Executive Compensation and Related Information DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:
On behalf of the Board, the HR Committee oversees CWB Financial Group’s executive compensation program. We are pleased to pro vide an overview of our compensation program and results for fiscal 2023.
Our ability to attract, retain, and engage talented, diverse and capable executives, and our continued focus on rewarding strong, balanced financial and operational performance is key to the execution of our strategic direction as the best full-service bank for business owners in Canada. Our compensation framework reflects our continued focus on driving prudent, targeted growth and creating long- term value for our shareholders, all within CWB’s risk appetite. Each year, as part of our commitment to proactively manage compensation risk, we review and refine our compensation program to ensure executive pay is linked to performance, aligned with shareholder and stakeholder interests, and reflects market and best practices. For fiscal 2023, general increases to executive salary were awarded to align with market practices and, in some cases, to reflect the expanded oversight responsibilities of the executive.
CWB’S 2023 PERFORMANCE
Fiscal 2023 represented a year where we successfully adapted to changing economic conditions. Elevated inflation continued to persist, and the Bank of Canada responded by increasing policy interest rates an additional 125 basis points through the first half of 2023. Against this backdrop, we targeted our loan growth to optimize risk-adjusted returns, prudently managed our expenses and focused on the timely resolution of unsatisfactory loans as we continued to benefit from our secured lending model and prudent risk appetite. We delivered financial performance that grew stronger as the year progressed and are well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities in front of us as we manage through the continued economic volatility. Loan growth of 4% was strategically focused with loan growth of 10% in general commercial loans and loan growth of 10% in Ontario supported by our Mississauga and Markham banking centres. Branch-raised deposits declined 1%, primarily due to our intentional exit of select higher cost non-full-service client relationships in the year, which we replaced with insured, fixed term broker deposits. Our number of full-service clients, who have a core banking relationship with us, continued to increase this year despite the volatility in the global banking industry. Total non-interest expenses increased 5% and included costs incurred to execute reorganization initiatives to realize efficiencies in our banking centre footprint, operational support functions, and administrative processes. Organizational changes we made late in fiscal 2023 streamline our operations to drive priority activities that take full advantage of our investments in modernized technology, digital capabilities, and further leverage our enhanced credit decisioning tools and policies. With these changes we are confident in our ability to deliver strong financial performance in a potentially volatile environment, while our teams continue to deliver an unrivalled experience to business owners and their families.
Fiscal 2023 Financial Highlights (compared to 2022)
Common shareholders’ net income
Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income (1)
Adjusted EPS (1)
Diluted EPS
Adjusted ROE
Efficiency ratio
$324 million Up 5%
$3.38 Down one cent
$3.58 Down 1%
10.4% Down 40 bp
52.6% Up 110 bp
$528 million Up 1%
Fiscal 2023 Strategic Accomplishments
Transform and optimize our capabilities to create an unrivaled experience for our clients
• Successfully launched a personal and small business digital banking platform. • Launched new corporate cards in partnership with Brim to provide an enhanced digital experience.
• We were recognized: -
by Great Place to Work Canada® as one of this year’s top 2 5 Best Workplaces TM in Canada and one of the Best Workplaces TM for Hybrid Work; and, - by Waterstone Human Capital as having on of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures TM for the fourth time, earning a place in their hall of fame. These awards reflect our commitment to advance an inclusive culture that puts people first and supports our position as a destination for top talent. • Implemented a CWB-wide, harmonized benefits plan, which provides greater flexibility and choice for our people and increases the potential for career movement while maximizing utilization of spend. Includes important investments in mental health supports, family planning and inclusive gender affirmation support. • Launched CWB Career Services, a highly successful internal consulting service to support employees in their career growth within CWB including information sessions, exploration opportunities, and one-on-one career advisory meetings. • Delivered 10% annual loan growth in our general commercial loan portfolio as we executed on our strategic focus of expanding full- service client opportunities. General commercial loans now represent 37% of total loans, up from 35% one year ago. • Achieved 17% general commercial loan growth in Ontario, supported by strong momentum from our Mississauga and Markham banking centres. Ontario loans now represent 25% of total loans, up from 24% one year ago. • Designed and commenced initiatives to re-organize portions of our business, to focus resources and efforts on our key strategic priorities and align our spending with revenue to deliver positive operating leverage and enhanced profitability.
Drive a positive and inclusive culture and employee experience to create value for our people and remain a career destination for top talent
Optimize our business to create value for investors through profitable, long- term growth and sustainable returns
(1) Non-GAAP measure. A Non-GAAP measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. See page 37 of this Circular for more details. Disclosure of adjusted measures and other non-GAAP measures can be found in the non-GAAP Measures section of our 2023 MD&A dated December7, 2023, and is incorporated by reference into this Circular. Our MD&A is available on CWB's website at www.cwb.com and under CWB's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
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