Proxy Statement (Form DEF 14A)
Table of Contents
☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
☐ |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
|
|
☒ | Definitive Proxy Statement | |
☐ | Definitive Additional Materials | |
☐ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to
§240.14a-12
|
☒
|
No fee required. | |
☐
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |
☐
|
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and
0-11.
|
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Letter from our Chief Executive Officer
Dear Fellow Stockholders,
We built significant momentum in 2024 thanks to focused execution, organic sales growth and operational efficiency gains. We remain focused on providing world-class service to our clients, solidifying client ROI achievement and deepening our automation capabilities through product innovation. I'm very pleased with how these client-focused initiatives are resonating across our client base. Demand for automation and our single-software solution remains high as we continue to transform the employee experience.
2024 Highlights
Our performance strengthened throughout 2024 as we diligently executed our plan. As a result, Paycom delivered strong financial results in 2024. Revenue increased to
Most Automated Solution
Our software vision is that people shouldn't do tasks that systems can safely automate. In 2024, we greatly increased our development productivity rates and expanded our software's capabilities as the most automated solution in the industry. We are rapidly moving toward automation across our full solution, which will drive even more ROI for our clients. Beti® and GONE® are our two most impactful examples of revolutionary automation that are garnering recognition, as both solutions have received the HR Product of the Year award from
Strong Culture
We're proud of our nationally-recognized workforce that fuels our ability to deliver on our mission to help clients win. Paycom was recognized as one of America's Best Employers for
Looking Ahead
The momentum we created in 2024 is setting us up well for 2025 and beyond. We have an organic growth model that produces high-quality revenue and profits. We have the product vision to lead our industry, and we have the talent who delivers on our promises to clients every day. Client satisfaction continues to be our priority, and our employees are committed to ensuring our clients experience the maximum retuon their Paycom investment.
Thank you for your investment in Paycom as we fulfil our purpose: to create technology that simplifies life for employees.
Sincerely,
|
||||
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Table of Contents
Letter from our Lead Independent Director
Dear Fellow Stockholders,
On behalf of the Board, thank you for your commitment to Paycom. I am pleased to share with you our achievements and strategic direction as we reflect on a year of significant progress and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. As the Lead Independent Director, I am proud to represent a Board that is deeply committed to fostering innovation, driving sustainable growth, and ensuring that Paycom remains a leader in our industry.
Investing in Automation
Automation is reshaping how businesses operate, and Paycom is at the forefront of this transformation. Throughout 2024, the Board kept a keen eye on evolving technology market trends, ensuring that we invested in capabilities to position Paycom for long-term growth and deliver the best service to our customers. We are continuing to invest in automating our solution and leveraging responsible AI to further those efforts.
The Board is actively engaged in overseeing these efforts, receiving quarterly updates from our management team on our automation initiatives. This regular cadence ensures that we are harnessing automation to drive innovation while upholding our commitment to ethical and responsible technology use. We believe our focus on automation will drive sustainable value creation for our stockholders.
Governance and Leadership Updates
The Board is committed to ongoing refreshment to ensure we have the right expertise to guide Paycom's future. Over the past year, we welcomed two new directors:
Stockholder engagement remains a cornerstone of our oversight process. We maintain a robust stockholder outreach program, led by our independent Board members, to stay connected with your perspectives and priorities. This dialogue is essential in shaping our strategy and ensuring that we continue to deliver value to you, our stockholders.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
In 2024, we enhanced our product offerings, delivering even stronger ROI, value, and functionality to clients across the globe. These improvements, including new automation initiatives, have streamlined HR processes and empowered employees to manage their payroll and HR tasks with greater efficiency and fewer errors.
As we look to 2025, Paycom is well-positioned for continued success. Our strong sales momentum and consistent revenue retention rate in 2024 set the stage for a promising year ahead. We remain dedicated to attracting and retaining best-in-industrytalent to support our business and innovation efforts, ensuring that Paycom continues to lead the payroll and HCM space. The Board fully supports our management team, whose fresh perspectives have unlocked growth opportunities and reinforced our commitment to driving strong client retention and long-term stockholder value.
On behalf of the entire Board, I thank you for your continued support and confidence in Paycom. We are excited about the future and look forward to sharing our progress with you in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Lead Independent Director |
Table of Contents
NOTICE OF 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
(405) 722-6900 |
DATE AND TIME |
LOCATION |
RECORD DATE |
||||||
|
Gaillardia 5300 Oklahoma City, |
March 12, 2025 |
ITEMS OF BUSINESS | ||||||||||
Proposal |
Board of Directors Recommendation | See Page | ||||||||
1 | To elect two Class III directors, each to serve until the date of the 2028 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified, or his earlier death, resignation or removal; |
FOR each director nominee |
30 | |||||||
2 | To ratify the appointment of |
FOR | 33 | |||||||
3 | To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. | FOR | 70 |
Stockholders will also transact such other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.
Voting | Adjournments and Postponements | |||||||
In person Online By telephone By mail |
To vote in person, you must attend the Annual Meeting and obtain and submit a ballot. The ballot will be provided at the Annual Meeting. You may vote by proxy online by following the instructions found on the proxy card. You may vote by proxy by calling the toll-free number found on the proxy card. You may vote by proxy by completing, signing, dating and promptly returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope. |
Any action on the items of business described above may be considered at the Annual Meeting at the time and on the date specified above or at any time and date to which the Annual Meeting may be properly adjourned or postponed. Stockholder List A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for inspection at the principal executive offices of the Company during regular business hours for a period of 10 calendar days ending on the day before the Annual Meeting. |
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON |
||||||
In addition to delivering paper copies of these proxy materials to you by mail, this notice and the accompanying proxy statement, form of proxy and 2024 Annual Report are available at www.proxydocs.com/PAYC. |
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote your shares as soon as possible. For more information about voting, please refer to "Appendix B - Questions and Answers".
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
||
Chief Executive Officer, President and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 | ||||
2 | ||||
5 | ||||
6 | ||||
15 | ||||
16 | ||||
16 | ||||
17 | ||||
17 | ||||
18 | ||||
21 | ||||
21 | ||||
22 | ||||
23 | ||||
23 | ||||
24 | ||||
24 | ||||
24 | ||||
25 | ||||
27 | ||||
Commitment to Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability |
28 | |||
30 | ||||
30 | ||||
30 | ||||
31 | ||||
31 | ||||
31 | ||||
Policy on Audit CommitteePre-approvalof Audit andNon-auditServices Performed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
32 | |||
Proposal 2: Ratification of the Appointment of Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
33 | |||
33 | ||||
33 | ||||
34 | ||||
36 | ||||
37 | ||||
37 |
38 | ||||
41 | ||||
41 | ||||
44 | ||||
47 | ||||
51 | ||||
54 | ||||
55 | ||||
55 | ||||
57 | ||||
59 | ||||
60 | ||||
60 | ||||
63 | ||||
65 | ||||
66 | ||||
69 | ||||
69 | ||||
70 | ||||
70 | ||||
70 | ||||
71 | ||||
Review and Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Parties |
71 | |||
71 | ||||
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management |
72 | |||
74 | ||||
74 | ||||
74 | ||||
74 | ||||
75 | ||||
76 | ||||
A-1 | ||||
B-1 |
Table of Contents
PROXY STATEMENT
for
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held on
Unless the context otherwise requires, (i) references to "Paycom," "we," "us," "our" and the "Company" are to |
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the "Board") on behalf of
Our principal executive offices are located at, and our mailing address is,
Voting Roadmap
1
Table of Contents
2024 Highlights
Company Overview
We are a leading provider of a comprehensive, cloud-based human capital management ("HCM") solution delivered as Software-as-a-Service("SaaS"). We provide functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the complete employment lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement. Our solution requires virtually no customization and is based on a core system of record maintained in a single database for all HCM functions, including payroll, talent acquisition, talent management, human resources ("HR") management and time and labor management applications. Our user-friendly software allows for easy adoption of our solution by employees, enabling self-management of their HCM activities in the cloud, which reduces the administrative burden on employers and increases employee productivity. Looking ahead, we remain confident that we have the right leadership team and plan in place to create stockholder value through our expanding customer base, topline growth and strong profitability margins.
The Paycom Offering - All in a
Payroll |
Talent Acquisition |
Talent Management |
HR Management |
Time and Labor Management |
2024 Company Highlights
Stored data for 7millionclient employees |
Global HCMTM available in more than 190 countries and 15 languages / native payroll in |
GONEis the industry's first fully automated time-offsolution |
TIMEWorld's Best Companies |
Human Resource Executive Top HR Product |
Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies in America |
ForbesAmerica's Best Employers for |
2024 Performance Highlights
11% Organic Total Revenue Growth |
26.7% Net Income Margin |
41.2% Adjusted EBITDA Margin* |
~37,500 Clients as of ~19,400 Clients (based on parent company grouping) as of |
*Adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAPfinancial measures. See Appendix A for more information.
2025 Growth Strategy
World-Class Service |
Solution Automation |
Client ROI Achievement |
2
Table of Contents
Board Highlights
The following table provides information about each director currently serving on our Board of Directors, including the director nominees.
3
Table of Contents
Committed to Robust Governance Practices
Paycom is committed to strong corporate governance, which we believe is key to the success of our business and to advancing stockholder interests. Highlights include the following:
INDEPENDENT BOARD |
All directors are independent except |
|||
ENGAGED DIRECTORS |
All directors attended at least 93% of the Board and applicable committee meetings in 2024. Board orientation and continuing education opportunities support ongoing director development. |
|||
REGULAR BOARD SELF-ASSESSMENT |
All directors assess the performance of the Board and each committee every year. |
|||
ROBUST BOARD OVERSIGHT |
Risk:Our |
|||
Sustainability:Our |
||||
Cybersecurity:Our Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology and Information Security present quarterly reports to the Audit Committee on our cybersecurity risks and program as well as our automation initiatives. |
||||
Succession Planning:Our full Board is engaged in managing long-term executive succession planning. |
||||
STRONG CODE OF ETHICS |
We are committed to operating with the highest level of integrity, and maintain a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that applies to all directors, officers and other employees. |
|||
ACCOUNTABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS |
We maintain a majority vote standard for uncontested director elections, with a plurality carve-outfor contested elections. We hold an annual say-on-payvote. |
|||
ROBUST STOCKHOLDER ENGAGEMENT |
We engage with our top stockholders throughout the year and solicit their feedback on our compensation, governance and sustainability programs. |
|||
ROBUST STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES |
We maintain robust stock ownership guidelines equivalent to 6x salary for our Chief Executive Officer, 3x salary for other executive officers and 5x cash compensation for non-employeedirectors. |
|||
INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION CONSULTANT |
The Compensation Committee directly retains an independent compensation consultant that performs no services for the Company other than those for the Compensation Committee. |
4
Table of Contents
Directors and Corporate Governance
Paycom's business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board of Directors, which currently consists of eight directors. Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, our Board of Directors is divided into three classes, with the members of the classes serving three-year terms that expire in successive years. The Board of Directors maintains a classified structure in order to foster long-term focus, stability and continuity and protect stockholder value. See "-Board Structure" for additional information. The terms of office of the current members of our Board of Directors are divided as follows:
› |
the term of office for our Class III directors will expire at the Annual Meeting; |
› |
the term of office for our Class I directors will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2026; and |
› |
the term of office for our Class II directors will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2027. |
The Board of Directors has nominated
5
Table of Contents
Director Skills, Experience and Background
The biographies of the Director Nominees are as follows:
Henry C. INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR SINCE:2016 CLASS:III AGE:81 COMMITTEES: › Audit EDUCATION: ›BA, Business Administration, ›MBA, |
|
|||||||
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS |
||||||||
› |
Industry - obtained comprehensive knowledge of payment processing software and technology through his 30-yearcareer in the financial services industry; while at |
|||||||
› |
Risk Management- acquired significant expertise through his decades of leadership experience through overseeing complex organizations with global presence, including business operations, enterprise risk management and strategic planning. |
|||||||
› |
Financial and Accounting- developed proficiency through his career in executive and board leadership roles at financial services companies; as CEO of |
|||||||
› |
|
|||||||
EXPERIENCE |
||||||||
› |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1992-2002; 2005-2007) |
|||||||
|
||||||||
› |
President and Chief Executive Officer, |
|||||||
|
||||||||
› |
Group President Financial Services and Director (1984-1987) |
|||||||
› |
Advanced through roles of increasing responsibility (1973-1984) |
|||||||
OTHER BOARD SERVICE SUNGARD CORP.(2003-2005) THE GEORGE |
||||||||
6
Table of Contents
Chad CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN CLASS:III CHAIRMAN SINCE:2016 DIRECTOR SINCE:1998 AGE:54 EDUCATION: ›BA, Mass |
|
|||||
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS |
||||||
› |
Senior Leadership- as the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the |
|||||
› |
Industry- as the founder of Paycom, he brings a comprehensive knowledge of the software, payments and technology industry; having started his career at a national payroll and HR company and a regional payroll company, |
|||||
› |
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy- obtained extensive knowledge of the technologies and processes resulting in the establishment of in-depthindustry-leading data privacy and cybersecurity standards and technologies at Paycom needed to protect the Company and client data. |
|||||
› |
Marketing/Business Development- under his leadership, Paycom has added tens of thousands of clients through elevating the Paycom brand, quality client engagement and providing world-class service. |
|||||
EXPERIENCE |
||||||
PAYCOM | ||||||
› |
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman (since 2016) |
|||||
› |
Chief Executive Officer and President (1998-2016) |
|||||
7
Table of Contents
The biographies of the continuing directors are as follows:
Joseph L. Binz INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR SINCE: 2024 CLASS:II AGE: 57 COMMITTEES: › Audit EDUCATION: › BS, Finance, › MBA, |
|
|||||
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS |
||||||
› |
Financial and Accounting - established through his senior executive leadership roles overseeing global finance organizations at Atlassian, Microsoft and |
|||||
› |
Industry - obtained through his work with leading global software and technology companies, where he oversaw capital allocation strategies to drive R&D, strategic innovation projects and technology transformation initiatives; |
|||||
› |
Global Business- acquired through overseeing large financial functions across multinational corporations, navigating complex economic environments; his experience includes roles as CFO and at Microsoft, where he guided the multi-billion-dollar business transformation to the cloud. |
|||||
› |
Senior Leadership- deep experience spearheading growth initiatives and strategic investments in the tech sector and overseeing financial planning and analysis, investor relations, acquisition integration and procurement functions. |
|||||
EXPERIENCE |
||||||
ATLASSIAN, a software development corporation | ||||||
› |
Chief Financial Officer (since 2022) |
|||||
MICROSOFT, a multinational technology conglomerate | ||||||
› |
Corporate Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Central Finance Team (2015-2022) |
|||||
› |
Chief Financial Officer, |
|||||
› |
General Manager, Finance, Microsoft Office (2007) |
|||||
› |
Director, Investor Relations (2004-2007) |
|||||
› |
Senior Finance Manager, |
|||||
› |
Finance Manager, M&A, |
|||||
› |
Strategic Finance Manager, Level One Communications Finance Manager, Fab 6 Finance Manager, Appliance and Computing Division, Senior Financial Analyst, Mass Storage and Imaging Operation, |
|||||
› |
Supervising Senior Accountant (1989-1992) |
8
Table of Contents
Frederick C. Peters II LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR SINCE: 2014 CLASS:II AGE: 75 COMMITTEES: › Audit › Compensation › Nominating and Corporate Governance EDUCATION: › BA, Political Science, |
|
|||||
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS |
||||||
› |
Financial and Accounting - acquired experience over his 40+ years in the banking and financial sector, including serving in his current role as CEO of |
