareholders of Webster entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the record date, there were 6,9946,017 holders of record of the 90,445,48092,018,876 shares of Common Stock then outstanding and eligible to be voted at the Annual Meeting.

Voting - If your Common Stock is held by a broker, bank or other nominee (i.e., in “street name”), you should receive instructions from that person or entity that you must follow in order to have your shares of Common Stock voted. If you hold your Common Stock in your own name and not through a broker or another nominee, you may vote your shares of Common Stock:

 

by using the toll-free telephone number listed on the proxy card,

by using the Internet website listed on the proxy card,

by signing, dating and mailing the proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or

by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

Whichever of these methods you select to transmit your instructions, the proxy holders will vote your Common Stock in accordance with your instructions. If you give a proxy without specific voting instructions, your proxy will be voted by the proxy holders as recommended by the Board of Directors.

Vote by Telephone - If you hold your Common Stock in your own name and not through your broker or another nominee, you can vote your shares of Common Stock by telephone by dialing the toll-free telephone number printed on your proxy card. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on April 22, 2015.26, 2017. Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to vote your shares of Common Stock and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded.If you vote by telephone, you do not need to return your proxy card.

Vote by Internet - If you hold your Common Stock in your own name and not through your broker or another nominee, you can vote via the Internet. The website for Internet voting is printed on your proxy card. Internet voting is available 24 hours a day until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on April 22, 2015.26, 2017. As with telephone voting, you will be given the opportunity to confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded.If you vote via the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card.

2


Vote by Mail - You can vote by mail by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least one-third of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual

2


Meeting. Assuming the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, directors will be elected by a majority of the votes cast by shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote. The affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast is required to approve the non-binding, advisory vote on the compensation of the named executive officers of Webster, to approve the material terms for paymentnon-binding advisory vote on the frequency of performance-basedvoting on the compensation underof the 1992 Stock Option Plan,named executive officers of Webster, and to ratify the appointment of Webster’s independent registered public accounting firm. Shareholders’ votes will be tabulated by the persons appointed by the Board of Directors to act as inspectors of election for the Annual Meeting.

Under New York Stock Exchange Rule 452, which governs NYSE brokerage members, brokerage firms may not vote on non-routine matters in their discretion on behalf of their clients if such clients have not furnished voting instructions. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker’s customer does not provide the broker with voting instructions on non-routine matters for shares owned by the customer but held in the name of the broker. For non-routine matters, the broker cannotProposal 3 concerns a routine matter and thus brokerage firms may vote, either FORin person or AGAINST aby proxy, on such proposal and reports the numberon behalf of such shares as “non-votes.”their clients without voting instructions. Because none of the other matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting are considered routine matters under Rule 452, except for the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm, there potentially can be broker non-votes at the Annual Meeting. Both abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as shares present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes cast on Proposals 1, 2, or 4 and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the votes for those proposals. Abstentions will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes cast on Proposal 3 and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote for that proposal. Proposal 3 concerns a routine matter and thus brokerage firms may vote, in person or by proxy, on such proposal on behalf of their clients without voting instructions.

Electronic Delivery of Proxy Materials - As a shareholder, you have the option of electing to receive future proxy materials (including annual reports) online over the Internet. This online service provides savings to Webster by eliminating printing, mailing, processing and postage costs associated with hard copy distribution. You may enroll for this service on the Internet after you vote your shares in accordance with the instructions for Internet voting set forth on the enclosed proxy card. You may also enroll for electronic delivery of future Webster proxy materials at any time on the Company’s website atwww.wbst.com. Under “Electronic Enrollment,” select the “Click Here To Enroll” link. Then select the box indicating your appropriate form of share ownership, and follow the instructions for electronic delivery enrollment. In the future, you will receive an email message, at the address you provided while enrolling, informing you that the Webster proxy materials are available to be viewed online on the Internet. Follow the instructions to view the materials and vote your shares. Your enrollment in electronic delivery of Webster proxy materials will remain in effect until revoked by you.

Annual Report on Form 10-K - Webster is required to file an annual report on Form 10-K for its 20142016 fiscal year with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Shareholders may obtain, free of charge, a copy of the Form 10-K by writing to Frederik F. Erikson,John H. Beers, Assistant Secretary, Webster Financial Corporation, 145 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut 06702. Our annual report on Form 10-K is available on the Company’s website,www.wbst.com.

 

3


ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

(Proposal 1)

At the Annual Meeting, eleventen directors will be elected to serve for one-year terms. Unless otherwise specified on the proxy, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote the shares represented by each properly executed proxy for the election as directors of the persons named below as nominees. The Board of Directors believes that the nominees will stand for election and will serve if elected as directors. If, however, any person nominated by the Board fails to stand for election or is unable to accept election, the proxies will be voted for the election of such other person as the Board of Directors may recommend. Assuming the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, directors will be elected by a majority of the votes cast by shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. There are no cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.

As required by Webster’s Bylaws, directors must be elected by a majority of the votes cast with respect to such director in uncontested elections (number of shares voted “for” a director must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that director). In a contested election (a situation in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), the standard for election of directors will be a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any such meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. In addition, under Webster’s Bylaws, incumbent directors nominated for reelection are required, as a condition to such nomination, to submit a conditional letter of resignation. In the event an incumbent nominee for director fails to receive a majority of the votes cast at an annual meeting, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider the resignation and make a recommendation to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board will act on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale behind it within 90 days from the date the election results are certified. The director who failed to receive a majority of the votes cast will not participate in the Board’s decision.

Information as to Nominees

The following table sets forth the names of the Board of Directors’ nominees for election as directors, all of whom are current directors of Webster. Also set forth in the table is certain other information with respect to each such person’s age at December 31, 2014,2016, the periods during which such person has served as a director of Webster and positions currently held with Webster and its wholly owned subsidiary, Webster Bank, National Association (“Webster Bank”).

In keeping with Webster’s Qualification Guidelines for Board Members, Mr. Jacobi will be retiring from the Board effective with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, as he will have reached the retirement age of 75. He has served on the Board since 1993. The Board of Directors greatly appreciates Mr. Jacobi’s deep commitment and extraordinary contributions to Webster’s growth and progress.

 

4


Following the table are biographies of each of the nominees which contain information regarding each such person’s business experience, director positions held currently or at any time during the last five years, information regarding involvement in certain legal or administrative proceedings, if applicable, and the experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that caused the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors to determine that such person should serve as a director as of the time of filing of this Proxy Statement. Each director brings a strong and unique background and set of skills to the Board, giving the Board as a whole competence and experience in a wide variety of areas, including corporate governance, board service, executive management, business, finance and marketing. The process undertaken by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in recommending qualified candidates is described beginning on page 13 under “Corporate Governance—Governance - Director Qualifications and Nominations.”

 

Director Nominees:

  Age at
12/31/2014
   Director
Since
  Expiration
of Term
  Positions
Held with
Webster and
Webster Bank
  Committee
Membership
  Age at
12/31/2016
   Director
Since
  Expiration
of Term
  Positions
Held with
Webster and
Webster Bank
  Committee
Membership

William L. Atwell

   64    2014  2015  Director  Risk   66   2014  2017  Director  Compensation; Risk

Joel S. Becker

   66    1986  2015  Director  Compensation;
Nominating and
Corporate Governance
   68   1986  2017  Director  Compensation; Risk

John J. Crawford

   70    1996  2015  Lead Director  Executive;
Nominating and
Corporate Governance
(Chair); Risk
   72   1996  2017  Lead Director  Audit; Executive; &
Nominating &
Corporate Governance
(Chair)

Robert A. Finkenzeller

   64    1986  2015  Director  Audit; Nominating
and Corporate
Governance

Elizabeth E. Flynn

   54    2014  2015  Director  Audit   56   2014  2017  Director  Audit; Nominating &
Corporate Governance

C. Michael Jacobi

   72    1993  2015  Director  Compensation; Risk

Laurence C. Morse

   63    2004  2015  Director  Audit; Compensation   65   2004  2017  Director  Compensation;
Nominating &
Corporate Governance

Karen R. Osar

   65    2006  2015  Director  Executive; Audit
(Chair); Risk
   67   2006  2017  Director  Audit (Chair);
Executive; Risk

Mark Pettie

   58    2009  2015  Director  Executive; Audit;
Risk (Chair)
   60   2009  2017  Director  Audit; Executive;
Risk (Chair)

Charles W. Shivery

   69    2009  2015  Director  Executive;
Compensation (Chair);
Nominating and
Corporate Governance
   71   2009  2017  Director  Compensation (Chair);
Executive;

Nominating and

Corporate Governance

James C. Smith

   65    1986  2015  Chairman and
Chief Executive
Officer; Director
  Executive (Chair)   67   1986  2017  Chairman and
Chief Executive
Officer; Director
  Executive (Chair)

Lauren C. States

   60   2016  2017  Director  Audit

William L. Atwellis managing director of Atwell Partners, LLC, a Darien, Connecticut based company which provides consulting services and market insights to the financial services industry. Mr. Atwell was President of CIGNA International at CIGNA Corporation from 2008 to 2012. Earlier in his career, Mr. Atwell held various senior positions with The Charles Schwab Corporation, including President, Individual Investor Enterprise and Schwab Bank. Mr. Atwell began his career at Citibank where he held various senior executive roles. He is Chairman of the Board of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ:BCOR), a provider of technology-enabled financial solutions headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Mr. Atwell serves as an independent trustee of AQR Mutual Funds (AQR Capital Management LLC) and chairs the Nominatingits nominating and Governance Committeegovernance committee and is a member of the Audit Committee.its audit committee. Mr. Atwell serves as a trustee and is the former Chairman (2012-2015) of the Fairfield University board of trustees. Mr. Atwell is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Risk Committee.

 

5


Mr. Atwell’s role as a former President of CIGNA International and thirty five35 years of executive experience in the retail financial services industry, including banking, brokerage and insurance, provides insight regarding Webster’s opportunities and challenges.

Joel S. Beckeris Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Torrco, a Waterbury, Connecticut based wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating and industrial pipe valve and fitting supplies to contractors and industry. Mr. Becker is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceRisk Committee.

Mr. Becker’s experience as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a local business in Webster’s market area combined with more than twenty-five25 years of experience on Webster’s Board gives him unique insight into Webster’s challenges, opportunities and operations. He also has extensive experience in public company executive compensation as a result of his over nine years of service as Chair of the Compensation Committee.

John J. Crawfordis President of Strategem LLC, a New Haven, Connecticut based company which provides consulting services to the business and not-for-profit community on business and financial strategies. Mr. Crawford served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Aristotle Corporation, a New Haven, Connecticut based education training company from October 1992 through December 2002. Mr. Crawford continued to serve on the Board of Directors of Aristotle Corporation until August 31, 2005. From 1994 until December 2000, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, New Haven, Connecticut. Mr. Crawford is Lead Director, Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the RiskAudit Committee and a member of the Executive Committee.

Mr. Crawford’s extensive executive and corporate governance experience as a former Chief Executive Officer of three companies, including a financial institution, and his fifteen plus20 years of service on Webster’s Board, including twelvefourteen years as the Lead Director, provides him with a seasoned view of Webster’s operations and challenges.

Robert A. Finkenzelleris President of Eyelet Crafters, Inc., a Waterbury, Connecticut based company that manufactures deep drawn metal parts for the cosmetics, writing instrument and drapery hardware fields. Mr. Finkenzeller has held this position since 1990. Mr. Finkenzeller is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Mr. Finkenzeller brings meaningful corporate governance experience to the Board having served as a member of the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Risk Committees. Mr. Finkenzeller is an executive of a business based in Webster’s market area and has over twenty-five years of experience on Webster’s Board.

Elizabeth E. Flynnis was Vice Chairman of Marsh, LLC in New York, New York, a global leader in insurance broking and risk management.management until her retirement on December 31, 2015. Ms. Flynn was President of Marsh’s Insurance Services Group from September 2012 to May 2013, and CEO and President of Marsh U.S. Consumer from October 2011 to September 2012. From June 2010 to October 2011, she served as Global Chief Operating Officer at Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC. Earlier in her career, Ms. Flynn was Senior Vice President, Restructuring Office/Divestitures, at American International Group, and worked more than 20 years at JP Morgan Chase & Company in various senior executive roles. Ms. Flynn is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Ms. Flynn’s former role as Vice Chairman of Marsh, LLC and extensive operational and transformational leadership in numerous financial services organizations, including retail banking units while at JP Morgan Chase, brings meaningful and relevant experience to Webster.

6


C. Michael Jacobiis President of Stable House 1, LLC, a Middlebury, Connecticut based company engaged in real estate development. Mr. Jacobi served from June 2001 to May 2005 as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Katy Industries, Inc., a publicly held company headquartered in Middlebury, Connecticut engaged in the design, manufacture and distribution of maintenance and electrical products. Mr. Jacobi is a certified public accountant. He is a director of Corrections Corporation of America (NYSE:CXW), a publicly held company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee engaged in the ownership and management of prisons for federal, state and local governments, a director and chairman of the board of Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE:RGR), a publicly held company headquartered in Southport, Connecticut engaged in manufacturing and distribution of consumer products, a director of Kohlberg Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:KCAP), a publicly held company headquartered in New York, New York specializing in middle market companies, and a director of Performance Sports Group (NYSE:PSG), a publicly held company headquartered in Exeter, New Hampshire engaged in the design and manufacture of sports equipment. Mr. Jacobi is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Risk Committee.

Mr. Jacobi provides the Board with extensive experience and expertise in corporate finance and accounting as a Certified Public Accountant, having served as Chair of the Audit Committee of Webster for many years. His former service as the Chief Executive Officer of a public company also brings strong executive experience to the Board.

Laurence C. Morse is the Managing Partner of Fairview Capital Partners, Inc., ina West Hartford, Connecticut anbased investment management firm established in 1994 that oversees venture capital funds, some of which invest capital in venture capital partnerships and similar investment vehicles that provide capital primarily to minority-controlled companies. Mr. Morse is a director of the Institute of International Education, a member of the Board of Trustees of PrincetonHarris Associates Investment Trust (which oversees the Oakmark Family of Mutual Funds), a member of the Board of Trustees of Howard University, and is a director of Princeton University Investment Company and a former director and chairman of the National Association of Investment Companies, a private, not-for-profit trade association that represents 52 private equity and specialty finance investment firms. Mr. Morse is a member of the AuditCompensation Committee and the CompensationNominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

6


Mr. Morse’s entire career has been spent in the investment management field, including as the co-founderco- founder and Managing Partner of an investment management firm, which provides the Board with extensive knowledge of the capital markets and accounting issues. His experience has made him adept at performing rigorous risk assessments of managers and management teams, and assessing new technologies, products and services, business strategies, markets and industries.

Karen R. Osar was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chemtura Corporation (NYSE:CHMT), a specialty chemicals company headquartered in Middlebury, Connecticut from 2004 until her retirement in March 2007. From 1999 to April 2003, Ms. Osar served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Westvaco Corporation and Mead Westvaco Corporation. She is a director and audit committee chairmember of Innophos Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:IPHS), a publicly held specialty chemicals company headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, a director and audit committee member of Sappi Limited (JSE:SAP), a publicly held company and one of the largest global producers of coated paper and chemical cellulose, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, and from 1999 through 2006 she served as a director and audit and finance committee chair of Allergan, Inc., a publicly held multi-specialty health care company focused on developing and commercializing pharmaceuticals. Ms. Osar is Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Risk Committee and the Executive Committee.

Ms. Osar’s experience as the former Chief Financial Officer of a public company, her previous corporate finance experience at JPMorgan Chase & Company, and her service as Chair of the Audit Committee for Webster and as the former chair of the audit committee of another public company, provides the Board with strong corporate finance and accounting experience. Her board committee service also provides corporate governance and executive compensation expertise.

7


Mark Pettieis President of Blackthorne Associates, LLC, a Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey based company which provides consulting services to firms investing in a wide range of consumer oriented businesses. Mr. Pettie served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PBH), a publicly held company headquartered in Irvington, New York which develops, sells, distributes and markets over-the-counter drugs, household cleaning products and personal care items, from January 2007 until September 2009. He was President of the Dairy Foods Group with ConAgra from 2005 to 2006. From 1981 to 2004, Mr. Pettie held various positions of increasing responsibility in general management, marketing and finance at Kraft Foods and was named Executive Vice President and General Manager of Kraft Food’s Coffee Division in 2002. He is Chair of the Risk Committee and a member of the Audit Committee and the Executive Committee.

Mr. Pettie’s former experience as Chief Executive Officer of a public company brings strong executive experience to the Board, along with his expertise in finance and marketing. He also has extensive business and corporate governance experience as a director for both public and private companies.

Charles W. Shiveryis former non-executive Chairman of the Board of Northeast Utilities (NYSE:NU) (now known as Eversource Energy). He joined Northeast Utilities in 2002 and was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer from March 2004 until April 2012, upon the completion of the merger with NSTAR, and then served as non-executive Chairman of the Board until October 2013. He previously held posts with the company including interim President, President-Competitive Group of Northeast Utilities, and President and Chief Executive Officer of NU Enterprises, Inc., the unregulated subsidiary of the Northeast Utilities system. Prior to that, he was co-president of the Constellation Energy Group, the parent company of Baltimore Gas & Electric and other energy related businesses. Mr. Shivery is a director and audit committee member of Portland General Electric Company (NYSE:POR), an electrical utility company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. He is Chair of the Compensation Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

7


Mr. Shivery’s former service as the President and Chief Executive Officer of an energy company provides extensive experience managing a sizable, highly regulated business. Northeast Utilities (now known as Eversource Energy), conducts business in a large part of the region serviced by Webster, so certain variables impact both businesses similarly. Mr. Shivery also provides the Webster Board with corporate governance and executive compensation knowledge.

Lauren C. Statesis an Executive-in-Residence at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business. Ms. States retired in 2014 from the IBM Corporation (NYSE: IBM), a publicly held company headquartered in Armonk, New York, after a career of more than thirty six years. Prior to her retirement, she served as Vice President, Strategy and Transformation for IBM’s Software Group and was a member of the Growth and Transformation senior leadership team. From 2008 to 2013, she was a leader in the company’s transformation to cloud computing and served as Chief Technology Officer in the corporate strategy function. Over her career, she has served in a broad variety of roles including technology, transformation, and sales and talent development. She is a director of Clean Harbors, Inc. (NYSE:CLH), a publicly held company headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts, and is a member of the board of ScriptEd. She also serves as a Trustee for International House, New York. Ms. States is a member of the Audit Committee.

Ms. States’ experience as former Chief Technology Officer of a public company, and her broad background in technology, strategy and transformation, provides Webster with strong executive and technology experience.

James C. Smith is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Webster and Webster Bank. Mr. Smith joined Webster Bank in 1975 and was appointed CEO of the bank and the holding company in 1987 and Chairman in 1995. He was elected President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Webster Bank in 1982 and of the holding company at its inception in 1986. He served as President of Webster and Webster Bank until 2000, and again from 2008 through 2011. Mr. Smith is a past memberserves as Vice Chairman of the board of directors of the American Bankers Association and served until recently as co-chairman of the ABA’s American Bankers Council for midsize banks. He is actively involved in the Midsize Banks Coalition of America. He is a past member of the board of directors of the Financial Services Roundtable.American Bankers Association and served as co-chairman of the ABA’s American Bankers Council for midsize banks. He served onis a past member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and on the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. He isFinancial Services Roundtable. Mr. Smith served as a past member of the Federal Advisory Council, which advises the deliberations of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Mr. SmithGovernors, and served on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He served on the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. He served on the executive committee of the Connecticut Bankers Association. HeMr. Smith is actively engaged in community service and servessupports numerous civic organizations including serving as General Chairman of the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation; serving on the Trinity Health-New England Strategic Planning Committee; and serving until very recently as a member of the board of Saint Mary’s Health System in Waterbury, Connecticut. HeMr. Smith is Chair of the Executive Committee.

Mr. Smith’s position and extensive experience as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Webster and his day to day leadership of the Company provide him with thorough knowledge of Webster’s opportunities, challenges and operations. He also has extensive experience in banking.

The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of all of its director nominees.

 

8


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

General

The business and affairs of Webster are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors (the “Board”). Members of the Board are kept informed of Webster’s business through discussions with the Chairman of the Board and Webster’s other executive officers, by reviewing materials provided to them and by participating in meetings and strategic planning sessions of the Board and its committees. The Board is also kept apprised by the Chairman of the Board and management of continuing educational programs on corporate governance and fiduciary duties and responsibilities. In addition, new directors of Webster participate in an orientation program, which is designed to familiarize them with Webster’s business and operations and with their duties as directors under applicable laws and regulations. Each member of the Board also serves as a director of Webster Bank.

Webster believes in the importance of sound and effective corporate governance. Over the years, Webster has forged an explicit link between its corporate culture and corporate governance by identifying its core values, communicating them and living them every day. With uncompromising commitment to its core principles, Webster continues to add value for its customers, shareholders, employees and the communities it serves. The Board has adopted corporate governance practices and policies which the Board and senior management believe promote this philosophy. Certain of such practices and policies are listed in the chart below and certain of those listed are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.

 

Board and Governance Information       20142016    

Size of Board

  11

Number of Independent Directors

  10

Annual Election of All Directors

  Yes

Majority Voting for Directors

  Yes

Lead Independent Director

  Yes

Independent Directors Meet Without Management Present

  Yes

Annual Equity Grant to Non-Employee Directors

  Yes

Board Orientation / Education Program

  Yes

Code of Business Conduct & Ethics for Directors

  Yes

Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors

  Yes

No Poison Pill

  Yes

Policy Prohibiting Hedging / Pledging of Company Stock

  Yes

Annual Board & Committee Evaluations

  Yes

Board Leadership

At Webster, the roles of Chairman of the Board and principal executive officer are combined, both held by Mr. Smith. In addition, there is a lead independent director who is appointed in accordance with Webster’s Corporate Governance Policy, which provides that the Board shall appoint an independent director to serve as the Lead Director of the Board for a one-year term, or until a successor is appointed. The lead independent director presides over the executive sessions of independent directors and assists and advises the Chairman of the Board. During fiscal year 2014,2016, Mr. Crawford served as the lead independent director. The Board believes that having a combined Chairman and principal executive officer, coupled with a lead independent director, is the most appropriate leadership structure for Webster, especially given Mr. Smith’s

9


long service as Chief Executive Officer and his extensive knowledge of the Company and its governance. This

9


structure allows Board discussions regarding performance and strategic matters to be led by the person who oversees Webster’s strategy and operations and establishes a single voice to speak on behalf of Webster, while the lead independent director component of the structure provides independent leadership that mitigates any real or perceived conflicts of interest.

Director Independence

Pursuant to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listing standards, Webster is required to have a majority of “independent directors” on its Board. In addition, the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must be composed solely of independent directors. The NYSE listing standards define specific relationships that would disqualify a director from being independent and further require that for a director to qualify as “independent,” the board of directors must affirmatively determine that the director has no material relationship with the Company.

The Board, with the assistance of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, conducted an evaluation of director independence, based primarily on a review of the responses of the directors and executive officers to questions regarding employment and compensation history, affiliations and family and other commercial, industrial, banking consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and legal relationships with Webster, including those relationships described under “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Certain Relationships” on page 47 of this Proxy Statement, and on discussions with the Board.

As a result of this evaluation, the Board affirmatively determined that each of Messrs. Atwell, Becker, Crawford, Finkenzeller, Jacobi, Morse, Pettie, Shivery and Mses. Flynn, Osar and OsarStates is an “independent director” for purposes of Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual of the NYSE and applicable SEC rules and regulations. In connection with this evaluation, the Board considered that in addition to Webster providingprovides lending and other financial services to directors, their immediate family members, and their affiliated organizations in the ordinary course of business and without preferential terms or rates, some directors and their affiliated entities provide services to Webster in the ordinary course of business. In particular, the Board considered the following relationships:

John J. Crawford was Chairman of the Board of a non-profit organization to which Webster Bank made a charitable contribution in 2014.rates. The Board determinedalso considered that the amount contributed by Webster Bank was not material and would not impair Mr. Crawford’s independence.

C. Michael Jacobi’s son, Gregory Jacobi, was employed by Webster Bank in 20142016 as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Jacobi’s son’s employment position with Webster Bank does not violate the independence standards contained in the NYSE rules and the Board determined that this relationship is not material and would not impair Mr. Jacobi’s independence, in part because Mr. Jacobi’s son is not an executive officer of Webster and his compensation and benefits were established in accordance with the compensation policies and practices applicable to Webster employees in comparable positions.

Mr. Smith is not considered independent because he is an executive officer of Webster and Webster Bank.

Executive Sessions of Independent Directors

In keeping with Webster’s Corporate Governance Policy, in 20142016 the Board held 24 meetings that were limited to independent directors. The lead independent director presides over the executive sessions of independent directors.

10


Risk Oversight

The Board administers its risk oversight function primarily through the Risk Committee, which is described in more detail below. The Risk Committee meets frequently throughout the year and reports its findings to the full Board on an ongoing basis. In addition, the Compensation Committee and the Risk Committee review and assess risks as related to Webster’s compensation programs. Webster also has a Chief Risk Officer, Daniel H. Bley, who reports in that capacity to the Risk Committee, as well as two senior risk officers who report to the Chief Risk Officer.

10


Board and Committee Meetings

During 2014,2016, Webster held 9 meetings of its Board. Each incumbent director attended at least 75 percent of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings held by the Board during the period that the individual served and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which the individual served during the period that the individual served.

Committees of the Board; Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board has established five standing committees. The standing committees are the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Executive Committee and the Risk Committee. The Board has adopted a charter for each of these committees, as well as corporate governance guidelines that address the make-up and functioning of the Board and qualification guidelines for board members. The Board has also adopted a code of business conduct and ethics (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all employees, officers and directors. Each employee, officer and director participates in an annual training session that focuses on topics covered by ourWebster’s Code of Conduct. The training reinforces ourWebster’s core values and ourWebster’s commitment to full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.You can find links to these materials on the Company’s website at:www.wbst.com.

You can also obtain a printed copy of any of the materials referred to above, without charge, by contacting us at the following address:

Webster Financial Corporation

145 Bank Street

Waterbury, Connecticut 06702

Attn: Harriet Munrett Wolfe, Esq.

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

The Board has determined that all of the Directors who serve on the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees are “independent” for purposes of Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual of the NYSE. In addition, all of the Directors who serve on the Risk Committee are “independent.”

Audit Committee

The Board has appointed an Audit Committee that oversees the Company’s financial reporting process, the system of internal financial and accounting controls, the audit process, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Audit Committee reviews the Company’s annual financial statements, including management’s discussion and analysis, and regulatory examination findings. The Audit Committee recommends the appointment of an independent registered public accounting firm and is responsible for the oversight of such firm.A copy of the Audit Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website at:www.wbst.com. During 2014,2016, the Audit Committee held 5 meetings. The members of the Audit Committee currently are Ms. Osar (Chair) and Messrs. Finkenzeller, Morse,Crawford, Pettie, and Ms. Flynn.Mses. Flynn, and States. Each of the members of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements of the rules of the NYSE and applicable rules and

11


regulations of the SEC. The Board has determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee is financially literate and that Ms. Osar qualifiesand Mr. Crawford qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,experts,” as that term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.

