Proxy Statement (Form DEF 14A)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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☒ Definitive Proxy Statement
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2025 |
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement |
ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD
Office: |
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Mail: |
P.O. Box 64683 |
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Phone: |
(651) 236-5060 |
Dear Shareholder:
Our 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on
You can attend the meeting via the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/FUL2025, where you will be able to vote and submit questions electronically prior to and during the meeting. Specific instructions for accessing the meeting are provided in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The virtual meeting will begin promptly at
Your vote on the proposals is important. Whether or not you plan on attending the virtual meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares to make certain that you are represented at the meeting. You may vote via the Internet or by telephone or, if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials, by Internet, telephone or by mailing a proxy or voting instruction card.
Sincerely, |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
Office: |
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Mail: |
P.O. Box 64683 |
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Phone: |
(651) 236-5060 |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Date and Time: |
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Items of Business: |
1. The election of three directors named in the attached Proxy Statement. Three directors will serve for a three-year term until the 2028 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. |
2. The ratification of the appointment of |
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3. A non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the attached Proxy Statement. |
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4. The third amendment and restatement of the |
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5. Any other business that may properly be considered at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. | |
Record Date: |
You are entitled to vote on the above items of business if you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on |
Voting by Proxy: |
It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we encourage you to submit your proxy as soon as possible. For specific instructions on how to vote your shares, please refer to the instructions in the materials you received, the section entitled "Questions and Answers about the Meeting" beginning on page 75 of the attached Proxy Statement, or if you received printed proxy materials, the enclosed proxy or voting instruction card. You can revoke a proxy at any time prior to its exercise at the meeting by following the instructions in the attached Proxy Statement. |
By Order of the Board of Directors |
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Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY OF FREQUENTLY USED TERMS
2020 Incentive Plan |
the |
401(k) Plan |
the |
Adjusted EBITDA |
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization as defined on page 38 |
Adjusted EPS | Adjusted earnings per share |
Adjusted Net Revenue |
Defined on page 38 |
Board |
Board of Directors of |
CAO |
Chief Administrative Officer |
CAP | Compensation Actually Paid |
CEO |
Chief Executive Officer |
CFO |
Chief Financial Officer |
Company, |
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COO |
Chief Operating Officer |
DC Restoration Plan |
the H.B. Fuller Defined Contribution Restoration Plan |
DDCP |
the H.B. Fuller Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan |
EPS |
Earnings per share |
ESG |
Environmental, Social and Governance |
Exchange Act |
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
EY |
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GAAP |
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in |
KEDCP |
Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan |
LTIP |
Long-term incentive plan |
NEOs |
Named executive officers of |
Non-GAAP |
Financial measures reconciled to, but not in accordance with, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
NQSO |
Non-qualified stock option |
NYSE |
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PSU |
Performance-based stock unit |
ROIC |
Retuon invested capital as defined on page 39 |
RSU |
Restricted stock unit |
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the |
Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan | the third amendment and restatement of the |
TSR |
Total shareholder return |
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PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The Board of Directors of
PROXY SUMMARY
Provided below are highlights of some of the information contained in this Proxy Statement. These highlights are only a summary. Please review the complete Proxy Statement and 2024 Annual Report to Shareholders before you vote.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
DATE AND TIME: |
PLACE: |
VOTING: |
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RECORD DATE: |
Via the Internet. You may attend the virtual meeting by visiting |
You may vote by proxy or at the |
PROXY SUMMARY
Proposals Requiring Your Vote
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the virtual meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares to make certain that you are represented at the meeting.
Proposal |
Board Recommendation |
Page |
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PROPOSAL 1 - Election of Directors |
FOR |
10 |
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In selecting director nominees, our Board carefully considers the qualifications of each candidate and the overall composition of the Board. The following table provides summary information about each of the director nominees: |
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(Class II) |
(Class II) |
(Class II) |
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Director Since: 2021 |
Director Since: 2023 |
Director Since: 2022 |
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Roles on the Board: Compensation Committee and |
Roles on the Board: |
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Independent? |
Independent? |
Independent? |
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Yes |
Yes |
No |
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Other Public Company Boards: |
Other Public Company Boards: |
Other Public Company Boards: |
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No |
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If elected, |
PROXY SUMMARY
Proposal |
Board Recommendation |
Page |
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PROPOSAL 2 - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
FOR |
28 |
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The Audit Committee has approved the appointment of |
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PROPOSAL3 - Non-Binding Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation |
FOR |
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In fiscal year 2024, shareholders showed their support for our executive compensation program with 97% of the votes cast for approval of the annual advisory vote on executive compensation, compared to 94% from the prior year. While shareholders have endorsed the Company's executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee continually evaluates the program to ensure that it is designed to provide a competitive compensation package that rewards executive officers for sustained financial and operating performance that creates long-term value for our shareholders. | |||
PROPOSAL4 - Third Amendment and Restatement of the |
FOR | 63 | |
The purpose of the 2020 Incentive Plan is to promote the interests of the Company and our shareholders by aiding the Company in attracting and retaining employees, officers, consultants, independent contractors and non-employee directors capable of assuring the future success of the Company, to provide such persons with opportunities for stock ownership in the Company and to offer such persons other incentives to put forth maximum efforts for the success of the Company's business. Shareholders are asked to approve the third amendment and restatement of the 2020 Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock of the Company authorized for issuance under the Plan by 2,000,000 shares and to adopt certain other amendments to the Plan. |
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PROXY SUMMARY
2024 Performance Highlights
Throughout 2024, we executed on actions to streamline our cost structure and managed challenging pricing and raw material dynamics. We also enhanced the profile of our portfolio through several strategic acquisitions and the divestiture of our flooring business. Overall, we demonstrated resilience and determination in executing our winning strategy. At the same time, we recognize that we did not finish the year as strong as we had expected. During the fourth quarter, we encountered unexpected deceleration in volume across the majority of our end markets. Furthermore, slowing customer order patterns, particularly in consumer product goods related market segments and our durable goods distribution channel, shifted price increase realization into fiscal 2025, delaying the offset to higher raw material costs and resulting in margin pressure.
We are proud of the financial results we delivered in fiscal 2024:
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Net revenue of |
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Net income of |
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EPS of |
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Adjusted EBITDA of |
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Operating cash flow of |
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For the 55th consecutive year, we implemented an increase in the amount of quarterly cash dividends paid to shareholders, with an 8.5% increase this year. |
Despite the challenges described above, we delivered growth in net revenue and adjusted EBITDA in fiscal year 2024, and we achieved a fiscal year record high adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.6%.
Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-GAAP financial metrics that are reconciled with the most directly comparable GAAP financial metrics in Annex A.
Executive Compensation Program(For More Information, see pages 29- 43)
Our program emphasizes pay for performance using short- and long-term incentive awards as a significant percentage of total direct compensation. The graphs below show each element of total direct compensation (base salary, short-term incentive, and long-term incentive) as a percentage of total direct compensation for fiscal year 2024 for the CEO and on average for the other NEOs listed in the "Summary Compensation Table."
Short-term incentive awards are performance-based cash awards granted pursuant to the STIP. Actual results on all STIP metrics are set forth in a table on page 37 of this Proxy Statement. STIP payments can range from 0% to 200% of target. In fiscal year 2024, the achievement of our financial metrics resulted in short-term cash incentive payouts for our CEO, CFO, and CAO of 79% of target and ranged from 76% to 148% of target for our other NEOs, based in part on the performance of the operating segments that they lead.
PROXY SUMMARY
All short-term incentive awards earned for fiscal year 2024 are also shown in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the "Summary Compensation Table" later in this Proxy Statement.
Long-term incentive awards are equity awards granted pursuant to the LTIP. The awards are composed of NQSOs, RSUs and PSUs. All equity awards granted in fiscal year 2024 are shown in the "Grants of Plan-Based Awards During Fiscal 2024" table later in this Proxy Statement.
See further discussion and detail in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section of this Proxy Statement.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
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25% of NEO equity awards are PSUs that cliff vest at the end of a three-year performance period; |
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A policy regarding "clawbacks" of executive and key manager incentive compensation if there is a restatement of the Company's financial statements or if there is misconduct by an executive or key manager; |
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A prohibition on hedging, pledging and certain other transactions in the Company's securities by directors and executive officers; |
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Policies for responsible share usage and governance of our equity compensation plans, including a prohibition on re-pricing of stock options; |
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A double-trigger is required for accelerated equity vesting upon a change-in-control for equity grants to NEOs; |
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Removal of tax gross-up provisions from change-in-control agreements entered into beginning in mid-fiscal year 2018; and |
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Stock ownership goals of five times base salary for our CEO, three times base salary for our CFO, and two times base salary for our other executive officers. |
Fiscal 2024 Changes to our Executive Compensation Program
Effective for STIP awards related to the Company's 2024 fiscal year and thereafter, Adjusted EBITDA margin is included as a fourth metric along with Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS, and Adjusted Net Revenue for purposes of calculating STIP awards. Each of the metrics is weighted at 25% for our executive officers with the exception of our SVP, International Growth Markets, whose STIP metrics are weighted at 35% for Adjusted EPS, 25% for International Growth Markets Adjusted EBITDA margin, 20% for International Growth Markets Adjusted EBITDA, and 20% for International Growth Markets Adjusted Net Revenue. These changes were made to better align the STIP metrics with the Company's portfolio management approach. Company-wide STIP financial metrics of Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin apply to our corporate NEOs, including our CEO, CFO, and CAO. For other NEOs, we use Company-wide Adjusted EPS and operating segment-specific measures of Segment Adjusted Net Revenue, Segment Adjusted EBITDA, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin.
Board Composition and Diversity
The Board believes that its membership should reflect a diversity of experience, skills, geography, gender, and ethnicity that can enrich its deliberations. The following pie charts provide information about certain aspects of our Board's diversity as of
BOARD DIVERSITY |
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87.5% Independent | 50% Women | 12.5% Diverse (Ethnic or Racial) |
12.5% Other | 50% Men | 87.5% Other |
PROXY SUMMARY
AVERAGE BOARD TENURE: |
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5.75 YEARS | ||
Additional information on our policies regarding Board composition and Board diversity may be found under "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - How can a shareholder suggest a candidate for election to the Board?"
Shareholder Engagement
We regularly engage with our investor base to obtain their input on our governance, sustainability, and compensation programs. We have generally received positive feedback and have planned our programs based in part on such feedback when appropriate.
PROXY SUMMARY
EFFORTS, HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY,
CORPORATE GIVING AND EMPLOYEE
VOLUNTEERISM
At
PROPOSAL 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL
The Board of Directors is composed of eight directors divided into three classes. Generally, each year one class of directors stands for election for a three-year term. The term of office for Class II directors, consisting of
Unless earlier terminated due to retirement or resignation, the term of office for Class III directors, consisting of
If, for any reason, any nominee becomes unable to serve before the election, the persons designated as proxies will vote your shares for a substitute nominee selected by the Board of Directors. Alternatively, the Board, at its option, may reduce the number of directors constituting Class II directors.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR election of each of the nominees. |
PROPOSAL 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
WHO ARE THE NOMINEES?
The following directors are standing for re-election for a three-year term until the 2028 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until the successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.
Class II (Term Ending in 2025)
Age 53 Independent Director since 2021 Committees: Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Other Boards: |
Biography
President and Chief Executive Officer (2016-present), Qualifications |
Age 62 Independent Director since 2023 Committees: Audit and Compensation |
Biography Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2019-present), Qualifications The Board of Directors has determined that
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PROPOSAL 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Age 56 Director since 2022 Other Public Company Boards: Granite |
Biography
President and Chief Executive Officer (2022-present), and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2022), Qualifications |
HOW CAN A SHAREHOLDER SUGGEST A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD?
The Committee considers candidates recommended by any shareholder using the same criteria set forth above. Recommendations may be sent to the
WHO ARE THE REMAINING DIRECTORS?
The following directors are not standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting and their service will continue until the end of their respective terms.
PROPOSAL 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Class III (Term Ending in 2026)
Age 61 Independent Director since 2018 Committees: Audit and Corporate Governance and Nominating Other Boards: Fastenal Company |
Biography
Chief Executive Officer (2024-present) of Qualifications The Board of Directors has determined that |
Age 68 Independent Director since Committees: Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating (Chair) |
Biography President and Chief Executive Officer (2018-present) of Qualifications |
PROPOSAL 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Class I (Term Ending in 2027)
Age 70 Independent Director since 2010 Committees: Audit (Chair) and Corporate Governance and Nominating Other Boards: Republic |
Biography
Senior Advisor and former Chief Operating Officer (August 2019-April 2023) of Qualifications The Board of Directors has determined that |
Age 62 Independent Director since 2017 Committees: Audit and Compensation (Chair) |
Biography Former Corporate Senior Vice President, Animal Nutrition and Health Global Enterprise (April 2021-December 2024) of Qualifications |
PROPOSAL 1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Age 70 Independent Director since 2022 Committees: Audit and Compensation |
Biography
Former Qualifications |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
The Board, upon recommendation of the
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the listing standards of the
The Board reviewed certain transactions between
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AND THE BOARD'S COMMITTEES
Directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and all meetings (including virtual meetings) of the Board and each committee on which they serve. During the 2024 fiscal year, the Board held six meetings. Each of the directors attended greater than 75% of the meetings of the Board and Board committees on which the directors served during the 2024 fiscal year. In addition, all the directors attended our Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on
WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF THE BOARD'S COMMITTEES?
The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall affairs of
Audit Committee |
Compensation Committee |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee |
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(1)
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2024: Nine
Functions: The Audit Committee reviews the Company's financial information and disclosures, appoints the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements, oversees the audit and the independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, determines and pre-approves the type and scope of all audit, audit-related and non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm, oversees our internal audit function, reviews the performance of our retirement plans and reviews our annual audited consolidated financial statements, accounting principles and practices, and the adequacy of internal controls. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews the Company's risk management policies, procedures, and controls to assess their adequacy and appropriateness in the context of the Company's business and operating environment, and review steps that management takes to monitor and mitigate risk exposures. The Committee reviews, on an annual basis, the overall enterprise risk management approach and management's assessment and mitigation of significant risk factors impacting the Company's business and operating environment. The Committee also monitors cybersecurity, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our Code of Business Conduct, and our Policy and Procedures Regarding Transactions with Related Persons.
For more information regarding the Audit Committee's oversight of cybersecurity risks, refer to the "Cybersecurity" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, at page 17.
All the members of the Audit Committee are considered independent as that term is defined by our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the listing standards of the NYSE, and the applicable rules and regulations of the
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2024: Five
Functions: The Compensation Committee establishes overall compensation programs and practices for executives and reviews and approves compensation, including salary, incentive programs, stock-based awards, retirement plans, perquisites and other supplemental benefits, employment agreements, severance agreements, change-in-control provisions, and other executive compensation items for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee monitors the competitiveness, fairness, and equity of our retirement plans and administers our stock-based compensation plans and individual awards. It also administers the compensation recovery policy.
The Compensation Committee annually reviews and approves compensation for our non-employee directors including retainers, equity awards, and other compensation and expense items.
The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to the Chair of the Compensation Committee to accelerate vesting of outstanding awards. The Committee intends this delegation of authority to be for situations of retirement or termination, and where it is impractical to obtain participation by all Committee members.
All the members of the Compensation Committee are considered independent as that term is defined by our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the listing standards of the NYSE and the applicable rules and regulations of the
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2024: Five
Functions:
The Committee is also responsible for reviewing and assessing the Company's policies and practices relating to significant issues of corporate social and public conceincluding environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters and may delegate to other Board committees responsibilities related to certain ESG matters as the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee oversees the Company's engagement with and disclosures concerning ESG matters.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
All the members of the
BOARD'S ROLE IN OVERSIGHT OF RISK
In General
The Board believes that effective enterprise risk management must be an integral part of Board and Committee deliberations and activities throughout the year. As part of the enterprise risk management, the Board engages in the following activities throughout the fiscal year:
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The full Board of Directors annually reviews the Company's enterprise risk management process and a comprehensive assessment of key financial, operational, strategy and compliance/regulatory risks identified by management, as well as mitigating practices. |
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The Audit Committee also reviews the Company's risk assessment and risk management policies, procedures, and controls to assess their adequacy and appropriateness in the context of the Company's business and operating environment, and reviews steps that management takes to monitor and mitigate risk exposures. |
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The Company's strategy is also reviewed with the Board at least annually and management considers input from the Board in setting and adjusting the Company's strategy. The full Board of Directors discusses risks related to the Company's annual financial plan and budget each fiscal year and risks related to the Company's strategy and compliance and regulatory risks at meetings where these items are presented and reviewed. |
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The Board of Directors also encourages management to promote a corporate culture that integrates risk management into the Company's strategy and day-to-day business operations in a way that is consistent with the Company's targeted risk profile. |
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Each committee conducts its own risk assessment and management activities throughout the year (some of which are highlighted in the section on Board committees above) and reports its conclusions to the Board. |
Through these processes, the Board continuously oversees a system to identify, assess, and address material risks to the Company on a timely basis. During fiscal year 2024, the Board specifically reviewed the top risks identified during a comprehensive risk assessment process conducted in fiscal year 2023. This review included a review of risk mitigation strategies and included the steps taken since the prior year review to enable the mitigation strategies.
In addition, the Board's leadership structure, as described below in the section titled "Board Leadership Structure" supports its role in risk oversight. The Company has a separate Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and has had these roles separated since 2007. If these positions are combined, we will have an independent Presiding Director. We have strong independent directors chairing each of our Board Committees, all of which are involved in risk oversight, and there is open communication between management and the non-employee directors.
Risk Assessment of Compensation Programs
Management conducted a risk assessment of the Company's policies and programs relating to the compensation of employees, including those that apply to our executive officers. Management discussed the findings of the risk assessment with the Compensation Committee. Based on the assessment, the Company believes that its compensation policies and practices create an appropriate balance between our base salary compensation, short-term incentive compensation, and long-term incentive compensation, thereby reducing the possibility of imprudent risk-taking and that its compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Board of Directors does not require the separation of the offices of Chair and Chief Executive Officer. Separation of these offices is an issue that is to be addressed as part of the Company's succession planning. When the Chair and Chief Executive Officer are separate offices, the Chair will serve as the Presiding Director. However, when the Chief Executive Officer also holds the position of Chair, a Presiding Director will be appointed by the Board to further the achievement of a strong, independent Board with an appropriate balance between the Board and the Chief Executive Officer. In such cases, the Chair of the
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
DIRECTOR ELECTIONS
With respect to the election of directors, our Board has adopted a so-called "plurality-plus" standard. A plurality voting standard means that the three nominees receiving the most votes will be elected. In accordance with procedures set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, at any shareholder meeting at which directors are subject to an uncontested election (i.e., an election where the only nominees are those recommended by the Board), any nominee for director who receives a greater number of votes "withheld" from his or her election than votes "for" such election must submit to the Board a letter of resignation for consideration by the
In 2024,
BOARD PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The Board of Directors has a practice of annually reviewing its performance, and the performance of its committees and individual directors. Extensive input is received from each director during these annual performance reviews, as well as during the year, through written evaluation forms and other informal means of communication with the Chair and other members of the Board.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT
We have a Code of Business Conduct applicable to all our directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. A copy of this Code of Business Conduct is available for review on our website (www.hbfuller.com)in the "Governance" section of the
COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS
Interested parties may contact the Board, any Board committee, the Chair, or any independent director, by communicating through the Corporate Secretary, whose contact information may be found on page 79. The Corporate Secretary reviews all communications, and after ascertaining whether such communications are appropriate to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, will forward such correspondence to the directors for their information and consideration. The Board has requested that the Corporate Secretary not forward the following types of communications to the Board: general solicitations for business or products; job applications or resumes; advertisements, junk mail, and surveys; and any other communication that does not relate to the responsibilities of the Board.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED
TRANSACTIONS
The Board of Directors has a written policy and procedures for the review, approval, or ratification of transactions with executive officers, directors and nominees for director, any person who is a security holder known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of our stock, and immediate family members of these parties. In general, the policy provides that certain transactions with these related persons are subject to the review and prior approval of the disinterested members of the Audit Committee. If a transaction with a related party is entered into without the pre-approval of the Audit Committee, it shall not be deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, so long as the transaction is brought to the Audit Committee for ratification as promptly as reasonably practical after it is entered into or brought to the Company's attention. Management shall make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transactions that are not pre-approved or ratified.
All executive officers and directors of
In addition, on an annual basis, each of our directors and executive officers completes a questionnaire and discloses information regarding entities with which they and their immediate family members are affiliated. Any person nominated for election as a director must complete a questionnaire no later than the date he or she becomes a member of the Board of Directors. Any person who becomes an executive officer must complete a questionnaire as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.
Our Audit Committee annually reviews all transactions and relationships including any disclosed in the director and officer questionnaires and approves or ratifies, as applicable, any transactions with related persons. The Board of Directors makes a formal determination regarding each director's independence.
During fiscal year 2024, we had transactions, arrangements, and relationships with entities with which some of our related persons, specifically certain of our directors, are affiliated. See the description of these transactions under "Director Independence." However, in accordance with the procedures in the Company's policy, the Audit Committee determined that those related persons had no direct or indirect material interest in those transactions, arrangements, and relationships.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The form and amount of compensation for each non-employee director is typically determined and reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee. Such compensation reflects the practices of boards in our peer group and is comprised of cash and Common Stock (or its equivalents). It is our practice to generally align to the market median/50th percentile among our peer companies.
2024 REVIEW OF DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee uses an independent compensation consultant to provide ongoing advice and information regarding design and implementation of the Company's non-employee director compensation programs as requested by the Compensation Committee. See further discussion regarding the Compensation Committee's independent consultant under the heading "Independent Compensation Consultant" in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section in this Proxy Statement. The Compensation Committee periodically conducts an in-depth market review, including board retainers, committee chair retainers, and annual stock-based awards.
During fiscal 2024, the Committee reviewed general market practices for
CASH FEES
The retainers paid to our non-employee directors are set forth in the table below. Non-employee directors may elect to defer their retainers into deferred phantom stock units or other deferred investments. If the director elects to defer their cash retainers into phantom stock units, the number of phantom stock units received equals the cash retainer divided by the closing price of a share of the Company common stock on the payment date, plus the Company's 10% matching contribution as described below under "Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan." Our President and Chief Executive Officer does not receive separate compensation for serving as a director or for attendance at any Board meeting.
Annual Cash Retainers |
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Board Member |
$ | 100,000 | ||
Non-Executive Chair |
$ | 100,000 | ||
Audit Committee Chair |
$ | 20,000 | ||
Compensation Committee Chair |
$ | 17,500 | ||
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Chair |
$ | 15,000 |
EQUITY AWARDS
In addition to the board and chair retainers described above, the Board believes it is important that each director have an economic stake in our common stock. As a result, the Compensation Committee typically makes an annual grant of deferred phantom stock units to each non-employee director, which pays out in shares of common stock under the terms of the DDCP, and pursuant to elections made by each director. This plan is described below.
