GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC.

1451 E. Battlefield

Springfield, Missouri 65804

(417) 887‑4400

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on May 4, 2016

You are hereby notified and cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp”), to be held at the Great Southern Operations Center, 218 S. Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri, on May 4, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., local time.

A proxy statement and proxy card for the Annual Meeting are enclosed. The Annual Meeting is for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following matters:

1.

the election of three directors, each for a term of three years;

2.

the ratification of the appointment of BKD, LLP as Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016; and

3.

such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Pursuant to the bylaws of Bancorp, the Board of Directors has fixed February 26, 2016 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only record holders of the common stock of Bancorp as of the close of business on that date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

The Board of Directors of Bancorp unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the election of the nominees named in the accompanying proxy statement and FOR the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm.

This year Bancorp is using a Securities and Exchange Commission rule to furnish its proxy statement, Annual Report and proxy card over the internet to stockholders who own fewer than 50 shares.  This means that these stockholders will not receive paper copies of the proxy materials.  Instead, these stockholders will receive only a notice containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet.  If you received only this notice by mail and would like to request a printed copy of the proxy materials, the notice contains instructions on how you can do so.

Stockholders are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please read the accompanying proxy statement and then vote by internet, telephone or mail as promptly as possible. Voting promptly will help ensure the presence of a quorum and save Bancorp from additional expense in soliciting proxies.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting to be held on May 4, 2016. 

The Proxy Statement and the annual report to stockholders are available at www.greatsouthernbank.com (click “Investor Relations”).

Springfield, Missouri
March 22, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC.
1451 E. Battlefield
Springfield, Missouri 65804
(417) 887-4400

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 4, 2016

Solicitation of Proxies

This proxy statement is being furnished to stockholders of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) in connection with the solicitation by our Board of Directors of proxies to vote our common stock, $.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the Great Southern Operations Center, 218 S. Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri, on May 4, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof. The Notice of the Annual Meeting, a proxy card and our Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 accompany this proxy statement. Certain of the information in this proxy statement relates to Great Southern Bank (“Great Southern” or the “Bank”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bancorp.

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders are being asked to consider and vote upon (i) the election of three directors of Bancorp and (ii) the ratification of the appointment of BKD, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016 (the “Independent Auditor Proposal”).

Regardless of the number of shares of Common Stock owned, it is important that stockholders be represented by proxy or present in person at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders are requested to vote by internet, telephone or mail as promptly as possible.

A proxy may be revoked by a stockholder at any time prior to its exercise by filing written notice of revocation with the Secretary of Bancorp at the above address, by delivering to Bancorp, at any time before the Annual Meeting, a duly executed proxy card bearing a later date, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself have the effect of revoking a properly executed proxy.  If your shares are held in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must follow the instructions on the form you receive from your bank, broker or other nominee with respect to revoking your proxy.

The cost of solicitation of proxies and of the Annual Meeting will be borne by Bancorp. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone by directors, officers and other employees of Bancorp or Great Southern not specifically engaged or compensated for that purpose. Bancorp will also, upon request, reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners of the Common Stock.

This year we are using a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rule to furnish our proxy statement, Annual Report and proxy card over the internet to stockholders who own fewer than 50 shares.  This means that these stockholders will not receive paper copies of the proxy materials.  Instead, these stockholders will receive only a notice containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet.  If you received only this notice by mail and would like to request a printed copy of the proxy materials, the notice contains instructions on how you can do so.

The approximate date on which this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card are first being made available to stockholders is March 22, 2016.

 

 

Voting

Bancorp’s Board of Directors has fixed February 26, 2016 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof. Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date was 13,891,443.  These are the only securities of Bancorp entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Each holder of the Common Stock is entitled to cast one vote for each share of Common Stock held on the Record Date on all matters, except that, pursuant to Section D of Article V of Bancorp’s charter, any stockholder that beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (the “Limit”) is not entitled to vote shares in excess of the Limit.

In order for any proposals considered at the Annual Meeting to be approved by stockholders, a quorum must be present. The holders of a majority of the shares of the Common Stock entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, will constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum. Shares in excess of the Limit, however, will not be considered present for purposes of determining a quorum. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast.  The approval of the Independent Auditor Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter.

With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast in favor or withheld. Votes that are withheld and broker non-votes will be excluded entirely from the vote and will have no effect on the election of directors. With regard to the Independent Auditor Proposal, stockholders may vote for or against the proposal or abstain from voting on this proposal.  In determining the percentage of shares that have been affirmatively voted on the Independent Auditor Proposal, the affirmative votes will be measured against the aggregate votes for and against the proposal. Thus, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the Independent Auditor Proposal.

All shares of Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting by proxies solicited hereunder will be voted in accordance with the specifications made by the stockholders executing the proxies. If a properly executed and unrevoked proxy solicited hereunder does not specify how the shares represented thereby are to be voted, the shares will be voted FOR the election as directors of the persons named in this proxy statement and FOR the Independent Auditor Proposal, and in accordance with the discretion of the persons appointed proxy for the shares upon any other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

PROPOSAL I. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The number of directors constituting Bancorp’s Board of Directors is currently nine. Bancorp’s Board is divided into three classes. The term of office of one class of directors expires each year in rotation so that the class up for election at each annual meeting of stockholders serves for a three-year term. The terms of three of the present directors are expiring at the Annual Meeting.

The directors elected at the Annual Meeting will hold office for a three-year term expiring in 2019, or until their successors are elected and qualified. We expect that the other directors will continue in office for the remainder of their terms. The nominees for director have indicated that they are willing and able to serve as director if elected and have consented to being named as nominees in this proxy statement. If the nominees should for any reason become unavailable for election, it is intended that the proxies will be voted for the substitute nominees as shall be designated by the present Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, unless the proxies direct otherwise.

The principal occupation and business experience for the last five years and certain other information with respect to each nominee is set forth below. The information concerning the nominees has been furnished by them to us.

 

 

Nominees to Serve a Three-Year Term Expiring at the 2019 Annual Meeting

William V. Turner, age 83, has served as the Chairman of the Board of Great Southern since 1974, Chief Executive Officer of Great Southern from 1974 to 2000, and President of Great Southern from 1974 to 1997. Mr. W. Turner has served in similar capacities with Bancorp since its formation in 1989. Mr. W. Turner has also served as Chairman of the Board and President of Great Southern Financial Corporation (a subsidiary of Great Southern) since its incorporation in 1974. Mr. W. Turner is the father of Joseph W. Turner, who is a Director and the Chief Executive Officer and President of Bancorp and Great Southern. Mr. W. Turner is also the father of Julie Turner Brown, who is a Director of Bancorp and Great Southern.  Mr. W. Turner’s service as Chairman of Great Southern for more than 40 years, including 26 years as Chief Executive Officer, has given him a thorough understanding of the Company’s business and the banking industry and invaluable institutional knowledge.

