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. )
Filed by the RegistrantFiled by a Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12 |
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check all appropriate boxes that apply):
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No fee required |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting(the "Meeting") of the stockholders of
It is possible that an adjournment or postponement may be necessary that makes us unable to hold the Meeting on the date as planned. If such an adjournment or postponement is made, the Company will notify stockholders through the issuance of a press release and the filing of definitive additional soliciting material with the
Only persons
The proxy statement, which accompanies this Notice, contains additional information regarding the proposals to be considered at the Meeting, and stockholders are encouraged to read it in its entirety.
The Company has elected to provide access to our proxy materials by notifying you of the availability of our proxy statement and our fiscal 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders over the Internet at www.proxydocs.com/DIOD. Stockholders may also obtain a printed copy of the proxy materials free of charge by following the instructions provided in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that will be first mailed to stockholders on or about
As set forth in the enclosed proxy statement, proxies are being solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company. All proposals set forth above are proposals of the Board of Directors.
Whether or not you plan to participate in the virtual Meeting, YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. Please follow the instructions enclosed to ensure that your shares are voted. If you participate in the Meeting, you may revoke your proxy at any time prior to its exercise at the Meeting.
Dated at
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Secretary
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING
If you plan to attend the Meeting online you must be registered no later than
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Report of the |
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Narrative to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table |
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Proposal Three - Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees, and All Other Fees |
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Proposals of Stockholders and Stockholder Nominations for 2025 Annual Meeting |
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Back Cover |
DIODESINCORPORATED
(972) 987-3900
PROXYSTATEMENT
ANNUALMEETING:
GENERAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement ("Proxy Statement") is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of
Matters to be
The matters to be considered and voted upon at the Meeting will be:
Voting Recommendations of the Board
Our Board recommends that you vote your shares "FOR" each of the nominees to the Board, "FOR" the approval of executive compensation, and "FOR" the ratification of the appointment of
VotingShares Held in "Street Name"
Brokerage firms
Internet Accessto Proxy Materials
Under rules adopted by the
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The Notice provides you with instructions regarding how to:
Choosing to receive future proxy materials by email will save us the cost of printing and mailing documents to you and will reduce the impact of our annual meetings on the environment. If you choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email next year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy voting site. Your election to receive proxy materials by email will remain in effect until you terminate it, and it is your responsibility to notify us of any change to your email address given to us.
The proxy materials include:
If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, these materials will also include a proxy card.
How to Vote
Stockholder of Record.If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent,
If you do not wish to attend the Meeting and vote online during the Meeting, you may vote by proxy. There are three ways to vote by proxy. You may submit a proxy by telephone by calling (855) 686-4804 and following the instructions provided. You may submit a proxy over the Internet atwww.proxypush.com/diodby following the instructions provided. If you request and receive a printed copy of the proxy materials by mail, you can submit a proxy by signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and either mailing it in the postage-paid envelope provided to the address stated on the proxy card or transmitting it by facsimile to the Inspector of Elections at (972) 987-3900.
Telephone and Internet voting facilities for stockholders will be available 24 hours a day and will close at
Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name.If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name," and the Notice was forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your shares is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct that organization on how to vote the shares held in your account by following the instructions they provided. If you wish to attend the Meeting and vote during the Meeting in person via the Internet, you must obtain a proxy executed in your favor from the organization that holds your shares.
Even if you plan to attend the Meeting, the Company recommends that you also submit your proxy or voting instructions so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Meeting.
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How to Changeor Revoke Your Vote
You may change your vote at any time before the vote at the Meeting. If you are a stockholder of record, you may change your vote by submitting a proxy over the Internet or telephone on a later date (only your last Internet or telephone proxy will be counted), or by filing a written revocation, or a duly executed proxy card bearing a later date, with the Company's Secretary at the Meeting or at our offices located at
If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to the brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other organization holding your shares by following the instructions they provided or, if you obtained a proxy in your favor from that organization, by attending the Meeting and voting in person via the Internet.
Meeting Admission
This year our Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live audio webcast atwww.proxydocs.com/DIOD. You are entitled to participate in the Meeting only if you were a holder of the Company's Common Stock at the close of business on
Voting Rights
The authorized capital of the Company consists of (i) 70,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value
A majority of the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting, present either in person via the Internet or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the conduct of business at the Meeting. Votes withheld, abstentions, and "broker non-votes" (as defined below) will be counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.
Each stockholder is entitled to one vote, in person via the Internet or by proxy, for each share of Common Stock standing in his or her name on the books of the Company at the close of business on the Record Date on any matter submitted to the stockholders, except that in connection with the election of directors, each stockholder has the right to cumulate votes. Cumulative voting entitles a stockholder to give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock owned by such stockholder, or to distribute such stockholder's votes on the same principle among as many candidates and in such manner as the stockholder shall desire.
If you are a stockholder of record and wish to exercise cumulative voting rights, you must submit a proxy by mail. Your proxy card or ballot must specify how you want to allocate your votes among the nominees. Telephone and Internet voting facilities do not accommodate cumulative voting. If you hold your shares in street name, contact your brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other similar organization for directions on how to exercise cumulative voting rights using their voting instruction card, or to request a legal proxy so that you can vote your shares directly. Discretionary authority to cumulate votes is hereby solicited by the Board. If you retua signed proxy card or submit voting instructions in writing without providing instructions about cumulative voting, or if you submit a proxy by telephone or in person via the Internet, you will confer on the designated Proxyholders named below discretionary authority to exercise cumulative voting. If they elect to do so, they will be authorized, in their discretion, to cast your votes for some or all of the nominees in the manner
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recommended by the Board or otherwise in the discretion of the Proxyholders. However, they will not cast any of your votes for a nominee as to whom you have instructed them on your proxy card, voting instruction card or otherwise to withhold a vote. If you do not wish to grant the Proxyholders authority to cumulate your votes in the election of directors, you must explicitly state that objection on your proxy card or voting instruction card, as applicable.
For Proposal 1, our Bylaws provide that, in the election of directors, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes, up to the number of directors to be elected, shall be elected; provided, however, that the Board has adopted a policy requiring that, other than elections in which the number of director nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, each nominee will submit a resignation for consideration by the Board promptly following the election if he or she receives a greater number of votes "WITHHELD" than votes "FOR." Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered a vote cast and, therefore, will have no effect with respect to the election of directors other than to reduce the number of affirmative votes required to elect a director. "Broker non-votes" are shares of stock held in record name by brokers or nominees for which instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power under applicable rules or the instrument under which it serves in such capacity. See "Proposal One - Election of Directors" and "Corporate Governance - Director Resignation Policy."
Proposals 2 and 3 require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present, in person via the Internet or by proxy, and entitled to vote on the proposal at the Meeting. Abstentions will be included in the number of votes present and entitled to vote on these proposals and, accordingly, will have the effect of a vote "AGAINST" the proposal. Broker non-votes with respect to these proposals will not be counted as shares present and entitled to vote on these proposals and, accordingly, will not have any effect with respect to the approval of these proposals (other than to reduce the number of affirmative votes required to approve the proposal). The vote with respect to executive compensation is not binding on the Company, the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board. However, the Board and the Compensation Committee will review the result of this vote and take it into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation. Although the appointment of
Of the shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date, 898,676 shares (or approximately 1.9%) were beneficially owned by directors and executive officers of the Company. Each of the directors and executive officers have informed the Company that they will vote "FOR" the election of the Board's nominees named herein, "FOR" the approval of executive compensation and "FOR" ratification of the appointment of
Organizations holding Common Stock in "street name" that are members of a stock exchange are required by the rules of the applicable stock exchange to transmit the proxy materials to the beneficial owner of the Common Stock and to solicit voting instructions with respect to the matters submitted to the stockholders. If the organization has not received instructions from the beneficial owner by the date specified in the statement accompanying such proxy materials, the organization may give or authorize the giving of a proxy to vote the Common Stock in its discretion as to "routine" matters, but not as to "non-routine" matters. When an organization is unable to vote a client's shares on a proposal, the missing votes are referred to as "broker non-votes." If you hold Common Stock in "street name" and you fail to instruct the organization that holds your shares as to how to vote such shares, that organization may, in its discretion, vote such Common Stock "FOR" ratification of the appointment of
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Procedures for StockholderNominations and Proposals
Under the Company's Bylaws, any stockholder generally may submit proposals or nominate one or more persons for election as directors by following the procedures described in this Proxy Statement under "Proposals of Stockholders and Stockholder Nominations for 2026 Annual Meeting." No notice of a stockholder proposal or nomination was timely received in connection with the Meeting.
Cost of Proxy Solicitation
This proxy solicitation is made by the Board, and the Company will bear the costs of this solicitation, including the expense of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and any other material used in this proxy solicitation. If it should appear desirable to do so to ensure adequate representation at the Meeting, officers and regular employees may communicate with stockholders of record, beneficial owners, banks, brokerage houses, custodians, nominees, and others by telephone, facsimile transmissions, email, or in person via the Internet to request that the proxies be furnished. No additional compensation will be paid for these services to officers or employees of the Company. The Company will reimburse banks, brokerage houses, and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries, for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy materials to their principals. The Company has not engaged a proxy solicitor at this time, but the Board may determine it is necessary to employ an outside firm to assist in the solicitation process. If so, the Company will pay the proxy solicitor its reasonable and customary fees, estimated not to exceed
OtherBusiness
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board knows of no business to be presented for consideration at the Meeting other than as stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. However, if any other matters properly come before the Meeting, including a motion to adjouthe Meeting to another time or place in order to solicit additional proxies in favor of the recommendations of the Board, the designated proxyholders, Dr.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table shows information as of the Record Date, unless otherwise indicated, regarding the beneficial ownership of Diodes' common stock by each person known to Diodes to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Diodes' common stock based solely on Diodes' review of filings with the
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Amount and Nature of |
Percent of Class(2) |
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7,245,208 |
(3) |
15.6% |
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5,785,133 |
(4) |
12.5% |
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5,650,727 |
(5) |
12.2% |
(1) The named stockholder has sole voting power and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock listed, except as indicated below.
(2) Based on 46,461,002 shares of common stock outstanding as of the Record Date.
(3) Based solely on information provided by BlackRock in Schedule 13G/A filed with the
(4) Based solely on information provided by
(5) Based solely on information provided by Vanguard in Schedule 13G/A filed with the
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The following table shows information as of the Record Date regarding the beneficial ownership of Diodes' common stock by (i) each director and nominee of the Company, (ii) each named executive officer, or NEO of the Company (as defined below), and (iii) all directors, nominees and executive officers of the Company as a group.
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Common Stock Underlying Options or Restricted Stock Units(1) |
Common |
Amount and Nature |
Percent of Class(3) (4) |
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Directors and Nominees |
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- |
750 |
750 |
(1) |
* |
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- |
3,900 |
3,900 |
(1) |
* |
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- |
- |
- |
(1) |
* |
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- |
200 |
200 |
(1) |
* |
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- |
581,774 |
581,774 |
(1)(9)(10) |
1.3 |
% |
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- |
- |
- |
(1) |
* |
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- |
20,100 |
20,100 |
(1) |
* |
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- |
35,947 |
35,947 |
(1)(10) |
* |
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Named Executive Officers |
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- |
53,052 |
53,052 |
(1)(10) |
* |
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- |
76,415 |
76,415 |
(1)(10) |
* |
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- |
53,052 |
53,052 |
(1)(10) |
* |
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All directors, nominees and executive officers of the Company as a group (14 individuals including those named above) |
1,313 |
897,363 |
898,676 |
(11) |
1.9 |
% |
* Indicates less than 1%.
(1) Includes of shares of Common Stock that the named individual has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days after the Record Date by exercising stock options or the vesting of restricted stock units ("RSUs") or performance stock units ("PSUs"). For further discussion on the Company's use of equity awards, see "Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Principal Components of Compensation - Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Plan."
(2) The named stockholder has sole voting power and investment power with respect to the shares listed, except as indicated and subject to community property laws where applicable.