Compensation Committee

The Board has appointed a Compensation Committee. During 2014,2016, the Compensation Committee held 64 meetings. Compensation Committee meetings are attended by Webster’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and President, other than while their compensation and benefits are discussed. For a description of the

11


role of Webster’s CEO in determining or recommending the amount of compensation paid to our named executive officers during 2014,2016, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” The members of the Compensation Committee currently are Messrs. Shivery (Chair), Atwell, Becker Jacobi and Morse. Each of the members of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements of the rules of the NYSE, and also serves as the Compensation Committee of the Company’s subsidiary, Webster Bank.A copy of the Compensation Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website at:www.wbst.com. The Compensation Committee may delegate to its chairperson or any other Compensation Committee member such power and authority as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, except such powers and authorities required by law to be exercised by the whole Compensation Committee or subcommittee thereof.

Pursuant to the Compensation Committee’s charter, among other responsibilities, the Committee is charged with annually reviewing and approving annual bonus arrangements and long term incentive compensation paid to the CEO. The Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the annual base salary, and severance and/or change in control or similar agreements/provisions, if any, for the CEO; annually determining such compensation and benefits for the members of the Company’s Executive Management Committee other than the CEO; annually recommending to the Board the content of the annual performance evaluation for the CEO and reviewing performance evaluations for all members of the Executive Management Committee; administering and implementing the Company’s performance based incentive plans; reviewing the talent management and succession planning processes to ensure that there is a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Executive Management Committee positions; and reviewing and approving on a periodic basis the Company’s employee stock ownership guidelines. The Committee also reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to director compensation.

For information on the role of compensation consultants determining or recommending the amount or form of executive or director compensation, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Consultant.”

Executive Committee

The Board has appointed an Executive Committee that has responsibility for serving as an exploratory committee for mergers and acquisitions and to serve as anad hoccommittee as needed. The Executive Committee did not meet during 2014.2016. The members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Smith (Chair), Crawford, Pettie, Shivery and Ms. Osar.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Board has appointed a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that has overall responsibility for recommending corporate governance process and board operations for the Company. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies director candidates, reviews the qualifications and experience of each person considered as a nominee for election or reelection as a director, and recommends director nominees to fill vacancies on the Board and for approval by the Board and the shareholders.A copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website at:www.wbst.com. During 2014,2016, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held 23 meetings. The

12


members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Crawford (Chair), Becker, FinkenzellerMorse, Shivery and Shivery.Ms. Flynn. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets the independence requirements of the rules of the NYSE.

Risk Committee

The Board has appointed a Risk Committee whose primary function is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities regarding the Company’s enterprise risk management, receiving information regarding the Company’s policies, procedures and practices relating to risk, and discussing material regulatory

12


issues, compliance matters, and emerging risks to the Company. The Risk Committee also has responsibility for overseeing management’s monitoring of security issues. During 2014,2016, the Risk Committee held 5 meetings. The members of the Risk Committee are Messrs. Pettie (Chair), Atwell, Becker, Jacobi, and Ms. Osar.

Director Qualifications and Nominations

Each year, the Board undergoes a self-assessment process to evaluate performance of the Board and Committees. As part of the self-assessment process, the Board considers which attributes and skill sets are important to ensure optimal performance of the Board. The information learned through this process is utilized when considering outside director candidates.

The Board believes that it should be composed of directors with diverse experience in business and in areas that are relevant to the Company, and that directors should at a minimum, possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, and be committed to representing the long term interests of the shareholders. Directors should also have an objective perspective and practical wisdom, and should be willing and able to devote the required amount of time to Webster’s business. In addition to depth and breadth of business and civic experience in leadership positons, a potential director’s ties to Webster’s markets are considered in order to ensure diversity and broad geographic and demographic representation reflective of the markets served. These attributes are embodied in Webster’s Qualification Guidelines for Board Members, which specifies that diversity is oneMembers. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews and assesses the effectiveness of the factorsGuidelines periodically.

The Board is committed to be consideredsustaining a board that achieves balance between depth of experience in deciding on nominations for directors.the oversight of Webster and fresh approaches to oversight and strategic deliberations, particularly as Webster’s business and best practices of corporate governance evolve. Consistent with this commitment to constructive refreshment, Webster has added three new directors since 2014 and has had one director retire, with a second director retiring effective with the 2017 Annual Meeting. One result of the refreshment is a reduction in the median tenure of independent directors following the 2017 Annual Meeting to eight years.

When considering candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee takes into account a number of factors in addition to the foregoing competencies, including the following:

 

independence from management;

judgment, skill, integrity and reputation;

relevant specific industry experience;

age, gender and ethnic background;

current position with another business or entity;

potential conflicts of interests with other pursuits; and

existing ties to the Company’s and Bank’s markets.

When seeking candidates for director, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may solicit suggestions from incumbent directors, management or others, including third party search firms. The Committee will review the qualifications and experience of each candidate. If the Committee believes a candidate would be a valuable addition to the Board, it will recommend to the full Board that candidate’s election. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews and assesses the effectiveness of the Qualification Guidelines for Board Members periodically.

Webster’s Bylaws also permit shareholders eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting to make nominations for directors, but only ifprovided such nominations are made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of Webster. To be timely, notice must be delivered to, or mailed to and received at, the principal executive offices of Webster not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the meeting, provided that at least 45 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting is given or made to shareholders. If less than 45 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting is given or made to shareholders, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be received by Webster not later than the close of business on the 15th day following the day on

13


which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. Public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting was made by the issuance of a press release on February 13, 201514, 2017 and by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2015.14, 2017. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates for director

13


suggested by shareholders applying the criteria for candidates described above and considering the additional information required by Article III, Section 13 of Webster’s Bylaws, which must be set forth in a shareholder’s notice of nomination. Section 13 of Webster’s Bylaws requires that the notice include: (a) as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (iii) the class and number of shares of Webster which are beneficially owned by such person, and (iv) any other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations or proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including without limitation such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statementProxy Statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (b) as to the shareholder giving notice, (i) the name and address, as they appear on Webster’s books, of such shareholder, and (ii) the class and number of shares of Webster which are beneficially owned by such shareholder. In considering any nominees for directors recommended by a shareholder, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers, among other things, the same factors set forth above.

Compensation of Directors

The following table summarizes the compensation paid to Webster’s non-employee directors during 2014.2016. Employee directors of Webster receive no additional compensation for serving as directors or committee members of Webster or its subsidiaries. Beyond these and other standard arrangements described below, no other compensation was paid to any such director.

 

Name

  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($) 1
  Stock
Awards
($) 2
  Option
Awards
($) 3
  All Other
Compensation
($) 4
   Total
($)
   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($) 1
  Stock
Awards
($) 2
  Option
Awards
($) 3
  All Other
Compensation
($) 4
   Total
($)
 

William L. Atwell

  30,850  43,304  —     605     74,759    48,950  62,877  —     3,235    115,062 

Joel S. Becker

  49,850  60,401  —     3,596     113,847    48,950  62,877  —     3,490    115,317 

John J. Crawford

  81,500  60,401  —     3,596     145,497    72,525  77,217  —     3,782    153,524 

Robert A. Finkenzeller

  50,900  60,401  —     3,596     114,897  

Elizabeth E. Flynn

  23,610  34,194  —     231     58,035    52,275  62,877  —     3,158    118,310 

C. Michael Jacobi

  53,900  60,401  —     1,986     116,287    43,250  62,877  —     3,288    109,415 

Laurence C. Morse

  53,500  60,401  —     3,596     117,497    48,025  62,877  —     3,490    114,392 

Karen R. Osar

  66,900  60,401  —     3,596     130,897    63,450  62,877  —     3,490    129,817 

Mark Pettie

  63,100  60,401 ��—     3,596     127,097    62,700  62,877  —     3,490    129,067 

Charles W. Shivery

  61,300  60,401  —     3,596     125,297    54,325  62,877  —     3,490    120,692 

Lauren C. States

  20,500  41,980  —     278    62,758 

 

1

Includes meeting fees, fees paid to Mr. Crawford as Lead DirectorJanuary through April, and board and committee chair, to Messrs. Pettie, Shivery andretainers paid May through December, prorated on a quarterly basis. Ms. Osar as committee chairs andStates joined the $32,000 annual retainer fee.board on September 19, 2016.

 

2

The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. The grant date fair value of the restricted shares awarded to Ms.Mses. Flynn and Osar and Messrs. Atwell, Becker, Crawford, Finkenzeller, Jacobi, Morse, Pettie and Shivery in 20142016 was $30.88$36.77 per share, and $37.82 per share for Mr. Atwell and Ms. Flynn it was $28.64 and $29.58 respectively.States. The assumptions used to calculate the amount recognized for these stock awards are set forth in footnote 1918 to Webster’s audited financial statements contained in Webster’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.2016. As of December 31, 2014,2016, Ms. Osar and Messrs.

14


Becker, Crawford, Finkenzeller,Jacobi, Morse, Pettie and Shivery had 4,6393,473 unvested restricted shares from the annual equity grants in 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 2014,2016, and Messrs. Atwell and JacobiCrawford and Ms.Mses. Flynn and States had 1,512, 1,956, 1,1563,325, 3,863, 3,207, 1,110 unvested restricted shares, respectively.

 

14


3

No stock options were granted to non-employee directors in 2014.2016. As of December 31, 2014,2016, each director had the following number of options outstanding, all of which are currently exercisable: Mr. Atwell 0; Mr. Becker, 50,528;41,910; Mr. Crawford, 50,528; Mr. Finkenzeller, 50,528;36,910; Ms. Flynn, 0; Mr. Jacobi, 50,528;41,910; Mr. Morse, 50,528;41,910; Ms. Osar, 46,528;29,410; Mr. Pettie, 25,423;19,798; and Mr. Shivery, 13,274.13,274; and Ms. States, 0.

 

4

Reflects the dollar amount of dividends paid on unvested restricted stock for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.2016.

Webster uses a combination of cash and restricted stock to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board. Webster targets director compensation to be at the median for its peer group (as described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” below), with the opportunity to earn significantly more based on Webster’s total shareholder return. Stock Ownership Guidelines have also been established for directors to closely align directors’ interests with those of Webster’s shareholders.

During 2014, each2016, the methodology for non-employee director of Webster receivedcompensation was changed from paying an annual retainer of $32,000.and fees for each board and committee meeting attended, to paying an annual board retainer and annual committee retainers. In addition, non-employee directors of Webster received 1,9561,710 shares of restricted stock, which vest incrementally over three years.with the exception of Ms. States, who became a director on September 19, 2016, and received 1,110 shares. The retainerLead Director received 2,100 shares of restricted stock. All restricted stock vests after one year and granthas a two year holding period following the vesting period. Webster continued to Mr. Atwell and Ms. Flynn were prorated because they joined thereimburse directors for reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with attending Board during 2014.meetings.

In addition, except as set forth below,From January to April 2016, each non-employee director received $1,200 for each Webster or Webster Bank Board meeting attended, $1,200 for each committee meeting attended, and $600 for each telephonic Webster or Webster Bank Board and committee meeting called by either Webster or Webster Bank. Each non-employee director of both Webster and Webster Bank received a total of $2,000 for separate board meetings of Webster and Webster Bank that were held on the same day. Non-employee directors receivereceived $1,000 for attending a committee meeting if it iswas held on the same day as a Board meeting and $1,000 for attending a second committee meeting if more than one committee meeting iswas held on the same day. Webster also reimburses directors for reasonable travel expenses incurred

From May to December 2016, the following schedule was in connection with attending Board meetings.effect:

In 2014, the Lead Director received an additional annual retainer of $22,500. The Chair of the Audit Committee received an annual additional retainer of $15,000, the Chair of the Compensation Committee and the Chair of the Risk Committee received additional annual retainers of $10,000 and the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee received an additional annual retainer of $7,500.

Retainer

  

Amount

 

Annual Board Retainer - Lead Director

  $61,500 

Annual Board Retainer - Director

  $42,000 

Annual Audit Committee Retainer - Chair

  $24,000 

Annual Audit Committee Retainer - Member

  $9,000 

Annual Compensation Committee Retainer - Chair

  $16,000 

Annual Compensation Committee Retainer - Member

  $6,000 

Annual Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee Retainer - Chair

  $12,000 

Annual Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee Retainer - Member

  $4,500 

Annual Risk Committee Retainer - Chair

  $20,000 

Annual Risk Committee Retainer - Member

  $6,000 

15


Webster stock ownership guidelines require non-employee directors to own Webster Common Stock with a market value equal to at least $200,000.$300,000. Non-employee directors who do not meet the guidelines agree to hold all long term incentives, which include vested restricted stock and exercised stock options (net of exercise price and taxes), until they achieve the required ownership threshold of Webster Common Stock.

Communications with Directors

The Company’s shareholders and other interested persons who want to communicate with the Board of Directors, any individual Director, the Lead Director, the non-management directors as a group or any other group of directors, can write to:

[Name of Director or Directors]

c/o Lead Director of the Board of Directors

Webster Financial Corporation

P.O. Box 1074

754 Chapel Street

New Haven, Connecticut 06510

All communications received (except for communications that are primarily commercial in nature or relate to an improper or irrelevant topic) will be forwarded to the intended recipient(s) or the full Board, as appropriate.

15


Director Attendance at Annual Meetings

Webster typically schedules a meeting of the Board of Directors in conjunction with the annual meeting and expects that the Board of Directors will attend the annual meeting, absent a valid reason, such as a previously scheduled conflict. Last year all of the individuals then serving as directors attended the annual meeting.

16


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

Named Executive Officers of Webster Financial Corporation

The following table sets forth information regarding the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and the three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving on December 31, 20142016 (the “named executive officers” or “NEOs”).

 

Name

  Age as of
December 31, 20142016
  

Positions with Webster and Webster Bank

James C. Smith

  6567  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director

John R. Ciulla

51President and Director of Webster Bank

Glenn I. MacInnes

  5355  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

JosephNitin J. SavageMhatre

  62President and Director of Webster Bank

John R. Ciulla

4946  Executive Vice President, CommercialCommunity Banking

Nitin J. MhatreDaniel Bley

  4448  Executive Vice President Community Bankingand Chief Risk Officer

Provided below is biographical information for each of Webster’s NEOs, other than Mr. Smith. For information regarding Mr. Smith, see “Election of Directors-Information as to Nominees.”

John R. Ciulla is President of Webster and Webster Bank. Mr. Ciulla joined Webster in 2004 and has served in a variety of management positions at the Company, including Chief Credit Risk Officer and Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, where he was responsible for several business units. He was promoted from Executive Vice President and Head of Middle Market Banking to lead Commercial Banking in January 2014 and President in October 2015. Prior to joining Webster, Mr. Ciulla was managing director of The Bank of New York, where he worked from 1997 to 2004. He is the Chairman of the board of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and serves on the board of the Business Council of Fairfield County.

Glenn I. MacInnes is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Webster and Webster Bank. He joined Webster in 2011. Prior to that, Mr. MacInnes was Chief Financial Officer at New Alliance Bancshares for two years and was employed for 11 years at Citigroup in a series of positions, including deputy CFO for Citibank North America and CFO of Citibank (West) FSB. Mr. MacInnes serves on the Boardboard of Wellmore Behavioral Health, Inc.

JosephNitin J. Savage is President of Webster and Webster Bank. He joined Webster in April 2002 as Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking and was promoted to President of Webster Bank and elected to the board of directors of Webster Bank in January of 2014. Prior to this, Mr. Savage was Executive Vice President of the Communications and Energy Banking Group for CoBank in Denver, Colorado from 1996 to April 2002. Mr. Savage serves as a director of the MetroHartford Alliance and the Travelers Championship Committee. He serves on the boards of The Bushnell and The Connecticut Bankers Association . He was also the chair of the 2013-14 United Way Campaign for United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

John R.CiullaMhatre is Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking of Webster and Webster Bank. Mr. Ciulla joined Webster in 2004 and has served in a variety of management positions at the Company, including Chief Credit Risk Officer and Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, where he was responsible for several business units. He was promoted from Executive Vice President and Head of Middle Market Banking to lead Commercial Banking in January 2014. Prior to joining Webster, Mr. Ciulla was Managing Director of the Bank of New York, where he worked from 1997 to 2004. He practiced law in New York as an associate with McDermott Will & Emery from 1996 to 1997 and with Hughes Hubbard & Reed from 1994 to 1996. He serves on the boards of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and the Stamford Partnership.

16


Nitin J. Mhatreis Executive Vice President, Community Banking of Webster and Webster Bank. He joined Webster in October 2008 as Executive Vice President, Consumer Lending of Webster Bank and was appointed Executive Vice President, Consumer Finance in January 2009. He was promoted to his current position in August of 2013. Prior to this,joining Webster, Mr. Mhatre worked at Citigroup inacross multiple geographies including St. Louis, Missouri, and Stamford, Connecticut, Guam, USA and India, in various capacities. In his most recent position, he was the Managing Director for the Home Equity Retail business for CitiMortgage based in Stamford, Connecticut. Prior to that, he was Director, Cards Cross-Sell and Portfolio Management for CitiMortgage based in St. Louis, Missouri, Marketing Director for Citibank Guam, product management head for Mass Affluent & Diners Club Cards for Citibank, India based in Chennai, India and Cards Sales Manager for Citibank India based in Mumbai, India. Mr. Mhatre is a board member of Consumer Bankers Association headquartered in Washington, D.C., and also serves on the board of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England.

Daniel H. Bley is Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of Webster and Webster Bank since August of 2010. Prior to joining Webster, Mr. Bley worked at ABN AMRO and Royal Bank of Scotland from 1990 to 2010, having served as Managing Director of Financial Institutions Credit Risk and Group Senior Vice President, Head of Financial Institutions and Trading Credit Risk Management. Mr. Bley currently serves on the board of Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee met with management to review and discuss the Compensation Discussion and Analysis disclosures that follow. Based on such review and discussion, the Committee

17


recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference in the Company’s Form 10-K for its 20142016 fiscal year, and the Board has approved the recommendation.

Compensation Committee

Charles W. Shivery (Chair)

William L. Atwell

Joel S. Becker

C. Michael Jacobi

Laurence C. Morse

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) discusses in detail the 20142016 executive compensation program for the Company’s named executive officers (“NEOs”).NEOs. The Compensation Committee (“Committee”) recommends the base salary for the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)CEO to the Board of Directors, approves the annual cash incentive and long termlong-term equity-based incentives (“LTI”) for the CEO, and setsapproves the compensation for Webster’s other NEOs. Non-NEO members of the Executive Management Committee are also compensated under the same compensation program.

At the annual meeting of shareholders held on April 24, 2014,28, 2016, Webster held an advisory vote on executive compensation. Although the vote was non-binding, the Committee has considered and will continue to consider the outcome of the vote when determining compensation policies and setting NEO compensation. Approximately 98% of the shares of Webster Common Stock that were voted on the proposal were voted for the approval of the compensation of the NEOs as discussed in Webster’s 20142016 Proxy Statement. The Committee considers the outcome of the vote when determining compensation policies and setting NEO compensation and believes that the results of this advisory vote show strong support for Webster’s compensation policies and procedures. No changes in the overall structure of the programs were made in 2014.2016.

Executive Summary

Based on 2016 performance, the Committee approved total compensation for NEOs, which is moderately higher than compensation for 2015, given the continued improvement in financial and credit-related results, considerable progress toward setting and achieving strategic goals and financial performance that exceeded the Peer Group’s performance. The Committee intended that total direct compensation (including the February 2017 LTI grants based on 2016 performance) be moderately higher than median Peer Group compensation.

Highlights of 20142016 Operating Performance

Webster reported record net income driven by higher revenue, disciplined expense management and further improvement in asset quality. Strong loan demand boosted core revenue, which grew for the fifth consecutive year.revenue. Webster continued to investpurposefully invested in strategies that are expected to increase Economic Profit1 over time.

Highlights Summary (results versus prior year)

Record net income of $207.1 million, up 1.17%

Record net income applicable to common shareholders of $198.4 million, up 1.57%

Record pre-provision net revenue of $359.8 million, up 3.7%

 

1

Economic Profit is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated at the consolidated and business unit level. Economic Profit is defined as net income less the imputed cost of capital.equity capital which we estimate at 9.5%.

 

1718


Highlights Summary (results versus prior year)

Record level of net income at $199.8 million, up 11.3%

Record net income available to common shareholders of $189.2 million, up 12.1%

Record core pre-provision net revenue of $327.0 million rose 8.3 %

Efficiency ratio of 59.3%, an improvement of 106 basis points

Continued improvement in asset quality; annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases of 0.23%

 

Annualized non-performing loans as a percentage of loans 0.79%, down from 0.89% in 2015

Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases of 0.23%, flat compared to 2015

GrowthOverall loan growth of 8.6% with growth in commercial and commercial real estate loans of 15.3%, and overall loan growth of 9.5%13.2%

 

Deposit growth of 5.4 %7.5% and HSA deposit growth of 14.7%

 

Return on Average Tangible Common Shareholders’ Equity of 11.90%11.36% versus 11.77%11.96% in 2015

 

Return on Average Common Shareholders’ Equity of 8.85%8.44% versus 8.45%8.70% in 2015

 

Return on Average Assets of 0.93%0.82% versus 0.89%0.87% in 2015

Objectives of Compensation Program

Webster’s executive compensation program is designed to attract, engage and retain qualified executives and to reward actions and results that the Committee and Board of Directors believe will increase Economic ProfitProfits and maximize shareholder return. Special attention is given to ensuring that compensation plans do not encourage NEOs andor other executive officersexecutives to take unnecessary or excessive risks.

Webster’s executive compensation program is highly performance based and closely aligns total compensation with achievement of Webster’s financial and strategic goals. A meaningful portion of total compensation is variable and tied to future shareholder return, thereby rewarding NEOs and other executive officersexecutives for pursuing strategies that are expected to increase Economic ProfitProfits over time.

The compensation program has four primary objectives:

Equity Based - A meaningful portion of the total compensation opportunity is equity based and is highly dependent on the Company’s return on equity (“ROE”) and total shareholder return (“TSR”) over a three-year period relative to the Compensation Peer Group (“Peer Group”).

 

  

Performance Based - A majority of total compensation is intended to be variable based onon: the Company’s success in achieving predeterminedpre-established financial and strategic goals, with particular emphasis on return on equity; and, its performance relative to the Peer Group,Group; and, absolute and relative total shareholder return (“TSR”).

Equity Based - A meaningful portion of the total compensation opportunity is equity-based and is highly dependent on: return on equity (“ROE”) over a three year period; and TSR and ROE.over a three-year period including as compared to the Peer Group.

 

  

Competitive - Total compensation opportunities should be competitive, thus enabling Webster to attract, engage and retain highly qualified NEOs and other executive officers who will be motivated to achieve Webster’s financial and strategic goals.

 

  

Safety and Soundness - Webster’s incentive compensation programs do not encourage unnecessary and excessive risk taking and rewardsreward individual actions and behaviors that support Webster’s mission, business strategies and performance based culture.performance-based culture and do not encourage excessive risk taking.

 

1819


Compensation Best Practices

The Committee annually reviews best practices in executive compensation and governance and continues to enhance our policies and practices, which include the following:

20142016 Compensation and Governance Best Practices

 

We Do  We Do Not

ÖA substantial portion of each NEO’s total compensation opportunity is variable, such that actual compensation is closely tied to financial performance and business results

  

Ø No employment agreements

ÖStock ownership guidelines that are robust to help ensurereviewed annually and include a one-year post vesting holding period that the interests ofremains in effect if the executive officers are aligned with long term shareholder value and reviewed annually byterminates from the CommitteeCompany

  

Ø No stock option repricing

ÖThe value of LTI granted in February each year is determined based in part on the NEOs’NEO’s performance in the prior year

  

Ø No excise tax gross-up provisions in any agreements with our NEOs

Ö LTI program is 75% performance based driving a pay for performance culture

Ø No stock options may be granted below fair market value

Ö Annual risk review of the Company’s compensation plans are performed

Ø No dividends paid on unvested performance shares

Ö The incentive compensation clawback policy is robust

Ø Perquisites available to NEOs and other executive officers have been limited and reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee

Ö CEO and senior leadership succession planning process reviewed annually by the Committee and Board of DirectorsLong-Term equity program is 75% performance based driving a pay for performance culture

  

Ø No liberal share counting (see page 58)excise tax gross-up provisions in any agreements with our NEOs

Review Proxy Peer Group annually

No dividends paid on unvested performance shares

Independent Compensation Consultant to the Compensation Committee

No hedging or pledging of shares

Setting 20142016 Compensation

In February 20142016, the Committee reviewed all elements of compensation for NEOs and approved the compensation structure consistentstructure. The program is intended to provide NEOs with a compensation opportunity commensurate with persons with similar duties and responsibilities at other financial institutions. In determining levels of NEOs’ overall compensation, the objectives outlined above. The design comprises base salary, annual incentiveCommittee also considers the qualifications and LTI. The annual incentive rewards current year performance, whileexperience of the long term equity based incentive alignsrespective officer, Webster’s size and complexity of operations and, to a certain extent, the NEOs’ interests with the long term goals and performance ofcompensation paid to other persons employed by the Company. The LTI grants made in February 2014, comprisesCommittee uses external data as input for the Committee’s analysis and to obtain a 75/25 mixgeneral understanding of performance based shares and time based restricted stock. The grantcurrent market compensation practices, rather than as strict rules for establishing compensation. A meaningful portion of pay is based in part on NEOs’ prior year performance. Performance shares have a three-year performance period and time based restricted stock has a three-year vesting of one-third on each anniversary date of grant.

For 2014, the Committee approved total compensation for NEOs which is somewhat higher than compensation for 2013, given the continuing improvement intied to financial and credit-related results, considerable progress toward achieving strategic goals, and financial performance that exceeded the Peer Group’s performance. The Committee intended that totalConsequently, actual compensation should be commensurate with that of like institutions with similar performance. Given 2014 financial performance that was above the peer median, the Committee intended that total direct compensation (the total of base salary, the annual incentive and LTI granted in February 2015, based in part on 2014 performance that is disclosed in the non-required 2015 Long Term Annual Incentive Compensation table herein) be somewhat higher than median Peer Groupreceived will vary from targeted compensation.

19


Compensation Consultant

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee engages McLagan, an independent compensation consultant, to offer market perspectives on annual pay, current executive compensation trends and compensation programs currently in place at Webster. The consultant also provides insight into regulatory issues affecting compensation. The Committee has the authority to hire and terminate the consultant and determine the nature and scope of the consultant’s assignments. The Committee has engaged McLagan since June 2010. The Committee reviewed the work performed by McLagan and, under SEC and NYSE regulations, determined that the work did not create a conflict of interest.

20


McLagan provided the Committee ongoing insights relating to trends in executive compensation in the banking sector. At the direction of the Committee, McLagan reviewed all elements of compensation for the NEOs and other executive officers and made recommendations with regard to plan design. McLagan also reviewed an analysis of Webster’s 2016 performance relative to peers and opined on management’s proposals to the Committee regarding 20142016 executive compensation and also presented an analysis of Webster’s 2014 performance relative to the Peer Group as an additional point of reference.compensation. McLagan attended all Committee meetings and in each one of those meetings had the opportunity to meet with the Committee in executive session. The Committee weighs the consultant’s perspective as part of its decision-making process. The Committee communicates compensation decisions directly to management. The Committee utilized market context and recommendations from McLagan did not determinewhen determining the amount orand form of compensation paid to Webster’s executive officers orand directors during 2014.2016.

