Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
| ☑ | Filed by the Registrant | ☐ | Filed by a party other than the Registrant | |
| CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX: |
| ☐ | | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| ☑ | | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | | Definitive Additional Materials |
| ☐ | | Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 |
Progress Software Corporation
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
| PAYMENT OF FILING FEE (CHECK ALL BOXES THAT APPLY): |
| ☑ | | No fee required |
| ☐ | | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
| ☐ | | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
Table of Contents
2023 Notice of Annual
Meeting & Proxy Statement
Progress Software Corporation
15 Wayside Road, Suite 400
Burlington, MA 01803
Table of Contents
Our Values:
ProgressPROUD
Our values drive our everyday, keeping us connected, inspired and moving forward.
ProgressPROUD represents the fundamental beliefs that guide our actions and are core to who we are. Our values revolve around trust, collaboration, accountability, adaptability and respect. Our adherence to these values reinforces who Progress is as an employer and trusted software provider.
| | P | | | | R | | | | O | | | | U | | | | | D | |
| PROGRESS
collaboratively | | P
PROGRESS
collaboratively
| | | R
RESPECT
differences
and diversity
| | | | O
OWN
our tomorrow
today
| | | | UPHOLD
trust | | | | U
UPHOLD
trust
| | | D
DARE
to innovate
| |
| We work closely as a team to deliver outstanding results. | | Close relationships and spirited teamwork move us forward.
| | | DistinctWe use our different viewpoints and backgrounds to improve our work culture and success.
culture. | | | | We take initiative and are accountable for the outcomes. | | | | We are ready to help when our customers and colleagues need us most. | | | | We question the status quo and identify ways to improve how we work. | | Our initiative, seen through to completion, secures future results.
| | | Consistently keeping our promises earns loyalty.
| | | | Our bold thinking drives tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
| |
 | | 
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Table of Contents
Letter From Our Chair
|
|
Headquartered in
Burlington,
Massachusetts, USA Offices across North America, Europe, Latin America, EMEA and
Asia Pacific |
|
March 29, 2023
To Our Shareholders:
We invite you to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Progress Software Corporation (“Progress,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), which will be held on May 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The Annual Meeting will be conducted via live webcast to facilitate stockholder attendance and participation from any location around the world. Shareholders will be able to submit questions before and during the meeting using online tools, providing our shareholders with the opportunity for meaningful engagement with the Company. For instructions on attending the Annual Meeting virtually and voting your shares, please see “About the Meeting and Voting” in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
The following Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and accompanying Proxy Statement contain details regarding admission to the virtual meeting and the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and voted during the meeting. We urge you to promptly vote and submit your proxy via the Internet, by phone or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed envelope. If you attend the Annual Meeting online, you can vote online even if you have previously submitted your proxy.
We will also provide a recording of the Annual Meeting on our Investor Relations website at http://investors.progress.com/. We hope this will allow those who cannot attend the meeting to hear Progress discuss 2022 and our goals for 2023 at their convenience. As always, you can find a variety of pertinent information about Progress on our Investor Relations website.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing many of you at the virtual Annual Meeting.
John R. Egan
Board Chair
 |
March 27, 2024
To Our Stockholders:
We invite you to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Progress Software Corporation (“Progress,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), which will be held on May 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The Annual Meeting will be conducted via live webcast to facilitate stockholder attendance and participation from any location around the world. Stockholders will be able to submit questions before and during the meeting using online tools, providing our stockholders with the opportunity for meaningful engagement with the Company. For instructions on attending the Annual Meeting virtually and voting your shares, please see “About the Meeting and Voting” in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
The following Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and accompanying Proxy Statement contain details regarding admission to the virtual meeting and the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and voted during the meeting. We urge you to promptly vote and submit your proxy via the internet, by phone or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed envelope. If you attend the Annual Meeting online, you can vote online even if you have previously submitted your proxy.
We will also provide a recording of the Annual Meeting on our Investor Relations website at http://investors.progress.com/. We hope this will allow those who cannot attend the meeting to hear Progress discuss 2023 and our goals for 2024 at their convenience. As always, you can find a variety of pertinent information about Progress on our Investor Relations website.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing many of you at the virtual Annual Meeting.
John R. Egan
Board Chair
20232024 Proxy Statement | 1 |
Table of Contents
Letter From Our Board of Directors
March 29, 202327, 2024
To Our Shareholders:Stockholders:
This past year, our world experienced devastating wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as continued inflationary pressures and high interest rates. And disruption from accelerating AI adoption created opportunities and challenges for businesses around the world emerged from COVID lockdowns, new geopolitical tensions and economic volatility arose onworld. In addition to these macro factors, our customers around the globe were attacked by a global scale. From conflictcybercriminal group that exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Ukraine, to rising inflation rates and continuation of the great resignation, 2022 presented more than its share of business and societal challenges.our MOVEit product. Throughout all this, Progress remained strong and focused on delivering value and support to our customers, resulting in this worsening global environment with steady demand across virtually all markets and product lines. Active employee engagement and positive employee experience levels contributed to the retention of strong teams, which executed well throughout the year and delivered results ahead of plan.
The Board is encouraged that despite the challenges in 2022,As ever, Progress never wavered in its devotion toremained focused on business continuity, customer commitment, resiliency and delivering sustainable stockholder value. Throughout the year,2023, the Board and executive leadership collaborated closely to ensure that Progress met its commitments, and the financial, strategic and business results delivered in fiscal 2022 bore2023 demonstrated why this out.approach works.