(3) Under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (for example, if a person shares the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, under Rule 13d-3(d)(1) of the Exchange Act, shares which the person (or group) has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days after the Record Date are deemed to be outstanding in calculating the beneficial ownership and the percentage ownership of the person (or group) but are not deemed to be outstanding as to any other person or group. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person's actual ownership of voting power with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock actually outstanding at the Record Date.
(4) Percent of class is based on 46,461,002 shares of the Common Stock of the Company outstanding as of the Record Date.
(5) In 2024,
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9) Includes 46,150 shares of Common Stock held in the name of an
(10) Does not include 25,000, 8,000, 22,000, 8,000, and 8,000 shares of Common Stock subject to PSUs granted
Does not include 25,000, 6,100, 22,000, 7,200, and 6,100 shares of Common Stock subject to PSUs granted
Does not include 42,000, 9,000, 13,000, 9,000, and 9.000 shares of Common Stock subject to PSUs granted
Does not include 6,000 and 3,000 shares of Common Stock subject to RSUs granted on
Does not include 4,500 shares of Common Stock subject to RSUs granted on
Does not include 25,000, 8,000, 22,000, 8,000 and 8,000 shares of Common Stock subject to RSUs granted
Does not include 18,750, 4,575, 16,500, 5,400 and 4,575 shares of Common Stock subject to RSUs granted
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Does not include 2,500 shares of Common Stock subject to RSUs granted on
Does not include 8,000, 1,900, 2,125, 3,800, 1,900 and 1,900 shares of Common Stock subject to RSUs granted
Does not include 1,250 shares of Common Stock subject to RSUs granted on
(11) Includes 1,313 shares that all directors and executive officers of the Company have the right to acquire within sixty (60) days after the Record Date, by exercising stock options or the vesting of RSUs, but excludes an additional 528,171 shares that all directors and executive officers of the Company will have the right to acquire upon the vesting of RSUs and PSUs, which may vest in installments more than sixty (60) days after the Record Date.
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PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by the Board, but may not be less than five nor more than seventeen. Currently the Board consists of eight directors. Ms.
The persons nominated have been nominated for election to the Board to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified. All nominees are currently directors of the Company, and all nominees have indicated their willingness to serve. Unless otherwise instructed, proxies will be voted in such a way as to elect as many of these nominees as possible under applicable voting rules. In the event that any of the nominees should be unable or unwilling to serve as a director, proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute nominees, if any, as shall be designated by the Board. The Board has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable or unwilling to serve.
The Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines provides that a non-employee member of the Board will not be eligible to stand for re-election to the Board after attaining the age of 75, but the Board may waive the requirement for up to five years for any non-employee director. Prior to the date of this Proxy Statement, Mr.
The seven nominees
None of the nominees were selected pursuant to any arrangement or understanding with any other person. Mr.
The following table and discussion sets forth certain biographical information concerning the nominees of the Company as of the Record Date:
Nominees |
Age |
Position with the Company |
Director Since |
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78 |
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Director |
2001 |
|
71 |
Lead Independent Director |
2021 |
|
66 |
Independent Director |
2023 |
|
75 |
Independent Director |
2020 |
|
76 |
Independent Director |
2024 |
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65 |
Independent Director |
2025 |
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51 |
President and Director |
2024 |
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Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Member,
Having worked in the semiconductor industry for more than 40 years and, particularly, having served in various managerial and senior executive capacities at TI,
Lead Independent Director
Chair, Compensation Committee
Independent Director
Chair, Audit Committee (Audit Committee Financial Expert)
Member, Compensation Committee
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Prior to CFT,
Independent Director
Chair,
Member, Compensation Committee
Independent Director
Member, Audit Committee
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Independent Director
In 2022,
President and Director
Member,
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE SEVEN NOMINEES TO THE BOARD SET FORTH ABOVE.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board has delegated authority to four standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the
Directors |
Audit Committee |
Compensation Committee |
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Member |
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Chair |
Chair |
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Chair(2) |
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Member |
Member |
Chair |
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Member |
Member |
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Member |
Member |
Member |
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Member |
(1) Independent director (as determined by the Board under the rules of
(2) Qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" as that term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
(3) Ms.
Director Independence
The Board has determined that five of the seven director nominees (all director nominees other than
In making its independence determinations with regard to
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding the engagement of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the plan, scope, and results of the audit, reviews the Company's policies and procedures with the Company's management concerning internal accounting and financial controls, and reviews changes in accounting policy and the scope of non-audit services which may be performed by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also monitors policies to prohibit unethical, questionable, or illegal activities by the Company's employees. The "Audit Committee Report" section of this Proxy Statement describes in more detail the Audit Committee's responsibilities, particularly with regard to the Company's financial statements and its interactions with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm.
The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is "independent" as that term is defined under the rules of Nasdaq and the
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Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding compensation, benefits, and incentive arrangements for the Chief Executive Officer and other officers and key employees of the Company. The Compensation Committee administers the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan ("2022 Plan"), the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2013 Plan"), the Company's 401(k) profit sharing plan (the "401(k) Plan"), and the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee is "independent" as that term is defined under the rules of Nasdaq.
The principal purposes of the
Charters of the Committees
All four Committees operate pursuant to written charters, current copies of which are available on the Company's website, atwww.diodes.com, in the "Investors - Corporate Governance" section.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AND COMMITTEES
The following table presents the number of meetings and actions taken by written consent of the Board and the Committees in 2024:
Meetings Held |
Action by |
|
Board |
7 |
2 |
Audit Committee |
7 |
- |
Compensation Committee |
3 |
2 |
|
4 |
- |
|
5 |
- |
All current directors attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and Committees on which each served held during the period he or she served in 2024.
It is the policy of the Company to require Board members to attend the annual meetings of stockholders, if practicable. Each director at the time attended the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders.
BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
The Chairman of the Board, Dr.
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of the Company and the industry in which we operate, while fostering greater communication and producing a greater degree of transparency between management and our directors.
The duties of the Lead Director are to preside at executive sessions of the independent directors, serve as principal liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman, work with the Chairman to set and approve the schedule and agenda for meetings of the Board and its committees, direct the retention of advisors and consultants
NOMINATING PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA AND BOARD DIVERSITY
Among its functions, the Governance Committee identifies individuals qualified to become Board members, consistent with criteria approved by the Board, and recommends to the Board the director nominees to be selected by the
Essential criteria for all candidates considered by the Governance Committee include the following:
In evaluating candidates for certain Board positions, the Governance Committee evaluates additional criteria, including the following:
In selecting nominees for the Board, the Governance Committee evaluates the general and relevant specialized criteria set forth above prior to commencement of the recruitment process, determines whether a nominee fulfills the independence requirements of the
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If the Governance Committee is evaluating a nominee for re-election, the Governance Committee will review the nominee's performance, including the following: availability for and attendance at meetings, contribution to Board processes such as information gathering and decision making, accessibility for communication with other directors and management, participation in Committee activities, depth of knowledge of the Company and its industry, the Company's performance during the nominee's previous term, in light of the role played by the Board and the nominee in guiding management, and any specialized expertise or experience that has contributed or may contribute to the functioning of the Board or the success of the Company.
The Governance Committee believes that the Board should include individuals with a broad range of relevant professional expertise, experience and education and reflect the diversity and cultural and geographical perspectives of the Company's employees, customers, and suppliers.
The Governance Committee, as well as the full Board, has recommended the Board's nominees for election at the Meeting. Stockholders have not proposed any candidates for election at the Meeting.
DIRECTOR RESIGNATION POLICY
Under the Company's director resignation policy, promptly following the receipt of the final report from the Inspector of Elections relating to an election of directors of the Company (other than elections in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), any nominee
The Board will consider and act upon the Governance Committee's recommendation within 90 days of certification of the vote at the Meeting. In considering the director's resignation, the Governance Committee and the Board will consider all factors they deem relevant, including, without limitation, the underlying reason for the vote result, if known, the director's contributions to the Company during his or her tenure, and the director's qualifications. The Board may accept the resignation, refuse the resignation, or refuse the resignation subject to such conditions designed to cure the underlying cause as the Board may impose. Within four business days of the decision regarding the tendered resignation, the Company will file with the
COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS
You may communicate with the chair of our Audit Committee, our Compensation Committee, our Governance Committee, or our
Communications are distributed to the Board, or to any individual director, depending on the facts and circumstances set forth in the communication. In that regard, the Board has requested that certain items that are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board be excluded, including, but not limited to, the following: junk mail and mass mailings, product complaints, product inquiries, new product suggestions, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, surveys, and business solicitations or advertisements. In addition, material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, or similarly unsuitable will not be distributed, provided that any communication that is not distributed will be made available to any independent director upon request.
Communications that include information that would be better addressed by the Company's ethics and compliance hotline, which reports to the Audit Committee at (855) 316-2192, will be delivered to the Audit Committee.
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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth the compensation of each director,
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Fees |
RSUs |
Total |
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|
130,000 |
218,550 |
348,550 |
|||||||||
|
130,000 |
218,550 |
348,550 |
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|
110,000 |
218,550 |
328,550 |
|||||||||
|
58,226 |
218,550 |
276,776 |
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- |
- |
- |
|||||||||
|
100,000 |
218,550 |
318,550 |
(1) See below for the details of cash retainers paid to non-employee directors.
(2) These amounts reflect the value determined by the Company for financial accounting purposes for these awards and do not reflect whether each director has actually realized a financial benefit from the awards. The value of the equity awards in column (c) is based on the grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes. Pursuant to
(3) Under the Company's 2024 director compensation arrangements, each non-employee director listed in the table above was granted an award under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan of 3,000 RSUs on
(4)
(5)
The following table shows the aggregate number of shares underlying outstanding RSUs held by non-employee directors as of
|
RSUs (#) |
|||
|
7,140 |
|||
|
5,250 |
|||
|
7,140 |
|||
|
3,000 |
|||
|
- |
|||
|
7,140 |
During 2024, each non-employee director of the Company received a grant of 3,000 RSUs, which vest in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The Board may in its discretion modify such director compensation arrangements in the future. For additional information see, "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions - Relationships and Transactions."
The table below sets for the cash retainer amounts for non-employee directors for service in 2024 and 2025:
2024 |
2025 |
|||||||
Quarterly retainer: |
$ |
22,500 |
$ |
22,500 |
||||
Additional quarterly retainer: |
||||||||
Lead Director, Chairs of Audit, Governance, and Compensation Committees |
10,000 |
10,000 |
||||||
Chair of Risk Committee |
5,000 |
5,000 |
||||||
Member of the Audit Committee |
2,500 |
2,500 |
17
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 2024, the Compensation Committee consisted of three directors:
CORPORATE POLICIES
Anti-Hedging Policy
The Company's Insider Trading Policy prohibits all executive officers and directors of the Company from engaging in any hedging or monetization transactions involving the Company's securities, including zero cost collars, forward sale contracts, and trading in options, puts, calls, or other derivative instruments related to the Company's Common Stock. To the best of the Company's knowledge, no executive officers or directors of the Company currently are parties to a hedge with respect to any shares of Common Stock of the Company.
Anti-Pledging Policy
The Company's Insider Trading Policy prohibits executive officers and directors from pledging the Company's securities. Acquiring Company shares on margin also is prohibited. To the best of the Company's knowledge, no executive officers or directors of the Company currently are parties to a pledge of any shares of the Common Stock of the Company.
Insider Trading Policy
The Company is committed to promoting high standards of ethical business conduct and compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. As part of this commitment, we haveadoptedan Insider Trading Policy governing the purchase, sale, and other dispositions of our securities by our directors, officers, and employees, as well as by the Company itself. We believe the Insider Trading Policy is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and applicable NASDAQ listing standards. A copy of the Company's Insider Trading Policy was filed as Exhibit 19 in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
Directors and executive officers are prohibited from selling the Company's equity securities "short" (i.e., the sale of a security that is not owned and must be borrowed to complete the sale) or "selling short against the box" (i.e., the sale of a security that is currently owned but is not delivered against such sale within twenty days thereafter, or is not within five days after such sale deposited in the mails or other usual channels of transportation and the sale is completed with borrowed shares). To the best of the Company's knowledge, no executive officers or directors of the Company currently are parties to any short-selling transactions with respect to any shares of Common Stock of the Company.