|||||
› |
Risk Management - obtained expertise through his first-hand experience in founding two community banks, which required extensive, broad ranging oversight responsibilities, including evaluation of corporate risk; also has served in numerous executive and board leadership roles at various public and private companies. |
|||||
› |
Industry - developed extensive knowledge of the payments ecosystem, payment processing technologies, regulatory frameworks, banking sector and evolving market preferences over his more than four decades in banking and payments adjacent industries. |
|||||
› |
Government Relations/Regulatory- gained experience during his time chairing the |
|||||
EXPERIENCE |
||||||
COMMUNITY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FUND (formerly |
||||||
› |
Chairman and CEO (since 2015) |
|||||
› |
Chairman, President and CEO (2001-2014) |
|||||
› |
Director (2001-2017) |
|||||
FIRST MAIN |
||||||
› |
Founder, Chairman and CEO (1995-2001) |
|||||
NATIONAL BANK OF THE MAIN LINE | ||||||
› |
Founder, Chairman and CEO (1985-1995) |
|||||
Other experience: Held lending and executive positions at |
||||||
OTHER BOARD SERVICE |
||||||
THE (2013-2014) |
||||||
VARIOUS NON-PROFITBOARDS OF DIRECTORS, including Foundation for Bryn Mawr Film Institute and |
9
Table of Contents
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR SINCE:2021 CLASS:I AGE:68 COMMITTEES: › Compensation › Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chairperson) EDUCATION: › BA, Business Education, |
|
|||||||
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS |
||||||||
› |
Senior Leadership- seasoned executive with extensive payment processing technology knowledge developed over her extensive career in the retail sector; multiple CEO positions at large retailers, including |
|||||||
› |
Marketing and Business Development- gained over three decades of experience launching and growing global brands; served in executive and board leadership roles at high-growth retail companies, where she was responsible for strategic planning and brand development. |
|||||||
› |
|
|||||||
› |
Global Experience- acquired during her career serving in various executive leadership roles, where her expertise extended to the global retail scale; in addition to global experience gained during her time at Gloria Jeans, she has advised several international brands such as Mark and |
|||||||
EXPERIENCE |
||||||||
› |
Chief Executive Officer (2018-2019) |
|||||||
|
||||||||
› |
President and Chief Executive Officer (2006-2016) |
|||||||
› |
President and Chief Executive Officer, |
|||||||
|
||||||||
› |
President and Chief Executive Officer, Neiman Marcus Direct |
|||||||
› |
Held various executive roles in merchandising, creative production, advertising and public relations |
|||||||
OTHER BOARD SERVICE FULLBEAUTYBRANDS (2016-2018) JAY H. BAKER RETAILING INITIATIVE ADVISORY BOARD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF |
||||||||
10
Table of Contents
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR SINCE:2024 CLASS:I AGE:46 COMMITTEES: › Audit EDUCATION: › BA, › MA, › MA, |
|
|||||
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS |
||||||
› | Cybersecurity and Data Privacy- through her leadership experience and overseeing |
|||||
› |
Marketing and Business Development- gained experience leading teams at Fortune 500 companies where she defined and executed global product strategies; in her current role at AMD, she oversees go-to-marketefforts and identifies strategic growth initiatives, which includes generative AI to enhance operational scale and efficiency. |
|||||
› |
Industry- developed a deep understanding of market and customer needs during her tenure as Head of Solutions Architecture for the |
|||||
› |
Global Business- obtained extensive experience through executive leadership positions overseeing global programs and initiatives related to product development, international growth strategies, technology advancements, and sales at |
|||||
EXPERIENCE |
||||||
AMD, a semiconductor manufacturing corporation |
||||||
› | Corporate Vice President, Global Commercial Sales (since 2023) | |||||
AMAZON, a software development, technology and e-commercecompany | ||||||
› |
Head of Product and Global Strategy, Database, Analytics and AI/ML, |
|||||
› |
General Manager, Head of Solutions Architecture, |
|||||
› |
General Manager, |
|||||
› |
General Manager, Global Network Services (2018-2019) |
|||||
GOVERNMENT OF THE |
||||||
› |
Chief Technology Officer (2016-2018) |
|||||
› |
Chief Technology Officer (2011-2016) |
|||||
INTELLEVA, an IT consulting company | ||||||
› |
Founder and Chief Executive Officer (2008-2015) |
11
Table of Contents
J.C. INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR SINCE:2016 CLASS: I AGE:67 COMMITTEES: › Compensation (Chairperson) › Nominating and Corporate Governance EDUCATION: › BA, Journalism and Public Relations, |
|
|||||||
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS |
||||||||
› |
|
|||||||
› |
Senior Leadership- experienced professional who served in various leadership roles in the |
|||||||
› |
Marketing/Business Development- established a prominent consulting firm with a diverse client-base to which he provides strategic focus and program leadership; vast experience advising on business development and public affairs strategies. |
|||||||
› |
Government Relations/Regulatory- acquired during his time as an elected official, first on the |
|||||||
EXPERIENCE |
||||||||
WATTS PARTNERS, a boutique corporate and government affairs consulting firm | ||||||||
› |
Co-Founder,President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2003) |
|||||||
|
||||||||
› |
President and Chief Executive Officer, |
|||||||
THE |
||||||||
› |
Representative for the |
|||||||
› |
Chairman of the |
|||||||
› |
Served on the United States House Committees on Armed Services, Financial Services, and Transportation and Infrastructure (1995-2003) |
|||||||
› |
Sponsored and led the establishment of the |
|||||||
OTHER BOARD SERVICE |
||||||||
12
Table of Contents
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR SINCE:2022 CLASS:II AGE:59 COMMITTEES: › Audit (Chairperson) › Nominating and Corporate Governance EDUCATION: › BS, Accounting, › Certified Public Accountant |
|
|||||
KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS |
||||||
› |
Financial and Accounting- oversaw finance organization and operational execution in various leadership positions at |
|||||
› |
Risk Management - acquired expertise through her extensive first-hand experience serving in audit and enterprise risk management leadership roles, beginning at |
|||||
› |
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy - developed her knowledge of information security, privacy and data risk management of technologies and processes during her executive career, leading roles directly responsible for cybersecurity, IT security operations, enterprise business resiliency, and data protection practices. |
|||||
› |
Global Business - obtained through domestic and international assignments with |
|||||
EXPERIENCE |
||||||
|
||||||
› | Senior Vice President, Finance (2020-2023) | |||||
› | Interim Chief Financial Officer (June 2020-November 2020) | |||||
› | Senior Vice President, Controller and Enterprise Risk Officer (2016-2020) | |||||
› | Senior Vice President, Finance and Risk Management (2011-2016) | |||||
› | Held leadership roles across key corporate finance functions, including treasury, investor relations, risk management, financial planning and analysis, and as the chief audit executive (2004-2011) | |||||
› |
Chief Audit Executive (2002-2004) |
|||||
› |
Group Controller and |
|||||
Other experience: Held various audit and financial roles at |
||||||
OTHER BOARD SERVICE | ||||||
|
13
Table of Contents
14
Table of Contents
87.5% Independence 7 Independent 1 Non-Independent |
60% Board Leadership Diversity 60% of Board leadership roles held by diverse directors based on gender or race/ethnicity |
5 years Average Tenure of Independent Directors Average tenure of all directors is 7.8 years |
Tenure 50% of directors: 0-4years 25% of directors: 5-9years 25% of directors: 10+ years |
Board refreshment is key to ensure our Board composition reflects the optimal blend of experience and skills to conduct oversight over the Company's strategic objectives. The Board strives to maintain a balance of tenured directors, who bring valuable experience and institutional knowledge, as well as newer directors, who bring fresh perspectives and skills.
Board Structure
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that both independent and management directors are eligible for appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors. We believe it is important that the Board of Directors retain flexibility to determine whether these roles should be separate or combined based upon all relevant facts and circumstances at a given point in time. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that if the Chairman is not an independent director, the non-managementdirectors are required to appoint a Lead Independent Director to represent and coordinate the activities of the non-managementand independent directors and to help ensure the independence of the Board. A copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines is available on our website at investors.paycom.com/corporate-governance. |
||
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Lead Independent Director |
|
Our Chief Executive Officer and President, |
|
15
Table of Contents
The Board of Directors is divided into three classes, with each class serving a three-year term.
Board of Directors Independence
Our Board of Directors relies on the criteria set forth in the
Board of Directors Meetings
During the fiscal year ended
16
Table of Contents
Director Time Commitments and Overboarding
Our Philosophy
Our Board of Directors expects every director to have sufficient time to prepare for and attend Board of Directors and committee meetings. The Board of Directors values the experience directors bring from other boards on which they serve but recognizes that those boards may also present demands on a director's time and availability. The Board of Directors believes that service on boards of other public companies should be limited to a number that permits the director, given his or her individual circumstances, to responsibly perform all director duties. Nonetheless, the Board of Directors recognizes that an evaluation of a director's other board commitments must take into consideration a number of important factors, including the size and complexity of the other boards on which a director sits, specific expertise or experiences needed to help ensure continuity due to refreshment or director transitions, and observations of the director's capacity to manage his or her commitments.
Our Process
Under the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, directors should not serve on more than four publicly traded company boards (including the Company's Board of Directors). Further, if a director actively serves as an executive officer (other than on an interim basis) of a publicly traded company, that director should not serve on more than two public company boards (including the Company's Board of Directors). In addition, if a director serves on our Audit Committee, that director should not serve on the audit committee of more than three public companies (including the Company's Audit Committee). If a director serves on the board of a public company for which he or she also serves as an executive and, as part of such director's executive responsibilities, he or she also serves on the board of any subsidiary or affiliate of such public company, the
In connection with its annual nomination process, the
Executive Sessions of Independent Directors
The independent directors hold executive sessions at every regularly scheduled Board meeting and every regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting. The other committees hold executive sessions from time to time, as deemed appropriate by the applicable committee. Each executive session is chaired by the Lead Independent Director (at Board meetings) or by the committee chairperson (at committee meetings), each of whom is an independent director.
17
Table of Contents
Committees
Our Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a
Audit Committee | ||||
Current Membership |
||||
|
||||
Independence |
Qualifications |
5 meetings in 2024 |
||
Each member is independent for purposes of serving on the Audit Committee, per applicable |
Each member is financially literate. Each of |
|||
Role and Responsibilities |
||||
Our Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audit of our financial statements. In that regard, our Audit Committee assists board oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent auditor's qualifications and independence and the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors. Among other matters, the Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention, oversight and pre-approvalof our independent auditors, including oversight of firm and partner rotation; evaluating the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent auditors; reviewing our annual and interim financial statements; discussing press releases, financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies; discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management; reviewing and ensuring the adequacy of our internal control systems; reviewing the compliance and effectiveness of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct; reviewing and approving related party transactions; and annually reviewing the Audit Committee charter and the Audit Committee's performance. |
||||
Committee Charter |
||||
The Audit Committee operates under a written charter that satisfies the applicable |
18
Table of Contents
Compensation Committee | ||||
Current Membership |
||||
Frederick C. Peters II • |
||||
Independence |
12 meetings in 2024 |
|||
Each member (i) is independent for purposes of serving on the Compensation Committee, per applicable |
||||
Role and Responsibilities |
||||
Our Compensation Committee reviews and approves, or recommends that our Board of Directors approve, the compensation of our executive officers. Among other matters, the Compensation Committee reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; evaluates the performance of these officers in light of those goals and objectives; approves all equity-related awards to our executive officers; approves and administers incentive-based compensation plans and equity-based compensation plans; and reviews and makes recommendations with respect to the annual Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Compensation Committee also annually reviews the Compensation Committee charter and the Compensation Committee's performance. The Compensation Committee has the power to delegate all or a portion of its duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee consisting of one or more of its members. |
||||
Committee Charter |
||||
The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter that satisfies the applicable |
||||
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation |
||||
During the fiscal year ended |
19
Table of Contents
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee | ||||
Current Membership |
||||
Frederick C. Peters II • |
||||
Independence |
5 meetings in 2024 |
|||
Each member is independent for purposes of serving on the |
||||
Role and Responsibilities |
||||
Our |
||||
Committee Charter |
||||
|
20
Table of Contents
Risk Oversight
Board of Directors Our Board of Directors, as a whole and through its committees, is responsible for the oversight of our enterprise risk management strategy, and oversees our long-term strategic, organizational, and financial goals, executive performance reviews and succession planning, among other matters. |
Audit Committee Retains primary responsibility for overseeing enterprise risk management, including strategic, operating, compliance, and cybersecurity risk management. Regularly discusses areas of significant financial risk with management, including the Chief Financial Officer, as well as the programs and actions to limit, monitor or control such exposures. |
Compensation Committee Oversees risks related to our compensation program and practices. In conjunction with management, reviews the potential risks arising from compensation design and is responsible for ensuring resulting programs appropriately balance risk and reward. |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Oversees risks related to corporate governance, the composition of our Board of Directors and its committees, and risks related to our social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Annually reviews the composition of our Board of Directors and its committees to ensure appropriate skills and independence. |
||||||
Senior Management Team Our senior management team is responsible for assessing, implementing and managing our risk management processes on a day-to-daybasis, and for reporting to the Board on significant risks and risk management programs. Our senior management team, along with risk management leaders and our internal audit function, meet regularly to assess risk and ensure proper risk governance. |
Functional Risk Management Our senior management team delegates to specific business function leaders responsibility for assessment, identification and mitigation of certain risks, such as those related to talent, finance, and cybersecurity. These business function leaders regularly report to the senior management team on the scope of such risks and the steps taken to detect, monitor, and mitigate risk exposure. |
Internal Audit Our internal audit function reports to the Audit Committee and is responsible for maintaining and improving our risk management, corporate governance, and internal control environment. |
Board Oversight of Cybersecurity and Automation Risks
The Board of Directors has delegated to the Audit Committee primary responsibility for overseeing enterprise risk management, including oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats. Our Chief Information Officer oversees the activities of our information technology and information security teams. Our Chief Information Officer, together with our Vice President of Information Technology and Information Security (who reports to our Chief Information Officer), is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing our information security risk management program, which includes our cybersecurity policies, practices and infrastructure. To assess whether our risks related to cybersecurity are being appropriately managed, the Audit Committee receives quarterly reports and updates from our Chief Information Officer and our Vice President of Information Technology and Information Security with respect to cybersecurity risk management. Such reports cover our information security program, including its current status, capabilities, objectives and plans; the outcomes of regular business continuity, crisis communications, and disaster recovery exercises; updates on our ongoing compliance with applicable regulations and international cybersecurity standards; participation rates in our twice annual information security and monthly phishing trainings for employees; and the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape. As we continue to invest in automating our solution, we are leveraging responsible AI in the process. The Board is actively engaged in overseeing these efforts, receiving quarterly updates from our management team on our automation initiatives. We are committed to establishing clear lines of accountability and governance structures to ensure our AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly.
