UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

__________________________________________

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )

__________________________________________

 

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QCR Holdings, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

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

 

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April 13, 2018

 

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

On behalf of the board of directors and management of QCR Holdings, Inc., we cordially invite you to attend the annual meeting of stockholders of QCR Holdings, Inc., to be held at 8:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, within the lobby of Quad City Bank and Trust Company, at the corporate offices of QCR Holdings, located at 3551 Seventh Street, Moline, Illinois 61265.

 

This year we are again using the Securities and Exchange Commission rule that allows us to furnish our proxy statement, 2017 Annual Report and proxy card to stockholders over the internet. This means our stockholders will receive only a notice containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet and vote online. If you receive this notice but would still like to request paper copies of the proxy materials, please follow the instructions on the notice or on the website referred to on the notice. By delivering proxy materials electronically to our stockholders, we can reduce the costs of printing and mailing our proxy materials. Please visit http://www.proxyvote.com for more information about the electronic delivery of proxy materials.

 

There are a number of proposals to be considered at this meeting. Our stockholders will be asked to: (i) elect four persons to serve as Class I directors; (ii) approve, in a non-binding, advisory vote, the compensation of certain executive officers, which is referred to as a “say-on-pay” proposal; (iii) recommend, in a non-binding, advisory vote, the frequency with which stockholders will vote on future say-on-pay proposals; and (iv) ratify the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018.

 

We recommend that you vote your shares for each of the director nominees, for the “every year” option relating to the frequency of future say-on-pay proposals, and for all of the other proposals presented at the annual meeting.

 

We encourage you to attend the meeting in person. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the meeting, you should vote by following the instructions provided on the notice as soon as possible. This will assure that your shares are represented at the meeting.

 

At the meeting, we will also report on our operations and the outlook for the year ahead.

 

We look forward to seeing you and visiting with you at the meeting.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Patrick S. Baird		Douglas M. Hultquist
Chair of the Board		President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 23, 2018

 

To the Stockholders of QCR Holdings, Inc.:

 

The annual meeting of stockholders of QCR Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held within the lobby of Quad City Bank and Trust Company, at our corporate office, located at 3551 Seventh Street, Moline, Illinois 61265, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 8:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:

 

1.

to elect four Class I directors to serve until the regular annual meeting of stockholders in 2021 and until their successors are elected and have qualified;

 

2.

to approve, in a non-binding, advisory vote, the compensation of certain executive officers, which is referred to as a “say-on-pay” proposal;

 

3.

to recommend, in a non-binding, advisory vote, the frequency with which stockholders will vote on future say-on-pay proposals;

 

4.

to ratify the appointment of RSM US LLP as QCR Holdings’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018; and

 

5.

to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.

 

The board of directors has fixed the close of business on March 29, 2018, as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. In the event there is an insufficient number of votes for a quorum or to approve any of the proposals at the time of the annual meeting, the meeting may be adjourned or postponed in order to permit the further solicitation of proxies.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Christopher J. Lindell
Executive Vice President,

Corporate Communications and Investor Relations

Corporate Secretary

 

Moline, Illinois
April 13, 2018

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page Number

 

About the Annual Meeting									2
Proposal 1: Election of Directors									6
	Nominees and Continuing Directors								6
	Qualifications of our Board Members and Nominees								7
Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors									11
	General								11
	Committees of the Board of Directors								12
	Consideration of Director Candidates								14
	Code of Business Conduct and Ethics								15
	Board Leadership Structure								15
	The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight								15
	Share Ownership and Retention Guidelines								16
	Stockholder Communications with the Board, Nomination and Proposal Procedures								16
Executive Compensation									18
	Compensation Discussion and Analysis								18
		Overview and Executive Summary							18
		Objectives of Our Compensation Program							20
		Elements of Compensation							20
		Compensation Process							23
		Analysis of 2017 Compensation							24
		Regulatory Considerations							29
		Anti-Hedging Policy							30
		Anti-Pledging Policy							30
		Clawback Policy							30
		Insider Trading Policy							30
		Share Ownership and Retention Guidelines							31
		Compensation Committee Report							31
	Summary of Compensation Paid to Named Executive Officers								32
	Grant of Plan Based Awards								34
	Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End								35
	Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2017								37
	Pension Benefits (Non-Qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan)								37
	Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation								38
	Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control								39
	Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation								42
	Pay Ratio								43
Director Compensation									43
	Cash Compensation Paid to Board Members								44
	Equity Awards								45
Proposal 2: Advisory (Non-Binding) Vote to Approve Executive Officer Compensation									46
Proposal 3: Advisory (Non-Binding) Vote Relating to the Frequency of Future Stockholder Votes on the Compensation of Certain Executive Officers									47
Proposal 4: Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm									48
	Accounting Firm								48
	Accountant Fees								48
Audit Committee Approval Policy									48
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners									49
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance									51
Transactions with Management and Directors									51
Audit Committee Report									51

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

QCR Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“QCR Holdings”), is the holding company for Quad City Bank and Trust Company, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company, Rockford Bank and Trust Company and Community State Bank. Quad City Bank and Trust is an Iowa state bank located in Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa and in Moline, Illinois. Quad City Bank and Trust owns m2 Lease Funds, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that is engaged in the business of leasing machinery and equipment to businesses under direct financing lease contracts. Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust is an Iowa state bank located in Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls and Waterloo, Iowa. Rockford Bank and Trust is an Illinois state bank located in Rockford, Illinois. Community State Bank is an Iowa state bank located in Ankeny, Iowa and five other cities throughout the greater Des Moines area. When we refer to our “subsidiary banks” in this proxy statement, we are collectively referring to Quad City Bank and Trust, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, Rockford Bank and Trust, and Community State Bank. When we refer to our “subsidiaries” in this proxy statement, we are collectively referring to our subsidiary banks, as well as our other subsidiaries.

 

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the board of directors of QCR Holdings of proxies to be voted at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held within the lobby of Quad City Bank and Trust Company, at our corporate office, located at 3551 Seventh Street, Moline, Illinois 61265, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 8:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. This proxy statement and the accompanying form of proxy are first being transmitted or delivered to stockholders of QCR Holdings on or about April 13, 2018, together with our 2017 Annual Report to stockholders.

 

About the Annual Meeting

 

The following is information regarding the meeting and the voting process, and is presented in a question and answer format.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPOSAL 1:

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Nominees and Continuing Directors

 

Our directors are divided into three classes having staggered terms of three years.  At the annual meeting, stockholders will be asked to elect four Class I directors for a term expiring in 2021.  The board has considered and nominated current directors John-Paul E. Besong, Todd A. Gipple and Donna J. Sorensen, and has nominated one new individual, Mary Kay Bates, to serve as Class I directors of QCR Holdings. We have no knowledge that any of the nominees will refuse or be unable to serve, but if any of the nominees becomes unavailable for election, the holders of the proxies reserve the right to substitute another person of their choice as a nominee when voting at the meeting. Set forth below is information concerning the nominees for election and for each of the other persons whose terms of office will continue after the meeting, including age, year first elected a director and business experience during the previous five years. Directors are elected by a plurality and the four individuals receiving the highest number of votes cast for their election will be elected as Class I directors. Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” all of the nominees for directors.

 

Name - (Age)	Director Since	Positions with QCR Holdings and Subsidiaries
NOMINEES
CLASS I (New Term Expires 2021)
Mary Kay Bates - (Age 58)	----	None
John-Paul E. Besong - (Age 64)	2015	Director of QCR Holdings
Todd A. Gipple - (Age 54)	2009	Director of QCR Holdings; Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of QCR Holdings; Director of Quad City Bank and Trust; Director of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust; Director of Rockford Bank  and Trust; Director of Community State Bank
Donna J. Sorensen - (Age 68)	2009	Director of QCR Holdings; Director of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust

 

Name – (Age)	Director Since	Positions with QCR Holdings and Subsidiaries
		CONTINUING DIRECTORS
CLASS II (Term Expires 2019)
Patrick S. Baird - (Age 64)	2010	Chair of the Board and Director of QCR Holdings; Director of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust; Director of m2 Lease Funds
Larry J. Helling - (Age 62)	2001	Director of QCR Holdings; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust; Chair of the Board and Director of Community State Bank; Director of m2 Lease Funds
Douglas M. Hultquist - (Age 62)	1993	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of QCR Holdings; Director of Quad City Bank and Trust; Director of Rockford Bank and Trust; Vice Chair of the Board and Director of Community State Bank; Director of m2 Lease Funds
Mark C. Kilmer - (Age 59)	2004	Director of QCR Holdings; Chair of the Board and Director of Quad City Bank and Trust
Linda K. Neuman - (Age 69)	2013	Director of QCR Holdings; Vice Chair of the Board and Director of Quad City Bank and Trust

 

CLASS III (Term Expires 2020)
Michael L. Peterson - (Age 56)	2013	Director of QCR Holdings
George T. Ralph III - (Age 58)	2015	Director of QCR Holdings; Chair of the Board and Director of Rockford Bank and Trust
Marie Z. Ziegler - (Age 60)	2008	Vice Chair and Director of QCR Holdings; Director of Quad City Bank and Trust; Director of Community State Bank

 

 

 

All of our continuing directors and nominees will hold office for the terms indicated, or until their earlier death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or ineligibility due to exceeding age eligibility requirements (a person who has reached the age of 72 before the date of the annual meeting is not eligible for election to the board) and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. All of our executive officers hold office for a term of one year. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the directors, executive officers or any other person pursuant to which any of our directors or executive officers have been selected for their respective positions.

 

Mr. Besong is director of United Fire Group, Inc., a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Mr. Hultquist was also a director of United Fire Group, Inc. from May 2007 until May 2016. Mr. Baird is director of FGL Holdings and was a director of National Financial Partners Corp. from October 2011 until July 2013, both companies subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. No other nominee or director has been a director of another company subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act within the past five years.

 

Qualifications of our Board Members and Nominees

 

Descriptions of each director and nominee’s specific experience, as well as their qualifications to serve on the board are as follows:

 

Patrick S. Baird is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of AEGON USA, LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of the AEGON Insurance Group, a leading multinational insurance organization.  Mr. Baird joined the AEGON USA companies in 1976, and during his career also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Tax Officer.  He is a graduate of the University of Iowa, and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).  Mr. Baird is a Commissioner for the Eastern Iowa Airport and is a founding board member and Treasurer of the Zach Johnson Foundation. He is also a director of Lombard International, a specialty life insurance company based in Luxembourg and a board member of FGL Holdings, a retail annuity and life insurance company based in the Cayman Islands.  We consider Mr. Baird to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and on the committees he is a member of due to his experience as the President and Chief Executive Officer of a successful insurance company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of our market areas, his knowledge of the business community in this area and his broad based financial acumen.

 

Mary Kay Bates is President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Midwest, a regional community bank and financial services company based in Spirit Lake, Iowa, that provides banking, insurance, and wealth management services through an 11 branch network located throughout Northwest Iowa, Southwest Minnesota, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Ms. Bates career in community banking has spanned over 25 years and since joining Bank Midwest in 1995, she has gained a broad range of experience in lending, marketing, human resources, and operations. As an executive leader of Bank Midwest for the past 15 years, Ms. Bates responsibilities progressively increased to strategic initiatives that have included acquisitions and growth strategies, operational effectiveness, and workforce engagement. Ms. Bates currently serves on the board of directors for Bank Midwest and Goodenow Bancorporation. She is Trustee of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and an active member of the Iowa Bankers Association, serving on the legislative committee and as a Regional Vice-Chair. She is a Trustee of Lakes Regional Healthcare and a board director of Lakes Regional Healthcare Foundation. Ms. Bates is also recognized as an active community leader and volunteer, having served as director and officer on multiple boards to enrich quality of life and economic development within her community. She attended Iowa State University and graduated with honors from the Graduate School of Banking Colorado. We consider Ms. Bates to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and on the committees she will be placed on due to her extensive knowledge of the banking industry that she has attained as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Midwest.

 

 

John-Paul E. Besong is a former Senior Vice President of e-Business and Chief Information Officer for Rockwell Collins, a Fortune 500 company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that provides aviation electronics for both commercial and military aircraft. He was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer in 2003. Beginning in 1979, when he joined Rockwell Collins as a chemical engineer, Mr. Besong held management roles having increasingly more responsibility within the company, including vice president of e-Business and Lean ElectronicsSM, head of the SAP initiative and Director of the Printed Circuits and Fabrication businesses.  Mr. Besong serves on the boards of directors of United Fire Group, Inc., Junior Achievement (Cedar Rapids area), Mercy Medical Center, Iowa Public Television Foundation and Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) CIO Advisory Board, and is a former director of Lean Aerospace Initiative (LAI). He also serves as a member and former chair of the executive board of TAI.  We consider Mr. Besong to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and the committees he will be placed on due to his business acumen and distinguished management career as an officer and information technology expert of a Fortune 500 company.

 

Todd A. Gipple is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and began his career with KPMG Peat Marwick in 1985.  In 1991, McGladrey & Pullen acquired the Quad Cities practice of KPMG.  Mr. Gipple was named Tax Partner with McGladrey & Pullen in 1994 and served as the Tax Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Mississippi Valley Practice and as one of five Regional Tax Coordinators for the national firm.  He specialized in Financial Institutions Taxation and Mergers and Acquisitions throughout his 14-year career in Public Accounting.  He joined QCR Holdings in January of 2000, and currently serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Gipple currently serves on the board of directors of the John Deere Classic and on the Audit Committee for the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, and is the Chairman of the board of directors for the Scott County Family YMCA.  Mr. Gipple previously served on the board of directors and the Executive Committee of the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Quad Cities, SAL Family and Community Services and the Scott County Beautification Foundation, and was a member of the original Governing Body for the Quad Cities “Success by 6” Initiative.  Mr. Gipple was the 2016 Chief Corporate Chair for the Quad Cities JDRF One Walk.  We consider Mr. Gipple to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and the committees he is a member of due to his experience as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of QCR Holdings and his prior experience as a tax partner in public accounting.

 

Larry J. Helling was previously the Executive Vice President and Regional Commercial Banking Manager of Firstar Bank in Cedar Rapids with a focus on the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area and the Eastern Iowa region.  Prior to his six years with Firstar, Mr. Helling spent twelve years with Omaha National Bank.  He joined QCR Holdings in September of 2001 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.  Mr. Helling is a graduate of the Cedar Rapids Leadership for Five Seasons program and currently serves on the board of trustees of the United Way of East Central Iowa and Junior Achievement, as well as the board of directors of the Entrepreneurial Development Center, and the Brucemore National Trust Historic Site.  He is past President and a member of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids.  We consider Mr. Helling to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and the committees he is a member of due to his experience as the President of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, his past experience as an executive officer of Firstar Bank, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of our market areas, and his prior banking experience.