Stock Ownership Policy
Stock Ownership Policy for Directors. The Company's stock ownership policy provides that all non-employee directors are required to acquire (and thereafter throughout the term of appointment maintain ownership of) a minimum number of shares of Common Stock with a value equal to three times the annual retainer received by them as directors within five years of the later of (1) the adoption of this stock ownership policy, or (2) their respective appointment or initial election. All of the directors are currently or are expected to be in compliance with our stock ownership policy in accordance with the time frame requirements.
Stock Ownership Policy for Executive Officers. The Company's stock ownership policy provides that all individuals holding the positions with the Company listed below are required to acquire (and thereafter throughout the term of employment maintain ownership of) a minimum number of shares of Common Stock with a value equal to the multiple of such executive officer's annual base salary (excluding bonus) within five years of the later of (1) the adoption of this stock
18
ownership policy, or (2) their respective appointment (other than a newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer,
Position |
Multiple of Salary |
Chief Executive Officer of the Company |
Six times annual base salary (excluding bonus) |
Board appointed executive officer |
Two times annual base salary (excluding bonus) |
All of the executive officers are currently or are expected to be in compliance with our stock ownership policy in accordance with the time frame requirements.
For purposes of this stock ownership policy, stock ownership includes any shares owned by an executive officer or director or his or her immediate family members or held by him or her as part of a tax or estate plan in which the executive officer or director retains beneficial ownership. The value of shares held is calculated once per year, on the last business day of the fiscal year. For purposes of determining compliance with this stock ownership policy, "value" means an assumed per share value based on the closing price of Common Stock on the last business day of the fiscal year. An executive officer or director subject to this stock ownership policy is not required to acquire shares of Common Stock in accordance with this policy if acquisition at such time would result in a violation of the Company's insider trading policy, in which event the executive officer or director is required to comply with this stock ownership policy as soon as reasonably feasible thereafter. A hardship exception is available at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, but no exceptions have been solicited or granted to date.
If any executive officer or director is determined to own less than the minimum number of shares of Common Stock, such executive officer or director shall have the two open periods after the two subsequent "Blackout Periods" to obtain the minimum number of shares of Common Stock. Blackout Period is (i) a period starting on the fifteenth day of the third month in the first calendar quarter and the period starting on the first day of the third month in the second, third, and fourth calendar quarters (i.e.
Stock Retention Policy
In addition to the stock ownership policy described above, under which each executive officer or director must maintain a certain multiple of his or her annual base salary or annual retainer throughout the term of employment or appointment, each executive officer or director
Recoupment of Compensation
Pursuant to our Policy Regarding Recoupment of Executive Compensation ("Clawback Policy"), in the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the Company's material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under applicable securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period, the Company will recover reasonably promptly from each Covered Officer (as defined in the Clawback Policy) the Covered Compensation (as defined in the Clawback Policy) received by such Covered Officer. If a Clawback Exception (as defined in the Clawback Policy) applies, the Company may forgo such recovery under the Clawback Policy.
A copy of our Clawback Policy and other corporate policies are available on the Company's website, atwww.diodes.com, in the "Investors - Corporate Governance" section.
19
Equity Award Grant Practices
Equity awards are discretionary and are generally granted to our named executive officers during the first week of February of the applicable fiscal year.In certain circumstances, including the hiring or promotion of an officer, the Compensation Committee may approve grants to be effective at other times.The Company does not currently grant stock options to its employees .The Compensation Committee did not take material nonpublic information into account when determining the timing and terms of equity awards in 2024, andthe Company does not time the disclosure of material nonpublic information for the purpose of affecting the value of executive compensation.
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY
Commitment - Embracing Sustainability for the Future
The Company's commitment to sustainability is represented in our core values of integrity, commitment, and innovation.
The Company strives for environmental sustainability, social responsibility, responsible sourcing, and corporate citizenship to have a sustainable operation and a long-term, positive impact on our stakeholders: investors, customers, employees, suppliers, and our communities.
The Company adopts a stakeholder-oriented approach to governance and is committed to conducting an ethical, lawful, profitable, and sustainable business that creates value over the long term. We are not actively or directly involved in any political advocacy or lobbying groups, nor do we provide financial contributions to political organizations or political campaigns. Our engagements on these issues are mainly through industry or trade associations that we support together with our industry peers, or through community engagement with non-profit organizations and tax-exempt groups.
Through our extensive sales and distribution network we provide customers around the globe with a broad portfolio of innovative semiconductor products that help our customers develop energy-efficient and eco-friendly end applications.
It is the Company's firm belief that our stakeholders' well-being is supported by sustainability considerations and such considerations are integral to our ongoing organizational success and operational resilience.
The Company's sustainability report is available at:https://www.diodes.com/about/company/sustainability/.
Environment - Environmental Stewardship and Resource Conservation Initiatives
Environmental responsibility is integral to producing world-class products. We understand the impact our operations have on the environment, our communities, and the health and safety of our employees and suppliers. We are committed to ensuring environmentally sustainable business practices and to helping minimize the environmental impact of our supply chain.
Details on ourenergy,water,waste, andgreenhouse gas emissionsmanagement can be found in oursustainability report.
Supply Chain - Responsible Supply Chain Management
We strive for environmental sustainability, social responsibility, corporate citizenship, and responsible sourcing to have a long-term, positive impact on our operations and stakeholders. These corporate responsibility expectations are incorporated into the business processes we use with our suppliers so as to maintain and improve supply chain accountability.
With our strong commitment to operating our business in a sustainable and socially responsible manner, we expect our suppliers to join us in this commitment, and to conduct their businesses based on this shared set of values and principles.
Integrity is one of our core values. Read more about how we practice it throughsupplier diversity and inclusion, responsible use ofmaterials,chemicals, andpackaging, andconflict materials management.
20
Sustainability in the supply chain is built on strong partnerships. We expect our suppliers to adhere to ourSupplier Code of Conduct.
Social Responsibility - Stakeholder Engagement and Social Responsibility
We are committed to operating with a strong sense of integrity and believe it to be critical to maintaining trust and credibility with our stakeholders: communities, employees, suppliers, customers, and investors. Beyond this, we recognize the impact of managing our business in alignment with global society. Leamore about how we're working to deliver on this throughsustainable products,community engagement, andcharitable giving.
People -
As an international semiconductor company with a global footprint, we recognize the important role people play in a talent-based economy, and the impact they have on our long-term strategic success and sustainable growth. Our employees are our most critical asset-they contribute to our financial success for the benefit of all our stakeholders, they fuel the engine of product innovation, and they are collaborators and contributors to the success of the communities in which we live and work.
We are focused on building and maintaining a sustainable workforce because a reliable workforce that can deliver consistent output helps drive greater business results. Our support to the workforce includes our employeehealth, safety, and wellness programs,diversity and inclusion initiatives, andemployee development investments.
Governance - Our Corporate Governance Approach
Our approach to sustainability and financial integrity is built on the foundation of an effective corporate governance structure. We integrate transparency and accountability in our corporate governance practices, and incorporate sustainability into our corporate governance objectives. A strongcorporate governance frameworkand associated practices are critical to earnings, and to retaining the trust of our investors and other stakeholders. We have several resources to illustrate our corporate governance practices-please refer to thehighlightsand thefact sheet.
21
Executive Officers of the Company
The following table and discussion sets forth certain biographical information concerning the Company's executive officers as of the Record Date.
|
Age |
Position with the Company |
Dr. |
78 |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") |
|
52 |
President |
|
59 |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
70 |
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Discrete Products |
Andy (Kuo-Ting) |
57 |
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Analog Products |
|
77 |
Corporate Secretary and Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer |
|
56 |
Senior Vice President, |
|
56 |
President, |
(1) See "Proposal One - Election of Directors" for biographical information regarding Dr.
Andy (Kuo-Ting)
22
to 2006, he served as a Partner of
Dr.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Report of the Audit Committee of the Board does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Board maintains an Audit Committee composed of three of the Company's directors,
Management is responsible for the preparation of the Company's financial statements and financial reporting process, including evaluating the effectiveness of its system of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee:
The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an audit of the Company's financial statements in accordance with the auditing standards of the
23
in
The Audit Committee operates under a written charter, which was adopted by the Board and is assessed annually for adequacy by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held seven (7) meetings during fiscal 2024.
In performing its functions, the Audit Committee acts only in an oversight capacity. It is not the responsibility of the Audit Committee to determine that the Company's financial statements are complete and accurate, are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE |
||
|
||
|
||
|
24
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions, and all members of the finance department of the Company. The Code of Ethics is available on the Company's website atwww.diodes.com, in the "Investors - Corporate Governance" section. The Company intends to disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of the Code of Ethics on the Company's website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
Policy Regarding Related Person Transactions
The Audit Committee has adopted a written policy (the "Policy") to review any transaction in which the Company was, or is to be, a participant and in which any director, executive officer, or beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, or any immediate family member of any such person, has a direct or indirect material interest (a "related person transaction"). The Policy requires the following:
Relationships and Transactions
The Audit Committee reviews all related person transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis, in accordance with such procedures as the Audit Committee may adopt from time to time. We believe that all related person transactions are on terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
We conduct business with the following related parties:
Keylink is our 5% joint venture partner in our
25
We purchase wafers from
We also purchase materials from JCP, a frequency control product manufacturing company in which we have made an equity investment and account for using the equity method of accounting, and from Atlas an early stage privately held fabless wafer design company in which the Company holds a majority interest. The Company determined that Atlas is a variable interest entity and the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Atlas. The Company has therefore determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. For additional information related to Atlas see Note 19 - Equity Investments - Variable Interest Entities, in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
See also "Risk Factors - One of our external suppliers is also a related party. The loss of this supplier could harm our business, operating results and financial condition." in Part I, Item 1A, and Note 15 - "Related Party Transactions," in each case, in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
Mr.
Mr.
DELINQUENTSECTION 16(a) REPORTS
Under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, the Company's directors, executive officers, and any persons holding ten percent or more of the Common Stock are required to report their ownership of Common Stock and any changes in that ownership to the
Specific due dates for these reports have been established by the
STOCKHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME LAST NAME AND ADDRESS
To reduce the expense of delivering duplicate proxy materials to stockholders
26
result of householding and you would like to have separate copies of our Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, annual report, or proxy statement mailed to you, please submit a request to the Secretary of the Company at the Company's office at
27
PROPOSAL TWO
APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
At the Meeting, the stockholders are being asked to approve the compensation of the NEOs as disclosed below pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act (which was added by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act) and the other compensation disclosure rules of the
At the Company's 2023 annual meeting of the stockholders, the Company's stockholders voted in favor of providing stockholders an advisory vote on the approval of the compensation of the Company's NEOs on an annual basis.
As discussed below, our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, retain, and motivate executives
The Compensation Committee reviews our executive compensation programs annually to ensure they align executive compensation with the interests of our stockholders and current market practices. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and "Executive Compensation" for information about our executive compensation programs, including information about the fiscal 2024 compensation of the NEOs.
This proposal, commonly known as a "say-on-pay" proposal, gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of our NEOs. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our NEOs and the executive compensation philosophy and decisions described in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and "Executive Compensation."
Approval of the compensation paid to the NEOs, as disclosed below pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the
This vote is advisory and is not binding on the Company, the Board or the Compensation Committee. However, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and will review the result of the vote and take it into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.
Accordingly, our stockholders are being asked to vote on the following resolution at the Meeting:
"RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company's NEOs, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to the
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NEOS AS DISCLOSED IN "COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS" AND "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION."