On
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
In addition, each non-employee director typically receives a one-time grant of restricted stock units upon his or her initial election to the Board. These RSU awards are granted under our 2020 Incentive Plan, which is described below. In general, these awards vest three years from the date of grant subject to continued service during that period. These RSU awards vest in full upon death or disability and forfeit upon resignation prior to a vesting date.
Equity Awards |
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Discretionary Annual Award of Deferred Phantom Stock Units |
Valued at |
One-time Initial Award of Restricted Stock Units |
1,300 units |
DIRECTORS' DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Under the DDCP, non-employee directors may elect to defer all or a percentage of their Board and chair retainers into several investments. Deferred amounts are credited with gains and losses based on the performance of certain mutual funds or the common stock as elected by the director prior to deferring any retainers. Non-employee directors who elect to defer their retainers into phantom stock units will eventually be paid out in shares of common stock. Phantom stock units are credited with dividend equivalents equal to the number of dividends, if any, paid on an equal number of shares of the common stock. The dividend equivalents are converted into additional phantom stock units based on the fair market value of common stock on the dividend payment date. If a participant elects to defer retainers into the common stock account in this plan, we make a 10% matching contribution of additional phantom stock units to the amount invested in common stock by the non-employee director. The phantom stock units credited to the non-employee directors' accounts do not have voting rights. In addition, the Compensation Committee may make discretionary contributions to a participant's
Any amounts deferred under this plan are paid in shares of common stock or cash (depending on the election made by the non-employee director) at the earliest to occur of:
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the later of the date of the non-employee director's retirement (that is, the date of resignation or removal from the Board or the end of the non-employee director's elected term) or such other date as elected and specified by the non-employee director, which is subject to approval by the Compensation Committee and is made only at the time of the non-employee director's initial elections and is irrevocable; |
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disability; |
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death; |
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the date of a change in control of |
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the date of termination of the plan. |
2020 INCENTIVE PLAN
Under the 2020 Incentive Plan, we may issue to non-employee directors restricted stock, restricted stock units, options, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, or other stock-based awards. In addition, shares of
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
Non-employee directors are reimbursed for a preventative/diagnostic annual physical examination and local travel expenses. These amounts are shown in the "All Other Compensation" column of the "Director Compensation Table" in this Proxy Statement.
MATCHING GIFTS TO EDUCATIONAL, ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Under this program, we match a non-employee director's contribution (up to
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE - FISCAL YEAR 2024
Fees Earned |
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or Paid in |
Stock |
All Other |
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Cash |
Awards |
Compensation |
Total |
|
|
($)1 |
($)2 |
($)3 |
($) |
|
100,000 | 158,000 | 0 | 258,000 |
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120,000 | 162,000 | 0 | 282,000 |
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100,000 | 150,000 | 0 | 250,000 |
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117,500 | 161,750 | 0 | 279,250 |
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100,000 | 159,167 | 1,153 | 260,320 |
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215,000 | 171,500 | 0 | 386,500 |
|
100,000 | 160,000 | 0 | 260,000 |
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100,000 | 150,000 | 1,162 | 251,162 |
(1) | The amounts in this column include retainers deferred into deferred phantom stock units at the election of the director. Elections are made on a calendar year basis. For calendar year 2024: |
(2) |
The amounts in this column are calculated based on the fair market value of the common stock on the date the award was made in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 ("FASB ASC Topic 718"). Each non-employee director received an award of 1,740.75 deferred phantom stock units on |
The aggregate number of deferred phantom stock units and restricted stock units held by each non-employee director as of
Deferred |
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Phantom |
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Stock Units and |
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Restricted Stock Units |
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(#) |
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24,611 |
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70,479 |
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9,266 |
|
27,291 |
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5,246 |
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209,097 |
|
12,895 |
|
6,294 |
No non-employee director held any stock options as of
(3) |
These amounts represent dividends paid on unvested restricted stock units. |
(4) |
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STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
We have goals for stock ownership for all non-employee directors. Our goal for non-employee director stock ownership is five times the annual Board retainer within five years of becoming a director. A review of director stock ownership was conducted using
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table shows how many shares of common stock each director and NEO beneficially owned as of
Unless otherwise noted, the shareholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock owned by them, and the shares beneficially owned by our directors and executive officers are not subject to any pledge.
Amount and |
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Nature of |
Percent of |
|||||||
Beneficial |
Common Stock |
|||||||
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Ownership |
Outstanding |
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8,429,2171 | 15.38% | ||||||
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6,532,5042 | 11.92% | ||||||
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3,002,7723 | 5.48% | ||||||
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25,9514 | * | ||||||
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23,5344 | * | ||||||
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10,6044 | * | ||||||
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9,0034 | * | ||||||
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3,2274 | * | ||||||
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3,6324 | * | ||||||
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6,2914 | * | ||||||
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110,6855 | * | ||||||
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287,1886 | * | ||||||
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190,6267 | * | ||||||
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177,2238 | * | ||||||
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52,7519 | * | ||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group (18 people) |
1,110,52010 | 1.99% |
* |
Indicates less than 1%. |
(1) |
This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the |
(2) |
This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the |
(3) |
This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
(4) |
Includes shares of common stock subject to phantom stock units credited to the accounts of non-employee directors who participate in the DDCP, described under the heading "Director Compensation," that may be acquired, in certain circumstances, within 60 days. The number of units credited to each director participating in this plan that may be acquired within 60 days is as follows: |
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24,600 |
|
3,227 |
|
22,187 |
|
1,289 |
|
9,261 |
|
6,291 |
|
7,652 |
Excludes shares of common stock subject to phantom stock units credited to the accounts of directors who participate in the DDCP, described under the heading "Director Compensation" that may not be acquired within 60 days. The number of units credited to each director participating in this plan that are excluded from the table is as follows:
|
11 |
|
2,019 |
|
48,292 |
|
11,606 |
|
5 |
|
3 |
|
19,639 |
None of the phantom stock units are entitled to vote at the meeting. |
(5) |
Includes 98,697 shares that could be purchased pursuant to stock options within 60 days from |
(6) |
Includes 234,992 shares that could be purchased pursuant to stock options within 60 days from |
(7) |
Includes 152,217 shares that could be purchased pursuant to stock options within 60 days from |
(8) |
Includes 164,170 shares that could be purchased pursuant to stock options within 60 days from |
(9) | Includes 41,391 shares that could be purchased pursuant to stock options within 60 days from |
(10) |
Includes 105 shares held in trust under the 401(k) Plan, 522,833 shares that could be purchased pursuant to stock options within 60 days from |
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors, executive officers and any beneficial owners of more than ten percent of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. In the exercise of that authority, we, the members of the Audit Committee, determined to engage
Management is responsible for the financial reporting process, accounting principles, and internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable law and regulation. Management represented to us that
We have reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with management and
Based upon our review and discussions referred to above, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of
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FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The following table presents fees for professional services provided by
2024 |
2023 |
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Audit Fees |
$ | 4,493,594 | $ | 3,913,165 | ||||
Audit-Related Fees |
- | - | ||||||
Tax Fees |
1,458,006 | 1,360,954 |
Audit Fees: Audit fees includes fees and expenses billed and to be billed for (i) the audit of the consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K, (ii) the audit of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, (iii) reviews of the interim consolidated financial information included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, (iv) statutory audits of certain international subsidiaries, and (v) consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting. Audit fees also include fees for reviews of documents filed with the
Audit-Related Fees: Audit-related fees include fees and expenses for services related to registration statements.
Tax Fees: Tax Fees includes fees and expenses for
The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation for, and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm's work. The Audit Committee has established a policy requiring its pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm, and it pre-approved all audit, audit-related, and tax services provided to us that are described above. The policy provides for the general pre-approval of specific types of services, gives detailed guidance to management as to the specific services that are eligible for general pre-approval, and establishes requirements for annual pre-approval levels and subsequent specific pre-approval requests. The policy requires specific pre-approval of all other permitted services. For both types of pre-approval, the Audit Committee considers whether such services are consistent with the rules of the
Requests for pre-approval for services that are eligible for general pre-approval must be submitted to our Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer and be detailed as to the services to be provided and the estimated total cost. The Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer then determines whether the services requested fall within the detailed guidance of the Audit Committee in the policy as to the services eligible for general pre-approval. Our independent registered public accounting firm and management must report to the Audit Committee on a timely basis regarding the services provided by the independent public accounting firm in accordance with general pre-approval.
We have a policy of avoiding the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm except for audit, audit-related and tax planning, and compliance services. All the services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in fiscal years 2024 and 2023 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee under its pre-approval procedures.
PROPOSAL 2-RATIFICATION OF
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has appointed
Representatives of EY will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Executive Summary
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes our executive compensation program, including its underlying philosophy, policies, and practices; significant executive compensation developments during the fiscal year; and the determinations made on material elements of compensation awarded to each of our NEOs for fiscal year 2024:
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Adhesive Solutions(1)
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(1) |
We referred to our Business Adhesive Solutions segment as our Construction Adhesives segment until |
This discussion and analysis focuses on fiscal 2024 compensation actions disclosed in the following compensation tables and accompanying footnotes and narrative. We discuss compensation actions taken during other fiscal years to the extent they enhance the understanding of our executive compensation program for fiscal year 2024.
Elements of Executive Compensation. We use base salary, a short-term incentive plan with cash awards ("STIP") and a long-term incentive plan with equity grants ("LTIP"), as well as benefits, to attract and motivate our executive officers to achieve results that increase shareholder value. We generally align with the market median for base salary, short-term incentive target values, and long-term incentive target values, which comprise total direct compensation, and we review these elements each year. The emphasis on short-term and long-term incentive compensation reflects our pay-for-performance philosophy. See "Key Elements of Executive Compensation Program" on page 34.
Fiscal Year 2024 Business Results.
Throughout 2024, we executed on actions to streamline our cost structure and managed challenging pricing and raw material dynamics. We also enhanced the profile of our portfolio through several strategic acquisitions and the divestiture of our flooring business. Overall, we demonstrated resilience and determination in executing our winning strategy. At the same time, we recognize that we did not finish the year as strong as we had expected. During the fourth quarter, we encountered unexpected deceleration in volume across the majority of our end markets. Furthermore, slowing customer order patterns, particularly in consumer product goods related market segments and our durable goods distribution channel, shifted price increase realization into fiscal 2025, delaying the offset to higher raw material costs and resulting in margin pressure.
We are proud of the financial results we delivered in fiscal 2024:
● |
Net revenue of |
● |
Net income of |
● |
EPS of |
● |
Adjusted EBITDA of |
● |
Operating cash flow of |
for the 55th consecutive year, we implemented an increase in the amount of quarterly cash dividends paid to shareholders, with an 8.5% increase this year.
Despite the challenges described above, we delivered growth in net revenue and adjusted EBITDA in fiscal year 2024, and we achieved a fiscal year record high adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.6%.
Highlights of our business performance by segment include the following:
● |
Within our Construction Adhesives segment, which accounted for 16% of our net revenue, segment revenue totaled |
● |
Within our Engineering Adhesives segment, which accounted for 41% of our net revenue, segment revenue totaled |
● |
Within our Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives segment, which accounted for 43% of our net revenue, segment revenue totaled |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are defined in "Fiscal 2024 Short-Term Incentive Compensation." These metrics are non-GAAP financial metrics that are reconciled with the most directly comparable GAAP financial metrics in Annex A.
STIP Performance Metrics. For our short-term incentive plan, we measure our success primarily by the Company-wide financial metrics which are aligned with our long-term strategic plan. These metrics consist of Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. Adjusted Net Revenue is a measure of global sales generation, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are measures of profitability, and Adjusted EPS is an overall measurement of profitability on a per share basis. Through these metrics, we are measuring the success of the following strategies:
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organic growth led by innovation and the sale of specialized adhesives solutions to specific market segments where we possess competitive strengths; |
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margin enhancement driven by effective pricing strategies for our products and expense management; |
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continuous improvement through projects that optimize our operational agility, cost structure and overall effectiveness; and |
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efficient deployment of cash generated by operations to repay debt balances and retuadditional value to shareholders. |
The STIP targets for Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are consistent with the Company's strategic financial targets.
STIP Performance and Compensation Outcomes.
● |
Company-wide STIP financial metrics were Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, consistent with the Company's strategic financial targets, and they factored into short-term incentives for all our NEOs. We exceeded the threshold level for Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. |
● |
Operating segment STIP financial metrics were operating segment measures of Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and they factored into short-term incentives for our NEOs who led operating segments, meaning NEOs other than our CEO, CFO, and CAO. We exceeded the threshold level for Engineering Adhesives Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and we exceeded the target level for Construction Adhesives Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. |
● |
Actual results on all STIP metrics are set forth in a table on page 37 of this Proxy Statement. STIP payments can range from 0% to 200% of target. In fiscal year 2024, the achievement of our financial metrics resulted in short-term cash incentive payouts for our CEO, CFO, and CAO of 79% of target and ranged from 76% to 148% of target for our other NEOs. |
● |
All short-term incentive awards earned for fiscal year 2024 are shown in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the "Summary Compensation Table" later in this Proxy Statement. |
Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-GAAP financial metrics that are defined in "Fiscal 2024 Short-Term Incentive Compensation" and reconciled with the most directly comparable GAAP financial metrics in Annex A.
LTIP Performance and Compensation Outcomes.
Long-term incentive awards are equity awards granted pursuant to the LTIP. The awards are comprised of NQSOs, RSUs, and PSUs.
● |
25% of NEO equity awards are RSUs vesting in three annual installments (33%, 33%, and 34%). |
● |
50% of NEO equity awards are NQSOs vesting in three annual installments (33%, 33%, and 34%). |
● |
25% of NEO equity awards are PSUs cliff vesting at the end of a three year performance period. Performance-based payouts can range from 0% to 200% of target. The ROIC metric has a three-year target. Cliff vesting aligns with our focus on overall ROIC performance during the three-year performance period of the award, incentivizes long-term strategic thinking and behavior, and enhances the retention value of the award. |
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In fiscal year 2022, we established a three-year ROIC target of 9.2%. Actual ROIC for the three-year period of fiscal years 2022-2024 was 9.6%. Therefore, the grant vested at 110% of target based on the performance during the three-year period. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
● |
All equity awards granted in fiscal year 2024 are shown in the "Grants of Plan-Based Awards During Fiscal 2024" table later in this Proxy Statement. |
ROIC is a non-GAAP financial metric that is reconciled with the most directly comparable GAAP financial metric in Annex A.
Executive Compensation Highlights. The Company's compensation program features the following:
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25% of NEO equity awards are PSUs cliff vesting at the end of a three-year performance period; |
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A policy regarding "clawbacks" of executive and key manager incentive compensation if there is a restatement of the Company's financial statements or if there is misconduct by an executive or key manager; |
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A prohibition on hedging, pledging, and certain other transactions in Company securities by directors and executive officers; |
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Policies for responsible share usage and governance of our equity compensation plans, including a prohibition on re-pricing of stock options; |
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A double trigger is required for accelerated equity vesting upon a change-in-control for equity grants to NEOs; |
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Removal of tax gross-up provisions from change-in-control agreements entered into beginning in mid-fiscal year 2018; and |
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Stock ownership goals of five times base salary for our CEO, three times base salary for our CFO, and two times base salary for our other executive officers. These goals are reviewed annually. |
Philosophy
The philosophy of our executive compensation program is to provide a competitive compensation package that rewards executive officers for sustained financial and operating performance that creates long-term value for our shareholders. We have designed and implemented our compensation programs for our executive officers to meet three principal goals:
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Attract and retain qualified executive officers; |
● |
Motivate these individuals to achieve short-term and long-term corporate goals, without undue risk-taking; and |
● |
Promote internally equitable treatment of our executive officers, while considering external competitiveness and differences in job responsibilities. |
To meet these goals, the Company has established the following guidelines:
● |
Pay compensation that is competitive with the practices of companies in a broad number of industries, including comparable companies in the chemical industry, with revenues comparable to our revenues; |
● |
Pay for performance by setting challenging performance goals for our executive officers and providing a short-term incentive plan that is based upon achievement of these goals; and |
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Provide long-term incentives in the form of stock options, restricted stock units, and performance stock units that are designed to increase long-term shareholder value by aligning the interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders. |
We consider the market median/50th percentile as a reference point when determining appropriate target total direct compensation for each NEO, while allowing deviations from the market median/50th percentile based on role, tenure and other individual-specific considerations.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Use of Competitive Market Data
The Compensation Committee uses several surveys and peer group data points when it reviews executive compensation as described below. With respect to Peer Group Data, during fiscal 2023, the Compensation Committee reviewed the peer group below and did not make any changes from the peer group used to inform fiscal 2023 compensation. To inform fiscal 2024 compensation, we reviewed peer proxy data for 19 companies with a revenue range of
Use of Market Data for Fiscal 2024. When analyzing compensation paid to our NEOs, the Compensation Committee uses specific data that matches revenue and job responsibilities from the published sources discussed below, based on availability, by position. The data used by the Compensation Committee to review total compensation (base salary, STIP, LTIP, and high-level review of benefits and perquisites) for our executive officers showed that our total target fiscal 2024 compensation was generally in line with the median of the market data matched according to revenue and job responsibilities.
In addition, for the NEOs, management and the Compensation Committee supplements the
The Compensation Committee uses this data because it is considered reliable, relevant market information. When we refer to competitive market data in the rest of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, unless otherwise noted, we are referring to the "General Survey Data" and the "Peer Group Data" discussed below.
General Survey Data. The Compensation Committee used published survey data from the following sources to analyze the appropriate level of compensation for our
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AON Radford ( |
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The Company participates in both surveys. The AON Radford database includes 4,661 companies and is titled "2023 AON Global Compensation Database." This database is a global database and covers non-executive jobs as well. The
Peer Group Data. Our peer group used to inform fiscal 2024 target compensation consisted of comparable, publicly-traded companies with revenues between
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Compensation Process
The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all elements of compensation for our CEO, considering the Board of Directors' review and assessment of the performance of the CEO as well as competitive market data and information from our human resources personnel and the Compensation Committee's independent compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves all elements of compensation for our other executive officers using the sources noted above and considering the recommendations of the CEO.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In determining the elements of the executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee selects performance measures that will motivate executives to enhance our performance, such as our earnings and revenue growth, and operating segment specific operational and financial performance. Other considerations include furthering our business objectives, fulfilling corporate responsibilities (including equity among executive officer positions and affordability), maintaining competitive practices and trends, and observing legal requirements. In deciding on the type and amount of compensation for each executive officer, the Compensation Committee focuses on both the current pay and the opportunity for future increases in pay and combines the compensation elements for each executive officer in a manner that optimizes the executive officer's incentive to contribute to the Company's success.
The Compensation Committee on occasion meets with the CEO and/or certain other executive officers to obtain recommendations with respect to our compensation program, practices and packages for executive officers and directors. The Compensation Committee considers, but is not bound to and does not always accept, management's recommendations with respect to executive compensation. The CEO typically attends the Compensation Committee's meetings, except when their compensation package is discussed. In addition, the Compensation Committee also holds executive sessions not attended by any members of management, including the CEO.
Independent Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee may use outside compensation consultants to provide compensation advice, competitive survey data and other reference market information related to trends and competitive practices in executive compensation. The Compensation Committee engages
In fiscal year 2024, the Company paid WTW for services as noted below.
Services |
Fees |
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Executive and Board Compensation Support |
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EIMEA Retirement Plan Investment Advisory Services, Administration and Surveys |
All non-executive and board related services performed by WTW, along with their affiliated companies, were approved by management and performed at the direction of management in the ordinary course of business. In assessing the independence of WTW, the Compensation Committee considered the factors contained in the applicable
A representative of the independent compensation consultant generally attends Compensation Committee meetings to serve as a resource for the Compensation Committee. To encourage independent review and discussion of executive compensation matters, the Compensation Committee and its chair may request meetings with the independent compensation consultant in executive session without management present.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Key Elements of the Executive Compensation Program
Element and Purpose |
Features and Market Positioning |
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Base salary |
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Attract and retain high caliber executive talent with competitive fixed compensation. |
Each NEO's job is positioned in a salary grade based upon market data and an analysis of the related job responsibilities. Salary ranges are established to generally reflect competitiveness at the market median/50th percentile. Within these salary ranges, base salaries are set considering the experience and skills each NEO brings to the position. Salary increases are determined considering individual performance and market conditions. |
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Short-term incentive (cash) |
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Aligns executive performance with achievement of annual company-wide financial goals and objectives, as well as operating segment goals and objectives. Payouts are dependent on achievement of predetermined annual financial performance goals. |
Short-term incentive awards are set for each executive officer so that the expected payout at target performance levels would result in competitive market levels of such compensation. Payments under the STIP can range from no payment to a payment no higher than 200% of the target, based upon actual results. The annual STIP is designed to achieve several goals, including emphasizing the Company's commitment to competitive compensation practices, driving a high-performance culture, and ensuring accountability. The STIP places emphasis on achievement of financial metrics and focuses attention on business results. It also reinforces the importance of measurable and aligned goals and objectives. |
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Long-term incentive (equity awards) |
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NQSOs, PSUs, and RSUs attract, retain, and reward high caliber executive talent; reward performance and promote ownership of common stock, and encourage long-term strategic decision making that is aligned with shareholder interests. |
Our LTIP ties a significant portion of our executive officers' total direct compensation to shareholder value creation, as measured by share price performance. The combination of NQSOs, PSUs, and RSUs provides performance-based rewards, strong alignment with our shareholders, and retention value. Appreciation of common stock increases value of equity awards. PSUs can pay out between 0% and 200% of target. |
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Other Benefits (includes supplemental retirement and deferred compensation plans, severance, change-in-control, and other perquisites) |
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Attract and retain high caliber executive talent. These benefits are not performance-based. |
We provide NEOs market competitive perquisite and other benefit programs. Some of these benefits assist our executive officers so that they may efficiently use their time on our business. Our |
Fiscal 2024 Base Salaries
In General. In January of each year, the Compensation Committee reviews and considers the annual performance of the CEO and the other NEOs. The effective date of annual merit increases is
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The amount of annual base salary and year-over-year increase for each of the NEOs in fiscal year 2024 are set forth in the following table.
Percent Increase |
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Base Salary as of |
Base Salary as of |
from |
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Named Executive Officer |
($) |
($) |
(%) |
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950,000 | 1,000,000 | 5.26% | |||||||||
President and Chief |
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Executive Officer |
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600,000 | 618,000 | 3.0% | |||||||||
Executive Vice President |
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and Chief Financial Officer |
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576,800 | 594,104 | 3.0% | |||||||||
Executive Vice President, |
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Engineering Adhesives |
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500,000 | 515,000 | 3.0% | |||||||||
Executive Vice President |
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and Chief Administrative Officer |
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478,400 | 497,536 | 4.0% | |||||||||
Senior Vice President, |
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Business Adhesive Solutions |
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Analysis of Fiscal 2024 Base Salaries, Retention Awards, and Incentive Targets.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
For fiscal year 2024, all merit increases for the NEOs who were eligible for merit increases fell within the Company's general merit increase guidelines for our general employee population. The range of merit increases provided to NEOs was 3.0% to 5.26%.