Compensation Peer Group

The Committee regularly uses proxy information for the Peer Group to review annually the compensation of Webster’s NEOs relative to comparable positions. This review is supplemented by available market survey data. The Committee may also use comparisons to the Peer Group to consider other market practices relevant to the scope of the NEOs’ responsibilities. This may include, for example, change in control provisions and stock ownership guidelines.

In 2014,2016, the Committee considered actual and, where available, target compensation data from the Peer Group. This data was presented by McLagan and contributed to an assessment of the competitiveness of actual and target pay for WebsterWebster’s NEOs.

 

2021


The Committee reviews the composition of the Peer Group annually with the assistance of McLagan with the objective of maintaining a group of peer banks that individually and collectively represent suitable comparators for compensation-related analyses. Suitability is defined using a number of factors, including size, scope, business mix and geographic focus. Scope measures include total assets, net revenue, market capitalization and number of employees. Business mix is reflected by an analysis of loan composition (consumer, real estate, commercial and construction) and revenue composition (sources and proportion of net interest income and non-interest income). Banks with a geographic focus outside the continental United States are excluded regardless of the appropriateness of their scope and business mix. In 2014, McLagan,late 2015, at the request of the Committee, McLagan prepared an evaluation of our Peer Group and determined that our currentfor use in 2016. As a result of the evaluation, a recommendation was made to add two companies to the Peer Group meetsfor 2016 - FNB Corporation and Synovus Financial Corporation. Three companies were removed from the criteria stated abovePeer Group due to those companies being acquired - Susquehanna Bancshares (acquired by BB&T), City National Corporation (acquired by Royal Bank of Canada) and no action is needed.First Niagara Financial Group (acquired by KeyCorp). The Committee approved the recommendation and identified the 1312 companies listed below as the Peer Group for 2014:2016:

 

2014 Compensation Peer Group1  
Company   Total Assets (in millions)  

Associated Banc-Corp

  $25,728  

BancorpSouth, Inc.

  $12,986  

BOK Financial Corporation

  $27,844  

City National Corporation

  $30,819  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

  $23,005  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

  $26,523  

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.

  $38,625  

Fulton Financial Corporation

  $17,034  

Hancock Holding Company

  $19,349  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

  $33,921  

Susquehanna Bankshares, Inc.2

  $18,507  

TCF Financial Corporation

  $18,838  

Valley National Bancorp

  $16,336  

2016 Compensation Peer Group12016 Compensation Peer Group1 

Company

  

Total Assets (in millions)

 

 
 

Associated Banc-Corp

  $ 27,712 
 

BancorpSouth, Inc.

  $13,799 
 

BOK Financial Corporation

  $31,476 
 

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

  $24,605 
 

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

  $28,566 
 

FNB Corporation

  $17,558 
 

Fulton Financial Corporation

  $17,915 
 

Hancock Holding Company

  $22,834 
 

People’s United Financial, Inc.

  $38,877 
 

Synovus Financial Corporation

  $28,793 
 

TCF Financial Corporation

  $20,690 
 

Valley National Bancorp

  $21,613 
  
 

75th Percentile

  $27,844    $28,624 
 

Median

  $23,005    $23,722 
 

25th Percentile

  $18,507    $19,997 
 

Webster

  $21,524    $24,678 

Percent Rank

   46%  
 

Webster Percent Rank

   55% 

 

1

Data as of 12/31/20132015 and is provided by Equilar Insight

2

SUSQ announced plans in 2014 to be acquired by BB&T

Elements of 20142016 Compensation

Webster’s compensation program has three basic elements: base salary, annual cash incentive and LTI. The annual cash incentive rewards current year performance, while the LTI incentive. Allaligns the NEOs’ interests with the long-term goals and performance of the Company. LTI grants consist of a 75%/25% mix of performance based shares and time-based restricted stock. Performance shares have a three-year performance period with cliff vesting, and time-based restricted stock has a three-year vesting schedule of one-third on each anniversary date of the grant.

22


The Committee reviews all elements of compensation are reviewed annually, both separately and in aggregate, by the Committee to ensure that the total amount of compensation is within appropriate competitive parameters based on data from independent sources and based on the performance of the Company and NEOs. The program is intended to provide NEOs with a compensation opportunity commensurate with persons with similar duties and responsibilities at other financial institutions with comparable performance. In determining levels of NEOs’

21


overall compensation, the Committee also considers the qualifications and experience of the respective officer, Webster’s size and complexity of operations and, to a certain extent, the compensation paid to other persons employed by the Company. The Committee uses external data as input for the Committee’s analysis and to obtain a general understanding of current compensation practices rather than strict rules for establishing compensation. A meaningful portion of pay is tied to financial and strategic performance. Consequently, actual compensation received will vary from targeted compensation.

In early 2014,2016, the Committee engaged McLagan to provide an analysis of Webster’s total compensation as well as the individual components compared to the Peer Group and McLagan’s 20132015 Top Management Survey. This data contributed to an assessment of the competitiveness of actual and target pay for Webster’s NEOs. Based on the findings, the Committee set the components of pay and the weight of each component creating a structure that reflects Webster’s objectives for compensation outlined above while allowing individual variations based on job scope, tenure, retention risk and other factors relevant to the Committee. See earlier section titled Objectives of Compensation Program for details.

The chart below breaks down target total direct compensation by element,component, including target and pay mix of each component by NEO for the program approved in February 2014.2016. For purposes of this table, “pay mix” represents the percentage of total direct compensation represented byfor each component.

 

2014 Components of Total Direct Compensation at Target  
      
Name and Principle
Position
  Salary  Annual Incentive  Total Cash
Compensation
  Long-Term Incentive  Total Direct
Compensation
 
      Pay
Mix
  Target  Pay
Mix
  Target  Pay
Mix
  Target  Pay
Mix
  Target  Pay
Mix
 

 

James C. Smith Chairman and CEO

  

 

$

 

883,544

 

  

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

$

 

883,544

 

  

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

$

 

1,767,088

 

  

 

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

$

 

1,634,556

 

  

 

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

$

 

3,401,644

 

  

 

 

 

 

100

 

           
Glenn I. MacInnes EVP and CFO  $454,704    39 $303,151    26 $757,855    65 $404,232    35 $1,162,087    100

 

Joseph J. Savage President1

  

 

$

 

454,704

 

  

 

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

$

 

303,151

 

  

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

$

 

757,855

 

  

 

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

$

 

404,232

 

  

 

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

$

 

1,162,087

 

  

 

 

 

 

100

 

           
John R. Ciulla EVP, Commercial Banking2  $364,944    41 $237,214    27 $602,158    68 $284,656    32 $886,814    100

 

Nitin J. Mhatre EVP, Community Banking

  

 

$

 

360,004

 

  

 

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

$

 

234,003

 

  

 

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

$

 

594,007

 

  

 

 

 

 

69

 

 

 

$

 

270,003

 

  

 

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

$

 

864,010

 

  

 

 

 

 

100

 

1

Mr. Savage was elected President of Webster and Webster Bank effective January 1, 2014. The 2014 compensation and pay mix referenced above were in conjunction with his new position as President.

2

Mr. Ciulla was promoted to EVP, Commercial Banking effective January 1, 2014. The 2014 compensation and pay mix referenced above were in conjunction with his new position as EVP, Commercial Banking.

2016 Components of Total Direct Compensation at Target 
      
Name and Principal
Position
  Salary  Annual Cash
Incentive
  Total Cash
Compensation
  Long-Term Incentive  Total Direct
Compensation
 
  Year-End
2016
  Pay
Mix
  Target  Pay
Mix
  Target  Pay
Mix
  Target  Pay
Mix
  Target  Pay
Mix
 

 

James C. Smith Chairman and CEO

  

 

$

 

950,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

$

 

950,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

$

 

1,900,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

$

 

1,757,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

$

 

3,657,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

           
John R. Ciulla President  $480,000   35 $360,000   26 $840,000   61 $528,000   39 $1,368,000   100

 

Glenn I. MacInnes EVP and CFO

  

 

$

 

475,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

$

 

356,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

$

 

831,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

61

 

 

 

$

 

522,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

$

 

1,353,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

           

Nitin J. Mhatre

EVP, Community Banking

  $375,000   39 $262,500   27 $637,500   67 $318,750   33 $956,250   100

 

Daniel H. Bley

EVP and Chief Risk Officer

  

 

$

 

390,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

$

 

234,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

$

 

624,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

$

 

292,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

$

 

916,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

Salary

Annual salary is the only fixed component of Webster’s executive compensation program. In setting salary, the Committee looks at current pay practices, Peer Group comparisons and general market analysis in consultation with its compensation consultant, McLagan. The Committee then establishes salaries that are competitive to the Peer Group for similar positions. The Committee reviews the salaries are reviewed on an annual basis by the Committee.basis.

In the case of a change in role, an officer’s new responsibilities, external pay practices, internal equity, past performance and experience are all considered in determining whether a change in salary is warranted.

22


As part of the Committee’s annual salary review, salaries were determined to be reasonably competitive when compared with the actual proxy data of the Peer Group and benchmark survey information. In 2014, four2016, all of the NEOs received an adjustment to base salary as a result of this review. Mr. MacInnes’ salary was increased from $400,000 to $450,000, Mr. Savage’s salary was increased from $380,000 to $450,000, Mr. Ciulla’s salary was increased from $312,120 to $360,000 and Mr. Mhatre’s salary was increased from $300,000 to $355,000 to reflect increased responsibilities and better alignment to market. Also, as a result of eliminating the car allowance perquisite the Committee approved a modest one-time salary adjustment for all NEOs. Additional details are provided in the Summary Compensation Table.

Annual Cash Incentive Compensation—Compensation - Plan Overview

Annual cash incentive compensation is variable based on performance and ties a significant portion of the NEOs’ compensation to achievement of the Company’s annual financial goalsplan and toalso considers financial performance relative to the Peer Group. MeasurementsThe Committee approves measurements for the plan are approved annually by the Committee.annually. For 2014,

23


2016, target incentives were set for each of the NEOs atbetween 26% orand 27% of total compensation. The plan is designed so that the weighted average performance for the financial measures must exceed a predetermined threshold before a payout can be made.

The plan is structured to calculate incentives based on two primary components:Primary Components:

 

 1.

Corporate Component - This component has two elements: Financial Performance relative to plan and Performance Relative to Peer Group. Financial Performance is determined by scoring performance against four pre-established financial measures.measures tied to the annual financial plan. Each measure is weighted based on relative importance, and then the measures are totaled to determine a weighted score. Adjustments to this score may then be made, by as much as 20 percentage points, based on the Committee’s assessment of the Company’s performance against financial performance goals and their degree of difficulty and the Committee’s assessment of performance against the four pre-established financial measures relative to itsthe Company’s Peer Group (Performance Relative to Peer Group). In 2014, other than adjustment for Performance Relative to the Peer Group, there were no other adjustments to the score.Group.

 

 2.

Line of Business Component - The Line of Business Component is determined based on the financial performance of the line of business against its pre-established financial goals for the year and an assessment of results against strategic objectives.year. Adjustments may then be made based on the CEO’s and the Committee’s assessment of results against strategic objectives, the competitive environment and the degree of difficulty of the goals. The program dictates that the Line of Business Component is not scored or paid out unless the Corporate Component is scored at or above its threshold payout level. Mr. Ciulla, Webster’s Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking; and Mr. Mhatre, Webster’s Executive Vice President,EVP of Community Banking, areis the two linesonly line of business headshead among the NEOs.

The Corporate Component rating generates a potential funding of 0% to 150% of target. A score of 100% would pay out at target. There is an aggregate threshold score of approximately 70%, which generates a payout of 50% of target, below which no payout is earned. Scores below 50% on an individual measure are reduced to zero and a total weighted score below 50% on the four goals in the aggregate earns no payout.

23


The two Primary Components are weighted based on each NEO’s responsibilities. The weighting of the Primary Components is shown in the chart below:

 

2014 Weight of Primary Components  
   
Name and Principle Position Corporate
Performance
  Line of Business
Performance
 

 

James C. Smith, Chairman and CEO

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

   

Glenn I. MacInnes, EVP and CFO

  100  0

 

Joseph J. Savage, President1

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

   

John R. Ciulla, EVP, Commercial Banking2

  40  60

 

Nitin J. Mhatre, EVP, Community Banking

 

 

 

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

2016 Weight of Primary Components 
   
Name  

Corporate

Performance

   

Line of Business

Performance

 
   

James C. Smith

   100   0
   

John R. Ciulla

   100   0
   

Glenn I. MacInnes

   100   0
   

Nitin J. Mhatre

   40   60
   

Daniel H. Bley

   100   0

24


Annual Cash Incentive Scoring - Results

Corporate Financial Performance - Webster’s 2016 results compared to plan are set forth in the table below. The Committee has discretion to make adjustments for extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items. For 2016, adjustments were made for three non-recurring items resulting in an adjustment of 2.5%.

 

2016 Annual Cash Incentive - Corporate Financial Performance

 
        
Financial Metric Threshold  Target  Maximum  Actual  Score  Weight  Weighted
Score
 

Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income

 $314.5  $374.5  $434.6  $359.8   87.7%   35%   30.7% 
     

Return on Average Equity

  6.98%   8.44%   9.89%   8.35%   96.9%   30%   29.1%
     

Efficiency Ratio

  63.50%   60.79%   59.77%   62.01%   77.5%   20%   15.5%
     

Credit:

           
     

NPL’s / Average Loans1

  1.30%   1.05%   0.80%   0.82%   147.3%   7.5%   11.0%
     

NCO’s / Average Loans1

  0.29%   0.24%   0.18%   0.23%   108.9%   7.5%   8.2%
   
Total      100%   94.5% 
  
Discretionary Adjustment      2.5% 

 

1

Mr. Savage was elected President of WebsterNPL is an abbreviation for non-performing loans and Webster Bank effective January NCO is an abbreviation for net charge-offs

Performance Relative to Peer Group – As previously described, the Committee has discretion to adjust the Corporate Component Score by plus or minus 20 percentage points based on Webster’s performance against pre-established financial measures or performance relative to its Peer Group. The table below shows Webster’s performance relative to the twelve companies in the Peer Group.

25


The Committee recognized Webster’s continued strong and improving performance relative to the Peer Group, as Webster’s weighted score reached the 67th percentile up from 62nd the prior year, and determined that a positive adjustment of 3.0% was appropriate.

 

2016 Annual Cash Incentive - Performance Relative to Peer Group

 
   
Financial Metric1 2016  20152 
 Results  % Rank  Weight  Weighted
Score
  % Rank  Weight  Weighted
Score
 
     
Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income/Avg. Assets  1.43%   75%  35%   26.25%  67%   35%   23.31% 
     

Return on Average Equity

  8.35%  67%  30%   19.98%  67%   30%   19.98% 
     

Efficiency Ratio

  62.36%  67%   20%   13.34%   83%   20%   16.68% 
     

Credit:

           
     

NPL’s / Average Loans3

  0.81%  50%  7.5%   3.75%  8%   7.5%   0.63% 
        

NCO’s / Average Loans3

  0.22%  50%  7.5%   3.75%  17%   7.5%   1.25% 
  
  Weighted Score   67.07%   Weighted Score   61.85% 
 
  
Discretionary
Adjustment
 
 
  3.0%   

1 2014. The 2014 compensation weightings referenced above are in conjunction with his new position

Data as President.reported by SNL Securities for comparability.

 

2

2015 has been adjusted to reflect the companies in the 2016 Peer Group.

3

NPL is an abbreviation for non-performing loans and NCO is an abbreviation for net charge-offs.

Final Corporate Component -The final Corporate Component was determined by taking the Financial Performance score of 94.5% and adding the Committee’s adjustments for non-recurring items of 2.5% and Performance Relative to Peer Group of 3.0% which resulted in a final score equal to 100.0% of target.

2016 Annual Cash Incentive - Financial Performance and Adjustments
Financial Performance 

Non-Recurring Items

Adjustment

 

Peer Group

Adjustment

 Final Corporate
Component

94.5%

 2.5% 3.0% 100.0%

Line of Business Component - Given Mr. Mhatre’s responsibilities as Head of the Community Banking line of business, 60% of his target annual incentive is payable based on the results of that line of business.

Mr. Mhatre continued to lead Community Banking along its Transformational Strategic Roadmap to deliver pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue of over $110 million in 2016 – resulting in a line of business financial score of 112%. Community Banking continued to optimize its business model focused on delivering automated, electronic, mobile services that meet rapidly changing preferences of consumers and businesses while maximizing high value customer share and customer satisfaction. Balances grew in each category with loans, deposits and investment assets under administration growing year over year, with particular strong growth in business loans and business deposits. 2016 was a record year for business loan originations. Banking Centers’

26


sales productivity grew year over year by 19 percent. Investments in electronic infrastructure continued to drive self-service as reflected in 16 percent growth in mobile banking customers. Nearly 70 percent of all balance changing transactions were conducted through self-service channels. Efficiency improvement initiatives such as ‘Fast-Track’ business loans significantly reduced loan turn times, while improving corresponding customer demand. The most significant franchise-building initiative in 2016 was expansion in Boston where Community Banking opened 17 new Banking Centers to deliver all of Webster’s products and services to this high-growth, high-potential market. The Boston expansion delivered approximately $200 million and $113 million in new deposits and loans in 2016, falling short of goal, though long-term prospects remain intact. Community Banking continued to maintain its ‘best-in-class’ customer satisfaction and net promoter scores.

27


2016 Annual Cash Incentive Compensation Awarded in February 2017

Individual NEO Performance - Individual performance is determined through the annual review process as part of the Company-wide performance management process. Each NEO is evaluated based on achievement of individual performance objectives which include strategic goals, personal behavior, risk management, regulatory compliance and people leadership. The Committee evaluates the CEO, and the CEO evaluates the other NEOs in consultation with the Committee.

NEO’s Performance Summaries for 2016
NamePerformance Summary

James C. Smith

Mr. Smith led Webster’s record performance for 2016. Notable achievements were increased core revenue for the seventh straight year, record net income, top quartile shareholder return among our midsize bank peers, improved credit quality and strong risk management. He guided Webster’s strategic choices including the allocation of capital and other resources to strategies that create value for customers and maximize shareholder return. Webster missed plan for pre-provision net revenue despite strong loan originations, primarily due to lower than anticipated interest rates, and missed its efficiency ratio plan due to the combination of the challenging rate environment and the accelerated investment in HSA Bank. Mr. Smith sponsored an intensive review of Webster’s strategies led by Mr. Ciulla.

John R. Ciulla

Mr. Ciulla was promotedelected President in October 2015 and assumed overall responsibility for Community Banking, Private Banking and Marketing in addition to EVP,his ongoing responsibilities as head of Commercial Banking. Commercial Banking and Community Banking, the largest business units, outperformed their financial targets. Commercial Banking had a record year measured by originations, revenue and economic profit. Mr. Ciulla led an intensive review of Webster’s strategies which resulted in a restacking of strategic priorities including increased and accelerated investment in HSA Bank and increased investment in Commercial Banking strategies.

Glenn I. MacInnes

Mr. MacInnes continued to lead Webster’s Finance organization and in 2016 assumed management responsibility for Operations and Technology. He developed initiatives and provided guidance enabling Webster to improve year-over-year financial performance and achieve the Company’s financial objectives. He further optimized the balance sheet in anticipation of a higher interest rate environment and effectively managed interest rate and liquidity risk. Mr. MacInnes successfully led the regulatory stress test process for the organization. He further enhanced the internal and external financial reporting process.

Nitin J. Mhatre

Mr. Mhatre continued to lead Community Banking and its Transformational Strategic Roadmap to deliver pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue of over $110 million in 2016 – resulting in a line of business financial score of 112%. The Community Banking group led the expansion of Webster’s footprint in Boston by opening 17 new Banking Centers through lease transfer from Citibank. This expansion delivered approximately $200 million and $113 million in new deposits and loans in 2016, falling short of goal, though long-term prospects remain intact. Business Banking had a record year for loan originations and Banking Centers’ sales productivity grew year-over-year by 19 percent. Digital Banking programs drove growth in mobile banking customers by 16 percent and nearly 70 percent of all balance changing transactions were conducted through self-service channels in the year. Community Banking continued to maintain its ‘best-in-class’ customer satisfaction and net promoter scores.

Daniel H. Bley

Mr. Bley developed and supported the execution of the bank’s risk management strategy in alignment with the strategic plan, which included enhancements to organization, policy and process across key risk management disciplines. He provided successful stewardship of the credit portfolio, supporting strong growth in Commercial Lending activities and expansion in residential and consumer lending, coupled with improvements in key asset quality metrics. Through his leadership, Webster sustained and enhanced its strong risk management culture with effective January 1, 2014. The 2014 compensation weightings referenced above wereenterprise risk programs including enhancements in conjunctionoperational risk and compliance activities. He vigilantly monitored current and emerging risks and recommended changes in risk appetite in close consultation with his new position as EVP, Commercial Banking.the Risk Committee of the Board. He led the risk assessment of the strategic review led by Mr. Ciulla.

28


2016 Annual Cash Incentive Compensation - Upon completing the scoring of the two Primary Components (Corporate and Line of Business), the scores are applied to the CEO��s and each NEO’s annual cash incentive target based on the weightings in the Weight of Primary Component Table to calculate the cash incentive awards. The Committee retains discretion to adjust the CEO’s calculated annual cash incentive award. The CEO Discretionretains discretion, in consultation with the Committee, to adjust the NEOs’ calculated annual cash incentive awards.

Discretionary Adjustment for Individual Performance and Risk Management-

Based on the CEO’s assessment of each NEO’s individual performance measured against specific performance objectives and overall, the CEO may use discretion to determine a positive or negative adjustment to the short termcalculated annual cash incentive award. Additionally, the CEO in consultation with the Chief Risk Officer may considerand the Chief Human Resources Officer considers potential adjustments (referred to as meaningful consequences) based on each NEOs record of identifying, managing and mitigating risk, including an assessment of outcomes in the areas of compliance, operating risk, credit, audit findings or regulatory citings, or other contributions that should be taken into account. There

The Committee considers potential adjustments for the CEO based on his performance against performance objectives and his leadership of the Company. In addition, the Committee considers meaningful consequences adjustments to the CEO based on his record of managing and mitigating risk.

A thorough review of risk management in the areas of regulatory, internal audit, operating and credit compliance and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) took place. As a result of the review, downward adjustments were no such adjustments made in 2014.

Annual Incentive Scoring

Corporate Component - The Corporate Component is determined by calculating a weighted performance score against four pre-established financial measures (Financial Performance). The resulting score may then be modified up or downto the annual cash incentive payments of Messrs. MacInnes and Bley at the Committee’s discretion by up to 20% based on performance against those four pre-established financial measures relative to Webster’s Peer Group. The Committee has discretion to make adjustments for extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items. There were no such adjustments made in 2014. Scores below 50% on an individual measure are reduced to zero and a total weighted score below 50% on the four goals in the aggregate earns no payout.

The Corporate Component rating generates a potential fundingrecommendation of 0% to 150% of target. A score of 100% would pay out at target. There is a threshold score of approximately 70%, which generates a payout of 50% of target, below which no incentive is earned. Beginning with 2014 awards, the maximum funding was reduced to 150% of target from 200%, consistent with the Committee’s goal to ensure our compensation programs do not encourage excessive risk taking.

Financial Performance - Webster’s 2014 results compared to plan and to 2013 (as set forth in the table below) include the following: Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income in 2014 was $325.7 million, below plan of $333.8 million and up 10% from $295.59 million in 2013; Return on Average Equity improved to 8.66% versus goal of 8.63% and versus 8.13% in 2013; the Efficiency Ratio improved to 59.50% versus goal of 58.85% and

24


versus 60.53% in 2013; and Non-performing Loans (“NPL’s”) improved to .95% versus goal of 1.10% and versus 1.28% in 2013. While generally improved, final results were below plan on two of four financial goals: Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income and the Efficiency Ratio, in both cases due to lower than plan net interest margin and competitive pressure on fee based revenue. Results were better than plan on Return on Average Equity due primarily to lower than plan provisions for loan losses, and on NPL’s/loans due to better than plan improvement in credit quality. Since the NPL score continues to trail peers, a negative adjustment was made. The chart below reflects the negative adjustment and non-recurring items that are excluded for Corporate Financial Performance.

  

2014 Annual Incentive - Corporate Financial Performance

     
         
Financial Metric Threshold  Target  Maximum  Actual  Score  Weight  Payout  2013
Actual
 

 

Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income1

 $280.3   $333.8   $387.3   $325.7    92.4%    35%    32.4%   $295.59  

 

Return on Average Equity1

  7.13%    8.63%    10.11%    8.66%    101.1%    30%    30.3%    8.13%  

 

Efficiency Ratio1

  60.70%    58.85%    57.00%    59.50%    83.7%    20%    16.7%    60.53%  

 

NPL’s / Loans

  1.40%    1.10%    0.80%    0.95%    125.9%    15%    15.9%2   1.28%  

 

TOTAL

                      100%    95.3%      

1

The Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income, Return on Average Equity and Efficiency Ratio exclude non-recurring items.

2

Committee discretion reduced calculated score from 18.9% to 15.9% based on performance relative to peers.

25


Performance Relative to Peer Group - The Committee has discretion to adjust the weighted score within the Corporate Component by 20% plus or minus of target based on Webster’s performance relative to its Peer Group against the same four measures. Webster outperformed relative to the Peer Group against the Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income, improving to 77th percentile rank from 62nd in 2013, Return on Equity remained above median and flat year over year at 62nd percentile rank, the Efficiency Ratio significantly improved to 92nd percentile rank from 69th in 2013, and Webster performed below median in NPL’s to Loans metric but improved to 23rd percentile rank from 15th in 2013. Applying the same weightings to these metrics as the Committee applies to the similar metrics in the Financial Performance component, Webster’s weighted average financial performance improved relative to the Peer Group by approximately 9 percentage points to 67.3% in 2014 from 58.1% in 2013. The Committee commended this improvement and the favorable performance relative to the Peer Group. Therefore, the Committee determined that an upward Peer Group adjustment of 2.2% was appropriate. The table below shows Webster’s performance relative to the Peer Group:

 

2014 Annual Incentive - Performance Relative to Peer Group

 
   
   2014  2013 
     
Financial Metric1 Results  %
Rank
  Weight  Weighted
Score
  %
Rank
  Weight  Weighted
Score
 
     

Pre-Tax Pre-Prov Income/Avg. Assets

  1.53%    77%    35%    26.92%    62%    35%    21.53%  
     

Return on Average Equity

  8.72%    62%    30%    18.45%    62%    30%    18.45%  
     

Efficiency Ratio

  59.58%    92%    20%    18.48%    69%    15%    10.40%  
      

Return on Average Assets

      Not Applicable        62%    10%    6.15%  
     

NPL/Loans

  0.94%    23%    15%    3.47%    15%    10%    1.54%  
    
  

 

Weighted Score:

  

  67.3%    Weighted Score:    58.1%  

1

Data as reported by SNL Securities for comparability.

