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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
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 §240.14a-12 |
Owens & Minor Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the 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)(1) and 0-11. |
(1) | Title of each class of securities to which the transaction applies: |
(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which the transaction applies: |
(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of the 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 the 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: |
Notice of
2012
Annual Meeting
and
Proxy Statement
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PRESENTLY PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN
PERSON, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO VOTE.
Owens & Minor, Inc.
9120 Lockwood Boulevard
Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116
(804) 723-7000 |
March 14, 2012
Dear Shareholders:
It is a pleasure to invite you to our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the corporate headquarters of Owens & Minor, Inc., 9120 Lockwood Boulevard, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116. Directions to our offices are on the last page of the proxy statement. Morning refreshments will be served, and on-site parking will be available to shareholders attending the annual meeting.
The Notice of 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement describe the items of business for the meeting. In addition to considering these matters, we will review significant accomplishments and events since our last shareholders meeting as well as future opportunities and initiatives we intend to pursue. Our Board of Directors and management team will be there to discuss items of interest and answer any questions.
In our continued effort to conserve natural resources and reduce the costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials, we are making our proxy materials available over the Internet and mailing to our shareholders a notice instead of a paper copy of this proxy statement and our 2011 Annual Report/Form 10-K. The notice contains instructions on how to access those documents over the Internet. The notice also contains instructions on how shareholders can receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, including this proxy statement, our 2011 Annual Report/Form 10-K and a form of proxy card, if they so desire.
You may vote your shares by the Internet or by telephone or, if you prefer, you may request paper copies of the proxy materials and submit your vote by mail by following the instructions on the proxy card. We encourage you to vote via the Internet. Whichever method you choose, your vote is important so please vote as soon as possible. All of us at Owens & Minor appreciate your continued interest and support.
Warm regards,
CRAIG R. SMITH
President & Chief Executive Officer
Table of Contents |
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Proposal 2: Ratification Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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36 | ||||
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Proposal 3: Advisory Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation |
43 | |||
44 | ||||
44 | ||||
45 | ||||
A-1 |
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please vote your shares promptly, as instructed in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, by the Internet or by telephone. You may also request a paper proxy card to submit your vote by mail, if you prefer. We encourage you to vote via the Internet.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held Friday, April 27, 2012
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF OWENS & MINOR, INC.:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Owens & Minor, Inc. (the Company or Owens & Minor) will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Owens & Minor, 9120 Lockwood Boulevard, Mechanicsville, Virginia.
The purposes of the meeting are:
1. | To elect the 11 directors named in the attached proxy statement, each for a one-year term and until their respective successors are elected and qualified; |
2. | To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012; |
3. | To conduct an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers; and |
4. | To transact any other business properly before the annual meeting. |
Shareholders of record as of March 6, 2012 will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
Your attention is directed to the attached proxy statement. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is being distributed on or about March 14, 2012. This proxy statement, the proxy card and Owens & Minors 2011 Annual Report/Form10-K are being furnished on the Internet on or about March 14, 2012.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GRACE R. DEN HARTOG
Senior Vice President, General Counsel
& Corporate Secretary
i
Street Address |
Mailing Address | |
9120 Lockwood Boulevard |
P.O. Box 27626 | |
Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 |
Richmond, Virginia 23261-7626 |
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held on April 27, 2012
What You Are Voting On
Proxies are being solicited by the Board of Directors for purposes of voting on the following proposals and any other business properly brought before the meeting:
Proposal 1: | Election of the 11 directors named in this proxy statement, each for a one-year term and until their respective successors are elected and qualified. |
Proposal 2: | Ratification of KPMG LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. |
Proposal 3: | To conduct an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers. |
Who is Entitled to Vote
Shareholders of Owens & Minor, Inc. (the Company or Owens & Minor) as of the close of business on March 6, 2012 (the Record Date) are entitled to vote. Each share of the Companys common stock (Common Stock) is entitled to one vote. As of March 6, 2012, 63,547,321 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding.
How to Vote
You can vote by the Internet, by telephone or by mail.
By Internet. You may vote by the Internet by following the specific instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. Shareholders who have requested a paper copy of a proxy card by mail may submit proxies over the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card. We encourage you to vote via the Internet. If your shares are held by your bank or broker in street name, please refer to the instruction form that you receive from your bank or broker or contact your bank or broker to determine whether you will be able to vote by the Internet.
By Telephone. You may vote by telephone by calling the toll-free number on the proxy card and following the instructions. Shareholders will need to have the control number that appears on their notice available when voting. If your shares are held by your bank or broker in street name, please refer to the instruction form that you receive from your bank or broker or contact your bank or broker to determine whether you will be able to vote by telephone.
1
By Mail. Shareholders who have requested a paper copy of a proxy card by mail may submit proxies by completing, signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and returning it in the postage-paid envelope provided.
However you choose to vote, you may revoke a proxy prior to the meeting by (1) submitting a subsequently dated proxy by any of the methods described above, (2) giving notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company or (3) voting in person at the meeting (attendance at the meeting will not itself revoke a proxy).
What Happens if You Do Not Make Selections on Your Proxy
If your proxy contains specific voting instructions, those instructions will be followed. However, if you sign and return your proxy card by mail or submit your proxy by telephone or via the Internet without making a selection on one or more proposals, you give authority to the individuals designated on the proxy card to vote on the proposal(s) for which you have not made specific selections or given instructions and any other matter that may arise at the meeting. If no specific selection is made or instructions given, it is intended that all proxies that are signed and returned or submitted via telephone or Internet will be voted FOR the election of all nominees for director, FOR the ratification of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm in 2012, and FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers.
Whether Your Shares Will be Voted if You Dont Provide Your Proxy
Whether your shares will be voted if you do not provide your proxy depends on how your ownership of shares of Common Stock is registered. If you own your shares as a registered holder, which means that your shares of Common Stock are registered in your name, and you do not provide your proxy, your shares will not be represented at the meeting, will not count toward the quorum requirement, which is explained below, and will not be voted.
If you own your shares of Common Stock in street name, your shares may be voted even if you do not provide your broker with voting instructions. Brokers have the authority under New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules to vote shares for which their beneficial owner customers do not provide voting instructions on certain routine matters. When a proposal is not a routine matter and the brokerage firm has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares with respect to that proposal, the brokerage firm cannot vote the shares on that proposal. This is called a broker non-vote.
The Company believes that only the proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for 2012 is a routine matter for which brokerage firms will have discretionary voting power if you do not give voting instructions with respect to this proposal. The proposal to elect directors as well as the proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers are non-routine matters for which brokerage firms will not have discretionary voting power and for which specific voting instructions from their customers are required. As a result, brokerage firms will not be allowed to vote on these non-routine matters on behalf of their customers if the customers do not return specific voting instructions.
What Constitutes a Quorum
A majority of the outstanding shares, present or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum. A quorum is required to conduct the annual meeting. If you vote your proxy, you will be considered part of the quorum. Abstentions, withheld votes (with respect to the election of directors) and shares held by brokers or banks in street name (broker shares) that are voted on any matter are included in the quorum. Broker shares that are not voted on any matter will not be included in determining whether a quorum is present.
The Vote Required to Approve Each Item
Election of Directors. The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting is required for the election of directors. A properly returned proxy indicating withhold authority with respect to the election of one or more directors will not be voted with respect to the director or directors indicated. Broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast on the proposal and will have no effect on this proposal.
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Ratification of Appointment of KPMG LLP. The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP requires that the votes cast for this proposal exceed the number of votes cast against this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation. The advisory vote to approve the compensation of our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (collectively, named executive officers) requires that the votes cast for this proposal exceed the number of votes cast against this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
How to Obtain a Paper Copy of the Proxy Materials
Shareholders will find instructions about how to obtain a paper copy of the proxy materials on the notice they received in the mail about the Internet availability of proxy materials.
What it Means if You Get More Than One Notice about the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials
Your shares are probably registered differently or are held in more than one account. Please vote all proxies to ensure that all your shares are voted. Also, please have all of your accounts registered in the same name and address. You may do this by contacting our transfer agent, Computershare Shareowner Service, LLC, at 1-866-252-0358.
Costs of Soliciting Proxies
Owens & Minor will pay all costs of this proxy solicitation. The Company has retained Georgeson, Inc. to aid in the distribution and solicitation of proxies for approximately $6,000 plus expenses. The Company will reimburse brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their expenses in forwarding proxy and solicitation materials.
General. The Company is managed under the direction of the Board of Directors, which has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to set forth certain corporate governance practices. Each year, the Company reviews its corporate governance policies and practices relative to applicable laws, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and rules promulgated thereunder or adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the NYSE, the exchange on which the Common Stock is listed, as well as the policies and practices recommended by groups and authorities active in corporate governance.
Corporate Governance Materials. The Companys Bylaws, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Honor and the charters of the Audit, Compensation & Benefits, and Governance & Nominating Committees are available on the Companys website at http://www.owens-minor.com under Corporate Governance. The information available on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement.
Code of Honor. The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Honor that is applicable to all employees of the Company, including the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer, as well as the members of the Board of Directors. The Company intends to post any amendments to or waivers from its Code of Honor (to the extent applicable to the Companys chief executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, any other executive officer or any director) on its website.
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Director Independence. The Board of Directors has determined that the following Board members and/or nominees are independent within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards and the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines: A. Marshall Acuff, Jr., J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr., Richard E. Fogg, John W. Gerdelman, Lemuel E. Lewis, G. Gilmer Minor, III, Eddie N. Moore, Jr., Peter S. Redding, James E. Rogers, Robert C. Sledd and Anne Marie Whittemore. To assist it in making determinations of independence, the Board has adopted categorical standards which are included in the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines available on the Companys website at http://www.owens-minor.com under Corporate Governance. The Board has determined that all directors and/or nominees identified as independent in this proxy statement meet these standards.
Structure and Leadership of the Board. The Board of Directors has no policy with respect to the separation of the offices of Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer. Instead, the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company for this determination to be made as part of the succession planning process when it selects a new Chief Executive Officer. Currently, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions are separated because the Board believes it is in the best interests of the Company to have G. Gilmer Minor, III, a 35-year veteran of the Company who served as its Chief Executive Officer for over 20 years, providing his experience and insights in leading the Board, while Chief Executive Officer Craig R. Smith focuses on the implementation of the Companys strategic initiatives and overall operations. The Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines also provide for the annual election of an independent lead director to, among other things, preside at Board meetings in the absence of the Chairman, preside at meetings of the independent directors, serve as principal liaison on behalf of the independent directors and advise the Chairman and the board committee chairmen with respect to agendas and information requirements relating to the Board and committee meetings. The Board believes that the independent lead director enhances communications between board members (including the Chairman) and committees as well as the overall functioning of the Boards leadership.
The Boards Role in Risk Oversight. The Board of Directors currently administers its risk oversight function through the full Board and not through a separate risk committee of the Board. However, each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation & Benefits Committee and the Governance & Nominating Committee oversees the specific financial, compensation and governance risks, respectively, relating to its functions and responsibilities and reports on these matters to the full Board. The Board performs its risk oversight function through regular reporting to the Board by the Board committees as well as the officers and management-level personnel who supervise the day-to-day risk management activities of the Company.
Management has created a Risk Committee comprised of teammates representing various areas and functions throughout our organization with responsibility for assisting the Company in assessing, monitoring, reporting on and managing our business, strategic and operational risks.
Risk Assessment of Compensation Programs. With respect to our overall compensation programs, Company management has reviewed our compensation policies and practices to determine whether they create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. As part of this assessment, we reviewed the design and features of our compensation and benefits programs and policies, potential risks that could be created by these programs and features of our programs and corporate governance policies that help to mitigate risk. Management reviewed and discussed the results of the assessment with the Compensation & Benefits Committee. Based on this review, we believe that our compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE & NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Governance & Nominating Committee is composed of five directors, all of whom are independent. The Governance & Nominating Committee met five times during 2011. In performing the various duties and responsibilities outlined in its charter, the Governance & Nominating Committee, among other things, received
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regular reports on the status and impact of new federal legislation and regulations affecting the Companys governance policies and disclosure obligations; reviewed and approved the Committees charter and the Companys corporate governance guidelines; and implemented the Boards 2011 self-assessment process, which included a review and update of the assessment and comment questionnaires and a presentation to the Board of Directors of these results and comments. During 2011, the Committee devoted considerable time and attention to new director recruitment in anticipation of the scheduled retirement of several directors from the board over the next three-year period. In connection with these efforts, the Company has engaged an outside consulting firm to assist it in the identification and strategic recruitment of directors possessing the qualities, character, experience and expertise that will contribute to the leadership and success of the company in the rapidly changing healthcare industry.
The Governance & Nominating Committee is a strong proponent of continuing education programs for directors, believing that continuing director education programs serve to enhance the skills of directors as well as inform them of new developments. During its 2011 planning retreat, the Board received a presentation from an outside expert in executive compensation best practices and anticipated regulatory changes, and most members of the Board participated in other director education programs or conferences.
The Governance & Nominating Committee will continue to monitor and support implementation of corporate governance best practices at Owens & Minor.
THE GOVERNANCE & NOMINATING
COMMITTEE
A. Marshall Acuff, Jr., Chairman
J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr.
Lemuel E. Lewis
Eddie N. Moore, Jr.
Anne Marie Whittemore
The Board of Directors held six meetings during 2011. All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and committees on which they served. The Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that, absent unusual or unforeseen circumstances, directors are expected to attend each annual meeting of shareholders. All directors attended the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Under the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, non-management directors meet in executive session after each regularly scheduled Board meeting, following which the independent directors then meet in executive session. These meetings are chaired by a lead director who is elected annually by the non-management directors following each annual meeting of shareholders. James E. Rogers currently serves as lead director and presides over these executive sessions. As lead director, Mr. Rogers is also invited to participate in meetings of all Board committees but is permitted to vote only in meetings of committees of which he is a member. Shareholders and other interested parties may contact the lead director by following the procedures set forth in Communications with the Board of Directors on page 9 of this proxy statement.
