Commission File Number:

 

 

(973)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file reports), and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes  ☒    No  ☐

S-T

non-accelerated

Rule 12b-2

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided persuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☒

Rule 12b-2

The aggregate value of the voting common equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of the registrant’s shares of common stock as of June 30, 2021 was $3.23 billion.

As of March 22, 2022, there were 249,158,823 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock.

 

 

 

 

1

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers a skills matrix that represents certain of the skills that the Committee identified as particularly valuable in the effective oversight of the Company and its business. The following matrix identifies those skills and the Directors who possess each such skill, which highlights the diversity of skills on the Board. The matrix also indicates which Directors are considered diverse, based on race and gender.

 

Pursuant to our Nominating and Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Corporate Governance Guidelines”), the Board of Directors conducts an annual review of director independence. As a result of the review performed in January 2022, the Board of Directors determined, based upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, that 9 of the 12 members of the Board of Directors, and each member of the Compensation and Benefits, Nominating and Corporate Governance and Audit Committees, were independent, as affirmatively determined by the Board of Directors consistent with the Nasdaq corporate governance listing rules.

In connection with this review, the Board of Directors considers all relevant facts and circumstances relating to relationships that each director, his or her immediate family members and their respective related interests has with Investors Bancorp and its subsidiaries.

Following this review, the Board of Directors determined that Messrs. Albanese, Bone, Cosgrove, Harmon, Stathoulopoulos and Ward, and Mses. Byrnes, Siekerka and Wales, are independent as defined in the Nasdaq corporate governance listing rules. The Board of Directors determined that Messrs. Cummings and Cama are not independent as they are Investors Bank employees. Mr. Garibaldi is not independent due to commercial real estate brokerage services provided by his company to Investors Bank, the subsidiary of Investors Bancorp, in 2018.

 

11

The combined Chairman and CEO position is counterbalanced by our strong Lead Independent Director position, which is currently held by Dennis M. Bone. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Lead Independent Director shall be an “independent outside director”, which is defined as an independent director who has never been employed by the Company or Investors Bank. The Lead Independent Director, who has the responsibilities described below, provides an independent voice on issues facing the Company and ensures that key issues are brought to the Board’s attention. The Board and its committees also regularly hold executive sessions with no members of management present, thereby providing an opportunity for the independent directors to discuss their views freely. The executive sessions of the Board are presided over by the Lead Independent Director. During 2021, 9 executive sessions were held, of which were conducted by the independent directors.

The Lead Independent Director presently has the following duties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

non-employee

We recognize that different board leadership structures may be appropriate for the Company at different times and in different situations. As part of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s and the Board’s annual evaluation processes, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board will evaluate the Company’s leadership structure to ensure that it provides the most appropriate structure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

The Corporate Governance Guidelines, which were last updated in May 2020, provide for the independent directors of the Board of Directors to meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions. During 2021, 9 executive sessions were held, of which 5 were conducted by the independent directors.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically reviews our Bylaws and Corporate Governance Guidelines to maintain effective and appropriate standards of corporate governance. The Board adopted the Corporate Governance Guidelines to further its longstanding and continuing goal of providing effective governance of our Company’s business and affairs for the long-term benefit of stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board affirm their commitment of considering and, where appropriate, adopting, revisions and enhancements to our Bylaws and Corporate Governance Guidelines which would further our alignment and engagement with our stockholders.

The Corporate Governance Guidelines include an anti-hedging policy, which prohibits directors and executive officers from engaging in or effecting any transaction designed to hedge or offset the economic risk of owning shares of Company common stock. Accordingly, any hedging, derivative or other equivalent transaction that is specifically designed to reduce or limit the extent to which declines in the trading price of Company common stock would affect the value of the shares of Company common stock owned by an executive officer or director is prohibited. Cashless exercises of employee stock options are not deemed short sales and are not prohibited. This policy does not prohibit transactions in the stock of other companies and does not apply to employees who are not executive officers.

Company policy prohibits directors and executive officers from holding Company securities in a margin account or pledging Company securities as collateral for any other loan. An exception to this prohibition may be granted, in the sole discretion of the Board and in limited circumstances, after giving consideration to, among other factors, the number of shares proposed to be pledged as a percentage of the director’s or executive officer’s total shares held. No shares are currently pledged by a director or executive officer.

The Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interest of Investors Bancorp and its stockholders to align the financial interests of its executives and directors with those of stockholders. Accordingly, the Corporate Governance Guidelines include Stock Ownership Guidelines for Named Executive Officers and directors of Investors Bancorp that require the following minimum investment in Investors Bancorp common stock:

A number of shares having a market value equal to five times (5.0x) annual base salary

A number of shares having a market value equal to three times (3.0x) annual base salary

25,000 shares

Stock holdings are expected to be achieved within five years of either the implementation of the Ownership Guidelines or the starting date of the individual, whichever is later. Stock ownership for Named Executive Officers and directors is reviewed as of the last day of each calendar quarter.

 

14

As noted in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, the purpose of the committee is to assist the Board in identifying individuals to become Board members, determine the size and composition of the Board and its committees, monitor Board effectiveness and implement the Corporate Governance Guidelines.

In furtherance of this purpose, this Committee, among other things, shall:

 

 

 

 

 

 

10-K

 

15

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board recognize that it is important for the Company’s directors to possess a diverse array of backgrounds and skills, including executive management experience, financial services experience, and educational and professional achievement. When considering new candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with input from the Board, will seek to ensure that the Board reflects a range of talents, ages, skills, diversity and expertise, particularly in the areas of accounting and finance, management, regulatory and risk management and leadership sufficient to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to our operations and interests. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers diversity in demographic and professional backgrounds among the factors used to identify nominees for directors. The goal of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to assemble and maintain a Board comprised of individuals with a broad spectrum of skills, experience and expertise combined with a reputation for integrity to carry out the Board’s responsibilities with respect to oversight of the Company’s operations.

Investors Bancorp’s goal is to have a Board of Directors whose members have diverse professional backgrounds and have demonstrated professional achievement with the highest personal and professional ethics and integrity and whose values are compatible with those of Investors Bancorp. While the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees, the Committee members recognize the benefits of a Board whose members possess a diversity of business experience and demographic backgrounds and seek to identify nominees with a range of background and experience. Important factors considered in the selection of nominees for director include experience in positions that develop good business judgment, that demonstrate a high degree of responsibility and independence, and that show the individual’s ability to commit adequate time and effort to serve as a director.