 

Douglas M. Hultquist is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and previously served as a tax partner with two major accounting firms.  He began his career with KPMG Peat Marwick in 1977 and was named a partner in 1987.  In 1991, the Quad Cities office of KPMG Peat Marwick merged with McGladrey & Pullen.  Mr. Hultquist served as a tax partner in the Illinois Quad Cities office of McGladrey & Pullen from 1991 until co-founding QCR Holdings in 1993.  During his public accounting career, Mr. Hultquist specialized in bank taxation, taxation of closely held businesses, and mergers and acquisitions.  He received his undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Accounting and Economics in 1977 and in 2009 received an Honorary Doctorate degree from the college.  Mr. Hultquist served on the board of directors of the PGA TOUR John Deere Classic and was its chairman for the 2001 tournament.  He is a past chairman of the Augustana College Board of Trustees and rejoined the board in 2016. Mr. Hultquist is past president of the Quad City Estate Planning Council, past finance chairman of Butterworth Memorial Trust and previously served on the board of the Illinois Bankers Association. Mr. Hultquist is a former member of the board of directors of United Fire Group, Inc. and former Risk Management Committee chair.  He served as director on the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce board and Executive Committee and was past chair of its board.  He currently serves on the board of the Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center and participates in Big Brothers/Big Sisters.  Mr. Hultquist received the 1998 Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for the Iowa and Nebraska region and was inducted into the Quad Cities Area Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame in 2003.  He is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Iowa Society of CPAs, and was selected as the Iowa Society of CPAs’ Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry for 2011.  Mr. Hultquist was also recognized as a 2015 Male Champion of Change Honoree by Women’s Connection and the 2016 Mardi Gras King by Junior Board of Rock Island.  We consider Mr. Hultquist to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and the committees he is a member of due to his experience as the President and Chief Executive Officer of QCR Holdings and his prior public accounting experience as a tax partner.

 

 

Mark C. Kilmer is President of The Republic Companies, a family-owned group of businesses founded in 1916 and headquartered in Davenport, Iowa involved in the wholesale equipment and supplies distribution of energy management, electrical, refrigeration, heating, air-conditioning and sign support systems.  Prior to joining Republic in 1984, Mr. Kilmer worked in the Management Information Systems Department of Standard Oil of California (Chevron) in San Francisco.  Mr. Kilmer currently is a board member of Genesis Health System, serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Ambrose University, and also serves on the board of directors of IMARK Group, Inc., a national member-owned purchasing cooperative of electric supplies and equipment distributors.  He is a two-term past chairman of the PGA TOUR John Deere Classic and the past chairman of the Scott County YMCA’s board of directors.  Mr. Kilmer is the past chairman of the board of Genesis Medical Center, and has served on the board of directors of the Genesis Heart Institute, St. Luke’s Hospital, Rejuvenate Davenport, the Vera French Foundation and Trinity Lutheran Church.  He was a four-time project business consultant for Junior Achievement.  Prior to joining the board of Quad City Bank and Trust in 1996, Mr. Kilmer served on the board of Citizen’s Federal Savings Bank in Davenport, Iowa.  In 2014, Mr. Kilmer was named the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Quad City Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and along with his wife, Kathy, received the Bethany Homes Leadership Family of the Year Award.  In 2016, Mr. Kilmer and his wife were inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Handicapped Development Center.  We consider Mr. Kilmer to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and the committees he is a member of due to his experience as the President of a successful wholesale and supply distribution business in Davenport, Iowa, one of our market areas, prior service on a bank board and his knowledge of the business community in this area.

 

Linda K. Neuman is a retired member of the Iowa Supreme Court, having served as a trial and appellate judge for more than twenty years.  She holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Colorado as well as a Masters in Law degree from the University of Virginia College of Law.  Prior to her service in the judiciary, Ms. Neuman was a partner in the Davenport, Iowa law firm of Betty, Neuman & McMahon PLC, and served as Vice President and Trust Officer at the former Bettendorf Bank and Trust Company (now Wells Fargo).  She is certified in mediation and arbitration, the current focus of her private practice.  Ms. Neuman has served on the adjunct faculty of University of Iowa College of Law, where she pioneered its judicial extern program and has taught courses in professional ethics and appellate practice.  She has been active in statewide and national professional and civic organizations including the American Bar Association, National Association of Women Judges, Uniform Laws Commission, Iowa State Bar Association, Quad Cities United Way and DavenportOne.  She is a past President of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys.  She served two terms on the board of directors of Royal Neighbors of America, a fraternal benefit and financial services organization headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois, where she chaired the governance committee and served on the audit and investment committees.  She is a trustee, emeritus, of St. Ambrose University.  In 2009, she was honored with a Quad City Athena Business Women’s Award, in 2013 received the Iowa State Bar Association’s President’s Award and, in 2015, she was inducted by Gov. Terry Branstad into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame.  We consider Ms. Neuman to be a qualified candidate for service on the board based on her legal and judicial background, her experience with other financial services organizations, and her commitment to civic and professional organizations within our market area.

 

 

Michael L. Peterson is owner and President of Peterson Genetics, Inc., based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, providing soybean genetics to seed companies worldwide for over 25 years.  Mr. Peterson is a graduate of Iowa State University with a B.S. in Agricultural Business.  He is a past President of the Iowa Seed Association, past Chair of the Soybean Division of the American Seed Trade Association and past chairman of the American Seed Trade Association.  He has served on numerous local boards in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls community, along with various board positions at Iowa State University.  He also served on the University of Northern Iowa Foundation board from 2007-2012, ultimately serving as Vice-President and Finance/Investment committee chair.  Mr. Peterson is also the past Chair of Community National Bank, which was acquired by QCR Holdings in 2013.  We consider Mr. Peterson to be a qualified candidate for service on the board due to his experience in the banking industry and his business connections in and extensive knowledge of our market areas.

 

George T. Ralph III is the founder of GTR Realty Advisors, LLC.  This commercial real estate company was established in 2006 and specializes in development, redevelopment and related financing alternatives.  Prior to founding GTR, Mr. Ralph was Chief Financial Officer of Erickson Associates, Inc., a full-service commercial real estate company based in Rockford, Illinois, and also served as President of GTR Mortgage Services, Inc., an affiliated company specializing in commercial real estate finance.  During his 10-year stay with the company, Mr. Ralph’s duties included ascertaining the economic feasibility of all new development projects, preparing all new project proposals for negotiation with prospective clients, negotiating lease agreements, arranging interim construction financing for new projects and permanent financing for completed projects.  From July 1984 until joining Erickson in June 1996, Mr. Ralph was actively employed in the commercial mortgage banking industry in Chicago, Illinois.  During his time in this industry, he was engaged in all aspects of the business including the traditional third party placement of income property loans, direct lending in the form of interim construction loans, gap financing and permanent loans and managing loan servicing portfolios for third party institutional investors.  Prior to entering the mortgage banking industry in 1984, Mr. Ralph was employed by Price Waterhouse in the company’s Chicago office for three years.  Mr. Ralph earned a B.S. in Accounting from Illinois State University and received his Certified Public Accountant designation in 1982.  He has served on numerous nonprofit boards over the years and is currently a member of the board of directors of Carpenter’s Place, a Rockford based organization providing individual case management services to the homeless.  We consider Mr. Ralph to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and the committees he is a member of due to his experience as a real estate developer and mortgage banker in the commercial real estate industry throughout the Midwest including Rockford, Illinois, one of our market areas, his knowledge of the business community in this area and his education and training as an accountant.

 

Donna J. Sorensen is President of Sorensen Consulting, a management consulting and executive coaching firm. Ms. Sorensen earned her undergraduate degree from Marycrest College and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. She has twenty years’ experience in trust and investment management serving as Executive Vice President Institutional Trust for U.S. Bank (formerly Firstar Bank) and spent six years as President of SCI Pension Services, a pension administration and consulting company. Ms. Sorensen has served in leadership positions on numerous nonprofit boards in the Cedar Rapids community and for the University of Iowa where she taught in the Henry Tippie College of Business. She is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association. We consider Ms. Sorensen to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and the committees she is a member of due to her experience as the President of a consulting firm in Iowa City, Iowa, her prior banking experience and her education and training as an attorney.

 

 

Marie Z. Ziegler is a retired Vice President and Deputy Financial Officer of Deere & Company and was previously Deere’s Vice President and Treasurer.  She joined Deere & Company in 1978 as a consolidation accountant and held management positions in finance, treasury operations, strategic planning and investor and banking relations.  Ms. Ziegler is a 1978 graduate of St. Ambrose University, with a bachelor of arts in accounting.  She received her Certified Public Accountant designation in 1979 and an MBA from the University of Iowa in 1985.  Ms. Ziegler is on the board of trustees for the Two Rivers YMCA where she currently serves as chair and member of the Investment Committee.  She is also a member of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend where she serves as Investment Committee Chair.  Ms. Ziegler is on the board of Riverbend Food Bank and Unity Point Health-Trinity, where she chairs the Finance Committee and serves on the Executive Committee.  She served as Co-Chair of the Unity Point Birthplace campaign and is a past Chair of Trinity Health Enterprises.  Ms. Ziegler is vice-chair of the Regional Development Authority where she also serves on the Governance Committee and she serves as Chair on the St. Ambrose University College of Business Alumni Advisory Council.  Ms. Ziegler previously served on the following boards: United Way, John Deere Foundation, Trinity Regional Health Systems, Trinity North Hospital/Trinity Medical Center, Mississippi Valley Girl Scout Council, Deere & Company Employees Credit Union and Community Foundation of the Great River Bend.  She is past Chair of fundraising for Playcrafters Barn Theatre and a past member of the University of Iowa College of Business’ Tippie Advisory Board.  In 2006 Ms. Ziegler was honored with a Quad City Athena Business Women’s Award and in 2016 was an Iowa Women’s Foundation honoree.  We consider Ms. Ziegler to be a qualified candidate for service on the board and the committees she is a member of due primarily to the knowledge and experience regarding public companies she gained in her various roles at Deere & Company, as well as her involvement with a number of charitable organizations headquartered in communities served by QCR Holdings, providing her with business connections and extensive knowledge of our market areas. 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

General

 

Generally, the board oversees our business and monitors the performance of our management. In accordance with our corporate governance procedures, the board does not involve itself in the day-to-day operations of QCR Holdings, which is monitored by our executive officers and management. Our directors fulfill their duties and responsibilities by attending regular meetings of the full board, which are held no less frequently than quarterly. Our directors also discuss business and other matters with Mr. Hultquist, our Chief Executive Officer, other key executives and our principal external advisors (legal counsel, auditors and other consultants). The board is currently comprised of 11 directors.

 

Directors Baird, Besong, Kilmer, Neuman, M. Peterson, Ralph, Sorensen, Ziegler and nominee Bates are deemed to be “independent” according to the Nasdaq listing requirements, and the board has determined that the independent directors do not have other relationships with us that prevent them from making objective, independent decisions. Directors Gipple, Helling, and Hultquist are not considered to be “independent” because they also serve as executive officers of either QCR Holdings or one of our subsidiaries.

 

During 2017, the board of directors had an Audit Committee, a Risk Oversight Committee, a Nomination and Governance Committee, a Compensation Committee and an Executive Committee. The current charters of these committees are available on our website at http://www.qcrh.com. Also posted on the website is general information regarding QCR Holdings and our common stock, many of our corporate polices (including our Corporate Governance Guidelines), and links to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

In 2017, a total of seven meetings were held by the board of directors of QCR Holdings. All incumbent directors attended at least 75 percent of the meetings of the board and the committees on which they served during 2017. Although we do not have a formal policy regarding director attendance at the annual meeting, we encourage our directors to attend. Last year, all of our directors were present at the annual meeting.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

The composition of the board committees at December 31, 2017 is shown in the following table:

 

 

Audit Committee. In 2017, the Audit Committee consisted of directors Kilmer, M. Peterson, R. Peterson (until his retirement in May 2017), Ralph, and Ziegler. Each of the members is considered “independent” according to the Nasdaq listing requirements and the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The board of directors has determined that both Mr. Ralph and Ms. Ziegler qualify as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” as that term is defined by the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The board based this decision on each of their professional experience, including Mr. Ralph’s former role as Chief Financial Officer of Erickson Associates, Inc. and service as President of GTR Mortgage Services, Inc. and Ms. Ziegler’s service as Vice President and Treasurer of Deere & Company, and educational experience, including each having received a Certified Public Accountant designation.

 

The functions performed by the Audit Committee include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

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selecting our independent auditors and pre-approving all engagements and fee arrangements;

 

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reviewing the independence of the independent auditors;

 

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reviewing actions by management on recommendations of the independent auditors and internal auditors;

 

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meeting with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors to review the effectiveness of our system of internal control and internal audit procedures;

 

	·	reviewing our earnings releases and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and
	·	reviewing reports of bank regulatory agencies and monitoring management’s compliance with recommendations contained in those reports.

 

 

To promote independence of the audit function, the Audit Committee consults separately and jointly with the independent auditors, the internal auditors and management. The Audit Committee has adopted a written charter, which sets forth the duties and responsibilities. The current charter of the Audit Committee is available on our website at http://www.qcrh.com. Ms. Ziegler serves as Chair and Mr. Ralph serves as Vice Chair. The Audit Committee met four times during 2017.

 

Compensation Committee. In 2017, the Compensation Committee consisted of directors Baird, Brownson (until his retirement in May 2017), Kilmer, Neuman, R. Peterson (until his retirement in May 2017), and Ralph. Each of these directors is considered to be “independent” according to the Nasdaq listing requirements, “outside” as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and a “non-employee” as defined in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to determine the compensation to be paid to Mr. Hultquist, our Chief Executive Officer, and our other executive officers. The Compensation Committee reviews Mr. Hultquist’s performance, and relies on Mr. Hultquist’s assessment of the performance of each of our other executive officers. Other members of senior management also provide the committee with evaluations as to employee performance, guidance on establishing performance targets and objectives, and recommendations with respect to other compensation programs. The Compensation Committee also reviews and recommends to the board for approval other incentive compensation and equity compensation plans for QCR Holdings. The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities and functions are further described in its charter, which is available on our website at http://www.qcrh.com. Ms. Neuman serves as Chair and Mr. Kilmer serves as Vice Chair. The Compensation Committee met five times during 2017.