The Board of Directors currently has the following committees, which the Board established to assist it with its responsibilities:
Audit Committee: Oversees (i) the integrity of the Companys financial statements, (ii) the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) the qualification and independence of the Companys
5
independent registered public accounting firm, (iv) the performance of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and internal audit functions and (v) issues involving the Companys ethical and legal compliance responsibilities. The Audit Committee has sole authority to appoint, retain, compensate, evaluate and terminate the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Richard E. Fogg (Chairman of the Audit Committee) and Eddie N. Moore, Jr. is an audit committee financial expert, as defined by SEC regulations, and that each is financially literate, as such term is interpreted by the Board in its business judgment. All members of the Audit Committee are independent as such term is defined under the enhanced independence standards for audit committees in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and the rules thereunder as incorporated into the NYSE listing standards and under the Companys corporate governance guidelines.
Compensation & Benefits Committee: Administers executive compensation programs, policies and practices. Advises the Board on salaries and compensation of the executive officers and makes other studies and recommendations concerning compensation and compensation policies. May delegate authority for day-to-day administration and interpretation of compensation plans to certain senior officers of the Company (other than for matters affecting executive officer compensation and benefits). For further information on this committees processes and procedures, see Compensation Discussion and Analysis on page 19 of this proxy statement. All members of the Compensation & Benefits Committee are independent within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards and the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines.
Governance & Nominating Committee: Considers and recommends nominees for election as directors and officers and nominees for each Board committee. Reviews and recommends changes to director compensation. Reviews and evaluates the procedures, practices and policies of the Board and its members and leads the Board in its annual self-review. Oversees the governance of the Company, including reviewing and recommending changes to the Corporate Governance Guidelines. All members of the Governance & Nominating Committee are independent within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards and the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines.
Executive Committee: Exercises limited powers of the Board when the Board is not in session.
Strategic Planning Committee: Reviews and makes recommendations for the strategic direction of the Company. Conducts an annual strategic planning retreat for the Board of Directors and senior management.
BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Director | Board | Audit | Compensation & Benefits |
Executive | Governance & Nominating |
Strategic Planning | ||||||
A. Marshall Acuff, Jr. |
X | X | X | X* | ||||||||
J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr. |
X | X | X | |||||||||
Richard E. Fogg |
X | X* | X | X | ||||||||
John W. Gerdelman |
X | X | X | |||||||||
Lemuel E. Lewis |
X | X | X | |||||||||
G. Gilmer Minor, III |
X* | X* | ||||||||||
Eddie N. Moore, Jr. |
X | X | X | |||||||||
Peter S. Redding |
X | X | X* | |||||||||
James E. Rogers |
X | X | X | |||||||||
Robert C. Sledd |
X | X | X | |||||||||
Craig R. Smith |
X | X | X | |||||||||
Anne Marie Whittemore |
X | X* | X | X | ||||||||
No. of meetings in 2011 |
6 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
*Chairman
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The Governance & Nominating Committee reviews director compensation annually, and it is the responsibility of this committee to recommend to the Board of Directors any changes in director compensation. The Board of Directors makes the final determination with respect to director compensation. The Governance & Nominating Committee has the authority under its charter to retain outside consultants or advisors to assist it in gathering information and making decisions. No changes were made to director compensation in 2011.
The Company uses a combination of cash and equity compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on its Board of Directors. In setting director compensation, the Company considers the commitment of time directors must make in performing their duties, the level of skills required by the Company of its Board members and the market competitiveness of its director compensation levels. The table below sets forth the schedule of fees paid to non-employee directors for their annual retainer and service in various capacities on Board committees and in Board leadership roles. Employee directors do not receive any additional compensation other than their normal salary for serving on the Board or any of its committees.
Schedule of Director Fees
Type of Fee | Cash | Equity | ||||||
Annual Retainer |
$ | 30,000 | $ | 80,000 | (1) | |||
Additional Retainer for Lead Director |
40,000 | |||||||
Additional Retainer for Non-Executive Chairman |
200,000 | |||||||
Additional Retainer for Audit Committee Chair |
10,000 | |||||||
Additional Retainer for Compensation & Benefits Committee Chair |
9,000 | |||||||
Additional Retainer for Other Committee Chairs |
8,000 | |||||||
Board or Audit Committee Attendance Fee (per meeting) |
2,000 | |||||||
Compensation & Benefits Committee Attendance Fee |
1,800 | |||||||
Other Committee Attendance Fee (per meeting) |
1,500 | |||||||
Board or Committee Telephone Conference (per meeting, other than Audit Committee) |
1,000 | |||||||
Audit Committee Telephone Conference (per meeting) |
1,200 | |||||||
Board Retreat (annual 2-day meeting) |
3,000 |
(1) Restricted stock grant with one-year vesting period.
Directors may defer the receipt of all or part of their director fees under the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan. Amounts deferred are invested in bookkeeping accounts that measure earnings and losses based on the performance of a particular investment. Directors may elect to defer their fees into the following two subaccounts: (i) an account based upon the price of the Common Stock and (ii) an account based upon the current interest rate of the Companys fixed income fund in its 401(k) plan. Subject to certain restrictions, a director may take cash distributions from a deferred fee account either prior to or following the termination of his or her service as a director.
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Director Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the compensation awarded or paid by the Company to non-employee directors during the year ended December 31, 2011.
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(1) |
Stock Awards |
Option Awards |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Change in Value and ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
A. Marshall Acuff, Jr. |
$ | 67,200 | $ | 80,000 | | | | | $ | 147,200 | ||||||||||||||||||
J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr. |
59,200 | 80,000 | | | | | 139,200 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Richard E. Fogg |
70,400 | 80,000 | | | | | 150,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||
John W. Gerdelman |
60,400 | 80,000 | | | | | 140,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Lemuel E. Lewis |
56,500 | 80,000 | | | | | 136,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||
G. Gilmer Minor, III |
245,000 | 80,000 | | | | | 325,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Eddie N. Moore, Jr. |
64,400 | 80,000 | | | | | 144,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Peter S. Redding |
68,400 | 80,000 | | | | | 148,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||
James E. Rogers |
88,600 | 80,000 | | | | | 168,600 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Robert C. Sledd |
53,200 | 80,000 | | | | | 133,200 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Anne Marie Whittemore |
63,700 | 80,000 | | | | | 143,700 |
(1) Includes amounts deferred by the directors under the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan.
(2) The amounts included in the Stock Awards column are the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(3) No option awards were granted to directors in 2011.
(4) As of December 31, 2011, each non-employee director had the following number of stock awards and option awards outstanding:
Stock Awards | Option Awards | |||||||
Mr. Acuff |
2,322 | 22,500 | ||||||
Mr. Broaddus |
2,322 | 28,125 | ||||||
Mr. Fogg |
2,322 | 15,000 | ||||||
Mr. Gerdelman |
2,322 | 0 | ||||||
Mr. Lewis |
2,322 | 0 | ||||||
Mr. Minor |
2,322 | 0 | ||||||
Mr. Moore |
2,322 | 0 | ||||||
Mr. Redding |
2,322 | 15,000 | ||||||
Mr. Rogers |
2,322 | 30,000 | ||||||
Mr. Sledd |
2,322 | 3,750 | ||||||
Ms. Whittemore |
2,322 | 37,500 |
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Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors
The company maintains stock ownership guidelines for its directors which provide that each director shall attain, within five years after his or her service on the Board begins, a level of equity ownership of Common Stock having a value of at least five times the annual cash retainer fee or $150,000, whichever is higher. Each director who has served on the Board for at least five years has achieved this ownership objective.
Director Candidate Recommendations and Nominations by Shareholders. The Governance & Nominating Committee charter provides that the Governance & Nominating Committee will consider director candidate recommendations by shareholders. Shareholders should submit any such recommendations to the Governance & Nominating Committee through the method described under Communications with the Board of Directors below. In addition, the Companys Bylaws provide that any shareholder of record entitled to vote for the election of directors at the applicable meeting of shareholders may nominate directors by complying with the notice procedures set forth in the Bylaws and summarized in Shareholder Proposals on page 44 of this proxy statement.
Process for Identifying and Evaluating Director Candidates. The Governance & Nominating Committee evaluates all director candidates in accordance with the director qualification standards and the criteria described in the Corporate Governance Guidelines. These guidelines require the Governance & Nominating Committee on an annual basis to review and evaluate the requisite skills and characteristics of individual Board members and nominees as well as the composition of the Board as a whole. This assessment includes whether the member or candidate is independent and includes considerations of diversity, age, skills and experience in the context of the Boards needs. The goal of the Governance & Nominating Committee is to have a Board whose membership reflects a mix of diverse skill sets, technical expertise, educational and professional backgrounds, industry experiences and public service as well as perspectives of different genders and ethnicities. The Governance & Nominating Committee reviews its annual assessment with the Board each year and, as new member candidates are sought, attempts to maintain and enhance the level of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints of directors constituting the Board. As part of the Boards annual self-assessment process, the Board will consider the effectiveness of its overall composition and structure as well as its performance and functioning.
The Companys Bylaws provide that no director nominee can stand for election if, at the time of appointment or election, the nominee is over the age of 72. There are no differences in the manner in which the Governance & Nominating Committee evaluates director candidates based on whether the candidate is recommended by a shareholder. The Governance & Nominating Committee did not receive any nominations from any shareholders for the 2012 annual meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has approved a process for shareholders and other interested parties to send communications to the Board. Shareholders and other interested parties can send written communications to the Board, any committee of the Board, non-management directors as a group, the lead director or any other individual director at the following address: P.O. Box 26383, Richmond, Virginia 23260. All communications will be relayed directly to the applicable director(s).
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Eleven directors are nominated for election to the Board of Directors for a one-year term expiring at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders or until their respective successors are elected. Each nominee has agreed to serve if elected and qualified. If any nominee is not able to serve, the Board may designate a substitute or reduce the number of directors serving on the Board. Proxies will be voted for the nominees shown below (or if not able to serve, such substitutes as may be designated by the Board). The Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable to serve.
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The Companys Bylaws currently provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of 12 directors. The Governance & Nominating Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has approved, 11 persons as nominees for election to the Board of Directors. At its meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors intends to amend the Companys Bylaws to decrease the size of the Board of Directors from 12 to 11 directors to remove the vacancy created by the departure of Mr. Redding, which will be effective immediately following the Annual Meeting. See Retiring Director below. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of directors than the number of nominees named.
Information on each nominee, including the particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led the Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a director of the Company, is set forth below.
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A. Marshall Acuff, Jr., 72, is President of AMA Investment Counsel, LLC, a business consulting firm, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. He also serves as a Managing Director of Cary Street Partners, a financial management and investment banking firm. He retired in 2001 as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Salomon Smith Barney, Inc. where he was responsible for equity strategy as a member of the firms Investment Policy Committee. Mr. Acuff has been a director of the Company since 2001.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Acuff to continue his service as a director of the Company based on his extensive background in financial management and analysis and ability to bring an investment banking perspective to the Boards decision-making process. Mr. Acuff also has 19 years of experience in managing corporate governance issues, which the Board believes significantly contributes to his ability to serve as Chairman of the Governance & Nominating Committee. | |
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J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr., 72, is a former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, a position he held from 1993 until his retirement in 2004. During his tenure as President, Mr. Broaddus also served as a rotating member of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve System. He also serves on the boards of directors of Albemarle Corporation, Markel Corporation and T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Mr. Broaddus has been a director of the Company since 2004.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Broaddus to continue his service as a director of the Company based on the breadth of his knowledge of and leadership experience in national economic policy issues and financial analysis gained through his 34-year tenure in the Federal Reserve System. In addition, Mr. Broaddus has significant experience in serving on other public company boards, providing him with different perspectives and approaches on the many issues currently facing public companies. Mr. Broaddus extensive involvement in state and community financial and educational organizations provides him with additional experiences and viewpoints that contribute to his service as a director of the Company. |
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Richard E. Fogg, 71, retired in 1997 from the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse, LLP (now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) where he was a partner for 23 years and served in a variety of leadership positions, including Associate Vice Chairman, Tax. Mr. Fogg is a Certified Public Accountant. Since his retirement in 1997, Mr. Fogg has provided strategic consulting services to several privately held companies. Mr. Fogg has been a director of the Company since 2003.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Fogg to continue his service as a director of the Company based on his knowledge and technical background in accounting and tax, which qualify him to serve as an audit committee financial expert and as Chairman of the Companys Audit Committee. Mr. Fogg also brings to the Board a strong background in merger and acquisition analysis and transactions management. | |
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John W. Gerdelman, 59, is Managing Partner of River2, an investment and consulting partnership. Mr. Gerdelman was President of Long Lines Limited, a telecommunications service provider, from 2010 to April 2011. Before joining Long Lines in 2010, he co-founded Intelliden Corporation, a network solutions provider for which Mr. Gerdelman served as Executive Chairman from 2003 until it was acquired by IBM in 2010. Mr. Gerdelman has served in a number of leadership positions for other telecommunications companies, including 15 years with MCI Communications Corporation. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. and Sycamore Networks, Inc. and previously served on the boards of Proxim Wireless Corporation, APAC Customer Services, Inc. and McData Corporation. Mr. Gerdelman has been a director of the Company since 2010.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Gerdelman to continue his service as a director of the Company based on his unique entrepreneurial background, extensive experience in finance and accounting and expertise in telecommunications and information systems. The Board believes the Company will benefit from Mr. Gerdelmans business management experience and perspectives as Owens & Minor continues to expand systems and technology solutions used to support our own business operations as well as provide customers with new products for supply chain management. | |
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Lemuel E. Lewis, 65, is President of LocalWeather.com, a web-based privately-held media company he founded in 2008. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Landmark Communications, Inc., a privately-held media and broadcasting company, from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Lewis was appointed to the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank in 2004 and served as Deputy Chairman from 2007 to 2008, Chairman of the Audit Committee from 2005 to 2008, and Chairman from 2009 until his retirement from the board on December 31, 2010. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Markel Corporation and Dollar Tree, Inc. and previously served on the board of Landmark Communications, Inc. Mr. Lewis has been a director of the Company since April 2011.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Lewis to serve as a director of the Company based on his breadth of experience in accounting and finance through his service as Chief Financial Officer of a private media company, as well as his service on the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond where he chaired the Audit Committee. He also brings a wide range of differing perspectives to the Company based on his service on a number of Virginia college and foundation boards and through his membership on the boards of two other public companies, including service on their audit committees. |
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G. Gilmer Minor, III, 71, is Chairman of the Board of Owens & Minor. Mr. Minor, who joined the Company in 1963, has served as Chairman of the Board since 1994 and served as Chief Executive Officer from 1984 to 2005. Mr. Minor retired from the Company in 2005. Mr. Minor serves on the boards of directors of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. He also serves on the board of directors of SunTrust Banks, Inc. Mr. Minor has been a director of the Company since 1980.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Minor to continue his service as a director of the Company based on his more than 35 years of experience in leading and managing the Companys growth and operations, including service as Chief Executive Officer for more than 20 years. The Board believes that Mr. Minors extensive knowledge of the Company, deep understanding of the healthcare supply distribution industry, strong relationships with the Companys customers and suppliers and proven ability to lead the Companys growth uniquely qualify him to serve as the Boards Chairman. Mr. Minor brings additional expertise and perspectives to the Board through his many community affiliations, including past service as a trustee of the Virginia Health Care Foundation. | |
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Eddie N. Moore, Jr., 64, was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Interim President of St. Pauls College in November 2011. He is President Emeritus of Virginia State University after serving as its President from 1993 to 2010. Prior to leading Virginia State University, Mr. Moore served as state treasurer for the Commonwealth of Virginia, heading the Department of the Treasury and serving on fifteen state boards and authorities. He also serves on the board of directors of Universal Corporation. Mr. Moore has been a director of the Company since 2005.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Moore to continue his service as a director of the Company based on his strong background in accounting and finance, which qualify him to serve as an audit committee financial expert, and his leadership experience in managing prominent educational institutions. The Board believes that Mr. Moores experiences in the public sector bring unique perspectives and disciplines to the Boards deliberations and decision-making processes. | |
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James E. Rogers, 66, was appointed Chairman of the Board of BackOffice Associates, LLC, a private company that provides SAP® data quality, migration and governance solutions, in April 2011. He served as President of SCI Investors Inc, a private equity investment firm, from 1993 until his retirement on January 1, 2011. He also serves on the board of directors of NewMarket Corporation and formerly served on the boards of Caraustar Industries, Inc., Wellman, Inc., Chesapeake Corp. and Cadmus Communications, Inc. Mr. Rogers has been a director of the Company since 1991.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Rogers to continue his service as a director of the Company based on his leadership experience as a former chief executive officer and other senior executive positions with several public and private companies, as well as his breadth of knowledge about the Company, its culture and the healthcare distribution industry acquired through his more than 20-year tenure on the Companys Board of Directors. In addition, Mr. Rogers has demonstrated significant leadership and communication skills in his service as the Companys independent lead director for the past nine years. |
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Robert C. Sledd, 59, was appointed in 2010 as a Senior Economic Advisor to the Governor of Virginia. Since 2008, he also has served as Managing Partner of Pinnacle Ventures, LLC and Sledd Properties, LLC. From 1995 to 2008, he served as Chairman of Performance Food Group Co. (PFG), a foodservice distribution company that he co-founded in 1987. He served as Chief Executive Officer of PFG from 1987 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2006. He also serves on the boards of directors of SCP Pool Corporation and Universal Corporation. Mr. Sledd has been a director of the Company since 2007.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Sledd to continue his service as a director of the Company based on his expertise in economic and business development policy, as well as his experience as a former chief executive of a foodservice distribution company, including his knowledge and understanding of the specific issues and challenges faced by companies in the business of distribution and supply chain management. His experiences in founding, growing and taking public PFG allow him to contribute to the Board a breadth of perspectives and ideas on matters of corporate management, governance and strategic growth.