Fiscal 2024 Short-Term Incentive Compensation
In General. Each year, the Compensation Committee establishes the annual cash incentive target opportunities as a percentage of base salary. Under the STIP, the Compensation Committee may also consider extraordinary circumstances that may positively or negatively impact the achievement of the performance objectives.
For fiscal year 2024, based on market data, the annual cash incentive target opportunity for our executive officers ranged from 60% to 125% of base salary at a target level of performance. Potential payouts range from 0% to 200% of the target award based on attainment of segment operating and/or Company-wide financial goals. The threshold level of performance for the annual cash incentive was set at 80% of target for EPS and Adjusted EBITDA and 85% of target for Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. For EPS and EBITDA, payout is 50% of target for threshold performance, and for Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, payout is 25% of target for threshold performance. Higher payouts are possible if performance is above target levels. For example, at the superior level of performance (110% of target for Adjusted Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Margin and 120% of target for the other two metrics), payout is 200% of target. Adjusted EBITDA Margin was added as a new metric for fiscal year 2024 to better align the STIP metrics with the Company's portfolio management approach.
The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, has the right at any time to enhance, diminish or terminate all or any portion of any compensation plan or program, on a collective or individual basis for the NEOs.
Analysis of Fiscal 2024 Short-Term Incentive Awards. The Compensation Committee approved the STIP metrics because they were representative of our financial results and were key financial measures that are linked to our long-term strategic plan. In establishing the goals for these metrics for fiscal year 2024, we considered our prior year results, economic conditions, and expected business opportunities. At the beginning of fiscal year 2024, we believed the targets were challenging but achievable.
During the year, we received certain payments of insurance proceeds. The Compensation Committee exercised downward discretion for all NEOs to exclude those insurance proceeds from STIP calculations. This resulted in a downward adjustment in related STIP payments to the NEOs by approximately 2%.
For fiscal year 2024, the goals for threshold, target, and superior level of performance, the weighting of the metrics, and the actual performance were as set forth below. These amounts are shown on a non-GAAP basis due to adjustments which are allowed under the STIP as set forth in a footnote in the table below. As noted above, the Compensation Committee exercised downward discretion for all NEOs, which lowered STIP payments to the NEOs by approximately 2%. Actual amounts paid to each NEO are set forth in the "Summary Compensation Table'' later in this Proxy Statement.
Metric |
Weighting (%) |
Threshold (25/50% Payout) ($)1 |
Target (100% Payout) ($)1 | Superior (200% payout) ($)1 |
Actual Result ($) |
% of Target |
Payout Percentage |
|||||||||||||
Adjusted EPS3 |
25 |
3.49 | 4.36 | 5.23 | 3.79 | 87.0 | 67.5 | |||||||||||||
Adjusted Net Revenue4 |
25 | 3,299,505 | 3,666,117 | 4,032,729 | 3,534,605 | 96.4 | 82.1 | |||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA5 |
25 |
500,002 | 625,003 | 750,004 | 581,160 | 93.0 | 82.5 | |||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin6 |
25 |
15.3% | 17.0% | 18.8% | 16.4% | 96.4 | 82.2 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Named Executive Officer |
Target Cash Incentive ($) |
Target (%) |
Actual Payout ($)2 |
Payout as a percent of Target (%) |
||||||||
|
1,239,413 | 125 | 973,868 | 78.6 | ||||||||
|
491,961 | 80 | 386,558 | 78.6 | ||||||||
|
358,721 | 70 | 281,865 | 78.6 |
Metric |
Weighting (%) |
Threshold (25/50% Payout) ($)1 |
Target (100% Payout) ($)1 |
Superior (200% payout) ($)1 |
Actual Result ($) |
% of Target |
Payout Percentage |
|||||||||||||
Adjusted EPS3 |
25 |
3.49 | 4.36 | 5.23 | 3.79 | 87.0 | 67.5 | |||||||||||||
Engineering Adhesives Adjusted Net Revenue4 |
25 |
1,378,313 | 1,621,545 | 1,783,700 | 1,413,676 | 93.9 | 69.5 | |||||||||||||
Engineering Adhesives Adjusted EBITDA5 |
25 |
222,457 | 278,071 | 333,686 | 255,091 | 91.7 | 79.4 | |||||||||||||
Engineering Adhesives Adjusted EBITDA Margin6 |
25 |
15.7% | 18.5% | 20.4% | 18.0% | 97.7 | 88.5 |
Named Executive Officer |
Target Cash Incentive ($) |
Target (%) |
Actual Payout ($)2 |
Payout as a percent of Target (%) |
||||||||
|
413,821 | 70 | 315,435 | 76.2 |
Metric |
Weighting (%) |
Threshold (25/50% Payout) ($)1 |
Target (100% Payout) ($)1 |
Superior (200% payout) ($)1 |
Actual Result ($) |
% of Target |
Payout Percentage |
|||||||||||||
Adjusted EPS3 |
25 |
3.49 | 4.36 | 5.23 | 3.79 | 87.0 | 67.5 | |||||||||||||
Construction Adhesives Adjusted Net Revenue4 |
25 |
458,090 | 538,929 | 592,822 | 554,782 | 102.9 | 129.4 | |||||||||||||
Construction Adhesives Adjusted EBITDA5 |
25 |
49,567 | 62,071 | 74,485 | 74,041 | 119.3 | 196.4 | |||||||||||||
Construction Adhesives Adjusted EBITDA Margin6 |
25 |
9.8% | 11.5% | 12.7% | 13.4% | 115.9 | 200.0 |
Named Executive Officer |
Target Cash Incentive ($) |
Target (%) |
Actual Payout ($)2 |
Payout as a percent of Target (%) |
||||||||
|
296,577 | 60 | 439,897 | 148.3 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(1) |
All values in this column are in thousands except for Adjusted EPS. |
(2) |
The actual cash incentive paid is also found in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the "Summary Compensation Table" in this Proxy Statement. The short-term incentive award payment opportunity at each level of performance for our NEOs for fiscal year 2024 is shown in the "Grants of Plan-Based Awards During Fiscal Year 2024" table in this Proxy Statement. |
(3) |
Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure which is defined as earnings per share adjusted to exclude unusual items referenced in Annex A. Management believes that these adjustments improve the comparability of period-to-period results and are consistent with how it evaluates the Company's operating performance. Adjusted EPS is reconciled with the most directly comparable GAAP measure in Annex A. |
(4) |
Adjusted Net Revenue is a non-GAAP measure which is defined as net revenue as disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, adjusted to confirm with budgeted exchange rates as the basis of targets is |
(5) |
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is defined as adjusted net income plus adjusted income tax expense plus interest expense, net, plus depreciation expense plus amortization expense. Segment EBITDA is defined as segment operating income plus depreciation expense plus amortization expense, plus non-operating pension expense or income, plus reported |
(6) |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure which is defined as Adjusted EBITDA (consolidated) divided by Company net revenue. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Segment EBITDA divided by segment net revenue. Management believes that these adjustments improve the comparability of period-to-period results and are consistent with how it evaluates the Company's operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measure in Annex A. |
The following chart shows the percentage increase in fiscal year 2024 performance targets over fiscal year 2023 actual results for each metric used to determine the short-term incentive payouts:
FY 2024 Target to FY |
||
2023 Actual Increase/Decrease |
||
Adjusted EPS |
12.76% |
|
Company Adjusted Net Revenue |
9.41% |
|
Company Adjusted EBITDA |
12.49% |
|
Company Adjusted EBITDA Margin |
2.52% |
|
Engineering Adhesives Segment Adjusted Net Revenue |
8.65% |
|
Engineering Adhesives Segment Adjusted EBITDA |
11.75% |
|
Engineering Adhesives Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin |
3.03% |
|
Construction Adhesives Adjusted Net Revenue |
17.45% |
|
Construction Adhesives Adjusted EBITDA |
18.28% |
|
Construction Adhesives Adjusted EBITDA Margin |
0.55% |
Fiscal 2024 Long-Term Incentive Compensation
In General. For all NEOs, the fiscal year 2024 LTIP design included a mix of equity grants consisting of 50% NQSOs, 25% RSUs, and 25% PSUs issued under the 2020 Incentive Plan.
Stock Options. The NQSOs are focused on aligning shareholder value creation with executive rewards and enhancing employee retention, with vesting typically in three installments of 33%, 33%, and 34% on each anniversary date of the grant date if the optionee continues to be employed by the Company. Vested stock options provide a benefit to an executive officer only if the market value of the stock increases over the term of the option and if the executive officer remains employed with the Company, or once the executive officer becomes retirement eligible. Retirement eligibility is defined as 55 years of age and 10 years of service. If an NEO is retirement eligible, stock options immediately vest upon retirement. However, if an NEO does not remain employed for 180 days from the grant date, the award is forfeited regardless of retirement eligibility. Stock options are granted for a 10-year term. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
Stock Units. Stock units provide a benefit to an employee only if the employee remains employed until the award vests or once the employee becomes retirement eligible. Dividends are accrued on stock units during the period prior to vesting and are subject to the same vesting requirements, with payment in the form of additional shares once vesting has occurred. Stock units do not have voting rights. In addition, if the market value of the stock increases over the grant date price of the award, the employee further benefits from that appreciation in value. We grant two kinds of stock units.
● |
PSUs. For all NEOs, 25% of their equity awards are PSUs vesting only if the Company achieves at least a threshold level of ROIC performance. PSUs cliff vest three years from the grant date depending on ROIC performance against a metric that is a three-year year target. Cliff vesting better aligns with our focus on overall ROIC performance during the three-year performance period of the award, incentivizes long-term strategic thinking and behavior, and enhances the retention value of the award. |
● |
RSUs. For all NEOs, 25% of their equity awards are RSUs vesting based on continued employment over time. RSUs typically vest in three annual installments (33%, 33%, and 34%) from the grant date, which enhances retention. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
If an NEO is retirement eligible, RSUs and PSUs continue to vest pursuant to the terms of the award. However, if an NEO does not remain employed for 180 days from the grant date, the award is forfeited regardless of retirement eligibility.
Fiscal 2024 Long-Term Incentive Awards. The value of an individual's target award is established with consideration of the market median/50th percentile for the applicable position and grade level as well as the contributions and potential of the individual. The CEO recommends to the Compensation Committee the value of stock options, RSUs, and PSUs to be granted to each executive officer. The Compensation Committee retains full authority to accept, modify, or reject these recommendations and to increase or decrease the value of the award. The Compensation Committee also reviews total Company performance and the CEO's individual performance to determine the award for the CEO. The number of options is determined based on a Black-Scholes valuation, and a 30-day share price average is applied. To determine the number of stock units to be awarded, a 30-day share price average is applied.
The Compensation Committee reviews and approves long-term incentives for our CEO and the other executive officers in January of each year. This long-term incentive grant date in January aligns with the annual individual performance review process and allows the grants to occur during the open trading period (after our fiscal year-end annual earnings release) for our common stock as provided under Company policy. We do not allow backdating of options, nor do we have a program, plan, or practice to time stock option grants to executive officers in coordination with the release of material non-public information.
The approximate values for each NEO's fiscal year 2024 long-term incentive award are set forth in the table below.
Approximate |
||
Value of |
||
Long-Term |
||
Incentive |
||
for FY 2024 |
||
Named Executive Officer |
($) |
|
|
5,500,000 |
|
|
1,320,000 |
|
|
650,000 |
|
|
650,000 |
|
|
570,000 |
Analysis of Fiscal 2022-2024 Long-Term Incentive Award. PSUs granted in fiscal year 2021 and later have a three-year ROIC goal. Fiscal years 2022-2024 ROIC performance and related vesting of PSUs are set forth below.
Fiscal years 2022-2024 ROIC1Performance Goals and Achievement
2022 PSU Grant |
||||
(2022-2024 Performance Period) |
||||
Superior |
13.2% | |||
Target |
9.2% | |||
Threshold |
7.2% | |||
Actual |
9.6% | |||
Payout Percent |
110.0% |
(1) |
ROIC is defined as: |
NOPAT (Net operating profit after tax)
(Short-Term Debt + Long-Term Debt + Total Equity - Cash)
At time of grant, we believed the targets were challenging but achievable. We consider the related target for the ROIC metric to be confidential commercial information the disclosure of which would result in competitive harm to us.
If performance during the three-year performance period is less than threshold (target ROIC less 2%), no PSUs vest. If the threshold level is achieved, the PSUs vest at 50%. If the target level is achieved, the PSUs vest at 100%. If the superior level (target ROIC plus 4%) is achieved, the PSUs vest at 200%. Performance between threshold and target and target and superior is calculated on a straight-line basis.
ROIC is a non-GAAP financial metric that is reconciled with the most directly comparable GAAP financial metric in Annex A.
Fiscal year 2024 RSU and PSU awards are set forth in the "Grants of Plan-Based Awards During Fiscal Year 2024" table in this Proxy Statement.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Other Executive Benefits and Perquisites
In General. We provide the following perquisites and benefits to our executive officers:
Perquisites and Benefits |
Description |
|||
DC Restoration Plan |
● |
Non-qualified retirement plan, consisting of the following four components: |
||
► | 1% non-elective (retirement) contribution restoration for compensation in excess of |
|||
► | An opportunity for a discretionary contribution of 0% to 3% of eligible pay in excess of |
|||
► | 4% 401(k) match restoration for compensation match in excess of |
|||
► | Additional credit equal to 7% of eligible earnings. | |||
KEDCP |
● |
Allows deferral of a portion of annual base salary and/or any annual incentive payment. If an executive defers a portion of his or her salary or incentive payment into the Company stock account, the Company credits units of deferred phantom stock units and matches 10% of the amount credited with phantom stock units. |
||
Financial Counseling |
● |
Up to |
||
|
● |
Annual preventive/diagnostic physical examination and local travel-related expenses. |
||
|
● |
Group personal excess liability insurance policy provides individual coverage up to |
||
Relocation Expense |
● |
Assistance with relocation, sale and purchase of home, temporary living assistance, and movement of property, including a tax gross-up for certain assistance that is taxable. |
||
|
● |
Executives may elect to purchase long-term disability insurance coverage of 50% of their salary up to |
(1) |
Information regarding calculation of the fiscal year 2024 contribution is found in the "All Other Compensation" column and related footnotes to the "Summary Compensation Table" on page 44. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Analysis of Fiscal2024Executive Benefits and Perquisites. We provide perquisites to our executive officers to generally reflect competitiveness at the market median/50th percentile.
In conjunction with the annual review of the executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee typically reviews executive officer benefits and perquisites for market prevalence. In fiscal year 2022, the Compensation Committee decided to review benefits and perquisites on an "every other year" basis since the market data does not typically change materially on an annual basis. However, the Compensation Committee conducted a limited review of certain benefits and perquisites in fiscal 2024 and made the following changes for fiscal 2025 and beyond to maintain market competitive benefits and perquisites that are relevant to executives for recruitment and retention purposes:
● |
Eliminated the |
● |
Increased the taxable financial counseling allowance from |
● |
Introduced a taxable health reimbursement account of up to |
All benefits and perquisites paid to our NEOs are disclosed in the "Summary Compensation Table" under the "Other Compensation" column and the footnotes thereto.
Severance, Change-in-Control and Other Employment-Related Agreements
In General.
Severance. The executive severance agreements provide for payment of the following severance benefits if the eligible executive officer's employment is terminated involuntarily by the Company without cause (as defined in the agreement) or voluntarily by the executive officer for good reason (as defined in the agreement):
● |
Severance pay equal to one time (two times for the CEO) base salary plus target annual bonus, payable over the 12 months (24 months for the CEO) following termination; |
● |
Continued group medical and dental insurance over 12 months (18 months for the CEO); and |
● |
Outplacement services with a value of up to |
Except as indicated above with respect to the CEO, the same form of agreement was provided to all NEOs.
Change-in-Control Agreements. All NEOs have entered into change-in-control agreements with
The change-in-control agreements contain a "double trigger" for receipt of change-in-control payments. This means that there must be a change in control of the Company and a termination of employment (or a material change to the NEO's terms of employment, such as demotion, reduction in compensation or required relocation) during the covered period for the provisions to apply and benefits to be paid. The Compensation Committee believes that a "double trigger" is more appropriate than a "single trigger," because a double trigger prevents the unnecessary payment of benefits to an executive officer if the change in control does not result in the executive officer's termination of employment or a material change in the terms of the executive officer's employment.
For change-in-control agreements entered into prior to mid-fiscal year 2018 (for
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
An explanation of any payments to be made under the change-in-control agreements is found under the heading "Involuntary (Not for Cause) Termination or Good Reason Termination after a Change-in-Control" in the section of this Proxy Statement titled "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control."
Executive Compensation Policies
Stock Ownership. Goals and levels of executive stock ownership are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee. An executive officer's stock ownership includes common stock directly held by the executive officer and common stock held in our 401(k) Plan, RSUs, and phantom stock units held in the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. NQSOs and unvested/unearned PSUs are not counted toward stock ownership goals.
The goal for the CEO is ownership of at least five times their base salary in common stock, and the goal for the CFO is ownership of at least three times their base salary. For the other NEOs, the goal is two times their base salary. The guideline provides that an executive should strive to reach and then maintain the applicable stock ownership goal within five years of becoming subject to that goal. For the fiscal year 2024 review of stock ownership, all NEOs who had been subject to the same stock ownership goal for at least five years had met that goal. If after five years at a particular stock ownership goal, an NEO has not met the stock ownership goal, the NEO must retain 100% of all after-tax profit shares from any exercise, vesting, or payout of equity awards until the stock ownership goal is met, unless a hardship exception is granted.
Tax Considerations. Section 162(m) of the
Various programs, including our benefit plans that provide for deferrals of compensation are subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. We have reviewed such plans for compliance with Section 409A and believe that they comply.
Insider Trading. Our insider trading policy governs the purchase, sale and other dispositions of our common stock and other securities by our directors, executive officers, employees and any member of his or her immediate family living in his or her household. The insider trading policy prohibits employees from trading in Company securities when they have material, non-public information about the Company. Additionally, the policy prohibits employees from trading in the securities of other public companies about which the employee learns material, non-public information through his or her employment with the Company.
In addition to the above restrictions, our insider trading policy requires that our directors and Section 16 officers pre-clear every transaction involving Company securities with the Company's general counsel. Pre-clearance obligations apply to all transactions in company securities, including gifts. Additionally, directors, officers, and certain other employees are prohibited from trading in Company securities during certain blackout periods.
Our insider trading policy also prohibits hedging transactions in Company securities by all officers and directors. Hedging transactions include, for example, prepaid variable contracts, equity swaps, "costless collars," and other transactions that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value
The foregoing summary of our insider trading policy does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the policy, a copy of which can be found as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
Clawbacks. Our compensation recovery policy generally requires the Compensation Committee to recoup incentive-based compensation from any current or former executive officer or key manager if the payment was predicated on achieving certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement
Policies and Practices Related to the Grant of Certain Equity Awards. The Company typically grants regular annual long-term equity incentive awards (including stock options and RSU and PSU grants to our NEOs) two business days after the filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. The timing of any equity grants to executive officers in connection with new hires, promotions, or other non-routine grants is tied to the event giving rise to the award (such as an executive officer's commencement of employment or promotion effective date).
It is the Compensation Committee's practice to not grant equity awards to our NEOs during the period beginning four business days before and ending one business day after the filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Neither the Board nor the Compensation Committee otherwise take into account material non-public information when determining the timing or terms of equity awards, nor do we time disclosure of material non-public information for the purpose of affecting the value of executive compensation. Stock options are granted with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, as required by the 2020 Incentive Plan.