28
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&A") explains the design and operation of the Company's compensation program for (i) anyone
Our NEOs for fiscal 2024 were:
|
Position with the Company |
Dr. |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
President |
|
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Discrete Products |
|
Senior Vice President, |
EXECUTIVESUMMARY
"Say-on-Pay" Vote Summary
At our2024 annual meeting of stockholders, our stockholders approved, by a vote of approximately 98% of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal (not counting abstentions and broker non-votes), the compensation paid to our NEOs for services rendered in 2023 as presented in the proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders. In light of this favorable "say on pay" vote and our stockholder engagement, the Compensation Committee did not materially adjust the Company's compensation program for 2024 or 2025.
We have engaged with our stockholders to understand their perspectives on our Company, including our strategies, performance, governance, and executive compensation. This ongoing dialogue has helped inform the Board's decision-making and ensure our interests remain well-aligned with those of our stockholders.
The Company has a record of adopting provisions or modifying practices to reflect stockholder input. Examples include the Company's majority vote policy which was strengthened and documented at the request of our stockholders, as well as the 2017 redesign of our executive compensation program and external reviews of the Company's peer group and executive compensation program in 2020 and 2022.
2024 Business Summary
Below is a summary of our 2024 financial results:
•
Net sales for fiscal 2024 were
|
•
Gross profit for fiscal 2024 was
|
•
Gross profit margin for fiscal 2024 was 33.2% compared to 39.6% for fiscal 2023;
|
•
Operating income for fiscal 2024 decreased 79.9% to
|
•
Net income for fiscal 2024 was
|
•
We achieved
|
•
As of
|
29
The following table provides additional information concerning our performance in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023:
Description(in millions, except per share amounts) |
2024 |
2023 |
|||||
Net sales |
$ |
1,311.1 |
$ |
1,661.7 |
|||
Gross profit |
435.9 |
658.2 |
|||||
Gross profit margin |
33.2 |
% |
39.6 |
% |
|||
Income from operations |
50.5 |
250.6 |
|||||
Diluted net income per share |
0.95 |
4.91 |
|||||
Stock price at fiscal year end |
61.67 |
80.52 |
|||||
Adjusted earnings per share - common stockholders (Non-GAAP) |
1.31 |
4.81 |
CONSOLIDATED RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME |
|||||||||
(unaudited) |
|||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) |
|||||||||
For the 12 Months Ended |
|||||||||
2024 |
2023 |
||||||||
GAAP net income - common stockholders |
$ |
44,024 |
$ |
227,182 |
|||||
GAAP earnings per share - common stockholders |
|||||||||
Diluted |
$ |
0.95 |
$ |
4.91 |
|||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income - common stockholders |
|||||||||
to adjusted net income - common stockholders, net of tax: |
|||||||||
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets |
13,487 |
12,479 |
|||||||
Officer retirement |
509 |
2,217 |
|||||||
Restructuring costs |
7,545 |
1,187 |
|||||||
Non-cash market-to-market investment value adjustments |
257 |
(16,577 |
) |
||||||
Insurance recovery for manufacturing facility |
(5,714 |
) |
- |
||||||
Acquisition-related costs |
837 |
- |
|||||||
Investment gain |
- |
(3,704 |
) |
||||||
Adjusted net income - common stockholders (Non-GAAP)(1) |
$ |
60,945 |
$ |
222,784 |
|||||
Diluted shares used in computing earnings per share |
46,408 |
46,311 |
|||||||
Adjusted earnings per share - common stockholders (Non-GAAP) |
|||||||||
Diluted(1) |
$ |
1.31 |
$ |
4.81 |
(1) See Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the
30
OVERVIEW OF COMPENSATION PROGRAM
Compensation Philosophy
Our executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain, and motivate experienced executives to achieve sustainable profitable growth and generate positive cash flow. Our compensation philosophy is driven by the following guiding principles:
31
Best-Practice Compensation Governance Features
Our executive compensation program is based upon best-practices.
What We Do |
What We Don't Do |
||||
|
Place heavy emphasis on performance-based variable compensation. Generally the Company sets performance objectives for annual bonuses and long-term equity incentives higher year-over-year to establish challenging goals and thereby align the interests of our executives with the interests of our stockholders |
X |
Allow option backdating, cash out of underwater options, or option repricing |
||
|
Emphasize long-term equity awards in executive pay mix |
X |
Gross up excise taxes upon a change in control |
||
|
Apply stock ownership and stock retention guidelines to align executives' interests with stockholders' interests |
X |
Permit hedging or pledging |
||
|
Include a clawback provision in our incentive plans |
X |
Provide perquisites to NEOs that are not available to other senior management generally |
||
|
Conduct an annual risk assessment |
X |
Offer enhanced retirement formulas or death benefits |
||
|
Engage an independent compensation consultant periodically to ensure alignment with market executive compensation |
X |
Provide automatic acceleration of equity awards upon retirement |
||
|
Have a "double-trigger" equity vesting upon a change in control |
X |
Provide automatic "single trigger" acceleration of equity or other benefits in the event of a change in control |
||
|
Conduct an annual stockholder say-on-pay vote |
X |
Pay dividend equivalents on unearned restricted shares or stock units |
Components of Compensation
The principal elements of our executive compensation program for 2022, 2023 and 2024 are summarized in the table below:
Element |
Form |
What It Does |
How It Links to Performance |
|
Base Salary |
Cash (Fixed) |
Provides a competitive rate relative to similar positions in the market, and enables the Company to attract and retain critical executive talent |
Based on job scope, level of responsibilities, experience, tenure, and market levels |
|
Annual (Bonus) Incentive Plan |
Cash (Variable) |
Focuses executives on achieving annual financial and strategic goals that drive long-term stockholder value |
Payouts: 0% to 200% of target, based on results against pre-established goals |
|
Financial Metrics: 80% of bonus for 2023 and 2024: Earnings per share ("EPS"), Net sales and CSER Strategic Objectives: 20% of bonus for 2023 and 2024 |
||||
Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Plan |
Equity (Variable) |
Provides incentives for executives to execute on longer-term financial and strategic growth goals that drive long-term stockholder value and support the Company's retention strategy |
50% of the LTI award is performance-based and 50% vests ratably over a four-year period Performance-based awards can pay out between 0% and 200% of target, based on actual performance compared to pre-established, three-year financial performance targets |
32
Factors Considered in Making Compensation Decisions
Our compensation strategy is flexible and enables us to appropriately differentiate and reward executives by taking into account:
• Company financial and operational performance;
• The executive's individual performance, experience, and qualifications;
• The scope of the executive's role;
• The level of total compensation for our other executives; and
• Competitive market data which helps us evaluate how our executive pay levels compare to that being offered to individuals with comparable roles in semiconductor companies with which we compete for talent.
For additional information regarding elements of compensation, please refer to the graphs below in the section entitled "Principal Components of Compensation."
PAY FOR PERFORMANCE
The chart below illustrates the relative degree of alignment between the total stockholder retu("TSR," defined as stock price appreciation plus dividends) and the CEO's annual compensation as reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the Company (set forth below) and its 2022
33
The table below illustrates the change in
CEO's Total Direct Compensation |
|||||||||||||
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2022 vs 2024 |
||||||||||
Base Salary |
$ |
757,303 |
$ |
805,753 |
$ |
740,192 |
-2 |
% |
|||||
Bonus |
$ |
1,919,501 |
$ |
211,905 |
$ |
165,269 |
-91 |
% |
|||||
RSU's |
|||||||||||||
Number of shares |
32,000 |
42,000 |
25,000 |
-22 |
% |
||||||||
Value/share (closing price on day of grant) |
$ |
91.89 |
$ |
93.35 |
$ |
67.69 |
-26 |
% |
|||||
Number of shares |
5,000 |
6,000 |
6,000 |
20 |
% |
||||||||
Value/share (closing price on day of grant) |
$ |
73.91 |
$ |
87.37 |
$ |
72.85 |
-1 |
% |
|||||
Value |
$ |
3,310,030 |
$ |
4,444,920 |
$ |
2,129,350 |
-36 |
% |
|||||
PSU's |
|||||||||||||
Number of shares |
32,000 |
42,000 |
25,000 |
-22 |
% |
||||||||
Value/share (closing price on day of grant) |
$ |
91.89 |
$ |
93.35 |
$ |
67.69 |
-26 |
% |
|||||
Value |
$ |
2,940,480 |
$ |
3,920,700 |
$ |
1,692,250 |
-42 |
% |
|||||
Total Long-Term Incentive |
$ |
6,250,510 |
$ |
8,365,620 |
$ |
3,821,600 |
-39 |
% |
|||||
Other compensation |
$ |
118,332 |
$ |
100,538 |
$ |
96,166 |
-19 |
% |
|||||
Total Compensation |
$ |
9,045,646 |
$ |
9,483,816 |
$ |
4,823,227 |
-47 |
% |
|||||
Change from previous year |
11.2 |
% |
4.8 |
% |
-49.1 |
% |
N/A |
Total shareholder retufor 2022, 2023, and 2024 was (30.7)%, 5.8%, and (23.4)%, respectively. The decrease in total shareholder retufor 2024 reflects the decrease in the Company's stock price from
To evaluate projected compensation levels, the Compensation Committee retained
In the
34
incentives portion of our executive compensation program. The relative pay rank for our CEO and other executives by type of compensation are detailed in the following chart:
Pay Rank |
||||||
Component of Pay |
CEO |
Other Executive Officers |
Overall |
|||
Base salary |
53rd |
24th |
28th |
|||
Cash compensation (base salary + target bonus) |
39th |
28th |
30th |
|||
Long-term incentives ("LTI") |
66th |
75th |
74th |
|||
Total direct compensation (cash compensation + LTI) |
67th |
68th |
68th |
PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION
2024 Pay Mix
The Compensation Committee set 2024 base salary and target bonus and LTI award levels to generally align the NEO's total direct compensation with the semiconductor market. The charts below illustrate the relative composition of 2024 total direct compensation for our CEO and our other NEOs.
Base Salaries
We provide each of our NEOs with a competitive fixed annual base salary. The base salaries for our NEOs are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee by taking into account each executive officer's scope of responsibility, level of experience, individual performance, and past and potential contribution to the Company's business, as well as the Company's performance and the current year's change in the cost of living. The Compensation Committee does not assign any particular formula or weight to the foregoing factors.
Consistent with our compensation philosophy, base salaries represent a fixed portion of total compensation and may generally be at or lower than the median base salaries being offered to individuals with comparable roles in semiconductor companies with which we compete for talent.
35
The following table shows each NEO's annualized base salary for 2022 to 2024 and the percentage change in each NEOs' annualized base salary from the prior year:
Annualized Base Salary |
||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Base Salary |
(%) Change |
Base Salary |
(%) Change |
Base Salary |
(%) Change |
||||||||||||
Dr. |
760,000 |
4% |
810,000 |
7% |
740,000 |
-9% |
||||||||||||
|
310,000 |
5% |
330,000 |
6% |
330,000 |
- |
||||||||||||
|
350,000 |
6% |
450,000 |
29% |
630,000 |
40% |
||||||||||||
|
400,000 |
2% |
410,000 |
2% |
410,000 |
- |
||||||||||||
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
330,000 |
N/A |
(1)
Annual (Bonus) Incentive Plan
Annual incentives reward both the achievement of short-term financial goals, as well as the execution of activities to advance our strategic priorities, which support near-term financial performance and long-term strategic objectives. Our annual bonus plan for 2023 and 2024 was simple, formulaic, and responsive to investor feedback:
36
This table illustrates the structure of the plan for 2023 and 2024:
Annual Incentives - Plan Structure (2023 and 2024) |
||
Weighting |
Performance Objectives |
Metrics |
80% |
Financial Metrics |
Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (EPS), |
20% |
Strategic Priorities |
Examples of 2024 strategic initiatives include, but are not limited to: •
Meeting and exceeding the 2024 Annual Plan while maintaining momentum during the worldwide economic and supply chain issues towards the Company's goals for 2025
•
Expanding and improving the Company's focus on environmental, social, and governance related activities and reporting
•
Ramping up Diodes product production in the Company's newer wafer fabrication facility in
•
Reducing the Company's dependence upon its assembly test facilities in
•
Identifying and executing strategic mergers and acquisitions opportunities
|
Both the financial metrics and the strategic priorities are set at the beginning of the year and on an absolute basis. The schedule below sets forth the annual incentives to be paid as a percentage of target. Performance below or above target will result in an award ranging from 0% to a maximum of 200% of target.