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Craig R. Smith, 60, has served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Owens & Minor since 2005. Mr. Smith, who joined the Company in 1989, served as President & Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 1999 until 2005 and as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 1995 to 1999. In 2010, he was appointed to the board of directors of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority. Mr. Smith has been a director of the Company since 2005.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Smith to continue his service as a director of the Company based on his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his unique ability to communicate to and inform the Board about the Companys day-to-day operations and management issues as well as industry developments. The Board believes that Mr. Smith brings an invaluable perspective on the Companys actual current operations and its ongoing relationships with customers and suppliers. Mr. Smith is the only director nominee who is not independent.
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Anne Marie Whittemore, 65, has been a partner in the law firm of McGuireWoods LLP since 1977. She also serves on the boards of directors of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. and Albemarle Corporation, and is a former chairman of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Virginia. Ms. Whittemore has been a director of the Company since 1991.
The Board of Directors has nominated Ms. Whittemore to continue her service as a director of the Company based on the unique background and perspectives she brings to the board as an attorney whose areas of specialty include corporate governance and complex commercial and securities litigation matters. Her experience includes representation of several Fortune 100 corporations and other companies in matters involving corporate governance and shareholder matters. Ms. Whittemore also has extensive experience as a public company director and member of both compensation and governance committees, which the Board believes contributes to her strong leadership skills as Chairman of the Companys Compensation & Benefits Committee.
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The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of each nominee as director.
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Effective immediately following the Annual Meeting, the term of Peter S. Redding will expire, at which time he will retire from the Board. Mr. Redding has reached our mandatory retirement age and, accordingly, is not eligible to be nominated for another term. The Company gratefully acknowledges Mr. Reddings 13 years of service and dedication to the Company.
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Peter S. Redding, 73, served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Standard Register Company, a leading document services provider, from 1994 until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Redding has been a director of the Company since 1999 and will retire from the board at the 2012 Annual Meeting. |
PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee (with confirmation of the Board) has selected KPMG LLP to serve as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 and has directed that management submit such appointment of KPMG LLP for ratification by the shareholders at the annual meeting. Representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the annual meeting to answer questions and to make a statement, if they desire to do so.
Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules of the SEC promulgated thereunder, the Audit Committee is solely responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. Shareholder ratification of this appointment is not required by the Companys Bylaws or otherwise. If shareholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will take such failure into consideration in future years. If shareholders ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it is determined that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP to serve as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for 2012.
FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
For each of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, KPMG LLP billed the Company the fees set forth below in connection with professional services rendered by that firm to the Company:
Year 2011 | Year 2010 | |||||||
Audit Fees |
$ | 910,000 | $ | 890,000 | ||||
Audit-Related Fees |
23,625 | 23,625 | ||||||
Tax Fees |
0 | 0 | ||||||
All Other Fees |
0 | 30,061 | ||||||
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|
|
|
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Total |
$ | 933,625 | $ | 943,686 |
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Audit Fees. These were fees for professional services performed for the audit of the Companys annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Companys 10-Q filings as well as services performed in connection with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and any services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit-Related Fees. These were fees primarily for the annual audits of the Companys employee benefit plan financial statements and consultations by management related to financial accounting and reporting matters.
All Other Fees. These fees were for assistance in identifying and understanding certain operating and information technology internal controls of the Companys third-party logistics business.
The Audit Committee has established policies and procedures for the approval and pre-approval of audit services and permitted non-audit services. The Audit Committee has the sole responsibility to engage and terminate the engagement of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, to pre-approve such firms performance of audit services and permitted non-audit services and to review with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm its fees and plans for all auditing services. All services provided by and fees paid to KPMG LLP in 2011 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, and there were no instances of waiver of approval requirements or guidelines during this period. The Audit Committees pre-approval policies and procedures for services by independent registered public accounting firms are set forth in Appendix A to this proxy statement.
The Audit Committee is composed of five directors, each of whom is independent under the enhanced independence standards for audit committees in the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder as incorporated into the listing standards of the NYSE and under the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, and two of whom have been determined by the Board of Directors to be audit committee financial experts. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which the Audit Committee reviews at least annually and revises as necessary to ensure compliance with current regulatory requirements and industry changes.
As its charter reflects, the Audit Committee has a broad array of duties and responsibilities. With respect to financial reporting and the financial reporting process, management, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and the Audit Committee have the following respective responsibilities:
Management is responsible for:
| Establishing and maintaining the Companys internal control over financial reporting; |
| Assessing the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each year; and |
| Preparation, presentation and integrity of the Companys consolidated financial statements. |
The Companys independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for:
| Performing an independent audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements and the Companys internal control over financial reporting; |
| Expressing an opinion as to the conformity of the Companys consolidated financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; and |
| Expressing an opinion as to the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. |
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The Audit Committee is responsible for:
| Selecting the Companys independent registered public accounting firm; |
| Overseeing and reviewing the financial statements and the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company; and |
| Overseeing and reviewing managements evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. |
In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and KPMG LLP, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Companys consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed these consolidated financial statements with management and KPMG LLP, including the scope of the independent registered public accounting firms responsibilities, critical accounting policies and practices used and significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of such financial statements.
The Audit Committee has discussed with KPMG LLP the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended. The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from KPMG LLP required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independence of that firm and has discussed with KPMG LLP the firms independence from the Company.
In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with management its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and has discussed with KPMG LLP its opinion as to the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Based upon its discussions with management and KPMG LLP and its review of the representations of management and the report of KPMG LLP to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for filing with the SEC.
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Richard E. Fogg, Chairman
John W. Gerdelman
Lemuel E. Lewis
Eddie N. Moore, Jr.
Peter S. Redding
Compliance With Section 16(a) Reporting
Based solely on the Companys records and information provided by the Companys directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Common Stock, the Company believes that all reports required to be filed by the Companys directors and executive officers under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act were filed on a timely basis during 2011 except that, due to an administrative error, the sale of 6,667 shares of Common Stock by Mark Van Sumeren, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, was reported one day late on a Form 4 filed on May 18, 2011.
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Stock Ownership by Management and the Board of Directors
The following table shows, as of March 6, 2012, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each director and nominee, our named executive officers and all current directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Sole Voting and Investment Power (1) |
Other (2) | Aggregate Percentage Owned |
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G. Gilmer Minor, III |
159,534 | 43,194 | * | |||||||||
A. Marshall Acuff, Jr. |
53,190 | 0 | * | |||||||||
J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr. |
52,239 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Richard E. Fogg |
53,969 | 0 | * | |||||||||
John W. Gerdelman |
4,753 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Lemuel E. Lewis |
3,934 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Eddie N. Moore, Jr. |
12,549 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Peter S. Redding |
57,325 | 0 | * | |||||||||
James E. Rogers |
73,907 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Robert C. Sledd |
15,330 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Anne Marie Whittemore |
98,874 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Craig R. Smith |
400,213 | 0 | * | |||||||||
James L. Bierman |
45,498 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Charles C. Colpo |
75,207 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Mark Van Sumeren |
21,918 | 0 | * | |||||||||
Grace R. den Hartog |
67,274 | 9,202 | * | |||||||||
E.V. Clarke |
0 | 0 | * | |||||||||
All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (21 persons) |
1,302,061 | 62,896 | 2.15 | % |
* Represents less than 1% of the total number of shares outstanding.
(1) Includes 273,000 shares which certain officers and directors of the Company have the right to acquire through the exercise of stock options within 60 days following March 6, 2012. Stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 6, 2012 for each of the Named Executive Officers are as follows:
Mr. Smith 75,000; Mr. Bierman 0; Mr. Colpo 0; Mr. Van Sumeren 0; Ms. den Hartog 31,500; and Mr. Clarke 0.
(2) Includes: (a) shares held by certain relatives or in estates; (b) shares held in various fiduciary capacities; and (c) shares for which the shareholder has shared power to dispose or to direct disposition. These shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned under the rules and regulations of the SEC, but the inclusion of such shares in the table does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership.
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Stock Ownership by Certain Shareholders
The following table shows, as of March 6, 2012, any person (including any group as that term in used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) who, to the Companys knowledge, was the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Shares Beneficially Owned | Percentage Owned | ||||||
BlackRock, Inc. 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022 |
4,603,166 | (1) | 7.24 | % | ||||
Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC 1800 Avenue of the Stars, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067 |
3,374,534 | (2) | 5.31 | % | ||||
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. 100 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
6,401,584 | (3) | 10.07 | % | ||||
Vanguard Group, Inc. 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355 |
3,438,124 | (4) | 5.41 | % | ||||
Wellington Management Company, LLP 280 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 |
3,656,449 | (5) | 5.75 | % |
(1) Based upon a Schedule 13G report or amendment filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the SEC on February 10, 2012.
(2) Based upon a Schedule 13G report or amendment filed by Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC with the SEC on February 10, 2012.
(3) Based upon a Schedule 13G report or amendment filed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. with the SEC on February 13, 2012.
(4) Based upon a Schedule 13G report or amendment filed by Vanguard Group, Inc. with the SEC on February 9, 2012.
(5) Based upon a Schedule 13G report or amendment filed by Wellington Management Company, LLP with the SEC on February 14, 2012.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table shows, as of December 31, 2011, information with respect to compensation plans under which shares of Common Stock are authorized for issuance.
Plan Category | (a) Number of securities to |
(b) Weighted-average exercise |
(c) Number of securities issuance under equity compensation plans in column (a)) |
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Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders (1) |
556,000 | $ | 21.72 | 2,300,000 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders (2) |
0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
Total |
556,000 | $ | 21.72 | 2,300,000 |
(1) These equity compensation plans are the 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, 1998 Directors Compensation Plan, 2003 Directors Compensation Plan and 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. No additional awards may be made under the 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, the 1998 Directors Compensation Plan or the
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2003 Directors Compensation Plan. However, shares may be issued under such plans upon the exercise of options that remain outstanding under such plans.
(2) The Company does not have any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by shareholders.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Executive Summary
Compensation Program Components and Practices
The goal of Owens & Minors executive compensation program is to encourage sustained high Company and individual performance within a framework that allows us to attract, retain and motivate management. Components of our executive compensation program are designed to create the appropriate balance between short- and long-term incentives, to weigh cost against expected benefit and to align with shareholder value while promoting executive retention. These components include:
| Reasonable but competitive base salaries so executives are not motivated to take excessive risks. |
| Annual incentives to drive critical business goals for each year. |
| Restricted stock and performance share grants to retain management and focus executives on longer-term financial performance and execution of our strategic plan. |
| Retirement, severance and other benefits to attract executive talent and encourage retention. |
Our compensation program and practices also are designed to meet compensation best practices and include the following:
| No employment agreements with our officers. |
| Stock ownership guidelines for officers and policies that prohibit hedging against the economic risk of such ownership. |
| An annual incentive plan based on achievement of objective, simple and transparent financial measures that are structured to motivate enhanced performance over the preceding year. |
| One-half of annual equity award grants are performance shares with multi-year performance requirements. |
| Prohibition against re-pricing of equity awards. |
| Limited perquisites provided to officers. |
| Recoupment policy to recover compensation from executive officers under circumstances involving restatement of our financial statements due to misconduct. |
| No excise tax gross-ups on change in control severance payments and benefits. |
| Double triggers for equity vesting or severance payments and benefits, requiring termination of employment following a change in control. |
We believe that our executive compensation program, structured to reward performance and create long-term shareholder value, has played a significant role in effectively motivating and rewarding management to meet the challenges of our business and produce the many successes we have experienced and continue to experience today. Further discussion and disclosure of the Companys compensation policies and practices are included in the pages following this Executive Summary.