Nominees should have a familiarity with the markets in which Investors Bancorp operates, be involved in activities that do not create a conflict with his/her responsibilities to Investors Bancorp and its stockholders and have the capacity and desire to represent the balanced, best interests of the stockholders of Investors Bancorp as a group, and not primarily a special interest group or constituency.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also take into account whether a candidate satisfies the criteria for “independence” as defined in the Nasdaq corporate governance listing rules, and, if a candidate with financial and accounting expertise is sought for service on the Audit Committee, whether the individual qualifies as an audit committee financial expert.

Although, as previously disclosed, the Company does not anticipate holding an annual meeting of stockholders in 2022, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has adopted procedures for the consideration of Board candidates submitted by stockholders. Stockholders can submit the names of candidates for director by writing to the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, at Investors Bancorp, Inc., 101 JFK Parkway, Short Hills New Jersey 07078. The submission must include the following information:

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A nomination submitted by a stockholder for presentation by the stockholder at an annual meeting of stockholders must comply with the procedural and informational requirements described in “Advance Notice of Business to be Conducted at an Annual Meeting.”

A stockholder of Investors Bancorp who wants to communicate with the Board or with any individual director can write to the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at Investors Bancorp, Inc., 101 JFK Parkway, Short Hills, New Jersey 07078. The letter should indicate that the author is a stockholder and if shares are not held of record, should include appropriate evidence of stock ownership. Depending on the subject matter, the Chair will:

 

 

17

 

At each Board meeting, the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall present a summary of all communications received since the last meeting and make those communications available to the directors upon request.

Our employees, executive officers and directors take pride in our ability to maintain the highest ethical standards while continuing to provide products and services to our communities. Protecting our reputation for integrity is dependent on a shared commitment to our Core Values: Character, Commitment, Cooperation and Community, and treating all our stakeholders—our customers, clients, employees, stockholders, business partners and communities we serve—with integrity.

The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) to be followed by Investors Bancorp’s employees, officers (including its CEO, COO, CFO and CAO) and directors to communicate our commitment to ethical conduct and to describe our standards and expectations for integrity and ethical behavior. Directors, Named Executive Officers, executive officers and employees are required to read, understand and comply with the Code. Investors Bancorp requires that all new employees take Code training shortly after their commencement of employment and requires annual training for all directors and employees. All employees and directors must certify annually that they have read the Code and agree to abide by it.

The Code provides that any waivers for directors or executive officers may be made only by the Board of Directors and must be promptly disclosed to the stockholders. Investors Bancorp will post on its website any amendments to the Code and any waivers granted to its directors or executive officers. During 2021, the Board of Directors did not receive nor grant any request for directors or executive officers for waivers under the provisions of the Code.

Investors Bancorp expects and encourages its employees to report behavior that concerns them or may represent a violation of the Code. To ensure that our employees are comfortable in reporting such concerns or violations of the Code, we offer several channels by which employees may raise an issue or concern, including any actual or potential violation of the Code. One such channel is EthicsPoint, a website and telephone hotline that is available to employees 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. EthicsPoint complaints or concerns can be submitted anonymously. In addition, Investors Bancorp does not permit retaliation of any kind for good faith reports of ethical violations or misconduct of others. All reports are investigated promptly and fully, and effective remedial action is taken when appropriate. The Code encourages our employees to report any behavior that concerns them or may represent a violation of the Code. We also refer within the Code to specific reference to our Stand Up and Speak Policy, which was last modified in July 2020. Please see the “Stand Up and Speak Policy” discussion herein for further discussion relating to our Stand Up and Speak Policy.

 

18

10-K

As a financial services company entrusted with the safeguarding of sensitive information, our Board of Directors believes that a strong enterprise cybersecurity program is vital to effective cybersecurity risk management. The Board of Directors is committed to engaging in robust oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity program on an ongoing basis. The Board of Directors provides oversight of management’s efforts to address cybersecurity risk through the delivery of reports, including updates on current trends and issues, as well as presentations at meetings of the Risk Oversight Committee and the Board. The reports and presentations that the Board and the Risk Oversight Committee receive focus on the threat environment and vulnerability assessments, as well as specific cyber incidents and management’s efforts to monitor, detect and prevent cyber threats to the Company. These reports include descriptions of (i) management’s implementation of backup systems and other safeguards to support our operations; (ii) our establishment and regular testing of disaster recovery procedures; and (iii) regular review and assessment of our third-party service providers’ information systems safeguards against cyber-attacks, information breach or loss of information.

The Risk Oversight Committee has responsibility for enterprise-wide risk management and determining that significant risks of Investors Bancorp are monitored by the Board of Directors or one of its standing committees. In addition, the Risk Oversight Committee reviews new products and services proposed to be implemented by management to determine that

 

19

appropriate risk identification has occurred and that controls are considered to mitigate identified risks to an acceptable level. The Risk Oversight Committee is also responsible for reviewing and monitoring enterprise risk including interest rate, liquidity, operational, compliance, cybersecurity, strategic and reputational risks.

10A-3.

As noted in the Audit Committee Charter, the primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in overseeing:

 

 

 

 

 

In furtherance of this purpose, this committee, among other things, shall:

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

The Audit Committee reports to the Board of Directors on its activities and findings.

Management has the primary responsibility for Investors Bancorp’s internal control and financial reporting process, and for making an assessment of the effectiveness of Investors Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of Investors Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and to issue an opinion on those financial statements, and for providing an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.

As part of its ongoing activities, the Audit Committee has:

 

 

 

 

10-K

re-appointment

 

21

10C-1.

non-equity-based

In furtherance of this purpose, this committee, among other things, shall:

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to these duties this Committee shall assist the Board in recruiting and succession planning.

The Compensation and Benefits Committee retains responsibility for all compensation decisions and recommendations to the Board of Directors as to Investors Bancorp’s Named Executive Officers. The Compensation and Benefits Committee utilizes information and benchmarks from an independent compensation consulting firm, industry trends, practices

 

22

among our peer groups, and from other sources, to determine how executive compensation levels compare to those companies within the industry. The Compensation and Benefits Committee may review published data for companies of similar size, location, financial characteristics and stage of development among other factors.