During fiscal 2024, the Company did not grant stock options (or similar awards) to any NEO during any period beginning four business days before and ending one business day after the filing of any Company periodic report on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, or the filing or furnishing of any Company Form 8-K that disclosed any material non-public information.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section of this Proxy Statement contains non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and ROIC measured on a company-wide basis and certain financial measures for individual operating segments. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information" in Annex A to this Proxy Statement for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of
|
|
|
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table shows the cash and non-cash compensation for the last three fiscal years awarded to or earned by our NEOs, which include individuals who served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during fiscal year 2024 and the three other most highly compensated executive officers who either were serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal year 2024 or served as an executive officer during fiscal year 2024.
|
Year |
Salary ($)1 |
Bonus ($)2 |
Stock Awards ($)3 |
Option Awards ($)4 |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)1,5 |
Change in Pension Value and Non- qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)6 |
All Other Compensation ($)7 |
Total ($) |
|||||||||
2024 | 991,731 | - | 2,682,350 | 2,896,887 | 973,868 | 3,413 | 292,467 | 7,840,716 | ||||||||||
President and |
2023 |
950,000 |
- |
1,624,832 |
1,615,756 |
570,018 |
- |
290,296 |
5,050,902 |
|||||||||
Chief Executive Officer | 2022 | 438,750 | 1,700,000 | 502,842 | 525,814 | 364,920 | - | 444,347 | 3,976,673 | |||||||||
2024 | 615,023 | - | 675,620 | 695,233 | 386,558 | 21,355 | 120,274 | 2,514,063 | ||||||||||
Executive Vice President & | 2023 | 596,769 | - | 523,710 | 498,896 | 239,810 | 17,781 | 140,571 | 2,017,538 | |||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | 2022 | 587,615 | - | 490,494 | 460,969 | 488,044 | 4,447 | 195,156 | 2,226,725 | |||||||||
2024 | 628,956 | - | 317,070 | 342,341 | 315,435 | 18,866 | 97,616 | 1,720,284 | ||||||||||
Executive Vice President, | 2023 | 610,685 | - | 755,063 | 294,794 | 195,819 | 16,153 | 113,332 | 1,985,846 | |||||||||
Engineering Adhesives | 2022 | 595,437 | - | 329,309 | 322,680 | 368,609 | 4,247 | 131,482 | 1,751,764 | |||||||||
2024 | 512,519 | - | 348,730 | 376,577 | 281,865 | 34,518 | 109,617 | 1,663,826 | ||||||||||
Executive Vice President & | 2023 | 500,000 | - | 296,471 | 294,794 | 175,217 | 31,807 | 109,619 | 1,407,909 | |||||||||
Chief Administrative Officer |
||||||||||||||||||
2024 | 494,371 | - | 278,004 | 300,218 | 439,897 | 7,675 | 96,899 | 1,617,064 | ||||||||||
Senior Vice President, | ||||||||||||||||||
Business Adhesive Solutions |
(1) |
Includes cash compensation deferred at the election of the executive under the 401(k) Plan and/or the KEDCP. During fiscal year 2024, |
(2) |
The amount in this column for |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(3) |
The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair value of (a) the 10% Company match of phantom units deferred under the KEDCP, as described in footnote 1, (b) RSU and PSU grants made under the LTIP, and (c) for fiscal year 2023, an RSU retention award to |
(4) |
The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair values of stock option awards made under the LTIP. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, the grant date fair value of these awards has been determined using the Black-Scholes method and based on the assumptions set forth in Note 9 to the audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended |
(5) |
As described in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section of this Proxy Statement, the amounts in this column represent cash incentives earned under our STIP. See footnote 1 above. |
(6) |
Amounts reported in this column include the amount of interest accrued during the applicable fiscal year on the officer's account in the DC Restoration Plan that exceeded 120% of the applicable federal long-term monthly rate in fiscal year 2024. No NEOs participate in the H.B. Fuller Legacy Pension Plan. |
(7) |
The table below shows the components of this column for fiscal year 2024, which include Company matching contributions to |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
All Other Compensation -- Fiscal Year 2024 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Defined |
Defined |
|||||||||||||||||||
Contribution Plan |
Contribution |
|||||||||||||||||||
Company Match |
Restoration |
Dividends on |
||||||||||||||||||
& |
Plan |
Unvested |
Perquisites and | |||||||||||||||||
Contributions |
Contributions |
RSUs and PSUs |
Other Payments |
Total |
||||||||||||||||
|
($)a |
($)a |
($)b |
($)c |
($) |
|||||||||||||||
|
17,188 | 170,222 | 52,602 | 52,455 | 292,467 | |||||||||||||||
|
17,188 | 72,628 | 16,538 | 13,920 | 120,274 | |||||||||||||||
|
17,188 | 57,713 | 15,409 | 7,306 | 97,616 | |||||||||||||||
|
17,188 | 65,341 | 8,589 | 18,499 | 109,617 | |||||||||||||||
|
17,188 | 49,570 | 7,431 | 22,710 | 96,899 |
(a) |
For the contributions related to the discretionary contribution of 0% to 3% of eligible earnings in excess of |
(b) |
Dividends accrued on unvested RSUs and PSUs are not paid unless the RSUs or PSUs vest. |
(c) |
The perquisite and other payments amounts are valued at the amount paid by, or the incremental cost to, the Company as follows: for |
Insurance amounts include premiums for personal excess liability insurance paid on a tax-protected basis and related tax gross-ups. Insurance amounts also include reimbursement for long-term disability insurance premiums in the amount of Amounts for charitable matching contributions and donations by the Company are given under a broad-based plan for all |
(8) |
|
(9) |
|
(10) |
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASEDAWARDS DURING FISCAL 2024
The following table summarizes the grants of plan-based awards in fiscal year 2024 for each of the NEOs in the "Summary Compensation Table." For more information on the terms of these awards, see "Fiscal 2024 Short-Term Incentive Compensation" and "Fiscal 2024 Long-Term Incentive Compensation" in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
All |
Option |
Exercise |
Grant |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Grant |
Threshold |
Target |
Maximum |
Threshold |
Target |
Maximum |
or Units |
Options |
Awards |
Awards |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STIP Award |
77,463 | 1,239,413 | 2,478,825 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - PSUs |
|
8,628 | 17,256 | 34,512 | 1,341,136 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - RSUs |
|
17,257 | 5 | 1,341,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - NQSOs |
|
103,238 | 77.72 | 2,896,887 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STIP Award |
30,748 | 491,961 | 983,922 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - PSUs |
|
2,071 | 4,141 | 8,282 | 321,839 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - RSUs |
|
4,142 | 5 | 321,916 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - NQSOs |
|
24,774 | 77.72 | 695,233 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KEDCP |
4,943 | 6 | 351,570 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STIP Award |
25,864 | 413,821 | 827,642 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - PSUs |
|
1,020 | 2,039 | 4,078 | 158,471 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - RSUs |
|
2,040 | 5 | 158,549 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - NQSOS |
|
12,199 | 77.72 | 342,341 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KEDCP |
7 | 6 | 549 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STIP Award |
22,420 | 358,721 | 717,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - PSUs |
|
1,122 | 2,243 | 4,486 | 174,326 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - RSUs |
|
2,244 | 5 | 174,404 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - NQSOs |
|
13,419 | 77.72 | 376,577 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STIP Award |
18,536 | 296,576 | 593,153 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - PSUs |
|
894 | 1,788 | 3,576 | 138,963 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - RSUs |
|
1,789 | 5 | 139,041 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Award - NQSOs |
|
10,698 | 77.72 | 300,218 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(1) |
The amounts shown in these columns represent the opportunity under our STIP for fiscal year 2024 performance discussed under the heading "Fiscal 2024 Short-Term Incentive Compensation" in this Proxy Statement. The amount in the threshold column represents the potential payout if the threshold level is met for Adjusted Net Revenue (25% of target) and there is no payment for any other metrics for the applicable NEO. The amount in the target column represents the potential payout if the target level is met for all STIP metrics for the applicable NEO (100% of target). The amount in the maximum column represents the potential payout if the maximum level is met for all STIP metrics for the applicable NEO (200% of target). The short-term incentive award may be |
(2) |
For all NEOs, the PSU awards were granted under the 2020 Incentive Plan and cliff vest in three years from the date of grant based upon ROIC performance. For all grants, if performance is less than threshold (target ROIC less 2%), the PSUs will vest with a value of |
(3) |
The NQSOs are granted under the 2020 Master Incentive Plan and become exercisable at the rate of 33%, 33%, and 34% each year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and expire 10 years from the grant date. These options become immediately exercisable upon retirement (age 55 and 10 years of service), death, or disability. |
(4) |
The grant date fair value of RSU and PSU awards is calculated by multiplying the number of units for RSUs, and the target number of units for PSUs, by the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The Black-Scholes option pricing method was used to estimate the grant date fair value of the options in this column. The assumptions used to develop the grant date valuations for the options are as follows: risk free rate of retuof 3.84%; dividend rate of 0.8815%; volatility rate of 35.206%; quarterly reinvestment of dividends; and an average term of 5 years. No adjustments have been made for non-transferability or risk of forfeiture. The real value of the stock options in this table will depend on the actual performance of our common stock during the applicable period and the fair market value of our common stock on the date the options are exercised. |
(5) |
The LTIP Award - RSUs were granted under the 2020 Incentive Plan. The RSUs vest in three annual installments (33%, 33%, and 34%) beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant. Under the 2020 Incentive Plan, dividends on RSUs are accrued by |
(6) |
The KEDCP allows NEOs to defer a portion of their annual base salary and/or any annual short-term incentive payment. If an NEO defers a portion of their salary or short-term incentive payment into the Company stock account in the KEDCP, the Company credits units of deferred phantom stock units and matches 10% of the amount credited with phantom stock units. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 2024 YEAR-END
The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards as of
Option Awards |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Grant Date |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable1 |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable1 |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)2 |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)3 |
Equity incentive plan awards: number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#)4 |
Equity incentive plan awards: market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($)3 |
||||||||||
|
|
16,940 |
8,727 |
67.55 |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
23,846 |
48,415 |
68.17 |
|
||||||||||||||||
- | 103,228 | 77.72 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
1,307 |
100,495 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
4,226 |
295,411 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
8,173 |
628,422 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
24,390 |
937,674 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
17,452 |
1,341,884 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
34,902 |
1,341,807 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
16,672 |
- |
43.48 |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
23,696 |
- |
50.10 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
21,834 |
- |
53.57 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
41,208 |
- |
45.05 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
48,309 |
- |
48.35 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
38,376 |
- |
51.89 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
14,518 |
7,479 |
72.94 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
7,362 |
14,950 |
68.17 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
- |
24,774 |
77.72 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
1,124 |
86,424 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
3,630 |
279,111 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
2,524 |
194,070 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
7,530 |
578,982 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
4,189 |
322,092 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
8,376 |
644,031 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
13,033 |
- |
50.10 |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
16,375 |
- |
53.57 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
27,472 |
- |
45.05 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
28,985 |
- |
48.35 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
25,571 |
- |
51.89 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
10,162 |
5,236 |
72.94 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
4,350 |
8,834 |
68.17 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
- |
12,199 |
77.72 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
6,847 |
526,466 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
786 |
60,436 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
2,541 |
195,377 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
1,493 |
114,797 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
4,450 |
342,161 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
2,063 |
158,624 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
4,124 |
317,094 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
29,832 |
- |
33.38 |
|
|||||||||||||||
23,696 | - | 50.10 | ||||||||||||||||||
21,834 | - | 53.57 | ||||||||||||||||||
27,472 | - | 45.05 | ||||||||||||||||||
14,492 | - | 48.35 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
11,992 |
- |
51.89 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
5,444 |
2,805 |
72.94 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
4,350 |
8,834 |
68.17 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
- |
13,419 |
77.72 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
422 |
32,448 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
1,361 |
104,624 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
1,493 |
114,797 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
4,450 |
342,161 |
||||||||||||||||||
2,269 | 174,463 | |||||||||||||||||||
4,536 | 348,773 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
4,115 |
- |
48.35 |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
16,605 |
- |
51.89 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
6,895 |
3,553 |
72.94 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
3,346 |
6,795 |
68.17 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
- |
10,698 |
77.72 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
534 |
41,059 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
1,724 |
132,535 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
1,148 |
88,270 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
3,422 |
263,118 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
1,809 |
139,094 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
3,616 |
278,034 |
||||||||||||||||||
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(1) |
NQSOs generally vest in three annual installments (33%, 33%, and 34%) beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. Options become immediately exercisable upon retirement (age 55 and 10 years of service), death, disability, or change-in-control. A double trigger is required for vesting after a change-in-control. |
(2) |
RSUs generally vest in three annual installments (33%, 33%, and 34%) beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. The RSUs become immediately vested in the event of death, disability, and change-in-control. A double trigger is required for vesting after a change-in-control. For |
(3) |
The market value is based on the closing price on |
(4) |
Awards of stock units to NEOs are generally 50% RSUs and 50% PSUs. 50% of the stock unit grant is subject to a three-year ROIC target and cliff vests on the third anniversary of the grant date. For the awards granted in fiscal year 2022, the number of shares and payout value is based on the average fiscal year 2022-2024 ROIC performance and the number of shares and payout value presented in the table are based on actual performance. Performance for this period was above target but below superior and the shares paid out at 110% of target. For the awards granted in fiscal 2023 and 2024, the number of shares and payout value presented in the table assume superior performance. |
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED-FISCAL YEAR 2024
The following table summarizes the number of options exercised and shares of restricted stock vested during fiscal year 2024 for each of the NEOs in the "Summary Compensation Table."
Option Awards |
Stock Awards |
|||||||||||||||
|
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($)1 |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($)2 |
||||||||||||
|
- | - | 5,235 | 407,040 | ||||||||||||
|
- | - | 10,062 | 782,157 | ||||||||||||
|
- | - | 6,649 | 516,849 | ||||||||||||
|
- | - | 3,552 | 276,129 | ||||||||||||
|
14,000 | 391,025 | 4,427 | 344,131 |
(1) |
The value realized on the exercise of options is the market price of a share of |
(2) |
The value realized on the vesting of stock awards is the closing market price of a share of |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION-FISCAL YEAR 2024
The following table summarizes information with respect to the participation of the NEOs in our nonqualified deferred compensation plans - the KEDCP and DC Restoration Plan. The Company makes a 1% non-discretionary contribution to the DC Restoration Plan and there is an opportunity for a discretionary contribution of 0% to 3% of eligible earnings in excess of
|
Plan |
Executive Contributions in Last FY ($)1 |
Registrant Contributions in Last FY ($)2 |
Aggregate Earnings in Last FY ($) |
Aggregate Withdrawals /Distributions ($) |
Aggregate Balance at Last FYE ($)3 |
|||||||||||||||
|
DC Restoration Plan |
- | 137,010 | - | - | 137,010 | |||||||||||||||
|
KEDCP |
255,296 | 25,530 | 19,399 | - | 1,659,086 | |||||||||||||||
DC Restoration Plan |
- | 100,255 | 42,527 | - | 691,552 | ||||||||||||||||
|
KEDCP |
12,248 | 1,225 | 985,937 | - | 5,425,602 | |||||||||||||||
DC Restoration Plan |
- | 73,372 | 38,365 | - | 606,379 | ||||||||||||||||
|
DC Restoration Plan |
- | 68,790 | 29,951 | (3,499 | ) | 580,640 | ||||||||||||||
|
DC Restoration Plan |
- | 78,865 | 77,941 | - | 1,089,750 |
(1) |
Only |
(2) |
The amount in this column related to the KEDCP is also included in the "Stock Awards" column of the "Summary Compensation Table" and includes the Company's 10% match under the KEDCP for any amounts deferred into the Company stock account. The Company contributions under the DC Restoration Plan are also included in the "All Other Compensation" column of the "Summary Compensation Table." |
(3) |
Of the totals in this column, the table below sets forth amounts that were previously reported as compensation to the relevant NEOs in our "Summary Compensation Table" for previous years for the KEDCP and for the DC Restoration Plan. |
|
Plan |
Amount previously reported as compensation to the named executive officer in our Summary Compensation Table for previous years(a) |
|||
|
DC Restoration Plan |
137,010 | |||
|
KEDCP |
1,252,546 | |||
DC Restoration Plan |
691,552 | ||||
|
KEDCP |
2,132,536 | |||
DC Restoration Plan |
446,357 | ||||
|
DC Restoration Plan |
722,456 | |||
|
DC Restoration Plan |
60,859 |
(a) |
Amounts for the DC Restoration Plan also include earnings from previous fiscal years, which are not reported in the "Summary Compensation Table" in previous years. |
Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. The KEDCP is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that allows deferral of salary or short-term incentive awards on a pre-tax basis. Executive officers may defer up to 80% of their base salary or up to 100% of their short-term incentive award. The plan is unfunded and does not protect the executive from insolvency of the Company.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Amounts deferred under the KEDCP are credited with earnings and investment gains and losses by assuming that deferred amounts were invested in one or more hypothetical investment options selected by the executive. Executive officers can change their investment elections at any time, except for investments in the Company stock fund, which can be changed annually. The one-year rates of retufor such investments for fiscal 2024 are as follows:
BNY Mellon Stock Index |
32.77% |
Janus Aspen Overseas Portfolio |
11.74% |
||||
|
19.70% |
Janus Forty Portfolio |
35.92% |
||||
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income |
29.03% |
|
18.49% |
||||
Fidelity VIP Growth |
37.42% |
Morgan Stanley VIF |
28.01% |
||||
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund |
40.02% |
PIMCO VIT Real RetuPortfolio |
5.29% |
||||
Goldman Sachs VIT Mic Cap Value |
30.23% |
PIMCO VIT Total RetuFund |
6.89% |
||||
|
2.75% |
Royce Capital Fund |
31.59% |
||||
|
38.79% |
T Rowe Price Equity Income Portfolio II |
25.91% |
||||
|
20.25% |
T Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio II |
23.64% |
Participants who invest in the Company stock fund are eligible to receive a 10% match in Company stock. The value of the matching contributions received, if any, is disclosed in the "Summary CompensationTable" in this Proxy Statement. During fiscal year 2024, only
Executive officers are always 100% vested in their KEDCP account and are entitled to receive a distribution from their account under the following circumstances: separation from service, death, disability, age 65, date elected, or unforeseeable emergency that results in severe financial hardship that is consistent with the meaning of that term under section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Distributions are made in either a lump sum or, if previously elected by the executive officer, up to 11 annual installments. Distributions from the Company stock account will be in the form of stock and all other amounts will be distributed in cash.
Defined Contribution Restoration Plan. The DC Restoration Plan is a non-qualified unfunded retirement plan that is intended to provide for retirement benefits above amounts available under
● |
4% restoration plan match credit provides a contribution of 4% of eligible pay in excess of the |
● |
1% "restoration non-elective" credit provides a contribution of 1% of eligible pay in excess of the |
● |
The potential for 0-3% of eligible pay in excess of the |
● |
7% credit on all eligible earnings. Participants become vested after 3 years of participation in the DC Restoration Plan. |
Interest on contributions is based on the daily
Contributions made on behalf of NEOs under the DC Restoration Plan are disclosed in the "Summary Compensation Table" in this Proxy Statement.
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
In General
The Company has certain arrangements, policies, and practices covering the NEOs in this Proxy Statement that require it to provide compensation in the event of certain types of terminations, including certain terminations due to a change-in-control of the Company.
The information set forth below describes amounts that the Company would pay or provide to an NEO or their beneficiaries in each of the following situations: voluntary termination, involuntary for cause termination, involuntary not for cause termination or good reason termination, involuntary (not for cause) or good reason termination after a change-in-control, death, disability, and retirement. The estimated amounts payable are calculated as if the termination occurred on the last business day of the fiscal year,
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
We have not included payments or benefits that are fully disclosed in the "Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table" in this Proxy Statement, unless such payment is enhanced or its vesting or other provisions are accelerated. We have also not included information or payments related to contracts, agreements, plans, or arrangements to the extent that they do not discriminate in scope, term, or operation in favor of the NEOs and that are available generally to all salaried employees. We call these benefits "general benefits" and they include:
● |
Accrued Vacation Pay |
● |
401(k) Plan (or similar applicable plan) |
● |
Health and Welfare Benefits |
● |
Life Insurance Proceeds |
Voluntary Termination
In the event of a voluntary termination as of the last business day of the fiscal year, the Company is not obligated to provide any enhanced benefits or accelerate vesting of any existing benefits of an NEO unless the NEO is retirement eligible. For all long-term incentive awards, retirement eligibility is defined as 55 years of age and 10 years of service. If an NEO is retirement eligible, stock options immediately vest upon retirement and RSUs and PSUs continue to vest pursuant to the terms of the award. However, if an NEO does not remain employed for 180 days from the grant date, the award is forfeited regardless of retirement eligibility.
Retirement
In the event of a retirement as of the last business day of the fiscal year, stock options immediately vest and RSUs and PSUs continue to vest pursuant to the terms of the award. Retirement eligibility is defined as 55 years of age and 10 years of service. If an NEO does not remain employed for 180 days from the grant date, the award is forfeited regardless of retirement eligibility.
Involuntary For Cause Termination
In the event of an involuntary for cause termination as of the last business day of the fiscal year, the Company is not obligated to provide any enhanced benefits or accelerate vesting of any existing benefits of an NEO. Under our long-term incentive award agreements, "cause" means any act by the NEO that is materially inimical to the best interests of the Company and that constitutes common law fraud, a felony, or other gross malfeasance of duty on the part of the Participant. In such a termination, all stock awards are forfeited.
Involuntary Not For Cause Termination or Good Reason Termination
In the event of an involuntary not for cause termination or a good reason termination as of the last business day of the fiscal year, an NEO's compensation would be affected as follows.
We have a severance arrangement with each of the NEOs. If the NEO's employment with the Company is involuntarily terminated at the initiative of the Company for any reason other than cause or disability or at the initiative of the executive for good reason and such termination does not occur during the protected period of a change-in-control, then the executive officer is entitled to receive certain severance benefits. Good reason means a material reduction of the executive officer's base salary, material diminution in the executive officer's authority and duties, or a required change of the executive officer's principal work location of 50 miles or more. Protected period means the 24-month period immediately following each change-in-control. To receive severance, the executive officer must sign a release of claims in favor of the Company and be in compliance with the terms of the executive severance agreement, including, where permitted by local law, that the executive officer must agree not to compete with the Company or solicit customers or employees of the Company for two years after termination of employment. The severance benefit consists of the following:
● |
A severance payment equal to one time (two times for the CEO) base salary plus target bonus, payable over the 12 months (24 months for the CEO) following termination. Any amount of this severance payment over the lesser of (a) |
● |
The executive is entitled to medical and dental insurance over 12 months (18 months for the CEO). |
● |
Outplacement services with a value up to |
Benefits under the DC Restoration Plan are not accelerated or automatically vested upon involuntary not for cause termination or good reason termination.
Involuntary (Not for Cause) Termination or Good Reason Termination after a Change-in-Control
We have entered into a change-in-control agreement with each of the NEOs. The initial three-year term of these agreements automatically extends for an additional year on each subsequent anniversary of the agreement unless our Board of Directors gives notice of non-renewal prior to an anniversary date. A protected period of 24 months follows each change-in-control of
● |
The executive will receive a target STIP payment prorated to the date of the termination without application of any denial provisions based on unsatisfactory personal performance or any other reason. |
● |
A severance payment equal to three times the sum of: (a) the executive's highest base salary, on an annualized basis, established by us during the period commencing three months prior to the occurrence of the change-in-control and ending on the date of the executive's termination of employment; plus (b) the executive's target annual incentive in effect immediately prior to the change-in-control. |
● |
A payment for outplacement services of up to |
● |
In addition, the executive is entitled to medical and dental benefits for a three-year period following the termination of employment. |
The Company does not include a tax gross-up provision for change-in-control agreements entered into starting in mid-fiscal year 2018 (for
We have other compensatory arrangements with our NEOs that will be affected by a change-in-control. The DC Restoration Plan provides that if within two years after a change-in-control, we terminate an NEO's employment without cause or the NEO terminates his or her employment for good reason (as defined in this plan), then up to three years shall be added to the participant's years of vesting service for purposes of determining benefits under the plan. If the NEO is already vested, then there is no impact to adding additional years of vesting service.
In addition, in the event of a change-in-control, all RSUs and any unvested stock options outstanding under our stock incentive plans immediately vest in full. For PSU grants, if termination under a change-in-control occurs during the performance period, the participant is entitled to vesting based on, and assuming that, performance would have been achieved at the target level. A double trigger is required prior to accelerated equity vesting. This means that there must be a change-in-control of the Company and a termination of employment (or a material change to the NEO's terms of employment (such as demotion, reduction in compensation, or required relocation)) for vesting to accelerate.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Payments upon Death or Disability
In the event of a death or disability as of the last business day of the fiscal year, an NEO's compensation would be affected as follows:
● |
Stock options and RSUs would vest at death and at disability. For PSU grants, if death or disability occurs during the performance period, the participant is entitled to vesting based on, and assuming that, performance would have been achieved at the target level. |
● |
Benefits under the DC Restoration Plan would vest at death or disability. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
EXECUTIVE BENEFIT AND PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION-FISCAL YEAR 2024
The following table shows potential estimated payments to the NEOs in this Proxy Statement upon (1) voluntary termination or retirement, (2) involuntary (not for cause) or good reason termination, (3) involuntary (not for cause) or good reason termination after a change-in-control, and (4) death or disability. The table assumes that the termination was effective on the last business day of the fiscal year and contains estimates of amounts that would be paid to the NEOs upon termination in addition to the base salary and short-term incentive earned by the executives during the fiscal year. Actual amounts payable to any NEO would only be determined after an actual event of termination.