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2011 Incentive Compensation Payouts Reflect Pay for Performance
The healthcare industry faced another challenging year in 2011 with continued intense pressure on providers and others in the highly competitive healthcare supply chain to reduce costs. Although our revenue performance was strong in 2011, increasing competitive pricing pressure in the medical/surgical supply distribution market limited our ability to grow earnings. We reported revenue of $8.63 billion in 2011, an increase of 6.2% over 2010. However, income from continuing operations, excluding exit and realignment charges in 2011 ($7.7 million after income taxes) and pension plan termination charges in 2010 ($11.9 million after income taxes), were essentially flat at $122.9 million in 2011 compared to $122.5 million in 2010. This level of performance resulted in payouts under the Companys 2011 annual incentive program significantly below the target level of the payout range for executives, consistent with our pay for performance philosophy.
Payouts under our 2011 incentive compensation program were based on achievement of our budget-based performance metrics, including net revenues, income from continuing operations and return on average assets.
| Based on levels of achievement of performance metrics relative to target, payouts under the 2011 incentive compensation program were 21.5% of target. Although 2011 performance results would have yielded a payout at 42% of target, the payout was reduced to 21.5%, which was the maximum level that could be paid for the incentive plan minimum income qualifier to be met. |
| Because the Company did not achieve the requisite level of compounded annual growth in operating earnings for 2010 and 2011, there were no payouts of restricted stock under the 2010 performance share grants, which were forfeited. |
Say-On-Pay Vote
In April 2011, our shareholders overwhelmingly approved the compensation of our named executive officers for 2010 in our first say-on-pay advisory vote. In light of this support, the Committee concluded that no significant revisions were necessary to the general structure and philosophy behind our executive compensation program in 2011. In addition, our Board of Directors took into account the strong preference of our shareholders for an annual vote on executive compensation and determined that the Company will hold an annual advisory shareholder vote on the compensation of our named executive officers until the next say-on-pay frequency vote.
The Process for Setting Executive Compensation
The Companys executive compensation levels and programs are established, approved and administered by the Compensation & Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee), which is currently composed of five independent directors. The Committee solicits the views of its outside consulting firm and senior management on incentive compensation and plan design issues. In addition, the Committee evaluates the performance of our Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis jointly with the Governance & Nominating Committee, and the Chief Executive Officer provides performance evaluations of our other executive officers and recommendations as to their compensation levels.
Independent Advisor. The Committee has the authority under its charter to retain independent consultants or advisors to assist it in gathering information and making decisions. Management may not engage any independent advisor retained by the Committee to perform services without the prior approval of the Committee, and no such engagement by management was undertaken in 2011. The Committee also obtains information and assistance from the Companys Human Resources Department in evaluating and making decisions on executive compensation.
For 2011, the Committee engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (the Cook firm) as its independent advisor to (1) analyze competitive levels of each element of compensation and total compensation for each of the named executive officers relative to the peer group and industry trends and (2) provide information regarding executive compensation trends and regulatory changes and developments.
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Factors Used to Determine Executive Compensation. Consistent with past years, the Committee considered a variety of factors in making decisions regarding compensation for our named executive officers in 2011. The primary factors were as follows:
Performance. The Companys policy is to provide its executive officers with compensation opportunities that are based upon the performance of the Company, their individual performance and their contribution to Company performance.
Mix of Short-Term and Long-Term Compensation. Because the successful operation of the Companys business requires a long-term approach, one element of our executive compensation program is long-term compensation. Although the Company has never had specific policies on the percentage of total compensation that should be short-term versus long-term, the Committee considered this relationship in determining the overall balance and reasonableness of the executives total direct compensation packages. The Committee believes that short-term compensation is necessary in conjunction with long-term compensation to provide remuneration for performance of the short-term goals or milestones that ultimately lead to achievement of our long-term objectives and strategic initiatives.
Impact and Mix of Cash vs. Non-Cash Compensation. The Committee considers both the cost and the motivational value of the various components of compensation. Although we have no specific policies on the percentage of total compensation that should be cash versus equity, the Committee considered this relationship in determining the overall balance and reasonableness of the executives total direct compensation packages.
Peer Group Comparisons. Each year, the Committee evaluates the Companys compensation levels and programs through comparisons to available information for a group of peer companies selected by the Committee (Peer Companies) based in part on recommendations from and analyses prepared by the Cook firm. This evaluation helps the Committee to assess whether our level and mix of executive pay is competitive and reasonable when compared to certain industry standards.
Since 2008, the Company has used a peer group of 13 companies for compensation comparisons. The Peer Companies were selected because they are in healthcare distribution or other distribution industries and have revenue, net income, total assets and/or market capitalization (the Size Indicators) that align reasonably closely with those of Owens & Minor. The peer group also includes MeadWestvaco Corporation, a Richmond, Virginia-based company with which the Company believes it competes geographically for executive talent. These Peer Companies are as follows:
2011 Peer Companies | ||
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. |
Patterson Companies, Inc. | |
Conway, Inc. |
PSS World Medical, Inc. | |
Genuine Parts Company |
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | |
Henry Schein, Inc. |
United Natural Foods, Inc. | |
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. |
United Stationers Inc. | |
MeadWestvaco Corporation |
W.W. Grainger, Inc. | |
Nash Finch Company |
Relative to the Size Indicators of the Peer Companies, the Company ranks between the 25th percentile and median of the peer group. Using the Peer Companies, the Cook firm analyzed the compensation components and levels as reported for the named executive officer positions of the Peer Companies and prepared a comparison of the Companys 2010 actual total direct compensation and 2011 target total direct compensation and each element thereof to reported information for the Peer Companies. Based on this analysis as well as the Size Indicators, the Committee determined that it is appropriate to target compensation for our named executive officers up to the median relative to the Peer Companies and to pay above or below the target level based on actual performance.
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The target total direct compensation (base salaries, annual incentive opportunities and equity awards) for all named executive officers is below median relative to the Peer Companies, generally due to lower levels of equity awards. However, we believe that our target total compensation is appropriately competitive because of our executive retirement benefits (see discussion of SERP on page 37 of this proxy statement).
Tally Sheets. The Committee also reviews total compensation levels for executive officers at least annually through the use of tally sheets that quantify (or value) each element of direct and indirect compensation provided to individual executives and the portion of the executives total compensation represented by each element of compensation. This annual review of tally sheets also includes information on the value of executives unexercised stock options and outstanding stock awards as well as an evaluation of the payments and benefits that would be paid to executive officers in the event of termination of employment, including retirement or following a change in control of the Company. While providing additional context to the Committee in making compensation decisions, the information from the tally sheets regarding unexercised stock options, outstanding stock awards and termination payments and benefits generally did not affect the Committees 2011 compensation decisions for the named executive officers. This reflects the Committees view that an executives compensation level should be based on the Companys performance, the executives performance and the executives contribution to the Companys performance.
Total Program Cost. We consider the cost (including aggregate share usage and dilution) of the various components of the Companys compensation program in evaluating the overall balance and reasonableness of our executives total direct compensation packages.
Risk Considerations. In setting executive compensation, the Committee reviews the various components of our program to consider whether they are appropriately structured to promote the achievement of our business goals without encouraging the taking of unnecessary risks. We believe that several elements of our program mitigate risks associated with performance-based compensation, including the following:
| Limits on Incentive Compensation. Awards under our annual incentive program are capped at 200% of the executives target award to protect against excessive short-term incentives, and the Committee has discretion to reduce awards based on factors it deems appropriate, including whether officers took unnecessary risks. |
| Performance Metrics. We use a combination of performance metrics (net revenues, income from continuing operations and return on average assets) for our annual incentive program that emphasizes profitable and disciplined growth and requires responsible and risk-based decision-making by our executives. |
| Performance Shares/Long-Term Equity Awards. Approximately one-half of an executives equity compensation each year consists of performance shares with a two-year performance cycle and an additional year of service-based vesting, which focuses management on sustaining the Companys longer-term performance. The other half of an executives equity compensation each year consists of restricted stock awards that vest over a period of at least three years and, accordingly, further encourages a focus on long-term performance. |
| Share Ownership Guidelines. Our share ownership guidelines ensure that our executives have a significant amount of their personal wealth tied to long-term holdings in Owens & Minor stock. |
Elements of Compensation
In an effort to achieve the objectives identified above, the Companys executive compensation framework consists of the following elements as further described below:
| Base Salary; |
| Annual Incentives; |
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| Long-Term Incentives (performance shares and restricted stock); |
| Deferred Compensation Plan; |
| Retirement/Post-Termination Compensation; and |
| Other Benefits. |
We believe that the elements of our executive compensation framework support short-term and long-term performance goals by providing our executive officers with an appropriate mix of compensation elements that include (1) fixed annual compensation, (2) target-based annual and long-term incentive compensation and (3) security for the future needs of the executives and their families in the form of retirement and termination benefits.
Base Salary
The Company believes base salary is the foundation of our executive compensation framework because it provides a fixed amount of cash compensation to provide for the basic economic security needs of executives at a level that allows us to recruit and retain key talent. All of our executive officers are employed on an at will basis, and there are no employment agreements. The Committee reviews base salaries each April.
In making base salary decisions in April 2011, the Committee considered (1) individual attributes of each named executive officer (such as responsibilities, skills, leadership and experience), (2) individual and overall Company performance levels, (3) the officers expected future contributions to the Company and (4) overall market-competitiveness of the officers base salary. The Committee also considered that the targeted average percentage salary increase for non-executive Company teammates was between 3.0% and 3.5% in 2011. In addition, the Committee reviewed competitive comparisons prepared by the Cook firm indicating that the Companys base salary levels were generally above median versus the Peer Companies even though target total direct compensation was below the median. Based on the factors above, the Committee gave each of the named executive officers an increase in base salary of between 0% and 6% as set forth in the table below. The Committee believed that these relatively modest increases in salary levels reflect the performance of each of the officers balanced against economic conditions, average salary increases being received by other Company teammates and the Companys above-median base salary levels relative to the Peer Companies.
Name |
2011 Base Salary (effective 4/2011) |
2011 Base Salary Increase Percentage |
||||||
Craig R. Smith |
$861,492 | 3.0% | ||||||
James L. Bierman |
554,585 | 6.0% | ||||||
Charles C. Colpo |
520,150 | 4.0% | ||||||
Mark Van Sumeren |
465,247 | 0.0% | ||||||
Grace R. den Hartog |
393,260 | 6.0% |
Annual Incentives
The Company provides annual incentive opportunities to executive officers to motivate their performance in achieving our current-year business goals. Each year, we establish a business plan for the forthcoming year that includes financial, strategic and other goals for the Company and that is approved by the Board of Directors. Annual incentive goals for the executive officers are set based on the approved business plan (the Annual Incentive Plan). These goals are weighted to reflect their relative importance and contribution to overall Company performance.
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For the 2011 Annual Incentive Plan and consistent with past years, the Committee set target annual incentive opportunities at 75% of base salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 50% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers (Target Payout Amount), subject to the achievement of the Companys target performance goals. The Chief Executive Officer has a higher Target Payout Amount than the other named executive officers, reflecting the broader scope of his responsibilities and authority and his greater ability to impact the Companys performance.
The three performance metrics (Performance Metrics) established for determining the Target Payout Amount that may be paid are shown below with their respective weightings:
Performance Metric | Weight | |||
Company income from continuing operations |
50 | % | ||
Company net revenues |
25 | % | ||
Company return on average assets |
25 | % |
The Committee selected, and the Board of Directors approved, the Performance Metrics, the weights assigned to them and the target achievement levels in early February 2011 based on discussions with and recommendations by the Companys senior management, the approved business plan for 2011 and the growth and operational improvements called for in the Companys strategic plan. The specific Performance Metrics were selected because income from continuing operations and revenue growth, together with effective asset management, are the most critical performance areas for the Company and key indicators of successful growth and management. They also constitute simple, objective and transparent criteria by which to measure performance. The Committees goal in setting the target achievement levels was to provide management with challenging yet reasonably achievable goals that would lead the Company to meeting its 2011 business plan and position us to ultimately achieve the growth and improvement targets in our strategic plan without encouraging excessive risk-taking behavior. The Committee believes that the use of three different performance metrics that reward revenue growth but emphasize profitable growth with effective asset management mitigates any excessive risk-taking to achieve incentive payments. In addition, the Committee retains authority to reduce or eliminate incentive compensation, which allows it to monitor and respond to any behavior that it believes could be detrimental to the Company.
The achievement levels for the Performance Metrics were structured to provide a range of payout below and above the Target Payout Amount from, on the high side, a maximum of two times the Target Payout Amount to, on the low side, a minimum of one-half the Target Payout Amount for achievement of threshold performance. No amount would be payable in respect of any Performance Metrics for achievement below threshold or if the Company did not meet the minimum net income qualifier that income from continuing operations for 2011 exceed income from continuing operations for 2010. The table below sets forth the achievement levels at threshold, target and maximum established for each of the Performance Metrics for 2011.
2011 Performance Metric Achievement Levels
Actual Payout Amount vs. Target (1) | Company Net Revenues (millions) |
Company Income from (millions) |
Return on Average (%) |
|||||||||
200% (Maximum) |
$ | 8,773 | $ | 135.7 | 7.3 | % | ||||||
100% (Target) |
8,632 | 131.5 | 6.8 | |||||||||
50% (Threshold) |
8,367 | 123.2 | 6.3 |
(1) For achievement levels above the threshold amount but below target, or above target but below the maximum threshold, payout amounts would be calculated based on a straight line interpolation of the achievement level above threshold or target.