Final Corporate Component - The Corporate Component is then calculated by taking the Financial Performance score of 95.3% and applying the upward adjustment of 2.2% for Performance Relative to Peer Group for a final score of 97.5% of target. There were no other adjustments made.

2014 Annual Incentive - Financial Performance and Adjustments
Financial Performance  Peer Group
Adjustment
  Total Adjusted
Payout

95.3%

  2.2%  97.5%

Line of Business Component - Given Mr. Ciulla’s responsibilities as head of the Commercial Banking business segment and Mr. Mhatre’s as head of the Community Banking business segment, 60% of each NEO’s target bonus is payable based on the financial results of his line of business and on results relative to strategic initiatives. The results of Commercial Banking and Community Banking are noted below:

Mr. Ciulla led the Commercial Banking segment to a record year in which it achieved double digit revenue growth and strong year over year performance in several key categories resulting in a Line of Business score of 105%. The Commercial Banking segment delivered $110.1 million in Net Income and a 17.6% Return on Allocated Capital. All five Commercial lines of business once again delivered Economic Profit and, in aggregate, Commercial Banking’s Economic Profit was up 31% over 2013. Fueled by strong loan originations of $2.9 billion, the commercial loan portfolio grew $931 million (+17%) to $6.6 billion. Loan growth was

26


evident across all Business Units and across all geographies, with particular strength in Middle Market banking ($519 million (+21%)) and Commercial Real Estate ($279 million (+14%)), two areas of strategic focus. Growth in core operating relationships drove Demand Deposit Account (“DDA”) balances of $1.6 billion (32%). Commercial Banking’s Treasury and Payment Solutions Group invested meaningfully to enhance its capabilities to help clients manage cash flow, while driving higher Non-Interest Income. Credit quality remained strong with commercial classified, non-performing loans and net charge offs at low levels. Webster was awarded three additional Greenwich Excellence awards for client satisfaction, evidencing its continuing focus on service quality.

Mr. Mhatre led the Community Banking segment to positive operating leverage of 2.4% and pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue growth of over 6% resulting in a Line of Business score of 82%. Community Banking continued its transformation to a lower cost business model focused on delivering automated, electronic, mobile services that meet rapidly changing preferences of consumers and businesses, including mass affluent. The Universal Banker program coupled with new Economic Profit aligned incentive program helped improve sales productivity by 12% while headcount declined 5% year over year. Balances grew in all categories with approximately 3.5% growth in loans, 1% growth in deposits and over 8% growth in investment assets under administration. Net Income including economic losses grew by over 15%, with Business Banking delivering over 30 percent growth in Net Income driven by higher balances. Transaction deposits grew by approximately 4 percent with consumer transaction deposits growing by approximately 4 percent and business transaction deposits growing by 5.2 percent. Investments in electronic infrastructure continued to drive self-service transactions that grew to over 35 percent of total transactions in the fourth quarter, up 10% year over year. Online Banking was voted #1 in New England by a premier survey company, coupled with improved #3 ranking in overall customer satisfaction in New England. Mortgage Banking portfolio growth was driven by growth in Jumbo originations through the retail origination channel and fast growing correspondent channel. Consumer lending originations grew modestly year over year, helping increase the overall consumer loan portfolio by 2.5 percent. Webster Investment Services’ fee revenue set a record for the full year.

27


The chart below lists the individual performance adjustment for each NEO and summarizes each NEO’s performance:

Name and

Principal Position

Performance Summary

James C. Smith

Chairman and CEO

Mr. Smith led Webster’s strong financial performance year over year and as compared to Webster’s Peer Group. He effectively guided Webster’s strategic choices including the allocation of capital and other resources. Notable achievements were record core revenue for the fifth straight year, a much improved efficiency ratio to less than 60%, improved credit quality, and strong risk management. Net income and EPS increased year over year. Webster’s value-based culture is strong as measured by continuing strong banker engagement scores. Mr. Smith provided strategic guidance and oversight with regard to the acquisition of JPMorgan’s HSA platform.

Glenn I. MacInnes

EVP and CFO

Mr. MacInnes developed initiatives and provided guidance enabling Webster to improve year over year financial performance and achieve the company’s financial goals, including efficiency ratio and operating leverage targets. He further optimized the balance sheet in anticipation of the changing interest rate environment. He led corporate development initiatives, including the acquisition of JPMorgan’s HSA platform, and other successful capital actions during the year. He further improved Webster’s internal controls and enhanced the financial planning process and internal and external financial reporting.

Joseph J. Savage

President

Effective January 1, 2014, in recognition of his contributions and leadership, Mr. Savage was promoted to President of Webster and Webster Bank, and appointed to the Board of Directors of Webster Bank. Mr. Savage provided oversight and guidance to Commercial Banking which achieved high performance in several key categories, and to Webster Private Bank, which completed a strategic model shift and significant reorganization in 2014. He led recruitment of new leadership for Human Resources, introduced programs that further inculcate Webster’s value-guided culture, and upgraded Webster’s Talent Management and Leadership Development programs.

John R. Ciulla

EVP, Commercial Banking

Promoted to Head of Commercial Banking effective January 1, 2014, Mr. Ciulla led the segment to a record year in which it achieved double digit revenue growth, and high performance in several key categories, including growth in Economic Profit, loan originations and operating balances. All five Commercial Banking business units generated Economic Profit in 2014. Commercial Banking exceeded Plan on all critical asset quality metrics. Webster was again recognized by Greenwich Associates for excellence in middle market customer satisfaction in the northeast and nationally.

Nitin J. Mhatre

EVP, Community Banking

Mr. Mhatre initiated and led Community Banking’s transformational strategic roadmap in 2014 while delivering growth in net income and positive operating leverage. The unit was short of its net income plan driven primarily by lower mortgage banking revenue due to a sharp market slowdown in mortgage originations and a continued decline in deposit service fees caused by the ongoing shift in consumer behavior including evolving preferences for electronic delivery channels. The Business Banking Unit registered a strong increase in net income and gained market share in high-value segments. Significant organizational changes were made to prepare the business for faster growth in 2015 and beyond.

28


CEO Discretion Based on Individual Performance

The Individual performance is determined through the annual review process as part of the Company-wide performance management process. Each NEO is evaluated based on achievement of individual performance objectives. The Committee evaluates the CEO and approval by the Committee and to Mr. Smith by the Committee, totaling $81,700. In addition, due to a correction of prior period performance related to the Company’s HSA Bank segment for 2015 and the first quarter of 2016, downward adjustments to all NEOs’ incentives were made to fully reflect the negative impact this correction had on 2015 Corporate STI results. This total adjustment was $32,125 for the NEOs and was deducted from their 2016 incentive payments. Finally, a positive adjustment of $40,000 was made to Mr. Ciulla’s incentive payment in recognition of his important strategic and leadership contributions in his expanded role as President.

2016 Final Payment Determination -The Committee determines and approves the short-term incentive award for the CEO evaluatesand reviews and approves the short-term incentive awards that are recommended by the CEO for the other NEOs in consultation with the Committee. For Mr. Ciulla the calculated award of $242,100 was adjusted upward by $47,900 for a final award of $290,000. For Mr. Mhatre the calculated award of $206,531 was adjusted upward by $4,069 for a final award of $210,600. The CEO and the Committee believe that Messrs. Ciulla and Mhatre performed exceptionally well in pursuit of their business segment financial and strategic goals. The corporate portion for all NEOs (100% of annual incentive compensation for Messrs. Smith, Savage, and MacInnes, and 40% for Messrs. Ciulla and Mhatre) was set at 97.5% of target as described in the Final Corporate Component section.

Total 2014 Short Term Incentive Compensation - Upon completing scoring of the two Primary Components (Corporate, and Line of Business), the scores are applied to the CEO’s and each NEO’s annual incentive target based on the percentages in the Weight of Primary Component Table on page 24 to calculate the award. The Committee retains discretion to adjust the CEO’s calculated annual incentive award. The CEO retains discretion, in consultation with the Committee to adjust the NEOs’ calculated annual incentive awards. There were no other adjustments made to the NEOs’ awards.NEOs. The final tabulations for annual cash incentive compensation are set forth below.below:

 

2014 Annual Incentive Compensation
Name and
Principle Position
 Annual
  Incentive  
Target
 Corporate
Score1
 Line of
Business
Score (if
applicable)1
 Calculated
Award
 Individual
CEO
Discretionary
Adjustment
(incl risk adj
if applicable)
 Annual
Incentive
Award
 Award
as a
Percent
of
Target

James C. Smith

Chairman and CEO

 $883,544 97.5% —   $861,455 —   $861,455 97.5%

Glenn I. MacInnes

EVP and CFO

 $303,151 97.5% —   $295,600 —   $295,600 97.5%

Joseph J. Savage

President

 $303,151 97.5% —   $295,600 —   $295,600 97.5%

John R. Ciulla

EVP, Commercial

Banking

 $237,214 97.5% 105.1% $242,100 $47,900 $290,000 122.3%

Nitin J. Mhatre

EVP, Community

Banking

 $234,003 97.5% 82.1% $206,531 $4,069 $210,600 90.0%

1

Corporate Officers are weighted 100% on the corporate component; Line of Business Officers are weighted 40% on the corporate component, 60% on the Line of Business.

2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation – Plan Overview

After a market review in late 2013 against the Peer Group and in consideration of certain emerging trends in LTI practices, including the declining usage of stock options in the market, it was decided to cease the practice of granting stock options and to replace a portion of that grant with time-vested restricted shares, while increasing the portion of performance based restricted stock (“Performance Shares”) as a portion of LTI awards. Accordingly, the Board approved the Committee’s recommendation to increase the weighting of Performance Shares as a portion of LTI from 60% to 75%, consistent with Webster’s pay-for-performance

2016 Annual Cash Incentive Compensation
Name 

Annual
  Incentive  

Target

 Corporate
Component
 Line of
Business
Component
 Calculated
Award
 Individual
Discretionary
Adjustment
 Total
Cash
Incentive
Award
 Award
as a
Percent
of
Target

 

James C. Smith

 

 

$950,000

 

 

100%

 

 

Not
Applicable

 

 

$950,000

 

 

-$46,075

 

 

$903,925

 

 

95.2%

 

John R. Ciulla

 

 

$360,000

 

 

100%

 

 

Not
Applicable

 

 

$360,000

 

 

$37,452

 

 

$397,452

 

 

110.4%

 

Glenn I. MacInnes

 

 

$356,250

 

 

100%

 

 

Not
Applicable

 

 

$356,250

 

 

-$37,864

 

 

$318,386

 

 

89.4%

 

Nitin J. Mhatre

 

 

$262,500

 

 

100%

 

 

112.1%

 

 

$281,700

 

 

-$2,571

 

 

$279,129

 

 

106.3%

 

Daniel H. Bley

 

 

$234,000

 

 

100%

 

 

Not
Applicable

 

 

 

$234,000

 

 

-$24,767

 

 

$209,233

 

 

89.4%

 

29


compensation philosophy, and to grant 25% of LTI in the form of time-vested restricted shares. The Committee believes that increasing the portion of performance shares and replacing the balance of stock options with restricted shares, along with reducing the maximum of Performance Share payout from 200% to 150%, will ensure that our compensation programs are closely aligned with shareholders’ interests.

The Committee may increase or decrease the CEO’s LTI or the other NEOs’ LTI based on a variety of factors including the Company’s prior year performance against financial and strategic goals. The Committee determines the recommended grant for the CEO and considers the CEO’s recommendation for the other NEOs.Long-Term Incentive Compensation - Plan Overview

Long Term Incentive Vehicles:Webster awardedawards two forms of LTI grants, performance shares and restricted stock as displayed in the table below:

 

Long Term Incentive Vehicles
Vehicle Vesting Rationale Vehicle Mix

Performance Shares

 Vests at the conclusion of three-year performance period To align LTI to the achievement of companyreturn on equity goals and to absolute and relative total shareholder return and return on equity 75%

Time VestedTime-Vested Restricted Stock

 One third vests per year To provide LTI and retention value to the leadership teamNEOs and other executives 25%

Performance Shares: Performance sharesShares vest at the conclusion of the three-year performance period and the Committee certifies the results based 50% on Company three-year total shareholder return relative to Webster’s Peer Group and 50% on the three-year average return on equity compared to plan. Performance must meet threshold levels or the shares are forfeited.

 

Three-year Total Shareholder Return (TSR)reflects the rate of return reflectingincluding price appreciation plus reinvestment of dividends calculated as follows: (Ending(ending stock price – beginning price + dividends paid per share) / beginning stock price.

Peer Group reflects Webster’s Compensation Peer Group listed in the Compensation Peer Group section. Webster currently has 13 companies in its Peer Group.

 

Average Return on Equity (ROE)is calculated as the ratio of adjusted net income to adjusted average equity. The average return on equity targets are set annually during the performance period by the Committee giving consideration to the Board approved strategicfinancial plan set at the end of the prior year. The score is calculated each year and then averaged over three years.

 

2014 Payout Determination for Performance Shares 
Metric 

Below

Threshold

  Threshold  Target  Maximum 
Payout Determination for Performance Shares Granted in February 2016 Based on 2016-2018
Performance
Payout Determination for Performance Shares Granted in February 2016 Based on 2016-2018
Performance
 
Payout Metric 

Below

Threshold
Payout

  Threshold
Payout
  Target
Payout
  Maximum
Payout
 

Peer-relative three-year Total Shareholder Return

  0  62  100  150  0  62  100  150

Average Return on Equity over three-year period

  0  10  100  150  0  10  100  150

The Company does not vest performance based restricted stock for performance below threshold. A threshold level of performance must be met for each metric in order for payment to be earned. Once threshold performance is achieved, actual awards will be interpolated between threshold and 150% of targettarget.

The Committee may increase or decrease the CEO’s LTI or the other NEOs’ LTI based on a variety of factors including the Company’s prior year performance relative to market below which there is no payout. Total shareholder return threshold is set atagainst financial and strategic goals. The Committee determines the 31st percentile ofrecommended grant for the Peer GroupCEO and ROE threshold is set at 10%. Beginning with 2014 awards,reviews and approves the maximum funding payout was reduced to 150% of target, consistent withCEO’s recommendation for the Committee’s goal to ensure our compensation programs do not encourage excessive risk taking.other NEOs.

2015Long Term Incentive Compensation Awarded in February 2017

This table is not required but we included it because our 2017 grants are based in part on 2016 performance.

30


2017 Long Term Incentive Grant - The February 20152017 LTI grants were made in the form of 75% performance sharesPerformance Shares and 25% time-vested restricted stock, as described above. LTI grants made in February

30


2015 wereabove, based in part on each NEO’s 20142016 performance and granted based on the NEOs’ 2015 compensation components.2016 base pay and LTI target percent. The Committee approved grants at 100% of that target for Mr. Smith and, based on Mr. Smith’s recommendation at 100% of target for Messrs. MacInnes, Savage, Ciulla, Mhatre and Mhatre. Based on 2014 compensation components, Messrs. Smith, MacInnes, Savage, Ciulla and Mhatre grants were 105%, 107%, 107%, 119% and 113% of target, respectively, consistent with the Committee’s intention that total direct compensation for 2014 be somewhat higher than median Peer Group compensation.Bley. The individual performance of each NEO on which the February 20152017 grants were based is described in detail beginning on page 28.the NEO’s Performance Summary for 2016 table.

The 2015

 
2017 Long-Term Annual Incentive Compensation (for 2016 Performance) 
Name  Long-Term
Incentive Target
   Grant as a
Percent of 2016
Target
  Long-Term
Incentive Grant
 

James C. Smith

  $1,757,500   100%  $1,757,500 

John R. Ciulla

  $528,000   100%  $528,000 

Glenn I. MacInnes

  $522,500   100%  $522,500 

Nitin J. Mhatre

  $318,750   100%  $318,750 

Daniel H. Bley

  $292,500   100%  $292,500 

Two-year Supplemental Summary Compensation Table

This table is not required but we included it because our 2017 grants are shown in two non-required tables below for the purpose of setting forth clearly the compensation earned for 2014 performance. The first non-required table is the 2015 Long Term Annual Incentive Compensation and the second is the non-required two-year earned Summary Compensation Table. Note that grants made in 2015, even though made in part based on 2014 performance, are not reflected in the required Summary Compensation Table.

The first non-required chart below reflects the 2015 LTI grants awarded based in part for 2014 performance:

 
2015 Long-Term Annual Incentive Compensation (for 2014 Performance) 
Name and Principle Position  Long-Term
Incentive Target
   Grant as a
Percent of 2015
Target
  Long-Term
Incentive Grant
 

James C. Smith, Chairman and CEO

  $1,711,250    100%  $1,711,250  

Glenn I. MacInnes, EVP and CFO

  $431,970    100%  $431,970  

Joseph J. Savage, President

  $431,970    100%  $431,970  

John R. Ciulla, EVP, Commercial Banking

  $337,500    100%  $337,500  

Nitin J. Mhatre, EVP, Community Banking

  $306,000    100%  $306,000  

2014 Long Term Incentive Grant - Similarly, LTI grants made in February 2014 were based in part on each NEO’s 2013 performance and granted based on the NEOs’ 2014 compensation components. The Committee approved grants at 100% of that target for Mr. Smith and, based on Mr. Smith’s recommendation, at 100% of target for Messrs. MacInnes, Savage, Ciulla, and Mhatre. Based on 2013 compensation components, Messrs. Smith, MacInnes, Savage, Ciulla, and Mhatre grants amounted to 100%, 114%, 124%, 150%, and 118% of target, respectively. The individual performance of each NEO on which the February 2014 grants were based is described in detail beginning on page 28 and is included as 2014 compensation in the required 2014 Summary Compensation Table on page 36.2016 performance.

 
2014 Long-Term Annual Incentive Compensation (for 2013 Performance) 
Name and Principle Position  Long-Term
Incentive Target
   Grant as a
Percent of 2014
Target
  Long-Term
Incentive Grant
 

James C. Smith, Chairman and CEO

  $1,627,630    100%  $1,627,630  

Glenn I. MacInnes, EVP and CFO

  $400,000    100%  $400,000  

Joseph J. Savage, President

  $400,000    100%  $400,000  

John R. Ciulla, EVP, Commercial Banking

  $280,895    100%  $281,000  

Nitin J. Mhatre, EVP, Community Banking

  $266,250    100%  $266,250  

31


The second non-required charttable below shows total direct compensation approved by the Committee for 20142015 and 20132016 performance. LTI grants made in February 20152016 are based in part on 20142015 performance and are reflected in the 20142015 Total Direct Compensation. LTI grants made in February 20142017 are based in part on 20132016 performance and are reflected in 20132016 Total Direct Compensation. Although the 20152017 grants will be discussed in next year’s CD&A, we have determined to voluntarily disclosedisclosed the grants in the table set forth below under year 2014 Total Direct Compensation.below. The 20152016 and 20142017 grants were in performance sharesPerformance Shares and time-vested restricted stock as described above.

Non-required two-year earned Summary Compensation Table (2015 Long-Term Incentive Grants for 2014 Performance and 2014 Long-Term Incentive Grants for 2013 Performance)

 

Name and Principle Position  Year  Salary   Annual
Incentive
   2015 Long-Term
Incentive  Grants for
2014 Performance1
2014 Long-Term
Incentive Grants for
2013 Performance2
   Total Direct
Compensation
Received for
Performance $
 
      

James C. Smith
Chairman and CEO

  2014  $883,544    $861,455    $1,790,492    $3,535,491  
  2013  $879,800    $792,000    $1,626,823    $3,298,623  
      

Glenn I. MacInnes
EVP and CFO

  2014  $454,704    $295,600    $451,981    $1,202,285  
  2013  $400,000    $225,000    $399,830    $1,024,830  
      

Joseph J. Savage
President

  2014  $454,704    $295,600    $451,981    $1,202,285  
  2013  $380,000    $271,000    $399,830    $1,050,830  
      

John R. Ciulla
EVP, Commercial Banking

  2014  $364,944    $290,000    $353,105    $1,008,049  
  2013  $312,120    $241,136    $280,895    $834,151  
      

Nitin J. Mhatre
EVP, Community Banking

  2014  $360,004    $210,600    $320,169    $890,773  
  2013  $300,000    $166,000    $266,147    $732,147  

31


Two-year Supplemental Summary Compensation Table (reflects 2017 Long-Term Incentive Grants for 2016 Performance and 2016 Long-Term Incentive Grants for 2015 Performance)

              2017 Long-Term
Incentive  Grants for
2016 Performance1
  

Total Direct
Compensation

Received Based
on Each Year’s
Performance

 

 

 
Name Performance
Year
 Year-End
Salary
  Annual
Cash
Incentive
  

2016 Long-Term
Incentive Grants for
2015 Performance2

  
      

James C. Smith

 2016 $950,000  $903,925  $1,757,500  $3,611,425 
 2015 $925,000  $878,750  $1,711,250  $3,515,000 
      

John R. Ciulla

 2016 $480,000  $397,452  $528,000  $1,405,452 
 2015 $480,000  $303,849  $341,300  $1,125,149 
      

Glenn I. MacInnes

 2016 $475,000  $318,386  $522,500  $1,315,886 
 2015 $454,704  $277,994  $432,000  $1,164,698 
      

Nitin J. Mhatre

 2016 $375,000  $279,129  $318,750  $972,879 
 2015 $360,004  $283,303  $306,000  $949,307 
      

Daniel H. Bley

 2016 $390,000  $209,233  $292,500  $891,733 
 2015 $381,400  $214,657  $267,000  $863,057 

 

1

20152017 LTI Performance Share grants based in part on 2014for 2016 performance are based on the following valuation: for the portion based on ROE, Webster used the closing price of February 25, 2015;23, 2017; for the portion based on TSR, Webster used the Monte Carlo valuation.

 

2

20142016 LTI Performance Share grants based in part on 2013for 2015 performance are based on the following valuation: for the portion based on ROE, Webster have used the closing price of February 19, 2014;24, 2016; for the portion based on TSR, Webster used the Monte Carlo valuation.

Long Term Incentive Compensation Awarded in February 2016

2016 Long Term Incentive Grant - LTI grants made in February 2016 were based in part on each NEO’s 2015 performance and granted based on the NEOs’ 2015 base pay and LTI target percent. The Committee approved grants as shown in the chart below. The individual performance of each NEO on which the February 2016 grants were based is shown in the NEO’s 2015 Performance Summaries.

 
2016 Long-Term Annual Incentive Compensation (for 2015 Performance) 
Name Long-Term
Incentive Target
  Grant as a
Percent of 2015
Target
 Long-Term
Incentive Grant
 

James C. Smith

 $1,711,250  100% $1,711,250 

John R. Ciulla

 $341,250  100% $341,300 

Glenn I. MacInnes

 $431,969  100% $432,000 

Nitin J. Mhatre

 $306,003  100% $306,000 

Daniel H. Bley

 $266,980  100% $267,000 

 

32


NEO 2013 Performance as previously reported:

Name and

Principal Position

 

LTI 2014Name

Grants

Awarded as a

% of target

(Based on 2013

Performance)

  20132015 Performance Summary

James C. Smith

Chairman and CEO

  100%

Mr. Smith led Webster’s strong financial performance year over yearyear-over-year and as compared to Webster’s Peer Group, though the Company missed some of its financial and strategic goals, as described herein. Mr. SmithGroup. He effectively guided Webster’s strategic choices including the allocation of capital and other resources.resources to strategies that create value for customers and maximize Economic Profits over time. Notable achievements were record core revenues, positive operating leveragerevenue for the fourth consecutivesixth straight year, leading to a much improvedrecord net income, another full year with efficiency ratio less than 60%, 92% percentile rank against its Peer Group, improved credit quality and strong risk management. Net incomeWebster missed plan for pre-provision net revenue as strong loan growth and EPS increased year over year.disciplined expense control were offset by spread pressure from lower than anticipated interest rates. Webster’s value-based culture is strong as measured by continuing strong banker engagement survey results.

Glenn I. MacInnes

EVP and CFOJohn R. Ciulla

  100%

Effective October 28, 2015, in recognition of his contributions and leadership, Mr. MacInnes developed initiativesCiulla was promoted to President of Webster and provided guidance enabling Webster Bank, and appointed to improve operating leverage, further reduce the efficiency ratio, and optimizeBoard of Directors of Webster Bank. Mr. Ciulla led the balance sheet, though the Company missed some of its financial goals. He led multiple successful capital actions during the year. He further streamlined and accelerated internal and external reporting of financial performance, and improved the financial planning process.

Joseph J. Savage

President

100%Mr. Savage led Commercial BankingBank segment to another stronga record year in which it achieved double digitstrong revenue growth and high performance in several key categories. These categories, includeincluding record loan originations, growth in operating balances and increased Economic Profit, total loan originations, and DDA balances. AllProfit. Four of the five Commercial Banking business units generated Economic Profit again in 2013. Commercial Banking achieved plan on all critical asset quality metrics.2015. Webster was again recognized by Greenwich Associates for excellence in middle market customer satisfaction in the northeast and nationally. Effective January 1, 2014, in recognition of his contributions and leadership qualities, Mr. Savage was promoted to President of Webster and Webster Bank, and appointed to the Board of Directors of Webster Bank.

John R. Ciulla

EVP, Commercial BankingGlenn I. MacInnes

  100%

Mr. CiullaMacInnes developed initiatives and provided guidance enabling Webster to improve year-over-year financial performance and achieve the Company’s financial goals. He further optimized the balance sheet in anticipation of the changing interest rate environment. He led Webster’s successful regulatory stress test submission and played an important role in corporate development initiatives, including the Commercial Banking Middle Market business unit which it achieved double digit revenue growth,acquisition of the JP Morgan Chase HSA portfolio as well as 17 prominently located banking centers in a turn-key de novo transaction in Greater Boston. He further enhanced the financial planning process and high performance in several key categories. These categories include growth in Economic Profit, total loan originations,internal and DDA balances. Middle Market achieved plan on all critical asset quality metrics. Webster was again recognized by Greenwich Associates for excellence in middle market customer satisfaction in the northeast and nationally.external financial reporting.

Nitin J. Mhatre

EVP,2015 was the second year of the transformation of Community Banking and all critical components of the Transformational Strategic Roadmap (TSR) were executed well by the Community Banking team led by Mr. Mhatre. The Community Banking Financial Scorecard delivered a composite score of 103%. The year saw the highest ever year-over-year growth in deposits and loan balances, while Banking Center productivity improved by 15 percent year-over-year. Multiple key initiatives were executed during the year. Net Promoter Score for Mass Affluent segment improved further to 62 percent.

Daniel H. Bley

  100%

Mr. MhatreBley led Community Banking with 12%the execution of the bank’s risk management strategy. Through effective enterprise risk, operational risk, and compliance activities, Webster sustained and enhanced its strong risk management culture. Mr. Bley provided successful stewardship of the credit portfolio, supporting growth in net incomeCommercial Lending activities and improvements in 2013. However the unit was short of plan, most of the gap attributable to lower mortgage revenue due to a sharp slowdown in mortgage originations, and to pressure on deposit service fees due to the continuing rapid shift in consumer banking behavior and evolving preferences for electronic delivery channels. The consumer lending group gained market share organically across Webster’s four state footprint and expanded correspondent channel activities. Mr. Mhatre reconfigured the organization and hired experienced sales staff. Total loans grew, and checking and investments originations were higher year over year. Mr. Mhatre was given additional responsibility for Business Banking at year end.key asset quality metrics.