Julie Turner Brown, age 54, was first appointed a Director of Great Southern and Bancorp in 2002. Ms. Brown is an attorney and shareholder with the Springfield, Missouri law firm of Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell and Brown, P.C., having joined the firm in February 1996. Ms. Brown is active in local civic affairs, having served on the Boards of the Ozarks Technical College Foundation, Boys and Girls Club and the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, among others. Ms. Brown is the daughter of William V. Turner, who is a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Bancorp and Great Southern, and the sister of Joseph W. Turner, who is a Director and the Chief Executive Officer and President of Bancorp and Great Southern.  Ms. Brown’s legal background and experience make her a particularly valuable resource to the Board.  Ms. Brown also has strong ties to the local community through her involvement in civic affairs.

Earl A. Steinert, Jr., age 79, was first appointed a Director of Great Southern and Bancorp in 2004. Mr. Steinert was a practicing certified public accountant from 1962 until his retirement in 2006. He is the owner of EAS Investment Enterprises Inc., which owns and operates hotels in Springfield, Missouri. He is also managing general partner/owner of Mid American Real Estate Partners, which owns and operates apartments. Mr. Steinert is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Missouri Society of CPAs. None of these entities are affiliated with Bancorp.  Mr. Steinert brings to the Board more than 40 years of experience in public accounting, as well as knowledge and experience in commercial real estate matters.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES NAMED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

Information with Respect to the Continuing Directors

In addition to the nominees proposed for re-election to the Bancorp Board of Directors, the following individuals are also members of the Bancorp Board, each serving for a term ending on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders in the year indicated. The principal occupation and business experience for the last five years and certain other information with respect to each continuing director of Bancorp is set forth below. The information concerning the continuing directors has been furnished by them to us.

Directors Serving a Term Expiring at the 2017 Annual Meeting

William E. Barclay, age 86, was first elected a Director of Great Southern in 1975 and of Bancorp in 1989. Mr. Barclay is the founder and served as President and/or Chairman of Auto-Magic Full Service Car Washes in Springfield, Missouri from 1962 until his retirement in 2004, as noted below. Mr. Barclay also founded Barclay Love Oil Company in Springfield, Missouri in 1964, founded a chain of Ye Ole Buggy Bath Self-Service Car Washes in Springfield, Missouri in 1978 and opened a Jiffy Lube franchise in Springfield, Missouri in 1987. In 2004, Mr. Barclay sold the Auto-Magic and Jiffy Lube businesses and is now retired. None of these entities are affiliated with Bancorp.  Mr. Barclay’s background as an owner and operator of multiple businesses in the Springfield area provides a long history of entrepreneurship and managerial knowledge that are particularly valuable to the Board.

Larry D. Frazier, age 78, was first elected a Director of Great Southern and of Bancorp in May 1992. Mr. Frazier was elected a Director of Great Southern Financial Corporation in 1976, where he served until his election as Director of Great Southern and Bancorp. Mr. Frazier is retired from White River Valley Electric Cooperative in Branson,

 

 

Missouri, where he served as Chief Executive Officer from 1975 to 1998. Mr. Frazier also has served as President of Rural Missouri Cable T.V., Inc. from 1979 to 2000. These entities are not affiliated with Bancorp.  Mr. Frazier brings to the Board strong organizational and leadership skills developed from his many years of experience as a chief executive.

Douglas M. Pitt, age 49, was first appointed a Director of Bancorp and Great Southern in January 2015.  Mr. Pitt has been a technology entrepreneur for decades, merging his computer networking firm with TSI Global, LLC (“TSI”) in 2013.  His former company, ServiceWorld Computer Center, was a past recipient of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and was also recognized as the Springfield Business Journal’s Philanthropic Business of the Year.  Mr. Pitt is currently employed by TSI as General Manager of the Springfield office of TSI. Mr. Pitt is a well-known philanthropist and civic leader, both locally and internationally. He currently serves as a board member of WorldServe International, which operates one of the largest water drilling companies in East Africa. Locally, he founded Care To Learn, a non-profit organization with a mission to fund child health, hunger and hygiene needs. Mr. Pitt is also past Chairman of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Pitt’s experience as a business owner and entrepreneur, as well as his significant community involvement, provide knowledge and leadership that are valuable to the Board.

Directors Serving a Term Expiring at the 2018 Annual Meeting

Thomas J. Carlson, age 63, was first appointed a Director of Bancorp in January 2001. Mr. Carlson is an attorney and practiced law for 20 years. He is now engaged full-time in real estate management. He is President of Mid America Management, Inc., which manages various properties throughout Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.  Mr. Carlson served on the Springfield City Council from 1983 through 2002, and served seven terms as Mayor of the City of Springfield. None of these entities are affiliated with Bancorp.  Mr. Carlson’s many years of service on the Springfield City Council and as Mayor of the City of Springfield give him deep ties to the Springfield community and a thorough understanding of local business and economic matters.  He also brings to the Board knowledge and experience in real estate and legal matters.

Joseph W. Turner, age 51, joined Great Southern in 1991 and became an officer of Bancorp in 1995. Mr. J. Turner became a Director of Bancorp and Great Southern in 1997 and currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bancorp and Great Southern. Prior to joining Great Southern, Mr. J. Turner was an attorney with the Kansas City, Missouri law firm of Stinson, Mag and Fizzell. Mr. J. Turner is the son of William V. Turner, who is a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Bancorp and Great Southern. Mr. J. Turner is also the brother of Julie Turner Brown, who is a Director of Bancorp and Great Southern.  Mr. J. Turner currently serves as a board member and second vice chairman of the board at CoxHealth.  Mr. J. Turner’s many years of experience as an executive of the Company, including as Chief Executive Officer since 2000, have given him invaluable knowledge of all aspects of the Company’s business and operations and strong leadership and organizational skills.

Grant Q. Haden, age 62, was first appointed a Director of Bancorp and Great Southern in September 2010.  Mr. Haden is an attorney and of counsel to, and a former member of, the law firm of Haden, Cowherd and Bullock, LLC.  He was a founding shareholder and past vice chairman of the board of directors of Douglas County National Bank and Douglas County Banc Shares until the entities sold in 1991.  Mr. Haden is a graduate of Drury University and obtained his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  He currently serves as a board member and first vice chairman of the board at CoxHealth and board member and past president and chairman of Ozarks Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America.  Mr. Haden’s expertise in the banking industry and demonstrated leadership provide unique perspectives that are particularly valuable to the Board.