The Compensation Committee chose to use EPS and net sales as the primary measures for 2023 and 2024 to keep our NEOs focused on profitability and profitable growth. The Compensation Committee determined these measures to be appropriate since they are measures used by our peers in evaluating performance and are commonly used by stakeholders in the evaluation of company performance. The Compensation Committee has weighted CSER to the financial metrics at a 5% weighting, and established an internal committee to improve the Company's focus on its ongoing environmental, social and governance activities. Achieving goals in all of these areas is critical to driving short-term results that have
37
long-term impact on value creation. The strategic initiatives will be evaluated based upon demonstrated performance against the specific pre-determined targets.
Annual Incentives - |
|
Performance Level |
Range of Payout* |
Below 80% of Target |
0% payout |
From 80% to 100% of Target |
50% to 100% payout |
From 100% to 120% of Target |
100% to 200% payout |
Above 120% of Target |
200% payout (capped) |
*Performance between 80% and 100% of target and between 100% and
120% of Target is interpolated between the end points identified above.
The following table sets forth the financial performance targets for 2024 and 2023 and the strategic objectives for 2024, established by the Compensation Committee and the results achieved by the Company. The lower targets for 2024, when compared to 2023, are reflective of the deterioration of the worldwide semiconductor market resulting in reduced guidance to investors as well as reduced compensation targets.
2023 |
2024 |
2024 Performance |
||||||||||||||||||||
Objective |
Weight |
Target |
Actual |
Weight |
Target |
Actual |
vs. Target |
|||||||||||||||
Financial objectives (80% of award) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales (millions) |
18% |
$ |
1,971.0 |
$ |
1,661.7 |
18% |
$ |
1,500.0 |
$ |
1,311.1 |
Not Met |
|||||||||||
Non-Gaap diluted earnings per share |
77% |
$ |
6.55 |
$ |
4.81 |
77% |
$ |
3.40 |
$ |
1.31 |
Not Met |
|||||||||||
CSER(1) |
5% |
7 |
5 |
5% |
7 |
5 |
Exceeded |
|||||||||||||||
Strategic objectives (20% of award) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Meeting and exceeding the 2024 Annual Plan while maintaining momentum during the worldwide economic and supply chain issues towards the Company's goals for 2025 |
Not met(2) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Expanding and improving the Company's focus on environmental, social, and governance related activities and reporting |
Achieved(3) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Ramping up Diodes product production in the Company's newer wafer fabrication facility in |
Achieved(4) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Reducing the Company's dependence upon its assembly test facilities in |
Achieved(5) |
(1) The Company combines the social and environmental scores provided by
(2) The Company's management did not meet or exceed the 2024 Annual Plan;
(3) The Company has expanded its focus on ESG:
(4) The Company continues to replace non-Diodes products with Diodes' products at SPFAB; and,
(5) The Company has reduced and continues to reduce its dependence on its
The following payout percentages, as a percent of target opportunity, for 2024 were calculated based upon the weight of each performance objective for 2024 and the results set forth above:
Performance Objective |
% Attained to Target |
% Payout to Target |
Weight |
Financial objective |
|||
Net sales |
87.4 |
69 |
14% |
Non-GAAP earnings per share |
38.5 |
- |
62% |
CSER |
120 |
200 |
4% |
Strategic objectives |
- |
88 |
20% |
For fiscal 2023 and 2024, each financial objective (i.e., net sales, Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share and CSER) was established after consideration by the Compensation Committee to ensure that the performance targets establish challenging goals and thereby align the interests of our executives with the interests of our stockholders.
38
The following table shows each NEO's maximum executive bonus opportunity for 2022, 2023, and 2024 and the percentage change from the prior year.
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
||||||||||||||||
|
$ |
Change (%) |
$ |
Change (%) |
$ |
Change (%) |
||||||||||||
Dr. |
1,893,259 |
4.0% |
2,049,000 |
8.2% |
1,480,000 |
-27.8% |
||||||||||||
|
432,098 |
5.0% |
462,000 |
6.9% |
429,000 |
-7.1% |
||||||||||||
|
487,622 |
5.5% |
630,000 |
29.2% |
1,134,000 |
80.0% |
||||||||||||
|
558,870 |
2.2% |
462,000 |
-17.3% |
533,000 |
15.4% |
||||||||||||
|
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
429,000 |
N/A |
In late 2023, the Compensation Committee reviewed the design of our annual incentive plan for 2024. For 2024, the Compensation Committee set the bonus target for the CEO at 100% of annual salary, the bonus target for the President at 90% of salary and the bonus target for all other executives to 65% of salary. Previous targets were 125% of salary for the CEO and 70% for all other executives No changes were made to the financial objectives, the strategic objectives, or the relative weight of the financial objectives as compared to the strategic objectives. The weighting of the Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share financial metric will continue to be 77% to emphasize profitability, the weighting of net sales will be 18% and CSER will be 5%. The Compensation Committee feels these measures reflect the Company's longer-term goal of achieving a 40% gross margin and the increased focus on corporate governance. Due to the sensitivity of earnings per share and net sales forecasts and the correlation of earnings per share to our stock price, the 2024 targets are not being disclosed at this time. However, the targets will be disclosed at the end of the performance period along with the achievement levels against such targets.
Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Plan
Under the Company's 2022 Plan, the Company may grant any type of equity award whose value is derived from the value of the Common Stock of the Company, including, but not limited to, shares of Common Stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance stock units ("PSUs"), and restricted stock. Equity awards encourage our NEOs to execute on longer-term financial goals that drive stockholder value creation and support our retention strategy.
In
In
For PSU awards granted in fiscal 2022, 2023, and 2024 each year a 3-year cumulative operating income goal is set as a target. It is not adjusted for market changes or company performance throughout the 3-year period. For the 2022‐2024 award cycle, the Compensation Committee chose a GAAP operating income target of
39
The following chart illustrates the structure of the plan for 2022, 2023, and 2024. The structure of the LTI awards is the same for the CEO and all other NEOs.
LTI Plan Structure |
||
Weighting |
Equity Vehicles |
Metrics |
50% |
Performance-Based Stock Units:Vest according to actual performance compared to pre-established, three‐year absolute financial performance targets. |
For the 2022‐2024 award cycle, the Compensation Committee chose a GAAP operating income target of |
50% |
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units:Vest ratably over a four‐year period (i.e., 25% on each anniversary of the award). |
N/A |
40
The actual amount of performance-based awards that are earned and vest will be driven by the achievement of the performance metrics at the end of the three-year performance period relative to our three-year absolute performance goals:
Annual Incentives - |
|
Performance Level |
Range of Payout* |
Below 80% of Target |
0% payout |
From 80% to 100% of Target |
50% to 100% payout |
From 100% to 120% of Target |
100% to 200% payout |
Above 120% of Target |
200% payout (capped) |
*Performance between 80% and 100% of target and between 100% and
120% of Target is interpolated between the end points identified above.
The following table sets forth the number of shares subject to RSUs and PSUs granted to each NEO in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the grant date fair value of such awards, and the percentage change in such shares and such value from the prior year.
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares/ |
RSUs(2) |
PSUs |
Change %(1) |
RSUs(2) |
PSUs |
Change %(1) |
RSUs |
PSUs |
Change %(1) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. |
# |
37,000 |
32,000 |
-42 |
% |
48,000 |
42,000 |
30 |
% |
31,000 |
25,000 |
-38 |
% |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ |
3,310,030 |
2,940,480 |
29 |
% |
4,444,920 |
3,920,700 |
34 |
% |
2,129,350 |
1,692,250 |
-54 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
# |
7,600 |
7,600 |
-37 |
% |
9,000 |
9,000 |
18 |
% |
6,100 |
6,100 |
-32 |
% |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ |
698,364 |
698,364 |
42 |
% |
840,150 |
840,150 |
20 |
% |
412,909 |
412,909 |
-51 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
# |
8,500 |
8,500 |
-35 |
% |
13,000 |
13,000 |
53 |
% |
25,000 |
22,000 |
81 |
% |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ |
781,065 |
781,065 |
46 |
% |
1,213,550 |
1,213,550 |
55 |
% |
1,707,730 |
1,489,180 |
32 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
# |
7,600 |
7,600 |
-55 |
% |
9,000 |
9,000 |
18 |
% |
7,200 |
7,200 |
-20 |
% |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ |
698,364 |
698,364 |
0 |
% |
840,150 |
840,150 |
20 |
% |
487,368 |
487,368 |
-42 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
# |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,100 |
6,100 |
N/A |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
412,909 |
412,909 |
N/A |
(1) Represents the combined number of shares subject to RSUs and PSUs for the given year and the combined grant date values of such RSUs and PSUs, compared to the combined number of shares subject to awards and the combined grant date values of such awards for the prior year.
(2) In May of 2022, 2023, and 2024,
The Compensation Committee believes that both performance-based and time-based awards are appropriate equity vehicles for a portion of long-term incentive compensation for the Company's executive officers because both such awards align executive officers' interests with the interests of stockholders by focusing executive officers on long-term Company performance. The value of these awards increases if the Company's stock price increases, and the value of these awards decreases if the stock price declines. Time-based awards also serve to retain executive officers because they provide executive officers some economic value (if time-based vesting requirements are met) regardless of stock price changes. Performance-based awards encourage NEOs to achieve the specific pre-determined performance objectives selected by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee's policy is to grant equity awards annually in recognition of each executive officer's current and potential contributions to the Company. To encourage retention, stock option and restricted stock awards are subject to a four-year time-based vesting requirement in addition to any performance-based vesting requirement.
In determining equity awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Compensation Committee first reviewed the NEOs' equity awards in light of the executive compensation philosophy that the total compensation (i.e., the aggregate of all cash and equity awards) of the NEOs and all other executive officers should be competitive with the total compensation paid to executive officers with comparable duties paid by similarly sized companies in the semiconductor industry. The number of RSU and PSU awards is adjusted to reflect the Company's stock price at the time the award is granted. The Compensation Committee noted that in 2024, management contended with challenges presented by the slowdown in the semiconductor industry, expanded the Company's focus on ESG, focused on replacement of non-Diodes' products with Diodes' products at SPFAB, and continued reduce the Company's reliance on its
41
The Compensation Committee then reviewed each NEO's personal performance and contribution to the Company. When doing its review, the Compensation Committee believes that target compensation should be competitive with that being offered to individuals with comparable roles in semiconductor companies with which we compete for talent. This is done to ensure we employ the best people to lead to our success. The Compensation Committee reviews the allocation between cash and non-cash components of the NEO's compensation, and the size, term and value of the awards made in prior years. The Compensation Committee believes that each NEO made meaningful contributions in each area of his or her responsibilities to the growth and profitability of the Company. The Compensation Committee believes that it has appropriately valued the cash awards and equity awards granted in 2022, 2023, and 2024 consistent with the Company's compensation objectives and philosophy.
COMPENSATION REVIEW PROCESS
Our Board of Directors has delegated to the Compensation Committee the authority to approve all compensation and awards to NEOs. When making individual compensation decisions for NEOs, the Compensation Committee takes many factors into account, including the performance of the Company as a whole, the current market conditions, the executive officer's experience, responsibilities, management abilities and job performance, and pay levels for similar positions at comparable companies. The Compensation Committee does not assign any particular formula or weight to the foregoing factors.
The Compensation Committee has ultimate authority, including delegated authority over all aspects of NEO compensation, including the base salary for each NEO and the overall compensation of the Chief Executive Officer.
The Role of the Compensation CommitteeThe Compensation Committee determines the compensation for the executive officers, including the NEOs. The Compensation Committee meets in an executive session at the beginning of each fiscal year to:
At the end of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee:
The Compensation Committee may meet from time to time during the year to assess the adequacy of the Company's compensation for all executive officers.