 

Nomination and Governance Committee. In 2017, the Nomination and Governance Committee consisted of directors Baird, Besong, Neuman, M. Peterson, R. Peterson (until his retirement in May 2017), Sorensen, and Ziegler. Each of these directors is considered to be “independent” according to the Nasdaq listing requirements. The primary purposes of the Nomination and Governance Committee are to identify and recommend individuals to be presented to our stockholders for election or re-election to the board of directors and to review and monitor our policies, procedures and structure as they relate to corporate governance. We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to assist our board in the exercise of its responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities and functions are further described in its charter, both of which are available on our website at http://www.qcrh.com. Ms. Sorensen serves as Chair and Mr. Besong serves as Vice Chair. The Nomination and Governance Committee met four times during 2017.

 

Risk Oversight Committee. In 2017, the Risk Oversight Committee consisted of directors Besong, Kilmer, Ralph, Sorensen and Ziegler, as well as directors Gipple, Helling, and Hultquist until November of 2017, when the committee was restructured to more closely align with the structure of the other committees. The Risk Oversight Committee is charged with being the primary board committee to actively monitor and oversee the risk management process. Additional information regarding risk oversight and the Risk Oversight Committee’s role is found on page 15 of this proxy statement. The responsibilities and functions are further described in its charter, which is available on our website at http://www.qcrh.com. Mr. Ralph serves as Chair and Ms. Ziegler serves as Vice Chair. The Risk Oversight Committee met four times during 2017.

 

Executive Committee. The Executive Committee consisted of directors Baird, Hultquist, Neuman, Ralph, Sorensen and Ziegler. The Executive Committee is authorized to act with the same authority as the board of directors between meetings of the board, subject to certain limitations set forth in its charter. Although this authority allows the board to act quickly on matters requiring urgency when the full board is not available to meet, it is not intended to supplant the authority of the full board. The responsibilities and functions are further described in its charter, which is available on our website at http://www.qcrh.com. Mr. Baird served as Chair and Ms. Ziegler served as Vice Chair. The Executive Committee met six times during 2017.

 

 

Consideration of Director Candidates

 

Director Nominations and Qualifications. For the 2018 annual meeting, the Nomination and Governance Committee recommended for re-election to the board all three incumbent Class I directors, whose terms are scheduled to expire in 2018, as well as Mary Kay Bates, a new candidate for election to the board. Ms. Bates was generally identified by directors and management, including non-management directors and the Chief Executive Officer of QCR Holdings, as a candidate for nomination to the board of directors for her over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including in her current positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Midwest. These nominations were approved by the full board. We did not receive any stockholder nominations for director for the 2018 annual meeting.

 

In carrying out its nominating function, the Nomination and Governance Committee has developed qualification criteria for board membership. All potential nominees for election, including incumbent directors, board nominees and those stockholder nominees included in the proxy statement are reviewed for the following attributes:

 

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demonstrated integrity, ethics, reputation and character;

 

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education, professional background and/or board experience, relevant to the operation of QCR Holdings and service on the board;

 

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evidenced leadership and sound business judgment in his or her professional life;

 

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well recognized and demonstrated leadership of service to his or her community; and

 

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willingness and ability to devote sufficient time to carrying out the duties and responsibilities required of a board member.

 

The Nomination and Governance Committee also evaluates potential nominees to determine if they have any conflicts of interest that may interfere with their ability to serve as effective board members, to determine if they meet QCR Holdings’s age eligibility requirements (a person who has reached age 72 before the date of the annual meeting is not eligible for election to the board) and to determine whether they are “independent” in accordance with the Nasdaq listing requirements (to ensure that at least a majority of the directors will, at all times, be independent). The Nomination and Governance Committee considers the diversity of its directors and nominees in terms of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and other demographics which may contribute to the board. It has not, in the past, retained any third party to assist it in identifying candidates, but it has the authority to retain a third party firm or professional for the purpose of identifying candidates.

 

The Nomination and Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the board willing to continue in service whose term is scheduled to expire at the upcoming annual stockholder meeting to determine if those individuals satisfy the qualification criteria for continued membership on the board of directors. Prior to nominating an existing director for re-election to the board, it considers and reviews the following attributes with respect to each existing director:

 

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board and committee attendance and performance;

 

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length of board service;

 

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experience, skills and contributions that the existing director brings to the board;

 

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independence and any conflicts of interest; and

 

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any significant change in the existing director’s status, including the attributes considered for initial board membership.

 

 

Current members of the board who satisfy the qualification criteria described above and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination. If any member of the board does not wish to continue in service or if the Nomination and Governance Committee or the board decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, it would determine whether or not the position would be filled and, if so, would identify the desired skills and experience of a new nominee.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

We have a code of business conduct and ethics in place that applies to all of our directors and employees. The code sets forth the standard of ethics that we expect all of our directors and employees to follow, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The code is posted on our website at http://www.qcrh.com. We have satisfied and intend to continue to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to or waiver of the code with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and persons performing similar functions, by posting such information on our website.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

Since January 1, 2007, we have kept the positions of Chair of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer separate. While our bylaws do not require our Chair and Chief Executive Officer positions to be separate, the board believes that having separate positions and having an independent outside director serve as Chair is the appropriate leadership structure for QCR Holdings at this time and demonstrates our commitment to good corporate governance. Separating these positions allows our Chief Executive Officer to focus on our day-to-day business, while allowing the Chair to lead the board in its fundamental role of providing advice to and independent oversight of management. We believe that having an independent Chair eliminates any conflicts of interest that could arise if the positions were held by one person. In addition, this leadership structure allows the board to more effectively monitor and evaluate the performance of our Chief Executive Officer.

 

Currently, Mr. Baird holds the position of Chair of the board of directors and Mr. Hultquist holds the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Baird is considered to be “independent” according to the Nasdaq listing requirements.

 

To further enhance the role of the independent directors on our board and consistent with the Nasdaq listing requirements, the board’s independent directors regularly meet without Messrs. Gipple, Helling or Hultquist in attendance.

 

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

While management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks QCR Holdings faces, oversight of our risk management is central to the role of the board. The Risk Oversight Committee is charged with the primary responsibility for overseeing the risk management functions including those relating to operational (which includes IT and cyber security aspects), legal/regulatory, capital, liquidity, interest rate, reputational and strategic risks, on behalf of the board. The members of the Risk Oversight Committee discuss our risk assessment and risk management policies, provide oversight, and inquire about significant risks and exposures, if any, and the steps taken to monitor and minimize such risks. As noted on page 13, effective November 2017 the composition of the Risk Oversight Committee is composed of independent directors. The Risk Oversight Committee makes regular reports to the full board.

 

In addition, other board committees have been assigned oversight responsibility for specific areas of risk and risk management, and each committee considers risks within their areas of responsibility. The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring our financial reporting process and system of internal controls, including controls related to risk management. The Compensation Committee is chiefly responsible for compensation-related risks.  The members of the Compensation Committee discuss and review the key business and other risks we face and the relationship of those risks to certain compensation arrangements. This review is intended to comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission requirement to assess risks related to compensation plans and requirements of financial institution regulatory agencies (each as more fully described in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement). The subsidiary banks’ Loan Committees have primary responsibility for credit risk.  For those subsidiary banks that have fiduciary powers, the banks’ Wealth Management Committees have primary responsibility for fiduciary risk. Each of these committees receives regular reports from management regarding our risks and reports regularly to the Risk Oversight Committee or the full board concerning risk.

 

 

Share Ownership and Retention Guidelines

 

In order to better align the interests of our board members and management with the interests of our stockholders, our board of directors adopted share ownership guidelines in 2008. These share ownership guidelines were amended in February 2016 to clarify the ownership holding requirements for our executives.

 

Under these guidelines, non-employee directors of QCR Holdings are expected to achieve a share ownership level with a value equal to ten times the amount of each non-employee director’s annual cash retainer (excluding compensation for committee service) within five years of initial election as a director, and maintain such ownership level so long as they serve in the position of director. For 2018, based on the one-year trailing average monthly closing stock price, the amount is 5,265 shares.

 

We also have share ownership guidelines for our executive officers. The stock ownership guidelines vary by position and for Messrs. Hultquist, Gipple and Helling, in light of their service as board members of QCR Holdings, the amount is 30,000 shares. For all other named executive officers, the amount is 5,599 shares within three years of date of hire and must be maintained so long as they are employed in their position with QCR Holdings.

 

Currently, each QCR Holdings director and each named executive officer holds the requisite number of shares, and accordingly is compliant with the share ownership guidelines.

 

Stockholder Communications with the Board, Nomination and Proposal Procedures

 

General Communications with the Board. Stockholders may contact our board of directors by contacting Christopher J. Lindell, Corporate Secretary, at QCR Holdings, Inc., 3551 Seventh Street, Moline, Illinois 61265 or (309) 736-3584. All appropriate comments will be forwarded directly to the Chair of the board of directors. Mr. Lindell will not generally forward communications that are primarily commercial in nature or related to an improper or irrelevant topic.

 

Nominations of Directors. In accordance with our bylaws, a stockholder may nominate a director for election at an annual meeting of stockholders by delivering or mailing written notice of the nomination to our Corporate Secretary, at the above address, not less than 30 days nor more than 75 days prior to the date of the annual meeting, provided, however, that if we provide less than 40 days’ notice of the meeting, notice by the stockholder, to be timely, must be delivered no later than the close of business on the 10^th day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed. The stockholder’s notice of intention to nominate a director must include: (i) the name and address of record of the nominating stockholder; (ii) a representation that the stockholder is a record holder entitled to vote at the meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (iii) the name, age, business and residence addresses, and principal occupation or employment of each nominee; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder; (v) any other information regarding each proposed nominee as would be required to comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (vi) the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the corporation if so elected. We may request additional information after receiving the notification for the purpose of determining the proposed nominee’s eligibility to serve as a director. Persons nominated for election to the board pursuant to this paragraph will not be included in our proxy statement.

 

 

Other Stockholder Proposals. For proposals to be brought by a stockholder at an annual meeting, the stockholder must file a written notice of the proposal to our Corporate Secretary not less than 30 days nor more than 75 days prior to the date of the annual meeting, provided, however, that if we provide less than 40 days’ notice of the meeting, notice by the stockholder, to be timely, must be delivered no later than the close of business on the 10^th day following the day on which notice of the date on which the notice of the meeting was first mailed to stockholders. The notice must set forth: (i) a brief description of the proposal and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (ii) the name and address of the proposing stockholder; (iii) the number of shares of the corporation’s common stock beneficially owned by the stockholder on the date of the notice; and (iv) any financial or other interest of the stockholder in the proposal. Stockholder proposals brought under this paragraph will not be included in our proxy statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) provides information about our compensation objectives and policies for our named executive officers and explains the structure and rationale of the various compensation elements. For purposes of the CD&A and the compensation tables that follow, all seven of our executive officers are included as our named executive officers. Our CD&A is organized as follows:

 

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Overview and Executive Summary. Background context and highlights are provided to put the overall disclosure in perspective.

 

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Objectives of Our Compensation Program. The objectives of our executive compensation program are based on our business model and the competitive pressures we face in attracting and retaining executive talent. We structure our executive compensation program to reflect our compensation philosophy and related operating principles.

 

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Elements of Compensation. The key components of our compensation program are base salary, annual bonuses and equity awards, with an emphasis on tying executive compensation to performance.

 

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Compensation Process. Our executive compensation program is regularly reviewed internally and externally to ensure that proper risk mitigating procedures and protocols are in place.

 

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Analysis of 2017 Compensation. Decisions on 2017 compensation are analyzed and explained in the context of our compensation objectives and performance.

 

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Regulatory Considerations. We describe the impact of guidance established by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and other bank regulatory agencies, in addition to various other regulatory requirements, on our decisions regarding our executive compensation.

 

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Share Ownership and Retention Guidelines. Our named executive officers maintain a significant equity interest in QCR Holdings pursuant to our ownership and retention guidelines.

 

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Insider Trading Policy. QCR Holdings has an insider trading policy in place that is applicable to our named executive officers.

 

Overview and Executive Summary

 

Business Overview

 

QCR Holdings, through its subsidiary banks, provides lending, deposit and trust and other wealth management services for individuals and businesses. We offer competitive commercial and personal banking products and are committed to providing superior customer service. We place a high priority on community service and are actively involved with many civic and community projects in the communities where we conduct business. We operate in an intensely competitive and uncertain business environment. From a business perspective, not only do we compete with numerous companies in our markets for clients, but we also compete with many different types and sizes of organizations for senior leadership capable of executing our business strategies. Among other challenges, our business model requires experienced leaders with banking and operational expertise who are capable of taking on high levels of personal responsibility in an ever-evolving banking industry and economy.

 

 

Financial Overview

 

QCR Holdings achieved record net income for 2017.  For 2017, QCR Holdings reported net income of $35.7 million and diluted EPS of $2.61. Excluding all non-core items, it reported core net income (non-GAAP) of $36.3 million and diluted EPS of $2.66. By comparison, for 2016, QCR Holdings reported net income of $27.7 million and diluted EPS of $2.17. Excluding all non-core items, it reported core net income (non-GAAP) of $29.4 million and diluted EPS of $2.31. The 2017 calendar year was highlighted by several significant items including the successful acquisition of Guaranty Bank, organic deposit growth of 14%, organic loan and lease growth of 15%, net interest income improvement of 23%, wealth management revenue growth of 21%, and strong gains on the sale of government guaranteed portions of loans and swap fee income and return on average assets of 1.01% up from 0.97% in 2016.

 

From a stockholder return perspective, total shareholder return over the past three years was 141.7%

 

Overview of Our Executive Management Team

 

Our executive officers consist of Douglas M. Hultquist, Todd A. Gipple, and Larry J. Helling, each of whom is also a director of QCR Holdings, as well as John H. Anderson, Thomas D. Budd, Ronald M. Nagel, and Cathie S. Whiteside, who retired on December 31, 2017. Mr. Hultquist has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of QCR Holdings since 1993. Mr. Gipple has served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer since 2008, and he previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2000. Mr. Helling has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust since 2001. Mr. Anderson (age 53) has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Quad City Bank and Trust since 2007, and he previously served as Senior Vice President, Business Development since 1998. Mr. Budd (age 55) has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockford Bank and Trust since 2005. Mr. Nagel (age 66) has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Community State Bank since 2006, and became an executive officer of QCR Holdings on August 31, 2016 following our completion of the acquisition of Community State Bank. Ms. Whiteside (age 61) had served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Human Resources and Branding since 2013, and she previously served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Branding from 2007.