Director Independence

The Board of Directors of Bancorp has determined that Directors Barclay, Carlson, Frazier, Haden, Pitt and Steinert are “independent directors,” as that term is defined in Rule 5605 of the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. These directors constitute a majority of the Board.  In making its determination that Mr. Haden is an independent director, the Board considered the fact that the law firm of Haden, Cowherd and Bullock, LLC, to which Mr. Haden is currently of counsel and of which he is a former member, represents both Great Southern and Bancorp in corporate matters and that the fees paid to this firm during 2015 for such services totaled $412.  In making its determination that Mr. Pitt is an independent director, the Board considered the fact that Great Southern utilized the

 

 

services of Mr. Pitt’s current employer, TSI, for the installation of computers, other technology equipment and wiring, and that payments by Great Southern to TSI during 2015 totaled $53,748.  The Board also considered the fact that Great Southern leases space for an ATM from an entity owned by Mr. Pitt until March 1, 2016, and that lease payments by Great Southern to that entity during 2015 totaled $6,000.

Board Leadership Structure and Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Leadership Structure.  The positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company are currently held by two persons, with Mr. W. Turner serving as Chairman and Mr. J. Turner serving as Chief Executive Officer.  This structure has been in place since 2000, when, as part of a leadership transition, Mr. J. Turner was promoted to Chief Executive Officer and Mr. W. Turner, who had served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1974, continued as Chairman in an executive capacity.  Although Mr. J. Turner has subsequently assumed increased responsibilities from Mr. W. Turner, the Board believes that the separation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions remains appropriate, as this allows Mr. J. Turner to better focus on his primary responsibilities of overseeing the implementation of our strategic plans and daily consolidated operations, while allowing Mr. W. Turner to lead the Board in its fundamental role of oversight of management.

Role in Risk Oversight.  Risk is inherent with the operation of every financial institution, and how well an institution manages risk can ultimately determine its success.  We face a number of risks, including but not limited to credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, strategic risk and reputation risk.  Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face, while the Board has ultimate responsibility for the oversight of risk management.  The Board believes that risk management, including setting appropriate risk limits and monitoring mechanisms, is an integral component and cannot be separated from strategic planning, annual operating planning, and daily management of the Company.  Consistent with this approach as well as based on the belief that certain risks require an oversight focus that a Board committee can better provide, the Board integrated the oversight of certain risk areas (internal control, financial reporting and compliance; and compensation and incentive programs) with the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, respectively.  These committees regularly provide reports of their activities and recommendations to the full Board.  The Board directly oversees all other material risks, including interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity and capital adequacy.  In support of those activities, members of senior management regularly attend meetings of the Board to report to the Board on the primary areas of risk facing the Company and to respond to any questions or concerns raised by the directors.

DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meetings of the Board and Committees of the Board

The Board of Directors of Bancorp meets monthly and may have additional special meetings upon the request of one third of the directors then in office (rounded up to the nearest whole number) or upon the request of the President. The Board of Directors of Bancorp is authorized to appoint various committees and has formed the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Stock Option Committee and the Nominating Committee. The Board of Directors of Bancorp has not formed any other committees. The Board of Directors of Bancorp held 20 meetings during fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2015, each of the directors attended 75% or more of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which the director served, in each case during the period in which he or she served, with the following exceptions:  Mr. Haden attended 70% of the Board of Directors meetings held in 2015 and did not attend the one Nominating Committee meeting held in 2015; Mr. Barclay attended 65% of the Board of Directors meetings held in 2015 and 38% of the Audit Committee meetings held in 2015; and Mr. Pitt attended 71% of the Audit Committee meetings held in 2015.

The Audit Committee in 2015 was comprised of Directors Frazier (Chairman), Barclay, Carlson, Pitt and Steinert.  The current members of the Audit Committee are the same, with the addition of Mr. Haden, who was appointed as a member of the committee in January 2016.  Each member of the Audit Committee is “independent,” as independence for audit committee members is defined in the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.  The Board of Directors of Bancorp has determined that Director Steinert is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in the SEC’s rules.  The Audit Committee held eight meetings during fiscal 2015.

 

 

The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by Bancorp’s Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on our website, at www.greatsouthernbank.com, by clicking “Investor Relations” and then “Corporate Governance.” The Audit Committee is appointed by Bancorp’s Board of Directors to provide assistance to the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to the integrity of our consolidated financial statements and the financial reporting processes, the systems of internal accounting and financial controls, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm and any other areas of potential financial risks as may be specified by the Board. The Audit Committee also is responsible for hiring, retaining and terminating Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm.

Audit Committee Report. The Audit Committee Report included herein shall not be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, notwithstanding the incorporation by reference of this proxy statement into any such filings. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Bancorp has issued the following report with respect to the audited financial statements of Bancorp for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015:

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The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management Bancorp’s fiscal 2015 audited financial statements;

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The Audit Committee has discussed with Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm (BKD, LLP) the matters required to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 16;

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The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence; and

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Based on the review and discussions referred to in the items above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Bancorp:

Larry D. Frazier
William E. Barclay
Thomas J. Carlson

Grant Q. Haden

Douglas M. Pitt

Earl A. Steinert, Jr.

The Compensation Committee in 2015 was comprised of Directors Barclay (Chairman), Carlson, Frazier, Pitt and Steinert. The current members of the Compensation Committee are the same, with the addition of Mr. Haden, who was appointed as a member of the committee in January 2016.  The Compensation Committee consists solely of independent directors.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and evaluating executive compensation and administering our compensation and benefit programs. The Compensation Committee also is responsible for:

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reviewing from time to time our compensation plans and, if the Committee believes it to be appropriate, recommending that the Board amend these plans or adopt new plans;

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annually reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating the Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of these goals and objectives and recommending to the Board the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation level based on this evaluation;

 

 

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overseeing the evaluation of our management, and recommending to the Board the compensation for our executive officers and other key members of management;

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recommending to the Board the appropriate level of compensation and the appropriate mix of cash and equity compensation for directors;

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administering any benefit plan which the Board has determined should be administered by the Committee; and

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reviewing, monitoring and reporting to the Board, at least annually, on management development efforts to ensure a pool of candidates for adequate and orderly management succession.

The Compensation Committee operates under a formal written charter, a copy of which is available on our website, at www.greatsouthernbank.com, by clicking “Investor Relations” and then “Corporate Governance.” The members of the Compensation Committee are “independent directors,” as that term is defined in the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. During 2015, the Compensation Committee met once.

The charter of the Compensation Committee does not specifically provide for delegation of any of the authorities or responsibilities of the committee. In setting the compensation of executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee considers the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer.

The Stock Option Committee in 2015 was comprised of Directors Carlson (Chairman), Barclay, Frazier and Steinert.  The current members of the Stock Option Committee are the same, with the addition of Mr. Haden, who was appointed as a member of the committee in January 2016.  The Stock Option Committee consists solely of independent directors. The Stock Option Committee generally meets at least once per year (usually late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter) to consider stock option grants to officers and at other times during the year as necessary to consider proposals for the granting of stock options to employees. The Stock Option Committee met five times during 2015.