In designing the compensation program for Investors Bancorp, this Committee takes into consideration methods to avoid encouraging the taking of excessive risk by executive management or by other employees. This Committee assessed risks posed by the incentive compensation paid to executive management and other employees and determined that Investors Bancorp’s compensation policies, practices and programs do not pose risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Investors Bancorp. In furtherance of the Committee’s ongoing oversight of the Company’s executive incentive compensation program, the Board in 2018 adopted the Executive Incentive Compensation Approval Policy. The purpose of this policy is to provide enhanced oversight, review, assessment and approval processes for this Committee, the Risk Oversight Committee and the Audit Committee in the setting of incentive compensation goals for the CEO, COO, the other Named Executive Officers, and other designated executive officers of the Company, to ensure that our incentive compensation arrangements appropriately balance risk and financial results in a manner that do not pose undue risk to the Company.

10-K.

During 2021, Ms. Siekerka served as chairperson of the Compensation and Benefits Committee and Ms. Wales, Messrs. Albanese, Bone, Stathoulopoulos and Ward served as members. None of these directors has ever been an officer or employee of Investors Bancorp; or an executive officer of another entity at which one of Investors Bancorp’s executive officers serves on the Board of Directors, or had any transactions or relationships with Investors Bancorp in 2021 requiring specific disclosures under SEC rules or Nasdaq listing standards. Ms. Byrnes, who also served as a member of the Compensation and Benefits Committee during 2021, is neither an executive officer of another entity at which one of Investors Bancorp’s executive officers serves on the Board of Directors, nor had transactions or relationships with Investors Bancorp in 2021 requiring specific disclosures under SEC rules. Ms. Byrnes was an officer of Investors Bank prior to her retirement in 2007.

 

23

ITEM 11.

non-employee

non-employee

 

non-employee

At the annual meeting of stockholders held on June 9, 2015, stockholders of the Company approved the 2015 Equity Plan, as described below in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” Directors are eligible to participate in the 2015 Equity Plan. Under this plan, officers and directors are eligible to receive awards of restricted stock and stock options to purchase shares of Investors Bancorp common stock (at an exercise price of no less than the market price of the common stock at the time of grant).

For the year ended December 31, 2021, there were no grants awarded to the directors.

For individuals, who were directors as of 2007, and their spouses or spousal equivalents, Investors Bank sponsors a long-term care program. Individuals who became directors subsequent to 2007 are not eligible for the long-term care program. Directors became eligible to participate after one year of service either on the Board of Directors, through past employment or as counsel prior to becoming a director. Each individual policy is owned by the covered person. Investors Bank pays all premiums under the long-term care program but will stop paying premiums in the event of the participant’s: (i) resignation from the Board of Directors prior to attaining normal retirement age (except for health reasons); (ii) relocation outside of the country; or (iii) death. Spousal coverage will be terminated upon: (i) a participant’s resignation prior to normal retirement age (except for health reasons); (ii) divorce from the participant; (iii) the participant no longer qualifying for coverage; (iv) the spouse’s permanent relocation outside of the country; or (v) death. Participants who cannot be insured through an insurance company under the long-term care program will be self-insured by Investors Bank.

 

24

non-employee

one-half

Mr. Albanese, Mr. Bone and Ms. Siekerka are each party to individual split dollar life insurance agreements with Roma Bank, which were assumed by Investors Bank on December 6, 2013 in connection with the merger between Investors Bancorp and Roma Financial Corporation. Investors Bank owns a life insurance policy on the lives of Messrs. Albanese, Bone and Ms. Siekerka. Under the agreement, upon the death of the director, the proceeds of the policy are divided between the director’s beneficiary, who is entitled to $100,000 on the director’s death, and Investors Bank, which is entitled to the remainder of the death benefit. The director has the right to designate the beneficiary who will receive his or her share of the proceeds payable upon death.

Mr. Stathoulopoulos is party to a split dollar life insurance agreement with Marathon National Bank of New York, which was assumed by Investors Bank on October 15, 2012 in connection with the merger between Investors Bancorp and Marathon Banking Corporation. Investors Bank owns a life insurance policy on the life of Mr. Stathoulopoulos. Under the agreement, upon the death of the director, the proceeds of the policy are divided between the director’s beneficiary, who is entitled to $750,000 on the director’s death, and Investors Bank, which is entitled to the remainder of the death benefit. The director has the right to designate the beneficiary who will receive his or her share of the proceeds payable upon death.

 

25

non-employee

 

 

The Board believes its directors should have a financial investment in Investors Bancorp to further align their interests with stockholders. Directors are expected to own at least 25,000 shares of common stock (excluding stock options). Stock holdings are expected to be achieved within five (5) years of either the implementation of the ownership guidelines or the starting date of the individual, whichever is later.

Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2021 regarding equity compensation plans categorized by those plans that have been approved by stockholders and those plans that have not been approved by stockholders.

 

 

26

 

In this section, we describe the Company’s executive compensation program. Our intent is to help stockholders understand the framework of our overall program, its objectives, and the rationale for the Compensation and Benefits Committee’s compensation decisions. This discussion is focused specifically on the compensation of the following executive officers, each of whom is named in the Summary Compensation Table and other compensation tables which appear later in this section. The following executives are referred to in this discussion as “Named Executive Officers” (“NEOs”).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

 

We continually evaluate our executive compensation practices and policies. We believe the following practices and policies promote sound compensation governance and are in the best interests of our stockholders and executives:

 

Investors Bancorp’s executive compensation program is designed to offer competitive cash and equity compensation and benefits that will attract, motivate and retain highly qualified and talented executives who will help maximize Investors Bancorp’s financial performance and earnings growth. In designing the compensation program for Investors Bancorp, the Compensation and Benefits Committee takes into consideration methods to avoid encouraging the taking of excessive risk by executive management or by other employees. Investors Bancorp’s executive compensation program is also intended to align the interests of its executive officers with stockholders by rewarding performance against established corporate financial targets, and by motivating strong executive leadership and superior individual performance. In this regard: (1) a substantial portion of the compensation payable to our NEOs

 

28

non-equity

The Compensation and Benefits Committee regularly evaluates the level of annual incentive compensation, including the annual incentive compensation opportunity available to each of our NEOs based on the Company’s growth and financial performance, as well as peer competitive compensation practices, and overall marketplace conditions.