Our Performance
In fiscal 2022,2023, we further advanced our strategic plan of delivering meaningful stockholder value through our Total Growth Strategy while delivering solid financial annual results. Our business, across core and newly integrated products, remains well-positionedwell positioned for continuingcontinued success. By building on our decades-long track record of delivering the trusted products to develop, deploy and manage high-impact applications that our customers and partners have relied on for more than forty years, we have navigated the recent geopolitical and economicmarketplace turbulence with confidence.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The Board is enormously proud of how Progress and its employees performed, not just in their day-to-day responsibilities, but in their commitment to advancing our Corporate Social Responsibility program, Progress for Tomorrow, whichTomorrow. It focuses on building a culture focused on inclusion, diversity and belonging, supporting the communities in which we live and driving sustainability best practices.
Director Nominations and Corporate Governance
This year’s Board nominees represent a wide range of backgrounds and expertise. We believe our diversity of experiences, perspectives and skills contributes to the Board’s effectiveness in managing risk and providing guidance that positions Progress for long-term success in a dynamically changing business environment. Of our nine Board nominees, eight are independent, which includes our Board Chair and all Committeecommittee members. This Proxy Statement describes Progress’ corporate governance policies and practices that foster the Board’s effective oversight of the Company’s business strategies and practices.
Executive Compensation
Consistent with our pay-for-performance philosophy, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors emphasized alignment with our long-term business goals in designing our executive compensation programs for 2022.2023. Our executive compensation programs for 20222023 reflected management’s continued commitment to our strategic plan.
Looking Ahead
For fiscal 2023,2024, the Board looks forward to advancing the Company’s strategic plan. We are cognizant of the challenges and uncertainty posed by increasing volatility in the global markets in achieving company goals, but remain diligent in our work and confident in Progress’ outlook.
Thank you for your ongoing support – wesupport. We appreciate the opportunity to represent your interests as shareholders.stockholders.
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Notice of Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders
You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting online.
Voting Items
| Proposals | | Board Vote
Recommendation | | For Further
Details |
| | | | | |
| 1 | |
1 | Elect nine directors to serve until the 20242025 Annual Meeting | | “FOR” each
director nominee | | Page 15 |
| | Page 15 |
| | | | | | |
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| | | | | | |
| 2 | | Advisory vote to approve the fiscal 20222023 compensation of our named executive officers (“say-on-pay” vote) | | “FOR” | | Page 45 |
| | “FOR” | | Page 46 |
| | | | | | |
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| 3 | | Advisory vote onApprove an increase in the frequencynumber of “say-on-pay” votesshares authorized for issuance under the 2008 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “2008 Plan”) | | “FOR” | | Page 81 |
| | “ONE YEAR” | | Page 83 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
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4 | Approve an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) | | “FOR” | | Page 84 |
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54 | | Ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our current fiscal year | | “FOR” | | “FOR” | Page 8891 |
| | | | | | | |
Other matters properly brought before the meeting may also be considered.
Please vote your shares before the meeting, even if you plan to attend the meeting. Further information about how to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, vote your shares during the meeting and submit questions during the meeting is included in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
Your broker will not be able to vote your shares on the election of directors, the say-on-pay vote the frequency of say-on-pay vote or the approval of an increase in shares under the ESPP,2008 Plan, unless you give your broker specific instructions to do so. A complete list of registered shareholdersstockholders will be available for examination during the Annual Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
YuFan Stephanie Wang
Secretary
Burlington, Massachusetts
March 29, 202327, 2024
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please promptly vote and submit your proxy.
Date and Time
Day, May 11, 2023
9, 2024
10:00 AM ET
Virtual Meeting
www.virtualshareholdermeeting. com/PRGS2023www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2024
Who Can Vote
ShareholdersStockholders as of March 15, 2023,20, 2024, are entitled to vote
How to Vote
Internet
Telephone
1-800-690-6903
Internet
Mailwww.proxyvote.com
Telephone
1-800-690-6903
Mail
Complete, sign and promptly mail the proxy card in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope
During the Meeting
www.virtualshareholdermeeting. com/PRGS2023www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2024
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held on May 11, 2023:9, 2024: This Proxy Statement and our 20222023 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at: www.proxyvote.com
20232024 Proxy Statement | 3 |
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
| 4 | |
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20232024 Proxy Statement | 5 |
Table of Contents
Business Overview
Hundreds of thousands of enterprises, including 1,700 software companies and 3.5 million developers, depend on us to achieve their goals—with confidence.
| | Dedicated to propelling business forward in a technology-driven world, Progress helps businesses drive faster cycles of innovation, fuel momentum and accelerate their path to success. As the trusted provider of the best products to develop, deploy and manage high-impact applications, we enable customers to develop the applications and experiences they need, deploy where and how they want and manage it all safely and securely.
