8-KMaterial AgreementsCorporate ChangesExhibits & Filings

CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORP 8-K Report, Material Agreement (May 3, 2006)

Filed May 3, 2006For Securities:COFCOF-PLCOF-PICOF-PKCOF-PNCOF-PJ

Summary

This 8-K filing from Capital One Financial Corporation (COF) on May 3, 2006, primarily details two significant corporate governance events that occurred at the company's annual stockholder meeting on April 27, 2006. Firstly, shareholders approved the Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated 2004 SIP). This plan amendment introduces several key changes, including an increase in available shares, a limit on non-stock option awards, clarification on tax withholding, a monetary cap per associate for incentive awards, a no-cash-out policy for underwater options, and compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Secondly, the Board of Directors approved executive compensation elements for Named Executive Officers for 2006. While overall target compensation saw modest increases (6%-10%), the structure shifted to allocate more towards base salary and annual bonuses and less towards long-term incentives, aligning with market trends. The filing also notes amendments to the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, primarily involving updated titles, reporting requirements for convictions, and background screening policies.

Key Highlights

  • 1Stockholders approved the Amended and Restated Capital One Financial Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated 2004 SIP).
  • 2The Amended and Restated 2004 SIP increases the available share pool by 12 million.
  • 3New provisions in the SIP include limits on non-stock option awards, a monetary cap of $10 million per associate for incentive awards, and a policy against cashing out underwater stock options.
  • 4The Board approved 2006 compensation for Named Executive Officers, with total target compensation increases ranging from 6% to 10% over 2005.
  • 5Executive compensation structure for 2006 shifted towards higher base salaries and annual bonuses, with a reduced emphasis on long-term incentive awards.
  • 6Base salaries for Named Executive Officers saw increases between 5% and 20% for 2006.
  • 7The Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics was amended to update titles, clarify conviction reporting requirements, and formalize background screening policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan increases the share pool by 12 million, limits shares for awards other than stock options, formalizes the policy of not returning shares withheld for taxes to the pool, adds a $10 million per associate monetary cap for incentive awards, clarifies that underwater options will not be cashed out, and ensures compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

For 2006, the overall total target compensation for Named Executive Officers saw modest increases of 6% to 10%. However, the structure was adjusted to reflect market trends by reducing the portion of compensation from long-term incentive awards and increasing the portions from base salary and annual bonus. Base salaries themselves increased between 5% and 20%.

The 2006 Annual Bonus Program will be based on the Company's earnings per share (EPS) performance relative to its peer group and the Company's achievement of its annual operating plan. Bonuses reward both financial performance and other key metrics, with company performance having a greater emphasis for Named Executive Officers.

Yes, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics was amended to update corporate titles, add language regarding reporting certain convictions as required by FDIC Section 19, clarify the company's right to conduct ongoing background screening of associates, and update points of contact for inquiries.