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For 2011, the Company achieved the following results relative to each Performance Metric and target achievement level:
| Net revenues of $8.628 billion, representing 99% of target payout. |
| Income from continuing operations of $122.9 million, excluding exit and re-alignment charges of $7.7 million after income taxes, representing 0% of target payout. |
| Return on average assets of 6.5%, representing 69% of target payout. |
Although the foregoing financial and operational performance would have yielded a weighted-average annual incentive payout of 42% of Target Payout Amount, the payout amount was reduced to 21.5%, which was the maximum level that could be paid for the incentive plan minimum income qualifier to be met. As a result, the following awards were made to the named executive officers at the 21.5% of Target Payout Amount level:
Name | 2011 Annual Incentive Plan Actual Cash Payout Amounts |
|||
Mr. Smith |
$ | 138,916 | ||
Mr. Bierman |
59,618 | |||
Mr. Colpo |
55,916 | |||
Mr. Van Sumeren |
50,014 | |||
Ms. den Hartog |
42,275 |
Long-Term Incentives
The Companys long-term incentive program is focused on rewarding performance that enhances shareholder value through the use of equity-based awards that link compensation to the value of our Common Stock and strengthens the alignment of management and shareholder interests by creating meaningful levels of Company stock ownership by management. Our long-term incentive program has two components: (1) annual equity awards and (2) the Management Equity Ownership Program (MEOP).
When making the 2011 long-term incentive equity award determinations, the Committee focused on the Companys longer-term financial performance and balanced the need to align the named executive officers financial interests with those of shareholders against considerations regarding the affordability of equity grants, including aggregate share usage, dilution and accounting costs. We have historically been conservative and below median relative to the Peer Companies in granting equity awards under our long-term incentive program to minimize share usage, dilution and accounting costs. Although the Committee increased the level of equity grants in 2011 relative to other elements of compensation in order to maintain the competitiveness of total compensation opportunities, equity grants continue to be below median relative to the Peer Companies, although this positioning is offset for named executive officers by the SERP as mentioned above.
Pursuant to the Companys long-term incentive program, the named executive officers received long-term incentive awards in 2011 having the following grant date fair values:
Name | 2011 Long-Term Incentive Awards (a) | |||||||||||||||
Performance Shares (b) |
Restricted Stock (c) |
MEOP Restricted |
Total | |||||||||||||
Mr. Smith |
$ | 449,984 | $ | 449,984 | $ | 183,525 | $ | 1,083,493 | ||||||||
Mr. Bierman |
224,992 | 224,992 | 82,512 | 532,496 | ||||||||||||
Mr. Colpo |
199,973 | 199,973 | 46,025 | 445,971 | ||||||||||||
Mr. Van Sumeren |
99,986 | 99,986 | 38,298 | 238,270 | ||||||||||||
Ms. den Hartog |
162,248 | 162,248 | 30,542 | 355,038 |
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(a) The amounts shown are the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and, in the case of performance shares, are based on probable achievement at target levels.
(b) These performance shares require achievement by the Company of a targeted compounded annual growth in operating earnings for a two-year period (calendar years 2011 and 2012) of 10%-12% as a condition to issuance of the underlying restricted stock (which, if earned, would vest on the third anniversary of the performance share award). Based on operating earnings results for 2011, it is unlikely that the performance share awards will be earned.
(c) These shares of restricted stock vest three years from the date of grant based on the executives continued employment with the Company.
(d) These awards were granted in February 2011 and were based on the officers achievement of their respective 2010 target ownership amounts under the MEOP as of December 31, 2010. Each officer, except Mr. Bierman, received his or her award in additional performance shares (described in (c) above). Awards to Mr. Bierman were paid in shares of restricted stock that vest five years from the date of grant. See discussion of our MEOP on page 27 of this proxy statement.
Annual Equity Awards. Our shareholder-approved 2005 Stock Incentive Plan permits the Company to award grants of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock awards, performance share awards and stock appreciation rights. Except in instances of initial executive hiring, job promotions and similar circumstances, the Company grants equity awards to executive officers one time each year. The Committees decision to grant equity-based awards (other than the restricted stock and performance share grants made in connection with the MEOP) is discretionary and largely determined by the Companys longer-term financial performance, strategic accomplishments and individual contributions. Equity award decisions may also be based upon outstanding individual performance, expected future performance, job promotions and the assumption of greater responsibility within the Company. The Committee strives to maintain an appropriate balance between the aggregate number of shares used for equity grants (relative to the competitive landscape) and shareholder interests.
Over the past several years, we have transitioned from granting stock options (which have not been granted since 2007) and service-based equity awards to granting a combination of service-based equity awards and equity awards tied to corporate performance. Beginning in 2009, the Committee took further steps to link equity awards to long-term performance by increasing the length of the performance period for performance shares from one year to two years.
In 2011, the Committee again granted equity awards to the named executive officers consisting of 50% service-based restricted stock that vests three years from the date of grant and 50% performance shares, which are earned only if the Company achieves the designated two-year compounded growth in operating earnings for calendar years 2011 and 2012 (relative to 2010 operating earnings). The Committee chose an operating earnings metric for the performance shares (rather than income from continuing operations, which is used for the annual incentive program) because it believes operating earnings (which reflects performance prior to net interest expense and income taxes) is a more appropriate measurement of longer-term performance and directly aligns long-term compensation to the Companys strategic plan goals. If the performance requirement is met, the performance shares are paid in the form of restricted stock that vests on the third anniversary of the performance share award. If the performance requirement is not met, the award is forfeited. The table below shows the operating earnings metric established by the Committee for the 2011 performance share awards. These achievement levels were selected based on the Companys 2011 business plan and overall strategic plan.
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2011 Performance Share Achievement Levels
Actual Payout Amount vs. Target (1) |
Compounded Annual
Growth in Operating Earnings for 2011 and 2012 (%) | |
150% (Maximum) | 14% | |
100% (Target) | 10% - 12% | |
50% (Threshold) | 8% |
(1) | For achievement levels above the threshold amount but below target, or above target but below the maximum threshold, share payout amounts would be calculated based on a straight line interpolation of the achievement level above threshold or target. There is no payout for achievement below threshold. |
Because the performance metric for the performance shares awarded in 2011 has a two-year performance period, no restricted shares would be issued until after December 31, 2012 and only if the metric is achieved at the threshold level or above, which is unlikely based on 2011 operating earnings. No restricted shares were issued in respect of performance shares awarded in 2010 due to non-achievement of requisite operating earnings growth for 2010 and 2011.
Management Equity Ownership Program. In addition to the equity awards discussed above, each named executive officer is eligible to earn an additional award of restricted stock or performance shares each year by achieving requisite stock ownership levels under the Companys MEOP. The MEOP is intended to further strengthen the alignment of management and shareholder interests by creating meaningful levels of Company stock ownership by management. The MEOP target ownership levels are as follows:
Officer |
Value of Common Stock | |||
Chief Executive Officer |
4.0 x Base Salary | |||
President |
3.0 x Base Salary | |||
Executive Vice Presidents |
2.0 x Base Salary | |||
Senior Vice Presidents |
1.5 x Base Salary | |||
Vice Presidents, Regional Vice Presidents |
1.0 x Base Salary |
The Chief Executive Officers higher ownership target reflects the larger portion of his total compensation represented by long-term incentive award value. Eligible holdings in meeting these targets include direct holdings, indirect holdings, shares held through Company plans such as the 401(k) plan and teammate stock purchase plan, and restricted stock holdings (but excluding stock options).
Under the MEOP, participants are given approximately five years to reach the full target ownership amount with interim targets to meet each year. As of December 31, 2011, each named executive officer had achieved his or her applicable target ownership amount. Because of the success of the MEOP in increasing and maintaining meaningful stock ownership levels among management, the Company has not imposed any further stock retention requirements on its executive officers in connection with stock option exercises or vesting of restricted stock.
Until a participant meets his or her total target level of ownership, a 10% annual equity ownership dividend is paid on all Common Stock owned up to the participants full target ownership amount, provided the applicable interim ownership targets are achieved. The dividend is paid in the form of restricted stock that vests five years from the date of grant if the desired ownership level is maintained and the executive remains in the Companys employ. Once a participant reaches his or her total target level of ownership, the annual equity ownership dividend is reduced from 10% to 5%. In addition, to further link executive compensation to performance results, this 5% dividend is paid in additional performance shares rather than shares of service-based restricted stock.
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Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company has an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan into which officers may defer salary and cash bonus. The purpose of the deferred plan is to provide security for current and future needs of the officers and their families by providing a tax efficient opportunity to save for retirement and to ensure that our executive compensation program remains competitive in the marketplace for key executive talent. This plan is unfunded and provides for a single investment option in a fixed income fund selected by the Committee that pays the applicable market rate of interest. Only one of the named executive officers participates in the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
Retirement/Post-Termination Compensation
Retirement Compensation
The Company believes that retirement compensation is an essential component of an overall market competitive total executive compensation package in that it provides security for the future needs of the executives and their families. The named executive officers are entitled to participate in the Companys 401(k) plan and receive Company matching contributions in the same manner as other Company teammates. In 2010, the Company terminated its defined benefit pension plan, the benefits under which had been frozen since 1996.
The Company provides supplemental retirement benefits under a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the SERP) for certain officers selected by the Committee, including the named executive officers, as further described on page 37 of this proxy statement under Retirement PlansSupplemental Executive Retirement Plan. At the time of its implementation in 1991, the SERP was designed to be competitive relative to defined benefit pension plans offered by other companies and to reward officers who provide long-term service to the Company, thereby promoting retention of highly performing executive talent. Amounts payable under the SERP are reviewed and considered by the Committee each year in evaluating tally sheets on total executive compensation to ensure that the amounts are reasonable in light of the purpose of the SERP and relative to the marketplace generally. During 2008, the Cook firm analyzed the SERP, including expected short-term and long-term costs and benefits, and the prevalence of these compensation plans among the Peer Companies. Although only about 25% of the Peer Companies had SERPs at that time, the Committee determined that the benefits attributable to the SERP, together with the other elements of compensation, provide a competitive target total compensation program to the named executive officers. The Committee also believes that the SERP has played and continues to play a valuable role in attracting and retaining executive talent, especially since the Company currently offers no retirement benefits other than 401(k) plan participation. However, in early 2012, the Committee amended the SERP to freeze benefit levels effective March 31, 2012, as part of the effort to make our overall executive compensation program more performance-based.
Change in Control Agreements
The Company has entered into change in control agreements (CIC Agreements) with certain officers, including the named executive officers, as described on page 42 of this proxy statement under Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in ControlChange in Control Agreements. The purpose of the CIC Agreements is to encourage key management personnel to remain with the Company and to help avoid distractions and conflicts of interest in the event of a potential or actual change in control of the Company so that executives will focus on a fair and impartial review of the acquisition proposal and the maximization of shareholder value despite the risk of losing their employment. The Committee believes that the CIC Agreements help it to attract and retain key executive talent that could have other employment alternatives that may appear to be less risky absent these arrangements. The Committee further believes that it has structured these agreements to be reasonable and to provide a temporary level of income protection to the executive in the event of employment loss due to a change in control.
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The CIC Agreements are subject to annual review and revision by the Company. Effective January 1, 2011, the CIC Agreements were revised to eliminate excise tax gross-up payments and make certain other changes in definitions and terms to reflect compensation best practices.
The severance payment obligation under the CIC Agreements has a double trigger such that the payment of a severance benefit may only be made if there is a change of control and the officers employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without cause or the officer for good reason within 24 months after such change in control. We believe that this structure strikes an appropriate balance between the incentives and the executive hiring and retention effects described above, without providing these benefits to executives who continue to enjoy employment with an acquiring company in the event of a change of control transaction. Annually in connection with the review of executive compensation tally sheets, the Committee reviews the severance amounts that would be payable to each named executive officer upon a change in control to ensure that the amounts are reasonable in light of the purpose of the agreements and relative to the marketplace generally. However, these amounts did not affect the Committees compensation decisions with regard to any specific element of our 2011 executive compensation program.
Equity awards granted in 2006 and thereafter have the same double-trigger feature discussed above for accelerated vesting and exercisability, as applicable, in the event of a change in control. These same terms apply to the equity awards of all other teammates in the Company upon a change in control.
Severance Policy
The Company has a formal severance policy described on page 41 of this proxy statement under Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in ControlSeverance Policy that applies to all corporate officers who are involuntarily terminated without cause (or who resign at the request of the Company). We adopted this policy to promote management stability and provide consistent and fair treatment to our departing officers in circumstances where their performance does not constitute cause for employment termination. We believe the severance policy helps the Company attract and retain key executive talent that could have other employment alternatives that may appear to be less risky absent such a policy. The severance policy is designed to provide the officer with continued compensation and assistance for up to 18 months, which is based on years of service with the Company, in an effort to assist him or her in finding new employment and is conditioned upon the officer entering into a non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreement for the benefit of the Company.
Other Benefits
In addition to the components of compensation discussed above, we provide certain other limited benefits to executives, including the named executive officers, to help maximize the time key executives are able to spend on the Companys business; to reward experience, expertise, responsibility, seniority, leadership qualities and advancement; and to ensure that our executive compensation program remains competitive in the marketplace for key executive talent. These other benefits consist of the following and are specifically disclosed by amount in note (4) to the Summary Compensation Table on page 33 of this proxy statement: funding of life insurance policy premiums (provides security for current and future needs of the executives and their families), automobile allowance or lease (ensures transportation for business travel needs, recognizing that the automobile may also be used for personal purposes), tax and financial planning and return preparation assistance (allows executives to concentrate on business matters rather than on personal financial planning), and annual physical and enhanced medical access (identifies and addresses medical issues and helps preserve the Companys investment in its executives by encouraging them to maintain healthy lifestyles and be proactive in addressing potential health issues). In addition, named executive officers may participate in our health and welfare plans, 401(k) plan and teammate stock purchase plan on the same basis as other full-time teammates. Finally, we only pay for executive travel on commercial or private aircraft when such travel is integrally and directly related to the performance of the executives duties for the Company and is not personal in nature. We do not provide tax gross-ups on any income executives may realize as a result of the foregoing benefits.
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Recoupment Policy
In an effort to mitigate any imprudent risk-taking behavior associated with incentive compensation, the Company has a policy that permits the recoupment of performance-based cash and equity compensation paid to executive officers of the Company after January 1, 2010. This compensation is recoverable from an executive officer if:
(i) | The payment or award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement of the Companys financial statements; |
(ii) | The Board (or its designated committee) determines that the executive engaged in misconduct that caused or substantially caused the need for the restatement; and |
(iii) | A lower payment would have been made to the executive officer based upon the restated financial results. |
If the foregoing conditions are met, as determined by the Board (or its designated committee), the Company, under terms of the applicable program or award agreements, will recover from the executive officer the amount by which his or her performance-based compensation for the relevant period exceeded the amount (if any) that would have been paid based on the restated financial results. The Board (or its designated committee) may take such further action as it deems necessary or appropriate to remedy the misconduct and prevent its recurrence. The recoupment policy currently will not apply to performance-based compensation after the second anniversary of the date on which such compensation was paid.