21
Table of Contents
Director Nomination Procedures
22
Table of Contents
Director Qualifications
Our
Annual Board and Director Self-Assessment Process
Each director completes an annual self-assessment of the Board of Directors and each committee, in each case to evaluate its effectiveness in fulfilling its responsibilities and to provide an opportunity for directors to provide feedback on potential improvements to processes and practices.
› |
the size, composition and structure of the Board of Directors and its committees; |
› |
the content, timing, and materials of Board and committee meetings; |
› |
the contributions and performance of the Board and each committee; |
› |
the performance of the executive team; and |
› |
succession planning. |
23
Table of Contents
directors, the Lead Independent Director or any other individual director may do so by writing to such director or group of directors at:
. Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is a "code of ethics," as defined in Item 406(b) of Regulation
The information contained on, or accessible from, our website is not part of this proxy statement by reference or otherwise. We will make any legally required disclosures regarding amendments to, or waivers of, provisions of our code of ethics on our website.
information other than pursuant to previously adopted Rule
trading plans. Our insider trading policy requires that any employee, executive officer or director wishing to enter into any hedging or similar transaction with respect to our securities must
such transaction with our legal department at least two weeks prior to, and must provide justification for, the proposed transaction.
Table of Contents
Director Compensation
Overview and Philosophy
The Board of Directors believes that each director who is not employed by us (each, a "non-employeedirector") should be compensated through a mix of cash and equity-based compensation, which is awarded in the form of restricted stock. The Compensation Committee, consisting entirely of independent directors, has primary responsibility for reviewing and considering any revisions to director compensation. Periodically, the Compensation Committee has reviewed director compensation with assistance from its independent compensation consultant, including conducting benchmarking against the Company's peer group to help assess the appropriateness and competitiveness of our non-employeedirector compensation program. The Board of Directors reviews the Compensation Committee's recommendations, discussing those recommendations among themselves, and determines the amount of director compensation. Historically, our philosophy is to align
Director Compensation in 2024
In 2024, the compensation package for non-employeedirectors consisted of (i) annual compensation for service as a director and as a member or chairperson of any committee(s), payable in cash in four quarterly installments (the "Director Cash Compensation"), and (ii) an award under the
Recipient(s) |
2024 Annual Cash Compensation ($) |
||||
Non-employeedirectors |
75,000 | ||||
Lead Independent Director |
25,000 | ||||
Audit Committee chairperson |
30,000 | ||||
Audit Committee members (excluding chairperson) |
15,000 | ||||
Compensation Committee chairperson |
23,000 | ||||
Compensation Committee members (excluding chairperson) |
13,000 | ||||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee chairperson |
15,000 | ||||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members (excluding chairperson) |
10,000 |
With respect to Director Equity Compensation, the RSAs were granted on the date of the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and are scheduled to cliff-vest on the seventh (7th) day following the first (1st) anniversary of the 2024 annual meeting, provided that the non-employeedirector is providing services to the Company through the applicable vesting date. Any unvested Director Equity Compensation will be forfeited in the event that the non-employeedirector's service to the Company terminates prior to the vesting date, unless (i) such director resigns concurrently with the annual meeting of stockholders immediately prior to the scheduled vesting date, (ii) such annual meeting is held not more than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled vesting date and (iii) the resigning director continues to serve on the Board of Directors through the date of such annual meeting.
In the event that a new non-employeedirector is appointed to the Board of Directors other than at an annual meeting of stockholders (a "Mid-TermDirector"), such Mid-TermDirector is entitled to receive (i) the Director Cash Compensation beginning on the first quarterly payment date following his or her appointment and (ii) a partial award of the Director Equity Compensation on the date of his or her appointment, with the aggregate fair market value of such award to be determined based on the timing of such Mid-TermDirector's appointment in relation to the quarterly payment dates for the Director Cash Compensation.
25
Table of Contents
The table below provides information regarding compensation paid to each non-employeedirector during 2024. Because
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Stock Awards(1)(2) ($) |
Total ($) | ||||||||||
Current Non-EmployeeDirectors |
||||||||||||
|
- | (3) | 58,679 | 58,679 | ||||||||
|
96,500 | (4) | 234,919 | 331,419 | ||||||||
Frederick C. Peters II |
126,500 | (5) | 234,919 | 361,419 | ||||||||
|
103,000 | (6) | 234,919 | 337,919 | ||||||||
|
22,500 | (7) | 117,484 | 139,984 | ||||||||
|
108,000 | (8) | 234,919 | 342,919 | ||||||||
|
115,000 | (9) | 234,919 | 349,919 | ||||||||
Former Non-EmployeeDirector |
||||||||||||
|
77,250 | (10) | 234,919 | 312,169 |
(1) |
Amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair value of Director Equity Compensation, computed in accordance with ASC 718, excluding the effect of any estimated forfeitures. A discussion of the assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts is included in Note 12, "Stock-Based Compensation" in the annual consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the year ended |
(2) |
As of |
(3) |
|
(4) |
Represents the aggregate Director Cash Compensation paid to |
(5) |
Represents the aggregate Director Cash Compensation paid to |
(6) |
Represents the aggregate Director Cash Compensation paid to |
(7) |
Represents the aggregate Director Cash Compensation paid to |
(8) |
Represents the aggregate Director Cash Compensation paid to |
(9) |
Represents the aggregate Director Cash Compensation paid to |
(10) |
Represents the aggregate Director Cash Compensation paid to |
Director Stock Ownership Guidelines
To further align their interests with the long-term interests of stockholders and to promote the Company's commitment to sound corporate governance, the Board of Directors has established minimum stock ownership guidelines for the non-employeedirectors. Under these guidelines, each non-employeedirector is required to own shares of Common Stock (including unvested RSAs) with a value equal to five times the amount of annual cash compensation payable to each non-employeedirector for the then-current year, exclusive of any fees payable for service as Lead Independent Director, chairperson of a committee or service on a committee. Non-employeedirectors who were serving on the Board of Directors as of
26
Table of Contents
appointed after
Stockholder Engagement
We maintain an ongoing dialogue with our stockholders. Throughout the year, members of our investor relations team and management engage with our stockholders to provide updates on our business and solicit perspectives on matters that are important to them. Stockholder perspectives are shared with, and considered by, the Board of Directors and relevant committees to inform our policies, decisions and strategy, as appropriate. For more information regarding stockholder engagement on executive compensation matters, see "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Say-on-Payand Stockholder Engagement."
CONTACTED 21 STOCKHOLDERS representing 62% of held by institutional investors as of |
ENGAGED WITH 9 STOCKHOLDERS representing 46% held by institutional investors as of |
100% of engagement meetings |
Key Topics Discussed
› |
Executive compensation program |
› |
Board oversight of strategic priorities |
› |
Corporate governance |
› |
Cybersecurity |
› |
Human capital management initiatives |
› |
Environmental reporting developments |
27
Table of Contents
Commitment to Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability
Board and Management Oversight
Our Board of Directors actively oversees our social responsibility and environmental sustainability strategy, and our management team is responsible for developing and implementing related initiatives. The Board has delegated oversight of social and environmental policies, practices, and disclosures to the
Our management team is responsible for the day-to-dayimplementation of our corporate social responsibility initiatives and managing related risks. We have developed a
Our Approach to Corporate Sustainability
At Paycom, we are driven by a commitment to innovation, service, and integrity, and we live these values through focused support for our people, our community and our world. Our most recent Corporate Social Responsibility Report was published in
Our People |
For more than 25 years, Paycom has been committed to empowering employees with direct access to their HR data, with our commitment to innovation, service, and integrity supported by our most important asset - our people. We invest in our world-class talent through our comprehensive benefits offerings, extensive professional development opportunities, including leadership training, and robust onboarding training program. From talent acquisition to talent development, we strive to create an inspired workforce of team members to better serve our clients.
Caring for our people means investing in their well-being and supporting their professional and personal development. We offer comprehensive benefits to our employees, including a range of support initiatives for new parents, on-campusfitness centers, and access to workplace well-being advisors and mental health professionals.
We strive to create a broader Company culture that is welcoming and inclusive for team members of all backgrounds. We celebrate bringing the "whole person" to work and have enacted an eight-pillar approach-financial, emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, social, and environmental well-being-to account for the holistic well-being of our employees. We are dedicated to creating an environment where employees can learn, grow, and perform
28
Table of Contents
at their best. We are also committed to developing confident, competent and capable leaders through coaching, hands-on learning and real-time feedback.
Our Community |
At Paycom, we believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work. We consistently exemplify our values "We Care" and "We Serve" through volunteering opportunities and charitable giving. We are proud to share that Paycom donated more than
Our World |
Our operations support a clean and healthy planet while enabling high levels of efficiency. Continuing our use of 100% renewable energy credits at our owned headquarter locations-which house three of our data centers-has allowed us to keep our Scope 2 market-based carbon emissions low. We continue to expand our efforts to reduce energy usage at our data facilities, including high-efficiency power supply systems and regular system-idle reviews. In 2024, we continued to power our two corporate campuses in
For more information on our social and environmental initiatives, please visit our website at investors.paycom.com and select Corporate GovernancegCorporate Social Responsibility Report. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form a part of, this proxy statement.
29
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes, with the members of the classes serving three-year terms that expire in successive years. The terms of office for our Class III directors will expire at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors has nominated
Vote Required
Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Bylaws, directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, which means that the number of shares voted "for" a nominee's election exceeds the number of shares voted "against" such nominee's election. Abstentions and broker non-votesare not counted as votes cast either "for" or "against" a nominee's election. Any incumbent director who fails to receive a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board of Directors.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each Director Nominee. |
30
Table of Contents
Audit Committee Matters
Audit Committee Report
The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended
Review and Discussions with Management
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company's audited financial statements with management.
Review and Discussions with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Pursuant to the terms of the Audit Committee's charter, the Audit Committee meets at least once per fiscal quarter or more frequently as it may determine necessary. The Audit Committee has discussed with
The Audit Committee has also received written disclosures and the letter from
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Company's Board of Directors that the Company's audited financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the year ended
Members of the Audit Committee
Joseph L. Binz | Henry C. Duques | Frederick C. Peters II |
Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The following is a summary of the fees billed to us by
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Audit Fees(1) |
$ | 1,213 | $ | 1,006 | ||||
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
- | - | ||||||
Tax Fees(3) |
116 | 99 | ||||||
All Other Fees(4) |
- | - | ||||||
Total Fees |
$ | 1,329 | $ | 1,105 |
(1) |
Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, the review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by the independent auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including consultations concerning financial reporting in connection with issuances of auditor consents and comfort letters with respect to registration statements filed with the |
(2) |
|
(3) |
Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance (including the preparation, review and filing of tax returns), tax advice and tax planning. These services include assistance regarding federal, state and local tax compliance. |
(4) |
|
31
Table of Contents
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-approvalof Audit and Non-auditServices Performed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee has determined that all services performed by
32
Table of Contents
Proposal 2: Ratification of the Appointment of
Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee has selected
The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm retained to audit the Company's financial statements. The Audit Committee annually reviews
The Audit Committee also considered the Company's auditor independence controls, including the Audit Committee's pre-approvalpolicy of all audit and non-auditservices by
Although ratification is not required by our Amended and Restated Bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of
In the event our stockholders fail to ratify the selection of
Arrangements have been made for a representative of
Vote Required
The approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes "against" this proposal.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of |
33
Table of Contents
Management
Each executive officer is appointed by the Board of Directors to serve until his or her successor is appointed, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
|
|
|
34
Table of Contents
|
|
|
35
Table of Contents
A Message from Our Compensation Committee
Dear Fellow Stockholders,
Paycom has executed on another year of world-class service to deliver strong ROI for our clients. The executive team's focus on deepening investments in automation and bolstering our go-to-marketapproach are positioning Paycom to continue delivering differentiated, best-in-classHCM solutions and stockholder value creation.
Since early 2024, we promoted and welcomed several leaders to the executive team.
Following the 2024 say-on-payvote, we continued our dialogue with our stockholders to better understand their perspectives on our executive compensation program. Consistent with stockholder feedback, average 2024 total reported compensation for non-CEONEOs decreased 70% compared to 2023 total reported compensation levels, and 50% of the equity incentive opportunities for continuing non-CEONEOs were delivered in the form of performance-based restricted stock units ("PSUs") to foster a stronger alignment with our financial performance and stockholder experience.
As we have done every year since 2021, we limited
The Board will continue its regular practice of engaging with stockholders throughout the year to ensure our approach to compensation, as well as other critical governance and strategic initiatives, appropriately reflects investor preferences.
On behalf of the full Board, we thank you for your continued support of and investment in Paycom, and respectfully request your support for this year's executive compensation proposal.
Sincerely,
Frederick C. Peters II
36
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices and details the compensation paid to the following executive officers, collectively referred to as our named executive officers ("NEOs"):
2024 NEOs | Title | |
Chad Richison |
Chief Executive Officer and President |
|
Craig E. Boelte(1) |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
Bradley |
Chief Information Officer |
|
Randy Peck(2) |
Chief Operating Officer |
|
Amy |
Executive Vice President of Sales |
|
Jason |
Chief Administrative Officer |
|
Chris G. Thomas(4) |
Former Co-ChiefExecutive Officer |
|
Holly Faurot(5) |
Former |
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
(3) |
|
(4) |
|
(5) |
|
For purposes of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, references to the "Committee" mean the Compensation Committee.
Executive Summary
Our Company
We are a leading provider of a comprehensive, cloud-based HCM solution delivered as SaaS. We provide functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the complete employment lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement. Our solution requires virtually no customization and is based on a core system of record maintained in a single database for all HCM functions, including payroll, talent acquisition, talent management and HR management and time and labor management applications. Our user-friendly software allows for easy adoption of our solution by employees, enabling self-management of their HCM activities in the cloud, which reduces the administrative burden on employers and increases employee productivity.
2024 Financial Performance Highlights
Paycom's financial results for 2024 demonstrated strong momentum, driven by focused execution, organic sales growth and operational efficiency.