The Nominating Committee in 2015 was comprised of Directors Barclay (Chairman), Carlson, Frazier, Haden, Pitt and Steinert. The current members of the Nominating Committee are the same.  The Nominating Committee consists solely of independent directors.  The Nominating Committee met one time during 2015.

The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending director candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. Final approval of director nominees is determined by the full Board, based on the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee also is responsible for:

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recommending to the Board the appropriate size of the Board and assist in identifying, interviewing and recruiting candidates for the Board;

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recommending candidates (including incumbents) for election and appointment to the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions set forth in Bancorp’s charter and bylaws relating to the nomination or appointment of directors, based on the following criteria: business experience, education, integrity and reputation, independence, conflicts of interest, diversity, age, number of other directorships and commitments (including charitable organizations), tenure on the Board, attendance at Board and committee meetings, stock ownership, specialized knowledge (such as an understanding of banking, accounting, marketing, finance, regulation and public policy) and a commitment to Bancorp’s communities and shared values, as well as overall experience in the context of the needs of the Board as a whole.  Although we do not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees, the Board seeks candidates who further its objective of having a Board that encompasses a broad range of talents and expertise and that reflects a diversity of background, experience and viewpoints;

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reviewing nominations submitted by stockholders, which have been addressed to the Corporate Secretary, and which comply with the requirements of Bancorp’s charter and bylaws. Nominations from stockholders will be considered and evaluated using the same criteria as all other nominations;

 

 

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annually recommending to the Board committee assignments and committee chairs on all committees of the Board, and recommend committee members to fill vacancies on committees as necessary; and

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performing any other duties or responsibilities expressly delegated to the Committee by the Board.

Pursuant to Bancorp’s bylaws, nominations for directors by stockholders must be made in writing and delivered to the Secretary of Bancorp no earlier than 120 days prior to the meeting date and no later than 90 days prior to the meeting date. If, however, less than 100 days’ notice of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders by public notice or mail, nominations must be received by Bancorp not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public announcement of the date of the meeting was first made. In addition to meeting the applicable deadline, nominations must be accompanied by certain information specified in Bancorp’s bylaws.

The Nominating Committee operates under a formal written charter, a copy of which is available on our website, at www.greatsouthernbank.com, by clicking “Investor Relations” and then “Corporate Governance.”

Stockholder Communications with Directors

Stockholders may communicate with Bancorp’s Board of Directors by writing to: William V. Turner, Chairman of the Board, Great Southern Bancorp, Inc., 1451 E. Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri 65804.

Board Member Attendance at Annual Stockholder Meetings

Although we do not have a formal policy regarding director attendance at annual stockholder meetings, directors are expected to attend these meetings absent extenuating circumstances. Every current director of Bancorp (who was also a director as of last year’s annual meeting) attended last year’s annual meeting of stockholders, except for Mr. Haden.

Directors’ Compensation

For 2015, directors of Bancorp received a monthly fee of $1,000, which was the only compensation paid to directors by Bancorp, except for stock options which may be granted in the discretion of the Board of Directors.  Directors of Great Southern received a monthly fee of $2,000. Effective January 1, 2016, the directors of Bancorp and Great Southern receive $1,000 and $2,500, respectively, for each regular Board meeting attended. The directors of Bancorp and the directors of Great Southern are the same individuals.  Ms. Brown, who serves on Great Southern’s Compliance Committee, receives a fee of $300 for each meeting of that committee that she attends.  The directors of Bancorp serving on the Audit Committee are paid a fee of $300 per meeting attended, except for the Chairman of the Audit Committee, who is paid a fee of $350 per meeting attended.  The directors of Bancorp and its subsidiaries are not reimbursed for their costs incurred in attending Board and committee meetings.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation earned by or awarded to each director, who is not also a named executive officer, who served on Bancorp’s Board of Directors in 2015. As indicated above, Mr. Pitt was appointed as a director in January 2015.  Compensation paid to Messrs. W. and J. Turner for their service as directors is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table under the “Salary” Column.

 

 

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Indebtedness of Management and Transactions with Certain Related Persons

The charter of the Audit Committee of Bancorp’s Board of Directors provides that the Audit Committee is to review and approve all related party transactions (defined as transactions requiring disclosure under Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K) on a regular basis.

Great Southern, like many financial institutions, has from time to time extended loans to its officers, directors and employees, generally for the financing of their personal residences, at favorable interest rates. Generally, residential first mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit have been granted at interest rates equal to Great Southern’s cost of funds. Residential first mortgage loans are subject to annual adjustments while home equity lines of credit are subject to monthly adjustments. Other than the interest rate, these loans have been made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms and collateral as those of comparable transactions prevailing at the time, and, in the opinion of management, do not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. All loans by Great Southern to its directors and executive officers are subject to regulations restricting loans and other transactions with affiliated persons of Great Southern. Great Southern may also grant loans to officers, directors and employees, their related interests and their immediate family members in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons which, in the opinion of management, do not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

No directors, executive officers or their affiliates had aggregate indebtedness to Great Southern on below market rate loans exceeding $120,000, or a combination of outstanding indebtedness to and credit availability from Great Southern exceeding $120,000 at below market rates, at any time since January 1, 2015 except as noted below.

 

 

 

 

 

The estimated average market rates of interest for 2015 as shown in the table above are based on the interest rate index and margin for each loan that would have been used if Great Southern’s cost of funds was not used.  Interest rate reset dates were factored into the index rates used.  The estimated difference in interest from actual rate amounts to average market rate amounts shown in the table above represent the difference in interest actually paid during 2015 and interest that would have been paid if the estimated market rates of interest for 2015 were charged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

In this section, we provide an overview and analysis of our compensation programs, the material compensation policy decisions we have made under those programs, and the material factors that we considered in making those decisions. Following this section, you will find a series of tables containing specific information about compensation paid or payable to the following individuals, whom we refer to as our “named executive officers”:

·

William V. Turner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancorp and Great Southern;

·

Joseph W. Turner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bancorp and Great Southern;

·

Rex A. Copeland, Treasurer of Bancorp and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Great Southern;

·

Steven G. Mitchem, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Great Southern; and

·

Douglas W. Marrs, Secretary of Bancorp and Vice President – Operations of Great Southern

The discussion below is intended to help you understand the detailed information provided in those tables and put that information into context within our overall compensation program.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of Bancorp’s Board of Directors, which consists solely of independent directors, administers our compensation and benefit programs and determines the compensation of our senior management. The Committee is responsible for setting and administering the policies which govern executive compensation. The Committee has focused its evaluation of executive compensation on operating performance and the creation of stockholder value, with the intent of meeting the following objectives:

·

maintain the financial strength, safety and soundness of Bancorp and Great Southern;

·

reward and retain key personnel by compensating them at the middle to upper levels of compensation for comparable financial institutions;

·

focus management on long term goals through long-term incentives;

·

provide fair, reasonable and competitive base salaries;

·

provide the opportunity to earn additional compensation if Bancorp’s stockholders experience long-term increases in the value of Bancorp stock;

·

emphasize long-term stock ownership of Bancorp stock by executive officers; and

·

properly align risk-taking and compensation.