Our strategic plan continues to produce results and is centered around our Total Growth Strategy, the three-pillar approach focused on: investing and innovating in our current product portfolio, customer retention and growth through accretive acquisition.
|
Our Strategy
| | | Progress provides software that enables organizations to develop and deploy their mission-critical applications and experiences, as well as effectively manage their data platforms, cloud and IT infrastructure. As an experienced, trusted provider, we make the lives of technology professionals easier. The Progress Total Growth Strategy is to invest and innovate, acquire and integrate great businesses, and drive customer success. We invest in our products, our people and in how we run the business. Our investments result in industry-leading products, built and supported by engaged employees. |
| Over 4 million developers and technologists at hundreds of thousands of enterprises depend on Progress. | |
| |
Our Strategy
| | |
Trusted Provider of the Best Products to Develop, Deploy and Manage High-Impact Applications
● A key elementOur broad portfolio of our strategy is centered on providing the platformproducts falls into four distinct categories: engaging experiences; content, logic and tools enterprises need to develop, deployinsights; data platforms; and manage modern, strategic business applications. infrastructure management. ●We empower customers with market-leading products in each of these categories, so their businesses can thrive. ●We offer these products and tools to both new and existing customers and partners as well as our existing partner and customer ecosystems.partners. This strategy builds on our vast experience in application development that we’ve acquired over the past 4040+ years. | | Focus on Customer and Partner Retention to Drive Recurring Revenue and Profitability
●Our financial stability, staying power and commitment to innovation propels customers forward with confidence. ●Our ability to succeed is driven by our organizational philosophy and operating principles focus primarilyfocused on customer and partner retention, andtheir success and a streamlined operating approach to more efficiently drive predictable and stable recurring revenue and high levels of profitability. |
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●We are pursuing growth driven by accretive acquisitions of businesses within the infrastructure software space, with products that appeal to both IT organizations and individual developers.
●These acquisitions must meet strict financial and other criteria, with the goal of driving significant stockholder returns by providing scale and increased cash flows.
● In April 2019, we acquiredWe have made four significant acquisitions in five years, Ipswitch, Inc. and in October 2020, we acquired(April 2019), Chef Software Inc. and in November 2021, we acquired(October 2020), Kemp Technologies, Inc. (November 2021) and in January 2023, we acquired MarkLogic Corporation. These acquisitions met our strict financial criteria.Corporation (February 2023). | | Thoughtful Capital Allocation Strategy
●Our capital allocation policy emphasizes accretive M&A, which allows us to expand our business and drive significant stockholder returns, andreturns. It utilizes share repurchases and dividends to return capital to shareholders.stockholders. ●We intend to repurchase our shares in sufficient quantities to offset dilution from our equity plans. Lastly, weWe also return a significant portion of our annual cash flows from operations to shareholdersstockholders in the form of dividends. |
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Table of Contents
Business Overview
Fiscal 20222023 Financial Highlights*Highlights
| | | | |
| Revenue | | Cash Flow from Operations | |
| $192M 8% 694Mfrom FY2021
| | Revenue
$602M 
| |
| ▲ 13%15% from FY2021FY2022 | | ▼ 9% from FY2022 | | Operating Income
$132M
14% from FY2021
| | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Annualized recurring revenue
(“ARR”) of | | | | Stockholder-focused capital
allocation | |
| Adjusted Free Cash
Flow$574 million$189M
as of the end of fiscal 2023, 6%increased 17% from FY2021year-over-year on a constant currency basis | | Exceeded our
non-GAAP
operating income
target | | Non-GAAP
RevenueOver $65 million$611M
10% of capital returned to stockholders in fiscal 2023, including more than $31 million in dividendsfrom FY2021 | | Non-GAAP Operating
Income
$242M
6% from FY2021
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
| 100% NRR net retention rate
as of the end of fiscal 2023, illustrating our predictable and durable revenue performance | |
| Annualized Recurring
Revenue
$497M
4% from FY2021
| | Diluted EPS
$2.15
22% from FY2021
| | |
| | |
| Operating Margin
Successful integration of MarkLogic, which closed in February 202322%
(Flat) YoY
| |
| | |
| | |
| | | | Key product releases, including Developer Tools, Sitefinity, WhatsUp Gold, LoadMaster 360 and Flowmon ADS | |
| Dividends
$31M
Paid directly to shareholders
| | Non-GAAP Diluted
EPS
$4.13
7% from FY2021
| 2024 Proxy Statement | | Non-GAAP Operating
Margin 7
40%
 100bps from FY2021
|
* | Please refer to Appendix A for reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP selected financial measures |
Table of Contents
Business Overview
Praise for Progress
We are proud to share that our company and its leaderswe continue to be recognized by the industry as a “Best Employer”top place to work and for our corporate social responsibility work, including our efforts to be an inclusive organization.
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Table of Contents
Business Overview
Corporate Social Responsibility
Each year, we focus on supporting our people, engaging with our global community and taking tangible steps to leave our planet better than we found it. In 2022,2023, Progress and our employees provideddonated close to half a million dollars in donations, supplies and volunteer hours$315,000 to over 130330 certified charitable organizations worldwide. Inside our walls, we expanded our Employee Resource Groups, held 55 inclusive trainings to foster leadership and reduce bias, granted a one-time bonus to reduce economic stressors and advanced the work of our Earth Team to ensure a more sustainable future.
| | | | | | |
| Our Planet ●Migrated to LED lights at our corporate headquarters to improve energy consumption. ●Reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon footprint by 15%, energy use by 28% and CO2 footprint by 3% in locations we have operated in the past two years. ●Replaced disposable cups and utensils with reusable ones across Progress offices to enhance internal sustainability practices. | | | | Inclusion and Diversity ●Scored an 86% inclusion and belonging score in employee engagement survey, on par with the top 25% of technical companies with similar profiles. ●40+ activities hosted by employee resource groups and the Inclusion and Diversity Committee to support an inclusive, psychologically safe working environment. ●Named one of the top 23 employers in Massachusetts with standout DE&I practices by the Boston Globe. | |
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| Environment
● Established programs including the “Small Sustainability Steps Challenge,” offering monthly challenges for Progressers to better integrate sustainability into business practices.