11% Organic Total Revenue Growth Total Revenue |
26.7% Net Income Margin Net Income |
41.2% Adjusted EBITDA Margin* Adjusted EBITDA* |
~37,500 Clients as of ~19,400 Clients (based on parent company grouping) |
>$229MM returned to stockholders through stock repurchases and dividends in 2024 |
*Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAPfinancial measures. See Appendix A for more information.
37
Table of Contents
Paying for Performance
We remain committed to a pay-for-performancecompensation program that is competitive to attract best-in-industrytalent, motivates executives to deliver stretch performance results and rewards individual contributions that drive our ability to deliver sustained stockholder value.
Mr.Richison's 2024
Average 2024 total reported compensation for non-CEO NEOs decreased 70% compared to 2023 total reported compensation levels.Equity compensation for continuing non-CEONEOs in 2024 reflected an equal split between performance- and service-based awards, whereas 2023 equity compensation reflected a one-timeaction the Committee deemed essential to promote continuity of our leadership team, increase the retentive value of outstanding awards amid a highly competitive talent market environment in the SaaS industry, foster alignment with our stockholders and focus executives on our strategic priorities during a period of several executive leadership team transitions.
2024 incentive plan payouts aligned with performance,reflecting robust annual revenue growth on a one-yearbasis and forfeiture of 2022 PSUs associated with three-year total stockholder retu("TSR") performance, consistent with our stockholder experience. This marked the second consecutive year of full forfeiture of three-year PSUs.
The Committee maintained a consistent compensation structure for 2025.In
Name | 2025 Base Salary ($) |
Annual Incentive |
PSUs ($, at |
RSUs ($) |
Stock ($) |
Total Compensation ($) |
||||||||
Target (%) | Target ($) | |||||||||||||
Chad Richison |
865,280 | 100% | 865,280 | 9,000,000 | 9,000,000 | - | 19,730,560 | |||||||
Robert |
566,800 | 100% | 566,800 | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | - | 5,133,600 | |||||||
Bradley |
552,944 | 100% | 552,944 | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | - | 5,105,888 | |||||||
Randy Peck |
531,677 | 100% | 531,677 | 1,750,000 | 1,750,000 | - | 4,563,354 | |||||||
Amy |
537,680 | 100% | 537,680 | 1,750,000 | 1,750,000 | 625,759 | 5,201,119 | |||||||
Jason |
621,920 | 100% | 621,920 | 200,000 | 200,000 | - | 1,643,840 |
(1) |
In |
Say-On-Payand Stockholder Engagement
2024 Stockholder Outreach
In response to our 2024 say-on-payproposal, which received majority support of votes cast, the Committee and the Board of Directors conducted an extensive outreach effort to understand our stockholders' perspectives on our compensation and governance programs and to ensure appropriate responsiveness to stockholder feedback.
Throughout 2024, we contacted 21 of our then largest stockholders, representing approximately 62% of shares of Common Stock held by institutional investors. In total we held 12 stewardship-focused meetings with nine of our largest stockholders, representing approximately 46% of shares of Common Stock held by institutions, with at least two independent directors participating in each of these discussions.
38
Table of Contents
CONTACTED 21 STOCKHOLDERS representing 62% of outstanding shares held by institutional investors as of |
ENGAGED WITH 9 STOCKHOLDERS representing 46% of outstanding shares held by institutional investors as of |
100% of engagement meetings attended by at least two independent Board members |
Paycom Engagement Team
Lead Independent Director |
Frederick C. Peters II |
|
Compensation Committee Chairperson |
|
|
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson |
|
|
Audit Committee Chairperson |
|
|
Management Representatives |
Members of our legal, investor relations and sustainability teams |
Our stockholders had diverse views on our executive compensation program, with common themes of feedback summarized below. Overall, stockholders appreciated the Committee's focus on the executive leadership team's retention during a period of several executive transitions, expressing support for the Committee's efforts to strengthen the executive compensation program design by increasing the percentage of the total compensation allocated to performance-based equity incentives. Stockholders reiterated their preference for a consistent and balanced approach to executive compensation that included a mix of performance-based and service-based equity awards, which we incorporated into our 2024 and 2025 compensation programs. Our stockholders also responded favorably to the forfeiture of the 2020 CEO Performance Award, which they viewed to be responsive to their feedback and encouraged the Committee to use as an opportunity to reset
The majority of those stockholders with whom we spoke and who voted against our 2024 say-on-payproposal expressed that they did so due to concerns over certain one-timechanges to our equity incentive program in 2023, including increased value of incentive opportunities for our NEOs and a greater allocation of equity incentives to time-based awards, which the Committee believes it has appropriately addressed through updates to our 2024 compensation program. The Committee remains committed to ongoing dialogue with our stockholders as we continue to evolve our compensation program, with stockholder feedback remaining a critical input into the Committee's decision-making process.
39
Table of Contents
Key Feedback Themes | Committee Responsiveness Actions | |
Conceover magnitude of NEO compensation |
› For the 2024 program, › Mr. Richison's 2024 |
|
Preference for a consistent ratio of performance-based equity incentives |
› The Committee approved 2024 › The same equally weighted allocation between performance- and service-based incentives was maintained for the 2025 long-term incentive program. |
|
Focus on CEO's go-forwardcompensation following forfeiture of the 2020 CEO Performance Award |
› In early 2025, the Committee reassessed our compensation program for › Based on the CEO compensation benchmarks for industry peers in the HCM and SaaS sectors, the Committee approved the following CEO › $865,280 base salary › 100% of base salary annual bonus › $9,000,000 › $9,000,000 grant value of time-based restricted stock units ("RSUs") › The Committee believes |
|
Preference for multi-year performance periods for equity incentives |
› In light of economic uncertainty, the Committee aims to incentivize the executive team based on factors within their control. The Committee believes that shorter-term targets are necessary to maintain the rigor of the equity incentive program, ensuring robust performance levels on an annual basis without strong performance in one year offsetting underperformance in another during a multi-year performance period. › The Committee will continue to review market conditions and evaluate whether longer performance periods for future equity awards would be appropriate. |
|
Preference for diversified metrics across cash and equity incentive plans |
› Annually, the Committee considers the use of different metrics in our executive compensation plans. The Committee chose to use revenue as a key performance metric in both our cash and equity incentive plans because revenue growth is a critical measure of our operational success. Revenue growth is also a key metric used by our investors to assess our annual and longer-term performance. This focus reflects our strategic priority to maintain a strong revenue growth rate, which underpins our broader growth strategy and supports the creation of sustainable value for stockholders. › The Committee will continue to assess appropriateness of incorporating additional metrics in the annual and long-term incentive plans in alignment with the strategic priorities of our growth strategy. |
40
Table of Contents
Compensation Philosophy
As we pursue our strategic objectives, we must continuously develop and refine our solution to stay ahead of our clients' needs and challenges, which requires a talented and experienced management team. The Committee, with input from its independent compensation consultant, has developed an executive compensation program that we believe does not encourage excessive or inappropriate risk-taking and is designed to (i) motivate, reward and retain our leaders, (ii) support our strategic objectives, including long-term, sustainable growth and increasing stockholder value, and (iii) encourage strong financial performance on an annual and long-term basis.
The Committee has determined what it believes to be the appropriate level and mix of the various compensation components for our executive officers. The specific objectives of our executive compensation program are to:
› |
reward the achievement of our strategic objectives, including financial growth; |
› |
drive the continued development of our successful and profitable business; |
› |
motivate, reward and retain highly qualified executives who are important to our success; |
› |
recognize strong performers by offering cash performance-based incentive compensation and equity awards that reward contributions to our overall success; and |
› |
align the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders and, in doing so, create value for our stockholders. |
The table below summarizes how the various components of our executive compensation program are designed to achieve these objectives.
Compensation Component | Objectives | |
Base salary |
To compensate executive officers for services rendered during the fiscal year and to recognize their experience, skills, knowledge and responsibilities |
|
Annual Incentive Plan |
To provide performance-based, short-term cash compensation to reward executive officers for the achievement of pre-establishedperformance objectives |
|
Equity incentives |
To support retention and reward executive officers for long-term corporate performance to align their interests with those of our stockholders |
|
Benefits and perquisites |
To maintain competitiveness of our executive compensation program and to attract and retain executives; executives participate in broad-based benefits programs that are generally available to all employees and any supplemental benefits or perquisites are considered on a case-by-casebasis |
Compensation Review and Determination
Overview
In determining the compensation for each executive officer, the Committee considered the following factors:
› |
the Company's performance in the previous year and year-over-year growth, based on both financial and non-financialmetrics; |
› |
our outlook and operating plan for the upcoming year; |
› |
retention considerations; |
41
Table of Contents
› |
compensation analysis provided by the Committee's compensation consultant; |
› |
each executive officer's role, responsibilities, skills and internal pay equity; |
› |
each executive officer's compensation for the previous year and relevant terms of the executive officer's employment agreement, if any; |
› |
evaluation of each executive officer's individual performance (see "-Role of Chief Executive Officer"); |
› |
aggregate equity pool available for awards for the year and the relative allocation of such pool among the executive officers and the other participants; |
› |
overall equity dilution and burates as well as equity overhang levels; |
› |
value of, and expense associated with, proposed and previously awarded equity grants, including the continuing retentive value of past awards; and |
› |
compensation trends and competitive factors in the market for talent in which we compete. |
Role of Compensation Committee
The Committee reviews and approves, or recommends that our Board of Directors approve, the compensation of our executive officers. Among other matters, the Committee reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our executive officers, evaluates the performance of these officers in light of those goals and objectives, and approves all equity awards to our executive officers.
Role of Compensation Consultant
In 2024, the Committee continued to engage
Role of Chief Executive Officer
On an annual basis, we evaluate each executive officer's performance for the prior year. In 2024,
Compensation Mix
We do not have a formal policy or
42
Table of Contents
Timing
At least annually, the Committee reviews and evaluates each executive officer's base salary. Based on historical practices and our performance review cycle for all employees, salary increases, if any, were typically approved in the first quarter but effective as of
With respect to cash bonuses, the Annual Incentive Plan requires that the Committee set performance goals within the first 90 days of a performance period. Following the end of a performance period and our receipt of the independent auditor's report with respect to financial statements for the applicable fiscal year, the Committee must certify the extent to which the performance goals were achieved as well as the calculation and determination of the incentive compensation to be paid to each participant under the Annual Incentive Plan.
With respect to equity compensation, the Committee determines whether and when to grant awards to executive officers based on its evaluation of the various factors discussed under "-Equity Incentive Compensation-Overview" below.
Peer Group Data
The Committee uses peer group data as a point of reference for designing our compensation programs and setting compensation levels. In
In developing the primary peer group, the Committee sought to include
Potential peer group companies were evaluated based on the trailing 12 months of data that preceded the annual peer group review. With the assistance of its independent compensation consultant, the Committee ultimately identified the primary peer group set forth below. The primary peer group includes 19 software companies with median revenues of
2024 |
||
43
Table of Contents
We have a limited number of direct, public company business peers with a similar growth trajectory. As we continue to grow, the Committee remains focused on providing market-competitive and stockholder-aligned compensation programs that are appropriate for the size and strategy of the business. To assist with this goal, the Committee also reviewed data from larger companies in our industry, both in terms of market capitalization and revenue, to help the Committee understand how pay design and structure, as well as quantum of pay opportunity, may change as we continue to grow. The Committee reviewed trends in compensation structure and formulation among members of these reference groups as part of its overall executive compensation evaluation.
Cash Compensation
Base Salary
We provide base salaries to our executive officers to compensate them for services rendered during the fiscal year and to recognize their experience, skills, knowledge and responsibilities. The Committee reviews and evaluates base salaries for our executive officers at least annually with input from its independent compensation consultant and our CEO (except with respect to his own compensation).
In evaluating executive officer salaries, the Committee reviews (with input from its independent compensation consultant) compensation data of named executive officers of peer group companies, as well as a general competitive external market conditions for recruiting and retaining executive talent. The Committee approved a base salary increase for each executive officer in the first quarter of 2024, with changes effective
2024 Base Salary ($)(1) |
% Change | |||||
|
800,000 | 832,000 | 4% | |||
|
524,097 | 545,061 | 4% | |||
|
511,228 | 531,667 | 4% | |||
|
- | 511,228 | - | |||
|
- | 517,000 | - | |||
|
575,000 | 598,000 | 4% | |||
|
800,000 | - | - | |||
|
497,190 | - | - |
(1) |
The amounts represent base salaries in effect as of |
(2) |
|
(3) |
|
(4) |
|
(5) |
|
In the first quarter of 2025, the Committee reviewed, approved and implemented salary changes for executive officers, including Messrs. Richison, Smith, Peck and Clark and
44
Table of Contents
Annual Incentive Plan
Overview
The purpose of the Annual Incentive Plan is to advance our interests and the interests of our stockholders by:
› |
providing certain employees, including the executive officers, with incentive compensation that is tied to the achievement of pre-established,objective performance goals; |
› |
identifying and rewarding superior performance and providing competitive compensation to attract, motivate and retain employees who have outstanding skills and abilities; and |
› |
fostering accountability and teamwork throughout Paycom. |
The Annual Incentive Plan is administered by the Committee. For each performance period, the Committee must approve the participants eligible to receive annual incentive awards and select the performance metrics, goals and corresponding payout levels for each participant.
Payouts under the Annual Incentive Plan are made based upon achievement of performance goals (consisting of individual performance goals, business unit performance goals and/or Company performance goals) relating to one or more "performance criteria," such as revenues, adjusted EBITDA or annual revenue retention rate.
2024 Annual Incentive Targets
For 2024, the Committee approved annual incentive
Name(1) | Incentive (% of Base Salary) |
Incentive ($) |
||||||||
Chad Richison |
100 | % | 800,000 | |||||||
Craig E. Boelte |
100 | % | 524,097 | |||||||
Bradley |
100 | % | 511,228 | |||||||
Randy Peck |
100 | % | 511,228 | |||||||
Jason |
100 | % | 575,000 | |||||||
(1) |
Consistent with the terms of a bonus program established prior to her promotion, |
2024 Performance Criteria
As in prior years, the Committee determined that customizing a mix of performance metrics for each of the participating NEOs based on his or her responsibilities and areas of direct impact was the most effective way to incentivize outperformance. The metrics, performance targets, and achievement levels for each participating NEO are described below.