While the primary components of our compensation program have been base salary, annual incentive bonus and long-term incentives in the form of stock options, the Committee also takes into account the full compensation package provided to the individual, including pension benefits, termination agreements, insurance, perquisites and other benefits. In structuring Mr. J. Turner’s base salary for 2016, the Committee reviewed several surveys of base salaries paid to the chief executive officers of groups of financial institutions comparable to us in size and performance on a nationwide basis and based in the Midwest region.  Specifically, the Committee considered the following information:

 

 

 

(i)

surveys prepared by SNL Financial of the average base salary paid to chief executive officers at banks and thrifts with total assets of between $1.0 billion and $5.0 billion (A) on a nationwide basis ($446,559), (B)  for the Midwest region ($423,798) and (C) on a nationwide basis limited to institutions with a return on average equity of 12.50% to 14.99% ($433,711), with the average of the amounts in (A)-(C) being $434,689;

(ii)

a survey prepared by McLagan Fact-Based Advice of the base salaries paid to chief executive officers at regional and community banks with total assets of between $3.0 billion and $8.0 billion, the average of which was $569,700;

(iii)

surveys prepared by Compdata Surveys of the average base salary paid to chief executive officers at banks and other financial services organizations nationwide with (A) total assets of between $1.0 billion and $9.9 billion ($482,700), (B) with a total number of full-time equivalent employees of between 1,000 and 4,999 ($778,800), (C) Midwest Region ($420,300) and (D) commercial banks ($418,700), with the average of (A) – (D) being $525,125;

(iv)

surveys prepared by Crowe Horwath of the average base salary paid to chief executive officers at banks and other financial services organizations (A) on a nationwide basis ($253,329), (B) with total assets greater than $2.5 billion ($650,487) and (C) with headquarters located in a population greater than 100,000 ($301,723), with the average of (A) – (C) being $401,846.

Mr. J. Turner’s base salary for 2015 of $306,599 and his base salary for 2016 of $312,731 were below the average chief executive officer base salary in each of the surveys noted above.

Base Salaries

We provide the opportunity for our named executive officers and other executives to earn a competitive annual base salary. We do so in order to attract and retain an appropriate caliber of talent for the position, and to provide a base wage that is not subject to our performance risk. Our base salary levels reflect a combination of factors, including competitive pay levels, the executive’s experience and tenure, our overall annual strategic plan for salary increases, the executive’s individual performance, and changes in responsibility. We review salary levels annually to recognize these factors. We do not target base salary at any particular percentage of total compensation.

Each of Messrs. W. and J. Turner has an employment agreement with Bancorp. These agreements provide that the annual base salaries payable to Messrs. W. and J. Turner may be reduced only as part of an overall program, implemented prior to a change in control, applied uniformly and equitably to all members of our senior management. Since 2005, in recognition of the increased responsibilities assumed by Mr. J. Turner and at Mr. W. Turner’s suggestion, Mr. W. Turner’s base annual salary has remained at $200,000 and he has waived his right to receive the annual cash bonus provided for under his employment agreement (discussed below under “-Bonuses”).  Mr. J. Turner was paid salary of $306,599 for 2015 and his base salary was increased to $312,731 for 2016.  During 2015, Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs were paid salary of $267,577, $251,449 and $148,057, respectively.  For 2016, the base salary amounts for Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs increased to $272,929, $256,478 and $153,239, respectively.  In setting the base salaries of the executive officers other than Mr. W. Turner, the Committee takes into account the responsibilities of the position and the experience level of the individual executive, as well as our financial performance and the size and complexity of our operations.

Bonuses

Under their employment agreements, Messrs. W. and J. Turner are each entitled to receive annual cash bonuses equal to one-half of one percent of Bancorp’s pre-tax earnings.  We believe that this provides an appropriate short-term incentive to increase our earnings, when coupled with the incentives Messrs. W. and J. Turner have through their substantial stock holdings to increase our earnings over the long term.   Since 2005, Mr. W. Turner has waived his right to this bonus, with the understanding that Mr. J. Turner’s bonus, if any, may be increased by one-fourth of one percent of our pre-tax earnings.  The Compensation Committee approved this arrangement in recognition of the additional responsibilities that Mr. J. Turner had assumed from Mr. W. Turner, and the fact that it would at the same

 

 

time reduce by 25% the total cost to the Company for bonuses, if any, under the employment agreements.  The amount of this bonus ($425,265 for 2014 and $461,345 for 2015) is included in the Summary Compensation Table below under the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column.

Under our 2015 Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, each of the named executive officers other than Messrs. W. and J. Turner (Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs) could earn a cash bonus of up to 15.75% of base annual salary, with up to one-half of this bonus based on the achievement of targeted earnings per share and up to one-half of this bonus based on individual performance.  Bonuses paid to the participating named executive officers under our 2015 Annual Incentive Bonus Plan are included in the Summary Compensation Table below under the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column. Because, as noted above, their bonus arrangements are set forth in previously negotiated employment agreements, Messrs. W. Turner and J. Turner do not participate in our Annual Incentive Bonus Plan and therefore are not subject to a cap on their bonus as a percentage of base salary.

Stock Options

Stock options have been an integral part of our executive compensation program. They are intended to encourage ownership and retention of Bancorp’s stock by key employees as well as non-employee members of the Board of Directors. Through stock options, the objective of aligning key employees’ long-term interests with those of stockholders may be met by providing key employees with the opportunity to build, through the achievement of corporate goals, a meaningful stake in Bancorp. In fiscal 2013, Bancorp’s stockholders approved the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. Upon approval of the 2013 plan by stockholders, Bancorp’s Board of Directors froze the 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, which means that no new grants of awards will be made under that plan, but outstanding awards under the plan were not affected. The Stock Option Committee, consisting of Directors Barclay, Carlson, Frazier and Steinert, considers additional options each year as needed to attract and retain employees. These grants typically have been made late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of each year, though the Stock Option Committee retains discretion to grant options at any time during the year. Our senior management group provides recommendations to the Committee for option grants for rank and file employees. Mr. J. Turner provides recommendations to the Committee for grants to members of the senior management group other than himself. All options granted by the Committee are subject to ratification by the Board of Directors, which typically occurs on the same day as the Committee approval. We do not coordinate the timing of stock option grants with the release of material non-public information.   Option grants made during 2015 to the named executive officers are included in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table.