The Role of ManagementThe Compensation Committee discusses with, and takes into consideration, the recommendations of the CEO concerning the annual evaluation of the executive officers, except for matters related to his own evaluation and compensation. The CEO has a role in determining executive compensation because he evaluates employee performance, recommends performance goals and objectives, and recommends salary levels, bonuses, and incentive awards of the executive officers, other than himself.
The Role of the Independent ConsultantTo gain a perspective on external pay levels, emerging practices and regulatory changes, our Compensation Committee from time to time engages outside executive compensation consultants that are independent under the
42
compensation to the respective
The Compensation Committee's reason for updating the benchmarking/survey information at least every three years as opposed to every year is that the Compensation Committee does not believe that the executive compensation benchmark or the comparable companies are likely to have significant changes over just a one or two year period.
In accordance with its charter, the Compensation Committee analyzed whether the work of CP as a compensation consultant has raised any conflict of interest, taking into consideration the following factors: (i) the provision of other services to the Company by CP; (ii) the amount of fees from the Company paid to CP as a percentage of the firm's total revenue; (iii) CP's policies and procedures that are designed to prevent conflicts of interest; (iv) any business or personal relationship of CP or the individual compensation advisors employed by the firm with an executive officer of the Company; (v) any business or personal relationship of the individual compensation advisors with any member of the Compensation Committee; and (vi) any stock of the Company owned by CP or the individual compensation advisors employed by the firm. The Compensation Committee has determined based on its analysis of the above factors, that the work of CP and the individual compensation advisors employed by CP as compensation consultants to the Company has not created a conflict of interest.
Selection of
Based on the review undertaken in 2022 by CP, the Company's peer group currently consists of the following companies (the "2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coherent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) For the 2022
43
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES
Executive officers are entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and documented business expenses and paid time off in accordance with the Company's policies (which are also applicable to all employees). Certain executive officers are also provided additional executive benefits and perquisites. For fiscal 2024, the Company provided the following benefits and perquisites to the NEOs:
Benefit |
Description |
Automobile Allowance |
|
|
Corporate group insurance |
|
Corporate group insurance |
|
Corporate group insurance |
|
Corporate employee assistance program |
Retirement Plans |
401(k) Plan matching contributions of Discretionary 401(k) contribution, the amount of which is to be determined each year. For 2024, no discretionary contributions were made. |
Deferred Compensation Plan |
Defer receipt of a portion of salary, cash bonus, equity or other specified compensation. Discretionary contribution made by the Company. For 2024, no discretionary contributions were made. |
Life Insurance |
Corporate group life insurance in the amount of |
Accidental Death and Dismemberment |
Insured in the amount of |
|
|
|
After elimination period of seven days, 66-2/3% of weekly earnings are paid to a maximum of |
|
After elimination period of 180 days, 66-2/3% of basic monthly earnings to a maximum of |
Executive Health Reimbursement |
Reimbursement of certain enhanced medical services intended to promote the executive's health and well-being up to the annual maximum reimbursement limits as follows: |
The additional benefits and perquisites provided to NEOs for fiscal 2024 accounted for a nominal amount of the NEOs' total compensation. The Compensation Committee believes that these benefits and perquisites are consistent with the Compensation Committee's philosophy to provide a competitive compensation package.
BEST PRACTICES
For a description of the Company's anti-hedging, anti-pledging, anti-short selling, stock ownership, stock retention, clawback policies, and equity award grant practices, see "Corporate Governance - Corporate Policies."
44
COMPENSATION RISK ASSESSMENT
The Compensation Committee has conducted an annual compensation risk assessment and concluded that the Company's compensation policies and practices do not encourage excessive or unnecessary risk-taking and are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Compensation Committee took into account the significant proportion of the annual compensation that is based on equity incentives that have long maturities and vesting periods, and the Company's clawback, stock retention, and stock ownership policies that align the NEO's and other executive officers' compensation with the interests of the Company's stockholders.
POST-TERMINATION AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL PAYMENTS
The Compensation Committee believes that a change-in-control transaction would create uncertainty regarding the continued employment of the Company's executive officers. This is because many change-in-control transactions result in significant organizational changes, particularly at the senior executive level. In order to encourage the Company's executive officers to remain employed with the Company during an important time when their continued employment in connection with, or following, a transaction is often uncertain, and to help keep the Company's executive officers focused on Company business rather than on their personal financial security, the Compensation Committee believes that providing certain of the Company's executive officers with severance benefits upon certain terminations of employment following an actual or potential change-in-control transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
In the event that
In the event that
45
TAX AND ACCOUNTING CONSIDERATIONS
Deductibility of CompensationUnder Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act"), a public company generally will not be entitled to a deduction for non-performance-based compensation paid to an executive officer to the extent such compensation exceeds
While the Compensation Committee has in the past generally intended that all compensation be deductible, there will be instances where potentially non-deductible compensation is provided to reward our NEOs consistent with our compensation philosophy for each compensation element. Moreover, the Tax Act substantially revised Code Section 162(m). As a result of the Tax Act revisions, effective as of 2018, (1) the commission and performance-based exceptions have been removed (effectively eliminating the tax deduction for annual compensation which is in excess of
Nonqualified Deferred CompensationFor a discussion of the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, see "Executive Compensation - Nonqualified Deferred Compensation."
Accounting for Share-Based CompensationThe Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant. The amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for restricted stock and performance stock grants is calculated by multiplying the number of shares subject to the grant by the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the grant date.
Limited Change-in-Control BenefitsWe provide limited change-in-control severance benefits to the Company's executive officers and do not provide any related tax gross-ups. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Additional Benefits and Perquisites."
46
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Board has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with the Company's management, and based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee unanimously recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
Respectfully submitted, |
|
The Compensation Committee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
47
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The table below summarizes the compensation of each of our NEOs for 2024, 2023 and 2022, except in the case of
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE - 2024, 2023, and 2022
|
Year |
Salary |
Bonus |
Stock |
Non-Equity |
All Other |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||
Dr. |
2024 |
740,192 |
- |
3,821,600 |
165,269 |
96,166 |
4,823,227 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Chairman and |
2023 |
805,753 |
- |
8,365,620 |
211,905 |
100,538 |
9,483,816 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
2022 |
757,303 |
204,615 |
6,250,510 |
1,714,886 |
118,332 |
9,045,646 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
330,000 |
- |
825,818 |
28,494 |
53,066 |
1,237,378 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
2023 |
328,301 |
- |
1,680,300 |
48,370 |
52,622 |
2,109,594 |
|||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
308,641 |
83,461 |
1,396,728 |
391,716 |
50,721 |
2,231,267 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
629,507 |
- |
3,196,910 |
126,632 |
21,894 |
3,974,943 |
|||||||||||||||||||
President |
2023 |
441,507 |
- |
2,427,100 |
65,959 |
15,905 |
2,950,471 |
|||||||||||||||||||
2022 |
348,301 |
94,231 |
1,562,130 |
442,260 |
12,082 |
2,459,005 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
410,000 |
- |
974,736 |
59,519 |
36,445 |
1,480,700 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President, |
2023 |
409,151 |
- |
1,680,300 |
48,370 |
30,699 |
2,168,520 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Worldwide Discrete Products |
2022 |
399,193 |
107,692 |
1,396,728 |
505,440 |
30,176 |
2,439,229 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
330,000 |
- |
825,818 |
28,494 |
36,445 |
1,220,757 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President, |
2023 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
2022 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(1) Each executive officer's salary is established in February of each year. Amounts shown represent the amounts earned in each fiscal year. Effective
(2) The amount shown is the actual cash bonus paid for each period presented. This amount consists of any performance-based bonus and any discretionary bonus. Under the executive bonus formula that established the target bonus for each executive officer (i) 80% of the bonus was tied to the financial metrics of the Company and (ii) 20% of the bonus was tied to individual goals for each NEO. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Principal Components of Compensation - Annual (Bonus) Incentive Plan."
(3) These amounts reflect the value determined by the Company for accounting purposes for these awards and do not reflect whether each NEO has actually realized a financial benefit from the awards. The value of the equity awards in columns (e) and (f) is based on the grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes. Pursuant to
(4) Includes
(5) Certain of the Company's executive officers receive personal benefits in addition to salary, cash bonuses and share-based compensation, consisting of automobile allowance, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, employee assistance program, taxable per diem, contributions under the Company's retirement plans, deferred compensation plan, life insurance payable at the direction of the employee, accidental death and dismemberment insurance ("AD&D"), business travel accident insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance. The amount shown in column (i) for "All Other Compensation" includes benefits summarized in the following table for each``.
(6)
48
The table below sets forth the detail of "All Other Compensation" for each NEO:
|
Year |
Auto |
Health |
Retirement |
Life and Disability |
Per Diem |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||||
Dr. |
2024 |
15,600 |
18,159 |
10,350 |
3,141 |
48,917 |
96,166 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
12,000 |
27,575 |
10,350 |
3,141 |
- |
53,066 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
- |
8,403 |
10,350 |
3,141 |
- |
21,894 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
- |
22,954 |
10,350 |
3,141 |
- |
36,445 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
2024 |
- |
22,954 |
10,350 |
3,141 |
- |
36,445 |
(1) Consists of medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as employee assistance program.
(2) Consists of life, AD&D, business travel accident, and short-term and long-term disability insurance.
(3) Taxable per diem amounts consist of amounts paid to
49
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS - 2024
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to grants of awards to the NEOs under the Company's non-equity incentive plan and the 2022 Plan during 2024:
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
Estimated Future Payouts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grant Date |
Threshold |
Target |
Maximum |
Threshold |
Target |
Maximum |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) |
Grant Date Fair Value |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. |
|
370,000 |
740,000 |
1,480,000 |
12,500 |
25,000 |
50,000 |
25,000 |
3,384,500 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,000 |
437,100 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
107,250 |
214,500 |
429,000 |
3,050 |
6,100 |
12,200 |
6,100 |
825,818 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
283,500 |
567,000 |
1,134,000 |
11,000 |
22,000 |
44,000 |
22,000 |
2,978,360 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3,000 |
218,550 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
133,250 |
266,500 |
533,000 |
3,600 |
7,200 |
14,400 |
7,200 |
974,736 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
107,250 |
214,500 |
429,000 |
3,050 |
6,100 |
12,200 |
6,100 |
825,818 |
(1) The amount shown is the cash bonus threshold, target, and maximum for 2024. This amount consists of any performance-based bonus and any discretionary bonus. Under the executive bonus formula that established the target bonus for each executive officer (i) 80% of the bonus was tied to the financial metrics of the Company and (ii) 20% of the bonus was tied to individual goals for each NEO. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Principal Components of Compensation - Annual (Bonus) Incentive Plan."
(2) These amounts reflect the value determined by the Company for accounting purposes for these awards and do not reflect whether each NEO has actually realized a financial benefit from the awards. Pursuant to
CEO PayRatio - 2024
At the end of 2024 the Company had approximately 8,593 employees worldwide, located mainly in
We identified the median employee by examining the 2024 compensation data for all individuals, excluding our CEO,
50
NARRATIVE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLEAND GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE
CEO Employment Agreement
2024 Amendment.On
2022 Amendment.On
2017 Amendment.On
The terms of performance-based awards state that within ninety days after the end of the performance period, the Compensation Committee shall determine the degree to which Target Performance has been achieved (such date of determination is the "Determination Date") and that will also be the date of vesting for the target number of PSUs (the "Target Award"). These shares were released during
The terms of performance-based awards state that the Target Award will vest if the Target Performance is achieved. 50% of the Target Award will vest upon achievement of 80% of the Target Performance, and 200% of the Target Award will vest upon achievement of 120% of the Target Performance. Upon achievement of between 80% and 100%, and between 100% and 120%, of Target Performance, the percentage of the Target Award that vests will be decreased or increased on a pro rata basis, with no vesting or payout upon achievement of below 80% of Target Performance and with vesting and payout limited to 200% of the Target Award if the Target Performance exceeds 120%. If either a Qualifying Termination or a Change in Control, as defined, occurs before the end of the three-year performance period, then the Target Performance and Target Award shall each be pro-rated based on the number of days within the performance period that have elapsed as of the end of the calendar month before the Qualifying Termination or Change in Control.