The Committee will review our recoupment policy for any changes that may be necessary to comply with any forthcoming rules under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.
Hedging and Derivatives Trading Prohibition
The Company has policies that prohibit directors, officers and other teammates with access to confidential information of the Company from engaging in certain transactions relating to our common stock, including buying or selling options and short sales. We also prohibit these individuals from hedging the economic risk of ownership of our common stock and strongly discourage holding our stock in a margin account or pledging our stock as collateral for a loan.
Tax Considerations
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code disallows corporate tax deductions for executive compensation in excess of $1 million paid annually to the named executive officers other than the Chief Financial Officer. This law allows for certain exemptions to the deduction cap, including performance-based compensation as defined in the rules adopted under Section 162(m).
Although the Company prefers that its pay plans be performance-based and therefore eligible for compensation expense deductions, it also believes that, under certain circumstances, awarding compensation that is not tax deductible may better support the long-term goals of the Company and the interests of shareholders. In 2011, only the Chief Executive Officer had compensation that was nondeductible.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
Notwithstanding the fact that our compensation policies are applied in the same manner to all executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, the 2011 total direct compensation for Mr. Smith was substantially higher than that of the other named executive officers. The differential between the compensation of Mr. Smith and the other named executive officers reflects the significant differences in their relative responsibilities and authority. We believe that the scope of Mr. Smiths responsibilities and authority, together
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with his ability to impact the Companys performance, is significantly greater than that of the other named executive officers and, accordingly, is reflected in his compensation. The differential in Mr. Smiths compensation relative to the other executive officers also is consistent with the compensation structures of the Peer Companies and thus reflects market differentials for the chief executive officer position versus other executives.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION & BENEFITS COMMITTEE
The Compensation & Benefits Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this proxy statement. Based on this review and discussion, the Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference into the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
THE COMPENSATION & BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Anne Marie Whittemore, Chairman
A. Marshall Acuff, Jr.
J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr.
James E. Rogers
Robert C. Sledd
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The following table summarizes for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 the total compensation of our named executive officersthe Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, the three other highest compensated executive officers and a former officer who left the Company during 2011.
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards (1) ($) |
Option (1) ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation (2) ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings (3) ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Craig R. Smith |
2011 | $ | 852,807 | $ | 0 | $ | 1,083,493 | $ | 0 | $ | 138,916 | $ | 2,018,960 | $ | 46,740 | $ | 4,140,916 | |||||||||||||||||||
President & Chief |
2010 | 829,339 | 0 | 1,009,546 | 0 | 269,739 | 1,717,740 | 126,101 | 3,952,465 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Officer |
2009 | 810,462 | 0 | 846,809 | 0 | 870,570 | 1,397,554 | 117,670 | 4,043,065 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James L. Bierman (5) |
2011 | $ | 543,565 | $ | 0 | $ | 532,496 | $ | 0 | $ | 59,618 | $ | 824,673 | $ | 19,191 | $ | 1,979,543 | |||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President & |
2010 | 518,336 | 0 | 344,575 | 0 | 112,391 | 685,173 | 42,457 | 1,702,932 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
2009 | 506,538 | 0 | 296,450 | 0 | 362,737 | 892,447 | 47,471 | 2,105,643 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charles C. Colpo (5) |
2011 | $ | 513,175 | $ | 0 | $ | 445,971 | $ | 0 | $ | 55,916 | $ | 884,808 | $ | 26,072 | $ | 1,925,942 | |||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President & |
2010 | 482,602 | 0 | 360,911 | 0 | 107,500 | 554,826 | 50,640 | 1,556,479 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Operating Officer |
2009 | 406,750 | 0 | 246,780 | 0 | 291,278 | 445,377 | 46,074 | 1,436,259 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Van Sumeren |
2011 | $ | 465,247 | $ | 0 | $ | 238,270 | $ | 0 | $ | 50,014 | $ | 843,423 | $ | 18,655 | $ | 1,615,609 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President, |
2010 | 461,319 | 0 | 224,373 | 0 | 100,028 | 561,324 | 45,178 | 1,392,222 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategy & Business Development |
2009 | 450,819 | 0 | 198,605 | 0 | 322,836 | 433,403 | 44,814 | 1,450,477 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grace R. den Hartog |
2011 | $ | 385,607 | $ | 0 | $ | 355,038 | $ | 0 | $ | 42,275 | $ | 733,139 | $ | 17,181 | $ | 1,533,240 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President, |
2010 | 368,019 | 0 | 280,136 | 0 | 79,798 | 548,280 | 40,283 | 1,316,516 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary |
2009 | 359,642 | 0 | 234,302 | 0 | 257,543 | 468,778 | 39,600 | 1,359,865 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
E.V. Clarke (6) |
2011 | $ | 135,613 | $ | 0 | $ | 294,798 | $ | 0 | $ | 13,300 | $ | 0 | $ | 881,416 | $ | 1,325,127 | |||||||||||||||||||
Former Executive Vice President, |
2010 | 368,019 | 0 | 323,589 | 0 | 79,798 | 357,317 | 33,614 | 1,180,337 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Supply Chain |
2009 | 359,642 | 0 | 275,292 | 0 | 257,543 | 431,425 | 34,287 | 1,358,189 |
(1) The amounts included in column (e) are the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, and column (e) includes awards subject to performance conditions. Of the total awards reflected in column (e) for 2011, the amount specified below for each officer represents awards subject to performance conditions, which are valued at the grant date based on probable achievement at target levels:
Mr. Smith, $633,509; Mr. Bierman, $224,992; Mr. Colpo, $245,998; Mr. Van Sumeren, $138,284; Ms. den Hartog, $192,790; Mr. Clarke, $108,346.
The grant date value of the above performance-based awards for 2011 would equal the following for each officer assuming achievement of the highest level of performance conditions:
Mr. Smith, $950,248; Mr. Bierman, $337,473; Mr. Colpo, $368,981; Mr. Van Sumeren, $207,397; Ms. den Hartog, $289,185; Mr. Clarke, $162,519.
Assumptions used in the calculation of the stock awards included in column (e) and option awards included in column (f) are included in note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference. The actual value a
32
named executive officer may receive for stock awards depends on market prices, and there can be no assurance that the amounts shown are the amounts that will be realized.
(2) The amounts included in column (g) reflect cash awards to the named executive officers under the Companys performance-based annual incentive plans for 2011, 2010 and 2009. The awards under the 2011 Annual Incentive Plan are discussed under Compensation Discussion and AnalysisAnnual Incentives on page 23 of this proxy statement.
(3) The amounts included in column (h) reflect the actuarial increase in the present value of the named executive officers benefits under the SERP during 2011, 2010 and 2009 determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Companys financial statements. The significant increase in SERP value in 2011 for each of the named executive officers was primarily due to a change in the assumed interest rate used to calculate the benefit from 5.20% in 2010 to 4.00% in 2011. This change in interest rate accounted for the following amount of the increase in pension value in the table above for each of the named executive officers: Mr. Smith, $1,346,472; Mr. Bierman, $691,049; Mr. Colpo, $570,069; Mr. Van Sumeren, $617,377; Ms. den Hartog, $497,181. For additional information on the Companys retirement plans, see Retirement Plans on page 37 of this proxy statement. No named executive officer received preferential or above-market earnings on deferred compensation.
(4) For 2011, the amounts included in column (i) consist of the following benefits or Company contributions attributable to the following:
Car Lease or Allowance |
Tax Planning/ Return Preparation |
Life Insurance Premiums |
401(k) Plan Company Match |
Annual Medical |
Other (a) |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Smith |
$ | 12,750 | $ | 2,760 | $ | 17,791 | $ | 9,744 | $ | 850 | $ | 2,845 | $ | 46,740 | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Bierman |
9,600 | 0 | 0 | 8,409 | 850 | 332 | 19,191 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Colpo |
6,548 | 0 | 7,185 | 8,524 | 850 | 2,965 | 26,072 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Van Sumeren |
9,600 | 0 | 0 | 7,873 | 850 | 332 | 18,655 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ms. den Hartog |
8,314 | 0 | 0 | 7,559 | 850 | 458 | 17,181 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Clarke |
0 | 0 | 0 | 5,425 | 0 | 875,991 | (b) | 881,416 |
(a) Includes amenities and awards provided at Company sales and leadership conferences and other awards or gifts. For Mr. Smith and Mr. Colpo, $2,387 and $1,748, respectively, of the disclosed amount was for spousal airfare to Company-sponsored business events.
(b) This amount represents severance benefits paid to Mr. Clarke in connection with termination of his employment without cause by the Company and pursuant to the Companys severance policy described on page 41 of this proxy statement.
(5) Mr. Bierman was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective March 1, 2012. He was formerly Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer. At the same time, Mr. Colpo moved from Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer to Senior Vice President, Operations.
(6) The Company terminated Mr. Clarkes employment without cause effective April 30, 2011.
33
GRANTS OF PLAN BASED AWARDS TABLE
The following table shows awards granted to the named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2011.
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | (k) | (l) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Grant Date |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) |
Estimated Potential Payouts Under (2) |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (3) (#) |
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (4) (#) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($ /Sh) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards (5) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Craig R. Smith |
2/3/11 | | | | 3,041 | 6,081 | 9,122 | | | | $ | 183,525 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | | | | 14,910 | | | 449,984 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | 7,455 | 14,910 | 22,365 | | | | 449,984 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A | $ | 323,036 | $ | 646,072 | $ | 1,292,144 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James L. Bierman |
2/3/11 | | | | | | | 2,734 | | | $ | 82,512 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | | | | 7,455 | | | 224,992 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | 3,728 | 7,455 | 11,183 | | | | 224,992 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A | $ | 138,647 | $ | 277,293 | $ | 554,586 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charles C. Colpo |
2/3/11 | | | | 763 | 1,525 | 2,288 | | | | $ | 46,025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | | | | 6,626 | | | 199,973 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | 3,313 | 6,626 | 9,939 | | | | 199,973 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A | $ | 130,038 | $ | 260,075 | $ | 520,150 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Van Sumeren |
2/3/11 | | | | 635 | 1,269 | 1,904 | | | | $ | 38,298 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | | | | 3,313 | | | 99,986 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | 1,657 | 3,313 | 4,970 | | | | 99,986 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A | $ | 116,312 | $ | 232,624 | $ | 465,248 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grace den Hartog |
2/3/11 | | | | 506 | 1,012 | 1,518 | | | | $ | 30,542 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | | | | 5,376 | | | 162,248 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | 2,688 | 5,376 | 8,064 | | | | 162,248 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A | $ | 98,315 | $ | 196,630 | $ | 393,260 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
E.V. Clarke |
2/3/11 | | | | | | | 2,588 | | | $ | 78,106 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | | | | 3,590 | | | 108,346 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/3/11 | | | | 1,795 | 3,590 | 5,385 | | | | 108,346 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A | $ | 92,788 | $ | 185,576 | $ | 371,152 | | | | | | | |
(1) The amounts shown in column (c) reflect the minimum payment level under the Companys 2011 Annual Incentive Plan if minimum performance conditions were met and represents 50% of the target payment level shown in column (d) which is based on meeting target performance conditions. The amount shown in column (e) is 200% of the target payment level and is based on meeting maximum performance conditions. These amounts are based upon the individuals 2011 salary and position (75% of base salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 50% of base salary for the other named executive officers). The actual 2011 Annual Incentive Plan payouts are included under Summary Compensation TableNon-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.
(2) The amounts shown in column (f) reflect the minimum restricted stock award level under 2011 performance share grants if minimum performance conditions are met and represents 50% of the target restricted stock award level shown in column (g) which is based on meeting target performance conditions. The amount shown in column (h) is 150% of the target restricted stock award level and is based on meeting the maximum performance conditions. These restricted stock awards are based on the Companys achievement of threshold, target or maximum operating earnings goals for 2011 and 2012 as discussed on page 26 of this proxy statement and, if earned, vest on the third anniversary
34
of the performance share grant. Dividends are not paid on performance share grants unless and until the performance conditions are satisfied, resulting in the issuance of the underlying restricted stock.
(3) The amounts shown in column (i) represent grants of restricted stock that vest either three or five years from the date of grant based on the executives continued employment with the Company. Dividends are paid on outstanding restricted stock grants at the same rate as for all shareholders of record.
(4) No stock options were granted by the Company in 2011.
(5) The amounts shown in column (l) are the grant date fair value of each individual equity award computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
35
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END TABLE
The following table summarizes, for each named executive officer, information regarding unexercised stock options, unvested restricted stock awards and incentive plan awards outstanding as of December 31, 2011.
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
Equity (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of (#) (1) |
Market ($) (2) |
Equity or Other Rights (#) (3) |
Equity ($) (3) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Exercisable | Unexercisable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Craig R. Smith |
|
75,000 37,500 37,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
19.96 21.34 24.08 |
|
|
7/28/12 4/27/13 4/26/14 |
|
|
12,600 14,910 15,000 6,081 15,000 6,988 6,250 16,581 |
|
$
|
350,154 414,349 416,850 168,991 416,850 194,197 173,688 490,010 |
|
|
7,455 3,041 |
|
$
|
207,174 84,509 |
| |||||||||
Total |
150,000 | | | | | 93,410 | 2,595,864 | 10,496 | 291,683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James L. Bierman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,734 4,095 7,455 2,565 4,875 2,850 4,875 |
|
$
|
75,978 113,800 207,174 71,281 135,476 79,202 135,476 |
|
|
3,728 |
|
$
|
103,601 |
| |||||||||
Total |
| | | | | 29,449 | 818,388 | 3,728 | 103,601 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charles C. Colpo |
|
15,750 17,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
21.34 24.08 |
|
|
4/27/13 4/26/14 |
|
|
3,780 6,626 1,500 4,875 1,525 4,500 1,033 2,938 1,129 |
|
$
|
105,046 184,137 41,685 135,476 42,380 125,055 28,707 81,647 31,375 |
|
|
3,313 763 |
|
$
|
92,068 21,204 |
| |||||||||
Total |
33,375 | | | | | 27,906 | 775,508 | 4,076 | 113,272 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Van Sumeren |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,024 3,313 3,375 1,269 3,600 1,348 1,974 2,307 |
|
$
|
84,037 92,068 93,791 35,266 100,044 37,461 54,857 64,112 |
|
|
1,657 635 |
|
$
|
46,048 17,647 |
| |||||||||
Total |
| | | | | 20,210 | 561,636 | 2,292 | 63,695 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grace den Hartog |
|
15,750 15,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
21.34 24.08 |
|
|
4/27/13 4/26/14 |
|
|
3,780 5,376 4,500 1,012 4,500 1,065 2,624 1,452 |
|
$
|
105,046 149,399 125,055 28,123 125,055 29,596 72,921 40,351 |
|
|
2,688 506 |
|
$
|
74,700 14,062 |
| |||||||||
Total |
31,500 | | | | | 24,309 | 675,547 | 3,194 | 88,762 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
E.V. Clarke |
| | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
| | | | | | | | |
(1) Shares of restricted stock vest either three or five years from the date of grant. Vesting dates for the shares of restricted stock listed for each officer range from February 2011 to February 2016.