As required by plan, stock options have an exercise price that is equal to no less than the market value of Bancorp’s common stock on the date of grant, which is the date on which the Board of Directors ratifies the approval of the grant by the Stock Option Committee.  To provide an incentive for a sustained increase in the value of our common stock, stock options granted to employees typically do not begin vesting until the second anniversary of the grant date, with 25% of the option vesting on that second anniversary date and 25% vesting on each anniversary date thereafter through the fifth anniversary date.

The 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan authorizes the granting of restricted stock in addition to stock options.  Although no shares of restricted stock have been granted to date under the 2013 plan, the Committee and the Board may consider the utilization of restricted stock awards in the future.

Retirement and Other Benefits

We participate in a multi-employer defined benefit pension plan covering all employees who have met minimum service requirements. Effective July 1, 2006, this plan was closed to new participants. Employees already in the plan will continue to accrue benefits. For information regarding benefits payable under this plan to the named executive officers, see “Pension Benefits.”

We have a defined contribution retirement plan covering substantially all of our employees. During 2015, we matched 100% of the employee’s contribution on the first 3% of the employee’s compensation, and also matched 50% of the employee’s contribution on the next 2% of the employee’s compensation. Our matching contributions for 2015 under this plan to the named executive officers are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table under the “All Other Compensation” column.

 

 

In addition to the basic term life insurance coverage maintained for nearly all employees (providing a maximum death benefit of $60,000), Great Southern maintains supplemental life insurance coverage for all personnel with an “officer” designation, which provides a death benefit of $175,000. Each named executive officer has supplemental life insurance coverage of $175,000, other than Mr. W. Turner whose coverage has been age-adjusted to $87,500, and each named executive officer other than Mr. W. Turner (who does not have the basic term life insurance benefit) has the maximum coverage ($60,000) under the basic term life insurance benefit. Premiums paid on behalf of the named executive officers are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table under the “All Other Compensation” column. As part of its health insurance coverage, Great Southern also provides long-term disability coverage to all employees generally. Each of the named executive officers other than Mr. W. Turner (who does not participate in Great Southern’s health insurance plan) is entitled to the maximum long-term disability benefit of $10,000 per month.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

We provide the named executive officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that we and the Committee believe are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program to better enable us to attract and retain superior employees for key positions. The Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to the named executive officers.

Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Each of Messrs. W. and J. Turner has an employment agreement with Bancorp that provides for certain payments and benefits if their employment is terminated under certain scenarios, including, but not limited to, within the 12 months preceding, at the time of or within 24 months after a change in control.  See “Employment Agreements.”  These employment agreements thus require a “double trigger” in order for any payments or benefits under the agreements to be provided to Messrs. W. or J. Turner in connection with or following a change in control - in other words, both a change in control and an involuntary termination of employment (which includes a voluntary termination by the executive following a material reduction in his duties, responsibilities or benefits) must occur. The purpose of providing the change in control payments and benefits is to attract and retain top level executives of the highest caliber and mitigate the risk to these executives that their employment will be involuntarily terminated in the event we are acquired. At the same time, the mere sale of our company will not automatically trigger a payout, as our intention is to induce the executive to remain employed following a change in control so long as the acquiring company so desires without a material reduction in the executive’s duties, responsibilities or benefits. Each of the employment agreements with Messrs. W. and J. Turner contains a tax gross up provision which provides generally that if the executive receives payments or benefits in connection with a change in control, then to the extent such payments or benefits constitute “excess parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, he generally will be paid an additional amount (referred to as a “gross up payment”) that will offset, on an after tax basis, the effect of any excise tax consequently imposed on him under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. The effects of Section 4999 generally are unpredictable and can have widely divergent and unexpected effects based on an executive’s personal compensation history. Therefore, to provide an equal level of benefit without regard to the effects of the excise tax, we determined that Section 4999 gross up payments are appropriate for Messrs. W. and J. Turner.

We do not have employment or severance agreements with any of our other named executive officers. To mitigate the risk of loss of benefits to these officers if a change in control occurs, their unvested stock options (like the unvested stock options of all other employees) will vest in full upon a change in control.

Other Tax and Accounting Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally eliminates the deductibility of compensation over $1 million paid to certain highly compensated executive officers of publicly held corporations, excluding certain qualified performance-based compensation.  The Committee has reviewed and will continue to review on an ongoing basis our executive compensation programs, and propose appropriate modifications to these programs, if the Committee deems them necessary, with a view toward implementing our compensation programs in a manner that avoids or minimizes any disallowance of tax deductions under Section 162(m). The Committee will balance these considerations against the need to be able to compensate executives in a manner commensurate with performance and the competitive environment for executive talent. Stock options, which are the only form of equity-based award currently provided to executive officers, automatically constitute qualified performance-based compensation,

 

 

provided that certain plan content and grant procedure requirements are met. In addition, the employment agreements with Messrs. W. and J. Turner provide for mandatory deferral of compensation if necessary to ensure the tax deductibility by us.  See “Employment Agreements.”

With our adoption, effective January 1, 2006, of FASB ASC Topic 718 (formerly FAS 123R), which requires the recognition of compensation expense for stock options, we do not expect the accounting treatment of differing forms of equity awards to vary significantly. Accordingly, accounting treatment is not expected to have a material effect on the selection of forms of equity compensation in the foreseeable future.

Role of Executive Officers in Determining Compensation

Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. J. Turner, makes recommendations to the Committee regarding compensation for executive officers other than himself.  These recommendations are taken under advisement by the Committee, which may decide to provide compensation in amounts greater or lesser than the amounts recommended by Mr. J. Turner. For 2015, the compensation paid to the executive officers other than Mr. J. Turner was generally consistent with Mr. J. Turner’s recommendations.  Mr. J. Turner is not involved with any aspect of determining his own compensation; nor is his sister, Ms. Turner Brown.  Mr. W. Turner is not involved with any aspect of the determining the compensation of Mr. J. Turner, other than waiving Mr. W. Turner’s right to receive a bonus under Mr. W. Turner’s employment agreement with the understanding that Mr. J. Turner’s bonus, if any, may be increased by one-fourth of one percent of our pre-tax earnings.  See “—Bonuses.”