Voluntary Termination or Retirement ($) |
Involuntary Not For Cause or Good Reason ($) |
Payments upon Involuntary (not for cause) or Good Reason Termination after a Change- in-Control ($) |
Death or Disability ($) |
|||||||||||||
|
- | 4,557,542 | 12,220,004 | 5,369,920 | ||||||||||||
|
- | 1,157,428 | 7,195,082 | 1,627,698 | ||||||||||||
|
97,715 | 1,055,005 | 6,558,901 | 1,465,301 | ||||||||||||
|
88,112 | 910,006 | 3,510,454 | 850,402 | ||||||||||||
|
- | 841,086 | 3,221,077 | 732,819 |
(1) |
CEO PAY
As required by
● |
The median of the annual total compensation of all employees of our company, except for the CEO, was reasonably estimated to be $64,828. |
● |
The annual total compensation of our CEO, |
● |
Based on this information, the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of all other employees is estimated to be 121 to 1. |
To identify our median employee, we began by considering everyone employed by us globally on September 30, 2024, which included approximately 7,652 employees. We then calculated total cash compensation for each employee including both current base salary and target cash incentive, and we annualized this amount for employees who commenced employment during the 2024 fiscal year. To calculate total cash compensation for any employee that we paid in currency other than
We changed the date which we use for determining the median employee from September 3 to September 30 to use a date closer to our fiscal year end. For purposes of the calculation, we added together all the elements of the median employee's compensation for fiscal year 2024 in the same way that we calculate the annual total compensation of our NEOs (including the CEO) in the "Summary Compensation Table." To calculate our ratio, we divided
Pay Versus Performance
As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive "compensation actually paid" (CAP, as computed in accordance with
Pay Versus Performance Table
Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year |
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO ($)(1) | "Compensation Actually Paid" to PEO ($)(2) | Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs ($)(3) | Average "Compensation Actually Paid" to Non-PEO NEOs ($)(4) | Total Shareholder Retu($)(5) | Peer Group Total Shareholder Retu($)(6) |
Net Income (millions)(7) ($) |
Adjusted EBITDA (millions) ($)(8) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
7,840,717 | 7,393,283 | 1,878,810 | 1,694,049 | 149.59 | 115.03 | 130 | 581 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
5,050,902 | 5,348,935 | 1,733,524 | 1,529,973 | 147.95 | 105.03 | 145 | 556 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
9,625,758 | 12,914,989 | 2,365,901 | 2,675,267 | 152.83 | 120.59 | 180 | 533 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
11,799,233 | 21,770,541 | 1,837,302 | 2,381,444 | 139.05 | 121.21 | 161 | 459 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) |
Our Principal Executive Officer (PEO) for fiscal 2021 and 2022 was |
(2) |
The dollar amounts reported represent the amount of CAP. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned or realized by or paid to an NEO during the applicable year. In accordance with |
Year |
Reported Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO ($) |
Deduct: Reported Value of Equity Awards ($)(a) |
Add: Equity Award Adjustments ($)(b) |
Deduct: Change in Actuarial Present Value of Pension Benefits ($)(c) |
Add: Pension Benefit Adjustments ($)(c) |
Equals: "Compensation Actually Paid" to PEO ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
7,840,717 | 5,579,237 | 5,131,803 | - | - | 7,393,283 | ||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
5,050,902 | 3,240,588 | 3,538,621 | - | - | 5,348,935 | ||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
9,625,758 | 5,118,606 | 8,407,837 | - | - | 12,914,989 | ||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
11,799,233 | 7,852,124 | 17,823,432 | - | - | 21,770,541 | ||||||||||||||||||
(a) |
The grant date fair value of equity awards represents the total of the amounts reported in the "Stock Awards" and "Option Awards" columns in the "Summary Compensation Table" for the applicable year. |
(b) |
The amounts (deducted) or added in calculating the equity award adjustments are set forth in the following table. The valuation assumptions used to calculate fair values did not materially differ from those disclosed at the time of grant. |
(c) |
No NEOs participate in the H.B. Fuller Legacy Pension Plan. |
Year |
Add: Year End |
Add: Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards Granted in |
Add: Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in the Year ($) |
Add: Change in Fair Value from Prior Year End of Equity Awards Granted in |
Deduct: Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Year ($) |
Add: Value of Dividends or other Earnings Paid on Stock or Option Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Fair Value ($) |
Equals: Total Equity Award Adjustments ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
5,182,791 | (70,082 | ) | - | 19,094 | - | - | 5,131,803 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
3,754,816 | (99,113 | ) | - | (117,081 | ) | - | - | 3,538,621 | |||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
6,101,567 | 2,659,513 | - | (353,243 | ) | - | - | 8,407,837 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
14,246,777 | 3,854,019 | - | (277,364 | ) | - | - | 17,823,432 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(3) |
The dollar amounts reported represent the average of the amounts reported for the Company's named executive officers (NEOs) as a group (excluding our President and CEO) in the "Total" column of the "Summary Compensation Table" in each applicable year. These NEOs included for purposes of calculating the average amounts in each applicable year are as follows: (i) for fiscal 2024, |
(4) |
The dollar amounts reported represent the average amount of CAP to the NEOs as a group (excluding our President and CEO). The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual average amount of compensation earned by or paid to these NEOs as a group during the applicable year. In accordance with the |
Year |
Average Reported Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs ($) |
Deduct: Average Reported Value of Equity Awards($)(a) |
Add: Average Equity Award Adjustments($)(b) |
Deduct: Average Change in Actuarial Present Value of Pension Benefits ($)(c) |
Add: Average Pension Benefit Adjustments ($)(c) |
Equals: Average "Compensation Actually Paid" to Non-PEO NEOs ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
1,878,810 | 833,448 | 648,687 | - | - | 1,694,049 | ||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
1,733,524 | 814,172 | 610,621 | - | - | 1,529,973 | ||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
2,365,901 | 781,698 | 1,091,064 | - | - | 2,675,267 | ||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
1,837,302 | 810,273 | 1,354,415 | - | - | 2,381,444 | ||||||||||||||||||
(a) |
The grant date fair value of equity awards represents the total of the amounts reported in the "Stock Awards" and "Option Awards" columns in the "Summary Compensation Table" for the applicable year. |
(b) |
The amounts deducted or added in calculating the equity award adjustments are set forth in the following table. The valuation assumptions used to calculate fair values did not materially differ from those disclosed at the time of grant. |
(c) |
No NEOs participate in the H.B. Fuller Legacy Pension Plan. |
Year |
Add: Average Year End |
Add: Average Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards Granted in |
Add: Average Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in the Year ($) |
Add: Average Change in Fair Value from Prior Year End of Equity Awards Granted in |
Deduct: Average Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Year ($) |
Add: Average Value of Dividends or other Earnings Paid on Stock or Option Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Fair Value ($) |
Equals: Average Total Equity Award Adjustments ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
766,815 | (131,859 | ) | 7,979 | 5,752 | - | - | 648,687 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 |
932,268 | (98,832 | ) | 6,552 | (229,366 | ) | - | - | 610,621 | |||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
952,615 | 188,553 | 8,304 | (39,896 | ) | (18,512 | ) | - | 1,091,064 | |||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
1,115,084 | 394,490 | 5,412 | (25,366 | ) | (135,205 | ) | - | 1,354,415 | |||||||||||||||||||
(5) |
Cumulative TSR is based on a fixed investment of $100 in the Company's common stock measured from the beginning of the measurement period (November 27, 2020) through and including the end of each applicable fiscal year. Retuincludes (a) the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and (b) the difference between the Company's share price at the end of each applicable year and the beginning of the measurement period. |
(6) |
Represents the peer group cumulative TSR, weighted according to the respective companies' stock market capitalization at the beginning of each measurement period for which a retuis indicated. The peer group used for this purpose is the Dow Jones |
(7) |
The dollar amounts reported represent the amount of net income reflected in the Company's audited financial statements for the applicable year. |
(8) |
The Compensation Committee has selected Adjusted EBITDA as the Company-Selected Measure representing the most important financial measure used to link CAP to the NEOs in fiscal 2024 to Company performance. Adjusted EBITDA is, when combined with the derivative Adjusted EBITDA Margin, the most heavily-weighted metric of our STIP metrics, and under our pay-for-performance approach the STIP represents a significant portion of the NEOs' compensation. Adjusted EBITDA is a non- |
Description of Certain Relationships
The graphs below compare the CAP to our President and CEO and the average of the CAP to our other NEOs, with (i) our cumulative TSR, (ii) our net income, and (iii) our Adjusted EBITDA, in each case for our 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 fiscal years. The graphs below also compare our cumulative TSR and our peer group cumulative TSR for our 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 fiscal years. TSR amounts assume $100 invested on November 27, 2020 and reinvestment of dividends.
Financial Performance Measures
The most important financial performance measures used by the Company to link CAP to the Company's NEOs in fiscal 2024 to the Company's performance are listed below. These metrics are further described in "Key Elements of Executive Compensation Program."
● |
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
● | Adjusted EBITDA Margin | |
● |
Adjusted EPS |
|
● |
Adjusted Net Revenue |
|
● |
ROIC |
PROPOSAL 3-NON-BINDING ADVISORY
VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Company is providing shareholders with an advisory (non-binding) vote on the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section, the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation and the accompanying narrative disclosure contained in this Proxy Statement.
The Company is asking shareholders to indicate their support for the compensation of our NEOs described in this Proxy Statement. The Company has designed its executive compensation program to attract, motivate, reward, and retain the executive talent required to achieve our corporate growth objectives and increase shareholder value. We believe that our compensation policies and procedures are centered on a pay-for-performance philosophy and are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders.
In deciding how to vote on this proposal, the Board urges you to consider the following factors:
● |
The Compensation Committee has designed our executive compensation program to be competitive with the compensation offered by those peers with whom we compete for management talent. |
● |
The Compensation Committee believes the Company's executive compensation programs have been effective at providing our executive officers with incentive to achieve short-term financial performance goals and to engage long-term decision making that is in the best interests of our shareholders. |
● |
Effective for LTIP awards granted in fiscal year 2021 and thereafter, PSUs moved from three-year ratable vesting to three-year cliff vesting. The ROIC metric for these PSUs did not change. However, the metric now has a three-year target. Cliff vesting better aligns with our focus on overall ROIC performance over the three-year performance period of the award, incentivizes long-term strategic thinking and behavior, and enhances the retention value of the award. |
● |
Company best practices include: |
• |
A policy regarding "clawbacks" of executive and key manager incentive compensation if there is a restatement of the Company's financial statements or if there is misconduct by an executive or key manager; |
• |
A prohibition on hedging, pledging, and certain other transactions in the Company's securities by directors and executive officers; |
• |
Policies for responsible share usage and governance of our equity compensation plans, including a prohibition on re-pricing of stock options; |
• |
For equity grants to NEOs, a double trigger for accelerated equity vesting upon a change-in-control; |
• |
Removal of tax gross-up provisions from change-in-control agreements entered into beginning in mid-fiscal year 2018; and |
• |
Stock ownership goals of five times base salary for our CEO, three times base salary for our CFO, and two times base salary for our other executive officers, which goals are reviewed annually. |
Accordingly, the Company is asking shareholders to vote FOR the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:
"RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the
This advisory vote on executive compensation is not binding on the Board. However, the Board will consider the result of the vote when determining future executive compensation arrangements. The Company currently conducts annual advisory votes on executive compensation.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR adoption of the resolution approving the compensation of the Company's named executive officers, as described in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section and the related tabular and narrative disclosure set forth in this Proxy Statement. |
PROPOSAL 4-APPROVAL OF THE
THIRD AMENDMENT AND
RESTATEMENT OF THE
COMPANY 2020 MASTER INCENTIVE
PLAN TO INCREASE SHARES AND
ADOPT CERTAIN OTHER AMENDMENTS
PROPOSAL
We are asking our shareholders to approve the third amendment and restatement of the
On January 23, 2025, our Board of Directors adopted, upon recommendation of our Compensation Committee and subject to shareholder approval, the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this proposal have the meanings assigned to them in the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, which is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement.
Long-term equity compensation plays an important part in the Company's pay-for-performance philosophy. Our compensation program emphasizes stock-based compensation, encouraging our executive officers and other employees and non-employee directors to think and act as long-term shareholders.
The purpose of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan is to promote the interests of the Company and our shareholders by aiding us in attracting and retaining employees, officers, consultants, independent contractors and non-employee directors capable of assuring the future success of the Company, to provide such persons with opportunities for stock ownership in the Company and to offer such persons other incentives to put forth maximum efforts for the success of the Company's business. The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will allow us to provide such persons an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company, and align the interests of such persons with our shareholders.
The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan is an omnibus equity incentive plan that allows the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards to employees, officers, consultants, independent contractors and non-employee directors. The total number of shares of common stock that may be issued under all stock-based awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will be 7,000,000 shares. Of these authorized shares, an aggregate of 3,150,000 shares may be issued pursuant to awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights (e.g., restricted stock and restricted stock units) ("Full Value Awards"). In addition, shares subject to any outstanding award under our prior incentive plans that, after April 15, 2025, are not purchased or are forfeited or reacquired by the Company, or otherwise not delivered to the participant due to termination or cancellation of such award, will be available for reissuance under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
Reasons for Amending the 2020 Incentive Plan
The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan would increase the total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2020 Incentive Plan, from 5,000,000 shares, of which a maximum of 2,000,000 shares may be issued in the form of Full Value Awards, to 7,000,000 shares, of which a maximum of 3,150,000 shares may be issued in the form of Full Value Awards.
We currently make awards of stock options, restricted stock units and dividend equivalents to executive officers and other employees under our 2020 Incentive Plan. As of February 19, 2025, we have 1,678,952 shares available under the 2020 Incentive Plan, of which a maximum of 466,686 shares may be issued in the form of Full Value Awards. We are asking our shareholders to approve the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan so that the Company will have an adequate number of shares authorized to make appropriate levels of stock incentive awards to officers, other employees and non-employee directors in 2025 and beyond. The Compensation Committee does not believe a sufficient number of shares of common stock remain available for issuance under the 2020 Incentive Plan for equity awards the Compensation Committee anticipates granting prior to our 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Therefore, the Company is proposing to amend and restate the 2020 Incentive Plan to increase the total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance. Consistent with the 2020 Incentive Plan, under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, equity awards will be made both to executive officers and other employees and to non-employee directors.
Our Board of Directors believes that the continuation of the Company's stock-based compensation program is essential in attracting, retaining and motivating highly qualified executive officers and other employees and non-employee directors to enhance the success of the Company. As discussed above in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" under the caption "Fiscal 2024 Long-Term Incentive Compensation," awards of stock options and restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units) to executive officers and other employees are an essential part of this program. Unless the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan is adopted, the Board of Directors has concluded that the Company will need to curtail grants of stock incentive awards to executive officers, other employees and non-employee directors. The Board of Directors believes this result will have a significantly negative impact on the Company's compensation program and objectives. Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends approval of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan in order to allow the Company to have the ability to continue to grant equity awards at competitive levels.
Since the 2020 Incentive Plan was approved by our shareholders on April 2, 2021, no additional awards have been or will be granted under the 2018 Incentive Plan or any predecessor plan (although all outstanding awards previously granted under previous stock incentive plans remain outstanding and subject to the terms of these plans), and shares subject to any outstanding awards under these prior plans that are forfeited, cancelled or reacquired by the Company (including if an award otherwise terminates or is cancelled without delivery of any shares) become available for re-issuance under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
If the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan is not approved by shareholders, we will continue to use the 2020 Incentive Plan in its current form as the framework for our equity incentive compensation program. However, if the authorized shares are depleted prior to its expiration date, we would not be able to continue to offer a long-term incentive program that employs equity awards, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage in recruiting and retaining talent, and also make it more difficult for us to align employee interests with those of our shareholders through a program that includes stock ownership.
Key Features of the Third Amended and Restated 2020Incentive Plan
Consistent with the 2020 Incentive Plan, the following features of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan reflect additional equity incentive plan "best practices" intended to protect the interests of our shareholders:
● |
Limit on Shares Authorized. Under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, the aggregate number of shares that may be issued is 7,000,000 shares, of which, no more than 3,150,000 shares may be issued pursuant to Full Value Awards. |
● |
No Evergreen Provision. The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan does not contain an "evergreen" provision that will automatically increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. |
● |
No Liberal Share "Recycling." Any shares surrendered to pay the exercise price of an option or shares withheld by the Company or tendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to any award will not be added back ("recycled") to the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. |
● |
No Discounted Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock options and stock appreciation rights must have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant (unless such award is granted in substitution for a stock option or SAR previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with the Company). |
● |
No Repricing of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights. The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan prohibits the repricing of stock options and stock appreciation rights (including a prohibition on the repurchase of "underwater" stock options or stock appreciation rights for cash or other securities). |
● |
No Liberal Change-in-Control Definition. The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan prohibits any award agreement from having a change-in-control provision that has the effect of accelerating the exercisability of any award or the lapse of restrictions relating to any award upon only the announcement or shareholder approval (rather than the consummation of) a change-in-control transaction. |
● |
Awards Subject to Forfeiture or Clawback. Awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will be subject to the Company's compensation recovery policy, as it may be amended from time to time, and any forfeiture and penalty conditions determined by the Compensation Committee. |
● |
No Dividend Equivalents Paid on Unvested Awards. Under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, dividend and dividend equivalent amounts with respect to any share underlying an award may be accrued but shall not be paid until all conditions or restrictions relating to such share have been satisfied, waived or lapsed. In addition, the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Plan prohibits the granting of dividend equivalents on stock options and stock appreciation rights. |
● |
Minimum Vesting Requirements. Under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, no option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock, RSU or other stock-based award shall be granted with terms providing for a vesting schedule over a period of less than one year from the date of grant, except that the Company may issue the following awards that do not comply with the one year minimum exercise and vesting requirements: (i) substitute awards granted in connection with awards that are assumed, converted or substituted pursuant to a merger, acquisition or similar transaction; (ii) shares delivered in lieu of fully vested cash awards or any cash incentive compensation, provided that the performance period for such incentive compensation was at least one fiscal year; and (iii) additional awards up to a maximum of 5% of the aggregate number of shares available for issuance under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. |
● |
Annual Limit on Awards to Directors. Under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, the maximum value of all equity and cash-based compensation granted to a non-employee director cannot exceed $500,000 in any calendar year (and for this purpose equity value is determined using grant date value under applicable financial accounting rules). The independent, non-employee members of the Board may make exceptions to this limit for a non-executive chair of the Board, provided that he or she may not participate in the decision. |
● |
Independent Committee Administration. The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will be administered by a committee of the Board of Directors comprised entirely of independent directors. |
Determination of Increase in the Number of Shares for the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan
The Company has a history of conservative and disciplined share usage. In setting the proposed increase in the number of shares issuable under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, our Compensation Committee and Board considered the Company's historical equity compensation practices (including the total number of shares underlying existing equity awards, the Company's three-year average share usage and dilution). The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors also considered these factors in assessing the number of shares likely to be needed for future grants.
The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan does not set the number of shares subject to equity awards that will be granted in future years. In setting each year's award amounts for executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers the following: the relative market position of the awards and the total compensation for each executive, the proportion of each executive's total compensation to be delivered as a long-term incentive award, internal pay equity, executive performance and changes in responsibility, retention concerns, and corporate performance. Similar considerations are taken into account in granting awards to participants who are not executive officers. Equity awards to non-employee directors have historically been granted at levels intended to be competitive, taking into account current market conditions.
Number of Outstanding Awards Under All Plans: As of February 19, 2025, there were 5,006,845 outstanding stock options, which had a weighted average exercise price of $56.44 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.56 years, and there were 454,349 RSU (including PSU) awards outstanding.
BuRate.Burate is a measure of the speed at which companies use shares available for grant under their equity compensation plans. In setting and recommending to our shareholders the increase in the number of shares to be authorized under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors considered
Fiscal Year |
Total |
|||||||||
2024 |
Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding |
54,932,000 |
||||||||
Stock Options Granted |
470,748 | |||||||||
Stock Options Forfeited |
(60,637 |
) | ||||||||
Full Value Awards Granted (RSUs and PSUs) |
194,689 | |||||||||
Full Value Awards Forfeited |
(15,603 | ) |
589,917 |
1.07% |
||||||
2023 |
Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding |
54,332,000 |
||||||||
Stock Options Granted |
471,975 | |||||||||
Stock Options Forfeited |
(38,328 | ) | ||||||||
Full Value Awards Granted (RSUs and PSUs) |
187,185 |
|||||||||
Full Value Awards Forfeited |
(36,276 | ) |
584,556 |
1.08% |
||||||
2022 |
Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding |
53,580,000 | ||||||||
Stock Options Granted |
549,458 | |||||||||
Stock Options Forfeited |
(40,991 | ) | ||||||||
Full Value Awards Granted (RSUs and PSUs) |
179,603 | |||||||||
Full Value Awards Forfeited |
(68,374 | ) | 619,696 | 1.16% | ||||||
TOTAL THREE YEAR GRANTS |
3.31% |
|||||||||
Three Year Average |
3.31%/3 |
1.10% |
(1) |
The net burate is calculated by adding options and full value awards granted, less any options and full-value awards forfeited, cancelled, or expired, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding. |
Based on the burates in fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, our three-year average burate was 1.10%.
Overhang.Total potential dilution, or overhang, is a common measure to assess the dilutive impact of equity plans. Total potential dilution is equal to (i) the number of shares available to be granted as future equity awards plus the number of shares subject to outstanding equity awards, divided by (ii) such total number of shares plus the total number of shares outstanding. Total potential dilution, prior to and after shareholder approval of the increase in shares under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, is shown in the table below:
Total Potential Dilution |
||
Remaining Reserve under 2020 Incentive Plan ("Remaining Reserve")1 |
1,678,952 |
|
Shares Subject to Outstanding Awards under 2020 Incentive Plan and Predecessor Plans ("Granted Shares Outstanding")1 |
5,461,194 |
|
Common Stock Outstanding ("CSO")1 |
54,189,226 |
|
Total Current Dilution2 |
11.6% |
|
Share Increase under Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan ("2025 Plan Shares") |
2,000,000 |
|
Total Potential Dilution3 |
14.4% |
(1) |
As of February 19, 2025. |
(2) |
Calculated as (Remaining Reserve + Granted Shares Outstanding), divided by (Remaining Reserve + Granted Shares Outstanding + CSO). |
(3) |
Calculated as (Remaining Reserve + Granted Shares Outstanding + 2025 Plan Shares, divided by (Remaining Reserve + Granted Shares Outstanding + 2025 Plan Shares + CSO). |
Summary of Material Terms of the Third Amended and Restated 2020Incentive Plan
The following summary of the material terms of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, which is attached as Annex B to this Proxy Statement.
