SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant (X)
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ( )
Check the appropriate box:
( ) Preliminary Proxy Statement ( ) Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
(X) Definitive Proxy Statement
( ) Definitive Additional Materials
( ) Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
(X) No fee required
( ) Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5) Total fee paid:
( ) Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
( ) Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
2) Form, Schedule, or Registration Statement No.:
3) Filing Party:
4) Date Filed:
<PAGE>
FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES, INC.
Post Office Box 27131
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7131
------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
------------------------------------------
NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of First
Citizens BancShares, Inc. ("BancShares") will be held in the Raleigh Main Office
of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company located at 239 Fayetteville Street Mall,
Raleigh, North Carolina, at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2000.
The purposes of the meeting are:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: To elect 24 directors of BancShares for terms one
year or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified;
2. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS: To consider and
vote on a proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as BancShares'
independent public accountants for 2000; and,
3. OTHER BUSINESS: To transact any other business that is properly presented
for action by shareholders at the Annual Meeting.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON. HOWEVER, TO ENSURE
THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM, ALL SHAREHOLDERS, EVEN IF THEY PLAN TO ATTEND, ARE
REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED APPOINTMENT OF PROXY AND
RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. RETURNING A SIGNED APPOINTMENT OF
PROXY WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO REVOKE IT OR TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING
AND VOTE IN PERSON.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Alexander G. MacFadyen, Jr.
-------------------------------
Alexander G. MacFadyen, Jr., Secretary
March 17, 2000
<PAGE>
FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES, INC.
Post Office Box 27131
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7131
----------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
----------------------
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
GENERAL
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by
the Board of Directors of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. ("BancShares") of
appointments of proxy in the enclosed form for use at the 2000 Annual Meeting of
BancShares' shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") and at any adjournments thereof.
The Annual Meeting will be held at the Raleigh Main Office of First-Citizens
Bank & Trust Company located at 239 Fayetteville Street Mall, Raleigh, North
Carolina, at 1:00 p.m. on April 24, 2000. This Proxy Statement is being mailed
to BancShares' shareholders on or about March 17, 2000.
APPOINTMENT AND VOTING OF PROXIES
Persons named in the enclosed appointment of proxy to represent
shareholders as proxies at the Annual Meeting (the "Proxies") are George H.
Broadrick, Lewis R. Holding, Frank B. Holding, James B. Hyler, Jr., Frank B.
Holding, Jr., Lewis T. Nunnelee II, and David L. Ward, Jr. Shares represented by
each appointment of proxy that is properly executed and returned, and not
revoked, will be voted by the Proxies in accordance with the directions
contained therein. If no directions are given, those shares will be voted by the
Proxies "FOR" the election of the slate of 24 nominees for director named in
Proposal 1, and "FOR" ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as BancShares'
independent accountants for 2000. If, at or before the time of the Annual
Meeting, any nominee named in Proposal 1 has become unable or unwilling to serve
as a director for any reason, the Proxies will have the discretion to vote for a
substitute nominee named by the Board of Directors. On any other matters that
may properly be presented for action at the Annual Meeting, the Proxies will be
authorized to vote in accordance with their best judgment.
REVOCATION OF APPOINTMENT OF PROXY
Any shareholder who executes an appointment of proxy may revoke it at any
time before it is exercised by filing with BancShares' Secretary either a
written instrument revoking it or a duly executed appointment of proxy bearing a
later date, or by attending the Annual Meeting and announcing his or her
intention to vote in person.
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
BancShares will pay all costs of the solicitation of appointments of proxy
for the Annual Meeting, including costs of preparing, assembling and mailing
this Proxy Statement. In addition to solicitation by mail, appointments of proxy
may be solicited personally or by telephone by directors, officers and employees
of BancShares and its bank subsidiary, First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company (the
"Bank").
RECORD DATE
The close of business on March 10, 2000, has been fixed as the Record Date
(the "Record Date") for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only shareholders of record on the Record
Date will be eligible to vote on the matters presented for action by
shareholders at the Annual Meeting.
VOTING SECURITIES
On the Record Date, BancShares' outstanding voting securities consisted of
(i) 8,860,849 shares of Class A Common Stock, $1 par value ("Class A Common"),
and (ii) 1,720,360 shares of Class B Common Stock, $1 par value ("Class B
Common"). At the Annual Meeting, each shareholder will be entitled to one vote
for each share of Class A Common, and 16 votes for each share of Class B Common,
held of record on the Record Date for each director to be elected and on each
other matter submitted for voting.
<PAGE>
VOTING PROCEDURES; VOTES REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL
In the election of directors, the 24 nominees receiving the highest numbers
of votes will be elected. For approval of Proposal 2, a majority of the votes
represented by shares of voting securities which are present at the Annual
Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to be voted must be cast in favor
of Proposal 2. As long as a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, abstentions
and broker non-votes will have no effect in the election of directors, but they
will have the same effect as votes against Proposal 2. Shareholders may not vote
cumulatively in the election of directors.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF VOTING SECURITIES
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS. As of the Record Date, persons known to BancShares'
management to own, beneficially or of record, 5% or more of any class of
BancShares' voting securities were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A COMMON CLASS B COMMON
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS NUMBER PERCENTAGE NUMBER PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OF SHARES OF CLASS (2) OF SHARES OF CLASS (2) TOTAL VOTES (2)
- -------------------------- ------------------ -------------- ------------------ -------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Carson H. Brice
Raleigh, NC 51,408(3) .58% 100,885(3) 5.86% 4.58%
Claire H. Bristow
Columbia, SC 51,840(4) .59% 100,812(4) 5.86% 4.58%
North State Trustees
Charlotte, NC 379,340(5) 4.28% 528,172(5) 30.70% 24.27%
Hope H. Connell
Raleigh, NC 59,110(6) .67% 111,097(6) 6.46% 5.05%
Frank B. Holding
Smithfield, NC 2,533,689(7) 28.59% 644,631(7) 37.47% 35.31%
Frank B. Holding, Jr.
Raleigh, NC 72,595(8) .82% 123,853(8) 7.20% 5.65%
Lewis R. Holding
Lyford Cay, Bahamas 1,491,324(9) 16.83% 194,497(9) 11.31% 12.65%
Olivia B. Holding
Raleigh, NC 49,131(10) .55% 104,015(10) 6.05% 6.22%
</TABLE>
- ---------
(1) Except as otherwise noted, each named individual exercises sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares.