● Extended our carbon impact initiative by tracking company vehicle footprints, as well as the impact of our servers used in off-site data centers.
● Advanced sustainability practices by discontinuing the purchase and usage of plastic cups and utensils across Progress offices.
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| | Inclusion and Diversity
● Hosted Inclusion and Diversity training on inclusive leadership and psychological safety.
● Earned recognition from The Boston Club as one of only nine of the largest 100 publicly traded companies in Massachusetts with a “critical mass of women directors and executive officers.”
● Expanded Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to include ENABLE, which supports people with differing abilities.
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Employee Engagement
Our People ● Added a new commitment to our U.S. health plan to reimburse all U.S. employeesHosted Inclusive Leadership training for travel expenses to receive healthcare services not available in their home state.● Continued Progress’ position as a “Best Employer,” receiving new recognitions from leading industry organizations including Forbes, Inc., The Boston Globe and Boston Business Journal.
● Granted a one-time bonus of approximately one week’s pay to employees, in part, to offset growing concerns about market inflation.
| | Community and Giving
● Progress and its employees donated close to half a million dollars in donations, supplies, volunteer hourspeople managers, created internally with Progress-specific models, real-world examples and more to over 130 certified charitable organizations worldwide.
maximize impact. ● ExpandedOffered mental health sessions to promote work/life balance and stress management, as well as a well-being platform. ●Launched the Team Enablement Portal, a one-stop shop for a variety of practical toolkits and resources to help our Charitable Giving Program frompeople thrive and engage with each other in a hybrid work environment. | | | | Our Global Community ●Employee resource groups raised close to $20k in giving efforts, and hosted multiple item drives for shelters, veterans and children in need. ●Supported humanitarian and social causes around the U.S. to global, donating to more than 40 causes nominated by our employees, worldwide.globe, including rescue and recovery endeavors in Turkey, Syria and Maui; LGBTQ+ rights; racial justice and equity; and humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza. ●Granted scholarships to fourfive new women in the U.S., Bulgaria and India, as part of our global Women in STEM Scholarship series. | |
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Table of Contents
Proxy Statement Summary
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. For more complete information about these and other topics, please review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 20222023 (the “Annual Report”), and this entire Proxy Statement.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card, including an Internet link to our previously filed Annual Report, were first made available to shareholdersstockholders on or about March 29, 2023.27, 2024.
 | | | |
1 | Proposal
1 | Election of Nine Directors | 
The Board recommends a vote FOR each director nominee. > See page 15 |
| | | | |
The Board of Directors and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe the nine Board nominees possess the skills, experience and diversity to effectively monitor performance, provide oversight and advise management on the Company’s long-term strategy.
Director Nominees
| | | | | Director
Since | | Other Public
Boards | | Committee Membership |
| Name and Primary Occupation | Age | | | | AC | | CC | | NC | | M&A |
 | John R. Egan  Board Chair Managing Partner, Carruth Management, LLC | 65 | | 2011 | | 3 | | | | | |  | | |
 | Paul T. Dacier General Counsel, Indigo Agriculture, Inc. | 65 | | 2017 | | 1 | | | | | |  | | |
 | Rainer Gawlick Board Member, Proto Labs, Inc. | 55 | | 2017 | | 1 | | | | | | | | |
 | Yogesh Gupta President and CEO,
Progress Software Corporation | 62 | | 2016 | | 1 | | | | | | | | |
 | Charles F. Kane Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan | 65 | | 2006 | | 2 | |  | | | | | | |
 | Samskriti Y. King CEO, Veracode, Inc. | 49 | | 2018 | | 1 | | | | | | | |  |
 | David A. Krall Strategic Advisor, Roku, Inc. | 62 | | 2008 | | 2 | | | | | | | | |
 | Angela T. Tucci Chair, AnitaB.org Institute for Women and Technology | 56 | | 2018 | | –— | | | | | | | | |
 | Vivian Vitale, NACD.DC Principal, Vivian Vitale Consulting, LLC | 69 | | 2019 | | 1 | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Director
Since | | Other Public
Boards | | Committee Membership |
| Name and Primary Occupation | | Age | | | | AC | | CC | | NC | | M&A |
 | John R. Egan 
Board Chair
Managing Partner, Carruth Management, LLC | | 66 | | 2011 | | 2 | | | | | |  | | |
 | Paul T. Dacier
Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP | | 66 | | 2017 | | 1 | | | | | |  | | |
 | Rainer Gawlick
Board Chair, Proto Labs, Inc. | | 56 | | 2017 | | 1 | | | | | | | | |
 | Yogesh Gupta
President and CEO, Progress Software Corporation | | 63 | | 2016 | | 1 | | | | | | | | |
 | Charles F. Kane
Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan | | 66 | | 2006 | | 2 | |  | | | | | | |
 | Samskriti Y. King
CEO, Veracode, Inc. | | 50 | | 2018 | | 1 | | | | | | | | |
 | David A. Krall
Strategic Advisor, Roku, Inc. | | 63 | | 2008 | | 2 | | | | | | | | |
 | Angela T. Tucci
Chair, Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology | | 57 | | 2018 | | — | | | | | | | | |
 | Vivian Vitale, NACD.DC
Principal, Vivian Vitale Consulting, LLC | | 70 | | 2019 | | 1 | | | | | | | | |
| AC | Audit Committee | |  | Chair |
| CC | Compensation Committee |  |  | Member |
| NC | Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |  |  | Chair and Financial Expert |
| M&A | Mergers & Acquisitions / Strategy Committee | | | Independent |
| 10 | |
Table of Contents
Proxy Statement Summary
Key Board Qualifications, Expertise and Attributes
The table and graphs below summarize the director nominees’ experience and the qualifications, skills and attributes most relevant to nominate candidates to serve on the Board. See “Nominees for Directors” for additional details regarding our nominees’ experience and backgrounds.