 

33


Retirement Plans

Pension Plan - Webster Bank maintains a frozen defined benefit pension plan. Webster stopped benefit accruals under the plan for all employees, including the NEOs, after December 31, 2007. The Pension Benefits section of this Proxy Statement details pension benefits for the NEOs.

401(k) Plan - Webster Bank maintains a defined contribution 401(k) plan for eligible employees, including the NEOs. All participants in the plan, including each of the NEOs, are eligible to make pre-tax contributions from 1% to 25% of their pay, up to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) limits ($17,50018,000 in 2014)2016). Webster Bank matches the employee’s contributions on a dollar for dollar basis for the first 2% of pay the employee contributes and then 50 cents on the dollar for up to the next 6% of pay the employee contributes. In addition, Webster provides transition credits ranging from 1% to 6% of pay for those employees, including NEOs, who were hired before January 1, 2007 and had reached age 35 or older on January 1, 2008. The purpose of transition credits is to help offset the impact of freezing the pension plan. A two-year vesting schedule applies to all Webster contributions. Under IRC limits, annual compensation in excess of $260,000$265,000 in 20142016 may not be taken into account for determining benefits or contributions under the qualified plan. Employees who are age 50 or older by the last day of the year may contribute an additional $5,500$6,000 to the plan.

Supplemental Defined Benefit Plan - Webster Bank maintains a frozen non-qualified supplemental defined benefit plan for certain executives, including NEOs, who were participants in the pension plan. The purpose of the plan was to provide these individuals with supplemental pension benefits in excess of IRC limits for tax qualified pension plans. The plan was frozen as of December 31, 2007. Thus, service and compensation after this date are not used in calculating an NEO’s benefit from the plan.

Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan - Webster Bank maintains a non-qualified supplemental defined contribution plan for certain executives, including the NEOs. This plan provides each NEO with an allocation to their supplemental 401(k) account equal to the additional match and transition credit contributions that the NEO would have received in the qualified 401(k) plan if there were no IRC compensation or deferral limits. In addition, Mr. Smith received an additional supplemental transition credit allocation equal to 25.5% of his base salary plus short term incentive. Pursuant to the plan, this benefit ended in January 2014 when Mr. Smith reached age 65 therefore his transaction credit allocation was prorated in the amount of $11,217.45. The purpose of the additional supplemental allocation was to help offset the impact of freezing the supplemental defined benefit plan.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan - The executive officers, including each of the NEOs, were eligible to participate in a voluntary non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The plan allowed employees at the senior vice president level and above to defer a portion of their compensation because of the statutory limits under the qualified plan. All deferrals under this plan ceased as of January 1, 2012.

Employment Agreements

The NEOs do not have employment agreements; however, Messrs. Smith, MacInnes and Savageall NEO’s are subject to change in control and non-competition agreements. Messrs. Ciulla and Mhatre are subject to change in control and non-solicitation agreements.

Other Executive Benefits

Webster offers a limited number of benefits to the NEOs and other executives in addition to the broad-based employee benefits program. Each benefit supports a specific objective, but falls within the overall purpose of recognizing leadership responsibility and contributions to the Company’s goals. Management reviews the benefits with the Committee for consistency with Webster’s organizational culture and market

34


practices. These benefits are described in a footnote 7 to the Summary Compensation Table. In 2014, the car allowance and costs for a home security system and monitoring were eliminated, consistent with the Committee’s goal to streamline perquisites.

Post-Termination Arrangements

Webster’s change in control practices are designed to retain the NEOs during rumored and actual change in control activity. During these times, continuity is a key factor in preserving the value of the business.

34


Webster also providedprovides other termination benefits designed to facilitate changes in key executives as needed. The amounts payable, triggering events and other terms of Webster’s change in control and other termination arrangements are set at the time of hire by the Committee based on Company policy and competitive market information. Webster reviews the provisions of the change in control agreements annually. In 2012 and 2013, Webster amended all of the change in control agreements for the NEOs, removing the gross-up provisions and modifying the severance formula so that the bonus component is based on target bonus rather than the highest bonus in the prior three years. In 2012, Webster also amended the Stock Option Plan to provide for accelerated vesting of equity awards if a change in control occurs and the eligible individual is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason within two years following the change in control.

Executive Stock Ownership

Webster believes stock ownership by management is beneficial in aligning the interests of management and shareholders. Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines are established to enhance shareholder value and focus each executive’s attention on the long term success of the Company. Webster has adopted formal stock ownership guidelines for all of the executive officers, including the NEOs.

20142016 Stock Ownership Guidelines

 

   

Name and Principle Position

  Multiple of Base
Salary
   Value of
Multiple
   Target Ownership
Status
 

James C. Smith, Chairman and CEO

   6X    $5,301,264    Met
 

Glenn I. MacInnes, EVP and CFO

   3X    $1,364,112    Met
 

Joseph J. Savage, President

   4X    $1,818,816    Met
 

John R. Ciulla, EVP, Commercial Banking

   3X    $1,094,832    Has Not Met
 

Nitin J. Mhatre, EVP, Community Banking

   3X    $1,080,012    Has Not Met
   

Name

  Multiple of Base
Salary
   Value of
Multiple
   Target Ownership
Status
 

James C. Smith

   6X   $5,700,000   Met
 

John R. Ciulla

   4X   $1,920,000   Met
 

Glenn I. MacInnes

   3X   $1,425,000   Met
 

Nitin J. Mhatre

   3X   $1,125,000   Met
 

Daniel H. Bley

   3X   $1,170,000   Met

Once achieved, ownership of the guideline amount must be maintained for as long as the executive is subject to the stock ownership guidelines. Even if stock ownership guidelines have been achieved, NEOs are required to continue to hold all net vested restricted stock and performance sharesPerformance Shares and net shares of Common Stock delivered after exercising stock options for a minimum of one year. This holding period will remain in effect if the NEO terminates from the Company. NEOs who do not meet the guidelines further agree to hold all net Common Stock received through LTI awards until they achieve their respective ownership thresholds. As of December 31, 2014, Messrs. Smith, MacInnes and Savage2016, all NEO’s have met the stock ownership guidelines. As of December 31, 2014, Messrs. Ciulla and Mhatre are making satisfactory progress toward the ownership goal.

Directors, officers and employees of Webster are prohibited from hedging their ownership of Webster securities, including through the use of options, puts, calls, short sales, futures contracts, equity swaps, collars or other derivative instruments relating to Webster securities, regardless of whether such directors, officers and employees have material non-public information about Webster. Directors and Executive Officers are prohibited from pledging their Webster securities as collateral for a loan.

35


Policy on Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)

The Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) limits the deduction available for compensation paid to the CEO and the three most highly compensated executive officers other than the chief financial officer to the extent the compensation paid to any such person exceeds $1,000,000, unless such compensation was based on performance goals determined by a Committee consisting solely of two or more non-employee directors and the performance goals are approved by the shareholders prior to payment.

Webster’s compensation programs are generally structured to comply with IRC Section 162(m). Where applicable, Webster will endeavor to structure compensation as exempt performance based compensation. Webster does, however, reserve the right to determine to pay compensation to the executive officers, including the CEO, which may not be deductible under Section 162(m) of the IRC.

35


COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following tables contain certain compensation information for the CEO, thePresident, Chief Financial Officer, theExecutive Vice President, Community Banking and Executive Vice President and the other NEOs.Chief Risk Officer.

Summary Compensation Table

Salary, bonus, incentive payments and other compensation amounts to Webster’s NEOs are summarized in the following table. Some of the amounts below represent the opportunity to earn future compensation under performance basedperformance-based compensation incentives that may be forfeited based on future performance vesting. As a result of mixing compensation paid and contingent compensation, the totaltotals shown in the Summary Compensation Table includesinclude amounts that the named executives may never receive.

 

Name and

Principal Position

 Year  Salary
($)1
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)2,3
  Option
Awards
($)3,4
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)5
  Change in
Pension Value
and Non-
qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)6
  All Other
Compensation
($)7
  Total
($)
 
James C. Smith  2014    882,435    —      1,626,823    —      861,455    1,543,500    245,273    5,159,486  
Chairman & Chief  2013    879,800    —      1,139,256    1,385,048    792,000    0    709,416    4,905,520  
Executive Officer  2012    879,800    —      1,071,805    1,315,864    1,059,279    699,100    757,685    5,783,533  
  
Glenn I. MacInnes  2014    453,310    —      399,830    —      295,600    —      43,298    1,192,038  
Executive Vice  2013    400,000    —      244,992    297,838    225,000    —      54,325    1,222,155  
President, Chief
Financial Officer
  2012    400,000    —      230,467    282,960    301,000    —      20,091    1,234,518  
  
Joseph J. Savage  2014    453,310    —      399,830    —      295,600    78,900    91,075    1,318,715  
President  2013    380,000    —      214,509    260,793    271,000    0    96,143    1,222,445  
   2012    330,500    —      203,480    249,833    291,518    40,400    91,289    1,207,020  
  
John R. Ciulla8  2014    363,479    —      280,895    —      290,000    23,200    52,111    1,009,685  
Executive Vice President,  2013    310,708    —      139,985    170,187    241,136    0    58,542    920,558  
Commercial Lending  2012    306,000    —      131,702    161,692    240,631    10,100    62,364    912,489  
  
Nitin J. Mhatre9  2014    358,521    —      266,147    —      210,600    —      34,615    869,883  
Executive Vice President,  2013    300,000    —      144,601    175,798    166,000    —      44,494    830,893  
Community Banking  2012    252,500    —      186,414    166,739    200,283    —      29,165    835,101  
 
Summary Compensation Table 

Name and

Principal Position

 Year  Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)1
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)2
  Change in
Pension Value
and Non-
qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)3
  All Other
Compensation
($)4
  Total
($)
 
James C. Smith  2016   950,000   —     1,697,706   903,925   928,800   374,765   4,855,196 
Chairman  2015   925,000   —     1,790,492   878,750   442,200   354,998   4,391,440 
and CEO  2014   882,435   —     1,626,823   861,455   1,543,500   245,273   5,159,486 
  
John R. Ciulla  2016   480,000   —     338,603   397,452  6,800   94,511   1,317,366
President  2015   455,768   —     797,345   303,849   0   78,298   1,635,260 
   2014   363,479   —     280,895   290,000   3,200   52,111   1,009,685 
  
Glenn I. MacInnes  2016   475,000   —     428,566   318,386  —     80,609   1,302,561
EVP and CFO  2015   454,704   —     451,981   277,994   —     63,639   1,248,318 
   2014   453,310   —     399,830   295,600   —     43,298   1,192,037 
  
Nitin J. Mhatre  2016   375,000   —     632,489   279,129   —     66,087   1,352,705 
EVP Community  2015   360,004   —     320,169   283,302   —     44,477   1,007,952 
Banking  2014   358,521   —     266,147   210,600   —     34,615   869,883 
  

Daniel H. Bley

EVP and CRO

 

  2016   390,000   —     593,803   209,233  —     61,714   1,254,750 

 

1

Amounts shown for 2014 include one-time adjustments to the base salaries of the NEOs, made in April 2014, to offset the impact of the elimination of the car allowance perquisite across total target annual compensation. The adjustment for each NEO was as follows: Mr. Smith, $3,744; prorated to $2,635; Mr. MacInnes, $4,704, prorated to $3,310; Mr. Savage, $4,704, prorated to $3,310; Mr. Ciulla, $4,944; prorated to $3,479; and Mr. Mhatre, $5,004, prorated to $3,521.

36


2

Amounts shown in this column are based on the grant date fair value related to restricted stock awards at target made in 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 2014,2016, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. In 2014, Webster granted 25% time-vestedMr. Ciulla’s stock award in 2015 was based on his prior role and prior salary as EVP, Commercial Banking. For 2016, Messrs. Mhatre and Bley received special retention restricted stock with a vesting schedule where one-third of the award will vest each year and 75% as performance vested stock with a three-year performance period. In 2012 and 2013, Webster granted 60% of the equity awardawards which are included in performance vested stock with a three-year performance period. For more information, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” herein.these amounts.

3

The valuations of the 2012 stock awards and option awards reported in the Summary Compensation Table have been revised from the 2013 Proxy to reflect the computation of the aggregate date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 718. The valuation initially used in determining stock options granted reflected a multi-year fixed valuation ratio adopted by the Compensation Committee which resulted in a lower value being reported. The Company reported and corrected the error in its Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013.

4

Amounts shown in this column are based on the grant date fair value related to stock option awards made in 2012 and 2013, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. No stock options were granted in 2014.

52

Amounts shown in this column represent cash awards paid under the performance based annual incentive plan.

63

Webster Bank maintains both a frozen tax-qualified pension plan and a frozen non-qualified supplemental defined benefit plan. These are described more fully in the Pension Benefits section of this Proxy Statement. Benefit accruals for service and compensation were frozen after December 31, 2007. The change in pension value in 2014 is primarily due to the decrease in interest rates used to calculate the present value of the benefits and the effect of interest rate growth resulting from the one-year passage of time. The amounts in this column reflect the change in the actuarial present value of the NEOs’ benefits under both plans determined using interest rate and mortality assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s financial statements. Specifically, the assumptions used to value the accumulated benefits at December 31, 20142016 consisted of a 3.85%4.01% interest rate for the qualified plan versus 4.80%4.20% in 2013,2015, a 3.50%3.64% interest rate for the non-qualified supplemental plan (3.85%(4.01% for benefits payable as a lump sum) versus 4.25%3.75% in 2013,2015, and the RP-2014 with MMP-2007 Mortality Table. The change in pension value in 2016 is primarily due to the decrease in interest rates used to calculate the

36


present value of the benefits and actuarial increases for executives over age 65. The changes in pension value in 20142016 under the tax-qualified pension plan and non-qualified pension plan for each NEO were as follows:

 

Name  

Change in Qualified

Pension Value ($)

   

Change in

Non-Qualified

Pension Value ($)

   Total ($) 

James C. Smith

   71,000     1,472,500     1,543,500  

Glenn I. MacInnes

   —      —      —   

Joseph J. Savage

   42,800     36,100     78,900  

John R. Ciulla

   23,200     —      23,200  

Nitin J. Mhatre

   —      —      —   

 
2016 Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings 
Name Change in Qualified
Pension Value ($)
  Change  in
Non-Qualified
Pension Value ($)
  Total ($) 

James C. Smith

  (7,500  936,300   928,800 

John R. Ciulla

  6,800   —     6,800 

 

37


74

All Other Compensation includes amounts contributed or allocated, as the case may be, to the 401(k) plan (excluding the NEOs’ contributions to the qualified 401(k) plan), the non-qualified supplemental defined contribution plan, a car allowance, which was discontinued in 2014, dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards, dividends paidand on earned performance-based stock awards aand the premium on a term life insurance policy and costs for a home security system for 2012 and 2013, which was discontinued for 2014. Mr. Smith also received a premium on a supplemental Long Term Disability policy in 2012 and 2013, which was discontinued for 2014.policy. All Other Compensation items in the Summary Compensation Table also include the following amounts:

 

Name  

401(k) Plan

($)

   

Supplemental
Defined Contribution Plan

($)

 

James C. Smith

   26,949     168,456  

Glenn I. MacInnes

   11,349     22,567  

Joseph J. Savage

   26,949     52,725  

John R. Ciulla

   16,549     25,774  

Nitin J. Mhatre

   11,349     14,877  

8

Mr. Ciulla was promoted to Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking effective January 1, 2014.

9

Mr. Mhatre was given an annual award, granted February 22, 2012, with performance shares of $135,823 and stock options valued at $166,739 and a special award of restricted stock, granted April 24, 2012, of $50,591.

 
2016 All Other Compensation 
 Name 

Company

Contribution to

401(k) Plan

($)

  

Supplemental

Defined Contribution Plan

($)

  

Dividends

($)

  

Premium on

Life Insurance

Policies

($)

 

 James C. Smith

  27,547   173,616   160,189   13,413 

 John R. Ciulla

  16,947   37,923   36,137   3,505 

 Glenn I. MacInnes

  11,647   26,003   40,564   2,395 

 Nitin J. Mhatre

  11,647   21,268   32,107   1,065 

 Daniel H. Bley

  11,647   18,586   29,903   1,578 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014,2016, the following table sets outdisplays all non-equity incentive plan and equity incentive plan awards that were made to the NEOs.NEOs:

 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards In 2016Grants of Plan-Based Awards In 2016 
     

 

Estimated Possible Payouts

Under Non-Equity

Incentive Plan Awards

  

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity

Incentive Plan Awards

  

All

Other

Stock

Awards:

Number

of

Shares

of stock

or Units

(#)

  

All Other

Option

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Options

(#)

  

Exercise

or Base

Price of

Option

Awards

($/Sh)

  

Closing

Price

on

Grant

Date

($)

  

Grant

Date Fair

Value of

Stock and

Option

Awards

($)3

      

 

Estimated Possible Payouts

Under Non-Equity

Incentive Plan Awards1

  

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity

Incentive Plan Awards2

  All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
or Stock
or Units
(#)
  Closing
Price
on
Grant
Date
($)
  Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Option
Awards3
($)
 
Name Grant
Date
  

Threshold

($)1

  

Target

($)1

  

Maximum

($)1

  

Threshold

(#)2

  

Target

(#)2

  

Maximum

(#)2

   Grant
Date
  Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  

James C. Smith

  02/19/2014    441,772    883,544    1,767,088    4,104    41,035    61,553    13,678   —     —     29.34    1,626,823    2/24/2016   475,000   950,000   1,900,000   13,981   38,837   58,256   12,946   32.89   1,697,706 

John R. Ciulla

  2/24/2016   180,000   360,000   720,000   2,789   7,746   11,619   2,582   32.89   338,603 

Glenn I. MacInnes

  02/19/2014    151,576    303,151    606,302    1,009    10,085    15,128    3,362    —     —     29.34    399,830    2/24/2016   178,125   356,250   712,500   3,529   9,804   14,706   3,268   32.89   428,566 

Joseph J. Savage

  02/19/2014    151,576    303,151    606,302    1,009    10,085    15,128    3,362    —     —     29.34    399,830  

John R. Ciulla

  02/19/2014    118,607    237,214    474,428    709    7,085    10,628    2,362    —     —     29.34    280,895  

Nitin J. Mhatre

  02/19/2014    117,002    234,003    468,006    671    6,713    10,070    2,238   —     —     29.34    266,147  

Nitin J. Mhatre4

  2/24/2016   131,250   262,500   525,000   2,500   6,945   10,418   12,315   32.89   632,489 

Daniel H. Bley4

  2/24/2016   117,000   234,000   468,000   2,182   6,060   9,090   12,020   32.89   593,803 

 

1

Columns represent the potential payouts to each of the NEOs resulting from the grant of an award pursuant to the annual incentive compensation plan, subject to achievement of pre-established performance goals discussed on page25 ofin this Proxy Statement. Actual amounts earned by Messrs. Smith, MacInnes, Savage, Ciulla and Mhatrethe NEO’s are set forth under the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table on page 36 ofin this Proxy Statement.

37


2

Represents the threshold, target and maximum number of performance sharesPerformance Shares that may vest if performance targets in respect offor the 20142016 through 20162018 performance period are satisfied. Dividends will be deferred on the unearned performance sharesPerformance Shares and will be paid out upon conclusion of the performance period to the extent earned.

3

Represents the grant date fair value, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of all equity awards granted in 2014.2016.

4

For Messrs. Mhatre and Bley, the number of shares shown in the All Other Stock Awards column includes an additional one-time award of 10,000 shares made to each executive on the grant date of 02/24/2016.

 

38


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth outstanding option awards and unvested stock awards held by Webster’s NEOs as of December 31, 2014.2016.

 

   Option Awards  Stock Awards 
Name Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options1
(#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
 Option
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units That
Have Not
Vested2
($)
  Equity
Incentive
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units
or  Other
Rights
that
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Equity
Incentive
Awards:
Market of
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested2
($)
 

James C. Smith

  47,182        47.40    12/20/2015          
   64,483        48.88    12/19/2016          
   106,199        32.03    12/18/2017          
   213,674        12.85    12/16/2018          
   74,914    37,457      23.81    2/22/2022        42,1393   1,370,782  
   42,124    84,249      23.00    2/20/2023        47,3904   1,541,597  
                     13,6786   444,945    41,0357   1,334,869  

Glenn I. MacInnes

  16,109    8,055      23.81    2/22/2022        9,0613   294,754  
   9,058    18,117      23.00    2/20/2023        10,1914   331,513  
                     3,3626   109,366    10,0857   328,065  

Joseph J. Savage

  8,131        47.40    12/20/2015          
   10,079        48.88    12/19/2016          
   16,601        32.03    12/18/2017          
   34,400        12.85    12/16/2018          
   14,223    7,112      23.81    2/22/2022        8,0003   260,240  
   7,931    15,864      23.00    2/20/2023        8,9234   290,265  
                     3,3626   109,366    10,0857   328,065  

John R. Ciulla

  11,579        43.26    9/18/2017          
   8,622        32.03    12/18/2017          
   22,899        12.85    12/16/2018          
   9,205    4,603      23.81    2/22/2022        5,1783   168,440  
   5,176    10,352      23.00    2/20/2023        5,8234   189,422  
                     2,3626   76,836    7,0857   230,475  

Nitin J. Mhatre

  19,984        12.85    12/16/2018          
   9,492    4,747      23.81    2/22/2022        5,3403   173,710  
             2,3405   76,120      
   5,346    10,694      23.00    2/20/2023        6,0154   195,668  
                     2,2386   72,802    6,7137   218,374  

1

The remaining vesting dates of each option are listed in the table below by expiration date:

Table of Option Vesting Dates

EXPIRATION DATEVESTING DATEVESTING DATEVESTING DATE

02/22/2022

02/22/2015

02/20/2023

02/20/201502/20/2016
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2016 
   Option Awards  Stock Awards 
Name Grant Date  Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
  Option
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units That
Have Not
Vested1
($)
  Equity
Incentive
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units
or  Other
Rights
that
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Equity
Incentive
Awards:
Market 
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested1
($)
 

James C. Smith

  12/18/2007   106,199   32.03   12/19/2017   —     —     —     —   
   12/16/2008   113,674   12.85   12/16/2018   —     —     —     —   
   2/22/2012   112,371   23.81   2/22/2022   —     —     —     —   
   2/20/2013   126,373   23.00   2/20/2023   —     —     —     —   
   2/19/2014   —     —     —     —     —     41,0352   2,227,380 
   2/25/2015   —     —     —     —     —     37,5933   2,040,548 
   2/24/2016   —     —     —     12,9464   702,709   38,8373   2,108,072 

John R. Ciulla

  9/18/2007   11,579   43.26   9/18/2017   —     —     —     —   
   2/22/2012   13,808   23.81   2/22/2022   —     —     —     —   
   2/20/2013   15,528   23.00   2/20/2023   —     —     —     —   
   2/19/2014   —     —     —     7885   42,773   7,0852   384,574 
   2/25/2015   —     —     —     1,6485   89,453   7,4143   402,432 
   3/20/2015   —     —     —     12,0006   651,360   —     —   
   2/24/2016   —     —     —     2,5825   140,151   7,7463   420,453 

Glenn I. MacInnes

  2/22/2012   11,567   23.81   2/22/2022   —     —     —     —   
   2/20/2013   22,828   23.00   2/20/2023   —     —     —     —   
   2/19/2014   —     —     —     1,1215   60,848   10,0852   547,414 
   2/25/2015   —     —     —     2,1095   114,477   9,4903   515,117 
   2/24/2016   —     —     —     3,2685   177,387   9,8043   532,161 

Nitin J. Mhatre

  12/16/2008   19,984   12.85   12/16/2018   —     —     —     —   
   2/22/2012   14,239   23.81   2/22/2022   —     —     —     —   
   2/20/2013   16,040   23.00   2/20/2023   —     —     —     —   
   2/19/2014   —     —     —     7465   40,493   6,7132   364,382 
   2/25/2015   —     —     —     1,4945   81,094   6,7223   364,870 
   2/24/2016   —     —     —     2,3155   125,658   6,9453   376,975 
   2/24/2016   —     —     —     10,0006   542,800   —     —   

Daniel H. Bley

  2/20/2013   10,334   23.00   2/20/2023   —     —     —     —   
   2/19/2014   —     —     —     7025   38,105   6,3182   342,941 
   2/25/2015   —     —     —     1,3045   70,781   5,8663   318,406 
   2/24/2016   —     —     —     2,0205   109,646   6,0603   328,937 
   2/24/2016   —     —     —     10,0006   542,800   —     —   

 

39


21

Market value calculated by multiplying the closing market price of Webster’s Common Stock on December 31, 2014, or $32.53,2016, which was $54.28, by the number of shares of stock.

32

The performance criteria will be evaluatedwas met after the close of the performance period on December 31, 2014.2016. The performance value was 123.5% and will be awarded in February 2017.

43

The performance criteria will be evaluated after the December 31stclose of the final year of the three year performance period on December 31, 2015.period.

4

The restricted stock unit award will vest entirely and be deferred from distribution on the first anniversary of the grant.

5

The restricted stock award will vest and be transferabletransferrable one third on April 24, 2015,the first anniversary of the grant; one third on the second anniversary of the award; and the final third will vest and be transferrable on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

6

One third of theThe restricted stock award will vest and be transferabletransferrable one fourth on February 19, 2015, the first anniversary of the grant; one-third of the restricted stock award will vest and be transferable on February 19, 2016, the second anniversary of the grant; the final third of the restricted stock award will vest and be transferable on February 19, 2017, the third anniversary of the grant.

7

The performance criteria will be evaluated aftergrant; one fourth on the closefourth anniversary of the performance periodgrant; and the remaining one half will vest and be transferrable on December 31, 2016.the fifth anniversary of the grant.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2014

The table below sets forth the number of shares of stock acquired in fiscal 20142016 upon the exercise of stock options awarded to the NEOs and as a result of the vesting of shares of restricted stock awarded to the NEOs under Webster’s compensatory equity programs.

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2016Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2016 
 Option Awards Stock Awards   Option Awards   Stock Awards 

Name

 

Number of Shares
Acquired on

Exercise (#)

 

Value Realized

on Exercise1

($)

 

Number of Shares
Acquired

on Vesting

(#)

 

Value Realized

on Vesting2

($)

   

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)

 

   

Value Realized on
Exercise1 ($)

 

   

Number of Shares
Acquired

on Vesting
(#)

 

 

Value Realized
on Vesting2
($)

 

 

James C. Smith

  —      —      45,2773   1,437,092     114,483    1,728,288    81,5783   2,699,672 

John R. Ciulla

   31,521    643,352    10,094   334,217 

Glenn I. MacInnes

  —      —      3,651    109,238     16,944    223,115    17,023   563,719 

Joseph J. Savage

  —      —      10,181    306,143  

Nitin J. Mhatre

   —      —      10,257   339,635 

John R. Ciulla

  —      —      7,825    235,298  

Nitin J. Mhatre

  —      —      3,561    107,079  

Daniel H. Bley

   18,707    253,907    9,375   310,438 

 

1

Value realized calculated based on the difference between the market price of Webster’s Common Stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price.