(2) "Percentage of Class" reflects the listed shares as a percentage of the
total number of outstanding shares of that class of stock. "Percentage of
Total Votes" reflects the votes represented by the listed shares of both
classes as a percentage of the aggregate votes represented by all
outstanding shares of BancShares' voting securities.
(3) Includes 5,200 shares of Class A Common and 1,250 shares of Class B Common
held in trust for Mrs. Brice's benefit and with respect to which she
exercises shared voting and investment power. All listed shares also are
shown as beneficially owned by Frank B. Holding.
(4) Includes 5,200 shares of Class A Common and 1,250 shares of Class B Common
held in trust for Mrs. Bristow's benefit and with respect to which shares
she exercises shared voting and investment power, and 1,045 shares of Class
A Common and 16,000 shares of Class B Common held by her spouse as custodian
for their children and with respect to which shares she disclaims beneficial
ownership. All listed shares also are shown as beneficially owned by Frank
B. Holding.
(5) Includes 256,540 shares of Class A Common and 469,872 shares of Class B
Common held by North State Trustees -- 1990; 110,400 shares of Class A
Common and 55,200 shares of Class B Common held by North State Trustees --
1979; and 12,400 shares of Class A Common and 3,100 shares of Class B Common
held by North State Trustees -- 1976, each of which Trusts is for the
benefit of Carmen P. Holding, adult daughter of Lewis R. Holding. The six
trustees for the three North State Trusts, who may be deemed to have shared
voting and investment power as to such shares, are George H. Broadrick,
Carolyn S. Holding, John R. Jordon, Jr., C. Ronald Scheeler, David L. Ward,
Jr., and James A. Weathers.
(6) Includes 5,100 shares of Class A Common and 1,225 shares of Class B Common
held in trust for Mrs. Connell's benefit and with respect to which shares
she exercises shared voting power; an aggregate of 18,845 shares of Class A
Common and 1,900 shares of Class B Common held by certain corporations which
she may be deemed to control and with respect to which shares she may be
deemed to exercise shared voting and investment power; and an aggregate of
2,496 shares of Class A Common and 11,250 shares of Class B Common held by
her spouse, individually or as custodian for their children and with respect
to which shares she disclaims beneficial ownership. Of the listed shares, an
aggregate of 40,265 shares of Class A Common and 109,197 shares of Class B
Common also are shown as beneficially owned by Frank B. Holding, and an
aggregate of 18,845 shares of Class A Common and 1,900 shares of Class B
Common also are shown as beneficially owned by Lewis R. Holding.
2
<PAGE>
(7) Includes an aggregate of 522,873 shares of Class A Common and 105,869
shares of Class B Common held by certain corporations and other entities
which Mr. Holding may be deemed to control and with respect to which shares
he may be deemed to exercise shared voting and investment power, and an
aggregate of 374,586 shares of Class A Common and 538,762 shares of Class B
Common held by or in trust for his spouse, adult children and their spouses
and with respect to which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership. Of the
listed shares, an aggregate of 487,557 shares of Class A Common and 104,644
shares of Class B Common also are shown as beneficially owned by Lewis R.
Holding, and an aggregate of 265,239 shares of Class A Common and 538,762
shares of Class B Common also are shown as beneficially owned by or held in
trust for Mr. Holding's adult children, each of whom is listed individually
in the table.
(8) Includes 5,100 shares of Class A Common and 1,225 shares of Class B Common
held in trust for Mr. Holding's benefit and with respect to which shares he
exercises shared voting and investment power, and 5,500 shares of Class A
Common and 650 shares of Class B Common held by his spouse and with respect
to which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership. Of the listed shares, an
aggregate of 72,595 shares of Class A Common and 123,853 shares of Class B
Common also are shown as beneficially owned by Frank B. Holding.
(9) Includes an aggregate of 506,402 shares of Class A Common and 106,544
shares of Class B Common held by certain corporations and other entities
which Mr. Holding may be deemed to control and with respect to which shares
he may be deemed to exercise shared voting and investment power, and an
aggregate of 196,892 shares of Class A Common and 70,906 shares of Class B
Common held by his spouse or by or in trust for his adult daughter and with
respect to which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership. Of the listed
shares, an aggregate of 487,557 shares of Class A Common and 104,644 shares
of Class B Common also shown as beneficially owned by Frank B. Holding; an
aggregate of 18,845 shares of Class A Common and 1,900 shares of Class B
Common also shown as beneficially owned by Hope H. Connell; and an
aggregate of 122,800 shares of Class A Common and 58,300 shares of Class B
Common also shown as beneficially owned by North State Trustees.
(10) Includes 5,100 shares of Class A and 1,225 shares of Class B held in trust
for Ms. Holding's benefit and with respect to which shares she exercises
shared voting and investment power. All listed shares also are shown as
beneficially owned by Frank B. Holding.