Revenue Participants
For the 2024 performance period, the Annual Incentive Plan awards granted to
45
Table of Contents
The table below sets forth (i) the revenue amounts and growth rates that were established as the threshold,
Achievement Level |
Performance Goal ($MM) |
Payout Percentage (% of |
||
Revenue Performance (100%) |
||||
Threshold |
1,860.0 | 0% | ||
|
1,870.0 | 100% | ||
Maximum |
1,885.0 | 200% | ||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) Performance (Modifier) |
||||
|
725.0 | N/A | ||
Potential Deduction: |
5.0% reduction in payout percentage for every |
|||
(1) |
Defined as the Company's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as reported in an earnings release or other publicly disseminated report relating to the Company's financial results for the year ended |
The established financial performance goals were rigorous and, at
Revenue Retention Participants
For the 2024 performance period, the Annual Incentive Plan awards granted to Messrs. Smith, Peck and Thomas were based on our achievement of annual revenue retention rate targets, which measure our success at retaining clients, a key determinant of our long-term success. The Committee determined that annual revenue retention rate was an appropriate metric for Messrs. Smith, Peck and Thomas because (i) as Chief Information Officer,
The table below sets forth (i) annual revenue retention rates that were established as the threshold,
46
Table of Contents
at each achievement level. The payout percentage would increase 17.5% for each 1% (whole) increase in the annual revenue retention rate above
Achievement Level |
Annual Revenue Retention Rate Performance Goal |
Payout (% of |
||
Below Threshold |
< 90% | 0% | ||
Threshold |
90% | 90% | ||
|
91% | 100% | ||
Maximum |
97% | 200% | ||
2024 Annual Incentive Plan Payouts
The tables below set forth our actual achievement
Performance Metric | Actual Achievement |
Payout (% of |
||||||||
Revenue |
$ | 1,870.0 MM | $ | 1,883.2 MM | 188.1% | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 725.0 MM | $ | 775.4 MM | N/A(1) | |||||
Annual Revenue Retention Rate |
91% | 90% | 90% | |||||||
(1) |
Adjusted EBITDA exceeded the |
Name(1) |
Threshold ($) |
($) |
Maximum ($) |
Actual Amount Paid ($) |
Amount Paid (% of |
|||||||||||||||
Chad Richison |
- | 800,000 | 1,600,000 | 1,504,882 | 188.1 | % | ||||||||||||||
Craig E. Boelte |
- | 524,097 | 1,048,194 | 985,880 | 188.1 | % | ||||||||||||||
Bradley |
- | 511,228 | 1,022,456 | 460,105 | 90.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
Randy Peck |
- | 511,228 | 1,022,456 | 460,105 | 90.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
Jason |
- | 575,000 | 1,150,000 | 1,081,633 | 188.1 | % | ||||||||||||||
(1) |
Consistent with the terms of a bonus program established prior to her promotion, |
Equity Incentive Compensation
Overview
We believe that equity awards provide our executive officers with a strong link to our performance, create an incentive to achieve performance goals and objectives, and more closely align the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders. The 2023 LTIP allows us to grant an array of equity-based incentive awards to our executive officers, other employees, outside directors and contractors. The purpose of the 2023 LTIP is to align award recipients with Paycom's stockholders and long-term success and to help us attract and retain top-tiertalent.
Historically, we have granted equity incentive awards to our executive officers consisting of RSAs, restricted stock awards subject to market-based vesting ("PSAs"), RSUs and PSUs. The Committee, in consultation with its
47
Table of Contents
independent compensation consultant, annually determines the type, magnitude and vesting conditions of awards to executive officers based on its evaluation of the following factors, among others:
› |
recent vesting events; |
› |
value of equity awards that have previously vested; |
› |
value of and vesting conditions for unvested equity awards that remain outstanding; |
› |
general market and economic conditions; |
› |
our need to retain executive officers in light of changes in the competitive environment; and |
› |
trends among our competitors and peers with respect to equity compensation practices. |
2024 Equity Awards
Overview
On
In approving the 2024 annual equity incentives, the Committee considered, among several factors, feedback provided by our stockholders, the market and peer data for named executive officer annual equity incentive opportunities based on each role and associated scope of responsibilities, the fair value of outstanding equity awards and the highly competitive market for executive talent in our industry. In response to stockholder feedback, the award levels were designed to more closely align with the competitive peer data for similar roles, while allowing for individual variation based on executive officer performance and other evaluation factors outlined above.
The Committee approved a PSU award to
Value ($) |
|
|
||||
|
2,666,666 | 1,333,333 | 1,333,333 | |||
|
1,666,666 | 833,333 | 833,333 | |||
|
1,666,666 | 833,333 | 833,333 | |||
|
(3) | 791,000(3) | (3) | |||
|
1,000,000 | 500,000 | 500,000 | |||
|
2,666,666 | 1,333,333 | 1,333,333 | |||
|
1,666,666 | 833,333 | 833,333 | |||
(1) |
|
(2) |
Excludes |
48
Table of Contents
(3) |
For a discussion of the equity incentive awards granted to |
(4) |
Excludes equity awards granted to |
(5) |
|
2024 PSU Awards
For 2024, the Committee maintained the prior year's practice of using financial metrics for the PSU performance goals, in alignment with stockholder feedback, using revenue as the PSU metric for all participating NEOs. In selecting revenue for the 2024 equity program, the Committee reviewed a range of potential metrics - including the metrics used in the 2023 equity program - and determined that revenue was the financial performance measure most critical to our ability to deliver sustained stockholder value creation, as well as a key metric used by our investors to measure our performance relative to market benchmarks. The Committee determined it was appropriate to use the same financial performance metric for certain NEOs in the cash and equity incentive programs to emphasize the criticality of maintaining a strong revenue growth rate in 2024.
Due to significant challenges in setting reliable long-term financial goals in the highly volatile macroeconomic environment, the Committee approved a one-yearperformance period for the 2024 PSUs to maintain the rigor and effectiveness of our program. The chosen performance period eliminated the possibility of overperformance in one year offsetting underperformance in another year during a longer-term performance cycle. The Committee will continue to review market conditions and evaluate whether longer performance periods for future equity awards would be appropriate.
Except with respect to
Metric | Performance Level | Payout Percentage |
||
Revenue |
<> |
0% | ||
≥ |
100% | |||
2024 RSU Awards
RSUs granted to the participating NEOs in 2024 as part of their annual long-term incentive compensation were designed to align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders, and to promote the long-term retention of our executive talent. RSUs vest ratably over a three-year period and require continued employment through each vesting date.
Randy Peck Equity Awards
On
49
Table of Contents
Amy Vickroy Walker Equity Awards
In late
Metric | Performance Level | Payout Percentage |
||
Revenue |
<> |
0% | ||
≥ |
75% | |||
≥ |
100% | |||
≥ |
125% | |||
In addition, consistent with our typical cycle for equity incentive awards to members of our sales organization who qualify for "
Chris G. Thomas Equity Awards
On
Awards Vested in 2024
Vesting of 2024 PSUs
In
Vesting of 2022 PSUs
In
The first tranche of the 2022 PSUs resulted in a payout of 0% of
50
Table of Contents
resulting in a cumulative payout of 0% of
Performance Period | Weighting |
Relative TSR Performance Level and Payout |
Actual Relative TSR |
Payout (% of |
||||
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023 |
25% |
Threshold: 30th percentile g50% of Maximum: 90th percentile g250% of |
9th percentile |
0% | ||||
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024 |
75% |
6th percentile |
0% | |||||
2020 CEO Performance Award
On
Other Compensation Components and Considerations
Retirement Benefits
We believe that establishing competitive benefit packages for our employees is an important factor in attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel. We maintain broad-based benefits that are provided to all full-time employees, including medical, dental, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long- and short-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Our NEOs are eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, in each case on the same basis as other employees. The Committee in its discretion may revise, amend or add to an NEO's benefits and perquisites if it deems it advisable.
We maintain a 401(k) plan for our employees. Our 401(k) plan is intended to qualify as a tax-qualifiedplan under Code Section 401 so that contributions to our 401(k) plan, and income earned on such contributions, are not taxable to participants until withdrawn or distributed from the 401(k) plan. Our 401(k) plan provides that each participant may contribute up to 100% of his or her pre-taxcompensation, up to a statutory limit, which was
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
We provided our NEOs with perquisites and other personal benefits in 2022, 2023 and 2024 that the Committee believed were reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program. In addition to the items described below, we pay country club dues on behalf of
51
Table of Contents
Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to our NEOs. Attributed costs, if any, of the personal benefits for the NEOs for the years ended
Automobile Allowances. During 2024, Messrs. Richison and Boelte received monthly automobile allowances pursuant to their respective employment agreements.
Security. Pursuant to his employment agreement, the Company is obligated to provide personal and home security for
Change in Control Arrangements
Employment Agreements (Richison and Boelte)
As disclosed under "Compensation of Executive Officers-Employment Agreements and Arrangements," the employment agreement with
Equity Awards
RSAs and RSUs
The RSA agreements and RSU award agreements with each NEO under the 2014 LTIP and the 2023 LTIP (other than the 2020 CEO Performance Award, which was forfeited in
52
Table of Contents
period following the consummation of a change in control but prior to the applicable vesting date, the unvested PSUs will become fully vested as of the date of such termination of service. Pursuant to the 2023 LTIP, if the PSUs are not assumed in connection with a change in control, all outstanding PSUs will vest in connection with such change in control, as follows: (i) if the payout level has been determined (or is determinable) as of such change in control, such award shall be payable in full in accordance with the payout schedule set forth in the award agreement; and (ii) if the payout level is undeterminable, the award shall be
based on the time elapsed in the applicable performance period between the date of grant and the change in control and paid at the
Executive Officer
|
Multiple of Base Salary Requirement
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
6x | |
Other Executive Officers
|
3x | |
until the compliance level is attained. Once an executive officer achieves the required guidance level, no further recalculation is required unless the executive officer's base salary changes, whether as a result of an ordinary annual adjustment, a promotion or otherwise. As of
.
information by the Company. If in the future we determine to grant new awards of options, stock appreciation rights, or similar option-like instruments, we will establish a policy regarding the timing of such awards in relation to the disclosure of material
information, and the Board will evaluate the appropriate steps to take in relation to the foregoing.
Table of Contents
Accounting and Tax Effects
We consider the impact of accounting treatment in developing and implementing our compensation programs, including the accounting treatment of amounts awarded or paid to our executives. We also consider the impact of federal tax laws on our compensation programs, including the deductibility of compensation paid to the NEOs. Our ability to deduct incentive compensation paid under our incentive plans may be limited by Code Section 162(m) to the extent that the incentive compensation is paid to a "covered employee" (as defined in Code Section 162(m)) and the total compensation paid by us to such covered employee for a taxable year exceeds
Dividends and Dividend Equivalents
Pursuant to the 2023 LTIP, participants receiving RSAs have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including the right to receive any dividends thereon, provided that, (i) any cash dividends and stock dividends with respect to RSAs must be withheld by the Company for the participant's account, and (ii) such withheld dividends attributable to any particular share of restricted stock shall be distributed to such participant in cash or, at the sole discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a fair market value equal to the amount of such withheld dividends, if applicable, upon the release of restrictions on such share (i.e., upon vesting) and, if such share is forfeited, the participant will forfeit and have no right to such withheld dividends. Similarly, RSUs and PSUs may permit the participant to receive dividend equivalents, provided that, (i) any dividend equivalents (based on cash or stock dividends) with respect to the RSUs or PSUs shall be withheld by the Company for the participant's account, and (ii) such withheld dividend equivalents attributable to any particular RSU or PSU shall be distributed to such participant in cash or, at the sole discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a fair market value equal to the amount of such dividend equivalents, if applicable, upon the release of restrictions on such RSUs or PSUs (i.e., upon vesting) and, if such RSU or PSU is forfeited, the participant shall forfeit and have no right to such dividend equivalents.
All NEOs' unvested equity incentive awards currently outstanding are entitled to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, as applicable, provided that such dividends or dividend equivalents are withheld by the Company and subject to the same vesting and forfeiture provisions as the awarded shares or awarded units to which they relate. As a result, dividends are paid to the applicable NEO only upon vesting of the award.
Compensation Committee Report
The Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K.Based on such review and discussions, the Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The foregoing report is provided by the following directors, who constitute the Committee.