2

Value realized calculated by multiplying the number of shares vesting by the fair market value of Webster’s Common Stock on the vesting date. Stock awards vested include additional shares received by all NEOs for the 2013 Performance Awards that were earned and distributed in 2016. The performance result was 145.7% resulting in a 45.7% increase in shares distributed over the target grant.

3

The number of shares acquired by Mr. Smith include 43,207includes 12,531 restricted stock units that vested but were deferred from distribution with a value of $1,371,390, which$412,145. This amount is also reported in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation table on page 42 hereof.table. Mr. Smith will receive distribution at termination. Dividends are not paid on these units until they are distributed.

Pension Benefits

The following table shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of the NEOs, including the number of years of service credited to each such NEO, under both the frozen pension plan and the frozen supplemental defined benefit plan as of December 31, 2014. The accumulated benefit value is based upon the benefit that is payable at the NEOs’ Normal Retirement Age (65).

 

40


Pension Benefits

The following table shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of the NEOs, including the number of years of service credited to each such NEO, under both the frozen pension plan and the frozen supplemental defined benefit plan as of December 31, 2016. The pension plan was frozen as of December 31, 2007. The accumulated benefit value is based upon the benefit that is payable at the NEOs’ Normal Retirement Age (65).

Name

 

Plan Name

 Number of Years
Credited Service

(#)
  Present
Value of Accumulated
Benefit

($)
  Payments During
Last Fiscal Year
($)
 

James C. Smith

 Webster Bank Pension Plan  30.0    346,700    1,022,900  
 Supplemental Defined Benefit Plan for Executive Officers  32.3    8,193,400    0  

Glenn I. MacInnes1

 Webster Bank Pension Plan  —      —      0  
 Supplemental Defined Benefit Plan for Executive Officers  —      —      0  

Joseph J. Savage

 Webster Bank Pension Plan  6.0    241,200    0  
 

Supplemental Defined Benefit

Plan for Executive Officers

  6.0    218,200    0  

John R. Ciulla

 Webster Bank Pension Plan  4.0    80,200    0  
 Supplemental Defined Benefit Plan for Executive Officers  —      —      0  

Nitin J. Mhatre1

 Webster Bank Pension Plan  —      —      0  
 Supplemental Defined Benefit Plan for Executive Officers  —      —      0  

2016 Pension Benefits1

Name

 

Plan Name

 Number of Years
Credited Service
(#)
 Present
Value
of  Accumulated

Benefit
($)
  Payments During
Last Fiscal Year
($)

James C. Smith

 Webster Bank Pension Plan 30  321,600  25,300
 

 

Supplemental Defined Benefit Plan for Executive Officers

 

 

32.3

 

 

 

 

9,589,500

 

 

 

 

0

John R. Ciulla

 Webster Bank Pension Plan 4  85,700  0

 

1

Mr. Ciulla was not eligible for the supplemental defined benefit plan at the time that the plan was frozen on December 31, 2007. Messrs. MacInnes, Mhatre and MhatreBley joined Webster after the pension plan and supplemental defined benefit plan were frozen and therefore have accumulated no credited years of service under either plan.

Webster Bank maintains a frozen pension plan for eligible employees of Webster Bank and affiliated companies that have adopted the plan. Pension benefits in the pension plan were frozen as of December 31, 2007. Thus, service and compensation after this date will not be used in calculating a benefit from this plan.

The pension plan is a qualified plan under the IRC and complies with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. All employees hired before January 1, 2007 were eligible to participate in the pension plan upon attaining age 21 and completing one year of service.

Benefits under the pension plan are funded solely by contributions made by Webster Bank. Under the pension plan’s benefit formula, a participant’s monthly normal retirement benefit will equal the sum of: (a) his or her accrued benefit as of December 31, 1986 (adjusted through August 31, 1996 to reflect certain future increases in compensation), plus (b) the sum of 2% of the participant’s monthly compensation for each year of credited service beginning on or after January 1, 1987 through August 31, 2004, plus (c) the sum of 1.25% of the participant’s monthly compensation if the participant has less than 10 years of credited service at the beginning of the year, or 1.50% of the participant’s monthly compensation if the participant has 10 or more years of credited service at the beginning of the year, for each year of credited service beginning on or after September 1, 2004 through December 31, 2007. In general, benefits may not be based on more than 30 years of credited service. The normal form of benefit is a life annuity for the participant’s lifetime. A pension plan participant becomes 100% vested in the benefits under the pension plan upon completion of five years of service. Benefit payments to a participant or beneficiary may commence upon a participant’s early retirement date (age 55), normal retirement date (age 65), deferred retirement date or death. Benefits payable at early retirement date are reduced 1/15th each year for the first five years and 1/30th each year for the next five years

41


before normal retirement date.

Mr. Smith elected to receive a distribution of pension plan benefits in 2014 and Mr. Savage is eligible for early retirement benefits.currently receiving distributions. Participants may elect to receive their benefits in one of several optional forms, including a lump sum or periodic payments during the participant’s lifetime or during the lifetime of the participant and a surviving spouse or designated beneficiary. The lump sum option has been eliminated for benefits earned after January 26, 1998.

41


Webster Bank also maintains a frozen non-qualified supplemental defined benefit plan for executive officers. As with the qualified pension plan, pension benefits in the non-qualified supplemental defined benefit plan were frozen as of December 31, 2007. Thus, service and compensation after this date will not be used in calculating an executive’s benefit from this plan.

The frozen supplemental defined benefit plan provides supplemental pension benefits that are not available under the pension plan because annual compensation in excess of $260,000$265,000 in 20142016 (subject to cost of living increases) may not be used in the calculation of retirement benefits under the IRC and because annual pension benefits are subject to a maximum of $210,000 in 20142016 (subject to cost of living increases). Annual compensation for both the qualified pension plan and the supplemental defined benefit plan is defined as base pay, overtime, commissions, and bonuses (including bonuses for which the participant has deferred to a future year).

In place of the pension formula in the supplemental plan, Mr. Smith receives a benefit at age 65 equal to 60% of the average of the highest compensation during five consecutive calendar years, reduced by benefits from the pension plan and Social Security. The 60% is prorated based upon service at the time the benefits were frozen to service at age 65. Credited service is not limited to 30 years under the plan. The benefit is also reduced in the event of retirement before age 65 in the same manner as the pension plan. Benefits under the supplemental defined benefit plan are payable in monthly installments or a lump sum. The assumptions used to determine the present value of the accumulated benefits for purposes of the Pension Benefits table consisted of a 3.85%4.01% interest rate for the qualified plan, a 3.50%3.64% interest rate for the non-qualified supplemental defined benefit plan (3.85%(4.01% for benefits payable as a lump sum), and the RP-2014 with MMP-2007 Mortality Table.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

The following table shows the contributions to, the earnings of, and the distributions from each NEO’s account under Webster’s non-qualified deferred compensation plans for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

Name 

Executive
Contributions in
Last FY

($)

  

Registrant
Contributions in
Last FY1

($)

  Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY2
($)
  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
  Aggregated Balance
at Last FYE
($)
 

James C. Smith

  1,371,390    168,456    669,298    —      11,418,602  

Glenn I. MacInnes

  —      22,567    2    —      47,067  

Joseph J. Savage

  —      52,725    (8,667  —      328,586  

John R. Ciulla

  —      25,774    1,816    —      112,831  

Nitin J. Mhatre

  —      14,877    4    —      49,676  

1

The amounts in this column are reported as supplemental defined contribution plan contributions in “All Other Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table on page 36 of this Proxy Statement.

2

The amounts in this column show the investment gain or loss for each NEO during 2014, based on the investment choices selected by each NEO.

42


Deferred Compensation

Prior to January 1, 2011, participants could elect to defer up to 25% of their base pay and up to 100% of their bonuses. Effective January 1, 2011,2012, Webster suspended the ability of participants to defer theirany base pay or bonus into thea non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Starting January 1, 2012, all deferrals of base pay and bonuses into the plan were suspended. All deferred compensation accounts are payable upon death, disability, termination of service or a specified date after the year of deferral. Distribution elections may be paid in a lump sum or in ten annual installments, except in the case of disability, where lump sum distribution is required.

Webster maintains a non-qualified supplemental defined contribution plan which provides supplemental employer match contributions that are not available under the qualified 401(k) plan because annual compensation in excess of $265,000 in 2016 (subject to cost of living increases) may not be used in the calculation of retirement benefits under the IRC and because annual contributions to the qualified plan that can be matched by the employer are subject to a maximum of $18,000 in 2016 (subject to cost of living increases).

The following table shows the contributions to and the earnings in each NEO’s account under Webster’s non-qualified deferred compensation plans for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. There were no distributions from any NEO’s accounts.

2016 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation 
Name  Executive
Contributions
in Last FY1
($)
   Registrant
Contributions in
Last FY2
($)
   Aggregate
Earnings
in Last
FY3
($)
   

Aggregated
Balance

at Last FYE

($)

 

James C. Smith

   412,145    173,616    7,274,926    21,931,148 

John R. Ciulla

   —      37,923    2,023    187,813 

Glenn I. MacInnes

   —      26,003    10    98,953 

Nitin J. Mhatre

   —      21,268    9    87,841 

Daniel H. Bley

   —      18,587    3,786    87,281 

42


1

The amount in this column is the value of restricted stock units that vested but were deferred from distribution by Mr. Smith, also reported in the 2016 Options Exercises and Stock Vested table in this Proxy Statement.

2

The amounts in this column are reported as supplemental defined contribution plan contributions in “All Other Compensation” column in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement.

3

The amounts in this column show the investment gain or loss for each NEO during 2016, based on the investment choices selected by each NEO.

Executive Severance Plan

Under Webster’s Non-Competition Agreement with each NEO, if Webster terminates the executive without Cause (and under circumstances in which payment would not be due under the Change in Control Agreements) severance benefits become payable. The executive’s severance benefits for involuntary termination without Cause are (a) a lump sum payment equal to the sum of the executive officer’s then current annual base salary and the prorated amount of any target bonus to be paid pursuant to Webster’s annual incentive compensation plan during the then current fiscal year, and (b) subject to certain limitations, continued medical and dental coverage for the shorter of one year or until the executive officer accepts other employment on a substantially full time basis if earlier. The executive’s receipt of the foregoing severance payments and benefits is conditioned upon the executive entering into a general release and waiver in favor of Webster, and in consideration of the payment the executive agrees to a one-year non-competition and non-solicitation covenant.

Assuming a December 31, 2016 termination event of involuntary termination without Cause, the aggregate value of the payments and benefits to which each NEO would be entitled would be as follows:

Payments Due Upon Executive Severance 
Name  

Salary and

Bonus
($)

   Benefits
and
Health
Programs
($)
   Value of
Accelerated
Equity1
($)
   

Total

Payments
($)

 

James C. Smith

   1,900,000    11,950    3,587,745    5,499,695 

John R. Ciulla

   840,000    15,037    805,500    1,660,537 

Glenn I. MacInnes

   831,250    11,950    1,000,736    1,843,936 

Nitin J. Mhatre

   637,500    14,300    683,040    1,334,840 

Daniel H. Bley

   624,000    15,037    623,641    1,262,678 

1

If an NEO is terminated under the Executive Severance Plan, the portion of equity awards granted under Webster’s Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan that are outstanding immediately prior to the termination shall become fully vested and exercisable based on the length of time worked since the grant date (provided that they have been held for a period of one year).

Potential Payments on Termination orfollowing Change in Control

Historically, Webster has entered into Change in Control Agreements and Non-Competition or Non-Solicitation Agreements with its NEOs, which provide post-termination payments to the NEOs. In 2012, Webster amended all of the Change in Control Agreements for the NEOs, removing the gross-up provisions.

Change in Control Agreements

43


Change in control provisions benefit Webster’s shareholders by assisting with retention of executives during rumored and actual change in control activity when continuity is a key factor in preserving the value of the business. Other termination benefits are provided based on the time needed by executives of that level to find new employment and to facilitate changes in key executives as needed.

Webster has entered into a Change in Control Agreement with each of the NEOs. Pursuant to the Change in Control Agreements, with Messrs. Smith, MacInnes, Savage, Ciulla and Mhatre, each executiveNEO is eligible to receive payments and other benefits, subject to the conditions described below, in the event the executive is terminated during the two year period following a change in control. A change in control is defined by the agreements as:

 

with certain exceptions, the acquisition by any person of beneficial ownership of 20% or more of either (i) the outstanding shares of the Common Stock or (ii) the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of Webster entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

 

individuals who, as of the date of each executive’s agreement, constituted the Board of Directors (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors, except for individuals subsequently joining the Board who are approved by at least a majority of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board of Directors;

 

generally, consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Webster (with certain standard exceptions); or

 

approval by the shareholders of a complete liquidation or dissolution of Webster.

Payments and Benefits - The payments and benefits payable to the NEOs under the Change in Control Agreements are as follows:

 

  

Death or Disability - If an executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or disability (defined as the absence of the executive from his or her duties on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness determined to be total and permanent), following a change in control, the executive, or the

43


executive’s estate, as the case may be, is entitled to receive the executive’s accrued salary, bonus, deferred compensation (together with accrued interest or earnings thereon), any accrued vacation pay plus any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided to the executive under any agreement or plan of Webster and its affiliated companies.

 

  

Cause - If an executive’s employment is terminated for Cause following a change in control, the Change in Control Agreement terminates and the executive is entitled to receive only his or her annual base salary through the date of termination, the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the executive and any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided to the executive under any agreement or plan of Webster and its affiliated companies. Cause is defined as:

 

 §

the willful and continued failure by the executive to perform substantially the executive’s duties with Webster or one of its affiliates (other than a failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after written demand for performance is delivered to the executive by the Chief Executive Officer, or

 

 §

the willful engaging by the executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to Webster.

 

44


  

For Good Reason or Other than for Cause, Death or Disability - Executives are entitled to certain payments and continued benefits in the event of a termination following a change in control other than for Cause, Death or Disability, or in the event the executive terminates his or her employment for “Good Reason.” Good Reason is defined as:

 

 §

the assignment to the executive of duties inconsistent with the executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities resulting in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities;

 

 §

the failure by Webster to comply with the compensation terms of the executive’s change in control agreement;

 

 §

a material change in the office or location at which the executive is primarily based or Webster’s requiring the executive to travel on companyCompany business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the change in control;

 

 §

the termination by Webster of the executive’s employment other than expressly as permitted by the change in control agreement; or

 

 §

the failure by Webster to require that any successor assume, and perform according to, the executive’s change in control agreement.

In the event of a termination under the above circumstances,a Good Reason or Other than for Cause, Death or Disability Upon Change in Control, the executive is entitled to:

 

the executive’s base salary through the termination date to the extent not previously paid;

 

a bonus based on the target bonus in effect for the executive;

 

any previously deferred compensation and accrued vacation pay;

 

in the event of a Good Reason resignation or termination other than for Cause, death or disability, an amount equal to three times the sum of the executive’s base salary and bonus;bonus for Mr. Smith and two times for the other NEOs;

 

the additional amounts that would have been contributed or credited to his or her 401(k) accounts in both the qualified and supplemental 401(k) plans if the executive’s employment had continued for three years after the date of termination for Mr. Smith and two years for the other NEO’s, based on the compensation amounts that would have been required to be paid to him or her under the change of control agreement;agreement.

 

44


continued benefits for the executive and his or her family for a period of three years following termination;termination for Mr. Smith and two years for the other NEOs;

 

outplacement services; and

 

any other amounts or benefits to which he or she is entitled under any agreement or plan of Webster and its affiliated companies.

The Change in Control Agreement for Messrs. MacInnes, Ciulla and Mhatre are similar to the Change in Control Agreements for Messrs. Smith and Savage, except that their agreements provide for payment of up to two times base salary and bonus, and benefits coverage for two years following termination.

Non-Change in Control Executive Severance Plan

Under Webster’s Non-Competition Agreement with Messrs. Smith, MacInnes and Savage, if Webster terminates the executive without Cause (and under circumstances in which payment would not be due under the Change in Control Agreements) severance benefits become payable. The executive’s severance benefits for involuntary termination without Cause are (a) a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (x) the executive officer’s then current annual base salary and (y) the prorated amount of any target bonus to be paid pursuant to Webster’s annual incentive compensation plan during the then current fiscal year, and (b) subject to certain limitations, continued medical and dental coverage for the shorter of one year or until the executive officer accepts other employment on a substantially full time basis if earlier. The executive’s receipt of the foregoing severance payments and benefits is conditioned upon the executive entering into a general release and waiver in favor of Webster, and in consideration of the payment the executive agrees to a one-year non-competition and non-solicitation covenant. Messrs. Ciulla and Mhatre are covered by Webster’s Severance Policy which provides similar benefits. They have entered into Non-Solicitation Agreements.

Pursuant to Webster’s Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan, in the event an executive is terminated by Webster without Cause, and the termination occurs prior to the full vesting and exercisability of an executive’s options, the portion of the executive’s options considered vested and exercisable is to be determined by reference to the length of time the executive was employed by Webster.

The NEOs are not entitled to any gross-up payment in the event they would be subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the IRC (relating to excess parachute payments).

 

45


Assuming a December 31, 20142016 termination event following a Change in Control, the aggregate value of the payments and benefits to which each NEO would be entitled in the event of termination other than for Cause, Death or Disability, or in the event the executive terminates employment for Good Reason would be aas follows:

 

Payment Type 

James C.

Smith

  

Glenn I.

MacInnes

  

Joseph J.

Savage

  

John R.

Ciulla

  

Nitin J.

Mhatre

 

Voluntary Termination

  

Salary Payments and Bonus ($)

  —      —      —      —      —    

Accrued Deferred Compensation and Vacation ($)

  —      —      —      —      —    

Health Programs ($)

  —      —      —      —      —    

Value of Accelerated Equity ($)

  —      —      —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Voluntary Termination Benefits

  —      —      —      —      —    

Severance

  

Salary Payments and Bonus ($)

  1,767,088    757,855    757,855    602,158    594,007  

Accrued Deferred Compensation and Vacation ($)

  —      —      —      —      —    

Health Programs ($)

  15,229    12,118    15,229    15,229    15,229  

Value of Accelerated Equity ($)

  3,320,293    713,982    627,776    407,982    488,760  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Severance Benefits

  5,102,610    1,483,940    1,400,845    1,025,369    1,097,996  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in Control/Involuntary Termination Not for Cause or Termination for Good Reason

  

Salary Payments and Bonus ($)

  4,459,945    1,085,718    1,373,803    1,216,475    978,788  

Accrued Deferred Compensation and Vacation ($)

  —      —      —      —      —    

Qualified and Non-qualified 401(k) Contribution Equivalent ($)

  552,566    52,454    239,025    84,648    52,454  

Benefits and Health Programs ($)

  130,345    79,823    109,377    89,585    88,107  

Value of Accelerated Equity ($)1

  3,032,206    652,036    573,079    204,191    386,948  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Termination Benefits

  8,175,062    1,870,031    2,295,284    1,594,899    1,506,297  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Payments Due Upon Involuntary Termination Not for Cause

or Termination for Good Reason following Change In Control

 
Name  Salary and
Bonus
($)
   Qualified  and
Non-qualified
401(k)
Contribution
Equivalents
($)
   Benefits and
Health
Programs
($)
   

Value of
Accelerated
Equity1

($)

   Total
Payments
($)
 

James C. Smith

   5,700,000    603,488    127,028    5,875,810    12,306,326 

John R. Ciulla

   1,680,000    109,739    87,925    1,407,752    3,285,416 

Glenn I. MacInnes

   1,662,500    75,300    79,521    1,237,801    3,055,122 

Nitin J. Mhatre

   1,275,000    65,830    81,388    850,839    2,273,057 

Daniel H. Bley

   1,248,000    60,466    83,913    770,233    2,162,612 

 

1

In the event of a change in control, if an NEO is terminated, all equity awards granted under Webster’s Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan that are outstanding immediately prior to the change in control shall become fully vested and exercisable (provided that they have been held for a period of one year).

Risk Assessment Disclosure

The Compensation Committee has discussed, evaluated and reviewed with the Chief Risk Officer, each compensation program applicable to Webster’s NEOs and other employees. The Compensation Committee concluded that Webster’s compensation programs do not incentivize excessive risk taking by its NEOs or other employees. The Compensation Committee furthermore concluded that the structure provides strongappropriate incentives to appropriately balance risk and reward, provides sufficient risk controls and aligns the interests of the employees with those of shareholders.

The following features of the compensation programs, agreements and organizational structure restrain risk taking to acceptable levels and strongly discourage the manipulation of earnings for personal gain:

 

The “clawback” feature applicable to NEOs and certain other executives encourages executives and staff to maintain accurate books and records and comply with relevant accounting policies. Under the “clawback,” any bonus or incentive compensation for executives is subject to recovery by Webster if such compensation is based on criteria that are later shown to be materially inaccurate, without regard to whether the inaccuracy arose from any misconduct.

46


executives is subject to recovery by Webster if such compensation is based on criteria that are later shown to be materially inaccurate, without regard to whether the inaccuracy arose from any misconduct.

 

The vesting elements of the equity awards align the interests of the officers with the long-term health of Webster, the quality of earnings, and the interests of shareholders.

 

The programs include a mix of cash and equity awards, which support an appropriate balance of short-term and long-term risk and reward decision making. Equity awards include a performance element with a payout dependent upon achieving designated goals.

 

46


Strong governance structure, which includes key elements such as a code of conduct and ethics policy, various risk management and board committees, and a new activity process with embedded risk controls and executive approvals.

 

Risk function reports outside of the lines of business and the pay of risk managers is not determined by the businesses they evaluate.

 

Stock ownership requirements that align executive officers with the interests of the shareholders.

 

Strong independent internal credit oversight and quality controls.

 

Shared accountability for incentive design, budget and payout with oversight by the Office of the ChairmanIncentive Compensation Oversight Committee and the Compensation Committee with input from the Chief Risk Officer.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Shivery (Chair), Atwell, Becker Jacobi and Morse. No person who served as a member of the Compensation Committee during 20142016 was a current or former officer or employee of Webster or any of its subsidiaries or, except as disclosed below, engaged in certain transactions with Webster required to be disclosed by regulations of the SEC. Additionally, there were no compensation committee “interlocks” during 2014,2016, which generally means that no executive officer of Webster served as a director or member of the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director or member of the Compensation Committee of Webster.

From time to time, Webster Bank makes loans to its directors and executive officers and related persons and entities for the financing of homes, as well as home improvement, consumer and commercial loans. These loans are made in the ordinary course of business, are made 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 Webster or Webster Bank, and neither involve more than normal risk of collectability nor present other unfavorable features.

Certain Relationships

Gregory Jacobi, son of C. Michael Jacobi, a director of Webster and Webster Bank, is employed by Webster Bank as a Senior Vice President. At the end of fiscal year 2014,2016, Gregory Jacobi’s base salary rate was $220,000.$232,265. For 2014,2016, Mr. Jacobi received a bonus of $62,700$75,254 and a restricted stock award with a value of $40,000 at the time of the grant.

For a description of loans made to Webster Bank’s directors, executive officers and related persons and entities, see “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”

47


Policies and Procedures Regarding Transactions with Related Persons

Pursuant to Webster’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, any transactions between Webster and a Webster affiliate, director, employee, an immediate family member of a Webster director or employee or business entities in which a Webster director or employee or an immediate family member of a Webster director or employee is an officer, director and/or controlling shareholder must be conducted at arm’s length. Prior approval of the Board of Directors for any such transactions are governed by Federal Reserve Regulation O, and the related person’s interest in any such transaction requiring Board action must be disclosed to the Board prior to any action being taken. Any consideration paid or received by Webster in such a transaction must be on terms no less favorable than terms available to an unaffiliated third party under similar circumstances. Any interest of a director or officer in such transactions that do not require prior Board approval shall be reported to the Board of Directors at least annually.

47


Audit Committee Report

The Company’s Audit Committee currently has five members, Ms.Mses. Osar (Chair), Flynn and States, and Messrs. Finkenzeller, Morse, Pettie,Crawford and Ms. Flynn.Pettie. As of the date of the Proxy Statement, each of the Committee members is an “independent director” under the New York Stock Exchange rules. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities are described in a written charter that was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20142016 with Webster’s management. The Audit Committee has discussed with KPMG LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, “Communications with Audit Committees”1300, “Auditor Communications” issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB”). The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and letter from KPMG LLP required by relevant professional and regulatory standards,applicable requirements of the PCAOB, and has discussed with KPMG LLP the independence of KPMG LLP. Based on the review and discussions described in this paragraph, the Audit Committee recommended to Webster’s Board of Directors that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20142016 be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20142016 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Audit Committee

Karen R. Osar (Chair)

Robert A. FinkenzellerJohn J. Crawford

Elizabeth E. Flynn

LaurenceMark Pettie

Lauren C. Morse

Mark PettieStates

 

48


STOCK OWNED BY MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information as of February 1, 20152017 with respect to the amount of Webster Common Stock beneficially owned by each director of Webster, each nominee for election as a director, each of the NEOs and by all directors and executive officers of Webster as a group.

 

Name and Position(s)

with Webster

  Number of Shares
and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership 1
   Percent of
Common Stock

Outstanding
   Number of Shares and
Nature of
Beneficial Ownership 1
   Percent of
Common Stock
Outstanding
 

William Atwell
Director

   8,512     *  

William L. Atwell
Director

   15,888    * 

Daniel H. Bley
Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

   32,879    * 

Joel S. Becker
Director

   137,300     *     86,656    * 

John R. Ciulla
Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking

   89,904     *  

John R. Ciulla
President

   78,876    * 

John J. Crawford
Director

   78,890     *     48,644    * 

Robert A. Finkenzeller
Director

   74,288     *  

Elizabeth E. Flynn
Director

   2,905     *     15,681    * 

C. Michael Jacobi
Director

   75,361     *     18,418    * 

Glenn I. MacInnes
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   77,049     *     97,248    * 

Nitin J. Mhatre
Executive Vice President, Community Banking

   59,194     *  

Nitin J. Mhatre
Executive Vice President and Head of Community Banking

   87,300    * 

Laurence C. Morse
Director

   70,321     *     65,149    * 

Karen R. Osar
Director

   65,932     *     35,703    * 

Mark Pettie
Director

   42,352     *     40,975    * 

Joseph J. Savage
President

   175,950     *  

Charles W. Shivery
Director

   30,948     *     34,324    * 

James C. Smith
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Director

   1,499,165     1.64   1,112,461    1.20

Lauren C. States
Director

   1,142    * 

All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (22 persons)

   2,684,480     2.92   2,046,266    2.20

 

*

Less than 1% of Common Stock outstanding.

 

1

In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended for purposes of this table, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner for purposes of this table, of any shares of Common Stock if such person has or shares voting power and/or investment power with respect to the security, or has the right to

49


acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days from February 1, 2015.2017. As used herein, “voting power” includes the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares.