MANAGEMENT. As of the Record Date, the beneficial ownership of BancShares'
voting securities by its current directors, nominees for election as directors
and certain named executive officers, and by all current directors and executive
officers as a group, was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A COMMON CLASS B COMMON
----------------------------------- ---------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS NUMBER PERCENTAGE NUMBER PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OF SHARES OF CLASS (2) OF SHARES OF CLASS (2) TOTAL VOTES (2)
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------- ------------------ -------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John M. Alexander, Jr. 1,434(3) .02% 225(3) .01% .01%
Ted L. Bissett 7,265(4) .08% 1,375(4) .08% .08%
B. Irvin Boyle 700 .01% 175 .01% .01%
George H. Broadrick 62,537(5) .71% 2,500(5) .15% .28%
Joseph A. Cooper, Jr. -0- -- -0- -- --
H. M. Craig III 11,400(6) .13% 1,000(6) .06% .08%
Betty M. Farnsworth 1,561(7) .02% 250 .01% .02%
Lewis M. Fetterman 12,955(8) .15% 2,750(8) .16% .16%
Carmen P. Holding 147,929(9) 1.67% 58,881(9) 3.42% 3.00%
Frank B. Holding, Sr. 2,533,689(10) 28.59% 644,631(10) 37.47% 35.31%
Frank B. Holding, Jr. 72,595(11) .82% 123,853(11) 7.20% 5.65%
Lewis R. Holding 1,491,324(12) 16.83% 194,497(12) 11.31% 12.65%
Charles B. C. Holt 2,570(13) .03% -0- -- .01%
Edwin A. Hubbard 12,012(14) .14% -0- -- .03%
James B. Hyler, Jr. 5,366 .06% 100 .01% .02%
Gale D. Johnson 481 .01% 50 * *
Freeman R. Jones 4,000 .05% 250 .01% .02%
Lucius S. Jones 1,000 .01% -0- -- *
Joseph T. Maloney, Jr. 22,452 .25% 5,400 .31% .30%
J. Claude Mayo, Jr. 1,100(15) .06% -0- -- *
William McKay 1,072(16) .01% -0- -- *
Brent D. Nash 10,852(17) .12% -0- -- .03%
Lewis T. Nunnelee II 600 .01% 450 .03% .02%
Talbert O. Shaw 119 * -0- -- *
R. C. Soles, Jr. 15,138 .17% -0- -- .05%
David L. Ward, Jr. 22,850(18) .26% 8,388(18) .49% .43%
All directors and executive officers
as a group (35 persons) 3,742,972(19) 42.24% 757,547(19) 44.03% 43.60% (19)
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
- ---------
(1) Except as otherwise noted, each named individual, and individuals included
in the group, exercise sole voting and investment power with respect to all
shares.
(2) "Percentage of Class" reflects the listed shares as a percentage of the
total number of outstanding shares of that class of stock. "Percentage of
Total Votes" reflects the votes represented by the listed shares of both
classes as a percentage of the aggregate votes represented by all shares of
BancShares' voting securities. An asterisk indicates less than .01%.
(3) Includes 900 shares of Class A Common and 225 shares of Class B Common held
by a corporation which Mr. Alexander may be deemed to control and with
respect to which shares he may be deemed to exercise shared voting and
investment power.
(4) Includes 1,684 shares of Class A Common and 300 shares of Class B Common
held by his adult son and with respect to which Mr. Bissett may be deemed
to exercise shared voting and investment power.
(5) Includes 10,000 shares of Class A Common and 2,500 shares of Class B Common
held by Mr. Broadrick's spouse and with respect to which shares he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(6) Includes 11,300 shares of Class A Common and 1,000 shares of Class B Common
held by a corporation which Mr. Craig may be deemed to control and with
respect to which shares he may be deemed to exercise shared voting and
investment power.
(7) Includes 100 shares of Class A Common held by Mrs. Farnsworth's adult son
and with respect to which shares she disclaims beneficial ownership.
(8) Includes 2,809 shares of Class A Common and 550 shares of Class B Common
held in trust for Mr. Fetterman's spouse and with respect to which shares
he disclaims beneficial ownership.
(9) Includes an aggregate of 122,800 shares of Class A Common and 58,300 shares
of Class B Common held in trust for Ms. Holding's benefit and with respect
to which shares she exercises shared voting and investment power. All
listed shares also are shown as beneficially owned by Lewis R. Holding.
(10) Frank B. Holding's beneficial ownership is described in footnote 7 to the
"Principal Shareholders" table above.
(11) Frank B. Holding, Jr.'s beneficial ownership is described in footnote 8 to
the "Principal Shareholders" table above.
(12) Lewis R. Holding's beneficial ownership is described in footnote 9 to the
"Principal Shareholders" table above.
(13) Includes 139 shares of Class A Common held by Mr. Holt as trustee of a
retirement plan and with respect to which shares he may be deemed to
exercise shared voting and investment power, and 465 shares of Class A
Common held by Mr. Holt's spouse and with respect to which shares he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(14) Includes 5,012 shares of Class A Common held by Mr. Hubbard's spouse and
with respect to which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership.
(15) Includes 100 shares of Class A Common held by Mr. Mayo's spouse and with
respect to which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership.
(16) Includes 240 shares of Class A Common held by Mr. McKay jointly with his
spouse and with respect to which shares he exercises shared voting and
investment power.
(17) Includes 5,515 shares of Class A Common held by Mr. Nash's spouse and with
respect to which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership.
(18) Includes 3,500 shares of Class A Common and 875 shares of Class B Common
held by Mr. Ward's spouse and with respect to which shares he disclaims
beneficial ownership.
(19) Certain numbers of shares included in the beneficial ownership of Carmen P.
Holding, Frank B. Holding, Frank B. Holding, Jr., and Lewis R. Holding are
reflected separately in the beneficial ownership of each of such
individuals, but are included only once in the beneficial ownership shown
for the group.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
BancShares' directors and executive officers are required to file certain
reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the amount of and
changes in their beneficial ownership of BancShares' Class A Common and Class B
Common. Based on its review of copies of those reports, BancShares' proxy
statement each year is required to disclose failures to report shares
beneficially owned or changes in such beneficial ownership, or to timely file
required reports, during the previous year. To the best knowledge of BancShares'
management, there were no such failures to file required reports during 1999.
4
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
BancShares' Bylaws provide for a Board of Directors composed of not less
than five nor more than 30 members and authorize BancShares' Board of Directors
to set and change the actual number of directors from time to time within those
limits. Directors are elected each year at the Annual Meeting for terms of one
year or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.