 | 07 |  | 09 |  | 05 |
| Cybersecurity | Leadership | Finance and Accounting |
| | | | | | |
 | 09 |  | 06 |  | 09 |
| Technology/Software Industry | Go-to-Market/Sales | Strategy |
| | | | | | |
 | 05 |  | 09 |  | 09 |
| Product Development | Public Company Board
Service and Governance | Mergers & Acquisitions |
| | | | |
 | 05 |  | 06 | | |
| Human Capital Management | CSR/ESG | | |
Board Snapshot
| Independence | Diversity of Tenure | Diversity of
Background | Diversity of Age |
 |  |  |  |
| | | | |
| 89% | are
independent | 56% | have served
less than
8 years | 66% | are diverse
in gender,
ethnicity or
nationality | 56% | are younger
than 65 |
 07
2024 Proxy Statement | | |  09 11
| | |  05
|
| | | | | | |
Cybersecurity | | | Leadership | | | Finance and Accounting |
| | | | | | |
 09
| | |  06
| | |  09
|
| | | | | | |
Technology/Software Industry | | | Go-to-Market/Sales | | | Strategy |
| | | | | | |
 05
| | |  09
| | |  09
|
| | | | | | |
Product Development | | | Public Company Board
Service and Governance | | | Mergers & Acquisitions |
| | | | | | |
 05
| | |  06
| | | |
| | | | | | |
Human Capital Management | | | CSR/ESG | | | |
Board Snapshot
Independence | | Diversity of Tenure | | Diversity of
Background | | Diversity of Age |
| | | | | | |
 | |  | |  | |  |
| | | | | | |
● Independent: 8
● Not Independent: 1
| | ● Shorter-term (1-5 years): 3
● Mid-range (6-10 years): 3
● Longer-term (>10 years): 3
| | ● Diverse: 5
● Non-Diverse: 4
| | ● In 40s: 1
● In 50s: 2
● In 60s: 6
|
| | | | | | |
| | 67%have served
less than
8 years
| | 56%are diverse
in gender,
ethnicity or
nationality
| | |
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Table of Contents
Proxy Statement Summary
Board Effectiveness
Our Board takes a multi-faceted approach to continually assess Board composition and evaluating the effectiveness of the Board.
| | | | | | | | |
| Practices Contributing
to Board Effectiveness✔Chair and CEO positions have been separate since 2012 ✔8 of 9 directors are independent ✔All committee members are independent ✔Independent directors meet in executive session without the CEO at every regularly scheduled Board meeting 3 of 9 directors are female
✔Strong Board Diversity | | | Relevant Skills Enhanced in the
Past 5 Years✔Technology/Software Industry ✔Organizational effectiveness, culture and people management (human capital management) | | | Meaningful
RefreshmentBalanced Tenure✔5 of 8 independent directors have a tenure of 67 years or less ✔All directors are elected annually ✔We have adopted a director resignation policy for directors |
| | | | | | | |
Active and Engaged Board
We have an active and engaged Board that is committed to fulfilling its fiduciary duty to act in good faith in the best interests of Progress and its shareholders.stockholders. The number of Board and committee meetings held in fiscal year 20222023 (December 1, 20212022 – November 30, 2022)2023) is set forth below.
| | 20222023 Meetings |
| Board | 5 | 10 |
| Audit Committee | 10 | 14 |
| Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee | 3 | 4 |
| Compensation Committee | 5 | 6 |
| Mergers & Acquisitions Committee | 4 | 5 |
5
10
Total Board meetings
in 2022 2023 | | 29
Total committee meetings
in 2023 |
| 98%
Average attendance rate | 22
Total Committee meetings
in 2022
100%
97%
Average attendance rate |
| 12 | |
Table of Contents
Proxy Statement Summary
| | | |
2 | Proposal
2 | Advisory Vote to Approve Fiscal 20222023 Executive Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers (Say-on-Pay Vote) |
The Board recommends a vote FORthis proposal. > See page 4645 |
| | | |
Executive Compensation Philosophy
The Compensation Committee’s philosophy is to tie executive pay to performance to incentivize the achievement of outstanding returns to our shareholdersstockholders and to drive the creation of sustainable long-term stockholder value. Consistent with this pay-for-performance philosophy, the Compensation Committee, in designing our executive compensation programs for 2022,2023, emphasized alignment with our long-term business goals.