 

49


  

The table includes shares owned by spouses, other immediate family members and others over which the persons named in the table possess shared voting and/or shared investment power as follows: Mr. Becker, 2,016Crawford, 1,200 shares; Mr. Smith, 227,58816,252 shares; and all directors and executive officers as a group, 229,60417,452 shares. The table also includes the following: 1,324,867819,578 shares subject to outstanding options which are exercisable within 60 days from February 1, 2015; 168,2212017; 157,485 shares held in the 401(k) Plan by executive officers; 13,21414,881 shares purchased by executive officers through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan held by Fidelity Investments; 91,590131,432 shares of restricted stock that were not vested as of February 1, 2014;2017; and 130,410157,824 shares of Common Stock underlying restricted stock for Mr. Smith that were deferred pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Plan. All other shares included in the table are held by persons who exercise sole voting and sole investment power over such shares.

 

  

Outstanding options reflected in the table were held as follows: Mr. Becker, 50,52841,910 shares; Mr. Crawford, 50,528 shares;31,939 shares, held indirectly and now in the name of Catherine Crawford; Mr. Ciulla, 67,260; Mr. Finkenzeller, 50,528 shares; Mr. Jacobi, 50,52829,336 shares; Mr. MacInnes, 42,28034,395 shares; Mr. Mhatre, 44,91650,263 shares; Mr. Morse, 50,52841,910 shares; Ms. Osar, 46,52812,923 shares; Mr. Pettie, 25,423 shares; Mr. Savage, 106,40919,798 shares; Mr. Shivery, 13,274 shares; and Mr. Smith, 628,157458,617 shares. Also reflected are 217,301236,204 shares of phantom stock held by Mr. Smith in the Webster Bank Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors and Officers.

The table includes 7,360 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of 200 shares of Webster’s 8.50% Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Crawford, which are convertible at the option of the holder at any time. Mr. Crawford owns less than one percent of the outstanding shares of 8.50% Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock.

PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES OF WEBSTER

The following table sets forth information as of January 31, 20152017 with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by any person or group as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Common Stock.

 

Name and Addresses of Beneficial Owners

  Number of Shares;
Nature of Beneficial
Ownership1
  Percent of Common
Stock Owned
 

BlackRock, IncInc.

4055 East 52ndStreet

New York, NY 1002210055

   7,501,9959,653,8612   8.30

Systematic Financial Management, L.P

300 Frank W. Burr Boulevard

Glenpointe East

Teaneck, NJ 07666

7,183,16337.97

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

Palisades West

Building One

6300 Bee Cave Road

Austin, TX 78746

6,017,71646.67

State Street Corporation

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

5,380,84856.0010.50

The Vanguard Group

100 Vanguard Boulevard

Malvern, PA 19355

   5,375,6507,168,90563   5.957.81

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc

100 E. Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

6,127,77946.60

50


 

1

Based on information in the most recent Schedule 13D or 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, unless otherwise indicated. In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner, for purposes of this table, of any shares of Common Stock if such person has or shares voting power and/or investment power with respect to the security, or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days from January 31, 2015.2017. As used herein, “voting power” includes the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares.

 

2

BlackRock, Inc. reported that it had sole voting and sole dispositive power over 7,289,2919,410,146 and 7,501,9959,653,861 shares, respectively.

 

50


3

Systematic Financial Management, L.P. reported that it had sole voting and sole dispositive power over 4,940,487 and 7,183,163 shares, respectively.

4

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP reported that it had sole voting and sole dispositive power over 5,927,441 and 6,017,716 shares, respectively. All securities over which Dimensional Fund Advisors LP reported that it had sole dispositive or sole voting power are owned by investment companies, trusts and accounts, to which Dimensional Fund Advisors LP furnishes investment advice. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities.

5

State Street Corporation reported that it had shared voting and shared dispositive power over all of the shares beneficially owned.

6

The Vanguard Group reported that it had sole voting power over 127,251109,321 shares and sole dispositive power over 5,255,3997,054,358 shares and shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 119,9519,713 and 114,547 shares, respectively.

4

T. Rowe Price Associates reported that it had sole voting power over 1,239,096 shares and sole dispositive power over 6,127,779 shares.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires Webster’s directors, certain officers and persons who own more than 10 percent of its Common Stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership of Webster’s equity securities and to file subsequent reports when there are changes in such ownership. Based on a review of reports submitted to Webster, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014,2016, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to Webster’s directors, officers and more than 10% owners were complied with on a timely basis.

NON-BINDING, ADVISORY VOTE REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF WEBSTER

(Proposal 2)

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), requires Webster to provide its shareholders an opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of its named executive officers (“NEOs”) as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. At the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Webster’s shareholders voted on a non-binding, advisory basis to hold a non-binding, advisory vote on the compensation of NEOs of Webster annually. In light of the results, the Board of Directors determined to hold the vote annually.

The compensation of our NEOs is disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and narrative disclosure contained on pages 17 to 4618-46 of this Proxy Statement.Statement As discussed in those disclosures, the Board of Directors believes that Webster’s executive compensation philosophy, policies and procedures provide a strong link between each NEO’s compensation and Webster’s shortshort- and long-term performance. The objective of Webster’s executive compensation program is to provide compensation which is competitive, variable based on Webster’s performance, and aligned with the long-term interests of shareholders.

51


Webster is asking its shareholders to indicate their support for its NEO compensation as described in this Proxy Statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “Say-on-Pay” proposal, gives Webster’s shareholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of Webster’s NEOs. Accordingly, shareholders are being asked to vote “FOR” the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Webster Financial Corporation approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and narrative disclosure contained on pages 17 to 4618-46 of this Proxy Statement.”

Your vote on this Proposal 2 is advisory, and therefore not binding on Webster, the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and Compensation Committee value the opinions of Webster’s shareholders and to the extent there is any significant vote against the NEO compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, Webster will consider its shareholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

51


A majority of the votes present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required to approve Proposal 2. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote for this proposal. If no voting instructions are given, the accompanying proxy will be voted for this Proposal 2.

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the approval of the compensation of Webster’s named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and narrative disclosure contained on pages 17 to 4618-46 of this Proxy Statement.

52


RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

(Proposal 3)

The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has approved the appointment of KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for Webster for the year ending December 31, 2015.2017. KPMG audited Webster’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.2016.

Unless otherwise indicated, properly executed proxies will be voted in favor of ratifying the appointment of KPMG, an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the consolidated financial statements of Webster for the year ending December 31, 20152017 and the internal control over financial reporting of Webster as of December 31, 2015.2017. No determination has been made as to what action the Board of Directors would take if Webster’s shareholders do not ratify the appointment.

Assuming the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast is required to ratify the appointment of KPMG as Webster’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015.2017.

Representatives of KPMG are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will be given an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Webster’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015.2017.

Auditor Fee Information

The following table presents the aggregate fees and expenses incurred by Webster for professional audit services rendered by KPMG in connection with their audit of Webster’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 20142016 and December 31, 2013,2015, respectively, and fees billed for other services rendered during those periods.

 

  Fiscal 2014   Fiscal 2013   Fiscal 2016   Fiscal 2015 

Audit Fees1

  $1,425,000    $1,230,000    $1,808,893   $1,499,045 

Audit-Related Fees2

   120,000     130,000     130,000    120,000 

Tax Fees3

   0     2,050     76,796    50,910 

All Other Fees4

   27,820     0     86,192    0 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $1,572,820    $1,362,050    $2,101,881   $1,669,955 

 

1

Audit Fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of Webster’s consolidated annual financial statements and review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by the respective independent public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. Audit Fees

52


also include activities related to internal control reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Fiscal 20142016 includes additional services related to corporate equity transaction filings.

 

2

Audit Related Fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of Webster’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” This category includes fees related to financial statement audits of certain employee benefit plans.

 

3

Tax Fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax advice.

 

4

Other Fees consist of fees for products anddiagnostic services other than for services for which fees were reported as Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees.

53


Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements regarding auditor independence, the Audit Committee has adopted a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The Audit Committee has delegated authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee to pre-approvepre- approve up to $100,000 in audit and permissible non-audit services. Any decisions by the Chair of the Audit Committee under this delegated authority will be reported at the next meeting of the Audit Committee. Management is required to report, on a quarterly basis, to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval,and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.

All engagements of the independent registered public accounting firm to perform any audit services and non-audit services after implementation of the pre-approval policy have been pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the policy. The pre-approval policy has not been waived in any instance. All engagements of the independent registered public accounting firm to perform any audit services and non-audit services prior to the date the pre-approval policy was implemented were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with its normal functions, and none of those engagements made use of thede minimusexception to pre-approval contained in the Commission’s rules.

APPROVALNON-BINDING, ADVISORY VOTE REGARDING THE FREQUENCY OF VOTING ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE MATERIAL TERMS FOR PAYMENTNAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPENSATION UNDER THE 1992 STOCK OPTION PLANWEBSTER

(Proposal 4)

The shareholders are being asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the material terms for payment of performance-based compensation under the Webster Financial Corporation 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the “1992 Stock Option Plan” or the “Plan”) as required by Section 162(m)14A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Corporation is seeking approval of the Section 162(m) performance-based compensation terms to enable the Corporation to deduct such compensation for federal income tax purposes if the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, in addition to shareholder approval, are satisfied. Section 162(m) of the Code requires shareholder approval of performance-based compensation terms every five years. Shareholders last approved the Section 162(m) performance-based compensation terms under the 1992 Stock Option Plan at the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders.

The Board of Directors established the 1992 Stock Option Plan in 1992,Exchange Act and the shareholders approved the Plan at the 1992 annual meeting. The Plan was amended by the shareholders of the Corporation in 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000; was amended and restated in its entirety in April 2001, in January 2005 and again in October 2006; and was most recently amended in January 2007, April 2007, February 2008, April 2008, February 2010, February 2012, and February 2015. The Board of Directors believes the 1992 Stock Option Plan is vital to attract and retain the best talent in this competitive marketplace.

In February 2015, upon recommendation by the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors has amended the 1992 Stock Option Plan (i) to add additional performance objectives on which performance-based stock awards under the Plan may be based, (ii) to clarify that the Board of Directors, in evaluating the achievement of stated performance objectives of a performance-based stock award, may include or exclude certain events that occur during the stated performance period, (iii) to revise and expand the no-repricingrelated rules of the PlanSEC require Webster to prohibitpermit, not less frequently than once every six years, a separate non-binding, advisory shareholder vote with respect to the cancellationfrequency of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights withvoting on the compensation of Webster’s NEOs. As an option price or grant price, as applicable, above the current fair market value in exchange for cash or other securities, and

54


(iv) to memorialize in the Plan the applicability of the independent director listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. A working copy of the 1992 Stock Option Plan that includes the February 2015 amendment is attached asAnnex A to this Proxy Statement.

The Board of Directors believes that equity compensation awards are an important tool to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified directors, officers and other key employees, to enable them to acquire a larger personal financial interest in the Corporation through the acquisition and ownership of Common Stock, and to encourage them to identify with shareholders through stock ownership. The Board of Directors also believes that where Webster can seek to accomplish its compensation objectives in a manner that maximizes the deductibility of compensation for federal income tax purposes, the Company should seek to do so. Accordingly, the Board of Directors seeks shareholder re-approval of the material terms for payment of performance-based compensation under the Plan so that future awards under the Plan will be deemed to be “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Section 162(m) Performance-Based Compensation

Shareholder approval ofadvisory vote, this proposal is intended to permitnot binding on Webster, the awards paid to the Corporation’s covered employees under the 1992 Stock Option Plan to constitute “qualified performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code and to enable the Corporation to deduct such compensation for federal income tax purposes if the requirements of Section 162(m) in addition to shareholder approval are satisfied. Shareholder approval of this proposal will constitute approval of the Section 162(m) performance-based compensation terms described below, which consist of provisions relating to (1) the maximum amount of performance-based compensation that may be paid under the Plan during a specified period to any eligible person, and (2) the performance criteria that may be used under the Plan to establish performance goals as a condition to the payment of the performance-based awards.

As described below, even if this proposal is approved, the administrator may exercise its discretion to award compensation under the 1992 Stock Option Plan that would not qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.    Section 162(m) of the Code limits publicly-held companies such as the Corporation to an annual deduction for federal income tax purposes of $1 million for compensation paid to their covered employees. For this purpose, “covered employees” are the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and the other three highest compensated executive officers (other than the Chief Financial Officer). However, performance-based compensation is excluded from the $1 million limitation. The 1992 Stock Option Plan is designed to permit the Compensation Committee to grant awards that qualify as performance-based for purposes of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m) of the Code.

To qualify as performance-based:

1.

the compensation must be paid solely on account of the attainment of one or more pre-established, objective performance goals;

2.

the performance goal under which compensation is paid must be established by a compensation committee comprised solely of two or more directors who qualify as outside directors for purposes of the exception;

3.

the material terms of the performance goal under which the compensation is to be paid must be disclosed to and subsequently approved by shareholders of the Corporation before payment is made; and

4.

the compensation committee must certify in writing, before payment of the compensation, that the performance goals and any other material terms were in fact satisfied.

55


Under the Code, a director is an “outside director” of the Corporation if he or she is not a current employee of the Corporation; is not a former employee who receives compensation for prior services (other than under a qualified retirement plan); has not been an officer of the Corporation; and does not receive, directly or indirectly (including amounts paid to an entity that employs the director or in which the director has at least a five percent ownership interest), remuneration from the Corporation in any capacity other than as a director.

In the case of compensation attributable to stock options or SARs, the performance goal requirement (summarized in (1) above) is deemed satisfied, and the certification requirement (summarized in (4) above) is inapplicable, if: the grant or award is made by the Compensation Committee; the plan under which the option is granted states the maximum number of shares with respect to which options may be granted during a specified period to an employee; and under the terms of the option, the amount of compensation is based solely on an increase in the value of the Common Stock after the date of grant.

Award Limitations.    The 1992 Stock Option Plan contains limitations on the maximum number of shares available for issuance with respect to specified types of awards. Subject to adjustments for changes in the Corporation’s capitalization:

the maximum number of shares subject to options or SARs that may be granted under the Plan in any calendar year to any officer or other employee will be 500,000 shares, such that options and SARs granted with an exercise price of at least fair market value of Webster stock on the date of grant will be deemed to satisfy qualifying performance criteria in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code without further application of any of the qualifying performance criteria described below; and

the maximum number of shares subject to restricted stock, performance-based stock, or restricted stock units that may be granted under the Plan in any calendar year to any officer or other employee will be 100,000 shares.

Performance Objectives for Performance-Based Stock/Restricted Stock Unit Awards.    The performance objectives for a performance-based stock or restricted stock unit award under the Plan must be established in writing by the Board, of Directors or Compensation Committee before the 90th day after the beginning of any performance period applicable to such award and while the outcome is substantially uncertain, or at such other date as may be required or permitted for performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m). Performance objectives are based on one or more of the following criteria of the Corporation:

total shareholder return;

income;

the stock price;

earnings per share;

return on assets;

equity or investments;

operational efficiency;

operating profit;

operating revenue;

operating expenses;

loan quality, including without limitation acceptable, adverse, criticized, past due, nonaccrual, and charge-off criteria, either in absolute terms or relative to loan portfolio or assets;

net interest spreads;

56


financial ratings by outside agencies;

fee income;

capital, including without limitation capital adequacy, capital regulatory achievements or compliance, and capital surplus;

revenue targets;

expense targets;

market or market segment share or penetration;

shareholders equity;

assets and liabilities; or

any combination of the foregoing.

Performance objectives may include positive results, maintaining the status quo or limiting economic losses. The Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee may provide in any performance-based stock award that evaluation of performance may include or exclude any of the following events that occur during a performance period:

asset write-downs or loan losses;

litigation or claims, judgments, or settlements;

the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results;

any reorganization or restructuring events or programs or discontinued operations;

extraordinary, non-core, non-operating, or non-recurring items;

acquisitions or divestitures;

foreign exchange gains and losses;

the impact of shares of stock purchased through share repurchase programs or share offerings;

tax valuation allowance reversals; and

impairment expense.

Upon attainment of the specified performance objectives (or, to the extent specified by the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee, partial attainment of such objectives), the grantee of a performance-based stock or restricted stock unit award will be entitled to receive the shares of stock, restricted stock and/or restricted stock unit specified in the grant (or the portion of such shares earned by partial attainment of the objectives, as applicable), except to the extent issuance of such shares of stock, restricted stock or restricted stock unit would constitute a violation of law.

57


Key Terms of the Plan

As described in more detail below, certain key terms of the 1992 Stock Option Plan include:

Plan Term

The Plan will terminate on February 26, 2020.

Administration

The 1992 Stock Option Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which consists of two or more directors, all of whom must be “non-employee” directors for purposes of the Exchange Act, “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, and “independent directors” for purposes of the New York Stock Exchange.Committee. However, the Board of Directors also retains the authority to amend or terminate the Plan.

Eligible Participants

As of February 1, 2015, there were approximately 2,862 full-time and part-time employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, and 10 non-employee directors of the Corporation who were eligible to participate in the Plan.

Shares Authorized

10,861,000 since Plan inception in 1992, subject to adjustment to reflect stock splits and similar events.

Award Types

Stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, performance-based stock, and restricted stock units (collectively, “Incentive Awards”). Performance-based stock awards may entitle the grantee to receive unrestricted stock, restricted stock, and/or restricted stock units upon satisfaction of the applicable performance criteria.

Service Requirement

All Incentive Awards granted from the 2.2 million additional shares approved by the shareholders at the 2003 annual meeting, the 1.6 million approved by the shareholders at the 2007 annual meeting, and the 2.6 million additional shares approved by the shareholders at the 2010 annual meeting have a minimum one-year service requirement.

Award Limits

The maximum number of shares that may be granted under the Plan to any officer or other employee of the Corporation or any subsidiary as options or SARs in any calendar year is 500,000. The maximum number of shares that may be awarded under the Plan to any officer or other employee of the Corporation or any subsidiary as restricted stock, performance-based stock, or restricted stock units in any calendar year is 100,000.

Prohibitions

•    Repricing of stock options and SARs is prohibited.

•    Liberal share counting is prohibited (i.e., shares derived from any of the following may not be added back to the Plan’s reserve: (i) shares tendered in payment of an option, (ii) shares withheld for taxes, (iii) shares repurchased by the Corporation using option proceeds, or (iv) SARs settled in stock when only the shares delivered are counted against the Plan reserve).

•    No option or SAR may be granted below fair market value.

•    All shares are subject to flexible share utilization with full-value awards counting as two shares.

58


Summary Description of the Material Terms of the Plan

A summary description of the provisions of the 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended, is set forth below. This summary description is qualified in its entirety by the detailed provisions of the 1992 Stock Option Plan, which is incorporated by reference into this proposal.

Administration.    The Board of Directors has delegated administration of the 1992 Stock Option Plan to the Compensation Committee, which consists of two or more non-employee, outside, and independent directors appointed by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee has authority to grant and administer Incentive Awards made with respect to any eligible individuals, including the authority to make subsequent modifications to any such awards consistent with the Plan and to establish performance criteria in connection with any such awards. In addition, the Board of Directors may delegate to any officer of the Corporation the power and authority to grant Incentive Awards under the Plan to any newly hired employee of the Corporation or any subsidiary, who is employed at a level below Executive Vice President (but not in excess of the aggregate maximum number of shares specified by the Board for such purpose at the time of delegation or the number of shares remaining available for issuance under the Plan).

Eligibility.    The 1992 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of options that are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as well as nonqualified stock options, SARs, restricted stock, performance-based stock and restricted stock units to eligible full-time employees and non-employee directors of the Corporation and its subsidiaries (each a “grantee”).

Common Stock Reserved for Issuance under the Plan.    The stock that may be issued pursuant to Incentive Awards granted under the Plan shall be shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Corporation, which shares may be treasury shares or authorized but unissued shares. The number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Incentive Awards granted under the Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate 10,861,000 shares, which number of shares is subject to adjustment upon changes in the Corporation’s capitalization. If any Incentive Award expires, terminates, or is terminated for any reason before exercise or vesting in full, the shares of stock that were subject to the unexercised, forfeited, expired or terminated portion of such Incentive Award shall be available for future grants of Incentive Awards under the Plan. Liberal share counting is not permitted under the Plan, which means that no shares of stock derived from any of the following circumstances may be added to the Plan’s reserve of shares: (i) shares tendered in payment of an option, (ii) shares withheld for taxes, (iii) shares repurchased by the Corporation using option proceeds, or (iv) SARs settled in stock when only the shares delivered are counted against the Plan reserve.

Service Requirement.    The following Incentive Awards will have a minimum one year service requirement: (1) all SARs awards, (2) options, restricted stock and performance-based stock awards granted from the 2.2 million additional shares approved by the shareholders at the Corporation’s 2003 annual meeting, (3) options, restricted stock and performance-based stock awards granted from the 1.6 million additional shares approved by the shareholders at the Corporation’s 2007 annual meeting, and (4) options, restricted stock, performance-based stock and restricted stock unit awards granted from the 2.6 million additional shares approved by the shareholders at the Corporation’s 2010 annual meeting.

Options.    The option exercise price under the 1992 Stock Option Plan may not be less than the greater of par value or 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of the option (or 110% in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a grantee beneficially owning more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock). The maximum option term is 10 years (or five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a grantee beneficially owning more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock). Options may be exercised at any time after grant, except to the extent subject to the minimum one year service requirement described in the preceding paragraph or as otherwise provided in the particular award agreement. There is also a $100,000 limit on the value of stock (determined at the time of grant) covered by incentive stock options that first become exercisable by a grantee in any calendar year. No option may be granted after the

59


expiration of the term of the 1992 Stock Option Plan on February 26, 2020. Options are non-transferable other than by reason of the death of the grantee, unless otherwise specified in the award agreement (for example, the Corporation may permit limited transfers of nonqualified options for the benefit of immediate family members of grantees to help with estate planning concerns).

Payment for shares purchased under the 1992 Stock Option Plan may be made either in cash or by exchanging shares of Common Stock of the Corporation with a fair market value equal to the total option exercise price and paying cash for any difference. Options may, if permitted by the particular award agreement, be exercised by directing that certificates for the shares purchased be delivered to a licensed broker as agent for the grantee, provided that the broker tenders to the Corporation cash or cash equivalents equal to the option exercise price plus the amount of any taxes that the Corporation may be required to withhold in connection with the exercise of the option.

Stock Appreciation Rights.    A SAR confers on the grantee to whom it is awarded the right to receive, upon exercise, the excess of (i) the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over (ii) the grant price as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. The grant price of the SAR shall be no less than the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. Each SAR shall be settled in whole shares of Common Stock, with any fractional share of Common Stock that would result from exercise of the SAR eliminated entirely.

Annual Limit on Awards of Options and SARs.    The maximum number of shares that may be granted as options or SARs to any eligible employee of the Corporation or any subsidiary under the 1992 Stock Option Plan in any calendar year is 500,000 shares, subject to adjustments for changes in the Corporation’s capitalization.

Restricted Stock.    Restricted stock is shares of Common Stock awarded to a grantee, subject to forfeiture restrictions based on the grantee’s length of service or other non-performance-based criteria.

Restricted Stock Units.    Restricted stock units are rights to receive shares of Common Stock, subject to forfeiture restrictions based on the grantee’s length of service or other non-performance-based criteria.

Performance-Based Stock/Restricted Stock Units.    Performance-based stock and restricted stock units are Incentive Awards granted to a grantee which are subject to the attainment of pre-established performance goals over a performance period of at least one year and up to ten years, the attainment of which would, subject to the terms of the Plan, entitle the grantee to receive unrestricted stock and/or restricted stock in a pre-determined amount or an amount determined pursuant to the performance criteria formulation. Performance-based stock and restricted stock unit awards granted to individuals who are “covered employees” under Section 162(m) of the Code, or who the Compensation Committee designates as likely to be covered in the future, will comply with the requirements of “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m).

Annual Limit on Restricted Stock, Performance-Based Stock, and Restricted Stock Unit Awards.    The maximum number of shares that may be awarded as restricted stock, performance-based stock, or restricted stock units to any eligible employee of the Corporation or any subsidiary under the 1992 Stock Option Plan in any calendar year is 100,000 shares, subject to adjustments for changes in capitalization.

Termination of Service or Employment.    If a grantee’s employment or service with the Corporation or its subsidiaries terminates by reason of death or permanent and total disability:

with respect to an employee, his or her options and SARs, whether or not then exercisable, may be exercised at any time subsequent to such termination of employment and before the expiration of the ten-year term of the option unless a different date is otherwise provided in the particular award agreement (but not later than the date the option would otherwise expire);

except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock and restricted stock units held by such grantee shall fully vest, and the grantee shall be entitled to the shares of stock as specified in the grantee’s award agreement; and

60


except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, performance-based stock or restricted stock units (and stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units issuable in connection with such performance-based stock or restricted stock units) held by such grantee shall fully vest if and when the ordinary performance period for the award ends, but only to the extent that the applicable performance criteria are satisfied.

If the grantee’s employment or service with the Corporation or its subsidiaries terminates for any reason other than attaining normal retirement age (as defined in the Corporation’s pension plan), death or disability:

with respect to an employee, his or her options and SARs shall terminate three months after the date of such termination unless a different date is otherwise provided in the particular award agreement (but not later than the date the option would otherwise expire); provided that if the employee’s employment is terminated without “cause” (as defined in the Plan) prior to full vesting and exercisability of the option or SAR, vesting of the employee’s option or SAR will be prorated;

restricted stock and restricted stock units issued to the grantee that are unvested (or with respect to which all applicable restrictions and conditions have not lapsed) will immediately be deemed forfeited unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors; except that if the grantee’s employment is terminated without “cause” (as defined in the Plan) prior to full vesting and the lapse of all applicable restrictions and conditions, vesting of the grantee’s restricted stock and restricted stock units will be prorated; and

performance-based stock and restricted stock units issued to the grantee that are unvested (or with respect to which all applicable restrictions and conditions have not lapsed) will immediately be deemed forfeited unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors; and if the grantee’s employment is terminated without “cause” (as defined in the Plan) prior to completion of the performance period, the shares of performance-based stock or restricted stock units granted to the grantee will be eligible to become fully vested if and when the ordinary performance period ends, if, and only to the extent that, the applicable performance criteria are satisfied. To the extent the criteria are satisfied, the shares that actually vest will be prorated.

If an employee’s employment or service with the Corporation or its subsidiaries terminates by reason of normal retirement (as defined in the Corporation’s pension plan):

his or her options and SARs, whether or not exercisable on the date of termination of employment or service due to normal retirement, may be exercised at any time after such termination and before the expiration of the ten-year term of the option, unless a different date is otherwise provided in the particular award agreement (but not later than the date the option would otherwise expire);

restricted stock and restricted stock units held by such employee shall fully vest, and the employee shall be entitled to the shares of stock as specified in his or her award agreement; and

performance-based stock or restricted stock units held by such employee shall fully vest if and when the ordinary performance period for the award ends, if, and only to the extent that, the applicable performance criteria are satisfied.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, an option or SAR granted to a non-employee director will not terminate until the expiration of the ten-year term of the option or SAR regardless of whether the non-employee director continues to serve as a director.