The number of BancShares' directors for the year following the Annual
Meeting has been set at 24, and the persons named below have been nominated by
the Board of Directors for election as directors at the Annual Meeting. Each
nominee currently serves as a director of BancShares and the Bank.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS WITH
BANCSHARES FIRST PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NAME AND AGE AND THE BANK ELECTED (1) AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- -------------------------- ------------------ ----------- ----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John M. Alexander, Jr. Director 1990 President, General Manager and Chief Operating
50 Officer, Cardinal International Trucks, Inc. (truck
dealer)
Ted L. Bissett Director 1970 President, F.D. Bissett & Son, Inc. (farm supplies,
63 hardware and building materials)
B. Irvin Boyle Director 1980 Attorney, of counsel to Johnston, Allison & Hord (law
88 firm)
George H. Broadrick (2) Director 1975 Retired; former President of BancShares and the Bank
77
H. M. Craig III Director 1998 Vice President/Director of North American Sales,
43 Gaston County Dyeing Machine Company (textile
machinery manufacturer)
Betty M. Farnsworth Director 1985 Homemaker
73
Lewis M. Fetterman Director 1980 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Super Soil
78 Systems USA, Inc.; President and Owner, LMF Farms
and LMF Consulting & Marketing Co.; Assistant to
President, Heartland Pork Enterprises, Inc.; Director,
Lundy Packing Co. (agribusiness)
Carmen P. Holding (2)(3) Director 1996 Former Assistant, Susan B. Bozeman Interior Designs,
31 Inc. (residential interior design); previously, Office
Manager, Interweb, Inc. (website developer), and
showroom salesperson, Scalamandre', Inc. (decorative
fabrics manufacturing wholesaler)
Frank B. Holding (3) Executive 1962 Executive officer of BancShares and the Bank
71 Vice Chairman
Frank B. Holding, Jr. (3) President and 1993 Executive officer of BancShares and the Bank
38 Director
Lewis R. Holding (3) Chairman and 1957 Executive officer of BancShares and the Bank
72 Chief Executive
Officer
Charles B. C. Holt Director 1995 Secretary/Treasurer (former President), Holt Oil
67 Company, Inc. (wholesale petroleum marketer); former
Chairman, State Bank, Fayetteville, NC
James B. Hyler, Jr. Vice Chairman and 1988 Executive officer of BancShares and the Bank
52 Chief Operating
Officer
Gale D. Johnson, M.D. Director 1974 Retired Surgeon; Director of Health Affairs, Campbell
80 University
Freeman R. Jones Director 1974 Retired; President, EFC Corporation (real estate
73 investments)
Lucius S. Jones Director 1994 President, Chief Executive Officer and Owner, United
57 Realty & Construction Company, Inc. (residential
development and construction); former Vice Chairman,
Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. and Pioneer Savings Bank, Inc.,
Rocky Mount, NC
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS WITH
BANCSHARES FIRST PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NAME AND AGE AND THE BANK ELECTED (1) AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- ----------------------- --------------- ------------- -----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Joseph T. Maloney, Jr. Director 1976 Retired; private investor
70
J. Claude Mayo, Jr. Director 1994 Retired; former principal, Mayo, Simmons & Harris,
72 Inc. (insurance); former Chairman, Pioneer Bancorp,
Inc. and Pioneer Savings Bank, Inc., Rocky Mount, NC
William McKay Director 1991 Retired; former President and Chief Executive Officer,
74 First Federal Savings Bank, Hendersonville, NC
Brent D. Nash Director 1995 Officer of the Bank; former President and Chief
64 Executive Officer, Edgecombe Homestead Savings
Bank, Inc., SSB, Tarboro, NC
Lewis T. Nunnelee II Director 1979 Chairman, Coastal Beverage Company, Inc. (wholesale
74 beer distributor)
Talbert O. Shaw, Ph.D. Director 1993 President, Shaw University
72
R. C. Soles, Jr. Director 1995 Senior Partner, Soles, Phipps, Ray, Prince & Williford
65 (law firm); Senator, North Carolina State Senate; former
Chairman, First Investors Savings Bank, Inc., SSB,
Whiteville, NC
David L. Ward, Jr. Director 1971 Senior Attorney and President, Ward and Smith, P.A.
64 (law firm) (4)
</TABLE>
- ---------
(1) "First Elected" refers to the year in which each individual first took
office as a director of BancShares or its predecessor, First Citizens
Corporation, or, if elected prior to the formation of First Citizens
Corporation in 1982, of the Bank.
(2) Certain directors of BancShares also serve as directors of other publicly
held companies. George H. Broadrick, Carmen P. Holding, and Frank B.
Holding serve as directors of First Citizens Bancorporation of South
Carolina, Inc., Columbia, S.C., and Frank B. Holding serves as a director
of Southern BancShares (N.C.), Inc., Mount Olive, N.C.
(3) Lewis R. Holding and Frank B. Holding are brothers. Carmen P. Holding is
the daughter of Lewis R. Holding and the niece of Frank B. Holding. Frank
B. Holding, Jr. is the son of Frank B. Holding and the nephew of Lewis R.
Holding. Frank B. Holding, Jr. and Carmen P. Holding are first cousins.
(4) Ward and Smith, P.A., served as General Counsel for BancShares and the Bank
during 1999, and is expected to continue to serve in that capacity through
2000. Aggregate fees paid to that firm by BancShares, the Bank and their
subsidiaries during 1999 were $4,022,684.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" ELECTION OF
EACH OF THE 24 NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR LISTED ABOVE. THE 24 NOMINEES RECEIVING THE
HIGHEST NUMBERS OF VOTES WILL BE ELECTED.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Members of BancShares' Board of Directors also serve and are compensated as
directors of the Bank, and directors do not receive any additional compensation
for their services as directors of BancShares. Except as otherwise described
below, during 1999 each of the Bank's directors who are not executive officers
of BancShares or the Bank received an annual retainer of $10,000 and a fee of
$500 for attendance at each Board meeting and each meeting of a committee held
on a day other than in conjunction with a Board meeting. For 2000, the annual
retainer has been increased to $12,000 and the attendance fee has been increased
to $600. As executive officers, Lewis R. Holding, Frank B. Holding, James B.
Hyler, Jr., and Frank B. Holding, Jr. receive no compensation for their services
as directors. In addition to or in lieu of the above fees, certain directors
received other compensation from the Bank as described below.
William McKay receives compensation in addition to the fees described above
pursuant to various arrangements related to the Bank's 1991 acquisition of First
Federal Savings Bank, Hendersonville, N.C. ("First Federal"). At the time of the
acquisition, Mr. McKay, a director of First Federal, was a party to two
agreements entered into during 1985 and 1987 with First Federal which provided
for retirement benefits. Pursuant to the 1985 agreement, Mr. McKay deferred $300
per month of his directors' fees paid by First Federal for a period of five
years and became entitled to a monthly retirement benefit of $1,249 for a period
of ten years ending during 2000. Pursuant to the 1987 agreement, Mr. McKay was
entitled to a monthly retirement benefit of $835 for a period of ten years
ending during 2002. The Bank assumed First Federal's obligations for those
payments as part of the acquisition.