For 2021, our CEO’s cash compensation was 36% fixed and 64% variable. For our other NEOs, cash compensation for 2021 averaged 47% fixed and 53% variable.

non-cash

The compensation paid to each NEO is based on the executive officer’s level of job responsibility, corporate financial performance measured against corporate financial targets, and an assessment of individual performance. A significant portion of each NEO’s total compensation is performance-based as each executive is in a leadership role that can significantly impact corporate performance.

2021 Vote Results

non-employee

10C-1. The

 

29

non-equity-based

The Compensation and Benefits Committee is responsible for designing and approving our executive compensation program. When appropriate, the CEO and COO will provide the Committee with the information it needs to make well-informed and appropriate decisions. The CEO and COO participate in Committee meetings purely in an informational and advisory capacity and have no votes in the Committee’s decision-making process. The CEO and COO do not attend portions of Committee meetings during which their performance is being evaluated or their compensation is being determined. The Compensation and Benefits Committee uses executive session to determine appropriate actions to be taken.

pre-established

For 2021, the Compensation and Benefits Committee engaged Pearl Meyer as an independent compensation consultant to assist in its evaluation of Investors Bancorp’s executive compensation program and provide an annual competitive evaluation of the total compensation of the NEOs. Pearl Meyer reports directly to the Compensation and Benefits Committee and does not perform any other services to Investors Bancorp or Investors Bank. Pearl Meyer provided the Compensation and Benefits Committee with executive compensation benchmarking trends and external developments, and also provided input on Investors Bancorp and Investors Bank’s overall compensation program and monitored their short-term and long-term incentive plans for best practices and market competitiveness.

Before engaging a compensation consultant, the Compensation and Benefits Committee considers the independence of the compensation consultant, taking into account the following factors: (1) other services provided to Investors Bancorp by the compensation consultant; (2) fees paid by Investors Bancorp as a percentage of the compensation consultant’s total revenue; (3) policies or procedures maintained by the compensation consultant that are designed to prevent a conflict of interest; (4) any business or personal relationship of the compensation consultant or the individual compensation advisors employed by the firm with any member of

 

30

the Compensation and Benefits Committee; (5) any Investors Bancorp common stock owned by the compensation consultant or the individual compensation advisors employed by the firm; and (6) any business or personal relationship of the compensation consultant or the individual compensation advisors employed by the firm with any executive officer of Investors Bancorp. In this regard, prior to an engagement, the Compensation and Benefits Committee requests and receives a report from a compensation consultant regarding its independence. After evaluation of the forgoing factors and review of the report provided by Pearl Meyer, the Compensation and Benefits Committee concluded that Pearl Meyer was independent and had no conflicts of interest with respect to its engagement.

For 2021, Pearl Meyer compared Investors Bancorp’s executive compensation program to peer group compensation data. Pearl Meyer provided the Compensation and Benefits Committee with relevant competitive cash and stock compensation information obtained from public disclosures of a selected peer group of 19 banking institutions to be used for evaluating 2021 compensation. These included banking institutions with assets of $21.2 billion to $60.3 billion at June 30, 2020, having an asset mix similar to Investors Bancorp and doing business primarily in the Northeast and Central regions of the United States. The average net interest income reported for the peers at the time of evaluation was $1.2 billion using the year ended December 31, 2019.

The group of companies approved by the Compensation and Benefits Committee for the evaluation of 2021 NEO compensation consisted of the 17 peer banking institutions identified below:

 

 

31

non-employee

The Compensation and Benefits Committee used a total compensation approach in establishing our elements of executive compensation, which consist of base salary, annual cash incentive awards, long-term incentive awards (such as stock option and restricted stock awards), a competitive benefits package and limited perquisites.

Base salary is the primary fixed component of our executive compensation package for our NEOs. Base salary levels for the NEOs are evaluated by the Compensation and Benefits Committee on an annual basis. In general, base salaries are reviewed considering the experience and market value of each NEO based on the competitive executive salary information furnished to the Compensation and Benefits Committee by its compensation consultant. Specifically, each NEO’s base salary level is determined by his sustained individual performance, leadership, operational effectiveness, tenure in office, experience in the industry and the employment market conditions in our geographical area. For 2021, there were no base salary increases for our CEO or COO. For 2021 there was an increase to base salary for our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Lending Officer.

The Compensation and Benefits Committee considered Investors Bancorp’s financial performance, and peer group and market-based industry salary data provided by the Committee’s compensation consultant for 2021, as well as the individual factors identified above.

The following table sets forth the salary earned by our NEOs for the calendar years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

Each of the NEOs participated in the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan in 2021. Each NEO’s annual cash incentive award opportunity is defined as a percentage of base salary. Award opportunities are linked to specific targets and range of performance results for both annual corporate financial performance and individual goals.

 

32

The Compensation and Benefits Committee believes that executive annual incentive compensation should be formally tied to the attainment of certain corporate financial targets and individual performance goals to align the executive’s performance with providing value for our stockholders. The corporate financial target for 2021 was based on net income, earnings per share, return on average assets and loan quality. Individual goals represent the clear assignment by the Board and its Compensation and Benefits Committee of direct personal accountability for specific financial, organizational, operational, risk management, and information systems objectives to one or more of our NEOs. In this context, the individual goals assigned by the Compensation and Benefits Committee are quantifiable, measurable and otherwise verifiable performance objectives, the attainment of which contribute significantly to the growth, profitability, productivity and efficiency of our business operations and corporate health. No award opportunities for our CEO and COO under the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan was linked to individual performance goals.

In many cases, these individual goals include personal accountability on the part of one or more NEO for critical performance with respect to standard banking industry and other public company metrics (e.g., deposit growth, efficiency ratio, loan delinquency and other such goals). In our view, individual goals have served to strengthen the effectiveness of our executive compensation program and continue to have a significant positive impact on our managerial performance. We believe that this incentive plan structure allows our NEOs to effectively plan, organize, supervise, monitor and evaluate the key functional areas and departments for which they are responsible, and through which our most important corporate objectives are achieved.