20222023 Executive Compensation Highlights
● | Base Salariessalaries for our named executive officers targeted at market competitive levels |
| |
● | 100% of annual cash bonuses for our named executive officers tied to achieving pre-established financial objectives that are difficult to attain and require achievement that is closely linked to our annual operating plan and budget and publicly announced expectations |
| |
● | Payouts under the annual cash bonuses capped at 150% of target amounts |
Annual target equity opportunity for our named executive officers:
● | | Annual target equity opportunity for our named executive officers: ●70% of annual equity award is performance-based: |
| | |
| ● | 50% was delivered in the form of stock awards tied to three-year relative total shareholderstockholder return and cumulative operating income metrics |
| | |
| ● | 20% was delivered in the form of stock options |
| |
● | 30% was delivered in the form of time-based restricted stock units |
Compensation Governance Highlights
| | What We Do |  | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| What We Do |  | | | | What We Don’t Do |   | |
| | ✔Grant performance-based equity awards with performance measures that span three years ✔Utilize different measures for performance equity awards and cash incentives ✔Clawback Policy: committed to updatingadopted updated compensation recovery policy in line with the Security and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) updated clawback rules and Nasdaq’s final listing standards ✔Cap the amount our executives can earn under our annual incentive plans | | | | ✖No guaranteed salary increases or performance-based bonuses | |
| | | | | | |
20232024 Proxy Statement | 13 |
Table of Contents
Proxy Statement Summary
| | | |
3 | Proposal
3 | Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Say-on-Pay Votes |
The Board recommends a vote for ONE YEAR on this proposal.
> See page 83
|
| | | |
We currently hold a say-on-pay vote every year because it enables shareholders to timely vote on executive pay and pay practices, which enables us to consider and respond to any concerns identified on a timely basis. Our Board of Directors believes it is most appropriate to retain the practice of conducting an advisory vote on executive compensation every year. Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends that you vote for an annual advisory vote on executive compensation. Please see page 83 for additional details on this proposal.
| | | |
| Proposal
4 | Approve an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 1991 Employee2008 Stock PurchaseOption and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated |
The Board recommends a vote FORthis proposal. > See page 8481 |
| | | | |
We are asking our shareholdersstockholders to approve an amendment toincrease in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Progress Software Corporation 1991 Employee2008 Stock PurchaseOption and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “ESPP”“2008 Plan”), to increase the authorized number of shares reserved under the ESPP.. On March 17, 2023,19, 2024, our Board of Directors unanimously approved an increase in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP2008 Plan by 1,000,000 shares to a total of 11,250,000 shares,4,665,000, which is subject to stockholder approval at the Annual Meeting. Our Board of Directors believes that the availability of an adequate reserve of shares for issuance under the ESPP will benefit us by providing employees with an opportunity2008 Plan is essential to acquire shares of our common stock and will enable us to attract, retainmaintain our competitive position with respect to recruiting and motivate valued employees. Please see page 84 for additional details on this proposal.retaining highly skilled and engaged personnel.
| | | |
4 | Proposal
5 | Ratify the Selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Our Current Fiscal Year |
The Board recommends a vote FORthis proposal. > See page 8891 |
| | | | |
Based on the Audit Committee’s assessment of Deloitte & Touche LLP’s qualifications and performance, it believes their retention for fiscal year 20232024 is in the best interests of the Company.
| | | | |
| | | |
| Experience and effectiveness | | Strong independence controls |
| | Thorough Audit Committee oversight
|
✔Effective audit plans and efficient fee structures ✔Maintaining continuity avoids disruption | | | Strong independence controls ✔Thorough Audit Committee oversight ✔Robust pre-approval policies and limits on non-audit services |
Maintaining continuity avoids disruption
| | ✔Deloitte’s strong internal independence procedures and regulatory framework |
| | | | |
| 14 | |
Table of Contents
| | | |
Proposal
1 | Election of Directors | The Board recommends a vote FOR each director nominee. |
| | | |
14 | |
Table of Contents
| | | |
| Proposal
1 | Election of Directors |
The Board recommends a vote FOR each director nominee.
|
| | | |
Nominees
Nine individuals have been nominated for election at the Annual Meeting to hold office until the 20242025 Annual Meeting. The nominees were evaluated and recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in accordance with its charter and our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board of Directors and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe the nine Board nominees possess the skills, experience and diversity to effectively monitor performance, provide oversight and advise management on the Company’s long-term strategy. For additional information about the nominees and their qualifications, please see the sections of this Proxy Statement entitled “Director Nomination Process” and “Nominees for Directors.”
Each director elected at the Annual Meeting will hold office until the next Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders or special meeting in lieu of such an Annual Meeting or until their successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or directors. Each of the director nominees named in this Proxy Statement has agreed to serve as a director if elected and we have no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve. If, before the Annual Meeting, one or more nominees named in this Proxy Statement should become unable to serve or for good cause will not serve, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote the shares represented by any proxy received by our Board of Directors for such other person or persons as may thereafter be nominated for director by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Board of Directors.
Our Director Resignation Policy
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines set forth our director resignation policy for directors, which provides that any nominee for election to the Board in an uncontested election who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from their election than votes “for” such election is required to submit their offer of resignation for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to consider all relevant facts and circumstances and recommend to the Board the action to be taken with respect to that offer of resignation. The Board will then act on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation. Promptly following the Board’s decision, the Company will disclose that decision and an explanation of such decision in a filing with the SEC or a press release. If the Board accepts a director’s resignation, then the Board may fill any resulting vacancy or may decrease the size of the Board, in each case pursuant to our Bylaws.
If a director’s resignation is not accepted by the Board, such director will continue to serve until the next Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders or special meeting in lieu of such an Annual Meeting or until their successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Through this policy, the Board seeks to be accountable to all shareholdersstockholders and respects the rights of shareholdersstockholders to express their views through their votes for directors. At the same time, the policy allows the Board sufficient flexibility to make sound evaluations based on the relevant circumstances and to act in the best interest of the Company and its shareholdersstockholders in the event of a greater than 50% “withhold” vote against a specific director.