6
<PAGE>
Brent D. Nash receives compensation in addition to the fees described above
pursuant to various arrangements related to the Bank's 1994 acquisition of
Edgecombe Homestead Savings Bank, Inc., SSB, Tarboro, N.C. ("Edgecombe"). The
agreement pertaining to the acquisition provided that Mr. Nash, Edgecombe's
President, Chief Executive Officer and director, would be appointed to
BancShares' Board of Directors and would be employed as Senior Vice President of
the Bank through his 65th birthday on January 12, 2001, pursuant to a separate
employment agreement which provides for salary and normal employee benefits.
Upon termination of the employment agreement, Mr. Nash will receive retirement
benefits pursuant to the Bank's Pension Plan as well as retirement payments
pursuant to an agreement with Edgecombe under which he deferred his director's
fees of $300 per month for five years in return for payments of $1,300 per month
for ten years. The Bank assumed Edgecombe's obligations for those payments as
part of the acquisition.
During 1999, R. C. Soles, Jr. received compensation in addition to the
fees described above pursuant to an arrangement related to the Bank's 1995
acquisition of First Investors Savings Bank, Inc., SSB, Whiteville, N.C.
("First Investors"). The agreement pertaining to the acquisition provided that
First Investors' directors, including Mr. Soles, First Investors' Chairman,
would become local advisory directors of the Bank and receive a fee of $835 per
quarter for attendance at advisory board meetings. That arrangement expired
during February 2000.
During 1999, Edwin A. Hubbard (a current director who is retiring from the
Board of Directors at the end of his term in April 2000) received compensation
in lieu of the fees described above pursuant to an arrangement related to
BancShares' 1996 acquisition of Allied Bank Capital, Inc., Sanford, N.C.
("Allied"). The agreement pertaining to the acquisition provided that Mr.
Hubbard, Allied's Chairman, serve as a director of BancShares and the Bank and
receive a monthly fee of $3,250 (equal to the fees previously paid by Allied)
until the end of his fourth elected term as a director of BancShares. That
arrangement expires during April 2000. Also, as a participant in a retirement
plan maintained by Allied, Mr. Hubbard was entitled to a monthly retirement
benefit of $1,200 for a period of ten years ending during 2006. BancShares
assumed Allied's obligations for those payments as part of the acquisition.
Since his retirement as President of the Bank in 1987, George H. Broadrick
has received additional compensation (at $50 per hour) for services rendered
pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Bank which expired on December 31,
1999. Mr. Broadrick also receives benefits under the Bank's Pension Plan and
payments of $4,778 per month until June 2006 pursuant to a separate agreement
with the Bank under which he has agreed to provide the Bank with certain
consultation services and that he will not "compete" (as defined in the
agreement) with the Bank.
Betty M. Farnsworth, Charles B. C. Holt, Lucius S. Jones, and Joseph T.
Maloney, Jr. serve on the Bank's local advisory boards in their respective
communities and, in addition to their regular directors' fees described above,
they each receive a fee of $125 per quarter for attendance at advisory board
meetings.
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BancShares' Board of Directors held four meetings in 1999. All directors
attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of BancShares' Board
of Directors and any committees on which they served during their terms, with
the exception of Charles B. C. Holt, whose absences were due to illness and
previous business commitments.
BancShares' and the Bank's Boards of Directors have several standing
committees, including an Audit Committee and a Salary Committee. BancShares'
Board of Directors does not have a standing nominating committee or any other
committee performing an equivalent function.
The Audit Committee is a joint committee of BancShares' and the Bank's
Boards of Directors and currently consists of David L. Ward, Jr. -- Chairman,
John M. Alexander, Jr., Betty M. Farnsworth, Charles B. C. Holt, Edwin A.
Hubbard, and J. Claude Mayo, Jr. The Committee generally oversees the Bank's
internal audit program, and the Bank's General Auditor reports directly to the
Audit Committee. The Committee reviews reports of examinations of BancShares and
the Bank by their banking regulators and, at least quarterly, the Committee
reviews reports on the work of the internal audit staff, the Corporate Finance
Department, and the Commercial Credit Administration Department. Subject to the
approval of BancShares' Board of Directors, the Committee engages BancShares'
independent public accounting firm to conduct an annual audit of BancShares'
consolidated financial statements, and it receives reports from, and reviews
non-audit services proposed by management to be provided by, BancShares'
independent accountants. During 1999, the Audit Committee held four meetings.
The Salary Committee, which is further described below, is a separate
committee of the Bank's Board of Directors. BancShares' officers are compensated
by the Bank for their services as officers of the Bank, and they receive no
separate compensation from BancShares. Therefore, BancShares' Board of Directors
does not have a compensation committee.
7
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The current members of the Salary Committee are Freeman R. Jones --
Chairman, Lewis M. Fetterman, and Lewis T. Nunnelee II. The Salary Committee
provides overall guidance for the Bank's officer compensation programs and, in
conjunction with management, it makes recommendations to the entire Board of
Directors with regard to proposed salaries and other forms of compensation.
After receipt of the recommendations of the Salary Committee, the Board of
Directors makes all final decisions regarding executive compensation matters.
Members of the Board of Directors who are executive officers abstain from
participation in both the discussion of and the voting on such matters. The
Salary Committee met once during 1999.
COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Bank's goal is to provide an executive compensation program that will
enable it to attract and retain qualified and motivated individuals as executive
officers. Currently, the Bank's executive compensation program includes only
base salary and contributions to the individual accounts of all participating
employees (including executive officers) under the Bank's Section 401(k) salary
deferral plan. However, the Bank also provides other employee benefit and
welfare plans customary for companies of its size.
During 1999, the Salary Committee made recommendations to the Board of
Directors (and the Board of Directors made final decisions) regarding the
amounts of the 1999 salaries of Lewis R. Holding, Frank B. Holding, James B.