36
(2) The market value of the restricted shares was calculated based on $27.79 per share, the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on December 30, 2011. Dividends are paid on outstanding shares of restricted stock at the same rate as paid to all shareholders of record.
(3) The amounts in column (i) represent the number of performance shares outstanding based on the achievement of the threshold level of performance conditions. The market value of the performance shares in column (i) was calculated based on $27.79 per share, the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on December 30, 2011. Dividends are accrued but not paid on performance shares unless and until the underlying performance conditions are achieved, resulting in the issuance of the underlying restricted stock.
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED TABLE
The following table sets forth, for each named executive officer, information on stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock on an aggregated basis during the year ended December 31, 2011.
(a) | Option Awards | Stock Awards | ||||||||||||||
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | |||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) (1) |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) (2) |
||||||||||||
Craig R. Smith |
81,250 | $ | 966,264 | 49,576 | $ | 1,542,517 | ||||||||||
James L. Bierman |
15,000 | 178,027 | 10,212 | 315,532 | ||||||||||||
Charles C. Colpo |
23,625 | 252,315 | 15,632 | 490,174 | ||||||||||||
Mark Van Sumeren |
11,850 | 73,942 | 13,403 | 417,077 | ||||||||||||
Grace R. den Hartog |
20,250 | 228,420 | 14,531 | 456,496 | ||||||||||||
E.V. Clarke |
13,500 | 136,766 | 21,467 | 709,106 |
(1) The value realized on exercise is computed as the difference between the market price of the underlying securities at exercise and the exercise price of the options.
(2) The value realized on vesting is computed by multiplying the number of shares vesting by the market price of the underlying shares on the vesting date.
Pension Plan. In 2010, the Company terminated its defined benefit pension plan, which provided retirement benefits to substantially all teammates who had earned benefits as of December 31, 1996, and completed distribution of substantially all of its assets. Accordingly, no named executive officer received any benefits, accrual of benefits or payments under this terminated pension plan in 2011.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Company provides supplemental retirement benefits to certain teammates selected by the Committee under the SERP. The SERP entitles participants who meet its age and service requirements to receive a specified percentage (in the case of Mr. Smith, 65%, and the other named executive officers, 60%) of the participants average base monthly salary (plus bonus for certain participants, including the named executive officers) for the highest consecutive five out of the last ten years preceding his or her retirement. The SERP benefit to which a participant is entitled is reduced by any benefit payable under the Companys pension plan, Social Security, any defined benefit pension plan of a prior employer and the benefit attributable to certain Company contributions under the Companys 401(k) plan. The SERP provides for full benefits to participants who retire at or after the attainment of the age of 65 (or at or after the age of 62 with 20 years of service) and provides for reduced benefits to participants who retire between the ages of 55 and 64 if their age plus years of service to the Company equal at least 70. If a participant retires prior to age 65 (or prior to age 62 with 20 years of service), his or her otherwise applicable full retirement benefit is reduced by 0.333% for
37
each month remaining from the date of retirement until the participant would reach age 65. SERP payments are made to an eligible participant until his or her death (and, following the participants death, will continue to be made to the participants beneficiary unless or until a total of 180 payments have been made under the SERP to either the participant or his or her beneficiary). Upon retirement, participants are no longer eligible to participate in the Companys medical insurance or benefit plans (except as legally required under COBRA). In consideration for receiving benefits under the SERP, the participant must comply with a non-competition agreement during employment and for a period of five years following employment by the Company.
The following table shows the actuarial present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of the named executive officers as of December 31, 2011, including the number of years of service credited to each such named executive officer, under the SERP using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Companys financial statements. Benefits under the SERP are payable as a monthly annuity for the life of the retiree.
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | ||||||||||
Name | Plan Name | Number of Years Credited Service (#) |
Present Value of Accumulated Benefit ($) (1)(2) |
Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($) |
||||||||||
Craig R. Smith |
SERP | 23 | $ | 9,005,712 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
James L. Bierman |
SERP | 4 | 4,339,286 | 0 | ||||||||||
Charles C. Colpo |
SERP | 30 | 2,763,636 | 0 | ||||||||||
Mark Van Sumeren |
SERP | 8 | 2,992,980 | 0 | ||||||||||
Grace R. den Hartog |
SERP | 9 | 3,211,709 | 0 | ||||||||||
E.V. Clarke |
SERP | 0 | 0 | 0 |
(1) Estimated annual benefits payable under the SERP upon retirement at normal retirement age for the named executive officers are: Mr. Smith, $799,719; Mr. Bierman, $401,914; Mr. Colpo, $314,727; Mr. Van Sumeren, $340,845; Ms. den Hartog, $272,919; and Mr. Clarke, $0. The calculation of present value of accumulated benefit assumes a discount rate of 4.00% and was based on the 2011 IRS Static Mortality Table. For a discussion of the assumptions used by the Company in calculating these amounts, see note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Mr. Smith is eligible for early retirement under the SERP. He currently qualifies for approximately 80% of his full retirement benefits. No other named executive officer qualifies for early retirement benefits under the SERP.
Following retirement, stock options and restricted stock awards continue to vest pursuant to the terms of the respective grants if, at the discretion of the Company, the officer continues to serve the Company as a director, in a consulting capacity or by entering into a non-solicitation and confidentiality agreement for the benefit of the Company. An officer is eligible following retirement to receive a portion of any performance shares earned based on achievement of the performance conditions pro-rated for the number of months worked during the performance period. Assuming continued service to the Company, each of the named executive officers would receive the following estimated benefit due to continued vesting of equity awards if he or she had been eligible to and actually retired on December 31, 2011: Mr. Smith, $3,154,650; Mr. Bierman, $970,073; Mr. Colpo, $987,543; Mr. Van Sumeren, $684,147; Ms. den Hartog, $829,358; Mr. Clarke, $0. This benefit is calculated based upon the number of shares subject to continued vesting multiplied by $27.79, the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on December 30, 2011. Performance shares were valued based upon assumed performance at the target level.
38
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
The Company maintains an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan in which certain members of management are eligible to participate. This plan permits participants to defer salary and cash bonus paid during a year for which a deferral election is made. Deferred amounts earn interest based on a fixed income fund designated by the Committee. The following table sets forth information regarding contributions to, interest earned on and total balances in the Executive Deferred Compensation plan for the named executive officers in 2011.
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | |||||||||||||
Name (1) |
Executive in Last Fiscal ($) (2) |
Registrant Contributions Fiscal Year ($) (3) |
Aggregate in Last ($) (4) |
Aggregate Withdrawals / Distributions ($) |
Aggregate Last Fiscal ($) |
|||||||||||||
Craig R. Smith |
| | | | | |||||||||||||
James L. Bierman |
| | | | | |||||||||||||
Charles C. Colpo |
| | | | | |||||||||||||
Mark Van Sumeren |
| | | | | |||||||||||||
Grace R. den Hartog |
$79,798 | 0 | $ | 13,648 | 0 | $ | 1,034,702 |
(1) Ms. den Hartog was the only named executive officer who participated in the Companys Deferred Compensation Plan in 2011.
(2) Represents the $79,798 reported under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation for 2010 in the Summary Compensation Table.
(3) The Company does not make contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
(4) Deferred amounts earn interest based on the rate of return on the Fidelity Managed Income Fund, which was 1.33% in 2011.
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
The following table reflects the estimated potential compensation payable to each of the named executive officers (other than Mr. Clarke whose employment terminated effective April 30, 2011) under the Companys compensation and benefit plans and arrangements in the event of termination of such executives employment under various scenarios, including voluntary termination without cause, voluntary termination or involuntary termination with cause, termination following a change in control and termination due to disability or death. Benefits payable to the named executive officers upon retirement are described under Retirement Plans beginning on page 37 of this proxy statement. The amounts shown are estimates of the amounts that would be paid out to the executives upon termination of their employment assuming that such termination was effective December 31, 2011. With respect to Mr. Clarke, the amounts shown in the following table are actual amounts he received in connection with the termination of his employment without cause by the Company effective April 30, 2011.
39
Cash Severance ($) |
Incremental ($) |
Continuation (present value) ($) |
Acceleration and ($) |
Total Termination ($) |
||||||||||||||||
Craig R. Smith (1) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Involuntary Termination
Without |
$ | 1,931,851 | $ | 0 | $ | 46,303 | $ | 1,657,577 | $ | 3,635,731 | ||||||||||
Voluntary Termination or Involuntary Termination With Cause |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Involuntary or Good Reason Termination after Change In Control (3) |
3,850,823 | 796,148 | 31,738 | 3,765,045 | 8,443,754 | |||||||||||||||
Disability (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2,566,517 | 2,566,517 | |||||||||||||||
Death (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 3,765,045 | 3,765,045 | |||||||||||||||
James L. Bierman (1) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Involuntary Termination
Without |
$ | 549,625 | $ | 0 | $ | 12,575 | $ | 366,316 | $ | 928,516 | ||||||||||
Voluntary Termination or Involuntary Termination With Cause |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Involuntary or Good Reason Termination after Change In Control (3) |
2,167,036 | 0 | 26,533 | 1,161,038 | 3,354,607 | |||||||||||||||
Disability (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 631,801 | 631,801 | |||||||||||||||
Death (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,161,038 | 1,161,038 | |||||||||||||||
Charles C. Colpo (1) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Involuntary Termination Without Cause (2) |
$ | 1,007,572 | $ | 0 | $ | 31,502 | $ | 442,258 | $ | 1,481,332 | ||||||||||
Voluntary Termination or Involuntary Termination With Cause |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Involuntary or Good Reason Termination after Change In Control (3) |
2,008,427 | 121,966 | 35,003 | 1,221,565 | 3,386,961 | |||||||||||||||
Disability (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 759,339 | 759,339 | |||||||||||||||
Death (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,221,565 | 1,221,565 | |||||||||||||||
Mark A. Van Sumeren (1) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Involuntary Termination
Without |
$ | 467,155 | $ | 0 | $ | 15,402 | $ | 348,104 | $ | 830,661 | ||||||||||
Voluntary Termination or Involuntary Termination With Cause |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Involuntary or Good Reason Termination after Change In Control (3) |
1,862,391 | 0 | 34,072 | 818,026 | 2,714,489 | |||||||||||||||
Disability (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 554,653 | 554,653 | |||||||||||||||
Death (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 818,026 | 818,026 | |||||||||||||||
Grace R. den Hartog (1) |
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Involuntary Termination
Without |
$ | 389,849 | $ | 0 | $ | 11,549 | $ | 392,732 | $ | 794,130 | ||||||||||
Voluntary Termination or Involuntary Termination With Cause |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Involuntary or Good Reason Termination after Change In Control (3) |
1,554,197 | 0 | 23,797 | 1,006,248 | 2,584,242 | |||||||||||||||
Disability (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 651,589 | 651,589 | |||||||||||||||
Death (4) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,006,248 | 1,006,248 | |||||||||||||||
E.V. Clarke (7) |
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Involuntary Termination Without Cause |
$ | 846,983 | $ | 0 | $ | 29,008 | $ | 444,922 | $ | 1,320,913 |
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(1) The amounts shown in the table do not include accrued salary and vacation payable through the date of the executives employment termination or the distribution of any balances under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan or the Companys 401(k) plan.
(2) See the discussion of the Companys severance policy below for information on benefits payable to the named executive officers upon involuntary termination without cause.
(3) See the discussion of the Companys change in control agreements below for information on benefits payable to the named executive officers upon a change in control.
(4) A termination of employment due to death or disability entitles the named executive officers to benefits under the Companys life insurance or disability plan, as applicable, available to salaried teammates generally. In addition and also as applicable to salaried employees generally who receive grants of stock options and restricted stock, upon termination of employment due to death, all stock options and shares of restricted stock immediately vest; and, upon termination of employment due to disability, unvested stock options are forfeited and shares of restricted stock vest on a pro rata basis. In addition, upon death, officers are entitled to receive performance shares that are actually earned based on achievement of performance conditions and, upon disability, a pro rata portion of any such shares earned relative to time worked during the performance period.
(5) If a participants employment is terminated without cause or the participant resigns for good reason following a change in control, the SERP provides for a pro-rated benefit based on credited years of service relative to years of service remaining to the participants earliest retirement eligibility date, which amount is reduced by 4% for each year that the participant is under age 65. The amounts in this column show the present value of any additional benefit to the participant relative to the present value of accumulated benefits shown in the Pension Benefits Table on page 38.
(6) The amounts in this column represent the estimated benefit to the named executive officer due to accelerated vesting of equity awards and are calculated based on the number of shares subject to accelerated vesting multiplied by $27.79, the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on December 30, 2011 (except that Mr. Clarkes vested equity awards were multiplied by $34.45, the closing price of the Companys Annual Stock on April 29, 2011, the last business day prior to termination of his employment). Any performance shares that vest are valued based upon assumed performance at the target level. All of Mr. Clarkes performance shares were forfeited upon termination of his employment.
(7) The Company terminated Mr. Clarkes employment without cause effective April 30, 2011. The amounts reported in this table represent the amount or value of the applicable benefits received by Mr. Clarke under the Companys severance policy described below (based on an 18-month severance period). In addition, Mr. Clarke received a pro rated payment of $13,300 under the Companys 2011 annual incentive plan.
Severance Policy. The Company has an officer severance policy that applies to corporate officers who are involuntarily terminated without cause (or who resign at the request of the Company). The policy was designed to provide consistent and fair treatment of these departing officers and is based upon the officers years of service to the Company. Receipt of payments under the severance policy is also conditioned upon the officers agreement to certain non-competition and non-solicitation restrictive covenants for the term of the severance period or one year, whichever is greater.
