8-KMaterial AgreementsShareholder Matters

PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (May 2, 2011)

Filed May 2, 2011For Securities:PNC

Summary

This 8-K filing from PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. reports on key events that occurred around their annual shareholder meeting on April 26, 2011. The primary focus is on the decisions made regarding director compensation and the outcomes of various shareholder votes. Notably, the Nominating and Governance Committee reviewed and adjusted non-employee director compensation, including an increase in the Presiding Director's retainer and a grant of deferred stock units to align director interests with those of long-term shareholders. Furthermore, the filing details the results of the annual shareholder meeting, where all 15 director nominees were elected, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was ratified as the independent auditor, an amended incentive award plan was approved, and an advisory vote on executive compensation (say-on-pay) was passed. Shareholders also supported holding say-on-pay votes on an annual basis, a decision affirmed by the Board of Directors.

Key Highlights

  • 1The Nominating and Governance Committee increased the Presiding Director's annual retainer to $20,000.
  • 2Each non-employee director received a grant of 1,935 deferred stock units on April 26, 2011, to link compensation with share price performance.
  • 3All 15 director nominees were elected by shareholders.
  • 4PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was ratified as PNC's independent registered public accounting firm for 2011.
  • 5Shareholders approved the terms of an amended and restated 2006 Incentive Award Plan.
  • 6An advisory vote on executive compensation ('say-on-pay') was approved by shareholders.
  • 7Shareholders voted in favor of holding advisory votes on executive compensation annually, a decision affirmed by the Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Nominating and Governance Committee increased the Presiding Director's retainer to $20,000 from $10,000. Additionally, each non-employee director was granted 1,935 deferred stock units under the PNC Outside Directors Deferred Stock Unit Plan to align their interests with those of long-term shareholders.

Shareholders elected all 15 director nominees, ratified PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditor, approved an amended and restated 2006 Incentive Award Plan, and supported an advisory vote on executive compensation. Shareholders also voted to have advisory votes on executive compensation on an annual basis.

The filing indicates a dual approach to director compensation, including both cash retainers and equity-based compensation. The grant of deferred stock units, which track the price of PNC common stock, is specifically highlighted as a mechanism to align directors' interests with those of long-term shareholders.

A 'broker non-vote' occurs when a bank or brokerage institution holding shares on behalf of a beneficial owner does not receive voting instructions from that owner and is restricted by NYSE regulations from voting those shares on certain proposals. A significant number of broker non-votes were recorded for several proposals, including director elections and the incentive award plan.