Upon termination at any time before the earlier of a Qualifying Termination or Change in Control or the Determination Date, all then unvested PSUs shall be forfeited.
The Company satisfied the performance criteria, at the 200% level, and the 125,810 shares were released in
2015 Employment Agreement.The following is a summary of
51
for employees in general, (vii) receive a life insurance policy with a death benefit in the amount in effect on the date of the employment agreement (
The term of
Executive Bonus Plan
For a description of the Company's executive bonus plan, including the amount granted to NEOs in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and the method for determining the executive bonuses, see "Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Principal Components of Compensation - Annual (Bonus) Incentive Plan."
2022 Equity Incentive Plan
At the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders, the Company stockholders approved the
The purpose of the 2022 Plan is to promote our long-term success and the creation of stockholder value by:
The 2022 Plan permits the grant of the following types of equity-based incentive awards:
Stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be granted at a per share exercise price below the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The maximum exercisable term of stock options and stock appreciation rights may not exceed eight years. Stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be repriced or exchanged without stockholder approval. Shares (after applicable tax withholding) acquired from the exercise of stock options must be held for at least one year after exercise or until an earlier termination of service.
52
The vesting of awards can be based on continuous service and/or performance goals. Discretionary acceleration of vesting of awards is not permitted except in the case of a participant's death or disability. If a Change in Control or similar transaction occurs then (i) if there is no assumption, substitution or continuation of outstanding awards, then all awards shall vest (with performance-based awards vesting and being paid out at their target levels) and (ii) if a participant's service is terminated without Cause by the Company (or its acquirer) within two years after a Change in Control or similar transaction, then all of such participant's awards shall vest (with performance-based awards vesting and being paid out at their target levels).
The 2022 Plan is generally administered by a committee comprised solely of independent members of the Board. This committee will be the Compensation Committee unless otherwise designated by the Board (the "2022 Plan Committee"). The Board or the 2022 Plan Committee may designate a separate committee to make awards to employees
The 2022 Plan provides that any non-employee director cannot receive awards in any fiscal year that in the aggregate exceeds 100,000 shares for the Chairperson, 80,000 shares for the Vice Chairperson, and 10,000 shares for other non-employee directors. Provided that the Board affirmatively acts to implement such a process, the 2022 Plan also provides that non-employee directors may elect to receive stock grants or stock units (which would be issued under the 2022 Plan) in lieu of fees that would otherwise be paid in cash.
401(k) Plan and Other Retirement Plans
The Company maintains a 401(k) Plan for the benefit of qualified employees at our
53
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END - 2024
The following table sets forth certain information regarding equity-based awards held by NEOs as of
Stock Awards |
||||||||||||||||||||||
RSUs |
PSUs |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Grant Date |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested |
Grant Date |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: |
||||||||||||||||
Dr. |
|
8,000 |
493,360 |
|
64,000 |
3,946,880 |
||||||||||||||||
|
1,250 |
77,088 |
|
84,000 |
5,180,280 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
16,000 |
986,720 |
|
50,000 |
3,083,500 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
2,500 |
154,175 |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||
|
31,500 |
1,942,605 |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||
|
4,500 |
277,515 |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||
|
25,000 |
1,541,750 |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||
|
6,000 |
370,020 |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
1,900 |
117,173 |
|
15,200 |
937,384 |
||||||||||||||||
|
3,800 |
234,346 |
|
18,000 |
1,110,060 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
6,750 |
416,273 |
|
12,200 |
752,374 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
6,100 |
376,187 |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
2,125 |
131,049 |
|
17,000 |
1,048,390 |
||||||||||||||||
|
4,250 |
262,098 |
|
26,000 |
1,603,420 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
9,750 |
601,283 |
|
44,000 |
2,713,480 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
22,000 |
1,356,740 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||||||
|
3,000 |
185,010 |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
1,900 |
117,173 |
|
15,200 |
937,384 |
||||||||||||||||
|
3,800 |
234,346 |
|
18,000 |
1,110,060 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
6,750 |
416,273 |
|
14,400 |
888,048 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
7,200 |
444,024 |
- |
- |
- |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
1,900 |
117,173 |
|
15,200 |
937,384 |
||||||||||||||||
|
3,800 |
234,346 |
|
18,000 |
1,110,060 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
6,750 |
416,273 |
|
12,200 |
752,374 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
6,100 |
376,187 |
- |
- |
- |
(1) RSU awards vest in four equal annual installments. RSUs granted
PSU awards can pay out between 0% and 200% of target, based on actual performance compared to pre-established, three-year financial performance targets. The amount reflected in column J is based on an achievement level of 200%, based on the most recent performance-based award achievement. The price per share to calculate the above value of equity awards was
54
OPTION EXERCISESAND STOCK VESTED - 2024
The following table sets forth certain information regarding vesting of RSU or PSUs held by NEOs during the year ended
Stock Awards |
|||||||||
|
Number of Shares |
Value Realized |
|||||||
Dr. |
109,463 |
7,483,498 |
|||||||
|
23,950 |
1,630,358 |
|||||||
|
26,500 |
1,808,390 |
|||||||
|
25,075 |
1,706,756 |
|||||||
|
24,175 |
1,645,637 |
(1) Value realized on vesting is calculated by (i) multiplying the number of shares acquired upon vesting by (ii) the closing share price of the Common Stock of the Company on the vesting date and does not necessarily reflect the actual value realized. The actual value ultimately realized depends upon the number of shares actually sold by each NEO, if any, and the value received upon such sales.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Company's equity compensation plans as of
Plan Category |
Number of |
Weighted-Average |
Number of Securities |
||||||||||||
Equity Compensation Plans |
1,145,001 |
(1) |
- |
(2) |
4,278,590 |
(3) |
|||||||||
Equity Compensation Plans |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||||||
Total |
1,145,001 |
- |
4,278,590 |
(1) Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding awards under the 2022 Plan as of
(2) The Company has no stock options outstanding.
(3) Represents shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to future awards under the 2022 Plan.
55
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION- 2024
The Company maintains a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, which permits the Board and eligible employees, including the NEOs, to voluntarily elect to defer up to 75% of base salary, and up to 100% of cash bonuses and stock awards until designated future dates, provided that their total deferrals do not reduce their total compensation below the amount necessary to satisfy obligations such as employment taxes and benefit plan payments. Amounts deferred are credited with earnings or losses based on the participant's investment allocation among investment options, which may include stocks, bonds and mutual fund shares. Withdrawals can be made pursuant to
The following table sets forth certain information related to the nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the NEOs:
|
Executive |
Registrant |
Aggregate Earnings |
Aggregate |
Aggregate Balance |
|||||||||||
Dr. |
- |
- |
369 |
- |
7,648 |
|||||||||||
|
- |
- |
36,102 |
- |
185,356 |
|||||||||||
|
194,010 |
- |
185,046 |
- |
1,426,470 |
|||||||||||
|
- |
- |
146,184 |
- |
925,890 |
|||||||||||
|
57,827 |
― |
90,934 |
- |
952,074 |
(1) Contributions are reported as compensation in the last completed fiscal year in either the "Salary" or the "Bonus" column in the Summary Compensation Table depending on the source of the deferral.
(2) The amounts reported in this column are reported as compensation for 2024 in the Summary Compensation Table.
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
The following discussion sets forth potential payments payable to the NEOs upon termination of their employment or a change in control of the Company. For purposes of this section, certain relevant provisions and terms that are generally applicable and which therefore cover the NEOs are described below:
Dr.
Payments Upon Termination by the Company Other Than for "Cause" or by Employee for "Good Reason"
Payments upon termination by the Company other than for "cause" (as defined in
"Cause" means:
56
"Good Reason" means:
"Disability" generally means: (other than for equity awards which consist of tax code section 422 incentive stock options or tax code section 409A nonqualified deferred compensation) a medically determinable physical or mental incapacitation such that for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, employee is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity or which can be expected to result in death. The definition of Disability with respect to incentive stock options and nonqualified deferred compensation is provided by their respective tax code definitions.
In the event
However, if
Payments Upon Termination by the Company for "Cause" or by Dr. Lu Other Than for "Good Reason"
In the event that
57
for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, prorated to the date of the termination, (iii) the Company shall pay
Payment Upon Termination Due To Death or Disability
Under
Payment Upon a Change in Control
The 2013 Plan generally provides that, (1) in the event of a change in control and/or the Company is a party to a merger, acquisition, reorganization or similar transaction, outstanding equity awards shall be subject to the merger agreement or other applicable transaction agreement, and (2) in the event of a change in control and there is no assumption, substitution or continuation of equity awards pursuant to a merger, acquisition, reorganization or similar transaction, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Compensation Committee") in its discretion may provide that some or all
The definition of change in control in the 2022 Plan and the 2013 Plan are similar to each other and generally mean the consummation of any one (or more) of the following:
Payment Upon Retirement
Payment Upon Termination
58
Plan, the 2013 Incentive Plan, and the Company's general policies for termination of employees as specified in the Company's employee handbook. Please refer to the tables below in this Proxy Statement for further discussion of
NEO Payments Upon Termination Events and Change In Control
The following tables assume (i) the triggering event took place on December 31, 2024; (ii) the price per share used to calculate the value of equity awards was $61.67, the closing price per share on December 31, 2024, the last trading day of 2024; (iii) the intrinsic value of nonqualified stock option acceleration is calculated by multiplying the difference between the respective exercise prices of any unvested nonqualified stock option shares that would have been subject to acceleration and $61.67 by the number of shares underlying the unvested nonqualified stock options that would have been subject to acceleration; (iv) the value of RSUs and Modified Awards acceleration is calculated by multiplying $61.67 by the number of RSUs and Modified Awards that would have been subject to acceleration; and (v) a performance incentive bonus was earned for 2024 at the level set forth in the "Summary Compensation Table."
|
Voluntary Termination |
Termination |
Termination |
Change in |
||||||||||||
Dr. |
236,423 |
12,184,985 |
1,001,812 |
11,948,563 |
||||||||||||
|
55,148 |
2,599,035 |
55,148 |
2,543,888 |
||||||||||||
|
187,209 |
5,406,033 |
187,209 |
5,218,824 |
||||||||||||
|
98,942 |
2,778,504 |
98,942 |
2,679,562 |
||||||||||||
|
60,225 |
2,604,112 |
2,604,112 |
60,225 |
(1) Such amounts do not include a $700,000 benefit for each NEO paid by the Company's life insurance policy upon death and do not include short- and long-term disability payments for the first year and long-term disability payments for the second year paid by disability insurance policies.
(2) Reflects the estimate of the payments and benefits that each NEO would receive assuming the NEO's employment was terminated without "cause" (and for
(3) Represents the value of the continued vesting of shares underlying RSUs and PSUs upon a death or disability on December 31, 2024.
None of our NEOs have any outstanding stock options.
The following table reflects the estimate of the payments and benefits that each NEO would receive assuming the NEO's employment was terminated without "cause" (and for
|
Base |
Bonus |
Paid |
Medical |
Life Insurance, |
Continued |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||
Dr. |
740,000 |
165,269 |
71,154 |
25,389 |
- |
- |
1,001,812 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
- |
28,494 |
26,654 |
― |
- |
- |
55,148 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
- |
126,632 |
60,577 |
― |
- |
- |
187,209 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
- |
59,519 |
39,423 |
― |
- |
- |
98,942 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
- |
28,494 |
31,731 |
― |
- |
- |
60,225 |
(b) For purposes of determining this amount,
(c) Any bonus amount would be prorated based on days employed in 2024 and calculated using actual 2023 results per the performance criteria in accordance with the Company's executive bonus plan.