20232024 Proxy Statement | 15 |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Director Nomination Process
Board Membership Criteria
Our Board of Directors has delegated the search for, and recommendation of, director nominees to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. When considering a potential candidate for membership on our Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider any criteria it deems appropriate, including, among other things, the background, experience and qualifications of any candidate as well as such candidate’s past or anticipated contributions to our Board of Directors and its committees. At a minimum, each nominee is expected to have:
| | |
Highest personal and
professional integrity | | Demonstrated exceptional
ability and judgment | | Ability to collaborate effectively
with other Board members and
management to serve the long-
termlong-term interests of our shareholders |
| | |
In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has established the following minimum requirements:
| ● | at least five years of business experience; |
| ● | |
● | no identified conflicts of interest as a prospective director; |
| ● | |
● | no convictions in a criminal proceeding (aside from traffic violations) during the five years prior to the date of selection; and |
| ● | |
● | willingness to comply with our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics. |
The Board of Directors retains the right to modify these minimum qualifications from time-to-time and exceptional candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers numerous other qualities, skills and characteristics when evaluating director nominees, including:
| | | | |
| Direct experience in thesoftware industry or in the markets in which we operate | | An understanding of, and experience in, accounting, legal,finance, product,sales and/ormarketing matters | | Experience on other public orprivate company boardsand involvement in corporate governance best practices |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | |
| Leadership experiencewith public companies or other major organizations with a proven track record in developing and executing a strategic vision and making executive-level decisions | | M&A experiencearound the strategic acquisition of complementary businesses while meeting strict financial criteria | | Diversity of the Board, considering business and professional experience, educational background, reputation and industry expertise across various market segments and technologies relevant to our business, as well as other relevant attributes |
| | | | | |
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers a variety of standards that may be appropriate from time-to-time for the overall structure and composition of our Board of Directors, but it does not assign specific weights to the various criteria and no single criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective nominees.
| 16 | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Director Selection Process
| | | |
| 1 | IDENTIFYING CANDIDATES | |
| Generally, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies candidates for director nominees in consultation with the other directors and management, using search firms or other advisors, through recommendations submitted by shareholdersstockholders or through other methods that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee deems to be helpful to identify candidates. |
|   |
| | | |
| 2 | INCUMBENT DIRECTORS | |
| In the case of incumbent directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews each incumbent director’s overall past service to us, including the number of meetings attended, level of participation, quality of performance and whether the director continues to meet applicable independence standards. |
| |
| | | |
| 3 | MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR NEW DIRECTOR CANDIDATE | |
| In the case of a new director candidate, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee confirms that the candidate meets the minimum qualifications for a director nominee established by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. |
| |
| | | |
| 4 | INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES | |
| The candidate will also be interviewed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and other Board members. |
| |
| | | |
| 5 | EVALUATION OF CANDIDATES | |
| The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee then meets to discuss and evaluate the qualities and skills of each candidate, both on an individual basis and considering the overall composition and needs of our Board of Directors. The same procedures apply to all candidates for director nomination, including candidates submitted by shareholders.stockholders. |
| |
| | | |
| 6 | RECOMMENDATION OF CANDIDATES | |
| Based on the results of the evaluation process, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends candidates for our Board of Directors’ approval as director nominees for election to our Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also recommends candidates to our Board of Directors for appointment to its committees. |
20232024 Proxy Statement | 17 |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
|
We Value Diversity |
|
The Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee value diversity of backgrounds, experience, perspectives and leadership in different fields when identifying nominees. We believe that we have assembled a diverse set of directors with the varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives critical to our long-term success. Presently, more than half of our Board members are diverse in gender, ethnicity or nationality. Our Board of Directors conducts regular self-evaluations. The survey questions include an assessment of whether the composition of the Board is appropriately diverse and possesses the skills and experience consistent with achieving our short and long-term corporate goals. |
|
Stockholder Recommendations
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director nominee candidates who are recommended by shareholdersstockholders of our company.the Company. Recommendations sent by shareholdersstockholders must provide the following information:
| ● | the name and address of record of the stockholder; |
| ● | |
● | a representation that the stockholder is a record holder of our common stock, or if the stockholder is not a record holder, evidence of ownership in accordance with Rule 14a-8(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); |
| ● | |
● | the name, age, business and residential address, educational background, current principal occupation or employment and principal occupation or employment for the preceding five full fiscal years of the proposed director candidate; |
| ● | |
● | a description of the qualifications and background of the proposed director candidate which addresses the minimum qualifications described above; |
| ● | |
● | a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and the proposed director candidate; and |
| ● | |
● | any other information regarding the proposed director candidate that is required to be included in a Proxy Statement filed under SEC rules. |
The submission must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to be named in our Proxy Statement as standing for election if nominated by our Board of Directors and to serve if elected by the shareholders.stockholders. Stockholder recommendations of candidates for election as directors at an Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders must be timely and submitted to the Company in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Company’s bylaws.
| 18 | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Key Board Qualifications, Expertise and Attributes
The table and graphs below summarize the director nominees’ experience and the qualifications, skills and attributes most relevant to nominate candidates to serve on the Board. Director biographies in the section below entitled “Nominees for Directors” describe each director’s background and relevant experience in more detail.