Director compensation is determined by the Company’s Board of Directors.  Other than Mr. W. Turner and Mr. J. Turner acting in their capacity as Board members, none of the Company’s executive officers has any role in determining the amount of director compensation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation paid to or earned by the named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

_______________

 

 

 

Turner ($26,142).  For each of Messrs. Mitchem and Marrs, the aggregate incremental cost to Bancorp of the perquisites and other personal benefits provided to them during 2015 was less than $10,000; in accordance with the rules of the SEC, the amounts of these perquisites and other personal benefits are not included in the table. For Messrs. W. Turner, J. Turner and Copeland, the amounts in the table for 2015 also include, and for Messrs. Mitchem and Marrs, the amounts in the table for 2015 are comprised of, the following: (a) company matching contributions under our 401(k) plan (Mr. W. Turner - $10,600, Mr. J. Turner - $10,600, Mr. Copeland - $10,600, Mr.  Mitchem - $10,600 and Mr.  Marrs - $9,647); (b) life insurance premiums paid by Great Southern for the benefit of each named executive officer of $204, except for Mr. W. Turner, whose premium was $102; and (c) annual benefit payments under our pension plan to Mr. W. Turner - $121,000.

 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to grants of plan-based awards to the named executive officers during 2015.

Each of Messrs. W. and J. Turner has an employment agreement with Bancorp. For descriptions of these agreements, see “Employment Agreements.”

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2015

The following table provides information regarding each unexercised stock option held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2015:

 

 

 

 

_______________

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth information about stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2015 by each named executive officer:

 

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

Great Southern participates in the Pentegra Financial Institutions Retirement Fund, a multi-employer comprehensive defined benefit pension plan. Effective July 1, 2006, this plan was closed to new participants. Employees already in the plan as of that date generally will continue to accrue benefits. Mr. W. Turner is no longer accruing additional benefits under the plan. A participant becomes fully vested after five years of service or upon attaining age 65 regardless of the number of years of service. The annual benefit for normal retirement (after attaining age 65) is calculated as follows:

[(2% x years of service prior to 7/1/06 x “high-five average salary” through 6/30/06) – (1% x years of service prior to 7/1/06 x “high-five average salary” through 6/30/06)] + (1% x years of service before and after 7/1/06 x “high-five average salary” before and after 7/1/06) = annual benefit

The “high-five average salary” refers to the participant’s average annual salary for the five consecutive years of highest salary. A participant retiring with 30 years of service (15 prior to 07/01/06 and 15 after 07/01/06) and a high-five average salary of $40,000 ($30,000 prior to July 1, 2006) would receive an annual benefit of $16,500 computed as ((2% x 15 x $30,000) – (1% x 15 x $30,000) + (1% x 30 x $40,000)); $9,000 – $4,500 + $12,000 = $16,500.

A participant becomes eligible for early retirement at age 45, in which case the benefit, otherwise payable beginning at age 65, is reduced by applying an early retirement factor based on his or her age when payments begin. The factor is determined by subtracting the following from 100%: 6% for each year between age 60 and 65, 4% for each year between age 55 and 60 and 3% for each year between age 45 and 55. If payments were to begin at age 55, the early retirement factor would be 50%. A participant taking early retirement at age 55 with 18 years of service and a high-five average salary of $90,000 prior to July 1, 2006 and nine years of service and a high-five average salary of $100,000 ($90,000 before July 1, 2006) would receive an annual benefit of $21,600 computed as (((2% x 18 x $90,000) - (1% x 18 x $90,000) + (1% x 27 x $100,000)) x 50%). Each of Messrs. J. Turner, Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs are currently eligible for early retirement under the pension plan.

The regular form of retirement benefit (whether normal or early) is guaranteed for the life of the participant, but not less than 120 monthly installments. If a retired participant dies before receiving 120 monthly installments, his or her beneficiary would be entitled to the present value of the unpaid installments in a lump sum (or in installments, at the election of the participant or his or her beneficiary). If a participant dies in active service after having become vested, his or her beneficiary is entitled to a lump sum death benefit equal to the present value of 120 monthly retirement benefit installments which would have been payable had the participant’s retirement benefits commenced on the first day of the month after the month in which he or she died.

The benefit under the pension plan is subject to Internal Revenue Service annual compensation limits (generally $265,000 for 2015 and $265,000 for 2016).

The following table sets forth information regarding benefits payable to the named executive officers under the pension plan.

 

 

 

 

The information contained in the table above was provided to us by Pentegra Retirement Services. The amounts shown for the present value of accumulated benefit were calculated by Pentegra Retirement Services assuming an age 65 retirement date, a discount rate of 4.34% and the RP-2014 Mortality table (with Scale MP-2015).

Employment Agreements

Effective October 1, 2002, Messrs. W. and J. Turner (the “Employees”) entered into new employment agreements with Bancorp (the “Employment Agreements”).  Each Employment Agreement is for a five-year term and provides for an extension of one year, in addition to the then-remaining term under the agreement, on each October 1st, as long as (1) Bancorp has not notified the Employee at least 90 days in advance that the term will not be extended further and (2) the Employee has not received an unsatisfactory performance review by the Board of Directors of Bancorp or Great Southern. Pursuant to the most recent extensions, the term of each Employment Agreement ends September 30, 2020.  The Employment Agreements provide for annual base salaries as determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, subject to reduction only as part of an overall program, implemented prior to a change in control (as defined in the Employment Agreements), applied uniformly and equitably to all members of senior management. The Employment Agreements also provide for participation in benefit plans and the receipt of fringe benefits to the same extent as the other executive officers of Bancorp and Great Southern and equitable participation in any performance-based and discretionary bonuses awarded to the executive officers of Bancorp and Great Southern. In addition, each Employee is entitled to an annual bonus equal to one-half of one percent of Bancorp’s pre-tax earnings for the year; for every year since 2005, Mr. W. Turner has waived his right to receive this bonus.

Each Employment Agreement provides that if the Employee’s employment is involuntarily terminated, then during the remaining term of the agreement he will be entitled to receive (1) on a monthly basis, 1/12th of his annual salary and 1/12th of the average annual amount of cash bonus and cash incentive compensation for the two full fiscal years preceding the date of termination, subject to reduction by the amount of the Employee’s earned income from personal services during the applicable payout period; (2) substantially the same life and disability insurance coverage and health and dental benefits as he and his dependents and beneficiaries would have received if he had remained employed, subject to reduction to the extent he receives equivalent or better benefits from another employer (the “Post-Employment Group Health, Life and Disability Insurance Benefits”); and (3) if the involuntary termination occurs within the 12 months preceding, at the time of, or within 24 months after a change in control of Bancorp, a lump sum amount in cash equal to 299% of the Employee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code).

The term “involuntary termination” is defined as termination of the Employee’s employment by Bancorp or Great Southern (other than for cause, or due to death, disability or a prohibition by law from participating in the conduct of the affairs of a depository institution) without the Employee’s consent or by the Employee following a material reduction of or interference with his duties, responsibilities or benefits without his consent. Each Employment Agreement provides that to the extent the Employee receives any amounts or benefits, whether under the Employment Agreement or otherwise, that will constitute “excess parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code and subject him to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, he will be paid an additional amount that will offset the effect of any such excise tax.