Administration
The Compensation Committee will administer the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan and will have full power and authority to determine when and to whom awards will be granted, and the type, amount, form of payment and other terms and conditions of each award, consistent with the provisions of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. In addition, the Compensation Committee can specify whether, and under what circumstances, awards to be received under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan or amounts payable under such awards may be deferred automatically or at the election of either the holder of the award or the Compensation Committee. Also, the Compensation Committee can specify the manner in which the Awards are paid out under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee may amend or waive the terms and conditions, or accelerate the exercisability, of an outstanding award. The Compensation Committee has authority to interpret the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan and establish rules and regulations for the administration of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
The Compensation Committee may delegate to one or more officers or directors of the Company the authority to grant awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, except that the Compensation Committee may not delegate such authority with regard to grants to executive officers who are subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or in a way that would violate applicable rules of the Exchange Act or applicable corporate law.
The Board may also exercise the powers of the Compensation Committee at any time, so long as its actions would not violate Rule 16b-3. Only the Compensation Committee (or another committee of the Board comprised of independent directors) may grant awards to non-employee directors.
No member of the Board or the Compensation Committee or any person to whom the Compensation Committee delegates authority under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will be liable for any action or determination taken and made in good faith with respect to the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan or any award granted under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. Members of the Board and the Compensation Committee and each person to whom the Compensation Committee delegates authority under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will be entitled to indemnification with regard to such actions and determinations.
Shares Available for Awards and Limits on Awards
The aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be issued under all stock-based awards made under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will be 7,000,000. Of that number, a maximum of 3,150,000 shares are available for "Full Value Awards," or awards other than options, stock appreciation rights and other awards the value of which is based solely on an increase in the value of the shares underlying such award after the date of grant. Shares of Common Stock that are issued under awards granted in substitution for awards previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with us or one of our affiliates will not be counted against the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. In addition, the maximum value of all equity and cash-based compensation granted to a non-employee director cannot exceed $500,000 in any calendar year (and for this purpose equity value is determined using grant date value under applicable financial accounting rules). The independent, non-employee members of the Board may make exceptions to this limit for a non-executive chair of the Board, provided that he or she may not participate in the decision. Furthermore, no eligible person who is an employee, officer, consultant, independent contractor, or advisor may be granted any award or awards for more than 750,000 shares in the aggregate in any calendar year.
The Compensation Committee will adjust the number of shares and share limits described above in the case of a dividend (other than a regular cash dividend) or other distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, merger or other similar corporate transaction or event that affects shares of our common stock, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be provided under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
Eligible Participants
Any employee, officer, non-employee director, consultant, independent contractor or advisor providing services to us or any of our affiliates, or any person to whom an offer of employment or engagement with us or any of our affiliates has been made, is eligible to receive an award under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. An eligible person must be a natural person, and my only be granted an award in connection with the provision of services and related capital raising or promoting or maintaining a market for our shares. Subject to the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee will have full authority to designate which eligible persons will be granted an award. As of February 19, 2025, the record date for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, approximately 7,490 executive officers and other employees and all seven non-employee directors would have been eligible to be selected by the Compensation Committee to receive awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. In fiscal year 2024, we granted awards to approximately 275 executive officers and other employees and all of our non-employee directors who were directors during fiscal year 2024.
Types of Awards and Terms and Conditions
The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan permits the granting of:
● |
stock options (including both incentive and non-qualified stock options); |
● |
stock appreciation rights; |
● |
restricted stock and RSUs (including performance-based RSUs ("PSUs"); |
● |
dividend equivalents; and |
● |
other stock-based awards. |
Awards may be granted alone, in addition to, in combination with or in substitution for, any other award granted under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan or any other compensation plan. Awards can be granted for no cash consideration or for any cash or other consideration as may be determined by the Compensation Committee or as required by applicable law. Awards may provide that upon the grant or exercise thereof, the holder will receive cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities (but excluding promissory notes), other awards or other property, or any combination of these in a single payment, installments or on a deferred basis.
Fair Market Value. Determinations of fair market value under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will be made in accordance with methods and procedures established by the Compensation Committee. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, the value of a share of Common Stock as of a given date will be the closing price per share of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date. Awards will be adjusted by the Compensation Committee in the case of a dividend (other than a regular cash dividend) or other distribution, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, merger or other similar corporate transaction or event that affects shares of Common Stock, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be provided under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
Vesting. The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan requires at least a one-year minimum vesting period for time-based awards and a performance period of at least one year for performance-based awards, subject to the following limited exceptions: (i) substitute awards granted in connection with awards that are assumed, converted or substituted pursuant to a merger, acquisition or similar transaction; (ii) shares delivered in lieu of fully vested cash awards or any cash incentive compensation, provided that the performance period for such incentive compensation was at least one fiscal year; and (iii) additional awards up to a maximum of 5% of the aggregate number of shares available for issuance under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
The closing price of a share of our common stock as reported on the NYSE on February 19, 2025, the record date for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was $59.03.
Acceleration. The Compensation Committee may provide for the acceleration of the exercisability of any award or the lapse of any restrictions relating to any award, except that no award agreement may contain a definition of change in control that has the effect of accelerating the exercisability of any award or the lapse of any restrictions relating to any award upon the announcement or shareholder approval (rather than consummation) of any reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company, or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets.
Stock Options. The holder of an option will be entitled to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock at a specified exercise price during a specified time period, all as determined by the Compensation Committee. The exercise price per share under any stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of such option, except if such option is granted in substitution for an option previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with us or one of our affiliates. Each stock option will expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. The option exercise price may be payable, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, in cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other awards or other property having a fair market value on the exercise date equal to the exercise price. The Compensation Committee may also permit an option to be exercised by delivering to the participant a number of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate fair market value equal to the excess, if positive, of the fair market value of the shares underlying the option being exercised, on the date of exercise, over the exercise price of the option for such shares (being referred to as a "net exercise"). Stock options vest and become exercisable in accordance with a vesting schedule established by the Compensation Committee. In the case of a grant of an incentive stock option to a participant who, at the time of grant, possesses more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock and our affiliates, the exercise price per share may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant, and each such incentive stock option will expire no later than five years from the date of grant. The aggregate fair market value of the shares with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by any participant during any calendar year cannot exceed $100,000. The Company does not currently grant any incentive stock options.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The holder of a stock appreciation right is entitled to receive the excess of the fair market value as of the exercise date of a specified number of shares of the Common Stock over the grant price of the stock appreciation right. The grant price of any stock appreciation right may not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of such stock appreciation right, except if such stock appreciation right is granted in substitution for a stock appreciation right previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with us or one of our affiliates. Each stock appreciation right will expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights vest and become exercisable in accordance with a vesting schedule established by the Compensation Committee. The Company does not currently grant any stock appreciation rights.
We would receive no consideration for options or stock appreciation rights granted under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, other than the services rendered by the holder in his or her capacity as employee, officer, non-employee director, consultant, independent contractor or advisor providing services to us or any of our affiliates, or the promise of services from any person to whom an offer of employment or engagement with us or any of our affiliates is made.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The holder of restricted stock will own shares of our common stock subject to restrictions imposed by the Compensation Committee (including, for example, restrictions on the right to transfer, the right to vote the restricted shares or to receive any dividends with respect to the shares) for a specified time period determined by the Compensation Committee. The holder of RSUs will have the right, subject to any restrictions imposed by the Compensation Committee, to receive shares of Common Stock, or a cash payment equal to the fair market value of those shares, at some future date determined by the Compensation Committee. The Company does not currently grant any restricted stock.
Dividend Equivalents. The holder of a dividend equivalent will be entitled to receive payments (in cash, shares of our common stock, other securities, other awards or other property) equivalent to the amount of cash dividends paid by us to the holders of Common Stock, with respect to the number of shares determined by the Compensation Committee. Dividend equivalents will be subject to other terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee, but the Compensation Committee may not grant dividend equivalents to a participant in connection with grants of options, stock appreciation rights or other awards the value of which is based is solely on an increase in the value of our common stock after the grant of such award. Dividend equivalent amounts with respect to any share underlying any other award may be accrued but shall not be paid until all conditions or restrictions relating to such share have been satisfied, waived or lapsed.
Other Stock-Based Awards. The Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant other types of awards that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to shares of Common Stock, subject to terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee and the limitations in the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. No such other stock-based award can contain a purchase right or an option-like feature.
Counting Shares
If an award entitles the holder to receive or purchase shares of our common stock, the shares covered by such award or to which the award relates will be counted against the aggregate number of shares available for awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. Awards that do not entitle the holder to receive or purchase shares, and shares issued under awards granted in substitution for awards previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with us or one of our affiliates, will not be counted against the aggregate number of shares available for awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
In general, if shares covered by an award are not purchased or are forfeited or are reacquired by us, or if an award otherwise terminates or is cancelled without delivery of any shares, then the number of shares counted against the aggregate number of shares available under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan with respect to such award, to the extent of any such forfeiture, reacquisition by us, termination or cancellation, will again be available for future awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares withheld as payment of the purchase or exercise price of an award or in satisfaction of tax obligations relating to an award, shares covered by a stock-settled stock appreciation right that are not issued in connection with settlement in shares upon exercise, and shares repurchased by us using option exercise proceeds, will not be available again for granting awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
Amendment and Termination
The Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will terminate on January 24, 2033, unless earlier terminated by the Board. No awards may be made after that date. Unless otherwise expressly provided in an applicable award agreement, any award granted under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan prior to expiration may extend beyond the expiration of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan through the award's normal expiration date.
The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan at any time, although shareholder approval must be obtained for any amendment to the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan that would (1) increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, (2) increase the award limits under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, (3) permit repricing of options or stock appreciation rights, (4) increase the maximum term permitted for options or stock appreciation rights under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, (5) permit awards of options or stock appreciation rights at a price less than fair market value (other than as permitted under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan), or (6) cause us to be unable to grant incentive stock options under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. Shareholder approval is also required for any action that requires shareholder approval under the rules and regulations of the
Prohibition on Repricing Awards
Without the approval of our shareholders, the Compensation Committee will not reprice, adjust or amend the exercise price of any option or the grant price of any stock appreciation right previously awarded, whether through amendment, cancellation, repurchase and replacement grant or any other means, except in connection with a dividend (other than a regular cash dividend) or other distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, merger or other similar corporate transaction or event that affects shares of our common stock, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits, or potential benefits intended to be provided under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
Clawback or Recoupment
All awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan will be subject to forfeiture or other penalties pursuant to the Company's compensation recovery policy and such forfeiture and penalty provisions as are determined by the Compensation Committee and any amendments to such compensation recovery policy as may be adopted from time to time by the Compensation Committee.
Certain Corporate Events
In the event of certain corporate transactions or events involving the Company, including any reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of shares of our common stock or other securities, or if we enter into a written agreement to undergo such a transaction or event, the Compensation Committee or our Board will have the authority, with respect to any awards under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan and subject to the terms of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, to provide for any of the following to be effective upon consummation of the event (i) either terminate such awards, whether or not vested, in exchange for an amount of cash and/or other property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of the vested portion of such award or realization of the participant's vested rights, or replace such awards with other rights or property selected by the Compensation Committee or the Board, (ii) provide that such awards will be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary of the successor or surviving corporation, or substituted for by similar options, rights or awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices, (iii) accelerate such awards, or (iv) provide that such awards cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after a date certain in the future, which may be the effective date of such event.
Transferability of Awards
Generally, no award or other right or interest of a participant under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan (other than fully vested and unrestricted shares issued pursuant to an award) shall be transferable by a participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and no right or award may be pledged, alienated, attached or otherwise encumbered, and any purported pledge, alienation, attachment or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any affiliates. However, the Committee may allow transfer of an award to family members for no value, and such transfer shall comply with the General Instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Committee may also establish procedures to allow a named beneficiary to exercise the rights of the participant and receive any property distributable with respect to any award upon the participant's death.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
Grant of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. The grant of a stock option (either an incentive stock option or a non-qualified stock option) or stock appreciation right is not expected to result in any taxable income for the recipient.
Exercise of Incentive Stock Options. No taxable income is realized by the optionee upon the exercise of an incentive stock option. If stock is issued to the optionee pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option, and if no disqualifying disposition of such shares is made by such award holder within two years after the date of grant or within one year after the transfer of such shares to such award holder, then (1) upon the sale of such shares, any amount realized in excess of the option price will be taxed to such optionee as a long-term capital gain and any loss sustained will be a long-term capital loss, and (2) we will not be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes.
If the stock acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option is disposed of prior to the expiration of either holding period described above, generally (1) the optionee will realize ordinary income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the fair market value of such shares at exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of such shares) over the option price paid for such shares, and (2) we generally will be entitled to deduct such amount for federal income tax purposes if the amount represents an ordinary and necessary business expense. Any further gain (or loss) realized by the optionee will be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain (or loss), as the case may be, and will not result in any deduction by us.
Exercise of Non-Qualified Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Upon exercising a non-qualified stock option, the optionee must recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of our common stock acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price, and we generally will be entitled at that time to an income tax deduction for the same amount. Upon exercising a stock appreciation right, the amount of any cash received and the fair market value on the exercise date of any shares of our common stock received are taxable to the recipient as ordinary income and generally are deductible by us.
The tax consequence upon a disposition of shares acquired through the exercise of a non-qualified stock option or stock appreciation right will depend on how long the shares have been held. Generally, there will be no tax consequence to us in connection with the disposition of shares acquired under a non-qualified stock option or stock appreciation right.
Restricted Stock. Recipients of grants of restricted stock generally will be required to include as taxable ordinary income the fair market value of the restricted stock at the time it is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. However, an award holder who makes an 83(b) election within 30 days of the date of grant of the restricted stock will incur taxable ordinary income on the date of grant equal to the fair market value of such shares of restricted stock (determined without regard to forfeiture restrictions). With respect to the sale of shares after the forfeiture restrictions have expired, the holding period to determine whether the award recipient has long-term or short-term capital gain or loss generally begins when the restrictions expire, and the tax basis for such shares will generally be based on the fair market value of the shares on that date. However, if the award holder made an 83(b) election as described above, the holding period commences on the date of such election, and the tax basis will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of the election (determined without regard to the forfeiture restrictions on the shares). Dividends, if any, that are accrued while the restricted stock is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture will also be taxed as ordinary income. We generally will be entitled to an income tax deduction equal to amounts the award holder includes in ordinary income at the time of such income inclusion.
Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock-Based Awards. Recipients of grants of restricted stock units will not incur any federal income tax liability at the time the awards are granted. Award holders will recognize ordinary income equal to (a) the amount of cash received under the terms of the award or, as applicable, (b) the fair market value of the shares received (determined as of the date of receipt) under the terms of the award. Dividend equivalents accrued with respect to any award will also be taxed as ordinary income if and when paid. Cash or shares to be received pursuant to any other deferred payment award generally become payable when applicable forfeiture restrictions lapse; provided, however, that, if the terms of the award so provide, payment may be delayed until a later date to the extent permitted under applicable tax laws. We generally will be entitled to an income tax deduction for any amounts included by the award holder as ordinary income. For awards that are payable in shares, the participant's tax basis is equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time the shares become payable. Upon the sale of the shares, appreciation (or depreciation) after the shares are paid is treated as either short-term or long-term capital gain (or loss) depending on how long the shares have been held.
Income Tax Deduction. Subject to the usual rules concerning reasonable compensation, including our obligation to withhold or otherwise collect certain income and payroll taxes, we generally will be entitled to a corresponding income tax deduction at the time a participant recognizes ordinary income from awards made under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. However, Section 162(m) of the Code prohibits publicly held corporations from deducting more than $1 million per year in compensation paid to certain named executive officers. Therefore, compensation paid to a covered executive in any given year in excess of $1 million will not be deductible.
Special Rules for Executive Officers Subject to Section16 of the Exchange Act. Special rules may apply to individuals subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In particular, unless a special election is made pursuant to the Code, shares received through the exercise of a stock option or stock appreciation right may be treated as restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for a period of up to six months after the date of exercise. Accordingly, the amount of any ordinary income recognized and the amount of our income tax deduction will be determined as of the end of that period.
Section409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Compensation Committee will administer and interpret the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan and all award agreements in a manner consistent with the intent to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid any adverse tax results thereunder to a holder of an award. If any provision of the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan or any award agreement would result in such adverse consequences, the Compensation Committee may amend that provision or take other necessary action to avoid any adverse tax results, and no such action will be deemed to impair or otherwise adversely affect the rights of any holder of an award under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan.
New Plan Benefits
No benefits or amounts have been granted, awarded or received under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan, as the amendments to the 2020 Incentive Plan will only take effect upon shareholder approval. In addition, the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, will determine the number and types of awards that will be granted under the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan. Accordingly, it is not possible to determine the benefits that will be received by eligible participants if the Third Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Plan is approved by our shareholders.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the proposal to approve the Third Amendment and Restatement of the |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes information regarding our equity compensation plans as of November 29, 2024, the last trading day of our most recently completed fiscal year.
Plan category |
(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
|
(b) Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
|
(c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
5,015,8451 |
$ |
56.702 |
2,854,6793 |
|||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
- |
N/A |
- |
||||||||||
Total |
5,015,845 |
$ |
56.70 |
2,854,679 |
(1) |
Consists of outstanding stock options to acquire 4,605,104 shares of common stock, 187,952 outstanding time-based restricted stock units and 222,789 outstanding performance-based restricted stock units granted under the Company's equity compensation plans. |
(2) |
Consists of the weighted average exercise price of stock options granted under the Company's equity compensation plans. |
(3) |
Number of shares of common stock remaining available for future issuance under the Second Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company 2020 Master Incentive Plan. Excludes additional shares requested under Proposal 4. |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ABOUT THE MEETING
What is the purpose of the meeting?
At our Annual Meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters disclosed in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders that accompanies this Proxy Statement. These matters include the election of three directors, the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement (the "Say on Pay Proposal"), and the third amendment and restatement of the
How can I attend the virtual meeting and vote my shares during the meeting?
If you are a shareholder of record, you may attend the meeting and vote your shares electronically during the virtual meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/FUL2025. You will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials to enter the Annual Meeting. We recommend that you log in at least 15 minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are logged in when the meeting starts. However, even if you currently plan to attend the virtual meeting, we recommend that you submit your proxy ahead of time so that your vote will be counted if, for whatever reason, you later decide to not attend the virtual meeting.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Virtual Shareholder Meeting log in page. The virtual meeting website will also present an option for you to attend the Annual Meeting as a guest without logging in, but guests will not be able to vote during the Annual Meeting.
If you are a participant in the 401(k) Plan, you may submit a proxy vote as described above, but you may not vote your 401(k) Plan shares during the virtual meeting.
How will management respond to questions during the virtual meeting?
The Company has held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders as a virtual meeting webcast via the Internet since 2016. While our Annual Meeting is just one of the forums where we engage with shareholders, it is an important one. The Board believes that holding the Annual Meeting in a virtual format provides the opportunity for participation by a broader group of shareholders, while reducing the costs and environmental impact associated with planning, holding, and arranging logistics for an in-person meeting. We welcome your suggestions on how we can improve our virtual meeting and make it more effective and efficient.
Management will respond to questions from shareholders in the same way as it would if the Company held an in-person meeting. Shareholders who wish to submit a question to the Company for the meeting may do so in advance at www.proxyvote.comand live during the meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/FUL2025. You will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials to enter the Annual Meeting. We recommend that you log in at least 15 minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are logged in when the meeting starts.
We intend that the virtual meeting format provide shareholders a level of participation and transparency as close as possible to the traditional in-person meeting format, and we take the following steps to ensure such an experience:
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providing shareholders with the ability to submit appropriate questions in advance of the meeting to ensure thoughtful responses from management and the Board; |
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providing shareholders with the ability to submit appropriate questions real-time, limiting questions to one per shareholder unless time otherwise permits; |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING
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answering as many questions as possible in the time allotted for the meeting (the question-and-answer session will be limited to 15 minutes), without discrimination, if the questions are submitted in accordance with the meeting rules of conduct (for example, the Company does not intend to answer questions that are irrelevant to the business of the Company or to the business of the Annual Meeting); |
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if there are appropriate questions that we cannot answer during the meeting, we will post the questions and answers thereto on www.hbfuller.com in the |
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offering separate engagement opportunities with shareholders on appropriate matters of governance or other relevant topics as outlined under the "Communications with Directors" section on page 19 in this Proxy Statement. |
How does the Board recommend that I vote?
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" each of the nominees for director, "FOR" the ratification of the appointment of
Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?
If you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on February 19, 2025, you are entitled to vote at the meeting.
As of the record date, 54,189,226 shares of common stock of the Company were outstanding and eligible to vote.
What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a street name holder?
If your shares are registered directly in your name, you are considered the "shareholder of record" with respect to those shares.
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of those shares, and your shares are held in street name.
What are the voting rights of the shareholders?
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Therefore, a total of 54,189,226 votes are entitled to be cast at the meeting. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.
How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?
A quorum is necessary to hold the meeting and conduct business. The presence of shareholders who can direct the voting of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the record date is considered a quorum. A shareholder is counted as present at the meeting if the shareholder logs in to the virtual meeting and votes at the meeting or if the shareholder has properly submitted a proxy by mail, telephone, or Internet.
How do I vote my shares?
You may give a proxy to be voted at the meeting either:
● |
by Internet or telephone, by following the instructions provided in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, or proxy card; or |
● |
if you received printed proxy materials, you may also vote by Internet, mail, or telephone as instructed on the proxy card, or if you hold shares beneficially in street name, the voting instruction card provided to you by your broker, bank, trustee, or nominee. |
The telephone and Internet voting procedures have been set up for your convenience. The procedures have been designed to authenticate your identity, to allow you to give voting instructions, and to confirm that those instructions have been recorded properly. You may also vote at the virtual meeting as described in "How can I attend thevirtual meeting and vote my shares during the meeting?" above.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING
If you hold any shares of common stock in the 401(k) Plan, you are being provided access to the same proxy materials as any other shareholder of record. However, your proxy vote will serve as voting instructions to the plan trustee. The shares held in the 401(k) Plan will be voted by the applicable plan trustee.
What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or voting instruction card?
It means you hold shares of common stock in more than one account. To ensure that all your shares are voted, sign and retueach proxy card or voting instruction card or, if you vote by telephone or via the Internet, vote once for each proxy card, voting instruction card, or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you receive.
What vote is required for the proposals to be approved?
Each director is elected by a plurality of the votes cast, meaning that the three nominees receiving the most votes will be elected. However, in an uncontested election, if a nominee for director receives a greater number of votes "WITHHELD" from his or her election than votes "FOR" such election, the director shall submit to the Board a letter of resignation for consideration. See the heading "Director Elections" in the "Corporate Governance" section of this Proxy Statement for more information. With respect to the ratification of the appointment of
How are votes counted?