The Company provides for the following under its officer severance policy:
| between 9 and 18 months (based on the named executive officers years of employment by the Company) of base monthly salary plus monthly bonus (based on the lower of average monthly bonus earned over the previously completed three years or target bonus for the current year), payable in a lump sum; |
| a pro rata amount of any cash incentive earned during the year of termination based on the Companys actual performance and the number of months worked during the year; |
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| up to six months of outplacement services; |
| continuation of health benefits during the severance period; and |
| tax return preparation and financial counseling for length of severance period. |
The severance policy also provides that, upon an involuntary termination without cause (or resignation at the request of the Company), an executive officers unvested stock options are forfeited and the vested stock options must be exercised within a period of one year from the date of employment termination. In addition, a pro rata portion of the executive officers restricted stock awards vests at the date of employment termination based on the number of months worked during the vesting period.
Change in Control Agreements. The Company has entered into CIC Agreements with the named executive officers, the purpose of which is to encourage key management personnel to remain with the Company and to avoid distractions resulting from potential or actual changes in control of the Company.
The CIC Agreements provide for the payment of a severance benefit if the officers employment with the Company is terminated within 24 months after a change in control unless such termination is (i) due to death or disability, (ii) by the Company for cause or (iii) by the officer other than in specified circumstances constituting good reason.
Termination of employment by the Company is for cause if it is because of the executive officers (i) willful and continued failure to substantially perform his or her duties (other than due to incapacity, illness, etc.) or (ii) engaging in conduct demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company. Termination of employment by the executive officer is for good reason if it is because of (i) a material diminution in authority, duties or responsibilities; (ii) a material reduction in annual base salary, bonus opportunity or benefits; (iii) a relocation of place of employment by more than 35 miles or substantial increase in travel obligations; (iv) a failure to pay compensation due to the executive officer; or (v) certain other reasons defined in the plan.
A change in control is generally deemed to have occurred under the agreements:
(i) | if any person acquires 30% or more of the Companys voting securities (other than the Company or its affiliates); |
(ii) | if the Companys directors as of the beginning or renewal date of the CIC Agreement (the Incumbent Board) cease to constitute a majority of the Board (unless the members nominations or elections were approved by a majority of the Incumbent Board); |
(iii) | upon the approval by shareholders of a merger or consolidation of the Company (or any subsidiary) other than (a) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent more than 50% of the voting power of the securities of the Company (or surviving entity) outstanding immediately after the merger or consolidation, or (b) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company in which no person acquires more than 30% of the combined voting power of the Companys then-outstanding securities; or |
(iv) | upon the approval by shareholders of a plan of liquidation or sale of substantially all of the Companys assets. |
Effective on January 1, 2011, the Companys change in control agreement with its officers no longer include excise tax gross-up payments.
For the named executive officers, the severance benefit includes the following:
(i) | a lump sum payment equal to 2.99 times the sum of the officers annual base salary as of the date of termination or change in control (whichever is greater) plus average bonus for the three years preceding the date of termination or change in control (whichever is greater); |
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(ii) | a lump sum amount representing a pro rata portion of any incentive compensation earned by the executive through the date of termination, assuming achievement of performance goals at the target level; |
(iii) | an amount equal to additional premiums for continued medical benefits under COBRA for two years and additional premiums for individual life insurance policies for two years (for officers receiving Company-provided life insurance); and |
(iv) | all shares of restricted stock granted to the executive officer vest, all stock options vest and become immediately exercisable and all performance shares are awarded at the target level and become vested. |
The foregoing severance benefit is reduced by the amount of any benefits payable under any other severance plan or arrangement of the Company.
In consideration for any benefits paid, the change in control agreements impose certain non-competition and non-solicitation restrictive covenants on the officers for a period of 12 months following employment termination and prohibit the disclosure and use of confidential Company information. Each agreement continues in effect through December 31, 2012.
PROPOSAL 3: ADVISORY SHAREHOLDER VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Shareholders have the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a say-on-pay proposal, gives shareholders the opportunity to approve, reject or abstain from voting with respect to our 2011 executive compensation programs and policies and the compensation paid to our named executive officers. Although the vote is non-binding, we value your opinions and will consider the outcome of the vote in establishing compensation philosophy and making future compensation decisions. At the Companys last annual meeting, the majority of our shareholders voted to advise us to include a say-on-pay proposal every year, and the Board of Directors determined that the Company will hold an advisory shareholder vote on executive compensation every year. This non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay proposals must be held at least once every six years.
As more fully discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement (CD&A) beginning on page 19, the Companys goal for its executive compensation program is to attract, motivate and retain a talented team of executives who will provide leadership for our success in the intensely competitive and constantly changing medical supplies distribution and logistics services markets. We seek to accomplish this goal in a manner that rewards performance, is aligned with long-term shareholder interests and is consistent with sound compensation governance principles. The Compensation & Benefits Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the policies and procedures articulated in the CD&A are effective in implementing our compensation philosophy and in achieving our long-term goals and that the compensation of our named executive officers in 2011 reflects and supports these compensation policies and procedures and reflects our foundational pay for performance principles.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote in favor of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Companys named executive officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the accompanying compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the foregoing resolution approving, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.
43
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS
The Company has not adopted written procedures for review of, or standards for approval of, related person transactions (as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K), but instead reviews these transactions on a case-by-case basis.
The Company employs the son of Mr. Minor, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, as an Area Vice President. For 2011, Mr. Minors son received salary, annual incentive payment and equity compensation totaling $373,226. In addition, the Company employs the son of Mr. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as General Manager of our Seattle-area distribution center. For 2011, Mr. Smiths son received salary, annual incentive payment and equity compensation totaling $170,795.
Under regulations of the SEC, any shareholder desiring to make a proposal to be acted upon at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders must present such proposal to the Companys Corporate Secretary at the Companys principal office at 9120 Lockwood Boulevard, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 not later than November 16, 2012, in order for the proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Companys proxy statement. All shareholder proposals and director nominations must be submitted in accordance with and contain the information required by the Companys Bylaws, which are available as described under Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance Materials on page 3 of this proxy statement. The Company will determine whether to include properly submitted proposals in the proxy statement in accordance with the SECs regulations governing the solicitation of proxies.
The Companys Bylaws provide that a shareholder of the Company entitled to vote for the election of directors may nominate persons for election as directors only at an annual meeting and if written notice of such shareholders intent to make such nomination or nominations has been given to the Corporate Secretary of the Company not later than 120 days before the anniversary of the date of the Companys immediately preceding annual meeting. The Corporate Secretary must receive written notice of a shareholder nomination to be acted upon at the 2013 annual meeting not later than the close of business on December 28, 2012. The shareholders notice must include the information required by the Companys Bylaws, including but not limited to:
| the name and address of record of the shareholder intending to make the nomination, the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made and of the person or persons to be nominated; |
| a representation that such shareholder is a shareholder of record and intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to nominate the director candidate; |
| the class and number of shares of Common Stock that are owned by such shareholder and such beneficial owners; |
| a description of all arrangements, understandings or relationships between such shareholder and each director nominee and any other person(s) (naming such person(s)) pursuant to which the nomination is to be made by such shareholder; |
| a description (including the names of any counterparties) of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, hedging transactions and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of the shareholders notice by, or on behalf of, the shareholder and any other person on whose behalf the nomination is made, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit resulting from share price changes of, or increase or decrease the voting power of the shareholder or any other person on whose behalf the nomination is made with respect to, shares of stock of the Company; |
| a description (including the names of any counterparties) of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to such nomination between or among the shareholder or any other person on whose behalf the nomination is made and any of its affiliates or associates, and any others acting in concert with any of the foregoing; |
44
| a representation that the shareholder will notify the Company in writing of any changes to certain information provided above (as further specified in the Bylaws); |
| such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such shareholder as would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required to be disclosed, pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC, had the nominee been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors; and |
| the written consent of the nominee to serve as a director if elected. |
In order for a shareholder to bring other business before a shareholder meeting, timely notice must be received by the Company within the time limits described in the immediately preceding paragraph. The shareholders notice must contain the information required by the Companys Bylaws, including but not limited to:
| the information described above with respect to the shareholder proposing such business; |
| a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, including the complete text of any resolutions to be presented at the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; and |
| any material interest of such shareholder and such beneficial owner in such business. |
The requirements found in the Companys Bylaws are separate from the requirements a shareholder must meet to have a proposal included in the Companys proxy statement under the proxy rules.
The Board of Directors is not aware of any matters to be presented for action at the annual meeting other than as set forth in this proxy statement. However, if any other matters properly come before the annual meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the person or persons voting the proxies will vote them in accordance with their best judgment.
March 14, 2012
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
GRACE R. DEN HARTOG |
Senior Vice President, General Counsel |
45
AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
FOR SERVICES BY INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Services subject to Audit Committee Approval
(1) | General. The Audit Committee must approve in advance all audit and non-audit services provided by the Companys independent auditors to ensure the services do not impair the auditors independence. Unless a type of service to be provided by the independent auditor has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. |
(2) | Prohibited Services. The Company may not engage its independent auditors to perform any services as may, from time to time, be prohibited by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange on which the Companys securities are traded or listed, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or any other regulatory bodies. Prohibited services include, but may not be limited to, bookkeeping, financial information systems design and implementation, appraisals or valuations (other than tax), fairness opinions, actuarial services, internal audit outsourcing, management functions, human resources, broker-dealer services, legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit. |
(3) | Audit Services. The Audit Committee shall pre-approve the annual audit services engagement terms and fees and, as necessary, any change in terms, conditions and fees resulting from change in audit scope, Company structure or other matters. |
(4) | Audit-Related Services. The Audit Committee shall pre-approve each year certain audit-related services that may be performed by the independent auditors up to the pre-approved fee levels. Audit-related services are services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Companys financial statements but that do not impair the auditors independence and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: |
(a) | audits of employee benefit plans; |
(b) | consultation on accounting matters, including reviews of significant contracts; |
(c) | assistance with inquiries from the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies; |
(d) | assistance with debt, equity and other financing transactions, including issuing comfort letters; and |
(e) | accounting and auditing assistance in connection with merger and acquisition activity. |
(5) | Tax and Other Services. The Audit Committee may pre-approve the provision by the independent auditor to the Company of certain tax services that do not impair the independence of the auditor, such as tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. The Audit Committee will not permit engagement of the independent auditor in connection with a transaction whose sole purpose is tax avoidance, to perform services under contingent fee arrangements or for services prohibited as set forth in Section (2) above. In addition, the Audit Committee may pre-approve other non-audit services that it believes would not impair the independence of the auditor and that are not prohibited as set forth in Section (2) above. |
Approval Process
(1) | On an annual basis, the Audit Committee will pre-approve engagement of the independent auditors for audit services and applicable non-audit services. |
(2) | On an annual basis, the Audit Committee will pre-approve a total annual dollar budget for audit-related services and may approve a total annual dollar budget for tax and/or other specified services. |
A-1
(3) | The Audit Committee shall be required to pre-approve from time to time, as required, any services or additional budget amounts needed for services beyond what was originally pre-approved by the committee pursuant to Section (1) or (2) above. |
(4) | The pre-approval requirement herein will be waived with respect to non-audit services under the following circumstances: |
(a) | the aggregate amount of such services constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues paid by the Company to the independent auditor during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; |
(b) | such services were not recognized by the Company at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and |
(c) | such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit Committee or the chairman of the Audit Committee (to whom authority to grant such approvals is hereby expressly delegated). |
(5) | The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member or members to whom such authority is delegated shall report any pre-approval decision to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. |
A-2
Directions to
Owens & Minor, Inc. Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Friday, April 27, 2012 10:00 a.m.
at
Owens & Minor, Inc. Corporate Headquarters
9120 Lockwood Blvd.
Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116
From Washington, D.C., follow I-95 South to I-295 South via Exit 84A and take Exit 41A/US-301.
From Petersburg, follow I-95 North to I-295 North via Exit 46 and take Exit 41A/US-301.
From Charlottesville, follow I-64 East to I-295 South via Exit 177 and take Exit 41A/US-301.
From Norfolk, follow I-64 West to I-295 North and take Exit 41A/US-301.
From the Airport, departing from the airport, bear right at Airport Drive. Continue on Airport Drive (passing the entrance to I-64) to the I-295 ramp heading toward Charlottesville. Merge onto I-295 North and travel about 10 miles. Take Exit 41A/US-301.
From ALL directions, travel North on US-301 to the first light. Turn right onto Lockwood Boulevard.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY.
We encourage you to take advantage of Internet or telephone voting.
Both are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time on April 26, 2012.
Owens & Minor, Inc. |
INTERNET http://www.proxyvoting.com/omi Use the Internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website. | |||
OR
| ||||
TELEPHONE 1-866-540-5760 Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when you call. | ||||
If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card. | ||||
To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. | ||||
WO# 17732-1 |
Fulfillment# 19566-1 |
Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. |
q FOLD AND DETACH HERE q
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS and FOR ITEMS 2 AND 3. | Please mark your votes as indicated in this example | x |
*Exceptions |
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Mark Here for Address Change or Comments SEE REVERSE |
¨ |
NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.
Signature |
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Signature |
|
Date |
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You can now access your Owens & Minor, Inc. account online.
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View account status View certificate history View book-entry information |
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Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Owens & Minor, Inc. 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Proxy Statement and the 2011 Annual Report/Form 10-K to Shareholders are available at: http://bnymellon.mobular.net/bnymellon/omi
q FOLD AND DETACH HERE q
PROXY
OWENS & MINOR, INC.
OWENS & MINOR, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS APRIL 27, 2012
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
The undersigned hereby appoints J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr., Eddie N. Moore, Jr., and Robert C. Sledd, and each of them, with power to act without the other and with power of substitution, as proxies and attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as provided on the other side, all the shares of Owens & Minor, Inc. Common Stock which the undersigned is entitled to vote, and, in their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Owens & Minor, Inc. to be held April 27, 2012, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, with all powers which the undersigned would possess if present at the meeting.
Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side) |
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SHAREOWNER SERVICES |
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P.O. BOX 3550 |
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SOUTH HACKENSACK, NJ 07606-9250 |
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WO# | Fulfillment# | |||||||||
17732-1 | 19566-1 | |||||||||
(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side) |