Each Employment Agreement also provides that if the Employee dies while employed under the Employment Agreement, his estate or designated beneficiary will receive (1) the salary the Employee would have earned if he had remained employed through the 180th day after the date of his death; (2) the amounts of any benefits or awards which were earned with respect to the fiscal year in which the Employee died and the amount of any bonus or incentive compensation for that fiscal year, pro-rated in accordance with the portion of the fiscal year elapsed prior to his death; and (3) any unpaid deferred amounts described in the next paragraph.

Each Employment Agreement provides that to the extent the Employee’s total compensation for any taxable year exceeds the greater of $1,000,000 or the maximum amount of compensation deductible by the Company under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the greater of these two amounts referred to below as the “maximum allowable amount”), the excess amount must be deferred, with interest (at an annual rate equal to the Federal short-term rate under Section 1274(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, determined as of the last day of the calendar year in which the

 

 

 

Employee’s compensation is first not deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code) compounded annually, to a taxable year in which the amount to be paid to the Employee in that year (including deferred amounts and interest) does not exceed the maximum allowable amount.

Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment

Messrs. W. and J. Turner. The following tables summarize the approximate value of the termination payments and benefits that Messrs. W. and J. Turner would have received if their employment had been terminated on December 31, 2015 under the circumstances shown.  The tables also exclude (i) amounts accrued through December 31, 2015 that would be paid in the normal course of continued employment, such as accrued but unpaid salary and bonus amounts, (ii) vested account balances under Great Southern’s 401(k) plan and (iii) vested account balances under our defined benefit pension plan, as described under “Pension Benefits.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William V. Turner

________________

 

 

Joseph W. Turner

_______________

 

 

Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs. None of Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem or Marrs has an employment or severance agreement with Bancorp or any of its subsidiaries. Each of Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs held unvested stock options as of December 31, 2015, the vesting of which accelerates upon a change in control of Bancorp. If a change in control of Bancorp had occurred on December 31, 2015, the value that would have been realized by Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs as a result of the accelerated vesting of these options (based on the closing price of Bancorp’s common stock on December 31, 2015 ($45.26) and the exercise prices of the options) are $172,358, $172,358 and $99,378, respectively.  Great Southern maintains supplemental life insurance for Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs, along with other officers. If Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs were to have died on December 31, 2015, the death benefit payable for each officer under the supplemental life insurance coverage would have been $175,000. This is in addition to the term life insurance benefit generally available to all employees (which would have provided a death benefit of $60,000 for each of Messrs. Copeland, Mitchem and Marrs).

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained above with management and, based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

 

Submitted by the Compensation Committee of Bancorp’s Board of Directors:

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of the Compensation Committee is a current or former officer or employee of Bancorp or any of Bancorp’s subsidiaries. None of our executive officers has served on the board of directors or the compensation committee of any other entity that had an executive officer serving on Bancorp’s Board of Directors or on the Compensation Committee of Bancorp’s Board of Directors.

PROPOSAL II. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee of Bancorp’s Board of Directors has engaged the independent registered public accounting firm of BKD, LLP to audit Bancorp’s financial statements for the 2016 fiscal year, subject to the ratification of the appointment by Bancorp’s stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Representatives of BKD, LLP are expected to attend the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make a statement if they so desire.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, BKD, LLP provided various audit, audit related and non-audit services to Bancorp. Set forth below are the aggregate fees billed for these services:

 

 

 

The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by BKD, LLP and the estimated fees for these services.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BKD, LLP AS BANCORP’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2016.

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND STOCK HOLDINGS OF MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information, as of the Record Date, as to those persons believed by management to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. Persons, legal or natural, and groups beneficially owning in excess of five percent of the Common Stock are required to file certain reports regarding their ownership with Bancorp and with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Where appropriate, historical information set forth below is based on the most recent filing on behalf of the person with Bancorp. Other than those persons listed below, management is not aware of any person or group that beneficially owns more than five percent of the Common Stock as of the Record Date. Each beneficial owner listed has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares of Common Stock reported, except as otherwise indicated.

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Stock Ownership of Management

The following table sets forth information, as of the Record Date, as to the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the directors and nominees named under “Proposal I. Election of Directors” above, the named executive officers, and all directors and executive officers as a group. Each beneficial owner listed has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares of Common Stock reported, except as otherwise indicated.

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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Bancorp’s directors, its executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of the Common Stock, to file reports detailing their ownership and changes of ownership in the Common Stock with the SEC and to furnish Bancorp with copies of all such ownership reports. Based solely on Bancorp’s review of the copies of the ownership reports furnished to Bancorp, and written representations relative to the filing of certain forms, Bancorp is aware of no late Form 4 or Form 5 filings during 2015.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS – 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

In order to be eligible for inclusion in Bancorp’s proxy materials for its next annual meeting of stockholders, any stockholder proposal for that meeting must be received by the Secretary of Bancorp at the executive office of Bancorp, located at 1451 E. Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri 65804, by November 22, 2016.  Any such proposal will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

In addition to the deadline and other requirements referred to above for submitting a stockholder proposal to be included in Bancorp’s proxy materials for its next annual meeting of stockholders, Bancorp’s bylaws require a separate notification to be made in order for a stockholder proposal to be eligible for presentation at the meeting, regardless of whether the proposal is included in Bancorp’s proxy materials for the meeting.  In order to be eligible for presentation at Bancorp’s next annual meeting of stockholders, written notice of a stockholder proposal containing the information specified in Article I, Section 6 of Bancorp’s bylaws must be received by the Secretary of Bancorp not earlier than the close of business on January 4, 2017 and not later than the close of business on February 3, 2017.  If, however, the date of the next annual meeting is before April 14, 2017 or after July 3, 2017, the notice of the stockholder proposal must instead be received by Bancorp’s Secretary not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the date of the next annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day before the date of the next annual meeting or the tenth day following the first to occur of the day on which notice of the date of the next annual meeting is mailed or the day on which public announcement of the date of the next annual meeting is first made by Bancorp.

 

 

OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Directors knows of no business that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting other than the proposals discussed in this proxy statement. If, however, other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the holders of the proxies to vote the shares represented thereby on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by Bancorp. Bancorp will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of the Common Stock. In addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers and other employees of Bancorp and/or Great Southern may solicit proxies personally or by telephone without additional compensation.

A COPY OF BANCORP’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, AS FILED WITH THE SEC, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SEC’S WEBSITE, AT WWW.SEC.GOV, OR FROM GREAT SOUTHERN’S WEBSITE, AT WWW.GREATSOUTHERN BANK.COM.

Springfield, Missouri
March 22, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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