Hyler, Jr., and Frank B. Holding, Jr., and the maximum aggregate amount for 1999
merit increases in the salaries of the Bank's other officers and employees. With
respect to the above executive officers, the Committee's recommendations were
based on its evaluation of their individual levels of responsibility and
performance and, in the case of Mr. L. Holding, his current leadership,
direction and historical importance in the development and growth of both the
Bank and BancShares. With respect to the salaries of other executive officers,
the Vice Chairman, with the consent of the Chairman, was directed by the Board
of Directors to set 1999 salaries on an individual merit basis. The performance
of individual executive officers and the Bank's financial performance generally
were considered by the Committee in connection with the setting of salaries for
1999. However, the performance review process and, thus, the setting of salaries
largely are subjective and there are no specific formulae, objective criteria or
other such mechanisms by which adjustments to the salary of each executive
officer (including Messrs. L. Holding, F. Holding, J. Hyler, and F. Holding,
Jr.) are tied empirically to his individual performance or to BancShares' or the
Bank's financial performance. The amounts of contributions to the separate
accounts of executive officers under the Bank's 401(k) plan were determined
solely by the terms of that plan.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits the
deductibility of annual compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to certain
executive officers of public corporations. As none of BancShares' executive
officers receive annual compensation approaching that amount, BancShares' Board
of Directors has not yet adopted a policy with respect to Section 162(m).
Salary Committee:
Freeman R. Jones, Chairman
Lewis M. Fetterman
Lewis T. Nunnelee II
8
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
BancShares' and the Bank's current executive officers are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Positions with BancShares and the Bank
- ----------------------------- ----- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Lewis R. Holding 72 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BancShares and the Bank
Frank B. Holding 71 Executive Vice Chairman of BancShares and the Bank
James B. Hyler, Jr. 52 Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of BancShares and the Bank
Frank B. Holding, Jr. 38 President and Chief Administrative Officer of BancShares and the Bank
Kenneth A. Black 48 Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of BancShares;
Group Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank
Alexander G. MacFadyen, Jr. 58 Secretary of BancShares; Group Vice President and Secretary of the Bank
Wayne D. Duncan 58 Executive Vice President of the Bank (Retail Lending)
John R. Francis, Jr. 46 Executive Vice President of the Bank (Virginia and West Virginia Regional
Executive)
William C. Orr 57 Executive Vice President of the Bank (Commercial Credit Administration)
James M. Parker 57 Executive Vice President of the Bank (Eastern Regional Executive)
Edward L. Willingham IV 45 Executive Vice President of the Bank (Central Regional Executive)
J. Allen Woodward 49 Executive Vice President of the Bank (Western Regional Executive)
William J. Cathcart 60 Group Vice President of the Bank (Trust Department)
Joseph A. Cooper, Jr. 46 Group Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Bank
Richard H. Lane 55 Senior Vice President and General Auditor of the Bank
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table shows the cash and other compensation paid to or
deferred by certain executive officers of BancShares and the Bank for the years
indicated. BancShares' officers are compensated by the Bank for their services
as officers of the Bank, and they receive no salaries or other separate
compensation from BancShares.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
--------------------------------
NAME AND ANNUAL ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR ($)(1) ($) ($)(2) ($)(3)
- ------------------------------------------- ------ ----------- ------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lewis R. Holding 1999 $620,183 -0- -0- $171,414
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 1998 600,623 -0- -0- 7,200
of BancShares and the Bank 1997 583,165 -0- -0- 9,500
Frank B. Holding (4) 1999 620,183 -0- -0- 7,200
Executive Vice Chairman of 1998 600,623 -0- -0- 7,200
BancShares and the Bank 1997 583,165 -0- -0- 9,500
James B. Hyler, Jr. 1999 481,635 -0- -0- 7,200
Vice Chairman and 1998 456,314 -0- -0- 7,200
Chief Operating Officer of 1997 439,693 -0- -0- 9,500
BancShares and the Bank
Frank B. Holding, Jr. 1999 276,785 -0- -0- 7,200
President and 1998 262,572 -0- -0- 7,200
Chief Administrative Officer 1997 255,648 -0- -0- 8,434
of BancShares and the Bank
Joseph A. Cooper, Jr. 1999 227,013 -0- -0- 7,200
Group Vice President and 1998 211,614 -0- -0- 7,200
Chief Information Officer of 1997 204,205 -0- -0- 7,798
the Bank
</TABLE>
- ---------
(1) Includes amounts deferred at the election of each named executive officer
pursuant to the Bank's Section 401(k) plan.
(2) In addition to compensation paid in cash, BancShares' and the Bank's
executive officers receive certain personal benefits. The value of non-cash
benefits received each year by each of the named executive officers did not
exceed 10% of his cash compensation for that year.
(3) Except in the case of Mr. L. Holding, the 1999 amounts consist entirely of
the Bank's matching contributions on behalf of each named executive officer
to the Bank's Section 401(k) plan. The 1999 amount shown for Mr. L. Holding
includes $164,214 in benefits paid to him under the Bank's Pension Plan,
and the Bank's $7,200 contribution on his behalf to the Section 401(k)
plan. While he remains actively employed by the Bank, under Federal law
mandatory pension plan distributions began during 1999 when he reached age
70 1/2.
(4) The Bank was reimbursed for portions of Mr. Holding's salary for 1999, 1998
and 1997 by First-Citizens Bank and Trust Company of South Carolina
($99,555, $97,190, and $95,051, respectively) and Southern Bank and Trust
Company ($79,436, $77,549, and $75,842, respectively) pursuant to separate
agreements between the Bank and those entities.