 

Overview of Our Executive Compensation Program

 

QCR Holdings is committed to paying for performance. This commitment is reflected by the significant amount of our named executive officers’ compensation that is provided through performance-based components. Our executive compensation program evolves and is adjusted over time to support the business goals of QCR Holdings and to promote both near- and long-term profitable growth. Total compensation for each named executive officer varies with performance in achieving financial and nonfinancial objectives.

 

Say-on-Pay

 

We received 97% of votes cast in support of our executive compensation program during the 2017 annual stockholders’ meeting. QCR Holdings, the board and the Compensation Committee pay careful attention to the say-on-pay vote and communications received from stockholders regarding executive compensation, and we believe the vote reflects stockholders’ support of our compensation philosophy and the manner in which we compensate our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee considered the results of the advisory vote as one of many factors in making 2017 compensation decisions, and will continue to do so as it continually reviews our compensation programs and practices to ensure they continue to support our business strategy and align with stockholders’ interests.

 

 

Objectives of Our Compensation Program

 

The goal of our compensation program is to attract, motivate and retain outstanding employees who provide excellent service to our clients while balancing short- and long-term performance to create sustained long-term value for our investors. Our compensation program for executives is based in large part on our business needs and challenges in creating stockholder value. To support the achievement of our business strategies and goals, we strive to:

 

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Pay for performance;

 

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Tie equity compensation to long-term value creation for our stockholders;

 

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Align executives’ financial interests with those of our stockholders;

 

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Support QCR Holdings’s values, strategy and development of employees;

 

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Foster a team approach among top executives;

 

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Attract, retain and align leaders capable of delivering superior business results;

 

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Provide competitive cash compensation and benefit opportunities; and

 

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Adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards.

 

Elements of Compensation

 

Our executive compensation program consists of several elements, each with an objective that fits into our overall compensation program. The following overview explains the structure and rationale of the elements of compensation used for 2017.

 

Base Salary

 

Cash salaries are intended to be competitive with the market, and reflect the individual’s experience, performance, responsibilities, and contribution to QCR Holdings. The salaries are intended to offer each executive security and to allow QCR Holdings to maintain a stable management team and environment. The Compensation Committee reviews the salaries of the named executive officers annually. The Compensation Committee uses its own judgment, as well as its independent compensation consultant’s expertise, when determining the positioning of each executive’s salary compared to the competitive marketplace and also considers internal equity with other employees.

 

Annual Cash Incentive Bonus

 

Annual cash incentive bonuses are an important piece of total compensation for our named executive officers as they support and encourage the achievement of our business goals and strategies by tying a meaningful portion of cash compensation to financial results for the year as compared to internal and external standards. The Committee believes the named executive officers should have a significant portion of their total compensation package at risk and available through an annual cash incentive program. Maximum bonus opportunities are capped to avoid encouraging excessive risk-taking and to avoid any focus on maximizing short-term results at the expense of long-term soundness.

 

Each executive has measurable goals that were determined by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of 2017, and focus primarily on net income and other financial performance. Annual bonuses for named executive officers for 2017 were determined based on the goals agreed to in early 2017 and the quantitative and qualitative analyses and calculations reviewed by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of 2018. Net income in excess of 25% of budgeted net income is required for any bonuses to be paid to our named executive officers.

 

 

Long-Term Stock Incentives

 

Equity compensation is the other key element of compensation for our named executive officers. We use various types of long-term incentive awards to drive the creation of long-term value for our stockholders, attract and retain executives capable of effectively executing our business strategies and structure compensation to account for the time horizons of risks. Equity compensation supports the achievement of many of our key compensation objectives:

 

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Tie pay to performance by linking compensation to stockholder value creation;

 

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Align executives’ interests with those of our stockholders;

 

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Attract executives, particularly those interested in building long-term value for our stockholders (as equity compensation is an element of competitive pay packages for executives); and

 

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Retain executives and reward continued service by providing for forfeiture of awards prior to satisfaction of multi-year vesting periods.

 

Equity Incentive Plans. Currently all new equity awards are made under our 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Equity Plan”), as approved by our stockholders in 2016. Initially 400,000 shares were authorized for issuance under the plan. In addition, any shares remaining for issuance under our prior plans also were available for issuance under the 2016 Equity Plan, and as of the effective date of the 2016 Equity Plan, no further awards may be granted under those prior plans. The 2016 Equity Plan provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other stock and cash-based awards. As of December 31, 2017, there were 351,205 remaining shares available for grant under the 2016 Equity Plan.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Stockholders approved the QCR Holdings Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Employee Stock Purchase Plan”) to be effective in 2003 and approved an amended and restated plan in 2012. The plan is intended to qualify as an employee stock purchase plan under Section 423 of the Code. The plan allows employees of QCR Holdings and its subsidiaries to purchase shares of common stock. The current purchase price is generally 90% of the fair market value, as defined in the plan. Currently, the maximum percentage that any one participant can elect to contribute is 10% of compensation, up to a maximum of $10,000. During 2017, 13,318 shares were purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

Retirement Benefits

 

QCR Holdings 401(k)/Profit Sharing Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). QCR Holdings sponsors a tax-qualified profit sharing plan qualifying under Section 401(k) of the Code. All employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. Pursuant to the 401(k) Plan, QCR Holdings matches 100% of the first 3% of employee contributions and 50% of the next 3% of employee contributions, up to a maximum of 4.5% of an employee’s compensation. At its discretion, QCR Holdings may make additional contributions to the 401(k) Plan, which are allocated to the accounts of participants based on relative compensation. Contributions under the 401(k) Plan for the benefit of our named executive officers are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement.

 

Deferred Compensation

 

Non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Program. QCR Holdings provides a Non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) to certain of its key executives. The Compensation Committee believes the SERPs are an important component of compensation that help maintain a stable, committed, and qualified team of key executives as each SERP includes retention and non-competition provisions intended to protect QCR Holdings.

 

 

Under their agreements, Messrs. Gipple and Helling will receive a supplemental retirement benefit in an annual pre-tax amount equal to 2.5% for each year of full-time service until the executive reaches age 65 (not to exceed 40 years), multiplied by the executive’s average annual base salary plus cash bonus for the three most recently completed plan years, subject to a maximum of 70%. The retirement benefit will be reduced by any contributions plus earnings under the 401(k) Plan and other deferred compensation plans. The executive is eligible for the retirement benefit if he retires after reaching age 55 and has at least 10 years of service. Assuming the participating executives retire on or after reaching age 55 and based on the participants’ salary and cash bonus paid for 2017, we will owe the following projected annual amounts at retirement: Mr. Gipple - $121,602; and Mr. Helling - $64,353.

 

Under their agreements, Messrs. Hultquist and Anderson will receive a supplemental retirement benefit that varies depending upon the executive’s age at retirement. For Mr. Hultquist, the annual benefits range from $173,008 per year following a retirement before he attains 63 years of age to $220,650 per year following a retirement on or after he attains 65 years of age. For Mr. Anderson, the annual benefits range from $20,000 per year following a retirement after attaining age 55 but before attaining age 56 to $84,000 per year following a retirement on or after he attains 65 years of age.

 

SERP benefits will generally be paid in 180 monthly installments. The SERP arrangements also provide for the payment of a survivor’s benefit payable to a participating executive’s beneficiary upon the executive’s death.

 

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Agreements. QCR Holdings has entered into deferred compensation plan agreements with the named executive officers to allow them to defer a portion of their salary and annual bonus. These plans are voluntary, non-tax qualified, deferred compensation plans that enable executives to save for retirement by deferring a portion of current cash compensation. QCR Holdings matches these deferrals up to certain maximums and interest is earned at the prime rate subject to certain floor and cap rates, as follows:

 

	Deferred Compensation Plan Agreements
Executive	2017 Contribution	2017 Match	Interest Rate Floor and Cap
Douglas M. Hultquist	$20,000	$20,000	4.0% - 8.0%
Todd A. Gipple	$20,000	$17,500	6.0% - 12.0%
Larry J. Helling	$17,500	$17,500	8.0% - 12.0%
John H. Anderson	$15,000	$10,000	4.0% - 8.0%
Thomas D. Budd	$8,000	$8,000	4.0% - 8.0%
Ronald M. Nagel	$36,940	$15,000	4.0% - 8.0%
Cathie S. Whiteside	$40,709	$16,028	4.0% - 8.0%

 

If Messrs. Hultquist, Gipple or Helling are terminated in connection with a change in control, they would receive the greater of their existing account balance or a guaranteed minimum amount.

 

The SERP and the non-qualified deferred compensation plan agreements are “unfunded” general contractual obligations of QCR Holdings subject to the claims of our creditors. If QCR Holdings were to become insolvent, the participants would be unsecured general creditors of QCR Holdings. The Compensation Committee believes this form of “at risk” compensation helps align the interests of plan participants with the long-term interests of QCR Holdings, its debt holders, and its stockholders.

 

Deferred Income Plans. Stockholders approved the 1997 Deferred Income Plan and 2005 Deferred Income Plan to enable directors and selected key officers of QCR Holdings and its related companies, to elect to defer all or a portion of the fees and cash compensation payable to them for their service as directors or employees. The plan then purchases shares of QCR Holdings common stock at market value which are held in a rabbi trust associated with the plans.

 

 

Perquisites and Other Benefits

The named executive officers participate in QCR Holdings’s broad-based employee benefit plans, such as medical, dental, disability and life insurance coverage programs, under the same terms as other eligible employees. Each also receives an automobile allowance. Messrs. Anderson and Budd receive payments for country club memberships. In addition, QCR Holdings pays for tax planning and preparation services for Messrs. Hultquist, Gipple and Helling. The value of the perquisites provided by or paid for by QCR Holdings is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table in this proxy statement, and is similar to other bank holding companies within the industry.

 

Employment Agreements

 

Employment agreements are in place with each of our named executive officers. We believe employment agreements help us recruit and retain executives with the experience, skills, knowledge and background needed to achieve our business goals and strategy.

 

Compensation Process

 

The Compensation Committee has broad discretion in overseeing our compensation programs. It reviews each element of compensation for each of our named executive officers at least once each year and makes a final determination regarding any adjustments to their current compensation structure and levels after considering a number of factors. The Compensation Committee takes into account the scope of each named executive officer’s responsibilities, performance and experience, as well as competitive compensation levels in reviewing compensation. During the annual review process, the Compensation Committee also reviews our full-year financial results against other banking organizations and reviews the structure of our compensation programs relative to sound risk management.

 

The primary considerations in making executive compensation decisions are:

 

•

Key financial measurements;

 

•

Strategic initiatives related to our business;

 

•

Achievement of specific operational goals relating to the executive’s area of oversight;

 

•

Compensation of other QCR Holdings executives; and

 

•

Compensation of peer group executives.

 

Consulting Assistance

 

Under its charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain its own compensation consultants. In June 2015, the Compensation Committee retained Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FWC”) as its compensation consultant to provide it with independent analysis and advice on executive compensation-related matters including a review of the compensation program actions recommended by management, reviewing the chosen peer group and survey data for competitive comparisons and advising it on best practices and ideas for board governance of executive compensation. FWC reports directly to the Compensation Committee, and management has not retained its own compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee has conducted an inquiry and assessment with respect to FWC, including the factors relating to independence specified in Nasdaq listing requirements, and determined that it is independent of management and has no conflicts of interest in acting as a compensation consultant to the Compensation Committee.

 

Role of Executive Officers

 

As requested by the Compensation Committee, various members of management facilitate the Committee’s consideration of compensation for our named executive officers by providing information for the Committee’s review. In particular, Mr. Hultquist provides background and recommendations with respect to each of the other named executive officers. Mr. Hultquist is not present for the discussion or determination of his compensation. Information considered includes, among other items, financial results and analysis, performance evaluations, compensation provided to our named executive officers, technical and regulatory considerations, and input on program design and possible modifications.

 

 

Peer Group

 

Market pay practices are one of many factors we consider in setting executive pay levels and designing compensation programs. Information on pay levels and practices is gathered for a group of publicly traded companies selected based on their business focus, scope and location of operations, size and other considerations. The companies in the group are reviewed and evaluated annually. QCR Holdings’s peer group of 17 financial institutions, as listed below, was jointly presented by FWC and our management and approved by the Compensation Committee. QCR Holdings is in the middle of the group in terms of size.

 

Cobiz Financial Inc.	German American Bancorp, Inc.	Mainsource Financial Group
Enterprise Financial Services Corp.	Great Southern Bancorp Inc.	Mercantile Bank Corp.
First Busey Corporation	Hills Bancorporation	Midwest One Financial Group, Inc.
First Business Financial Services	Horizon Bancorp	Stock Yard Bancorp, Inc.
First Financial Corp.	Lakeland Financial Corp.	West Bancorp., Inc.
First Mid Illinois Bancshares Inc.	Macatawa Bank Corp.

 

Analysis of 2017 Compensation

 

Consistent with our philosophy of linking compensation to performance, the compensation for our named executive officers in 2017 was based, in part, on our business results in 2017. This section discusses the compensation actions that were taken in 2017 for our named executive officers, as detailed below.

 

Base Salary

 

Salaries for our named executive officers for 2017 and 2018 are as follows:

 

Executive	2017 Salary	2018 Salary
Douglas M. Hultquist	$300,000	$300,000
Todd A. Gipple	$260,000	$270,000
Larry J. Helling	$260,000	$270,000
John H. Anderson	$205,500	$212,500
Thomas D. Budd	$177,160	$181,000
Ronald M. Nagel	$275,000	$275,000
Cathie S. Whiteside*	$162,000	N/A

 

* Ms. Whiteside retired on December 31, 2017

 

 

Annual Incentive Bonus

 

On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee approves targets applicable to annual incentive bonus awards for our named executive officers. At the beginning of 2017, the Compensation Committee set threshold, target, and maximum award opportunities as a percentage of salary for each of our named executive officers based on that individual’s position and competitive market data for similar positions. The 2017 awards for our named executive officers were contingent primarily on performance relative to goals for net income and other financial performance measures and objectives aligned with those of QCR Holdings’s stockholders. The performance criteria were weighted to reflect QCR Holdings’s strategic objectives. Named executives also have individual performance goals consistent with QCR Holdings’s 2017 strategic objectives and their specific role. As noted above, our named executive officers would not have been eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus if QCR Holdings’s net income did not exceed 25% of budgeted net income.