Shareholders may either vote "FOR" or "WITHHOLD" authority to vote for each nominee for election to the Board. Shareholders may vote "FOR," "AGAINST," or "ABSTAIN" on the ratification of the appointment of
If you vote "ABSTAIN" or "WITHHOLD," your shares will be counted as present at the meeting for the purposes of determining a quorum. If you "ABSTAIN" from voting on any proposal, your abstention has the same effect as a vote against that proposal. If you "WITHHOLD" authority to vote for one or more of the nominees for director, this withholding of authority to vote will have no effect on the election of any director from whom votes are withheld, unless the director receives a greater number of votes "WITHHELD" from his or her election than votes "FOR" such election, in which case the director shall submit to the Board a letter of resignation for consideration. See the heading "Director Elections" in the "Corporate Governance" section of this Proxy Statement for more information.
If you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker or nominee, your shares will be considered to be "broker non-votes" and will not be voted on any proposal on which your broker or nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote under the rules of the NYSE. Shares that constitute broker non-votes will be present at the meeting for the purpose of determining a quorum but are not considered entitled to vote on the proposal in question. Your broker or nominee has discretionary authority to vote your shares on the ratification of
What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?
If you do not specify on your returned proxy card or voting instruction card (or when giving your proxy by telephone or via the Internet) how you want to vote your shares, we will vote them:
● |
FOR all the nominees for director; |
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FOR the ratification of the appointment of |
● |
FOR the Say on Pay Proposal; |
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FOR the third amendment and restatement of the 2020 H.B. Fuller Company Master Incentive Plan; and |
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with respect to such other matters that may properly come before the meeting, in accordance with the judgment of the persons named as proxies. |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING
Can I change my vote?
Yes. If you are a shareholder of record, you may change your vote and revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the virtual meeting in any of the following ways:
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by sending a written notice of revocation to our Corporate Secretary; |
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by submitting another properly signed proxy card later to our Corporate Secretary; |
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by submitting another proxy by telephone or via the Internet later; or |
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by voting electronically at the virtual meeting. |
If you are a street name holder, please consult your broker, bank, trustee, or nominee for instructions on how to change your vote.
Who pays for the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation?
We pay for the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation, including the charges and expenses of brokerage firms or other nominees for forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares held in street name. We have engaged
We are soliciting proxies primarily by mail. In addition, proxies may be solicited by telephone or facsimile, or personally by our directors, officers, and regular employees. These individuals will receive no compensation (other than their regular salaries) for these services.
Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of paper copies?
In accordance with rules adopted by the
Are the proxy and related materials available electronically?
Yes. Our Proxy Statement and 2024 Annual Report, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, are available at www.proxyvote.com.
Will any other business be considered at the meeting?
Our Bylaws provide that a shareholder may present a proposal at the Annual Meeting that is not included in this Proxy Statement only if proper written notice was received by us. No shareholder has given the timely notice required by our Bylaws to present a proposal at the Annual Meeting. The Board does not intend to present any other matters for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If you wish to present a proposal at the 2026 Annual Meeting, please see "How can a shareholder present a proposal at the 2026 Annual Meeting?" As of the date of this Proxy Statement, we do not know of any other business to be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting.
How can a shareholder present a proposal at the 2026 Annual Meeting?
For a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our Proxy Statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting, the written proposal must be received at our principal executive offices by the close of business on November 4, 2025. The proposal must comply with
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING
If a shareholder wishes to present a proposal or to nominate a director at the 2025 Annual Meeting that would not be included in our Proxy Statement for such meeting, the shareholder must provide notice to us no later than the close of business on January 15, 2026 and no earlier than the close of business on December 16, 2025. The proposal or nomination must comply with the requirements set forth in our Bylaws. In addition, notice of a nomination must comply with the additional requirements of Rule 14a-19(b) of the Exchange Act. Please contact the Corporate Secretary for a description of the steps to be taken to present such a proposal or to nominate a director.
How can a shareholder get a copy of the Company's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K?
If you receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail, our 2024 Annual Report, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2024, accompanies this Proxy Statement. The 2024 Annual Report, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, is also available via the internet in the "Financials" section of our Investor Relations page of our website (www.hbfuller.com). If requested, we will provide you a paper copy of the 2024 Annual Report, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K without charge. We will also provide you with copies of any exhibits to the Form 10-K, upon written request and upon payment of a fee covering our reasonable expenses in furnishing the exhibits. You can request a paper copy of the 2024 Annual Report, or paper copies of exhibits to the Form 10-K by writing to the Corporate Secretary,
How do I contact the Corporate Secretary?
The Corporate Secretary is
"HOUSEHOLDING" OF PROXY MATERIALS
The
ANNEX A
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Certain financial information presented in this proxy statement does not conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as an alternative to the reported financial results of the Company determined in accordance with GAAP. We have included this non-GAAP information to assist in understanding the operating performance of the Company as well as the comparability of results. Such non-GAAP information provided may not be consistent with methodologies used by other companies. The non-GAAP information is reconciled with the most directly comparable GAAP results in the tables below. All information is in thousands (except per share amounts) and is unaudited.
ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE - NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
For the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 |
Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 Increase (Decrease) |
||||||||||
Net income attributable to |
$ | 130,256 | $ | 144,906 | 10 | % | ||||||
Acquisition project costs |
11,035 | 16,874 | ||||||||||
Organizational realignment |
39,996 | 29,900 | ||||||||||
Project One |
11,885 | 9,815 | ||||||||||
Business divestiture |
47,267 | 0 | ||||||||||
Other |
(1,981 | ) | (611 | ) | ||||||||
Discrete tax items |
(5,469 | ) | 26,085 | |||||||||
Income tax effect on adjustments |
(15,811 | ) | (10,604 | ) | ||||||||
Adjusted net income attributable to |
$ | 217,178 | $ | 216,365 | ||||||||
Diluted shares |
56,629 | 55,958 | ||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) |
$ | 2.30 | $ | 2.59 | (11 | %) | ||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS) non-GAAP1 |
$ | 3.84 | $ | 3.87 | (1 | %) | ||||||
Discretionary Adjustment |
$ | 0.05 | $ | - | ||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS) - STIP non-GAAP1 |
$ | 3.79 | $ | 3.87 |
(1) |
Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure and excludes the after-tax items shown on the reconciliation table above, including costs related to accounting for acquisitions, costs associated with organizational realignment to support the Company's strategic plan; Project ONE development costs; and other costs. |
In calculating results used for our STIP, additional adjustments are made to non-GAAP business results used for financial reporting purposes to eliminate the impact of acquisitions (for Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Revenue, but not for Adjusted EPS) and other items to ensure that actual results used for our STIP are comparable to targets.
NET REVENUE - GAAP AMOUNT TO ADJUSTED NET REVENUE
AMOUNT USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Net Revenue (GAAP) |
$ | 3,568,736 | ||
Adjustments for acquisitions |
$ | (48,679 | ) | |
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates |
14,548 | |||
Adjusted Net Revenue - STIP (non-GAAP) |
$ | 3,534,605 |
ANNEX A
NET INCOME - GAAP AMOUNT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
For the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 |
Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 Increase (Decrease) |
||||||||||
Net Income attributable to |
$ | 130,256 | $ | 144,906 | ||||||||
Adjustments |
||||||||||||
Acquisition project costs |
11,035 | 16,874 | ||||||||||
Organizational realignment |
39,996 | 29,900 | ||||||||||
Project One |
11,885 | 9,815 | ||||||||||
Business divestiture |
47,267 | 0 | ||||||||||
Other |
(1,981 | ) | (611 | ) | ||||||||
Discrete tax items |
(5,469 | ) | 26,085 | |||||||||
Income tax effect on adjustments |
(15,811 | ) | (10,604 | ) | ||||||||
Adjusted Net Income |
$ | 217,178 | $ | 216,365 | ||||||||
Add: |
||||||||||||
Interest expense |
133,122 | 131,913 | ||||||||||
Interest income |
(4,679 | ) | (3,943 | ) | ||||||||
Income taxes |
77,661 | 78,047 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization expense |
170,573 | 158,456 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) |
593,855 | 580,838 |
2% |
|||||||||
Net revenue |
3,568,736 | 3,510,934 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) |
16.6 | % | 16.5 | % | ||||||||
Adjustments for acquisitions |
(14,189 | ) | (13,582 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates |
3,894 | (11,630 | ) | |||||||||
Discretionary Adjustment |
(2,400 | ) | 0 | |||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA - STIP (non-GAAP) |
$ | 581,160 | $ | 555,626 |
USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) | 16.6 | % | |
Adjustments for acquisitions | (0.2) | % | |
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates | 0.1 | % | |
Discretionary Adjustment | (0.1) | % | |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin - STIP (non-GAAP) | 16.4 | % |
ANNEX A
ENGINEERING ADHESIVES ("EA") SEGMENT NET REVENUE - GAAP AMOUNT
TO ADJUSTED NET REVENUE USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 | Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 | Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||
EA Segment Revenue (GAAP) |
$ | 1,459,137 | $ | 1,428,744 | 2 | % | ||||||
Adjustments for acquisitions |
$ | (41,906 | ) | $ | (5,189 | ) | ||||||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates |
(3,555 | ) | (37,720 | ) | ||||||||
EA Segment Net Revenue - STIP (non-GAAP) |
$ | 1,413,676 | $ | 1,385,835 | 2 | % |
EA SEGMENT ADJUSTED NET INCOME - GAAP AMOUNT
TO ADJUSTED EBITDA USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 | Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 | Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||
EA Adhesives Segment Net Income (GAAP) |
$ | 193,038 | $ | 187,346 | ||||||||
Add: Depreciation and Amortization |
73,041 | 63,143 | ||||||||||
Add: Non-Operating Pension Expense or Income |
4,207 | 5,289 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) |
270,286 | 255,778 | 6 | % | ||||||||
Adjustments for acquisitions |
(13,518 | ) | 280 | |||||||||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates |
(686 | ) | (7,226 | ) | ||||||||
Discretionary Adjustment |
(991 | ) | 0 | |||||||||
EA Adhesives Segment Adjusted EBITDA - STIP (non-GAAP) |
$ | 255,091 | $ | 248,832 | 3 | % |
USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) | 18.5 | % | ||
Adjustments for acquisitions | (0.4 | )% | ||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates | 0 | % | ||
Discretionary Adjustment | (0.1 | )% | ||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin - STIP (non-GAAP) | 18.0 | % |
ANNEX A
CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVES ("CA") SEGMENT
NET REVENUE - GAAP AMOUNT TO ADJUSTED NET REVENUE USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 | Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 | Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||
CA Segment Revenue (GAAP) |
$ | 563,248 | $ | 480,703 | 17 | % | ||||||
Adjustments for acquisitions |
(6,773 | ) | (15,838 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates |
(1,693 | ) | (6,022 | ) | ||||||||
CA Segment Adjusted Net Revenue - STIP (non-GAAP) |
$ | 554,782 | $ | 458,843 | 21 | % |
CASEGMENT NET INCOME - GAAP AMOUNT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 | Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 | Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||
CA Segment Net Income (GAAP) |
$ | 25,304 | $ | 5,961 | ||||||||
Add: Depreciation and Amortization |
$ | 44,173 | $ | 41,915 | ||||||||
Add: Non-Operating Pension Expense or Income |
5,724 | 7,641 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) |
75,201 | 55,517 | 35 | % | ||||||||
Adjustments for acquisitions |
(671 | ) | (2,099 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates |
(136 | ) | (939 | ) | ||||||||
Discretionary Adjustment |
(353 | ) | 0 | |||||||||
CA Segment Adjusted EBITDA - STIP (non-GAAP) |
$ | 74,041 | $ | 52,479 | 41 | % |
USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) | 13.4 | % | ||
Adjustments for acquisitions | 0 | % | ||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates | 0 | % | ||
Discretionary Adjustment | 0 | % | ||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin - STIP (non-GAAP) | 13.4 | % |
ANNEX A
HYGIENE, HEALTH AND CONSUMABLE ("HHC") ADHESIVES SEGMENT
NET REVENUE - GAAP AMOUNT TO ADJUSTED NET REVENUE USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 | Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 | Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||
HHC Adhesives Segment Revenue (GAAP) |
$ | 1,546,351 | $ | 1,601,487 | (3 | %) | ||||||
Adjustments for acquisitions |
$ | - | $ | (73,250 | ) | |||||||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates |
19,796 | (22,463 | ) | |||||||||
HHC Adhesives Segment Adjusted Net Revenue - STIP (non-GAAP) |
$ | 1,566,147 | $ | 1,505,774 | 4 | % |
HHC ADHESIVES SEGMENT NET INCOME - GAAP AMOUNT
TO ADJUSTED EBITDA USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 | Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 | Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||
HHC Adhesives Segment Net Income (GAAP) |
$ | 187,413 | $ | 215,088 | ||||||||
Add: Depreciation and Amortization |
$ | 53,359 | $ | 53,398 | ||||||||
Add: Non-Operating Pension Expense or Income |
5,990 | 7,316 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) |
246,762 | 275,802 | (11 | %) | ||||||||
Adjustments for acquisitions |
0 | (11,764 | ) | |||||||||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates |
3,064 | (3,646 | ) | |||||||||
Discretionary Adjustment |
(1,056 | ) | 0 | |||||||||
HHC Adhesives Segment Adjusted EBITDA - STIP (non-GAAP) |
$ | 248,770 | $ | 260,392 | (4 | %) |
USED FOR THE STIP
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) | 16.0 | % | ||
Adjustments for acquisitions | 0 | % | ||
Foreign Exchange Adjustment to Budget Rates | 0 | % | ||
Discretionary Adjustment | (0.1 | )% | ||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin - STIP (non-GAAP) | 15.9 | % |
ANNEX A
OPERATING INCOME - GAAP AMOUNT TO ROIC USED FOR THE LTIP
Fiscal Year ended November 30, 2024
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 2, 2023 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 3, 2022 |
||||||||||
Operating Income (GAAP) |
348,220 | 355,137 | 322,718 | |||||||||
Other income (expense), net1 |
15,920 | 20,246 | 30,081 | |||||||||
Adjustments for Acquisitions |
(4,644 | ) | (557 | ) | (7,952 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments2 |
57,525 | 53,260 | 34,936 | |||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income |
417,021 | 428,086 | 379,783 | |||||||||
Tax Expense |
(111,300 | ) | (115,200 | ) | (101,402 | ) | ||||||
Income from equity method investments |
4,357 | 4,357 | 5,665 | |||||||||
Net operating profit after taxa |
309,834 | 317,244 | 284,046 | |||||||||
Invested Capitalb |
3,284,150 | 3,187,199 | 3,045,437 | |||||||||
ROIC (a/b) (non-GAAP) |
9.4 | % | 10.0 | % | 9.3 | % | ||||||
ROIC Average |
9.6 | % |
(1) |
All components of net periodic pension (cost) benefit and net periodic retirement postretirement benefit (cost) other than service (cost) benefit. |
(2) |
Adjustments include the following pre-tax items: costs related to integrating and accounting for acquisitions; costs associated with organizational realignment to support the Company's strategic plan; costs associated with the integration and restructuring of the acquired Royal Adhesives business; transactional tax expense associated with an audit settlement; Project ONE development; and other costs. |
Acquisition project costs |
11,520 | 16,997 | 10,830 | |||||||||
Organizational realignment |
38,068 | 29,820 | 7,601 | |||||||||
Royal Restructuring and Integration |
0 | 0 | 2,500 | |||||||||
Project One |
11,885 | 9,815 | 9,885 | |||||||||
Other |
(3,948 | ) | (3,352 | ) | 4,120 | |||||||
Total Adjustments |
57,525 | 53,260 | 34,936 |
ANNEX B
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED H.B. FULLER COMPANY
2020 MASTER INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1.Purpose
The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by aiding the Company in attracting and retaining employees, officers, consultants, independent contractors and non-employee Directors capable of assuring the future success of the Company, to provide such persons with opportunities for stock ownership in the Company and to offer such persons other incentives to put forth maximum efforts for the success of the Company's business.
Section 2.Definitions
As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) "Affiliate" shall mean (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, is controlled by the Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in each case as determined by the Committee.
(b) "Award" shall mean any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Dividend Equivalent or Other Stock-Based Award granted under the Plan.
(c) "Award Agreement" shall mean any written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award granted under the Plan (including a document in an electronic medium) executed in accordance with the requirements of Section 9(b).
(d) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(e) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
(f) "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee designated by the Board to administer the Plan. The Committee shall be comprised of not less than such number of Directors as shall be required to permit Awards granted under the Plan to qualify under Rule 16b-3, and each member of the Committee shall be a "non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.
(g) "Company" shall mean
(h) "Director" shall mean a member of the Board.
(i) "Dividend Equivalent" shall mean any right granted under Section 6(d) of the Plan.
ANNEX B
(j) "Eligible Person" shall mean any employee, officer, non-employee Director, consultant, independent contractor or advisor providing services to the Company or any Affiliate, or any person to whom an offer of employment or engagement with the Company or any Affiliate is extended. An Eligible Person must be a natural person, and may only be granted an Award in connection with the provision of services not related to capital raising or promoting or maintaining a market for the Shares.
(k) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(l) "Fair Market Value" shall mean, with respect to any property (including, without limitation, any Shares or other securities), the fair market value of such property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Fair Market Value of a Share as of a given date shall be, if the Shares are then traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing price of one Share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on such date or, if the New York Stock Exchange is not open for trading on such date, on the most recent preceding date when the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.
(m) "Full Value Award" shall mean any Award other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or similar Award, the value of which Option, Stock Appreciation Right or similar Award is based solely on an increase in the value of the Shares after the date of grant of such Award.
(n) "Incentive Stock Option" shall mean an option granted under Section 6(a) of the Plan that is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.
(o) "Non-Qualified Stock Option" shall mean an option granted under Section 6(a) of the Plan that is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option.
(p) "Option" shall mean an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option to purchase shares of the Company.
(q) "Other Stock-Based Award" shall mean any right granted under Section 6(e) of the Plan.
(r) "Participant" shall mean an Eligible Person designated to be granted an Award under the Plan.
(s) "Plan" shall mean the Third Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company 2020 Master Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(t) "Prior Plans" shall mean the
(u) "Restricted Stock" shall mean any Share granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan.
ANNEX B
(v) "Restricted Stock Unit" shall mean any unit granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan evidencing the right to receive a Share (or a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share) at some future date.
(w) "Rule16b-3" shall mean Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor rule or regulation.
(x) "Section409A" shall mean Section 409A of the Code, or any successor provision, and applicable Treasury Regulations and other applicable guidance thereunder.
(y) "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(z) "Share" or "Shares" shall mean share(s) of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, of the Company or such other securities or property as may become subject to Awards pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 4(c) of the Plan.
(aa) "Specified Employee" shall mean a specified employee as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code or applicable proposed or final regulations under Section 409A, determined in accordance with procedures established by the Company and applied uniformly with respect to all plans maintained by the Company that are subject to Section 409A.
(bb) "Stock Appreciation Right" shall mean any right granted under Section 6(b) of the Plan.
Section 3.Administration
(a) Power and Authority of the Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan and to applicable law, the Committee shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Participant under the Plan; (iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by (or the method by which payments or other rights are to be calculated in connection with) each Award; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award or Award Agreement, including any terms relating to the forfeiture of any Award and the forfeiture, recapture or disgorgement of any cash, Shares or other amounts payable with respect to any Award; (v) amend the terms and conditions of any Award or Award Agreement, subject to the limitations under Sections 6 and 7; (vi) accelerate the exercisability of any Award or the lapse of any restrictions relating to any Award, subject to the limitations of Sections 6 and 7; (vii) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be exercised in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property (but excluding promissory notes), or canceled, forfeited or suspended; (viii) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances amounts payable with respect to an Award under the Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or the Committee, subject to the requirements of Section 409A; (ix) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement, including an Award Agreement, relating to the Plan; (x) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; (xi) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan; and (xii) adopt such modifications, rules, procedures and subplans as may be necessary or desirable to comply with provisions of the laws of non-
ANNEX B
(b) Delegation. The Committee may delegate to one or more officers or Directors of the Company, subject to such terms, conditions and limitations as the Committee may establish in its sole discretion, the authority to grant Awards; provided, however, that the Committee shall not delegate such authority (i) with regard to grants of Awards to be made to officers of the Company or any Affiliate who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or (ii) in such a manner as would cause the Plan not to comply with applicable exchange rules or applicable law.
(c) Power and Authority of the Board. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) the Board may, at any time and from time to time, without any further action of the Committee, exercise the powers and duties of the Committee under the Plan, unless the exercise of such powers and duties by the Board would cause the Plan not to comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3; and (ii) only the Committee (or another committee of the Board comprised of directors who qualify as independent directors within the meaning of the independence rules of any applicable securities exchange where the Shares are then listed) may grant Awards to Directors who are not also employees of the Company or an Affiliate.
(d) Indemnification. To the full extent permitted by law, (i) no member of the Board, the Committee or any person to whom the Committee delegates authority under the Plan shall be liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award made under the Plan, and (ii) the members of the Board, the Committee and each person to whom the Committee delegates authority under the Plan shall be entitled to indemnification by the Company with regard to such actions and determinations. The provisions of this paragraph shall be in addition to such other rights of indemnification as a member of the Board, the Committee or any other person may have by virtue of such person's position with the Company.
Section 4.Shares Available for Awards
(a) Shares Available.
(i) Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c) of the Plan, the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under all Awards under the Plan shall equal 7,000,000 (consisting of the initial 1,600,000 authorized Shares in connection with the adoption of the Plan, plus 900,000 additional Shares authorized by shareholders on April 8, 2021 and 2,500,000 additional Shares authorized by shareholders on April 6, 2023, together with the 2,000,000 additional shares authorized under this restatement), plus any Shares subject to any outstanding award under the Prior Plans that, after April 2, 2020, are not purchased or are forfeited or reacquired by the Company, or otherwise not delivered to the Participant due to termination or cancellation of such award, subject to the share counting provisions of Section 4(b) below.
ANNEX B
(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c) of the Plan, the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under all Full Value Awards shall not exceed the sum of 3,150,000, plus any Shares subject to any outstanding full value award under the Prior Plan that, after April 2, 2020, are not purchased or are forfeited or reacquired by the Company, or otherwise not delivered to the Participant due to termination or cancellation of such award, subject to the share counting provisions of Section 4(b) below.
(iii) On and after April 2, 2020, the date shareholders originally approved the Plan, grants of new awards have been permanently discontinued under the Prior Plans, but all outstanding awards previously granted under the Prior Plans shall remain outstanding and subject to the terms of the Prior Plans.
(b) Counting Shares. Except as set forth in this Section 4(b) below, if an Award entitles the holder thereof to receive or purchase Shares, the number of Shares covered by such Award or to which such Award relates shall be counted on the date of grant of such Award against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan.