(d) Reflects the estimated lump sum value of 18-month accrual of paid vacations.
(e) Reflects the estimated lump sum value of premiums to be paid on behalf of the executive under the medical benefit plans for 18 months for
(f) In the event of termination without cause, the Company does not continue to provide benefits under the life, disability, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance plans.
59
The table below details the number of RSUs and PSUs, currently unvested, that would vest upon a change in control:
|
Stock |
RSUs |
PSU |
Total |
||||||||||
Dr. |
- |
94,750 |
99,000 |
193,750 |
||||||||||
|
- |
18,550 |
22,700 |
41,250 |
||||||||||
|
- |
41,125 |
43,500 |
84,625 |
||||||||||
|
- |
19,650 |
23,800 |
43,450 |
||||||||||
|
- |
18,550 |
22,700 |
41,250 |
Pay versus Performance Disclosure
We are required by
Pay versus Performance |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year |
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO |
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO |
Average Summary Compensation |
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs |
Total Shareholder Return |
Peer Group Total Shareholder Return |
Net Income (000) |
|
||||||||||||||||
2024 |
$ |
4,823,227 |
$ |
(3,676,973 |
) |
$ |
1,978,444 |
$ |
2,341,331 |
$ |
109 |
$ |
170 |
$ |
44,024 |
$ |
1,311,120 |
|||||||
2023 |
$ |
9,483,816 |
$ |
13,252,259 |
$ |
1,955,936 |
$ |
2,683,673 |
$ |
114 |
$ |
103 |
$ |
227,182 |
$ |
1,661,739 |
||||||||
2022 |
$ |
9,045,646 |
$ |
(2,249,898 |
) |
$ |
2,466,178 |
$ |
1,048,748 |
$ |
135 |
$ |
129 |
$ |
331,283 |
$ |
2,000,580 |
|||||||
2021 |
$ |
8,137,329 |
$ |
30,669,186 |
$ |
2,189,740 |
$ |
5,627,245 |
$ |
195 |
$ |
202 |
$ |
228,763 |
$ |
1,805,162 |
||||||||
2020 |
$ |
7,856,116 |
$ |
21,550,659 |
$ |
2,051,918 |
$ |
4,438,637 |
$ |
125 |
$ |
146 |
$ |
98,088 |
$ |
1,229,215 |
(1) The dollar amounts reported are the amounts of total compensation reported for our PEO in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable fiscal year.
(2) Represents the grant date fair value of the equity awards to our PEO, as reported in the "Stock Awards" column in the Summary Compensation Table for each applicable year.
(3) Represents the year-over-year change in the fair value of equity awards to our PEO, as itemized in the table below. No awards granted in any year vested in the year they were granted. Fair value or change in fair value, as applicable, of equity awards in the "Compensation Actually Paid" columns was determined by reference to (a) for RSU awards, closing price on applicable year-end dates (b) for PSU awards, the same valuation methodology as RSU awards above except year-end share amounts are multiplied by the probability of achievement as of each such date.
(4) Reflects cumulative TSR of the Company's
The PEO and other NEOs included in the above compensation columns are comprised of the following:
Year |
PEO |
NON- |
|
2024 |
Dr. |
|
|
2023 |
Dr. |
|
|
2022 |
Dr. |
|
|
2021 |
Dr. |
|
|
2020 |
Dr. |
|
To calculate the amounts in the "Compensation Actually Paid to PEO" column in the Pay versus Performance table above, the following amounts were deducted from and added to (as applicable) "Total" compensation of our PEO for each applicable year, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table above.
60
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO |
|||||||||||||||
Year |
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO(1) |
Minus |
Plus |
Plus |
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO |
||||||||||
2024 |
$ |
4,823,227 |
$ |
3,821,600 |
$ |
(4,678,969 |
) |
$ |
369 |
$ |
(3,676,973 |
) |
|||
2023 |
9,483,816 |
8,365,620 |
12,133,722 |
341 |
13,252,259 |
||||||||||
2022 |
9,045,646 |
6,250,510 |
(5,045,133 |
) |
99 |
(2,249,898 |
) |
||||||||
2021 |
8,137,329 |
5,468,930 |
28,000,786 |
1 |
30,669,186 |
||||||||||
2020 |
7,856,116 |
5,571,738 |
19,266,259 |
22 |
21,550,659 |
(1) The dollar amounts reported are the amounts of total compensation reported for our PEO in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable fiscal year.
(2) Represents the grant date fair value of the equity awards to our PEO, as reported in the "Stock Awards" column in the Summary Compensation Table for each applicable year.
(3) Represents the year-over-year change in the fair value of equity awards to our PEO, as itemized in the table below. No awards granted in any year vested in the year they were granted. Fair value or change in fair value, as applicable, of equity awards in the "Compensation Actually Paid" columns was determined by reference to (a) for RSU awards, closing price on applicable year-end dates (b) for PSU awards, the same valuation methodology as RSU awards above except year-end share amounts are multiplied by the probability of achievement as of each such date.
Equity Award Adjustments for PEO |
|||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||||||||||
Fair Value of Equity Awards for PEO |
|||||||||||||||||||
Plus as of year-end value for awards granted during the year |
$ |
4,995,270 |
$ |
10,628,640 |
$ |
7,690,140 |
$ |
11,090,810 |
$ |
11,706,525 |
|||||||||
Plus year-over-year change of unvested awards granted in previous years |
(3,991,488 |
) |
828,753 |
(8,169,217 |
) |
9,551,577 |
4,740,290 |
||||||||||||
Plus change from prior fiscal year-end awards that vested during the year |
(5,682,752 |
) |
676,329 |
(4,566,056 |
) |
7,358,400 |
2,819,444 |
||||||||||||
Total equity award adjustments |
(4,678,969 |
) |
12,133,722 |
(5,045,133 |
) |
28,000,786 |
19,266,259 |
To calculate the amounts in the "Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs" column in the Pay versus Performance table above, the following amounts were deducted from and added to (as applicable) the average of the "Total" compensation of our non-PEO NEOs for each applicable year, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table above.
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs |
|||||||||||||||
Year |
Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs(1) |
Minus |
Plus |
Plus |
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs |
||||||||||
2024 |
$ |
1,978,444 |
$ |
1,446,925 |
$ |
1,734,384 |
$ |
75,428 |
$ |
2,341,331 |
|||||
2023 |
1,955,936 |
1,446,925 |
2,099,234 |
75,428 |
2,683,673 |
||||||||||
2022 |
2,466,178 |
1,511,591 |
156,437 |
(62,277 |
) |
1,048,748 |
|||||||||
2021 |
2,189,740 |
1,308,927 |
4,615,418 |
131,013 |
5,627,245 |
||||||||||
2020 |
2,051,918 |
1,313,960 |
3,670,333 |
30,346 |
4,438,637 |
(1) The dollar amounts reported is the average of the amounts of total compensation reported for our Non-PEO NEOs in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable fiscal year.
(2) Represents the grant date fair value of the equity awards to our Non-PEO NEOs, as reported in the "Stock Awards" column in the Summary Compensation Table for each applicable year.
(3) Represents the year-over-year change in the fair value of equity awards to our Non-
61
Average Equity Award Adjustments for Non-PEO NEOs |
|||||||||||||||||||
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||||||||||
Fair Value of Equity Awards for Non-PEO NEOs |
|||||||||||||||||||
Plus as of year-end value for awards granted during the year |
$ |
2,286,269 |
$ |
1,872,090 |
$ |
1,878,755 |
$ |
2,709,562 |
$ |
2,807,663 |
|||||||||
Plus year-over-year change of unvested awards granted in previous years |
(462,002 |
) |
91,255 |
(885,837 |
) |
919,834 |
493,725 |
||||||||||||
Plus change from prior fiscal year-end awards that vested during the year |
(89,883 |
) |
135,890 |
(836,481 |
) |
986,023 |
368,945 |
||||||||||||
Total equity award adjustments |
1,734,384 |
2,099,234 |
156,437 |
4,615,418 |
3,670,333 |
The following graphs illustrates the relationship of CAP for our PEO and the average CAP for our Non-PEO NEOs in relationship to our Total Shareholder Retu("TSR"), net income and net sales. Additionally, the graphs also describe the relationship between our own TSR versus peer group TSR.
Compensation Actually Paid Versus Net Income($000) $35,000 $30,000 $25,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $0 ($5,000) $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2020 2021 2022 $98,088 $228,763 $331,283 PEO CAP Non PEONEO CAP NET INCOME
62
Compensation Actually Paid Versus
The three financial performance measures listed in the following table represent an unranked list of the "most important" financial performance measures linking CAP to the NEOs for 2024 and company performance. After net sales, we do not consider any one of the other following financial performance measures to be a more important measure than the other when measuring performance for our company or executive compensation program. See the discussion above in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" for additional discussion related to executive pay.
Net sales |
|
Operating income |
|
Non-GAAP earnings per share |
63
PROPOSALTHREE
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The firm of
AUDIT FEES, AUDIT-RELATED FEES, TAX FEES AND ALL OTHER FEES
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, fees for the services provided by
Description |
2024 |
2023 |
||||||
Audit fees(1) |
$ |
3,090,188 |
$ |
2,934,111 |
||||
Audit-related fees(2) |
- |
- |
||||||
Tax fees, professional services related to income tax |
- |
- |
||||||
All other fees, not included above |
- |
- |
||||||
Total |
$ |
3,090,188 |
$ |
2,934,111 |
(1) Includes fees for professional services necessary to perform an audit or review in accordance with the standards of the
(2) Includes assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company's financial statements and are not reported under Audit Fees of this section.
The Audit Committee administers the Company's engagement of
Prior to engagement, the Audit Committee pre-approves all independent registered public accounting firm services. The fees are budgeted, and the Audit Committee may require the independent registered public accounting firm and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year by category of service. During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approved categories. In those instances, the Audit Committee is required to specifically pre-approve such additional services before engaging the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to each of its members. Each member must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
64
Although the appointment of
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF MOSS ADAMS LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING December 31, 2025.
65
PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS AND STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 ANNUAL MEETING
Under certain circumstances, stockholders are entitled to present proposals at stockholder meetings. Currently, the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders is expected to be held on or about May 19, 2026.
SEC Rule 14a-8 provides that any stockholder proposal to be included in the proxy statement for the Company's 2026 annual meeting must be received by the Secretary of the Company at the Company's office at 4949 Hedgcoxe Road, Suite 200,
In addition, the Company's Bylaws require advance written notice of nominations or other matters that stockholders wish to present for action at an annual meeting other than those to be included in our proxy statement under Rule 14a-8. The Company must receive written notice of such nominations or other proposals to be presented at the 2026 annual meeting, at the address stated in the preceding paragraph, no earlier than the close of business on Monday, January 12, 2026 and no later than the close of business on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. If written notice of such nominations or other matters is not received within the time set forth in the Company's Bylaws, the proxies solicited by the Board for the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders will confer authority on the proxyholders to vote the shares in accordance with the recommendations of the Board if the proposal is presented at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders without any discussion of the proposal in the proxy statement for such meeting. If the date of the 2026 annual meeting is advanced or delayed more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the 2025 annual meeting, then if the stockholder proposal has not been submitted to the Company within a reasonable time before the Company mails the proxy statement for the 2026 annual meeting, the proxies will confer the authority set out in the preceding sentence.
Stockholders may suggest candidates for the Board. Stockholders
The deadline for providing notice to the Company under Rule 14a-19, the
66
ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K
The Company's annual report to stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024 accompanies or has preceded this Proxy Statement. The annual report contains consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and the report thereon of
STOCKHOLDERS MAY OBTAIN, WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, INCLUDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REQUIRED TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE ACT, FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 BY WRITING TO THE COMPANY, ATTENTION: INVESTOR RELATIONS, 4949 HEDGCOXE ROAD, SUITE 200,
Dated at
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Secretary
67
MEETINGLOCATION
www.proxydocs.com/DIOD
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69
70
Attachments
Disclaimer
Proxy Statement (Form DEF 14A)
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