 

For 2017, threshold, target and maximum annual incentive bonus levels were set as follows (as a percentage of base salary):

 

Executive	Threshold	Target	Maximum
Douglas M. Hultquist	50.0%	100.0%	125.0%
Todd A. Gipple	30.0%	60.0%	75.0%
Larry J. Helling	30.0%	60.0%	75.0%
John H. Anderson	22.5%	45.0%	67.5%
Thomas D. Budd	22.5%	45.0%	67.5%
Ronald M. Nagel	7.3%	14.6%	21.8%
Cathie S. Whiteside	21.25%	42.5%	63.75%

 

For 2017, the weightings between corporate and individual goals were set as follows (as a percentage of base salary):

 

Executive	Corporate Goals	Individual Goals	Target Award
Douglas M. Hultquist	100.0%	0.0%	100.0%
Todd A. Gipple	51.0%	9.0%	60.0%
Larry J. Helling	42.0%	18.0%	60.0%
John H. Anderson	27.0%	18.0%	45.0%
Thomas D. Budd	27.0%	18.0%	45.0%
Ronald M. Nagel	11.7%	2.9%	14.6%
Cathie S. Whiteside	36.1%	6.4%	42.5%

 

 

Douglas M. Hultquist. The Compensation Committee established the following corporate goals for Mr. Hultquist:

 

Corporate Goals	Goal Weight	Threshold	Target	Maximum
QCR Holdings net income	70.0%	$30.7M	$34.1M	$36.2M
QCR Holdings efficiency ratio	10.0%	63.27%	61.32%	60.36%
QCR Holdings NPAs to total assets	10.0%	1.00%	.80%	.60%
Rockford Bank and Trust net income	10.0%	$3.6M	$4.0M	$4.2M

 

Todd A. Gipple. The Compensation Committee established the following corporate goals for Mr. Gipple:

 

Corporate Goals	Goal Weight	Threshold	Target	Maximum
QCR Holdings net income	60.0%	$30.7M	$34.1M	$36.2M
QCR Holdings efficiency ratio	15.0%	63.27%	61.32%	60.36%
Rockford Bank and Trust net income	10.0%	$3.6M	$4.0M	$4.2M

 

Mr. Gipple had an individual goal weighted at 15% assigned to achievement of acceptable service level ratings with respect to QCR Holdings’s ten internal departments which, it was determined, achieved a result at maximum.

 

Larry J. Helling. The Compensation Committee established the following corporate and Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust goals for Mr. Helling:

 

Corporate/Individual Goals	Goal Weight	Threshold	Target	Maximum
QCR Holdings net income	30.0%	$30.7M	$34.1M	$36.2M
Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust net income	40.0%	$10.7M	$11.9M	$12.6M
Community State Bank net income	15.0%	$6.1M	$6.8M	$7.2M
m2 Lease Funds net income	15.0%	$3.8M	$4.2M	$4.5M

 

 

John H. Anderson. The Compensation Committee established the following corporate and Quad City Bank and Trust goals for Mr. Anderson:

 

Corporate/Individual Goals	Goal Weight	Threshold	Target	Maximum
QCR Holdings net income	30.0%	$30.7M	$34.1M	$36.2M
Quad City Bank and Trust net income	30.0%	$15.0M	$16.7M	$17.7M
Quad City Bank and Trust loan growth	10.0%	$54.4M	$64.0M	$70.4M
Quad City Bank and Trust deposit growth	10.0%	$45.0M	$53.0M	$58.3M
Quad City Bank and Trust NPAs to total assets	10.0%	1.00%	0.75%	0.50%
Quad City Bank and Trust Wealth Management net income	10.0%	$1.6M	$1.8M	$1.9M

 

Thomas D. Budd. The Compensation Committee established the following corporate and Rockford Bank and Trust goals for Mr. Budd:

 

Corporate/Individual Goals	Goal Weight	Threshold	Target	Maximum
QCR Holdings net income	20.0%	$30.7M	$34.1M	$36.2M
Rockford Bank and Trust net income	40.0%	$3.6M	$4.0M	$4.2M
Rockford Bank and Trust loan growth	10.0%	$17.5M	$21.0M	$23.5M
Rockford Bank and Trust deposit growth	10.0%	$14.1M	$17.6M	$20.1M
Rockford Bank and Trust NPAs to total assets	10.0%	1.25%	1.00%	0.75 %
Rockford Bank and Trust Wealth Management net income (loss)	10.0%	($78,649)	0	$78,649

 

Ronald M. Nagel. The Compensation Committee established the following corporate and Community State Bank goals for Mr. Nagel:

 

Corporate/Individual Goals	Goal Weight	Threshold	Target	Maximum
QCR Holdings net income	30.0%	$30.7M	$34.1M	$36.2M
Community State Bank net income	50.0%	$6.1M	$6.8M	$7.2M
Community State Bank deposit growth	10.0%	$17.3M	$20.4M	$22.4M
Community State Bank NPAs to total assets	10.0%	1.00%	0.75%	0.50%

 

 

Cathie S. Whiteside. The Compensation Committee established the following corporate goals for Ms. Whiteside:

 

Corporate Goals	Goal Weight	Threshold	Target	Maximum
QCR Holdings net income	60.0%	$30.7M	$34.1M	$36.2M
QCR Holdings efficiency ratio	15.0%	63.27%	61.32%	60.36%
Rockford Bank and Trust net income	10.0%	$3.6M	$4.0M	$4.2M

 

Ms. Whiteside had an individual goal weighted at 15% assigned to achievement of acceptable service level ratings with respect to QCR Holdings’s human resource department which, it was determined, achieved a result at maximum.

 

2017 Actual Incentive Bonus Awards. QCR Holdings had an adjusted actual net income for 2017 of $35.6 million, our efficiency ratio was 62.74%, and our non-performing assets to total assets was ..85%. Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust had an adjusted net income of $12.9 million. m2 Lease Funds had pre-tax net income of $3.9 million. Quad City Bank and Trust had an adjusted net income of $17.1 million, deposit growth of $161.4 million, loan growth of $123.8 million, wealth management net income of $2.3 million and non-performing assets to total assets of .90%. Rockford Bank and Trust had an adjusted net income of $4.2 million, deposit growth of $18.1 million, loan growth of $55.7 million, wealth management net loss of $35,000 and non-performing assets to total assets of 1.37%.

 

After taking into account the weighting of all criteria and the resulting performance of QCR Holdings and the named executive officers, the Compensation Committee determined the actual annual cash incentive bonuses for 2017 as shown in the table below (as a percentage of base salary):

 

Executive	Target Award	Corporate Goals	Individual Goals	Actual Award
Douglas M. Hultquist	100.0%	109.3%	0.0%	109.3%
Todd A. Gipple	60.0%	55.1%	10.9%	66.0%
Larry J. Helling	60.0%	62.5%	5.0%	67.5%
John H. Anderson	45.0%	35.3%	23.4%	58.7%
Thomas D. Budd	45.0%	35.1%	15.1%	50.2%
Ronald M. Nagel	14.6%	16.0%	4.3%	20.3%
Cathie S. Whiteside	42.5%	44.3%	9.6%	53.9%

 

 

 

Long-Term Stock Incentives

 

For 2017 the Compensation Committee targeted equity award values between 14.6% and 40% of salary for each executive. The actual 2017 equity grants were awarded in March 2018 based upon the executive’s performance in 2017, as shown in the table below along with the target awards (all amounts are based on grant date fair value as used for determining expense in the financial statements). Earned awards were granted as restricted stock units subject to a four-year vesting schedule with equal portions vesting on each anniversary of the grant date.

 

	2017 Performance-Based Equity Incentive Plan (Grant Value Restricted Stock Awards as a Percentage of Salary)
Executive	2017 Target	2017 Award
Douglas M. Hultquist	40.0%	43.7%
Todd A. Gipple	40.0%	44.0%
Larry J. Helling	40.0%	45.0%
John H. Anderson	20.0%	26.1%
Thomas D. Budd	16.0%	17.9%
Ronald M. Nagel	14.6%	20.4%

 

2016 Equity Plan - Acceleration of Awards

 

The 2016 Equity Plan provides for possible accelerated vesting of awards granted to all participants, including our named executive officers, in certain circumstances. Unless provided otherwise in the agreements setting forth the terms of the award, vesting will be accelerated for outstanding awards upon a “change in control” of QCR Holdings (as defined in the 2016 Equity Plan) if the awards are not assumed or otherwise equitably converted into comparable awards by the acquiring company. If the awards are assumed by the acquirer and a participant’s employment is terminated without “cause” or a participant resigns for “good reason,” the participant’s awards will become vested (this is what is known as a “double trigger” approach). We adopted this approach, rather than providing for vesting solely upon a change in control (a “single trigger” approach), because we believe the double trigger provides adequate employment protection and reduces, for the stockholders’ benefit, potential transaction costs associated with the awards. Further, the award agreements generally provide that vesting will be accelerated upon the participant’s disability or death.

 

Regulatory Considerations

 

As a publicly-traded financial institution, QCR Holdings must contend with several often overlapping layers of regulations when considering and implementing compensation-related decisions. These regulations do not set specific parameters within which compensation decisions must be made, but do require QCR Holdings and the Committee to be mindful of the risks that often go hand-in-hand with compensation programs designed to incentivize the achievement of better than average performance. While the regulatory focus on risk assessment has been heightened over the last several years, the incorporation of general concepts of risk assessment into compensation decisions is not a recent development.

 

The Committee continues to believe in and practice a sensible approach to balancing risk-taking and rewarding reasonable, but not necessarily easily attainable, goals and this has always been a component of its overall assessment of the compensation plans, programs and arrangements it has put in place for our named executive officers. The Committee believes we have adequate policies and procedures in place to balance and control any risk-taking that may be incentivized by the employee compensation plans. The Committee further believes that such policies and procedures will work to limit the risk that any employee would manipulate reported earnings in an effort to enhance his or her compensation.

 

 

In making decisions about executive compensation, in addition to the above, we also consider the impact of other regulatory provisions, including: the provisions of Code Section 162(m) as in effect for 2017 that may limit the tax deductibility of certain compensation; Code Section 409A regarding nonqualified deferred compensation; and Code Section 280G regarding excise taxes and deduction limitations on golden parachute payments made in connection with a change in control. In making decisions about executive compensation, we also consider how various elements of compensation will impact our financial results. For example, we consider the impact of FASB ASC Topic 718, which requires us to recognize the compensation cost of grants of equity awards based upon the grant date fair value of those awards.

 

Anti-Hedging Policy

 

QCR Holdings’s insider trading policy includes provisions that prohibit all employees and directors from entering into hedging transactions involving QCR Holdings securities. To our knowledge, none of our officers or directors has entered into a hedging transaction involving QCR Holdings stock in violation of this prohibition.

 

Anti-Pledging Policy

 

QCR Holdings’s insider trading policy includes provisions that prohibit our directors and executive officers from pledging QCR Holdings securities without the prior approval of the Nomination and Governance Committee. To our knowledge, none of our officers or directors has pledged his or her stock in violation of this policy.

 

Clawback Policy

 

In the event of a material restatement of QCR Holdings’s financial results, other than a restatement due to changes in accounting principles or applicable law or interpretations thereof, the board of directors will review the facts and circumstance that led to the requirement for the restatement and will take such actions, including clawback, as it deems necessary or appropriate. The board of directors will consider whether any named executive officer received cash or equity compensation based on the original financial statements because it appeared he or she achieved financial performance targets which in fact were not achieved based on the restatement. The board of directors will also consider the accountability of any named executive officer whose acts or omissions were responsible in whole or in part for the events that led to the restatement and whether such acts or omissions constituted misconduct. In addition, the clawback provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 also applies to Messrs. Hultquist and Gipple. This provision provides that if QCR Holdings is required to restate its financials as a result of misconduct, Messrs. Hultquist and Gipple are required to reimburse QCR Holdings for bonuses or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation and profits realized in the 12 months after the financial information was first publicly issued or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Insider Trading Policy

 

QCR Holdings has an insider trading policy that permits open market transactions in QCR Holdings stock beginning two trading days following the date of public disclosure of the financial results each fiscal quarter until two weeks before the end of the next fiscal quarter. In addition, our named executive officers may purchase QCR Holdings common stock through payroll deductions under our 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Changes to certain elections under the 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan may only be done during the period when open market transactions are permitted. All of our named executive officers are currently in compliance with this policy.

 

 

Share Ownership and Retention Guidelines

 

We believe our named executive officers and nonemployee directors should have a significant equity interest in QCR Holdings. To promote such equity ownership and further align the interests of our executives and directors with our stockholders, we maintain share retention and ownership guidelines that require our named executive officers and our directors to hold shares of common stock of QCR Holdings that are described on page 16. Until the stock ownership guidelines are met, the executive shall have his or her annual incentive paid solely in shares of QCR Holdings common stock (net of required withholding) and the director shall have his or her director fees paid solely in shares of QCR Holdings common stock under our equity compensation program. The guidelines are subject to periodic review by the Compensation Committee and compliance is monitored on an annual basis.

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and approved the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this proxy statement with management. Based on discussion with management, the Compensation Committee recommended that the board of directors approve and include the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this proxy statement.