The corporate financial targets and individual goals are established by the Compensation and Benefits Committee no later than 90 days after the commencement of the period of service to which the performance goal relates, but in no event after 25% of the performance period has elapsed, and in either case, so long as the outcome is substantially uncertain at the time that the goal is established. Such targets and goals are weighted in relation to the NEO’s position and duties. As corporate financial targets and/or individual performance goals exceed or fall short of achievement levels (which are established at Threshold, Target and Maximum Achievements), the actual amount paid under the plan will exceed or fall short of the targeted payment amount.

non-performing

Capital management continues to be a key component of our business strategy. We continue to manage our capital through a combination of organic growth, stock repurchases, cash dividends and acquisitions. Effective capital management and prudent growth allows us to effectively leverage the capital from the Company’s public offerings, while being mindful of tangible book value for stockholders.

 

33

For the year ended December 31, 2021, our total shareholder return was 15.22% which was favorable when compared with our median peer total shareholder return of 4.96%. During 2021, the Company paid cash dividends to stockholders of $0.56 per share totaling $138.6 million and repurchased $12.1 million of stock as part of our capital management strategy to manage capital through organic growth, stock repurchases, cash dividends and acquisitions.

 

34

10-K.

 

 

The Compensation and Benefits Committee regularly evaluates the level of annual incentive compensation, including the annual incentive compensation opportunity available to each of our NEOs based on the Company’s growth and financial performance, as well as peer competitive compensation practices, and overall marketplace conditions. The Company’s objective is to continue to provide annual incentive opportunities that are commensurate with our annual financial and operational results, as well as each NEO’s personal contribution to those results.

For 2021, the Compensation and Benefits Committee established the following range of annual cash incentive award opportunities for Threshold, Target and Maximum Achievements as a percentage of base salary:

 

 

 

35

 

non-recurring,

 

Adjusted ROAA was 1.25% for 2021. Below is the percentage achievement for each of the corporate financial targets. Both EPS and ROAA were achieved between Target and Maximum and both loan quality and core deposit growth were achieved at the Maximum level.

 

 

37

pre-established

 

non-management

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company awarded 262,281 restricted stock awards and no options under the 2015 Equity Plan. None of these grants were issued to directors or NEOs.

Following the approval of the 2015 Equity Plan, on June 23, 2015, Investors Bancorp granted to executive officers, employees and directors a total of 6,849,832 restricted stock awards and 11,576,611 stock options to purchase Investors Bancorp common stock. Of this 2015 grant, a total of 3,333,333 restricted stock awards and 4,453,331 stock options were awarded to NEOs. Mr. Cummings was awarded 1,000,000 restricted stock shares, vesting in equal installments over a seven-year period, of which 250,000 shares were subject to the Company’s satisfaction of certain performance criteria. Mr. Cummings was also awarded 1,333,333 stock options exercisable at the then-market price, vesting in equal installments over a seven-year period. Mr. Cama was granted 800,000 restricted stock awards, vesting equally over seven years, with 200,000 shares being conditioned upon the Company meeting certain performance criteria, and 1,066,666 stock options, vesting equally over seven years, exercisable at the then-current market price. The performance shares awarded to Messrs. Cummings and Cama were ultimately determined to be earned at 70% of target, and the shares so earned were vested in three annual installments through February 2020.

non-executive

 

 

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two-step

non-employee

non-employee

pre-suit

pre-suit

non-parties.

full-day

On March 6, 2019, the Company, the directors and the plaintiffs caused to be filed with the Court of Chancery a Stipulation and Agreement of Compromise, Settlement and Release (the “Settlement Agreement”).

 

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A Notice of Pendency of Derivative Action, Proposed Settlement and Settlement Hearing (the “Settlement Notice”) was mailed to all stockholders of record, as well as to other persons or entities who held shares of the Company for the benefit of others, as of March 6, 2019. Among other things, the Settlement Notice described the terms of the settlement and indicated that the hearing to determine whether the Court of Chancery should approve the settlement would take place on May 23, 2019 in Dover, Delaware.

Nothing in the Settlement Agreement authorized, restricted or limited the power and ability of the Board of Directors to make future grants under the 2015 Equity Plan or a successor plan, or to otherwise provide compensation to any of the directors in the ordinary course. The Settlement Notice stated that the Compensation and Benefits Committee intended to consider whether to grant new or replacement awards under the 2015 Equity Plan to Messrs. Cummings and Cama.

In March 2019, the Compensation and Benefits Committee, with the assistance of Pearl Meyer, its independent compensation consultant, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, as compensation practices counsel, commenced a process to consider the issuance of equity grants to Messrs. Cummings and Cama to replace those being surrendered pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement. The Compensation and Benefits Committee, with the assistance of its independent advisors, conducted various analyses to determine whether replacement grants should be made, and, if so, at what levels. These analyses included a review of grant practices and total direct compensation for CEOs and COOs at institutions similar to the Company, including the grant practices of companies which had converted from a mutual to stock form of organization, particularly companies of comparable size which had completed a Second Step Conversion.

On May 20, 2019, the Compensation and Benefits Committee authorized and approved, and recommended to the Board of Directors, the issuance of replacement awards of (i) 925,000 shares of restricted stock and 525,120 stock options to Mr. Cummings, and (ii) 740,000 shares of restricted stock and 420,096 stock options to Mr. Cama (collectively the “Replacement Awards”). The Board of Directors, excluding Messrs. Cummings and Cama, determined that it was advisable and in the best interests of the Company to approve and issue the Replacement Awards, subject to the surrender of the awards previously made to Messrs. Cummings and Cama in 2015 pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.

In granting the Replacement Awards to Messrs. Cummings and Cama, the Compensation and Benefits Committee and the Board of Directors indicated that the Replacement Awards were intended to modify and replace the awards previously made to Messrs. Cummings and Cama in 2015 and were not new awards. This resulted in the Compensation and Benefits Committee determining to use the same vesting schedule for the Replacement Awards as had been utilized in the awards previously granted to Messrs. Cummings and Cama in 2015.

non-employee

 

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non-employee

non-director

The Replacement Awards were issued to Messrs. Cummings and Cama on July 22, 2019. The Replacement Awards were issued from the 2015 Equity Plan. The stock options have an exercise price of $12.54 per share; 25% of the stock options vested upon issuance with the remaining to vest ratably on June 23, 2020, June 23, 2021 and June 23, 2022. 545,241 shares of the restricted stock issued to Mr. Cummings and 436,190 shares of the restricted stock issued to Mr. Cama vested on July 22, 2019, with the remainder to vest on the same vesting schedule as was applicable to the June 23, 2015 awards (ratably on June 23, 2020, June 23, 2021 and June 23, 2022). In addition, neither Mr. Cummings nor Mr. Cama had received any other equity grants since 2015.