Frederick C. Peters II
54
Table of Contents
Compensation of Executive Officers
Summary Compensation Table
The following table contains information regarding the compensation of our NEOs for the fiscal years ended
Name | Year |
Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards(1) ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Chad Richison Chief Executive Officer and |
2024 | 821,846 | - | - | 1,504,882 | 1,127,389 | (3) | 3,454,117 | ||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 817,068 | - | - | 765,700 | 1,535,838 | 3,118,606 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 785,953 | - | - | 1,538,816 | 813,649 | 3,138,418 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Craig E. Boelte Chief Financial Officer |
2024 | 537,610 | - | 2,673,702 | (4) | 985,880 | 42,214 | (5) | 4,239,406 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | 516,911 | - | 16,116,690 | 482,222 | 39,577 | 17,155,400 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 496,797 | - | 7,832,696 | 969,114 | 38,697 | 9,337,303 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bradley Chief Information Officer |
2024 | 523,056 | - | 1,670,879 | (4) | 460,105 | 16,898 | (6) | 2,670,938 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | 501,884 | - | 14,837,996 | - | 15,577 | 15,355,457 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 483,142 | - | 2,470,988 | 472,659 | 14,697 | 3,441,485 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Randy Peck Chief Operating Officer |
2024 | 405,662 | - | 7,743,422 | (7) | 460,105 | 17,132 | (8) | 8,626,321 | |||||||||||||||||
Amy Executive Vice President |
2024 | 471,150 | 600,000 | (9) | 1,603,530 | (10) | - | 18,214 | (11) | 2,692,894 | ||||||||||||||||
Jason Chief Administrative Officer |
2024 | 586,953 | - | 1,002,823 | (4) | 1,081,634 | 18,214 | (11) | 2,689,624 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | 22,392 | - | 9,954,066 | - | 335,103 | 10,311,560 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Chris G. Thomas(12) Former Co-ChiefExecutive Officer |
2024 | 316,713 | - | 9,901,078 | (13) | 720,000 | (14) | 1,150,246 | (15) | 12,088,037 | ||||||||||||||||
2023 |
401,733 | - | 8,783,723 | - | 4,027 | 9,189,483 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Holly Faurot(16) Former |
2024 | 154,787 | - | 1,670,879 | (17) | 935,265 | (18) | 947,316 | (19) | 3,708,247 | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 499,065 | - | 14,837,996 | 457,465 | 15,577 | 15,810,103 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 480,576 | - | 2,470,988 | 919,360 | 14,697 | 3,885,620 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1) |
The amounts presented in this column do not reflect compensation actually received by the NEOs. Rather, the amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of RSAs, PSAs, RSUs, and PSUs granted to the NEO in each year, as applicable, in each case computed in accordance with ASC 718, excluding the effect of any estimated forfeitures. A discussion of the assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts is included in Note 12, "Stock-Based Compensation" in the annual consolidated financial statements included in the Form 10-Kfiled with the |
(2) |
The amounts presented in this column represent (i) bonuses earned by each of Messrs. Richison, Boelte, Peck and Clark based on the achievement of performance goals tied to revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA, (ii) bonuses earned by each of Messrs. Smith and Peck based on the achievement of performance goals tied to annual revenue retention rate and (iii) with respect to |
(3) |
This amount consists of (i) |
55
Table of Contents
passenger load, the aggregate incremental cost to us for the additional passengers is de minimis. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Other Compensation Components and Considerations-Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits" and "-Employment Agreements and Arrangements." |
(4) |
This amount represents the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs and PSUs granted to the NEO on |
(5) |
This amount consists of (i) |
(6) |
This amount consists of (i) |
(7) |
This amount represents the aggregate grant date fair value of (i) RSAs and PSAs granted to |
(8) |
This amount consists of (i) |
(9) |
Consistent with the terms of a bonus program established prior to her promotion, |
(10) |
This amount represents the aggregate grant date fair value of (i) PSAs granted to |
(11) |
This amount consists of (i) |
(12) |
|
(13) |
This amount represents the aggregate grant date fair value of (i) shares of Common Stock, RSAs, RSUs and PSUs granted to |
(14) |
In accordance with |
(15) |
Consists of (i) |
(16) |
|
(17) |
This amount represents the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs and PSUs granted to |
(18) |
In accordance with |
(19) |
Consists of (i) |
56
Table of Contents
2024 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
The following table presents information regarding plan-based awards granted to our NEOs during the year ended
Name | Grant Date |
Award Type(1) |
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) |
Grant Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(2) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chad Richison |
n/a(3) | AIP | - | 800,000 | 1,600,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Craig E. Boelte |
n/a(3) | AIP | - | 524,097 | 1,048,194 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSU | 7,236 | 1,336,851 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSU | - | 7,236 | - | 1,336,851 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bradley |
n/a(3) | AIP | - | 511,228 | 1,022,456 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSU | 4,522 | 835,440 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSU | - | 4,522 | - | 835,440 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Randy Peck |
n/a(3) | AIP | - | 511,228 | 1,022,456 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSA | 453 | 83,656 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSA | - | 97 | - | 15,871 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSA | - | 97 | - | 16,521 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSA | 37,500 | 5,960,625 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSU | 5,243 | 833,375 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSU | - | 5,243 | - | 833,375 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amy |
PSA | 1,000 | 3,000 | - | 554,010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSU | 3,000 | 4,000 | 5,000 | 791,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSA | 1,482 | 258,520 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jason |
n/a(3) | AIP | - | 575,000 | 1,150,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSU | 2,714 | 501,412 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSU | - | 2,714 | - | 501,412 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chris G. Thomas |
n/a(3) | AIP | - | 800,000 | 1,600,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSU | 17,209 | 3,425,107 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSU | 15,000 | 2,985,450 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock | 4,104 | 816,819 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSU | 7,236 | 1,336,851 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSU | - | 7,236 | - | 1,336,851 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Holly Faurot |
n/a(3) | AIP | - | 497,190 | 994,380 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSU | 4,522 | 835,440 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSU | - | 4,522 | - | 835,440 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) |
Award Type: |
AIP: Annual Incentive Plan
PSA: Performance-based or market-based restricted stock award
PSU: Performance-based restricted stock unit award
RSA: Time-based restricted stock award
RSU: Time-based restricted stock unit award
Stock: Stock award
(2) |
The amounts presented in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of PSA, PSU, RSA, RSU and stock awards, as applicable, in each case computed in accordance with ASC 718, excluding the effect of any estimated forfeitures. A discussion of the assumptions used in |
57
Table of Contents
the calculation of these amounts is included in Note 12, "Stock-Based Compensation" in the annual consolidated financial statements included in the Form 10-Kfiled with the |
(3) |
The amounts presented in this row represent possible payout amounts under the Annual Incentive Plan based on the achievement of the performance goals described above in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Cash Compensation-Annual Incentive Plan." See the "Non-EquityIncentive Plan Compensation" column in the Summary Compensation Table for actual amounts paid to each participating NEO (other than |
(4) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to an award of RSUs that vest in three substantially equal tranches on |
(5) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to PSUs that were eligible to vest based on our achievement of a total revenue |
(6) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSAs granted to |
(7) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to PSAs granted to |
(8) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to PSAs granted to |
(9) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSAs granted to |
(10) |
Represents PSAs granted to |
(11) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to PSUs that were eligible to vest based on our achievement of total revenue targets for the one-yearperformance period ended |
(12) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSAs granted to |
(13) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to an award of RSUs granted to |
(14) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to PSUs that were eligible to vest based on our achievement of a total revenue |
(15) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to an award of immediately vested shares of Common Stock granted to |
58
Table of Contents
2024 Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-EndTable
The following table lists all of the outstanding equity awards held by each of the NEOs on
Stock Awards(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not ($) |
Equity Incentive Plan Unearned Shares, |
Equity Incentive Plan ($) |
Vesting Terms |
||||||||||||||||||||
Craig E. Boelte |
33,000 | 6,764,010 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9,445 | 1,935,942 | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Bradley |
33,000 | 6,764,010 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
5,902 | 1,209,733 | (5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Randy Peck |
39,955 | 8,189,576 | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
5,243 | 1,074,658 | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
97 | 19,882 | (8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Amy |
8,424 | 1,726,667 | (9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
992 | 203,330 | (10) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Jason |
33,000 | 6,764,010 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2,714 | 556,289 | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) |
|
(2) |
The amounts shown in this column reflect the value of RSAs, RSUs, or PSAs calculated by multiplying (i) the number of unvested RSAs or shares deliverable upon vesting and conversion of RSUs by (ii) the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2024, which was $204.97 per share. |
(3) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSAs that vested or will vest as follows, in each case subject to the NEO's continued service through the applicable vesting date: (i) 7,000 shares on February 5, 2025; (ii) 7,000 shares on February 5, 2026; and (iii) 19,000 shares on February 5, 2027. |
(4) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSUs that vested or would have vested (but for |
(5) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSUs that vested or will vest as follows, in each case subject to |
(6) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSAs that vested or will vest as follows, in each case subject to |
(7) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSUs that vested or will vest in three substantially equal tranches on February 5, 2025, February 5, 2026, and February 5, 2027, in each case subject to the NEO's continued service through the applicable vesting date. |
(8) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to PSAs that will vest if, within eight years of the date of grant, the Company's VWAP Value equals or exceeds the $251 per share, subject to |
(9) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to RSAs that vested or will vest as follows, in each case subject to |
59
Table of Contents
(10) |
The amounts presented in this row relate to PSAs that will vest if, within eight years of the date of grant, the Company's VWAP Value equals or exceeds the amounts set forth below, in each case subject to |
Grant Date | Number of Shares | VWAP Value | ||||||||
2/5/2021 | 315 | $ | 600 | |||||||
2/2/2022 | 338 | $ | 484 | |||||||
2/2/2022 | 339 | $ | 559 |
2024 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table
The following table sets forth a summary of the equity awards that vested during the year ended December 31, 2024 for each of the NEOs.
Stock Awards(1) | ||||||||
|
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) |
||||||
|
- | - | ||||||
|
15,340 | 3,057,203(2) | ||||||
|
12,212 | 2,420,503(2) | ||||||
|
6,007 | 1,213,103(2) | ||||||
|
5,358 | 1,059,730(2) | ||||||
|
10,503 | 2,051,828(2) | ||||||
|
11,203 | 2,120,102(2) | ||||||
|
10,690 | 2,086,879(2) | ||||||
(1) |
The amounts presented represent the gross number of shares acquired and value received upon the vesting of RSAs, PSAs, RSUs, and PSUs, without reduction for the number of shares withheld to pay applicable withholding taxes. |
(2) |
This amount reflects (i) the value of RSAs and PSAs, as applicable, calculated by multiplying the number of shares that vested by the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of vesting, plus (ii) the value of shares delivered upon vesting and settlement of RSUs, if any, calculated by multiplying the number of RSUs that vested by the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2024, plus (iii) the value of shares delivered upon vesting and settlement of PSUs, calculated by multiplying the number of shares earned by the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2024. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Equity Incentive Compensation-2024 Equity Awards-2024 PSU Awards." |
Employment Agreements and Arrangements
Employment Agreements (Richison and Boelte)
The following summary of the employment agreements does not contain complete descriptions of all provisions of the employment agreements with Messrs. Richison and Boelte. With the exception of base salary amounts, annual bonus potential, noncompetition provisions and certain perquisites provided to
Under the employment agreements,
The employment agreements provide that
60
Table of Contents
Pursuant to their employment agreements,
Pursuant to their respective employment agreements, Messrs. Richison and Boelte agreed to confidentiality, noncompetition, noninterference and intellectual property protection provisions.
Each employment agreement includes a clawback provision that provides that any compensation or benefits we pay to the applicable executive officer, pursuant to his employment agreement or otherwise, is subject to recovery by us in accordance with Section 304 of SOX or any other clawback law or regulation applicable to such executive, if any, as amended from time to time.
The employment agreements had initial terms of three (3) years following the consummation of our IPO and automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods, unless earlier terminated by us or the applicable executive officer. The employment agreements provide that upon termination, the executive officer is entitled to (i) payment of any earned but unpaid salary and accrued but unused vacation time and (ii) payment of any business expenses incurred but not reimbursed. In addition, if the executive officer's employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive officer with good reason, subject to the execution and retuof a release of claims, such executive officer is entitled to (i) continuation of his base salary for the length of the remaining "Restricted Period" following his termination, (ii) continuation of health insurance benefits for the length of the remaining Restricted Period, and (iii) a pro rata amount of the bonus such executive officer would have earned as determined by the Compensation Committee for the year in which the termination occurred.
The employment agreements with Messrs. Richison and Boelte define "cause" generally as (i) the repeated failure to perform such duties as are lawfully requested by the Chief Executive Officer (or in the case of
On February 7, 2024, the Company and
61
Table of Contents
Letter Agreements (Peck, Walker, Clark and Thomas)
We are party to letter agreements with each of Messrs. Peck and Clark and
Other Arrangements
Each NEO is eligible to participate in, or receive benefits under, any plan or arrangement made available to our employees, including any health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k), or other retirement programs in accordance with the terms and conditions of such plans or arrangements. Each NEO is entitled to vacation time and reimbursement of business expenses. Each NEO is subject to confidentiality, noninterference and intellectual property protection obligations, either pursuant to an employment agreement or other written agreement. For a description of our Clawback Policy, see "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Other Compensation Components and Considerations-Clawback Policy."
In April 2024,
On May 29, 2024,
62
Table of Contents
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control
The table below presents the estimated value of payments and benefits that each NEO would have been entitled to receive if the specified triggering event had occurred on December 31, 2024. Amounts presented for the vesting of equity awards are calculated based on the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2024, which was $204.97 per share.
Name | Benefit |
Death/Disability ($) |
Change in Control ($) |
Termination Without Cause |
||||||||||
Chad Richison |
Salary continuation | - | - | 832,000(1) | ||||||||||
Annual Incentive Plan bonus | 1,504,882(2) | 1,504,882(3) | 1,504,882(4) | |||||||||||
Continuation of benefits | - | - | 1,149,892(5) | |||||||||||
Total |
1,504,882 |
1,504,882 |
3,486,774 |
|||||||||||
Craig E. Boelte(6) |
Salary continuation | - | - | 545,061(1) | ||||||||||
Annual Incentive Plan bonus | 985,880(2) | 985,880(3) | 985,880(4) | |||||||||||
Continuation of benefits | - | - | 9,546(7) | |||||||||||
Vesting of PSUs | 5,550,178(8) | 1,483,163(9) | 1,483,163(10) | |||||||||||
Vesting of RSAs/RSUs | 8,699,952(11) | -(12) | -(13) | |||||||||||
Total |
15,236,010 |
2,469,043 |
3,023,650 |
|||||||||||
Bradley |
Annual Incentive Plan bonus | 460,105(2) | 460,105(3) | 460,105(4) | ||||||||||
Vesting of PSUs | 2,209,987(8) | 926,874(9) | 926,874(10) | |||||||||||
Vesting of RSAs/RSUs | 7,973,743(11) | -(12) | -(13) | |||||||||||
Total |
10,643,835 |
1,386,979 |
1,386,979 |
|||||||||||
Randy Peck |
Annual Incentive Plan bonus | 460,105(2) | 460,105(3) | 460,105(4) | ||||||||||
Vesting of non-executiveequity awards | 523,083(11) | -(12) | -(13) | |||||||||||
Vesting of PSUs | 1,074,658(8) | 1,074,658(9) | 1,074,658(10) | |||||||||||
Vesting of RSAs/RSUs | 8,761,03311) | -(12) | -(13) | |||||||||||
Total |
10,818,879 |
1,534,763 |
1,534,763 |
|||||||||||
Amy |
Vesting of non-executiveequity awards | 1,626,232(11) | -(12) | -(13) | ||||||||||
Vesting of PSUs | 819,880(8) | 819,880(9) | 819,880(10) | |||||||||||
Vesting of RSAs | 303,766(11) | -(12) | -(13) | |||||||||||
Total |
2,749,878 |
819,880 |
819,880 |
|||||||||||
Jason |
Annual Incentive Plan bonus | 1,081,634(2) | 1,081,634(3) | 1,081,634(4) | ||||||||||
Vesting of PSUs | 556,289(8) | 556,289(9) | 556,289(10) | |||||||||||
Vesting of RSAs/RSUs | 7,320,299(11) | -(12) | -(13) | |||||||||||
Total |
8,958,222 |
1,637,923 |
1,637,923 |
|||||||||||
Chris G. Thomas(14) |
Severance benefits | - | - | 812,876 | ||||||||||
Accelerated vesting of RSAs | - | - | 327,180 | |||||||||||
Total |
- |
- |
1,140,056 |
|||||||||||
Holly Faurot(15) |
Consulting agreement | - | - | 340,456 | ||||||||||
Accelerated vesting of RSAs | - | - | 593,250 | |||||||||||
Total |
- |
- |
933,706 |
|||||||||||
63
Table of Contents
(1) |
The amount presented represents the aggregate amount payable for continuation of base salary for 12 months following the date of termination of employment, per the terms of the NEO's employment agreement. |
(2) |
The Annual Incentive Plan provides that upon death or disability during a performance period, the Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, pay the participant a pro-ratedamount of the incentive compensation that would have been payable to such participant if he or she had remained employed, based on the number of days worked during the performance period. The amount presented reflects the assumption that (i) the termination of service due to death or disability occurred on December 31, 2024 and, as such, the payment would not be subject to such Compensation Committee discretion, and (ii) the participant would have been entitled to the amount of incentive compensation payable based on actual results for the 2024 performance period. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Cash Compensation-Annual Incentive Plan." |
(3) |
The Annual Incentive Plan provides that in the event of a change in control (as defined in the Annual Incentive Plan), we must make a lump-sumcash payment to each participant equal to a pro-ratedamount of the incentive compensation payable to such participant, calculated by multiplying the amount payable for |
(4) |
The Annual Incentive Plan provides that if a participant's employment is terminated during a performance period for any reason other than death or disability, the participant will immediately forfeit any right to receive any incentive compensation for such performance period. If the termination of employment occurs after the performance period has ended but prior to the date of actual payment, the participant will be entitled to payment of an amount not to exceed the amount set forth according to the terms of his or her award. The amount presented reflects the assumption that the triggering event occurred on December 31, 2024, which is the end of the performance period, and, as such, the participant would have been entitled to the amount of incentive compensation payable based on actual results for the 2024 performance period. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Cash Compensation-Annual Incentive Plan." |
(5) |
The amount presented represents (i) the aggregate amount payable for continuation of health insurance benefits for 12 months following the date of termination of employment ($13,478), plus (ii) the aggregate amount payable for |
(6) |
In connection with |
(7) |
The amount presented represents the aggregate amount payable for continuation of health insurance benefits for 12 months following the date of termination of employment, per the terms of |
(8) |
The PSU award agreements provide that the vesting of the PSUs will accelerate at |
(9) |
The PSU award agreements provide that unvested PSUs will remain outstanding in connection with a change in control, absent a subsequent termination of service. If the NEO is terminated without cause (as defined in the applicable award agreement) or the NEO terminates his or her employment for good reason (as defined in the applicable award agreement) in connection with or during the 12-monthperiod following the consummation of a change in control but prior to the applicable vesting date, (i) the 2022 PSUs will vest based on the greater of: (x) the |
(10) |
The PSU award agreements provide that if the NEO is terminated without cause (as defined in the applicable award agreement) or the NEO terminates his or her employment for good reason (as defined in the applicable award agreement), the PSUs shall remain outstanding and eligible for vesting based on the actual achievement of the applicable performance goals, and pro-ratedbased on a fraction, determined by the number of completed days of service from the date of grant through the date of the NEO's termination of service over the total number of days in the performance period. Given the assumption that the triggering event occurred on December 31, 2024, the amount presented reflects (i) the value of shares delivered upon vesting of the second tranche of the 2022 PSUs based on actual achievement for the three-year performance period ended December 31, 2024 (0% payout) and (ii) with respect to 2024 PSUs, the value of shares delivered based on actual achievement for the performance period ended December 31, 2024. |
(11) |
The applicable award agreements provide that unvested RSAs, unvested PSAs or unvested RSUs, as applicable, vest 100% upon the participant's death or termination of service as a result of total and permanent disability (as defined in the applicable award agreement). The restricted stock award agreements governing the terms of awards granted to |
64
Table of Contents
(12) |
Upon a change in control (as defined in the 2014 LTIP or 2023 LTIP, as applicable), (i) the awards will continue in accordance with their terms if they are assumed by the surviving entity (or if the Company is the surviving entity) and (ii) 100% of the RSAs, PSAs or RSUs not previously vested will vest if the award is not assumed by the surviving entity. For purposes of this table, we have assumed that the surviving entity will assume the obligations under the equity award and, as a result, the award will remain outstanding and subject to vesting in accordance with its terms. |
(13) |
All unvested RSAs, unvested PSAs or unvested RSUs, as applicable, would be forfeited on the date of a termination of service without cause or by the NEO for good reason. |
(14) |
On May 29, 2024, the Company and |
(15) |
In April 2024, |
Compensation Risk Assessment
The Compensation Committee has conducted its annual risk analysis of our compensation policies and practices, and does not believe that our compensation programs encourage excessive or inappropriate risk taking by our employees or executives or are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. We believe that our compensation policies and practices include an appropriate balance of short- and long-term incentives as well as fixed and variable features. We also believe that we have established reasonable payout scales and performance goals for Annual Incentive Plan awards and reasonable targets for equity awards with vesting conditions tied to Company financial performance metrics. We believe that these factors, combined with effective oversight by our Board of Directors, discourage excessive or inappropriate risk taking by executives or other employees with respect to matters that may affect compensation.