 

Compensation Committee:

 

	Patrick S. Baird	Mark C. Kilmer
	Linda K. Neuman	George T. Ralph III

 

 

This report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of Compensation Paid to Named Executive Officers

 

The table below sets forth the following information for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015: (i) the dollar value of base salary earned; (ii) the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted; (iii) the aggregate grant date fair value of option awards granted; (iv) the dollar value of earnings for services pursuant to awards granted under non-equity incentive plans; (v) above-market earnings on nonqualified deferred compensation; (vi) all other compensation; and (vii) the dollar value of total compensation.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and principal position	Year	Salary ($)	Bonus ($)	Stock awards ($)(1)	Option awards ($)(1)	Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($)	Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified deferred compensation earnings ($)(2)	All other compensation ($)	Total ($)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)	(g)	(h)	(i)	(j)
Douglas M. Hultquist, President and CEO	2017 2016 2015	$300,000 $290,000 $290,000	-- -- --	$69,367 $68,512 $79,020	$69,366 $68,511 $79,020	$327,922 $346,834 $342,558	$165,784 $145,557 $141,078	$69,111(3) $68,835 $66,604	$1,001,550 $988,249 $998,280
Todd A. Gipple, EVP, COO and CFO	2017 2016 2015	$260,000 $251,899 $251,899	-- -- --	$44,426 $62,194 $47,380	$44,427 $62,194 $47,385	$171,633 $169,853 $171,033	$255,551 $123,293 $106,879	$51,924(4) $51,489 $50,706	$827,961 $720,922 $675,282
Larry J. Helling, President and CEO of Cedar Rapids Bank	2017 2016 2015	$260,000 $251,899 $251,899	-- -- --	$44,426 $60,746 $35,924	$44,427 $60,746 $35,925	$175,607 $122,172 $167,051	$24,260 $22,745 $8,023	$ 60,792(5) $57,298 $56,710	$609,512 $575,606 $555,532
John H. Anderson, President and CEO of Quad City Bank	2017 2016 2015	$205,500 $200,000 $200,000	-- -- --	$26,802 $28,924 $23,038	$26,802 $28,924 $23,038	$120,680 $120,600 $127,801	$32,251 -- --	$46,548(6) $44,029 $41,828	$458,583 $422,477 $415,705
Thomas D. Budd, President and CEO of Rockford Bank	2017 2016 2015	$177,160 $172,000 $172,000	-- -- --	$14,622 $12,398 $4,268	$14,623 $12,398 $4,275	$88,991 $82,223 $69,739	-- -- --	$42,923(7) $45,467 $46,146	$338,319 $324,486 $296,428
Ronald M. Nagel, President and CEO of Community State Bank	2017 2016	$275,000 $106,667	-- $340,000	$55,000 --	$55,000 --	55,947 --	-- --	$39,736(8) $26,569	$480,683 $473,236
Cathie S. Whiteside, EVP	2017 2016 2015	$168,500 $162,000 $162,000	-- -- --	$18,810 $18,476 $10,651	$18,811 $18,476 $10,657	$90,735 $94,087 $90,720	-- -- --	$42,981(9) $41,705 $41,813	$339,837 $334,744 $315,841

 

(1)

In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements, we report all equity awards at full grant date fair value of each award calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For restricted stock, the fair value per share is equal to the closing price of our stock on the date of the grant. For stock options, the fair value per share is based on certain assumptions that are explained in the footnotes to our financial statements, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

(2)

The amounts reflected in this column include both an increase in the actuarial present value of the executive’s benefit under his SERP as well as “above market earnings” under the deferred compensation arrangement. The amount of above market earnings is determined in accordance with, and for purposes of, proxy disclosure rules only (generally over 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate). The portion of the amount reflected that is attributable to above market earnings is: (i) with respect to Mr. Hultquist, for 2017 equal to $20,696, for 2016 equal to $15,956, and for 2015 equal to $11,985; and (ii) with respect to Mr. Helling, for 2017 equal to $13,760, for 2016 equal to $12,281, and for 2015 equal to $10,862. Mr. Gipple and Mr. Anderson had no above market earnings as determined for purposes of proxy disclosure rules.

 

(3)

Mr. Hultquist had contributions made to the 401(k) Plan for his benefit in the amount of $12,375; reimbursement for tax preparation services in the amount of $2,800; car allowance of $12,000; annual physical examination of $1,357; and dividends paid on his restricted stock of $1,236. In addition, pursuant to the deferred compensation arrangement, QCR Holdings made a matching contribution for his benefit in the amount of $20,000. QCR Holdings also provided a life insurance benefit to Mr. Hultquist that was valued, pursuant to Code rules, at $19,343.

 

(4)

Mr. Gipple had contributions made to the 401(k) Plan for his benefit in the amount of $12,375; reimbursement for tax preparation services in the amount of $2,800; car allowance of $8,000; and dividends paid on his restricted stock of $950. In addition, pursuant to the deferred compensation arrangement, QCR Holdings made a matching contribution for his benefit in the amount of $17,500. QCR Holdings also provided a life insurance benefit to Mr. Gipple that was valued, pursuant to Code rules, at $10,299.

 

(5)

Mr. Helling had contributions made to the 401(k) Plan for his benefit in the amount of $12,375; reimbursement for tax preparation services in the amount of $1,650; car allowance of $6,000; annual physical examination of $2,750; and dividends paid on his restricted stock of $816. In addition, pursuant to the deferred compensation arrangement, QCR Holdings made a matching contribution for his benefit in the amount of $17,500. QCR Holdings also provided a life insurance benefit to Mr. Helling that was valued, pursuant to Code rules, at $19,701.

 

(6)

Mr. Anderson had contributions made to the 401(k) Plan for his benefit in the amount of $12,375; car allowance of $6,000; annual physical examination of $1,987; reimbursement for country club memberships in the amount of $8,469; and dividends paid on his restricted stock of $553. In addition, pursuant to the deferred compensation arrangement, QCR Holdings made a matching contribution for benefit in the amount of $10,000. QCR Holdings also provided life insurance benefit to Mr. Anderson that was valued, pursuant to Code rules, at $7,164.

 

(7)

Mr. Budd had contributions made to the 401(k) Plan for his benefit in the amount of $6,500; car allowance of $6,000; reimbursement for country club memberships in the amount of $11,188; and dividends paid on his restricted stock of $238. In addition, pursuant to the deferred compensation arrangement, QCR Holdings made a matching contribution for his benefit in the amount of $8,000. QCR Holdings also provided a life insurance benefit to Mr. Budd that was valued, pursuant to Code rules, at $10,997.

 

(8)

Mr. Nagel had contributions made to the 401(k) Plan for his benefit in the amount of $12,375 car allowance of $12,000; and dividends paid on his restricted stock of $361. In addition, pursuant to the deferred compensation arrangement, QCR Holdings made a matching contribution for his benefit in the amount of $15,000.

 

(9)

Ms. Whiteside had contributions made to the 401(k) Plan for her benefit in the amount of $12,150; car allowance of $4,800; and dividends paid on her restricted stock of $332. In addition, pursuant to the deferred compensation arrangement, QCR Holdings made a matching contribution for her benefit in the amount of $16,028. QCR Holdings also provided a life insurance benefit to Ms. Whiteside that was valued, pursuant to Code rules, at $9,671.

 

 

Grant of Plan Based Awards

 

The following table provides information on non-equity incentive plan awards and equity awards made to our named executive officers during 2017. The non-equity incentive plan awards were made under the annual cash incentive program and the equity awards were made under our Equity Incentive Plan, each of which is described in our CD&A.

 

Name	Grant Date	Estimated Future Payouts Under Non- Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)			All Other Stock	All Other Option	Exercise or Base	Grant Date Fair
		Threshold	Target	Maximum	Awards: # of Shares of Stock or Units	Awards: # of Securities Underlying Options	Price of Option Awards ($/sh)	Value of Stock and Option Awards
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)	(g)	(h)	(i)
Douglas M. Hultquist	3/9/17	-- $0	-- $300,000	-- $375,000	1,623	4,797	$42.75	$138,717
Todd A. Gipple	3/9/17	-- $0	-- $156,000	-- $195,000	1,445	4,271	$42.75	$123,543
Larry J. Helling	3/9/17	-- $0	-- $156,000	-- $195,000	1,039	3,072	$42.75	$88,844
John H. Anderson	3/9/17	-- $0	-- $92,475	-- $138,713	627	1,853	$42.75	$53,624
Thomas D. Budd	3/9/17	-- $0	-- $79,722	-- $119,583	342	1,011	$42.75	$29,235
Ronald M. Nagel	1/3/17 3/9/17	-- -- $0	-- -- $40,000	-- -- $60,000	1,641 468	-- 1,383	$42.65 $42.75	$70,000 $40,000
Cathie S. Whiteside	3/9/17	-- $0	-- $71,613	-- $107,419	440	1,301	$42.75	$37,635

 

(1) The amounts set forth in the “Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards” columns reflect the threshold, target and maximum payouts for performance under the annual cash incentive program as described in the section titled “Annual Cash Incentive Bonus” in the CD&A. The amount earned by each named executive officer for 2017 performance is included in the Summary Compensation Table in the column titled “Non-Equity Incentive Compensation Plan.”

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table sets forth information on outstanding equity awards held by the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table at December 31, 2017, including the number of shares underlying both exercisable and unexercisable portions of each stock option as well as the exercise price and the expiration date of each outstanding option. Other than what is footnoted below, the options expire 10 years from the date of grant and vest in five equal annual portions beginning one year from the date of grant. All stock awards are restricted stock. The market value of stock awards is based on our closing stock price on December 31, 2017, which was $42.85.

 

	Option Awards					Stock Awards
Name	Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Exercisable	Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Unexercisable	Equity incentive plan awards: Number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#)	Option exercise price ($)	Option expiration date	Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#)	Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)	(g)	(h)
Douglas M. Hultquist	11,282 9,677 9,848 18,447 12,810 7,386 2,366 -- -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- 7,384 7,097 4,797 -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	$9.30 $9.00 $9.30 $15.65 $17.10 $17.49 $22.64 $42.75 -- -- --	2/2/2019 2/1/2020 2/1/2022 2/1/2023 2/3/2024 2/2/2025 2/1/2026 3/9/2027 -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2,258(2) 2,269(3) 1,623(4)	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- $96,755 $97,227 $69,546
Todd A. Gipple	3,390 8,616 6,791 4,429 2,148 -- -- -- --	-- -- -- 4,428 6,442 4,271 -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	$9.30 $15.65 $17.10 $17.49 $22.64 $42.75 -- -- --	2/1/2022 2/1/2023 2/3/2024 2/2/2025 2/1/2026 3/9/2027 -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- 1,354(2) 2,060(3) 1,445(4)	-- -- -- -- -- -- $58,019 $88,271 $61,918
Larry J. Helling	1,000 4,581 4,186 16,597 10,002 8,112 3,358 2,098 -- -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- 3,357 6,292 3,072 -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	$15.62 $9.30 $9.00 $9.30 $15.65 $17.10 $17.49 $22.64 $42.75 -- -- --	5/7/2018 2/2/2019 2/1/2020 2/1/2022 2/1/2023 2/3/2024 2/2/2025 2/1/2026 3/9/2027 -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,026(2) 2,012(3) 1,039(4)	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- $43,964 $86,214 $44,521

 

 

	Option Awards					Stock Awards
Name	Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Exercisable	Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Unexercisable	Equity incentive plan awards: Number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#)	Option exercise price ($)	Option expiration date	Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#)	Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)	(g)	(h)
John H. Anderson	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	727 896 2,153 2,942 1,853 -- -- -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	$15.65 $17.10 $17.49 $22.64 $42.75 -- -- -- -- --	2/1/2023 2/3/2024 2/2/2025 2/1/2026 3/9/2027 -- -- -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- 238(5) 297(6) 658(7) 940(3) 627(4)	-- -- -- -- -- $10,198 $12,726 $28,195 $40,279 $26,867
Thomas D. Budd	-- -- 400 428 -- -- -- -- -- --	343 654 399 1,284 1,011 -- -- -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	$15.65 $17.10 $17.49 $22.64 $42.75 -- -- -- -- --	2/1/2023 2/3/2024 2/2/2025 2/1/2026 3/9/2027 -- -- -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- 112(5) 216(6) 122(7) 411(3) 342(4)	-- -- -- -- -- $4,799 $9,256 $5,228 $17,611 $14,655
Ronald M. Nagel	-- -- --	1,383 -- --	-- -- --	$42.75 -- --	3/9/2027 -- --	-- 1,641(8) 468(4)	-- $70,317 $20,054
Cathie S. Whiteside	1,000 1,500 2,000 2,764 2,022 1,540 1,992 2,506 1,301	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	$9.30 $9.00 $7.99 $9.30 $15.65 $17.10 $17.49 $22.64 $42.75	2/2/2019 2/1/2020 2/1/2021 2/1/2022 2/1/2023 2/3/2024 2/2/2025 2/1/2026 3/9/2027	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --	-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

 

(1)

Options vest in three equal annual portions beginning one year from date of grant.

(2)

Unvested stock awards were granted on February 2, 2015 and vest in four equal portions beginning February 2, 2016.

(3)

Unvested stock awards were granted on February 1, 2016 and vest in four equal portions beginning February 1, 2017.

(4)

Unvested stock awards were granted on March 9, 2017 and vest in four equal portions beginning March 9, 2018.

(5)

Unvested stock awards were granted on February 1, 2013 and vest in five equal portions beginning February 1, 2014.

(6)

Unvested stock awards were granted on February 3, 2014 and vest in five equal portions beginning February 3, 2015.

(7)

Unvested stock awards were granted on February 2, 2015 and vest in five equal portions beginning February 2, 2016.

(8)

Unvested stock awards were granted on January 1, 2017 and vest in three equal portions beginning January 1, 2018.

 

 

The following table sets forth information for each of the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table regarding stock option exercises and vesting of stock awards during 2017.

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2017

 

	Option Awards		Stock Awards
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)
Name	Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)	Value Realized on Exercise ($)	Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)	Value Realized on Vesting ($)
Douglas M. Hultquist	11,239	$727,911	2,173	$142,418
Todd A. Gipple	0	$191,000	1,332	$90,994
Larry J. Helling	0	$111,229	1,279	$89,695
John H. Anderson	0	$120,267	830	$57,569
Thomas D. Budd	0	$44,244	574	$24,536
Cathie S. Whiteside	0	$156,155	1,902	$104,921

 

The following table sets forth the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table, including the number of years of service credited to each under the SERP determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in our financial statements. Information regarding the SERP can be found under the heading “Non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Program” beginning on page 21 of this proxy statement.

 

Pension Benefits
(Non-Qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan)

 

Name	Plan name	Number of years credited service (#)	Present value of accumulated benefit ($)	Payments during last fiscal year ($)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)(1)	(e)
Douglas M. Hultquist	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	23	$1,782,669	--
Todd A. Gipple	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	17	$1,111,088	--
Larry J. Helling	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	16	$557,106	--
John H. Anderson	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	9	$32,251	--

 

⁽¹⁾ Each calendar year, QCR Holdings accrues an expense with respect to the SERP in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. During 2017, the following amounts were accrued with respect to each of our named executive officers: Mr. Hultquist – $145,089; Mr. Gipple – $255,551; Mr. Helling – ($85,000); and Mr. Anderson - $32,251.