 

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Below is a summary of the grant date fair value of stock options and stock awards granted to Messrs. Cummings and Cama on June 23, 2015 as well as the Replacement Awards issued to Messrs. Cummings and Cama on July 22, 2019. All stock options and stock awards granted on June 23, 2015 to Messrs. Cummings and Cama were either surrendered pursuant to the Settlement Agreement or forfeited in 2018 due to the level of achievement of the performance-based awards.

 

 

On September 26, 2019, one of the plaintiffs who had brought the shareholder derivative action in 2016, which was the subject of the settlement, filed a new complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery captioned Elburn v. Albanese, et. al (the “2019 Action”), alleging that the Replacement Awards described above were excessive, that the directors who approved these awards were not disinterested, and that the Company had not properly disclosed the issuance of the Replacement Awards prior to its 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the 2019 Action; in April 2020 the Delaware Court of Chancery issued its ruling denying the motion to dismiss and directing that limited discovery be conducted in the action. In July 2020 the Company and the individual defendants filed a motion for interlocutory appeal of the Delaware Court of Chancery decision with the Delaware Supreme Court. In August 2020 the Delaware Supreme Court issued its ruling denying the motion for appeal. The parties engaged in limited discovery and a trial date was set for the 2019 Action for November, 2022. In September 2021, the plaintiffs filed a motion to expedite the trial and sought a trial date for the end of 2021 or earlier in 2022. On October 22, 2021, the Delaware Court of Chancery denied the motion for an expedited trial. As of April 5, 2022, the 2019 Action remains pending.

Investors Bank provides its executives, including the NEOs, with medical, dental and vision insurance, disability insurance and group life insurance coverage consistent with the same benefits provided to all of its full-time employees. The NEOs are participants in our qualified retirement plans, including the ESOP, and 401(k) Plan offered to all full-time

 

42

non-qualified

tax-qualified

12-month

30-year

pro-rata

718-40,

tax-qualified

pre-tax

 

43

deferral contribution limit is $19,500. However, a participant over age 50 may contribute an additional $6,500 to the 401(k) Plan. A participant is always 100% vested in his or her salary deferral contributions. In addition to salary deferral contributions, the 401(k) Plan provides that Investors Bank will make an employer contribution equal to 50% of the participant’s salary deferral contribution, provided that such amount does not exceed 8% of the participant’s compensation earned during the 2021 plan year. In addition, during 2021, the 401(k) Plan did not include a discretionary profit sharing contribution. Participants will become 100% vested in their employer contributions after completing three years of credited service (which is a three-year cliff vesting schedule). However, a participant will immediately become 100% vested in any employer contributions upon the participant’s disability or attainment of age 65 while employed with Investors Bank. Generally, unless a participant elects otherwise, the participant’s benefit under the 401(k) Plan is generally payable in the form of a lump sum payment as soon as administratively feasible following his or her termination of employment with Investors Bank, provided, however that a participant can elect to receive a distribution of his or her vested account upon attaining age 59 1/2.

one-time

As of December 31, 2016, the Defined Benefit Plan was frozen. Freezing the plan eliminated all future benefit accruals and each participant’s frozen accrued benefit was determined as of December 31, 2016 with no further benefits accrued subsequent to December 31, 2016.

one-year

30-year

 

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The regular form of retirement benefit is a straight life annuity (if the participant is single) and a joint and survivor annuity (if the participant is married). However, various alternative forms of joint and survivor annuities may be selected instead. If a participant dies while in active service, after having become fully vested, a qualified 100% survivor benefit will be payable to the participant’s beneficiary. Benefits payable upon death may be paid in a lump sum, installments, or in the form of a life annuity. Upon termination of employment due to disability, the participant will be entitled to a disability retirement benefit at age 65.

tax-qualified

SERP I provides benefits attributable to participation in the Defined Benefit Plan equal to the excess, if any, of the vested accrued benefit to which the participant would be entitled under the Defined Benefit Plan, determined without regard to the Tax Law Limitations, over the vested accrued benefit to which the participant is actually entitled under the Defined Benefit Plan, taking into account the Tax Law Limitations (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefit”).

SERP I also provides benefits attributable to participation in the ESOP equal to the difference between the allocation of shares of Investors Bancorp common stock the participant would have received under the ESOP without regard to the Tax Law Limitations, and the number of shares of stock that are actually allocated as a result of the Tax Law Limitations (the “Supplemental ESOP Benefit”). The Supplemental ESOP Benefit under the plan is denominated in phantom shares of stock such that one phantom share has a value equal to the fair market value of one share of Investors Bancorp common stock. Each participant’s phantom shares are held in a bookkeeping account established on his or her behalf. Each plan year, the dollar amount of appreciation on the phantom shares deemed allocated to each participant’s account will be converted into phantom shares and credited to each participant’s account.

As a long-term compensation plan, the participant’s vested interest in the Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefit and in the Supplemental ESOP Benefit is based on a five-year cliff vesting schedule where participants with less than five years of employment will not be vested in their benefits, and will become 100% vested upon the completion of five years of employment.

In the event of a participant’s separation from service prior to attainment of age 55, the participant’s accrued Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefit will be paid in a single lump sum payment within 30 days of the participant’s separation from service. In the event of separation from service after age 55, the participant’s Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefit will be payable upon the participant’s early retirement date (age 55 with 10 years of service) or normal retirement date (age 65 with five years of service) in either a lump sum or an annuity (single life, single life with 120 months guaranteed, joint and 100% survivor annuity or joint and 50% survivor annuity) as elected by the participant, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. In the event of a participant’s separation from service within two

 

45

years following a change in control (as defined in the Plan), the participant will receive his Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefit in a lump sum within 30 days after his separation from service. The participant’s Supplemental ESOP Benefit will be payable in cash in either a lump sum or annual installments over a period not to exceed five years, as elected by the participant, and will commence within 30 days following the earlier of the participant’s: (i) separation from service, (ii) death or (iii) disability, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the participant is a “specified employee”, as defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, no benefit will be payable under the plan during the first six months following the participant’s separation from service (except in the event of death or disability).