65
Table of Contents
Year
|
Summary
Compensation Table Total for PEO 1 (1)
($)
|
Summary
Compensation Table Total for PEO 2 (1)
($)
|
Compensation
Actually Paid to PEO 1 (2)
($)
|
Compensation
Actually Paid to PEO 2 (2)
($)
|
Average
Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO
NEOs (3)
($)
|
Average
Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO
NEOs (2)(3)
($)
|
Value of Initial Fixed
$100 Investment Based on: |
Net Income
($) |
Adjusted
EBITDA (6)
($)
|
Revenue
($)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company
TSR (4)
($)
|
Peer
Group TSR (5)
($)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024
|
3,454,117 | 12,088,037 | (65,630,983) | (1,049,574) | 4,104,572 | 2,664,852 | 78.42 | 221.30 | 502,007,687 | 775,442,119 | 1,883,150,778 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023
|
3,118,606 | - | (110,909,644) | - | 13,564,401 | 5,935,253 | 78.45 | 191.27 | 340,787,923 | 719,302,774 | 1,693,673,771 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022
|
3,138,418 | - | (149,491,892) | - | 4,755,734 | 2,468,497 | 117.20 | 126.96 | 281,389,330 | 579,711,116 | 1,375,217,646 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021
|
2,958,410 | - | 62,994,260 | - | 7,891,945 | 3,323,073 | 156.82 | 172.32 | 195,960,264 | 419,286,728 | 1,055,523,820 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
211,131,206 | 352,618,181 | - | 6,724,389 | 15,808,464 | 170.82 | 135.28 | 143,453,418 | 330,816,302 | 841,434,039 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) |
"PEO 1" is
Co-Chief
Executive Officers, or Co-PEOs,
from February 7, 2024 to May 29, 2024. non-PEO
NEO for 2023. |
(2) |
The amounts reported in this column represent "compensation actually paid" to
S-K.
To determine the "compensation actually paid", the amounts reported in the "Total" column of the Summary Compensation Table for 2024 were adjusted as follows: |
2024
|
|||||||||||||||
PEO 1
|
PEO 2
|
Non-PEO
NEOs |
|||||||||||||
Summary Compensation Table Total ($) | 3,454,117 | 12,088,037 | 4,104,572 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments
|
|||||||||||||||
Stock/Unit Awards ($)
|
- | (9,901,078 | ) | (2,727,539 | ) | ||||||||||
Fair Value of Equity Awards ($)
|
|||||||||||||||
Year-End
Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards Granted in the Covered Year ($) |
- | - | 2,741,058 | ||||||||||||
Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards Granted in the Prior Year ($)
|
- | - | (229,562 | ) | |||||||||||
Change in Fair Value of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in the Covered Year ($)
|
- | (164,222 | ) | (87,770 | ) | ||||||||||
Fair Value on Vesting Date of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in the Covered Year ($)
|
- | 816,819 | 3,799 | ||||||||||||
Change in Fair Value of Awards Granted in
|
(69,085,100 | ) | (3,889,130 | ) | (1,139,706 | ) | |||||||||
Total Adjustments for Fair Value of Equity Awards ($)
|
(69,085,100 | ) | (3,236,533 | ) | 1,287,819 | ||||||||||
Compensation Actually Paid
($) |
(65,630,983 | ) | (1,049,574 | ) | 2,664,852 | ||||||||||
(3) |
For 2024, the
non-PEO
NEOs were non-PEO
NEOs were Messrs. Boelte, Thomas, Smith and Clark and non-PEO
NEOs were Messrs. Boelte and Smith, non-PEO
NEOs were Messrs. Boelte, Smith and Evans, non-PEO
NEOs were Messrs. Boelte, Smith, Evans and York. The amounts reported in this column represent the average of the amounts reported in the "Total" column of the Summary Compensation Table for the non-PEO
NEOs in the applicable year. |
(4) |
The amounts reported in this column reflect the Company's cumulative TSR as of December 31 of each year presented, assuming an initial fixed $100 investment on December 31, 2019.
|
(5) |
The amounts reported in this column reflect the cumulative TSR of the S&P 500 Software & Services Index as of December 31 of each year presented, assuming an initial fixed $100 investment on December 31, 2019.
|
(6) |
We define adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization,
non-cash
stock-based compensation expense, certain transaction expenses that are not core to our operations (if any), the change in fair value of our interest rate swap (if any) and loss on the extinguishment of debt (if any). |
Most Important Financial Performance Measures
|
Revenue |
Adjusted EBITDA |
Annual Revenue Retention Rate |
Table of Contents
2024 Pay Ratio Disclosure
CEO Pay Ratios
As required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Regulation S-K,we are providing the following information about the relationship of the 2024 annual total compensation of our median employee, on the one hand, and the 2024 annual total compensation of
Using the methodology described below, we determined that the median employee was a full-time, salaried employee. The median employee's annual total compensation was $81,644 in 2024. The annual total compensation of
Methodology
As of December 30, 2024, our total employee population consisted of 7,270 employees. We annualized salaries of our employees, excluding Messrs. Richison and Thomas, ranking the employees from highest to lowest salary, and selected the median employee from this list. After selecting the median employee, we added any bonus or other supplemental pay to determine the total compensation of the median employee for purposes of this pay ratio disclosure.
Equity Compensation Plan Table
The following table includes information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2024:
Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining for future issuance under equity compensation plans |
||||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
23,304(1) | - | 2,813,435 | (2) | |||||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
- | - | - | ||||||||||||
(1) |
Represents shares issuable upon vesting and settlement of RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2024. |
(2) |
Represents shares that were available for future issuance under the 2023 LTIP as of December 31, 2024. |
69
Table of Contents
Proposal 3: Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation
Pursuant to Section 14A(a)(1) of the Exchange Act, we are asking our stockholders to approve, on an advisory or non-bindingbasis, the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this proxy statement. The vote on this matter is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our NEOs and the policies and practices described in this proxy statement.
Our Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee believe that we maintain a compensation program that is tied to performance, aligns with stockholder interests and merits stockholder support. Accordingly, we are asking our stockholders to approve the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this proxy statement by voting FOR the following resolution:
"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the stockholders hereby approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the named executive officers of the Company, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K,including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion related thereto."
Although this vote is non-binding,the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value the views of our stockholders and will review the results. If there are a significant number of negative votes, we will take steps to understand those concerns that influenced the vote, and consider them in making future decisions about executive compensation.
At the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders, a majority of our stockholders voted in favor of holding an advisory vote to approve executive compensation every year. The Board of Directors considered these voting results and decided to adopt a policy providing for an annual advisory stockholder vote to approve our executive compensation. The next stockholder advisory vote to approve executive compensation will occur at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is required for advisory approval of this proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes "against" this proposal. Broker non-voteswill not affect the outcome of the vote on this proposal.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the compensation of our NEOs, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion following such compensation tables, and the other related disclosures in this proxy statement. |
70
Table of Contents
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Review and Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Parties
We have adopted a formal written policy for the review, approval and ratification of transactions with related parties. The policy covers transactions between the Company and our executive officers, directors, holders of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, and any member of the immediate family of, and any entity affiliated with, any of the foregoing persons. Our Audit Committee reviews transactions between the Company and such persons in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. In approving or rejecting any such proposal, our Audit Committee will consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances of the related party transaction and the related party's relationship and interest in the transaction. A related party transaction will be approved or ratified by our Audit Committee only if the Audit Committee determines that the transaction is fair to us. The transactions with related parties described below were either approved or ratified in accordance with the terms of this policy.
Transactions with Related Parties
Except as set forth below, since January 1, 2024, there have been no transactions in which (i) we have been a participant, (ii) the amount involved in the transaction exceeds or will exceed $120,000 and (iii) any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, or any immediate family member of, or person sharing the household with, any of such individuals, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
We have entered and intend to continue to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors which, subject to certain exceptions, require us to indemnify such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including indemnification against certain expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines or penalties or other amounts paid in settlement in connection with any legal proceedings to which the director was, or is threatened to be made, a party by reason of the fact that such director is or was our director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at our express written request, provided that such director acted in good faith and in a manner that the director reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interest and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, in a manner in which such person would have had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Subject to certain limitations, these indemnification agreements also require us to advance expenses to our directors in advance of the final disposition of any action or proceeding for which indemnification is required or permitted.
71
Table of Contents
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of March 12, 2025, for:
› |
each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our voting securities; |
› |
each of our directors, including our Director Nominees; |
› |
each of our NEOs; and |
› |
all of our directors and current executive officers as a group. |
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 57,852,318 shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 12, 2025, which includes unvested shares of restricted stock.