 

 

The following table sets forth information concerning our non-qualified deferred compensation agreements with each individual named in the Summary Compensation Table. The agreements are discussed in detail on page 22 of this proxy statement.

 

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

 

Name	Executive contributions in 2017 ($)	Registrant contributions in 2017 ($)	Aggregate earnings in 2017 ($)	Aggregate withdrawals/ distributions ($)	Aggregate balance at 12/31/17 ($)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)
Douglas M. Hultquist	$20,000	$20,000	$61,523	--	$1,362,775
Todd A. Gipple	$20,000	$17,500	$39,681	--	$719,711
Larry J. Helling	$17,500	$17,500	$71,802	--	$986,813
John H. Anderson	$15,000	$10,000	$9,818	--	$227,270
Thomas D. Budd	$8,000	$8,000	$12,972	--	$294,029
Ronald M. Nagel	$36,940	$15,000	$5,266	--	$123,063
Cathie S. Whiteside	$40,709	$16,028	$17,409	--	$405,911

 

 

 

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

 

The following table sets forth the estimated amount of compensation payable to each of our named executive officers, as provided under the agreements and arrangements described in the CD&A, upon termination of such officer’s employment in the event of (1) termination by QCR Holdings without cause other than in connection with a change in control (2), termination by QCR Holdings without cause or by the officer, in each case in connection with a change in control, and (3) the officer’s disability. The amounts shown assume the termination was effective as of December 31, 2017, and that the price of QCR Holdings stock as of termination was the closing price of $42.85 on December 29, 2017 (the last trading day of the year). The actual amounts to be paid can be determined only following the named executive officer's termination. We do not provide any benefits to our named executive officers solely as a result of a change in control.

 

Name	Benefit	Termination without Cause	Termination in Connection with Change in Control	Disability
Douglas M.	Salary	$300,000	$900,000	$200,010(1)
Hultquist	Bonus	$339,105	$1,017,314	$226,081
	Option acceleration	--	$216,896(4)	--
	Stock award acceleration	--	$263,528(5)	--
	Deferred compensation	--	$64,725(6)	--
	Health insurance	--	$15,057	--
	Tax gross up	--	$970,997(7)	--
Todd A.	Salary	$130,000	$520,000	$173,342(1)
Gipple	Bonus	$85,420	$341,679	$113,899
	Option acceleration	--	$171,335(4)	--
	Stock award acceleration	--	$208,208(5)	--
	Deferred compensation	--	$568,289(6)	--
	Health insurance	--	$16,745	--
	Tax gross up	--	$735,650(7)	--
Larry J.	Salary	$130,000	$520,000	$167,941(1)
Helling	Bonus	--	--	$86,230
	Option acceleration	--	$141,090(4)	--
	Stock award acceleration	--	$174,699(5)	--
	Deferred compensation	--	$143,187(6)	--
	Tax gross up	--	--(7)	--
John H.	Salary	$250,500	$411,000	$123,300(2)
Anderson	Bonus	$123,027	$123,027	$73,816
	Option acceleration	--	$68,432(4)	--
	Stock award acceleration	--	$118,266(5)	--
	Health insurance	--	$4,144	--
Thomas D.	Salary	$88,580	$345,320	$118,113(1)
Budd	Bonus	--	--	$53,548
	Option acceleration	--	$36,763(4)	--
	Stock award acceleration	--	$51,549(5)	--
	Health insurance	--	$22,217	--
	Tax gross up	--	--(7)	--
Ronald M.	Salary	$137,500	$137,500	$68,750(3)
Nagel	Bonus	--	$2,510	--
	Option acceleration	--	$19,998	--
	Stock award acceleration	--	$90,371	--

 

 

 

(1)

In the event of disability during the employment term, payments based upon then current annual salary and the average annual bonus shall continue thereafter through the last day of the one (1) year period beginning on the date of disability, after which time employment shall terminate. Payments made in the event of disability shall be equal to 66-2/3% of salary and the average annual bonus, less any amounts received under short or long-term disability programs, as applicable. The above amounts do not reflect the offset of disability insurance benefits.

 

(2)

In the event of disability during the employment term, payments based upon then current annual salary and the average annual bonus shall continue thereafter through the last day of the one (1) year period beginning on the date of disability, after which time employment shall terminate. Payments made in the event of disability shall be equal to 60% of salary and the average annual bonus, less any amounts received under short or long-term disability programs, as applicable. The above amounts do not reflect the offset of disability insurance benefits.

 

(3)

In the event of disability during the employment term, payments based upon then current annual salary shall continue thereafter through the last day of the three (3) month period beginning on the date of disability, after which time employment shall terminate. Payments made in the event of disability shall be equal to 100% of salary, less any amounts received under short or long-term disability programs, as applicable. The above amounts do not reflect the offset of disability insurance benefits.

 

(4)

In the event of a change in control, all outstanding options shall become immediately and fully vested, exercisable and unrestricted, if they are not assumed by the resulting entity or if the executive is terminated by the resulting entity without cause or resigns for good reason. This represents the aggregate fair value of options unexercisable at December 31, 2017, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

 

(5)

In the event of a change in control, all outstanding restricted stock awards shall become immediately and fully vested, exercisable and unrestricted, if they are not assumed by the resulting entity or if the executive is terminated by the resulting entity without cause or resigns for good reason. This represents the aggregate fair value of awards unexercisable at December 31, 2017, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

 

(6)

In the event of a termination of employment in connection with a change in control, the named executive officer is entitled to an enhanced benefit, in excess of his already accrued account balance, under his deferred compensation plan agreement.

 

(7)

Upon a change in control of QCR Holdings, the named executive officer may be subject to certain excise taxes pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code. We have agreed to reimburse for all excise taxes that are imposed under Section 4999 and any income and excise taxes that are payable as a result of any reimbursements for Section 4999 excise taxes. The calculation of the 4999 gross-up amount in the above tables is based upon a 4999 excise tax rate of 20%, a 35% federal income tax rate, a 2.35% Medicare tax rate and, for Mr. Hultquist, a 4.95% state income tax rate and for Mr. Gipple, a 6% state income tax rate. Based on the amounts shown in the “Change-in-Control” column, neither Mr. Helling nor Mr. Budd would have an excise tax liability.

 

Termination and Change in Control Benefits under Mr. Douglas M. Hultquist’s Employment Agreement

 

On January 1, 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Hultquist. In 2008, certain provisions of the employment agreement were amended in order to bring such provisions into compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code (and guidance issued thereunder). The agreement has a three-year term and in the absence of notice from either party to the contrary, the employment term extends for one additional year on each anniversary of the agreement. Mr. Hultquist’s agreement provides term life insurance coverage of two times his base salary and average annual bonus as of the date of the agreement. The agreement provides a disability benefit of up to 66-2/3% of Mr. Hultquist’s base salary and average annual bonus for a period of one year following a termination of employment due to disability. The agreement further provides for severance compensation equal to one year of salary plus average annual bonus and three months of outplacement services in the event Mr. Hultquist is terminated without cause; and three times the sum of his annual salary and average annual bonus and three years of continued health insurance if he is terminated within one year following a change in control or if he voluntarily terminates employment within six months of a change in control. If payments made in connection with a change in control are deemed to be excess parachute payments under the Code, Mr. Hultquist is entitled to receive a “gross up” payment from QCR Holdings intended to compensate him for any applicable federal or state taxes due with respect to such payments. Under the agreement, Mr. Hultquist is subject to a two-year non-compete provision following the termination of his employment.

 

 

Termination and Change in Control Benefits under Mr. Todd A. Gipple’s Employment Agreement

 

On January 1, 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Gipple. In 2008, certain provisions of the employment agreement were amended in order to bring such provisions into compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code (and guidance issued thereunder). The agreement has a three-year term and in the absence of notice from either party to the contrary, the employment term extends for one additional year on each anniversary of the agreement. Mr. Gipple’s agreement provides term life insurance coverage of two times his base salary and average annual bonus as of the date of the agreement. The agreement provides a disability benefit of up to 66-2/3% of Mr. Gipple’s base salary and average annual bonus for a period of one year following a termination of employment due to disability. The agreement further provides for severance compensation equal to one-half of his then-current annual salary plus one-half of his average annual bonus and three months of outplacement services in the event Mr. Gipple is terminated without cause; and two times the sum of his annual salary and average annual bonus and three years of continued health insurance if he is terminated within one year following a change in control or if he voluntarily terminates employment within six months of a change in control. If payments made in connection with a change in control are deemed to be excess parachute payments under the Code, Mr. Gipple is entitled to receive a “gross up” payment from QCR Holdings intended to compensate him for any applicable federal or state taxes due with respect to such payments. Under the agreement, Mr. Gipple is subject to a two-year non-compete provision following the termination of his employment.

 

Termination and Change in Control Benefits under Mr. Larry J. Helling’s Employment Agreement

 

On January 1, 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Helling. In 2008, certain provisions of the employment agreement were amended in order to bring such provisions into compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code (and guidance issued thereunder). The agreement has a two-year term and in the absence of notice from either party to the contrary, the employment term extends for one additional year on each anniversary of the agreement. Mr. Helling’s agreement provides term life insurance coverage of two times his base salary and average annual bonus as of the date of the agreement. The agreement provides a disability benefit of up to 66-2/3% of Mr. Helling’s base salary and average annual bonus for a period of one year following a termination of employment due to disability. The agreement further provides for severance compensation equal to six months of his salary in the event Mr. Helling is terminated without cause and two times his annual salary if he is terminated within one year following a change in control or if he voluntarily terminates employment within six months of a change in control. If payments made in connection with a change in control are deemed to be excess parachute payments under the Code, Mr. Helling is entitled to receive a “gross up” payment from QCR Holdings intended to compensate him for any applicable federal or state taxes due with respect to such payments. Under the agreement, Mr. Helling is subject to a two-year non-compete provision following the termination of his employment.

 

Termination and Change in Control Benefits under Mr. John H. Anderson’s Employment Agreement

 

On October 30, 2009, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Anderson. The agreement was subsequently amended on December 18, 2012. The agreement has a one year term and in the absence of notice from either party to the contrary, the employment term extends for an additional year on each anniversary of the agreement. Mr. Anderson’s agreement provides term life insurance coverage of two times his base salary and average annual bonus as of the date of the agreement. The agreement provides a disability benefit of up to 60% of Mr. Anderson’s base salary and average annual bonus for a period of one year following a termination of employment due to disability. The agreement further provides for severance compensation equal to twelve months of base salary and average annual bonus if he is terminated without cause; and two years base salary and average annual bonus and eighteen months of continued health insurance if he is terminated within one year following a change in control or if he voluntarily terminates employment within six months of a change in control. Under the agreement, Mr. Anderson is subject to an eighteen month non-solicitation covenant following the termination of his employment.

 

 

Termination and Change in Control Benefits under of Mr. Thomas D. Budd’s Employment Agreement

 

On June 1, 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Budd. In 2008, certain provisions of the employment agreement were amended in order to bring such provisions into compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code (and guidance issued thereunder). The agreement has a two-year term and in the absence of notice from either party to the contrary, the employment term extends for one additional year on each anniversary of the agreement. Mr. Budd’s agreement provides term life insurance coverage of two times his base salary and average annual bonus as of the date of the agreement. The agreement provides a disability benefit of up to 66-2/3% of Mr. Budd’s base salary and average annual bonus for a period of one year following a termination of employment due to disability. The agreement further provides for severance compensation equal to six months of base salary if he is terminated without cause; and two years base salary and three years of continued health insurance if he is terminated within one year following a change in control or if he voluntarily terminates employment within six months of a change in control. If payments made in connection with a change in control are deemed to be excess parachute payments under the Code, Mr. Budd is entitled to receive a “gross up” payment from QCR Holdings intended to compensate him for any applicable federal or state taxes due with respect to such payments. Under the agreement, Mr. Budd is subject to a one-year non-compete provision following the termination of his employment.

 

Termination and Change in Control Benefits under of Mr. Ronald M. Nagel’s Employment Agreement

 

On May 23, 2016, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Nagel. The agreement has a term ending in December 31, 2021, unless sooner terminated. The agreement provides a disability benefit of the annual base salary for a period of three months following the date of disability. The agreement further provides for severance compensation equal to six months base salary if he is terminated without cause; and six months base salary and six months of continued health insurance if he is terminated within one year following a change in control or if he voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason within six months of a change in control. Under the agreement, Mr. Nagel is subject to a one-year non-compete provision following the termination of his employment.

 

Termination and Change in Control Benefits under of Ms. Cathie S. Whiteside’s Employment Agreement

 

On August 27, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Whiteside. In 2008, certain provisions of the employment agreement were amended in order to bring such provisions into compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code (and guidance issued thereunder). The agreement has a one year term and in the absence of notice from either party to the contrary, the employment term extends for an additional one year on the anniversary of the agreement. Ms. Whiteside retired on December 31, 2017.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

During 2017, the Compensation Committee, which sets the salaries and compensation for our executive officers, was comprised solely of independent directors Baird, Brownson (until his retirement in May 2017), Kilmer, Neuman, R. Peterson (until his retirement in May 2017) and Ralph. None of these individuals was an officer or employee of QCR Holdings in 2017, and none of these individuals is a former officer or employee of QCR Holdings. In addition, during 2017, no executive officer of QCR Holdings served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any other corporation with respect to which any member of the Compensation Committee was engaged as an executive officer.

 

 

Pay Ratio

 

As required by the Securities and Exchange Commission rule, we are providing information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of Douglas M. Hultquist, our chief executive officer and the median annual total compensation of our employees.

 

The median employee was identified from all full-time and part-time employees, excluding Mr. Hultquist, who were employed by QCR Holdings and its subsidiaries on December 31, 2017. All of our employees are located in the United States. A total of 663 employees were included. Compensation was measured over the 12 month period beginning on January 1, 2017 and ending on December 31, 2017.

 

The median employee compensation was determined using 2017 W-2 compensation. Wages were annualized for our employees who did not work the entire calendar year. Mr. Hultquist had 2017 annual total compensation of $1,001,550 as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement. The median employee’s annual total compensation for 2017 that would be reportable in the Summary Compensation Table was $55,546. As a result, the CEO pay ratio is 18:1.

 

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

QCR Holdings uses a combination of cash and stock-based compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the board. In setting director compensation, we consider the significant amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties as well as the skill level required of members of the board.