(i) Shares Added Back to Reserve. Subject to the limitations in Section 4(b)(ii) below, if any Shares covered by an Award or to which an Award relates are not purchased or are forfeited or are reacquired by the Company, or if an Award otherwise terminates or is cancelled without delivery of any Shares, then the number of Shares counted against the aggregate number of Shares available under the Plan with respect to such Award, to the extent of any such forfeiture, reacquisition by the Company, termination or cancellation, shall again be available for granting Awards under the Plan.
(ii) Shares Not Added Back to Reserve. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4(b)(i) above, the following Shares will not again become available for issuance under the Plan: (A) any Shares which would have been issued upon any exercise of an Option but for the fact that the exercise price was paid by a "net exercise" pursuant to Section 6(a)(iii)(B) or any Shares tendered in payment of the exercise price of an Option; (B) any Shares withheld by the Company or Shares tendered to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to an Award; (C) Shares covered by a stock-settled Stock Appreciation Right issued under the Plan that are not issued in connection with settlement in Shares upon exercise; or (D) Shares that are repurchased by the Company using Option exercise proceeds.
ANNEX B
(iii) Cash-Only Awards. Awards that do not entitle the holder thereof to receive or purchase Shares shall not be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan.
(iv) Substitute Awards Relating to Acquired Entities. Shares issued under Awards granted in substitution for awards previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with the Company or an Affiliate shall not be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan.
(c) Adjustments. In the event that any dividend (other than a regular cash dividend) or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is necessary in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or other property) that thereafter may be made the subject of Awards, (ii) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or other property) subject to outstanding Awards, (iii) the purchase price or exercise price with respect to any Award and (iv) the limitations contained in Section 4(d)(i) below; provided, however, that the number of Shares covered by any Award or to which such Award relates shall always be a whole number. Such adjustment shall be made by the Committee or the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
(d) Award Limitations Under the Plan.
(i) Annual Limitations for Awards Granted to Employees, Officers, Consultants, Etc. No Eligible Person who is an employee, officer, consultant, independent contractor or advisor may be granted any Award or Awards for more than 750,000 Shares (subject to adjustment as provided for in Section 4(c) of the Plan), in the aggregate in any calendar year. The foregoing limit applies solely to Awards that are denominated in Shares (whether or not paid in Shares).
(ii) Annual Limitation for Compensation Granted to Non-Employee Directors. The maximum value of all equity and cash-based compensation granted to a Director who is not also an employee of the Company or an Affiliate cannot exceed $500,000 in any calendar year (and for this purpose equity value is determined using grant date value under applicable financial accounting rules). Furthermore, the independent members of the Board may make exceptions to this limit for a non-executive chair of the Board, provided that the non-employee director receiving such additional compensation may not participate in the decision to award such compensation.
ANNEX B
Section 5.Eligibility
Any Eligible Person shall be eligible to be designated as a Participant. In determining which Eligible Persons shall receive an Award and the terms of any Award, the Committee may take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective Eligible Persons, their present and potential contributions to the success of the Company or such other factors as the Committee, in its discretion, shall deem relevant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option may only be granted to full-time or part-time employees (which term as used herein includes, without limitation, officers and Directors who are also employees), and an Incentive Stock Option shall not be granted to an employee of an Affiliate unless such Affiliate is also a "subsidiary corporation" of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code or any successor provision.
Section 6.Awards
(a) Options. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Options to Eligible Persons with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine:
(i) Exercise Price. The purchase price per Share purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Committee and shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such Option; provided, however, that the Committee may designate a purchase price below Fair Market Value on the date of grant if the Option is granted in substitution for a stock option previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with the Company or an Affiliate.
(ii) Option Term. The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee at the date of grant but shall not be longer than 10 years from the date of grant.
(iii) Time and Method of Exercise. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which an Option may be exercised within the Option term, either in whole or in part, and the method of exercise, except that any exercise price tendered shall be in either cash, Shares having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the applicable exercise price or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.
(A) Promissory Notes. For avoidance of doubt, the Committee may not accept a promissory note as consideration.
(B) Net Exercises. The terms of any Option may be written to permit the Option to be exercised by delivering to the Participant a number of Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of exercise) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares underlying the Option being exercised, on the date of exercise, over the exercise price of the Option for such Shares.
ANNEX B
(iv) Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the following additional provisions shall apply to the grant of stock options which are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options:
(A) The Committee will not grant Incentive Stock Options in which the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the Option is granted) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Participant during any calendar year (under this Plan and all other plans of the Company and its Affiliates) shall exceed $100,000.
(B) All Incentive Stock Options must be granted within ten years from the earlier of the date on which this Plan was adopted by the Board or the date this Plan was approved by the shareholders of the Company.
(C) Unless sooner exercised, all Incentive Stock Options shall expire and no longer be exercisable no later than ten (10) years after the date of grant; provided, however, that in the case of a grant of an Incentive Stock Option to a Participant who, at the time such Option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its Affiliates, such Incentive Stock Option shall expire and no longer be exercisable no later than five (5) years from the date of grant.
(D) The purchase price per Share for an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of the Incentive Stock Option; provided, however, that, in the case of the grant of an Incentive Stock Option to a Participant who, at the time such Option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its Affiliates, the purchase price per Share purchasable under an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of the Incentive Stock Option.
(E) Any Incentive Stock Option authorized under the Plan shall contain such other provisions as the Committee shall deem advisable, but shall in all events be consistent with and contain all provisions required in order to qualify the Option as an Incentive Stock Option.
ANNEX B
(b) Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Stock Appreciation Rights to Eligible Persons subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall confer on the holder thereof a right to receive upon exercise thereof the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise over (ii) the grant price of the Stock Appreciation Right as specified by the Committee, which price shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of grant of the Stock Appreciation Right; provided, however, that the Committee may designate a grant price below Fair Market Value on the date of grant if the Stock Appreciation Right is granted in substitution for a stock appreciation right previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with the Company or an Affiliate. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, the grant price, term, methods of exercise, dates of exercise, methods of settlement and any other terms and conditions of any Stock Appreciation Right shall be as determined by the Committee (except that the term of each Stock Appreciation Right shall be subject to the term limitation in Section 6(a)(ii) applicable to Options). The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right as it may deem appropriate.
(c) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant an Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to Eligible Persons with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine:
(i) Restrictions. Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, without limitation, any limitation on the right to vote a Share of Restricted Stock or the right to receive any dividend or other right or property with respect thereto), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise as the Committee may deem appropriate. For purposes of clarity and without limiting the Committee's general authority under Section 3(a), vesting of such Awards may, at the Committee's discretion, be conditioned upon the Participant's completion of a specified period of service with the Company or an Affiliate, or upon the achievement of one or more performance goals established by the Committee, or upon any combination of service-based and performance-based conditions (subject to the minimum requirements in Section 6). Notwithstanding the foregoing, rights to dividend or Dividend Equivalent payments shall be subject to the limitations described in Section 6(d).
(ii) Issuance and Delivery of Shares. Any Restricted Stock granted under the Plan shall be issued at the time such Awards are granted and may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates, which certificate or certificates shall be held by the Company or held in nominee name by the stock transfer agent or brokerage service selected by the Company to provide such services for the Plan. Shares representing Restricted Stock that are no longer subject to restrictions shall be delivered (including by updating the book-entry registration) to the Participant promptly after the applicable restrictions lapse or are waived. In the case of Restricted Stock Units, no Shares shall be issued at the time such Awards are granted. Upon the lapse or waiver of restrictions and the restricted period relating to Restricted Stock Units evidencing the right to receive Shares, such Shares shall be issued and delivered to the holder of the Restricted Stock Units.
ANNEX B
(d) Dividend Equivalents. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Dividend Equivalents to Eligible Persons under which the Participant shall be entitled to receive payments (in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property as determined in the discretion of the Committee) equivalent to the amount of cash dividends paid by the Company to holders of Shares with respect to a number of Shares determined by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, such Dividend Equivalents may have such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Committee may not grant Dividend Equivalents to Eligible Persons in connection with grants of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or other Awards the value of which is based solely on an increase in the value of the Shares after the grant of such Award, and (ii) dividend and Dividend Equivalent amounts with respect to any Share underlying an Award may be accrued but not paid to a Participant until all conditions or restrictions relating to such Share have been satisfied, waived or lapsed. Notwithstanding any provision in any Award that provides for payment of dividend equivalent amounts in the form of Shares, the Committee may, in its discretion, pay such dividend equivalent amounts in cash in lieu of Shares.
(e) Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant to Eligible Persons such other Awards that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Shares (including, without limitation, securities convertible into Shares), as are deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purpose of the Plan. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards, subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement. No Award issued under this Section 6(e) shall contain a purchase right or an option-like exercise feature.
(f) General.
(i) Consideration for Awards. Awards may be granted for no cash consideration or for any cash or other consideration as may be determined by the Committee or required by applicable law.
(ii) Awards May Be Granted Separately or Together. Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with or in substitution for any other Award or any award granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards or in addition to or in tandem with awards granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.
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ANNEX B
(iii) Forms of Payment under Awards. Subject to the terms of the Plan and of any applicable Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the Company or an Affiliate upon the grant, exercise or payment of an Award may be made in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine (including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities (but excluding promissory notes), other Awards or other property or any combination thereof), and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Committee.
(iv) Limits on Transfer of Awards. No Award (other than fully vested and unrestricted Shares issued pursuant to any Award) and no right under any such Award shall be transferable by a Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and no Award (other than fully vested and unrestricted Shares issued pursuant to any Award) or right under any such Award may be pledged, alienated, attached or otherwise encumbered, and any purported pledge, alienation, attachment or encumbrance thereof shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may permit the transfer of an Award to family members if such transfer is for no value and in accordance with the rules of Form S-8. The Committee may also establish procedures as it deems appropriate for a Participant to designate a person or persons, as beneficiary or beneficiaries, to exercise the rights of the Participant and receive any property distributable with respect to any Award in the event of the Participant's death.
(v) Restrictions; Securities Exchange Listing. All Shares or other securities delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan, applicable federal or state securities laws and regulatory requirements, and the Committee may cause appropriate entries to be made with respect to, or legends to be placed on the certificates for, such Shares or other securities to reflect such restrictions. The Company shall not be required to deliver any Shares or other securities covered by an Award unless and until the requirements of any federal or state securities or other laws, rules or regulations (including the rules of any securities exchange) as may be determined by the Company to be applicable are satisfied.
(vi) Prohibition on Option and Stock Appreciation Right Repricing. Except as provided in Section 4(c) hereof, the Committee may not, without prior approval of the Company's shareholders, seek to effect any re-pricing of any previously granted, "underwater" Option or Stock Appreciation Right by: (i) amending or modifying the terms of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right to lower the exercise price; (ii) canceling the underwater Option or Stock Appreciation Right and granting either (A) replacement Options or Stock Appreciation Rights having a lower exercise price; or (B) Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock-Based Award in exchange; or (iii) cancelling or repurchasing the underwater Option or Stock Appreciation Right for cash or other securities. An Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be deemed to be "underwater" at any time when the Fair Market Value of the Shares covered by such Option or Stock Appreciation Right is less than the exercise price.
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ANNEX B
(vii) Minimum Vesting. Except as provided below, no Award shall be granted with terms providing for any right of exercise or lapse of any vesting obligations earlier than a date that is at least one year following the date of grant (or, in the case of vesting based upon performance based objectives, exercise and vesting restrictions cannot lapse earlier than the one year anniversary measured from the commencement of the period over which performance is evaluated). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following Awards that do not comply with the one year minimum exercise and vesting requirements may be issued:
(A) substitute Awards granted in connection with awards that are assumed, converted or substituted pursuant to a merger, acquisition or similar transaction entered into by the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
(B) shares delivered in lieu of fully vested cash Awards or any cash incentive compensation earned by a Participant, provided that the performance period for such incentive compensation was at least one fiscal year; and
(C) any additional Awards the Committee may grant, up to a maximum of five percent (5%) of the aggregate number of Shares available for issuance under this Plan. For purposes of counting Shares against the five percent (5%) limitation, the Share counting rules under Section 4 of the Plan apply.
Nothing in this Section 6 shall limit the authority of the Committee to provide for the acceleration of the exercisability of any Award or the lapse of any restrictions relating to any Award except where expressly limited in Section 6(f)(viii).
(viii) Limits on Acceleration or Waiver of Restrictions Upon Change in Control. No Award Agreement shall contain a definition of change in control that has the effect of accelerating the exercisability of any Award or the lapse of restrictions relating to any Award upon only the announcement or shareholder approval of (rather than consummation of) any reorganization, merger or consolidation of, or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of, the Company.
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ANNEX B
(ix) Section 409A Provisions. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any amount or benefit that constitutes "deferred compensation" to a Participant under Section 409A and applicable guidance thereunder is otherwise payable or distributable to a Participant under the Plan or any Award Agreement solely by reason of the occurrence of a change in control or due to the Participant's disability or "separation from service" (as such term is defined under Section 409A), such amount or benefit will not be payable or distributable to the Participant by reason of such circumstance unless the Committee determines in good faith that (i) the circumstances giving rise to such change in control event, disability or separation from service meet the definition of a change in control event, disability, or separation from service, as the case may be, in Section 409A(a)(2)(A) of the Code and applicable proposed or final regulations, or (ii) the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit would be exempt from the application of Section 409A by reason of the short-term deferral exemption or otherwise. Any payment or distribution that otherwise would be made to a Participant who is a Specified Employee (as determined by the Committee in good faith) on account of separation from service may not be made before the date which is six months after the date of the Specified Employee's separation from service (or if earlier, upon the Specified Employee's death) unless the payment or distribution is exempt from the application of Section 409A by reason of the short-term deferral exemption or otherwise.
Section 7.Amendment and Termination; Corrections
(a) Amendments to the Plan and Awards. The Board may from time to time amend, suspend or terminate this Plan, and the Committee may amend the terms of any previously granted Award, provided that no amendment to the terms of any previously granted Award may (except as expressly provided in the Plan) adversely alter or impair the terms or conditions of the Award previously granted to a Participant under this Plan without the written consent of the Participant or holder thereof. Any amendment to this Plan, or to the terms of any Award previously granted, is subject to compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies of any applicable governmental entity or securities exchange, including receipt of any required approval from the governmental entity or stock exchange. For greater certainty and without limiting the foregoing, the Board may amend, suspend, terminate or discontinue the Plan, and the Committee may amend or alter any previously granted Award, as applicable, without obtaining the approval of stockholders of the Company in order to:
(i) amend the eligibility for, and limitations or conditions imposed upon, participation in the Plan;
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ANNEX B
(ii) subject to the limitations in Section 6, amend any terms relating to the granting or exercise of Awards, including but not limited to terms relating to the amount and payment of the exercise price, or the vesting, expiry, assignment or adjustment of Awards, or otherwise waive any conditions of or rights of the Company under any outstanding Award, prospectively or retroactively;
(iii) make changes that are necessary or desirable to comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies of any applicable governmental entity or stock exchange (including amendments to Awards necessary or desirable to maximize any available tax deduction or to avoid any adverse tax results, and no action taken to comply with such laws, rules, regulations and policies shall be deemed to impair or otherwise adversely alter or impair the rights of any holder of an Award or beneficiary thereof); or
(iv) amend any terms relating to the administration of the Plan, including the terms of any administrative guidelines or other rules related to the Plan.
For greater certainty and except as provided in Section 4(c), prior approval of the stockholders of the Company shall be required for any amendment to the Plan or an Award that would:
(I) require shareholder approval under the rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange that are applicable to the Company;
(II) increase the number of shares authorized under the Plan as specified in Section 4(a) of the Plan;
(III) permit repricing of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, which is currently prohibited by Section 6 of the Plan;
(IV) permit the award of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights at a price less than one-hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, contrary to the provisions of Section 6(a)(i) and Section 6(b) of the Plan;
(V) increase the maximum term permitted for Options and Stock Appreciation Rights as specified in Section 6(a) and Section 6(b); or
(VI) increase the annual limitations subject to the annual limitations contained in Section 4(d) of the Plan.
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ANNEX B
(b) Corporate Transactions. In the event of any reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, plan of arrangement, take-over bid or tender offer, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company or any other similar corporate transaction or event involving the Company (or the Company shall enter into a written agreement to undergo such a transaction or event), the Committee or the Board may, in its sole discretion but subject to the limitations in Section 6 (e.g., limitations on re-pricing and waiver of vesting restrictions), provide for any of the following to be effective upon the consummation of the event (or effective immediately prior to the consummation of the event, provided that the consummation of the event subsequently occurs), and no action taken under this Section 7(b) shall be deemed to impair or otherwise adversely alter or impair the rights of any holder of an Award or beneficiary thereof:
(i) either (A) termination of any Award, whether or not vested, in exchange for an amount of cash and/or other property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of the vested portion of the Award or realization of the Participant's vested rights (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if, as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction or event described in this Section 7(b)(i)(A), the Committee or the Board determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of the Award or realization of the Participant's rights, then the Award may be terminated by the Company without any payment) or (B) the replacement of the Award with other rights or property selected by the Committee or the Board, in its sole discretion;
(ii) that the Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar options, rights or awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices;
(iii) that the Award shall be exercisable or payable or fully vested with respect to all Shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the applicable Award Agreement; or
(iv) that the Award cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after a date certain in the future, which may be the effective date of the event.
(c) Correction of Defects, Omissions and Inconsistencies. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award or Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to implement or maintain the effectiveness of the Plan.
Section 8.Income Tax Withholding
In order to comply with all applicable federal, state, local or foreign income tax laws or regulations, the Company may take such action as it deems appropriate to ensure that all applicable federal, state, local or foreign payroll, withholding, income or other taxes, which are the sole and absolute responsibility of a Participant, are withheld or collected from such Participant. Without limiting the foregoing, for avoidance of doubt, the Committee, in its discretion and subject to such additional terms and conditions as it may adopt, may permit the Participant to satisfy such tax obligation by (a) electing to have the Company withhold a portion of the Shares otherwise to be delivered upon exercise or receipt of (or the lapse of restrictions relating to) such Award with a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such taxes (subject to any limitations required by ASC Topic 718 to avoid adverse accounting treatment); (b) delivering to the Company Shares other than Shares issuable upon exercise or receipt of (or the lapse of restrictions relating to) such Award with a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such taxes or (c) by any other means set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
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ANNEX B
Section 9.General Provisions
(a) No Rights to Awards. No Eligible Person, Participant or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Eligible Persons, Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to any Participant or with respect to different Participants.
(b) Award Agreements. No Participant shall have rights under an Award granted to such Participant unless and until an Award Agreement shall have been signed by the Participant (if requested by the Company), or until such Award Agreement is delivered and accepted through an electronic medium in accordance with procedures established by the Company. An Award Agreement need not be signed by a representative of the Company unless required by the Committee. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and any other terms and conditions (not inconsistent with the Plan) determined by the Committee.
(c) Plan Provisions Control. In the event that any provision of an Award Agreement conflicts with or is inconsistent in any respect with the terms of the Plan as set forth herein or subsequently amended, the terms of the Plan shall control.
(d) No Rights of Shareholders. Except with respect to Shares issued under Awards (and subject to such conditions as the Committee may impose on such Awards), neither a Participant nor the Participant's legal representative shall be, or have any of the rights and privileges of, a shareholder of the Company with respect to any Shares issuable upon the exercise or payment of any Award, in whole or in part, unless and until such Shares have been issued.
(e) No Limit on Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Affiliate from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation plans or arrangements, and such plans or arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
(f) No Right to Employment or Directorship. The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained as an employee of the Company or any Affiliate, or the right to be retained as a Director, nor will it affect in any way the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate a Participant's employment at any time, with or without cause, or remove a Director in accordance with applicable law. In addition, the Company or an Affiliate may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment, or remove a Director who is a Participant, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan or any Award, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement. Nothing in this Plan shall confer on any person any legal or equitable right against the Company or any Affiliate, directly or indirectly, or give rise to any cause of action at law or in equity against the Company or an Affiliate. Under no circumstances shall any person ceasing to be an employee or Director of the Company or any Affiliate be entitled to any compensation for any loss of any right or benefit under the Plan which such employee or Director might otherwise have enjoyed but for termination of employment or directorship, whether such compensation is claimed by way of damages for wrongful or unfair dismissal, breach of contract or otherwise. By participating in the Plan, each Participant shall be deemed to have accepted all the conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of any rules and regulations adopted by the Committee and shall be fully bound thereby.
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ANNEX B
(g) Governing Law. The internal law, and not the law of conflicts, of the State of Minnesota shall goveall questions concerning the validity, construction and effect of the Plan or any Award, and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan or any Award.
(h) Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the purpose or intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction or Award, and the remainder of the Plan or any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
(i) No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.
(j) Other Benefits. No compensation or benefit awarded to or realized by any Participant under the Plan shall be included for the purpose of computing such Participant's compensation or benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, disability, severance, termination pay, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company, unless required by law or otherwise provided by such other plan.
(k) No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash shall be paid in lieu of any fractional Share or whether such fractional Share or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated or otherwise eliminated.
(l) Headings. Headings are given to the sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof.
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ANNEX B
Section 10.Clawback or Recoupment
All Awards under this Plan shall be subject to forfeiture or other penalties pursuant to the Company's Executive and Key Manager Compensation Clawback Policy, as amended from time to time, and such forfeiture and/or penalty conditions or provisions as determined by the Committee.
Section 11.Effective Date of the Plan
The H.B. Fuller Company 2020 Master Incentive Plan was originally adopted by the Board on January 16, 2020 and became effective when approved by the shareholders of the Company on April 2, 2020. The amendments to the Plan made under the Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company 2020 Master Incentive Plan were approved by the Board on January 21, 2021 and became effective when approved by the shareholders of the Company on April 8, 2021. The amendments to the plan under the Second Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company 2020 Master Incentive Plan were approved by the Board on January 24, 2023 and became effective when approved by the shareholders of the Company at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company on April 6, 2023. The amendments to the plan under the Third Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company 2020 Master Incentive Plan were approved by the Board on January 23, 2025 and shall become effective when approved by the shareholders of the Company at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on April 15, 2025, and such amendments shall be effective as of the date of such shareholder approval. Since the Plan first became effective, grants of new awards under the Prior Plans have been permanently discontinued, but all outstanding awards previously granted under the Prior Plans shall remain outstanding and subject to the terms of the Prior Plans.
Section 12.Term of the Plan
No Award shall be granted under the Plan, and the Plan shall terminate, on January 24, 2033 or any earlier date of discontinuation or termination established pursuant to Section 7(a) of the Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award theretofore granted may extend beyond such dates, and the authority of the Committee provided for hereunder with respect to the Plan and any Awards, and the authority of the Board to amend the Plan, shall extend beyond the termination of the Plan.
H. B. FULLER| 2025 Proxy StatementB-18
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H.B. Fuller Company published this content on March 04, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on March 04, 2025 at 12:08:22.000.
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