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
||||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner(1) | Number | % | ||||||||
5% Stockholders: |
||||||||||
The Vanguard Group, Inc.(2) 100 Vanguard Blvd. Malvern, PA 19355 |
5,956,803 | 10.3% | ||||||||
Harris Associates L.P.(3) 111 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4600 Chicago, IL 60606 |
4,051,001 | 7.0% | ||||||||
BlackRock, Inc.(4) 50 Hudson Yards New |
3,687,160 | 6.4% | ||||||||
Polen Capital Management, LLC(5) 1825 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 300 Boca Raton, FL 33431 |
3,485,664 | 6.0% | ||||||||
Ernest Group, Inc.(6) |
3,427,249 | 5.9% | ||||||||
Non-EmployeeDirectors: |
||||||||||
Joseph |
4,847 | * | ||||||||
Henry |
2,985 | * | ||||||||
Frederick C. Peters II(8) |
16,283 | * | ||||||||
Sharen J. Turney(8) |
3,003 | * | ||||||||
Archana Vemulapalli(7) |
710 | * | ||||||||
J. |
7,730 | * | ||||||||
Felicia Williams(8) |
2,607 | * |
72
Table of Contents
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner(1) | Number | % | ||||||
Named Executive Officers: |
||||||||
Chad Richison(9) |
6,077,193 | 10.5% | ||||||
Craig E. Boelte |
260,877 | * | ||||||
Bradley |
58,335 | * | ||||||
Randy Peck(11) |
38,779 | * | ||||||
Amy |
24,190 | * | ||||||
Jason |
40,291 | * | ||||||
Chris G. Thomas |
- | - | ||||||
Holly Faurot(14) |
34,420 | * | ||||||
All directors and current executive officers as a group (13 persons) |
6,284,503 | 10.9% | ||||||
* |
Less than one percent of Common Stock outstanding. |
(1) |
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner in the table above is c/o |
(2) |
Amount reported is based on the Amendment No. 9 to Schedule 13G filed with the |
(3) |
Amount reported is based on the Schedule 13G filed with the |
(4) |
Amount reported is based on the Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13G filed with the |
(5) |
Amount reported is based on the Schedule 13G filed with the |
(6) |
Ernest Group, Inc. ("Ernest Group") is a private corporation owned by |
(7) |
Consists of unvested shares of restricted stock. |
(8) |
Includes 1,216 unvested shares of restricted stock. |
(9) |
Includes 3,427,249 shares of Common Stock owned by Ernest Group, 56 shares of Common Stock owned by the Abrie R. Richison 2012 Irrevocable Trust U/T/A DTD 12/21/2012 (the "ARR Trust"), 328 shares of Common Stock owned by the Ava L. Richison 2012 Irrevocable Trust U/T/A DTD 12/21/2012 (the "ALR Trust"), 328 shares of Common Stock owned by the Ian D. Richison 2012 Irrevocable Trust U/T/A DTD 12/21/2012 (the "IDR Trust"), 1,087 shares of Common Stock owned by the Lane West Richison 2022 Irrevocable Trust (the "LWR Trust"), 1,087 shares of Common Stock owned by the Kase Gabriel Richison 2022 Irrevocable Trust (the "KGR Trust"), 1,087 shares of Common Stock owned by the Sage Elizabeth Richison 2022 Irrevocable Trust (the "SER Trust"), 1,087 shares of Common Stock owned by the Charles Banks Pedersen 2022 Irrevocable Trust ("CBP Trust"), 1,087 shares of Common Stock owned by the Rome West Pedersen 2023 Irrevocable Trust ("RWP Trust"), 1,087 shares of Common Stock owned by the Faye Penelope Richison 2023 Irrevocable Trust ("FPR Trust"), and 12,500 shares of Common Stock owned by the Charis Michelle Richison Trust (the "Spouse Trust", and, collectively with the ARR Trust, the ALR Trust, the IDR Trust, the LWR Trust, the KGR Trust, the SER Trust, the CBP Trust, the RWP Trust and the FPR Trust, the "Richison Trusts"). See note (6) regarding |
(10) |
Includes 26,000 unvested shares of restricted stock and 31,733 shares of Common Stock held by the Bradley Scott Smith Revocable Trust, dated October 30, 2017 (the " |
(11) |
Includes 33,677 unvested shares of restricted stock. |
(12) |
Includes (i) 7,750 unvested shares of restricted stock held and (ii) 18 shares of Common Stock held by |
(13) |
Includes 26,000 unvested shares of restricted stock. |
(14) |
Includes 1,577 shares of Common Stock held by |
73
Table of Contents
Other Matters
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the
Submission of Stockholder Proposals and Nominations
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8under the Exchange Act, some stockholder proposals may be eligible for inclusion in our 2026 proxy statement. In order to be considered for inclusion in our 2026 proxy statement, a stockholder proposal must satisfy the requirements of Rule 14a-8and be timely received. To be timely, any proposal must be received by us at our principal executive offices at or before the close of business (5:00 p.m. local time) on December 4, 2025. If we hold our next annual meeting of stockholders on a date that is more than 30 days from the anniversary of the Annual Meeting, any stockholder proposal must be received a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials. Failure to deliver a proposal in accordance with this procedure may result in the proposal not being deemed timely received. We strongly encourage any stockholder interested in submitting a proposal to consult knowledgeable counsel with regard to the detailed requirements of applicable securities laws. Submitting a stockholder proposal does not guarantee that we will include it in our proxy statement.
In addition, stockholders wishing to nominate a candidate for election to the Board of Directors or propose any business to be presented directly at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders (rather than by inclusion in next year's proxy statement) must follow the submission criteria and deadlines set forth in our Amended and Restated Bylaws. Pursuant to the advance notice provisions of the Amended and Restated Bylaws, we must receive notice at our principal executive offices of any nomination or stockholder proposal to be presented directly at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders no earlier than the close of business on January 5, 2026 and no later than the close of business on February 4, 2026. If the date of the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders is more than 30 days before or 70 days after the one-yearanniversary of the Annual Meeting, such nomination or proposal must be received on or before the later of (i) the close of business on the 90th day prior to the 2026 annual meeting and (ii) the close of business on the 10th day following the date of public disclosure of the 2026 annual meeting date. In each case, the notice must include the information specified in our Amended and Restated Bylaws. We will not entertain any nominations or proposals that do not meet the requirements set forth in our Amended and Restated Bylaws. To request a copy of our Amended and Restated Bylaws, stockholders should contact Investor Relations. See "-Additional Information." We strongly encourage stockholders to seek advice from knowledgeable counsel before submitting a nomination or proposal.
Stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than our nominees must provide notice to our Secretary that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19of the Exchange Act in accordance with and within the time period prescribed in the advance notice provisions of our Amended and Restated Bylaws.
Other Business
The Board of Directors knows of no other business to be brought before the Annual Meeting. If, however, any other business should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote the proxy in accordance with applicable law and as they may deem appropriate in their discretion, unless directed by the proxy to do otherwise.
74
Table of Contents
Financial Statements
A copy of the Form 10-Kfiled with the
75
Table of Contents
Additional Information
Visit our main website at www.paycom.comfor more information about Paycom and our products. Our Investor Relations website at investors.paycom.comcontains stock information, earnings call webcasts, annual reports, corporate governance and historical financial information, and links to our
For questions regarding: |
Contact: |
|
Annual Meeting |
Investor Relations Phone: (855) 603-1620 Email: investors@paycomonline.com Mail: Paycom Software, Inc. Attn: Investor Relations 7501 W. Memorial Road Oklahoma City, |
|
Stock ownership |
If you are a stockholder of record: Equiniti Trust Company, LLC Phone: (800) 937-5449or (718) 921-8124 Email: helpAST@equiniti.com If you hold shares in street name: Your broker, bank or other nominee |
|
Voting |
Alliance Advisors LLC Phone: (212) 616-2181 |
|
If you would like to communicate with the Board of Directors, please refer to the procedures described in "Directors and Corporate Governance-Communications with the Board of Directors."
76
Table of Contents
Appendix A - Non-GAAPReconciliations
Management uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin as supplemental measures to review and assess the performance of our core business operations and for planning purposes. We define (i) adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cashstock-based compensation expense and loss on extinguishment of debt, if any, and (ii) adjusted EBITDA margin as adjusted EBITDA (calculated as described in the preceding clause) divided by total revenues. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are metrics that provide investors with greater transparency to the information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. We believe these metrics are useful to investors because they facilitate comparisons of our core business operations across periods on a consistent basis, as well as comparisons with the results of peer companies, many of which use similar non-GAAPfinancial measures to supplement results under GAAP. In addition, adjusted EBITDA is a measure that provides useful information to management about the amount of cash available for reinvestment in our business, repurchasing Common Stock and other purposes. Management believes that the non-GAAPmeasures presented in this proxy statement, when viewed in combination with our results prepared in accordance with GAAP, provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business and performance.
Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are not measures of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for net income and net income margin, respectively, which we consider to be the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, you should not consider adjusted EBITDA or adjusted EBITDA margin in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, net income margin or other consolidated statements of income data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and other companies may not calculate such measures in the same manner as we do.
Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAPFinancial Measures
(in millions)
Year Ended | |||||
December 31, 2024 |
|||||
Net income to adjusted EBITDA: |
|||||
Net income |
$ | 502.0 | |||
Interest expense |
3.4 | ||||
Provision for income taxes |
147.0 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization |
145.9 | ||||
EBITDA |
798.3 | ||||
Non-cashstock-based compensation expense |
(22.9) | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 775.4 | |||
Net income margin |
26.7% | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 41.2% |
A-1
Table of Contents
Appendix B - Questions and Answers
What is a proxy?
A proxy is another person that you legally designate to vote your stock. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document is also called a "proxy" or a "proxy card."
What is a proxy statement?
A proxy statement is a document that we are required to give you under certain regulations of the
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will act upon the following matters:
(1) |
the election of two Class III directors, each to serve until the date of the 2028 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified, or his earlier death, resignation or removal; |
(2) |
the ratification of the appointment of |
(3) |
the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers; and |
(4) |
such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?
You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. Similarly, if you are a stockholder of record and also hold shares in a brokerage account, you will receive a proxy card for shares held in your name and a voting instruction card for shares held in "street name." Please complete, sign, date and retueach proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
What is the record date and what does it mean?
The record date to determine the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting is the close of business on March 12, 2025 (the "Record Date"). The Record Date is established by the Board of Directors as required by
Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
Subject to the voting procedures set forth below, holders of Common Stock at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
What are the voting rights of the stockholders?
Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share of Common Stock on all matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation prohibits cumulative voting in the election of directors.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present or represented at the Annual Meeting, the chairman of the Annual Meeting or a majority in voting interest of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting may adjouthe meeting, without notice other than announcement at the Annual Meeting, until a quorum is present or represented.
B-1
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a "street name" holder?
If your shares are registered directly in your name with
If your shares are held in a brokerage account or held by a bank or other nominee, the broker, bank or other nominee is considered the record holder of those shares. You are considered the beneficial owner of those shares, and your shares are held in "street name." The proxy statement and proxy card have been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or other nominee. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your nominee regarding how to vote your shares. See "If I hold my shares in "street name," how do I vote my shares?"
If I am a stockholder of record, how do I vote my shares?
If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote your shares of Common Stock in person at the Annual Meeting or you may vote by proxy.
In person. To vote in person, you must attend the Annual Meeting and obtain and submit a ballot. The ballot will be provided at the Annual Meeting.
Via the internet. You may vote by proxy via the internet by following the instructions found on the proxy card.
By telephone. You may vote by proxy by calling the toll-free number found on the proxy card.
By mail. You may vote by proxy by completing, signing, dating and promptly returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope. The proxy card is simple to complete, with specific instructions on the card.
By completing and submitting the proxy card or by submitting your instructions via the internet or by telephone, you will direct the designated persons (known as "proxies") to vote your shares of Common Stock at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions. The Board of Directors has appointed
Your proxy card will be valid only if you sign, date and retuit prior to the Annual Meeting. If you complete the entire proxy card except one or more of the voting instructions, then the designated proxies will vote your shares in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors with respect to each proposal for which you do not provide any voting instructions. We do not anticipate that any other matters will come before the Annual Meeting, but if any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, then the designated proxies will vote your shares in accordance with applicable law and their judgment.
If I hold my shares in "street name," how do I vote my shares?
If you hold your shares in "street name," your broker, bank or other nominee should provide you with a request for voting instructions along with the proxy materials. Reference the materials provided by your broker, bank or other nominee to determine whether you may submit your voting instructions by internet or telephone. You may also direct your nominee how to vote your shares by completing a voting instruction card. If you sign but do not fully complete the voting instruction card, then your nominee may be unable to vote your shares with respect to the proposals for which you provide no voting instructions. Alternatively, if you hold your shares in "street name" and want to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, you must contact your nominee directly in order to obtain a proxy issued to you by your nominee holder. Note that a broker letter that identifies you as a stockholder is not the same as a nominee-issued proxy. If you fail to bring a nominee-issued proxy to the Annual Meeting, you will not be able to vote your "street name" shares in person at the Annual Meeting.
Who counts the votes?
All votes will be tabulated by BetaNXT, Inc., the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting. Votes for each proposal will be tabulated separately.
Can I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?
Yes. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote your shares at the Annual Meeting by completing a ballot at the Annual Meeting.
B-2
Table of Contents
If you hold your shares in "street name," you may vote your shares in person only if you obtain a proxy issued by your broker, bank or other nominee giving you the right to vote the shares and you bring such proxy to the Annual Meeting.
Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also retuyour proxy card or voting instructions as described above so that your votes will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting or are unable to attend.
What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?
If you are a record holder who returns a signed proxy card that does not specify how you want to vote your shares on one or more proposals, the proxies will vote your shares for each proposal as to which you did not provide any voting instructions, and such shares will be voted in the following manner:
Proposal 1 |
- |
FORthe election of each of the Class III director nominees; |
||
Proposal 2 |
- |
FORthe ratification of the appointment of |
||
Proposal 3 |
- |
FORthe advisory approval of the compensation of our named executive officers. |
If you are a "street name" holder and do not provide voting instructions on one or more proposals, your broker, bank or other nominee may be unable to vote your shares on all of the proposals other than the ratification of the appointment of
Can I change my vote?
Yes. If you are a record holder, you may revoke your proxy by any of the following means:
• |
Give written notice of revocation, addressed to |
• |
Complete and submit a new valid proxy bearing a later date prior to 4:00 p.m. local time on May 2, 2025. |
• |
Attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. Your attendance at the Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke a proxy. You must vote your shares by ballot during the Annual Meeting to revoke your proxy. |
If you are a "street name" holder, your broker, bank or other nominee should provide instructions explaining how you may change or revoke your voting instructions.
How many votes are required to elect the Class III directors (Proposal 1)?
Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Bylaws, directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, which means that the number of shares voted "for" a nominee's election exceeds the number of shares voted "against" such nominee's election. Abstentions and broker non-votesare not counted as votes cast either "for" or "against" a nominee's election. Any incumbent director who fails to receive a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would then make a recommendation to the Board of Directors about whether to accept the resignation. The Board of Directors would consider and act on the tendered resignation, taking into account the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's recommendation, within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote, and thereafter would promptly disclose its decision whether to accept the director's tendered resignation (and, if applicable, the reasons for rejecting the resignation) in a press release.
How many votes are required to approve the other proposals (Proposals 2 and 3)?
Approval of the ratification of the appointment of
B-3
Table of Contents
Your votes with respect to the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal 3) is advisory, which means the results of such vote is not binding on us, the Board of Directors and the committees of the Board of Directors. Although non-binding,the Board of Directors and its committees value the opinions of our stockholders and will review and consider the voting results when making future decisions.
What is a broker non-vote?
A broker non-voteoccurs when a broker holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Broker non-votesare included in the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum. If you hold your shares in "street name" and you do not instruct your broker how to vote your shares, no votes will be cast on your behalf with respect to any proposal other than the ratification of the appointment of
Do I have any dissenters' or appraisal rights with respect to any of the matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting?
No.
How are proxies being solicited and what are the costs? Who pays the solicitation costs?
Proxies are being solicited by the Board of Directors on behalf of the Company, and the Company will pay any solicitation costs. We have retained
Are there any other matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting?
Management does not intend to present any business for a vote at the Annual Meeting other than the matters set forth in the Notice and has no information that others will do so. If other matters requiring a vote of the stockholders properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the shares represented by the proxies held by them in accordance with applicable law and their judgment on such matters.
Where can I find voting results?
We plan to publish the voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K,which we expect to file with the
Who can help answer my questions?
The information provided above in this "Question and Answer" format is for your convenience only and is merely a summary of certain information contained in this proxy statement. We urge you to carefully read this entire proxy statement, including the documents referred to in this proxy statement. If you have any questions or need additional material, please feel free to contact Investor Relations at (855) 603-1620or investors@paycomonline.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 5, 2025 |
||||||
In addition to delivering paper copies of these proxy materials to you by mail, this notice and the accompanying proxy statement, form of proxy and 2024 Annual Report are available at www.proxydocs.com/PAYC. |
B-4
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
styleIPC Your vote P.O. BOX 8016,
Table of Contents
Attachments
Disclaimer
Proxy Statement (Form DEF 14A)
Proxy Statement (Form DEF 14A)
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News