61


Effect of Certain Corporate Transactions.    An appropriate and proportionate adjustment will be made in the number and kinds of shares subject to the 1992 Stock Option Plan, and in the number, kinds, and per share exercise price or grant price of shares subject to the unexercised portion of outstanding options or SARs granted prior to any such change, if the outstanding shares of Common Stock are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Corporation, by reason of any:

merger;

consolidation;

reorganization;

recapitalization;

reclassification;

stock split-up;

combination of shares;

exchange of shares;

stock dividend; or

other distribution payable in capital stock, or other increase or decrease in such shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Corporation.

Any such adjustment in an outstanding option or SAR, however, will be made without a change in the total price applicable to the unexercised portion of the outstanding option or SAR but with a corresponding proportionate adjustment in the per share exercise price or grant price, as applicable.

The 1992 Stock Option Plan and the Incentive Awards outstanding thereunder will terminate under the following circumstances:

upon any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation;

upon a reorganization, merger or consolidation in which the Corporation is not the surviving corporation;

upon the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Corporation to another corporation; or

upon any transaction (including, without limitation, a merger or reorganization in which the Corporation is the surviving corporation) approved by the Board of Directors which results in any person or entity owning 80% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation.

except to the extent provision is made in writing in connection with such transaction:

for the continuation of the Plan;

the assumption of the Incentive Awards; or

for the substitution for such Incentive Awards of new options, SARs, restricted stock, performance-based stock, or restricted stock units, as applicable, covering the stock of a successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kinds of shares and, in the case of options or SARs, the per share exercise price or grant price.

In the event of such termination of the Plan, all restrictions on restricted stock, performance-based stock, and restricted stock units shall lapse, and the grantee shall become the owner outright of the stock, and all outstanding options and SARs will be exercisable in full for 30 days immediately prior to the occurrence of such termination, unless otherwise explicitly provided in the applicable award agreement.

62


Accelerated Vesting Upon Change Of Control.    Notwithstanding whether Incentive Awards are assumed or continued in connection with the transaction, Incentive Awards outstanding to eligible individuals who continue to render services to the Corporation or a subsidiary immediately prior to a “change of control” (as defined in the Plan) shall become fully vested, and, in the case of options and SARs, exercisable, upon the change of control. Performance-based stock and restricted stock unit awards that become fully vested in accordance with the preceding sentence shall vest at the greater of (1) the target level determined under the award agreement, or (2) the amount determined as of the valuation date (which is the day immediately prior to the change of control or, if earlier, but contingent on consummation of the change of control, the date immediately prior to the signing of a definitive agreement that would result in a change in control) as though the valuation date were the natural end of the performance period. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to any officer who declines to execute the amendment to the Change of Control Employment Agreement approved by the Board of Directors on January 31, 2005 or to the extent otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement.

Amendment and Termination of the Plan.    The Board of Directors may, at any time and from time to time, amend, suspend or terminate the 1992 Stock Option Plan with respect to shares of the Common Stock as to which Incentive Awards have not been granted. However, the Corporation’s shareholders must approve any amendment to the 1992 Stock Option Plan that would:

materially change the requirements as to eligibility to receive Incentive Awards;

increase the maximum number of shares of stock in the aggregate for which Incentive Awards may be granted (except for adjustments upon changes in capitalization);

change the minimum exercise price or the minimum grant price for a SAR set forth under the Plan (except for adjustments upon changes in the Corporation’s capitalization);

increase the maximum period during which options or SARs may be exercised;

extend the term of the Plan; or

materially increase the benefits accruing to eligible individuals under the Plan.

Unless previously terminated, the Plan will terminate automatically at the end of its term on February 26, 2020. No termination, suspension or amendment of this Plan may, without the consent of the holder of the Incentive Award, impair the rights or obligations under any Incentive Award granted under the Plan.

Transferability of Incentive Awards.    Options and SARs granted under the 1992 Stock Option Plan may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise encumbered other than by will or under applicable laws of descent and distribution. However, the Corporation may permit limited transfers of nonqualified options for the benefit of immediate family members of grantees to help with estate planning concerns. Shares of restricted stock, performance-based stock and restricted stock units granted under the 1992 Stock Option Plan may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise encumbered until the grantee has satisfied all applicable performance objectives and service requirements (if any) imposed as a condition to the vesting of such shares and until the lapse or expiration of all other applicable restrictions and conditions imposed by the Board of Directors with respect to such shares.

No Repricing.    Except in connection with certain corporate transactions involving the Corporation, neither the Board of Directors nor the Compensation Committee may (i) amend the terms of outstanding options or SARs to reduce the exercise price or grant price, as applicable, (ii) cancel outstanding options or SARs in exchange for or substitution of options or SARs with an exercise price or grant price, as applicable, that is less than the exercise price or grant price, as applicable, of the original options or SARs, (iii) cancel outstanding options or SARs with an exercise price or grant price, as applicable, above the current fair market value in exchange for cash, other awards, or other securities, or (iv) to take any other action that would be

63


treated as a repricing under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, in each case, unless such action (A) is subject to and approved by the Corporation’s shareholders or (B) would not be deemed to be a repricing under the rules of the stock exchange on which the Stock is listed.

Plan Benefits

Because the grant of Incentive Awards pursuant to the 1992 Stock Option Plan will be within the discretion of the Compensation Committee and the independent membersBoard value the opinions expressed by shareholders in their votes on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future decisions regarding the frequency of conducting the advisory vote regarding the compensation of Webster’s NEOs.

Webster’s shareholders voted in 2011, in a similar advisory vote, in favor of the annual submission to Webster’s compensation of its NEOs for approval on a non-binding basis, and the Board adopted this approach. The Board and Compensation Committee continue to believe that giving Webster’s shareholders the right to cast an advisory vote every year on the compensation arrangements of Directors, itWebster’s NEOs is good corporate governance practice and is in the best interests of Webster’s shareholders, by allowing its shareholders to provide their input on executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices as disclosed in its proxy statement every year.

53


Shareholders are not possiblevoting to determineapprove or disapprove of the Incentive Awards that will be made to executive officers under the 1992 Stock Option Plan. Information regarding Incentive Awards made under the 1992 Stock Option PlanBoard’s recommendation as to the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the other three most highly compensated executive officers in 2014 is provided on page 38. In 2014, under the 1992 Stock Option Plan, options covering a total of 0 shares of Common Stock were granted to all non-employee directors as a group, options covering 0 shares of Common Stock were granted to all current executive officers as a group, and options covering 0 shares of Common Stock were granted to all employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group. In addition, in 2014, 18,316 shares of restricted stock were granted to current directors, 145,732 shares of restricted stock were granted to all executive officers as a group, and 214,772 shares of restricted stock were granted to all employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group.

As of December 31, 2014, options to purchase 1,900,144 shares of Common Stock (173,918 of which were incentive stock options and 1,726,226 of which were nonqualified options) were outstanding under the 1992 Stock Option Plan. The option exercise price under the 1992 Stock Option Plan may not be less than the greater of par value or 100%frequency of the fair market valueadvisory vote on NEO compensation. Instead, shareholders may select one of the Common Stock on the date of grant of the option (or 110% in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a grantee beneficially owning more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock).

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 1992 Stock Option Plan

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of awards under the 1992 Stock Option Plan for grantees and the Corporation will depend on the type of Incentive Award granted. The following summary description of U.S. federal income tax consequences is intended only for the general information of shareholders. A grantee under the 1992 Stock Option Plan should not rely on this description and instead should consult his or her own tax advisor.

Incentive Stock Options.    The grant of an option is not a taxable event for the grantee or the Corporation. With respect to “incentive stock options,” a grantee will not recognize taxable income upon grant or exercise of an incentive option, and any gain realized upon a disposition of shares received pursuant to the exercise of an incentive option will be taxed as long term capital gain if the grantee holds the shares for at least two years after the date of grant and for one year after the date of exercise. However, the excess of the fair market value of the shares subject to an incentive option on the exercise date over the exercise price will be included in the grantee’s alternative minimum taxable income in the year of exercise (except that, if the grantee is subject to certain securities law restrictions, the determination of the amount included in alternative minimum taxable income may be delayed, unless the grantee elects within 30 days following exercise to have income determined without regard to such restrictions) for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. This excess increases the grantee’s basis in the shares for purposes of the alternative minimum tax but not for purposes of the regular income tax. A grantee may be entitled to a credit against regular tax liability in future years for minimum taxes paidfour choices with respect to this proposal:

(1) every year;

(2) every two years;

(3) every three years; or

(4) abstain from voting on the exercise of incentive options (e.g., for a year in which the shares are sold at a gain). The Corporation and its subsidiaries will not be entitled to any business expense deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of an incentive option, except as discussed below.proposal.

For the exercise of an incentive optionreasons discussed above, the Board is asking Webster’s shareholders to qualifyindicate their support for the foregoing tax treatment, the grantee generally must be an employee of the Corporation or a subsidiary from the date the option is granted through a date within three months before the date of exercise. There is no difference in the treatment for one who terminates

64


employment prior to or after attaining normal retirement age. In the case of a grantee who is disabled, this three-month period is extended to one year. In the case of an employee who dies, the three-month period and the holding period for shares received pursuant to the exercise of the option are waived.

If all of the requirements for incentive stock option treatment are met except for the special holding period rules set forth above, the grantee will recognize ordinary income upon the disposition of the shares in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the option is exercised over the exercise price. However, if the grantee is subject to certain restrictions under the securities laws at the time the option is exercised, the measurement date may be delayed, unless the grantee has made a special tax election within 30 days after the date of exercise to have taxable income determined without regard to such restrictions. The balance of the realized gain, if any, will be long or short term capital gain, depending upon whether or not the shares are sold more than one year after the option is exercised. If the grantee sells the shares prior to the satisfaction of the holding period rules but at a price below the fair market value of the shares at the time the option is exercised (or other applicable measurement date), the amount of ordinary income (and the amount included in alternative minimum taxable income, if the sale occurs during the same year as the option was exercised) will be limited to the excess of the amount realized on the sale over the exercise price. If the Corporation complies with applicable reporting requirements and with the restrictions of Section 162(m) of the Code, it will be allowed a business expense deduction to the extent the grantee recognizes ordinary income, subject to applicable limitations on the deduction of amounts becoming vested as a result of a change of control.

If a grantee exercises an incentive option by tendering shares of Common Stock with a fair market value equal to part or all of the exercise price, the exchange of shares will be treated as a nontaxable exchange (except that this treatment would not apply if the grantee acquired the shares being transferred pursuant to the exercise of an incentive option and has not satisfied the special holding period requirements summarized above). If the exercise is treated as a tax free exchange, the grantee would have no taxable income from the exchange and exercise (other than minimum taxable income as discussed above) and the tax basis of the shares exchanged would be treated as the substituted basis for the shares received. These rules would not apply if the grantee used shares received pursuant to the exercise of an incentive option or another statutory option) as to which the grantee has not satisfied the applicable holding period requirement. In that case, the exchange would be treated as a taxable disqualifying disposition of the exchanged shares, with the result that the excess of the fair market value of the shares tendered over the grantee’s basis in the shares would be taxable.

Nonqualified Options.    Upon exercising a nonqualified option, a grantee will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise (except that, if the grantee is subject to certain restrictions imposed by the securities laws, the measurement date may be delayed, unless the grantee makes a special tax election within 30 days after exercise to have income determined without regard to the restrictions). If the Corporation complies with applicable reporting requirements and with the restrictions of Section 162(m) of the Code, it will be entitled to a business expense deduction in the same amount, subject to applicable limitations on the deduction of amounts becoming vested as a result of a change of control. Upon a subsequent sale or exchange of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a nonqualified option, the grantee will have taxable gain or loss, measured by the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the tax basis of the shares (generally, the amount paid for the shares plus the amount treated as ordinary income at the time the option was exercised).

If the grantee surrenders shares of Common Stock in payment of part or all of the exercise price for nonqualified options, no gain or loss will be recognized with respect to the shares surrendered (regardless of whether the shares were acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive option) and the grantee will be treated as receiving an equivalent number of shares pursuant to the exercise of the option in a nontaxable exchange. The basis of the shares surrendered will be treated as the substituted tax basis for an equivalent number of option shares received and the new shares will be treated as having been held for the same holding period as

65


had expired with respect to the transferred shares. However, the fair market value of any shares received in excess of the number of shares surrendered(i.e.,the difference between the aggregate exercise price and the aggregate fair market value of the shares received pursuant to the exercise of the option) will be taxed as ordinary income.

Restricted Stock.    A grantee who is awarded restricted stock will not recognize any taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the year of the award, provided that the shares of Common Stock are subject to restrictions (that is, the restricted stock is nontransferable and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture). However, the grantee may elect under Section 83(b) of the Code to recognize compensation income in the year of the award in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the award (less the purchase price, if any), determined without regard to the restrictions. If the grantee does not make such a Section 83(b) election, the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the restrictions lapse (less the purchase price, if any) will be treated as compensation income to the grantee and will be taxable in the year the restrictions lapse and dividends paid while the Common Stock is subject to restrictions will be subject to withholding taxes. If the Corporation complies with applicable reporting requirements and with the restrictions of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Corporation will be entitled to a business expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

Restricted Stock Units.    A grantee who is awarded restricted stock units generally will not recognize any taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the year of the award. Instead, the grantee will recognize ordinary income at the time the restricted stock units are paid to the grantee as Common Stock. In this case, the grantee’s basis for determining capital gain or loss upon subsequent disposition will be the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the restricted stock units are paid to the grantee. If the Corporation complies with applicable reporting requirements and with the restrictions of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Corporation will be entitled to a business expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

Unrestricted Stock.    A grantee who is awarded unrestricted shares (after satisfaction of the applicable performance criteria for a performance-based stock or restricted stock unit award) will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of the award, reduced by the amount, if any, paid for such shares of Common Stock. The Corporation will generally be allowed a business expense deduction in the same amount and at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income, subject to our compliance with Section 162(m) of the Code.

Performance-Based Stock.    The award of performance-based stock will have no federal income tax consequences for the Corporation or for the grantee, except those attributable to the issuance of restricted or unrestricted stock (described in the preceding paragraphs) to the grantee upon satisfaction of the applicable performance criteria.

Stock Appreciation Rights.    There are no immediate U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving an award of SARs under the 1992 Stock Option Plan. Upon exercising a SAR, a grantee will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the grant price and the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise. If the Corporation complies with applicable reporting requirements and with the restrictions of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Corporation will be entitled to a business expense deduction in the same amount and generally at the same time as the grantee recognizes ordinary income.

Required Vote

Assuming the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting, the affirmativenon-binding advisory vote of the majority of the votes cast is required to approve the material terms for paymentcompensation of performance-based compensation under the 1992 Stock Option Plan.

Company’s named executive officers to be held every year.

The option of every year, every two years or every three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by Webster’s shareholders will be considered the frequency recommended by the shareholders.

66


The Board of Directors recommends athat shareholders vote FOR approvalfor EVERY YEAR as the frequency with which shareholders are provided an advisory vote on the compensation of the material terms for payment of performance-based compensation under the 1992 Stock Option Plan. If not otherwise specified, proxies will be voted FOR approval.Webster’s named executive officers.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding options and shares reserved for future issuance under the Corporation’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014.

Plan Category

 Number of shares to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding awards
  Weighted-average exercise
price of  outstanding awards ($)
  Number of shares remaining
available for future issuance  under
equity compensation plans
 
  (a)  (b)  (c) 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  1,900,1441   24.95    1,957,0892 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  None    None    None  

Total

  1,900,144    24.95    1,957,089  

1

Includes 1,885,504 options outstanding under the 1992 Stock Option Plan and 14,640 options outstanding that were assumed in connection with merger and acquisition transactions.

2

Includes 1,957,089 shares available for grant under the 1992 Stock Option Plan and no shares available to grant under the 2001 Directors Retainer Fee Plan.

67


DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

FOR INCLUSION IN PROXY STATEMENT

Any proposal which a Webster shareholder wishes to have included in Webster’s Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to Webster’s 20162018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under Rule 14a-8 of the Securities and Exchange Commission must be received by Webster’s Secretary at 145 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut 06702 by November 13, 2015.17, 2017. Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to require Webster to include in its Proxy Statement and form of proxy for the meeting any shareholder proposal which does not meet the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in effect at the time. Any other proposal for consideration by shareholders at Webster’s 20162018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be delivered to, or mailed to and received by, the Secretary of Webster not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the meeting if Webster gives at least 45 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the meeting date to shareholders.

54


OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors does not know of any other matters to be presented for action by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. If, however, any other matters not now known properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote the proxy in accordance with the determination of a majority of the Board of Directors.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

LOGO

 

James C. Smith

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Waterbury, Connecticut

March 13, 201517, 2017

 

68


ANNEX A

AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO THE

WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Webster Financial Corporation 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated effective as of October 23, 2006 and as further amended (the “Plan”), is hereby amended effective February 26, 2015 as follows:

1. Section 2(b) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

(b) Committee.    The Board may from time to time appoint a committee to administer the Plan (the “Committee”) consisting of two or more members of the Board who qualify in all respects as (i) “non-employee directors” as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), (ii) “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, and (iii) “independent directors” in accordance with the rules of the stock exchange on which the Stock is listed. The Board, in its sole discretion, may provide that the role of the Committee shall be limited to making recommendations to the Board concerning any determinations to be made and actions to be taken by the Board pursuant to or with respect to the Plan, or the Board may delegate to the Committee such powers and authorities related to the administration of the Plan, as set forth in Section 2(a) above, as the Board shall determine, consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Corporation and applicable law. The Board may remove members, add members, and fill vacancies on the Committee from time to time, all in accordance with the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, and with applicable law. The majority vote of the Committee, or acts reduced to or approved in writing by a majority of the members of the Committee, shall be the valid acts of the Committee.

2. Section 6(c) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

(c) Performance-Based Stock Awards.    For purposes of the Plan, “Performance-Based Stock” means an Incentive Award granted to a Grantee pursuant to this Section 6(c), which is subject to the attainment of pre-established performance goals over a performance period of at least one year and up to ten years, the attainment of which would, subject to the additional terms and conditions of this paragraph and the Plan generally, entitle the Grantee to receive Stock and/or Restricted Stock in a pre-determined amount or an amount determined pursuant to the performance criteria formulation. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Board may, at any time and from time to time, before the date of termination of the Plan, award to a Grantee an Incentive Award of Performance-Based Stock. No Performance-Based Stock may vest prior to the completion of a minimum of one year of service for the Corporation or a Subsidiary from the date of such grant to the Grantee, unless the Board provides that such service will not be required in the case of death or disability of the Grantee. Each grant of Performance-Based Stock shall be effected by the execution of an Award Agreement setting out the terms and conditions applicable thereto and, in the Board’s discretion, all or a portion of the shares of Stock subject to the Performance-Based Stock award may be issued at the time of grant subject to the applicable performance objectives.

The applicable performance objectives for a Performance-Based Stock award shall be established in writing by the Board before the ninetieth day after the beginning of any performance period applicable to such award and while the outcome is substantially uncertain, or at such other date as may be required or permitted for “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m). Performance objectives shall be based on one or more of the following criteria: (i) total shareholder return, (ii) income, (iii) the Stock price, (iv) earnings per share, (v) return on assets, equity or investments, (vi) operational efficiency, (vii) operating profit, (viii) operating revenue, (ix) operating expenses, (x) loan quality, including without limitation acceptable, adverse, criticized, past due, nonaccrual, and charge-off criteria, either in absolute terms or relative to loan portfolio or assets, (xi) net interest spreads, (xii) financial ratings by outside agencies, (xiii) fee income, (xiv) capital, including without limitation capital adequacy, capital regulatory achievements or compliance, and

A-1


ANNEX A

capital surplus, (xv) revenue targets, (xvi) expense targets, (xvii) market or market segment share or penetration, (xviii) shareholders equity, (xix) assets and liabilities, or (xx) any combination of the foregoing.

Performance objectives may include positive results, maintaining the status quo or limiting economic losses. The Board may provide in any Performance-Based Stock award that any evaluation of performance may include or exclude any of the following events that occur during a performance period: (a) asset write-downs or loan losses; (b) litigation or claims, judgments, or settlements; (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results; (d) any reorganization or restructuring events or programs or discontinued operations; (e) extraordinary, non-core, non-operating, or non-recurring items; (f) acquisitions or divestitures; (g) foreign exchange gains and losses; (h) impact of shares of Stock purchased through share repurchase programs or share offerings; (i) tax valuation allowance reversals; and (j) impairment expense. To the extent such inclusions or exclusions affect awards that are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” pursuant to Code Section 162(m), such inclusions or exclusions shall be prescribed in a form that meets the requirements of Code Section 162(m) for deductibility.

Upon attainment of the specified performance objectives (or, to the extent specified by the Board, partial attainment of such objectives), the Grantee of a Performance-Based Stock award shall be entitled to the shares of Stock and/or Restricted Stock specified in the grant (or the portion of such shares earned by partial attainment of the objectives, as applicable), except as set out in Section 15. Upon the failure of the Grantee to pay the price specified for the shares within the time set by the Board at the time of the grant or upon the expiration of the specified period for attaining performance objectives without such objectives having been achieved, except as shall otherwise have been specified in the Award Agreement at the time of grant or in an amendment thereto, the shares of Performance-Based Stock (or appropriate portion thereof) shall be forfeited and shall again be available for re-grant under the terms of the Plan. The Board may require that the certificates evidencing the grant of shares of Performance-Based Stock hereunder be held by an officer of the Corporation until the applicable performance objectives have been attained. The Board may also cause a legend to be placed on such certificates making appropriate reference to the conditions to which the shares are subject. Unless the Board otherwise provides in an Award Agreement, with respect to Stock treated as issued subject to attainment of performance criteria, Grantees shall have the right to vote such Stock and the right to receive any dividends declared or paid with respect to such Stock. The Board shall determine the amount, form, timing and other terms regarding payment of any such dividends. The Board may provide that any dividends paid on Performance-Based Stock must be reinvested in shares of Stock, which may or may not be subject to the same conditions applicable to such Performance-Based Stock.

3. Section 8(c) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

(c) No Repricing.    Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, the Board shall not have the authority (i) to amend the terms of outstanding Options or SARs to reduce the Option Price or grant price, as applicable, of any outstanding Option or SAR, (ii) to cancel outstanding Options or SARs in exchange for or substitution of Options or SARs with an Option Price or grant price, as applicable, that is less than the Option Price or grant price, as applicable, of the original Options or SARs, (iii) to cancel outstanding Options or SARs with an Option Price or grant price, as applicable, above the current Fair Market Value in exchange for cash, other awards, or other securities, or (iv) to take any other action that would be treated as a repricing under the rules of the stock exchange on which the Stock is listed, in each case, unless such action (A) is subject to and approved by the Corporation’s shareholders or (B) would not be deemed to be a repricing under the rules of the stock exchange on which the Stock is listed; provided, that nothing in this Section 8(c) is intended to prevent appropriate adjustments to be made to outstanding awards, without shareholder approval, pursuant to Section 17.

4. Except as amended above, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

A-255


LOGOLOGO

145 BANK STREET

WEBSTER PLAZA

WATERBURY, CT 06702

INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOTING BY INTERNET, TELEPHONE OR MAIL

Webster Financial Corporation encourages you to take advantage of convenient voting methods. Please take this opportunity to use one of the three voting methods below. Voting is easier than ever. Proxies submitted by Internet or telephone must be received no later than 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, on April 22, 2015.26, 2017.

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information no later than 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, on April 22, 2015.26, 2017. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions.

VOTE BY TELEPHONE -1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions no later than 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, on April 22, 2015.26, 2017. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by Webster Financial Corporation in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically viae-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above for voting by Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access future shareholder communications electronically.

 

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

E18146-P85626                KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

    WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ALL
Nominees:
  

M82398-P59551

 

KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

 

1.   

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

To elect ten directors to serve for one year terms
(Proposal 1).

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

Nominees:ForAgainstAbstain

1a.    William L. Atwell

1b.   Joel S. Becker

1c.    John J. Crawford

1d.   Elizabeth E. Flynn

1e.    Laurence C. Morse

1f.    Karen R. Osar

1g.   Mark Pettie

1h.   Charles W. Shivery

1i.    James C. Smith

1j.    Lauren C. States

 

WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

                  
  

The Board of Directors recommends a vote

FOR ALL Nominees:

    
   
  

1.

To elect eleven directors to serve for one year terms (Proposal 1).      
  

Nominees:

 For  Against  Abstain 

1a.    William L. Atwell

1b.    Joel S. Becker

1c.    John J. Crawford

1d.    Robert A. Finkenzeller

1e.    Elizabeth E. Flynn

1f.    C. Michael Jacobi

1g.    Laurence C. Morse

1h.    Karen R. Osar

1i.    Mark Pettie

1j.    Charles W. Shivery

1k.    James C. Smith

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

¨

    
    
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposals: ForAgainstAbstain
   

2.

For
 AgainstAbstain

2.     To approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers of the Company (Proposal 2).

      

¨

¨

¨

  
   

3.

   ☐

3.     To ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Webster Financial Corporation for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20152017 (Proposal 3).

      

¨

¨

¨

  
   

4.

   ☐
The Board of Directors recommends a vote of “1 year” on the following proposal:1 Year2 Years3 YearsAbstain

4.     To approvevote, on anon-binding, advisory basis, on the material terms for paymentfrequency of performance-basedvoting on the compensation underof the 1992 Stock Option Plannamed executive officers of the Company (Proposal 4).

 

¨

¨

¨

   

  ☐
The proxies are authorized to vote upon any other business that properly comes before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof, in accordance with the determination of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company.

     
 For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated. ¨

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

  

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

 
       
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]Date    
  
       
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date       

V.1.1


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.

E18147-P85626     

 LOGO REVOCABLE PROXY      

2017


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.

M82399-P59551  

REVOCABLE PROXY  

LOGO

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

April 23, 2015

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned shareholder of Webster Financial Corporation (the “Company”) hereby appoints John J. Crawford, Robert A. Finkenzeller and Laurence C. Morse and Karen R. Osar, or any of them, with full power of substitution in each, as proxies to cast all votes which the undersigned shareholder is entitled to cast at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Thursday, April 23, 2015,27, 2017, at the Webster Bank Resource Center, 436 Slater Road, New Britain Connecticut 06053,Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT 06052, and at any adjournments of the meeting, for the following purposes. The undersigned shareholder hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore given.

This proxy will be voted as directed by the undersigned shareholder.Unless contrary direction is given, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of allnominees listed in (Proposal 1); FOR the approval, on anon-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officersof the Company (Proposal 2); FOR the ratification of the Board of Directors’ appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independentregistered public accounting firm (Proposal 3); FOR the approvalholding of anon-binding, advisory vote on the compensation of the material terms for paymentnamedexecutive officers of performance-based compensation under the 1992 Stock Option PlanCompany every year (Proposal 4); and in accordance with the determination of a majority of the Board of Directorsas to other matters.The undersigned shareholder may revoke this proxy at any time before it is voted by delivering either a written notice of revocation of the proxy or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date to the Assistant Secretary of the Company, byre-voting by Internet or telephone, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. The undersigned shareholder hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.

Please sign and return the proxy card promptly in the enclosed envelope.

 

Address Changes/Comments:  
Address Changes/Comments:

 

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)

(Continued and to be signed and dated on the reverse side)

V.1.1