36-month

The SERP II was amended to freeze future benefit accruals subsequent to the 2016 year of service. As a result, each participant is entitled to receive their vested frozen accrued benefit as of December 31, 2016, upon their qualifying termination event (the “Frozen Accrued Benefit”). In the event that the participant’s Termination Event (as defined below) occurs prior to attaining age 65, the Frozen Accrued Benefit would be subject to further reduction by multiplying the Frozen Accrued Benefit by a percentage equal to: (i) 2% multiplied by (ii) the numerical difference between 65 and the participant’s age on the date of his termination, provided, however, that if: (i) the participant has completed 25 years of employment with Investors Bank as of his date of termination; or (ii) the participant’s termination is due to death or disability, the participant’s Frozen Accrued Benefit would not be reduced pursuant to the foregoing.

Payment of the Frozen Accrued Benefit (as quantified above) would commence upon the earlier of the participant’s: (i) separation from service; (ii) disability; or (iii) death (the “Termination Event”), which would be paid generally in the form of a life annuity with 120 monthly payments guaranteed, unless the participant elected an alternative form of distribution.

At December 31, 2021, Messrs. Cummings, Cama, Kalamaras and Spengler were participants in the SERP II.

The Compensation and Benefits Committee believes that perquisites should be provided on a limited basis, and only to the most senior level of executive officers. As of December 31, 2021, the following perquisites were available for Messrs. Cummings, Cama, Spengler and Kalamaras: (i) club membership; (ii) automobile allowance; (iii) long-term care insurance and (iv) an annual medical examination. For Mr. Burke, available perquisites included an (i) automobile allowance, (ii) an annual medical examination, (iii) health club membership and (iv) long-term care insurance.

 

46

Investors Bancorp entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Cummings, Cama, Spengler, Kalamaras and Burke. The employment agreements for Messrs. Cummings, Cama and Spengler were originally entered into on October 11, 2005, the employment agreement for Mr. Kalamaras was originally entered into on August 18, 2008 and the employment agreement for Mr. Burke was entered into on January 26, 2015.

non-renewal

Each executive is entitled to a severance payment and benefits in the event of his termination of employment under specified circumstances. In the event the executive’s employment is terminated for reasons other than for just cause, disability or retirement, provided that such termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, or in the event the executive resigns during the term of the agreement following: (i) the failure to elect or reelect or to appoint or reappoint the executive to his executive position; (ii) a material change in the executive’s functions, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause the executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance or scope; (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of Investors Bancorp or Investors Bank, other than a liquidation or dissolution caused by a reorganization that does not affect the status of the executive; (iv) a change in control of Investors Bancorp (for Mr. Burke in the event of voluntary termination for good cause or involuntary termination for any reason other than cause; or (v) a material breach of the employment agreement by Investors Bancorp or Investors Bank; then the executive would be entitled to a severance payment equal to three times the sum of his base salary and the highest amount of cash incentive compensation awarded to him during the prior three years, payable in a lump sum. In addition, the executive would be entitled to, at Investors Bancorp’s sole expense, the continuation of nontaxable life and medical, dental and disability coverage for 36 months after termination of employment. The executive would also receive a lump sum payment of the excess, if any, of the present value of the benefits he would be entitled to under any defined benefit pension plan maintained by Investors Bank or Investors Bancorp if he had continued working for Investors Bancorp and Investors Bank for 36 months thereafter over the present value of the benefits to which he is actually entitled as of the date of termination. The executives would be entitled to no additional benefits under the employment agreement upon retirement at age 65 (or such later date as determined by the Board) or if terminated for just cause.

Should the executive become disabled, Investors Bancorp would continue to pay the executive his base salary for the longer of the remaining term of the agreement or one year, provided that any amount paid to the executive pursuant to any employer-provided disability insurance would reduce the compensation he would receive. In the event the executive dies while employed by Investors Bancorp, the executive’s estate will be paid the executive’s base salary for one year and the executive’s family will be entitled to continuation of medical and dental benefits for one year after the executive’s death. The employment agreement terminates upon retirement (as defined therein), and the executive would only be entitled to benefits under any retirement plan of Investors Bancorp and other plans to which the executive is a party.

 

47

after-tax

Upon any termination of the executive’s employment, other than a termination (whether voluntary or involuntary) following a change in control as a result of which Investors Bancorp has paid the executive severance benefits, the executive is prohibited from competing with Investors Bank and/or Investors Bancorp for a period of one year following such termination within 25 miles of any existing branch of Investors Bank or any subsidiary of Investors Bancorp or within 25 miles of any office for which Investors Bank, Investors Bancorp or a bank subsidiary of Investors Bancorp has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an office, determined as of the effective date of such termination, except as agreed to pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors. The executive is also subject to confidentiality provisions during and after the term of the employment agreement.

a non-competition and

a non-solicitation agreement

Additionally, the Company has agreed to pay Messrs. Cama, Spengler, Kalamaras and Burke transaction cash bonuses in the amounts of $1,500,000, $500,000, $1,000,000 and $1,000,000, respectively, payable in connection with closing of the merger.

 

48

to twenty-six (26)

The Board of Directors adopted stock ownership guidelines for our NEOs that require the following minimum investment in Investors Bancorp common stock:

A number of shares having a market value equal to 5x annual base salary

A number of shares having a market value equal to 3x annual base salary

In 2013, the Board of Directors adopted the Equity Retention Policy, which is independent of the stock ownership guidelines described above. This policy applies to all NEOs of Investors Bancorp and all members of the Board of Directors. Under the policy, each NEO is required to retain direct ownership of at least 50% of his or her “covered shares,” net of taxes and transaction costs, until three months following the date of the executive officer’s termination of employment. Each director is required to retain direct ownership of at least 50% of his or her “covered shares,” net of taxes and transaction costs, until termination of service from the Board of Directors. A “covered share” means any share acquired by a NEO or director pursuant to an award granted after July 23, 2013 under any equity compensation plan or other written compensatory arrangement.