10
<PAGE>
PENSION PLAN
The following table shows, for various numbers of years of service and
levels of compensation, the estimated benefits payable to a participant at
normal retirement age under the Bank's qualified defined benefit pension plan
(the "Pension Plan") based on Federal tax laws in effect on January 1, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FINAL
AVERAGE
COMPENSATION YEARS OF SERVICE
- -------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 YEARS 15 YEARS 20 YEARS 25 YEARS 30 YEARS 35 YEARS 40 YEARS
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 100,000 $16,219 $24,328 $32,437 $40,546 $ 48,656 $ 56,765 $ 62,765
125,000 20,844 31,265 41,687 52,109 62,531 72,952 80,452
150,000 25,469 38,203 50,937 63,671 76,406 89,140 98,140
175,000 30,094 45,140 60,187 75,234 90,281 105,327 115,827
200,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
225,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
250,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
300,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
400,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
450,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
500,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
550,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
600,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
650,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
700,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
750,000 34,235 51,352 68,469 85,586 102,704 119,821 131,664
</TABLE>
Benefits shown in the table are computed as straight life annuities
beginning at age 65 and are not subject to a deduction for Social Security
benefits or any other offset amount. Those benefits will be actuarially
increased or decreased if benefit payments begin after or before age 65. A
participant's annual compensation covered by the Pension Plan includes base
salary, overtime and regular bonuses (including amounts deferred pursuant to the
Bank's Section 401(k) plan), and a participant's benefits are based on his or
her "final average compensation," which is the participant's highest average
covered compensation for any five consecutive years during his or her last ten
complete calendar years as a Pension Plan participant. However, under current
tax laws, $170,000 is the maximum amount of annual compensation for 2000 that
can be included for purposes of calculating a participant's final average
compensation, and the maximum annual benefit that may be paid to a retiring
participant at his or her normal retirement age for social security purposes is
$135,000. In the case of participants who begin receiving benefits before or
after that age, the maximum benefit amount is actuarially adjusted. The maximum
years of credited service which may be counted in calculating benefits under the
Pension Plan is 40 years.
The credited years of service and final average compensation,
respectively, as of January 1, 2000, for each of the executive officers named
in the Summary Compensation Table above are as follows: Mr. L. Holding -- 40
years and $219,224; Mr. F. Holding, Sr. -- 40 years and $219,224; Mr. Hyler --
20 years and $156,000; Mr. F. Holding, Jr. -- 16 years and $156,000; and Mr.
Cooper -- 5 years and $156,000. Under Federal law, mandatory Pension Plan
distributions begin when a participant reaches age 70 1/2. While he remains
actively employed by the Bank, Lewis R. Holding began receiving benefits under
the Plan during 1999.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS
In addition to benefits under the Pension Plan, the Bank is party to a
separate agreement with certain senior officers of BancShares and the Bank
under which the Bank has agreed to make monthly payments to the officer for a
period of ten years following retirement at age 65 (or at such other age as is
agreed upon between the Bank and the officer). In return for such payments,
each officer has agreed to provide certain limited consultation services to,
and will not "compete" (as defined in the agreement) against, the Bank during
the payment period. If the officer dies prior to retirement, or during the
payment period following retirement, the payments due under the agreement will
be paid to the officer's designated beneficiary or estate. The amounts of
monthly payments provided for in the agreements currently in effect between the
Bank and each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table
above are as follows: Mr. L. Holding -- $22,325; Mr. F. Holding, Sr. --
$22,325; Mr. Hyler -- $16,999; Mr. F. Holding, Jr. -- $9,892; and Mr. Cooper --
$5,354.
11
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following line graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return
(the "CTSR") on BancShares' Class A Common Stock during the previous five fiscal
years with the CTSR over the same measurement period of the Nasdaq-U.S. index
and the Nasdaq Banks index. Each line graph assumes $100 invested on January 1,
1994, and that dividends were reinvested in additional shares.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN AMONG
BANCSHARES CLASS A COMMON, THE NASDAQ BANKS INDEX, AND
THE NASDAQ-US INDEX
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
YEAR BANCSHARES NASDAQ BANKS NASDAQ-US
---- ---------- ------------ ---------
1994 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100
1995 129 149 141
1996 181 197 174
1997 245 329 213
1998 216 327 300
1999 171 314 542
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
The Bank has had, and expects to have in the future, banking transactions
in the ordinary course of its business with certain of its and BancShares'
directors, executive officers, principal shareholders and their associates. All
loans included in such transactions were made on substantially the same terms,
including interest rates, repayment terms, and collateral, as those prevailing
at the time such loans were made for comparable transactions with other persons,
and those loans did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or
present other unfavorable features. Each such transaction was approved by the
Bank's Board of Directors.
Certain specific relationships or transactions with directors are described
above in the footnotes to the table under the caption "Proposal 1:
Election of Directors."
12
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
BancShares' current independent public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has been
reappointed by the Board of Directors to serve as BancShares' independent
accountants for 2000, and a proposal to ratify that appointment will be
submitted for voting by shareholders at the Annual Meeting. Representatives of
KPMG LLP are expected to attend the Annual Meeting and be available to respond
to appropriate questions, and they will have the opportunity to make a statement
if they desire to do so.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2.
TO BE APPROVED, A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES REPRESENTED BY SHARES PRESENT AT THE
ANNUAL MEETING, IN PERSON AND BY PROXY, AND ENTITLED TO BE VOTED MUST BE CAST IN
FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 2.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be presented
for action by shareholders at the Annual Meeting. Should other matters properly
be presented at the Annual Meeting, the Proxies, or their substitutes, will be
authorized to vote shares represented by appointments of proxy according to
their best judgment.
PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
It is anticipated that the 2001 Annual Meeting will be held during April
2001. Any proposal of a shareholder which is intended to be presented for action
at the 2001 Annual Meeting must be received by BancShares in writing at its main
office in Raleigh, North Carolina, no later than November 17, 2000, to be
considered timely received for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of
appointment of proxy distributed by BancShares in connection with that meeting.
In order to be included in BancShares' proxy materials related to a particular
meeting, the person submitting the proposal must own, beneficially or of record,
at least 1% or $2,000 in market value of shares of BancShares' stock entitled to
be voted on that proposal at the meeting and must have held those shares for a
period of at least one year and continue to hold them through the date of the
meeting. Also, the proposal and the shareholder submitting it must comply with
certain other eligibility and procedural requirements contained in rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Written notice of other shareholder proposals intended to be presented at
the 2001 Annual Meeting (proposals which are not intended to be included in
BancShares' proxy statement and form of appointment of proxy) must be received
by BancShares at its main office in Raleigh, North Carolina, no later than
January 31, 2001, in order for such proposals to be considered timely received
for purposes of the Proxies' discretionary authority to vote on other matters
presented for action by shareholders at that meeting.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
BancShares is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and, in accordance therewith, files reports and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without
limitation proxy statements, annual reports, and quarterly reports.