 

 

 

Cash Compensation Paid to Board Members

 

In 2017, members of the board who were not employees of QCR Holdings were entitled to receive an annual cash retainer. Pursuant to the QCR Holdings, Inc. 1997 Deferred Income Plan and the 2005 Deferred Income Plan, a director may elect to defer the fees and cash compensation payable by us for the director’s service until either the termination of such director’s service on the board or the age specified in the director’s deferral election. During 2017, all but five directors (at the subsidiary banks) deferred 100% of their director fees pursuant to the plan, and the total expense for the deferred fees with respect to all participating directors was $489,054 for 2017. Directors who are employees of QCR Holdings or a subsidiary bank receive no compensation for their service as directors. The following table shows the director fees approved for 2018 and the fees paid for 2017 for QCR Holdings and our other affiliated boards.

 

		2018				2017
QCR Holdings, Inc.
Quarterly Retainer		$	5,875			$	3,925
Additional Quarterly Retainers
- Board Chair			5,000				3,750
- Board Vice Chair			625				625
- Audit Committee Chair			1,500				1,500
- Audit Committee Financial Expert			625				625
- Compensation Committee Chair			1,250				1,250
- Nomination and Governance Committee Chair			1,250				1,250
- Risk Oversight Committee Chair			1,250				1,250
- Audit Committee Member			625				625
- Compensation Committee Member			625				625
- Risk Oversight Committee Member			625				625
- All other Committee Members			300				300
Subsidiaries
Quarterly Retainer			2,250				2,250
Additional Quarterly Retainers
- Board Chair			1,000				1,000
- Asset/Liability Management Committee Chair			500				500
- Loan Committee Chair			500				500
- Wealth Management Committee Chair			500				500
- All Committee Members			250				250
m2 Lease Funds, LLC
Quarterly Retainer			1,000				1,000

 

 

 

Equity Awards

 

In March 2017, each current non-employee QCR Holdings director received a grant of stock awards and each current non-employee subsidiary director received a grant of stock awards at the fair market value of QCR Holdings’s stock on the date of the grant, or $45.00. The awards vested immediately on the date of grant.

 

The following table discloses the cash and equity awards earned, paid or awarded, as the case may be, to each of our directors during the fiscal year ended 2017.

 

Summary Compensation Table – Directors

 

Name	Fees earned ($)(1)	Stock awards ($)(2)	Total ($)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(f)
Patrick S. Baird	51,600	14,535	66,135
John-Paul E. Besong	19,400	8,505	27,905
James J. Brownson	7,587	8,505	16,092
Mark C. Kilmer	37,200	11,520	48,720
Linda K. Neuman	35,600	11,520	47,120
Michael L. Peterson	19,400	8,505	27,905
Ronald G. Peterson	15,117	11,520	26,637
George T. Ralph III	47,900	11,520	59,420
Donna J. Sorensen	39,434	11,520	50,954
Marie Z. Ziegler	47,788	11,520	59,308

 

(1)

Directors may elect to defer the receipt of all or part of their fees and retainers. All of the directors listed above elected to defer the receipt of all their cash fees and retainers, and the deferred compensation is used to purchase additional shares of QCR Holdings common stock at market value through the Deferred Income Plans.

 

(2)

We report all equity awards at full grant date fair value of each award calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For restricted stock, the fair value per share is equal to the closing price of our stock on the date of the grant.

 

 

PROPOSAL 2:
Advisory (Non-Binding) Vote TO APPROVE Executive OFFICER Compensation

 

Section 14A of the Exchange Act, as created by Section 951 of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, require publicly traded companies, such as QCR Holdings, to conduct a separate stockholder advisory vote to approve the compensation of certain executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission compensation disclosure rules, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” vote.

 

In accordance with these requirements, we are providing stockholders with an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers. We currently hold a say-on-pay vote annually.

 

The overall objectives of QCR Holdings’s compensation programs have been to align executive officer compensation with the success of meeting long-term strategic operating and financial goals. Stockholders are urged to read the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement, including the Summary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables and narrative disclosure that describe the compensation of our named executive officers in 2017. The Compensation Committee and the board of directors believe that the policies and procedures articulated in the “Executive Compensation” section are effective in implementing our compensation philosophy and achieving its goals, and that the compensation of our named executive officers in 2017 reflects and supports these compensation policies and procedures.

 

The following resolution is submitted for stockholder approval:

 

“RESOLVED, that QCR Holdings’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, its executive compensation as described in the section captioned ‘Executive Compensation’ contained in the QCR Holdings proxy statement dated April 13, 2018.”

 

Approval of this resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. While this say-on-pay vote is required, as provided in Section 14A of the Exchange Act, it is not binding on our board of directors and may not be construed as overruling any decision by the board. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future compensation arrangements.

 

The board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote to approve the overall compensation of our named executive officers by voting “FOR” this proposal.

 

 

PROPOSAL 3:
ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE RELATING TO THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE STOCKHOLDER VOTES ON THE COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Section 14A of the Exchange Act, as created by Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder require publicly traded companies, such as QCR Holdings, to permit a separate stockholder vote on the frequency with which stockholders shall conduct an advisory say-on-pay vote on executive compensation, such as the proposal above. In accordance with these requirements, we are providing stockholders with an advisory vote on the frequency with which our stockholders will vote on a say-on-pay proposal.

 

The advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes is a nonbinding vote as to how often say-on-pay votes should occur: every year, every two years or every three years. In addition to those choices, stockholders may also abstain from voting. Section 14A of the Exchange Act requires us to hold an advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes at least once every six years.

 

After careful consideration, our board of directors recommends that future stockholder say-on-pay votes be conducted annually. The board values and encourages constructive input from our stockholders regarding QCR Holdings’s compensation philosophy, policies and practices, and believes it is important that such policies and practices are aligned with the best interests of our stockholders. An annual say-on-pay vote will provide the board and Compensation Committee with useful information on stockholder sentiment about these important matters on a frequent and consistent basis.

 

Although the board recommends a say-on-pay vote every year, stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the board’s recommendation. Rather, stockholders are being asked to vote on the following resolution:

 

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders of QCR Holdings determine, on an advisory basis, that the frequency with which the stockholders shall have an advisory vote on executive compensation set forth in the Company’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders, is (i) every year, (ii) every two years, or (iii) every three years.”

 

The choice which receives the highest number of votes will be deemed the choice of the stockholders.

 

While this advisory vote is required, as provided in Section 14A of the Exchange Act, it is not binding on our Compensation Committee or board of directors and may not be construed as overruling any decision by the Compensation Committee or the board. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when determining the frequency of future say-on-pay votes.

 

The board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote to conduct future advisory votes on executive compensation EVERY YEAR.

 

 

PROPOSAL 4:
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

 

ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

RSM US LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 1993, and our Audit Committee has selected RSM US LLP to be our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

 

Although we are not required to do so, our board of directors recommends that the stockholders ratify the appointment. A representative of RSM US LLP is expected to attend the meeting and will be available to respond to appropriate questions and to make a statement if he or she so desires. If the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm is not ratified, the Audit Committee of the board of directors will reconsider the matter of the appointment. Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote to approve the ratification of this appointment by voting “FOR” this proposal.

 

Following is a summary of fees for professional services by RSM US LLP.

 

Accountant Fees

 

During the period covering the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, RSM US LLP performed the following professional services:

 

		2017				2016
Audit fees (1)		$	739,283			$	730,262
Audit-related fees (2)		$	17,583			$	1,413
Tax fees(3)		$	17,063			$	0
Other fees (4)		$	442,952			$	199,309

 

(1)

Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of QCR Holdings’s financial statements, the audit of QCR Holdings’s internal control over financial reporting, review of financial statements included in QCR Holdings’s quarterly reporting on Form 10-Q, and review and assistance with other Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

 

(2)

Audit-related fees consist of fees for research and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting matters.

 

(3)

Tax service fees consist of tax return preparation fees for Community State Bank’s final tax return.

 

(4)

All other fees include allowable IT consulting services, SOC 1 readiness assessment, hardware/software purchases and out-of-pocket reimbursement for an electronic subscription to an accounting publication.

 

Audit Committee Approval Policy

 

Among other things, the Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation for and overseeing the work of the independent auditor. The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve, on a case-by-case basis, all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by any audit, tax consulting or general business consulting firm. All of the fees earned by RSM US LLP described above were attributable to services pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our common stock beneficially owned on March 21, 2018, by each director, by each named executive officer named in the summary compensation table, by persons who are the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock and by all directors and executive officers of QCR Holdings as a group. Beneficial ownership has been determined for this purpose in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, under which a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities if he or she has or shares voting power or investment power in respect of such securities or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of securities within 60 days of March 21, 2018.

 

Name of Stockholder and Number of Persons in Group	Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1)	Percent of Class
Directors and Named Executive Officers
John H. Anderson	38,498 (2)	*
Patrick S. Baird	77,098(3)	*
Mary Kay Bates	--	*
John-Paul E. Besong	2,135(4)	*
Thomas D. Budd	15,443(5)	*
Todd A. Gipple	80,399(6)	*
Larry J. Helling	124,476(7)	*
Douglas M. Hultquist	214,017(8)	1.5%
Mark C. Kilmer	100,248(9)	*
Ronald M. Nagel	4,727(10)	*
Linda K. Neuman	15,859(11)	*
Michael L. Peterson	234,536(12)	1.7%
George T. Ralph III	19,883(13)	*
Donna J. Sorensen	28,331(14)	*
Marie Z. Ziegler	43,082(15)	*
All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)	998,732(16)	8.8%
5% Stockholder
BlackRock, Inc., 280 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210	974,529 (17)	7.0%

 

*

Less than 1%.

 

 

(1)

Amounts reported include shares held directly, including certain shares subject to options, as well as shares held in retirement accounts, by certain members of the named individuals’ families or held by trusts of which the named individual is a trustee or substantial beneficiary. Inclusion of shares shall not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership or voting or investment power over included shares. The nature of beneficial ownership for shares listed in this table is sole voting and investment power, except as set forth in the following footnotes.

 

(2)

Includes 3,697 shares subject to options which are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2018. Also includes 34,545 shares in the 401(k) Plan, over which he has shared voting and investment power.  Excludes 4,874 option shares not presently exercisable.

 

(3)

Includes 52,757 shares held jointly by Mr. Baird and his spouse and 24,341 shares held in a trust, over which he has shared voting and investment power.

 

(4)

Includes 1,377 shares held in a trust, over which he has shared voting and investment power.

 

(5)

Includes 2,379 shares subject to options which are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2018.  Also includes 1,850 shares in the 401(k) Plan and 7,527 shares held in an IRA account, over which he has shared voting and investment power.  Excludes 2,140 option shares not presently exercisable.

 

(6)

Includes 30,804 shares subject to options which are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2018. Also includes 3,319 shares held in the 401(k) Plan, 1,199 shares held in an IRA account, 2,000 shares held by his spouse, and 682 shares held in a trust, over which he has shared voting and investment power. Excludes 9,711 option shares not presently exercisable.

 

(7)

Includes 54,479 shares subject to options which are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2018. Also includes 19,774 shares held in the 401(k) Plan, 36,450 shares held in an IRA account, and 4,269 shares held in a trust, over which he has shared voting and investment power. Excludes 8,176 option shares not presently exercisable.

 

(8)

Includes 79,074 shares subject to options which are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2018. Also includes 17,125 shares held in the 401(k) Plan, 12,087 shares held by his spouse, 2,557 shares held in an IRA account, and 9,468 shares held in a trust, and over which he has shared voting and investment power. Excludes 12,020 option shares not presently exercisable.

 

(9)

Includes 14,438 shares held by his spouse or children, 33,392 shares held in a trust, 6,172 shares held by a corporation and 3,375 shares held in an IRA account, over which he has shared voting and investment power.

 

(10)

Includes 346 shares subject to options which are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2018. Excludes 1,037 option shares not presently exercisable.

 

(11)

Includes 1,100 share held in an IRA account and 10,403 shares held in trust, over which she has shared voting and investment power.

 

(12)

Includes 3,059 shares held in a trust, over which he has shared voting and investment power.

 

(13)

Includes 2,191 shares held by his spouse and 8,931 shares held in a trust, over which he has shared voting and investment power.

 

(14)

Includes 6,825 shares held jointly and 21,245 shares held in a trust, over which she has shared voting and investment power.

 

(15)

Includes 200 shares held by her spouse and 18,892 shares held in a trust, over which she has shared voting and investment power.

 

(16)

Excludes 37,958 option shares not presently exercisable.

 

(17)

Includes shares held by BlackRock International Limited, BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited, BlackRock Fund Advisors, BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited, BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, National Association, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd., and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC as reported in a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2018.

 

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that the directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with the exchange on which the shares of common stock are traded. These persons are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms furnished to us, and, if appropriate, representations made to us by any reporting person concerning whether a Form 5 was required to be filed for 2017, we are not aware of any failures to comply with the filing requirements of Section 16(a) during 2017.

 

TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS

 

Our directors and officers and their associates were clients of and had transactions with QCR Holdings and our subsidiaries during 2017. Additional transactions are expected to take place in the future. All outstanding loans, commitments to loan, and certificates of deposit and depository relationships, in the opinion of management, were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not related to the lenders and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. All such loans are approved by the subsidiary banks’ board of directors in accordance with applicable bank regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Audit Committee considers any other non-lending transactions between us and a director to ensure that such transactions do not affect a director’s independence.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Audit Committee, comprised solely of independent directors, has the following responsibilities set forth in its charter, which include assisting the board of directors in carrying out its oversight responsibilities for our financial reporting process, audit process and internal controls. The Audit Committee also reviews our audited consolidated financial statements and recommends to the board that they be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The Audit Committee reviewed the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and met with both management and RSM US LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, to discuss those financial statements. The Audit Committee discussed with RSM US LLP the matters required to be discussed under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) in accordance with Auditing Standard 1301 (Communication with Audit Committees), including the quality of our accounting policies, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements. The Audit Committee also has received from RSM US LLP the written disclosures regarding the auditors’ independence required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with RSM US LLP its independence. Based on the review and discussions noted above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the board of directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Audit Committee:

 

	Mark C. Kilmer	George T. Ralph III
	Michael L. Peterson	Marie Z. Ziegler

 

 

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

Patrick S. Baird		Douglas M. Hultquist
Chair of the Board		President and Chief Executive Officers

 
 

Moline, Illinois
April 13, 2018

 

 

 

ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO
RETURN THEIR PROXIES PROMPTLY