 

49

In accordance with a clawback policy adopted by the Board of Directors, as a condition to receiving incentive compensation, NEOs agree to return bonus and other incentive compensation paid by Investors Bancorp (including cancellation of outstanding equity awards and reimbursement of any gains realized on such awards) if: (i) the payments or awards were based on reported financial statement or financial information or (any performance metrics or criteria that were based on such financial statements or information); (ii) there is an accounting restatement of financial statements due to material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the federal securities laws; and (iii) the amount of the bonus or incentive compensation, as calculated under the restated financial results, is less than the amount actually paid or awarded under the original financial results.

Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Tax Act, publicly traded companies are subject to limits on the deductibility of executive compensation. Deductible compensation is limited to $1 million per year for each “covered employee,” defined as the public company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and three additional highest compensated officers during any taxable year of the company beginning after December 31, 2016. The Tax Act provides “grandfathered” treatment for certain compensation in excess of the $1 million deductibility limitation, including compensation that is “qualified performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) prior to the Tax Act, if payable pursuant to a written binding contract in effect as of November 2, 2017 that is not modified in any material respect thereafter. Our stock option grants and grants of performance-based equity awards made prior to November 2, 2017 are intended to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation that is exempt from the deductibility limitation under Section 162(m).

A number of requirements must be met for particular compensation to qualify for tax deductibility, so there can be no assurance that the incentive compensation awarded will be fully deductible in all circumstances. While the Compensation and Benefits Committee currently does not have a formal policy with respect to the payment of compensation in excess of the deduction limit, the Committee’s historical practice has been to structure compensation programs offered to the NEOs with a view to maximizing the tax deductibility of amounts paid. However, in structuring compensation programs and making compensation decisions, the Compensation and Benefits Committee considers a variety of factors, including Investors Bancorp’s tax position, the materiality of the payment and tax deductions involved and the need for flexibility to address unforeseen circumstances and Investors Bancorp’s incentive and retention requirement for its management personnel. After considering these factors, the Compensation and Benefits Committee may decide to authorize payments, all or part of which would be nondeductible for federal tax purposes.

Ms. Byrnes did not participate in any decisions related to the annual incentive awards issued to the NEOs in 2021 because as a former officer of Investors Bank, she is not an “outside director” as determined under Code Section 162(m).

The Compensation and Benefits Committee believes that any risks arising from Investors Bancorp’s compensation policies and practices for all of its employees, including the NEOs, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Investors Bancorp or Investors Bank. In addition, the Compensation and Benefits Committee believes that the mix and design of the elements of the compensation program will encourage senior management to act in a manner that is focused on long-term valuation of Investors Bancorp and Investors Bank.

 

50

The Compensation and Benefits Committee regularly reviews Investors Bancorp’s compensation program to ensure that controls are in place so that employees are not presented with opportunities to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of Investors Bancorp or Investors Bank. With respect to the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan, the Compensation and Benefits Committee reviews and approves the company-wide performance objectives that determine the bonus payments to be made thereunder. The performance objectives are selected in consultation with an outside independent consultant. Furthermore, all bonus payments are subject to clawback in accordance with our clawback policy, which ensures that performance awards are linked to the actual performance of Investors Bancorp and Investors Bank and promotes the long-term value creation of Investors Bancorp and Investors Bank. Moreover, we instituted our equity retention policy to more closely align the interests of management and the Board with those of our stockholders.

As noted previously, in furtherance of the Compensation and Benefits Committee’s ongoing oversight of the Company’s Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan, the Board in 2018 adopted the Executive Incentive Compensation Approval Policy. The purpose of this policy is to provide enhanced oversight, review, assessment and approval processes for this Committee, the Risk Oversight Committee and the Audit Committee in the setting of incentive compensation goals for the CEO, COO, the other NEOs and other designated executive officers of the Company, to ensure that our incentive compensation arrangements appropriately balance risk and financial results in a manner that does not pose undue risk to the Company.

Finally, by having an executive stock ownership requirement and an equity retention policy, our executive management team and employees have a significant ownership interest in Investors Bancorp, which will align their interests with those of the stockholders, and in turn will contribute to long-term stockholder value and decrease the likelihood that they would take excessive risks that could threaten the value of their Investors Bancorp common stock.

S-K

10-K.

The Committee has worked with the assistance of management and our compensation consultants to implement a performance driven compensation program.

 

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We operate in a very competitive banking market. To ensure fairness and competitiveness, the Committee collects and analyzes an extensive amount of information about executive compensation values and practices in our marketplace. In our region, obtaining and retaining talented people is a serious challenge. The worldwide financial services industry has a large footprint in the New York and New Jersey area and consequently many opportunities exist for employment. It is important to make Investors Bancorp attractive to this important talent pool.

The Committee believes that our Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan is competitive and has had a positive effect on employee performance and has properly motivated our employees to contribute to the overall success of Investors Bancorp. Each year a participant is assigned individual goals and a share of the overall corporate goals. Each participant is advised of the cash incentive opportunity for meeting his/her goals. Selection of goals in a way that is intended to align employees’ performance with advancing the overall strategic objectives of Investors Bancorp moves the entire company along its carefully designed strategic path.

The Committee has also utilized equity grants to drive long term performance and to align employees’ financial interests with those of our stockholders. Recent grants have been made with not less than a five- or seven-year vesting requirement, which is much longer than the vesting requirements of our peers and also included performance requirements for the restricted stock awards. Investors Bank also sponsors the ESOP, through which all eligible employees are eligible to receive Investors Bancorp common stock. By ensuring that all employees are stockholders, the Committee believes that the entire workforce has a personal financial stake in the success of Investors Bancorp.

Investors Bancorp has adopted a clawback policy, in order to recapture inappropriate incentive compensation payments, should that ever occur. At the same time, the Committee recognizes the need to discourage the taking of undue risk to achieve short term goals. We have built into our overall compensation philosophy elements that encourage longer term thinking and in particular, the preservation of asset quality. It is the Committee’s belief that our compensation program spends company funds in a way that effectively drives superior employee performance and the success of Investors Bancorp.

The following table sets forth for the calendar years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 certain information as to the total remuneration earned to NEOs with respect to the applicable year.

 

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