A COPY OF BANCSHARES' 1999 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K AS FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ACCOMPANIES THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
March 17, 2000
13
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC]
FIRST CITIZENS
BANCSHARES
March 17, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
I am pleased to present First Citizens BancShares' 2000 Proxy and the 1999
Annual Report.
In the enclosed materials, you'll learn about the many major accomplishments and
strategic objectives that we achieved in 1999:
o After several years of working aggressively to solve the Year 2000 (Y2K)
computer problem, the company successfully moved into the new century.
o Our company recorded increased earnings, which were attributed to strong loan
growth. That growth was due in part to a targeted effort to provide superior
financial services to small and mid-sized businesses.
o We expanded our presence in rapidly growing communities by opening traditional
and in-store offices in North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Florida.
o We continued to capitalize on the latest technology to maximize customer
convenience and opportunities for increased sales. During the year we launched
firstcitizens.com, our Internet banking service for retail customers.
o We're seeing positive results from our focus on relationship banking, which
provides customers with the highest level of service and the products they
demand.
We look forward to this new century. I have every confidence that we will
continue to meet our competitive challenges, seize new opportunities for our
company and see business grow.
Sincerely,
/s/ Lewis R. Holding
Lewis R. Holding
Chairman of the Board
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES, INC.
Post Office Box 27131
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7131
PROXY SOLICITED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints GEORGE H. BROADRICK, LEWIS R. HOLDING, FRANK
B. HOLDING, JAMES B. HYLER, JR., FRANK B. HOLDING, JR., LEWIS T. NUNNELEE
II, and DAVID L. WARD, JR., or any of them, attorneys and proxies (the
"Proxies"), with power of substitution, to vote all outstanding shares of
the Class A Common Stock and/or Class B Common Stock of First Citizens
BancShares, Inc. ("BancShares") held of record by the undersigned on March
10, 2000, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BancShares to be held in
the Raleigh Main Office of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company located at
239 Fayetteville Street Mall, Raleigh, North Carolina, at 1:00 p.m. on April
24, 2000, or any adjournments thereof, on the matters listed below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
1. Election of Directors. [ ] FOR all nominees listed below (except as [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for
indicated otherwise on the line below) all nominees listed below
Nominees:J.M. Alexander, Jr.; T.L. Bissett; B.I. Boyle; G.H. Broadrick;
H.M. Craig III; B.M. Farnsworth; L.M. Fetterman; C.P. Holding;
F.B. Holding; F.B. Holding, Jr.; L.R. Holding; C.B. C. Holt;
J.B. Hyler, Jr.; G.D. Johnson; F.R. Jones; L.S. Jones; W.McKay;
J.T. Maloney, Jr.; J.C. Mayo, Jr.; B.D. Nash; L.T. Nunnelee II;
T.O. Shaw; R.C. Soles, Jr.; and D.L. Ward, Jr.
Instruction: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY NOMINEE, write that
nominee's name on the line below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Ratification of Appointment of Independent Accountants: Proposal to ratify
the appointment of KPMG LLP as BancShares' independent public accountants
for 2000.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
3. Other Business: On such other matters as may properly be presented for
action at the Annual Meeting, the Proxies are authorized to vote the
shares represented by this appointment of proxy in accordance with their
best judgment.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST CITIZENS SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
We offer a complete line BUSINESS AND
of financial services to COMMERCIAL SERVICES PERSONAL SERVICES
businesses and individuals. o Relationship banking o Relationship banking
(Business Quest) (Quest(SM) and Charter Quest(SM))
o Checking accounts o Checking accounts
o Savings and money market o Savings and money market
accounts (MMS and PMMS) accounts
o Sweep accounts for managing (TMMS and PTMMS)
cash flow o Certificates of Deposit
o Commercial real estate loans, o Individual Retirement
term loans and lines of credit Accounts (Traditional, Roth
o Factoring and Education)
o Agribusiness loans o Investor Services*+ providing
o Lease financing securities, mutual funds and
o VISA(R), MasterCard(R) and annuities
merchant processing o Installment and auto loans
o Cash management services (PayAnyDay(R))
o Frequent-flyer program o Home mortgages, EquityLine
(CardMiles(SM)) and EquityLoan
o Lockbox collection services o Personal Trust: asset
o PC banking services* management, retirement and
(Business Express) estate planning
o Sales financing o Property, casualty, life and
o Trust services, such as auto insurance
corporate trust and o VISA(R) and MasterCard(R)
retirement benefit plans o Online banking service
o Property, casualty, life and (firstcitizens.com)
auto insurance o Frequent-flyer program
o International services, such as (CardMiles(SM))
currency exchange, wire
transfers and letters of credit
*Not available in all areas.
+Nondeposit investment products
offered through First Citizens
Investor Services are not insured by
the FDIC or guaranteed by First
Citizens and may lose value.
</TABLE>
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS APPOINTMENT OF PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS
DIRECTED ABOVE. IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY DIRECTION, THOSE SHARES WILL BE VOTED
"FOR" THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR LISTED IN PROPOSAL
1 AND "FOR" PROPOSAL 2. IF, AT OR BEFORE THE TIME OF THE MEETING, ANY
NOMINEE LISTED IN PROPOSAL 1 HAS BECOME UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO SERVE AS A
DIRECTOR FOR ANY REASON, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE FOR A
SUBSTITUTE NOMINEE NAMED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THIS APPOINTMENT OF
PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY THE HOLDER OF THE SHARES TO WHICH IT RELATES AT ANY
TIME BEFORE IT IS EXERCISED BY FILING WITH BANCSHARES' SECRETARY A WRITTEN
INSTRUMENT REVOKING IT OR A DULY EXECUTED APPOINTMENT OF PROXY BEARING A
LATER DATE, OR BY ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING AND ANNOUNCING HIS OR HER
INTENTION TO VOTE IN PERSON.
(SEAL)
----------------------------------
(Signature)
(SEAL)
----------------------------------
(Signature if held jointly)
Please date and sign exactly as name
appears below. When shares are held by
joint tenants, both should sign. When
signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign full corporate
name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign
in partnership name by authorized
person.
Dated: , 2000
---------------------------
PLEASE DATE AND SIGN THIS APPOINTMENT
OF PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