20232024 Proxy Statement | 19 |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Board Diversity Matrix 2021 and 2022
| As of March 29, 2023 | | | | |
| As of March 27, 2024 | |
| Total Number of Directors | | 9 | | 9 | 9 |
| Part I: Gender Identity | | Female | | Male | | Female | | Male |
| Directors | | 3 | | 6 | | 3 | | 6 |
| Part II: Demographic Background | | | | |
| African American or Black | | - | | - | | - | | - |
| Alaskan Native or American Indian | | - | | - | | - | | - |
| Asian | | 1 | | 1 | | 1 | | 1 |
| Hispanic or Latinx | | - | | - | | - | | - |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | | - | | - | | - | | - |
| White | | 2 | | 5 | | 2 | | 5 |
| Two or More Races or Ethnicities | | - | | - | | - | | - |
| LGBTQ+ | | 1 | | 1 |
The above table is intended to comply with the format suggested by Nasdaq (See Nasdaq Rules 5605(f) and 5606). None of our directors declined to disclose their gender or demographic background. The information reported in the above table is unchanged from the information previously disclosed at https://investors.progress.com/board-progress-diversity-matrix as of July 22, 2022.
Director Independence
Having an independent Board is a core component of our governance philosophy. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that, as a matter of policy and consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations, a majority of the Board should be independent directors, as defined by the Nasdaq Stock Market Marketplace Rules. To help ensure independence, our Corporate Governance Guidelines contain limits on director outside activities. Directors are expected to avoid any action, position or arrangement that conflicts with an interest of the Company or gives the appearance of a conflict. Directors who also serve as CEOs or in equivalent positions should not serve on more than two boards of public companies in addition to the Board, and other directors should not serve on more than four other boards of public companies in addition to the Company’s board.
Based on the review and recommendation of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, our Board has determined that all current directors except Yogesh Gupta (our President and Chief Executive Officer) are independent within the meaning of the director independence standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”) and the applicable rules of the SEC.
| 20 | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Nominees for Directors
Director Since:
September 2011
Current Board
Committees:
Nominating and Corporate Governance
| | | John R. Egan Independent |
| | | | | | | | |
| | John R. Egan | | | | | | | | | |
| | Independent | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Mr. Egan is managing partner of Carruth Management, LLC, a Boston-based venture capital fund he founded in October 1998 that specializes in technology and early-stage investments.Family Office. From October 1986 until September 1998, Mr. Egan served in several executive positions with EMC Corporation, a publicly held global leader in information technology, including Executive Vice President, Products and Offerings, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Executive Vice President, Operations and Executive Vice President, International Sales.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
●Verint Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRNT), a provider of systems to the internet security market, where he serves as Lead Director
●NetScout Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTCT), a network performance management company, where he serves as Lead Director
● Agile Growth Corp. (Nasdaq: AGGRU), a special purpose company for the purpose of effecting an acquisition with one or more technology businessesPrior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:
● EMC Corporation● VMware, Inc.
Agile Growth Corp.
|
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Skills and Experiences: |  | Cybersecurity |   | CybersecurityCSR/ESG |  | | CSR/ESG | |  | Leadership | |  | Finance and Accounting |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |   | Technology/
Software Industry |  |  | Go-to-Market/
Sales | Strategy |   | Strategy | |  | Public Company Board Service and Governance |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |   | M&A | | | | | | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Age: 6566
Current Board
Committees:
Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chair)
| | | Paul T. Dacier Independent |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Paul T. Dacier | | | | | | |
| | Independent | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Mr. Dacier is currently a partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, a leading law firm devoted to business litigation and arbitration, which he joined in January 2024. From March 2017 to December 2023, he was the General Counsel of Indigo Agriculture, Inc., a Boston-based agricultural technology start-up company that specializes in products designed to maximize crop health and productivity, which he joined in March 2017.productivity. Previously, Mr. Dacier was the Chief Legal Officer of EMC Corporation from 1990 until September 2016, when EMC was acquired by Dell Technologies.another technology company. Mr. Dacier was responsible for the worldwide legal affairs of EMC and its subsidiaries and oversaw the company’s internal audit, real estate and facilities organizations, sustainability aviation and government affairs departments.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
●AerCap Holdings NV (NYSE: AER), the world’s largest independent commercial aircraft leasing company
Prior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:
●GTY Technology Holdings, Inc.
|
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Skills and Experiences: | | Leadership | | LeadershipCybersecurity | | | Cybersecurity | | | Strategy | | | M&A |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Public Company
Board Service
and Governance | | | Technology/
Software Industry |  |  | Human Capital
Management | | | CSR/ESG |
| 22 | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Age: 5556
Current Board
Committees:
Audit; Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategy
| | | Rainer Gawlick
Independent |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Rainer Gawlick | | | | | | |
| | Independent | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Dr. Gawlick is a public and private company board member and currently serves as Chair of Proto Labs, Inc. Dr. Gawlick formerly served as President of Perfecto Mobile, Ltd., a leader in mobile testing, from July 2015 until September 2016 and as Executive Vice President of Global Sales at lntralinks, Inc., a computer software company providing virtual data rooms and other content management services, from April 2012 until July 2015. From August 2008 to April 2012, Dr. Gawlick served as Chief Marketing Officer of Sophos Ltd., a computer security company providing endpoint, network and data protection software. From April 2005 to August 2008, Dr. Gawlick served as Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Strategy at SolidWorks Corp., a CAD software company. He has also held a variety of executive positions in other technology businesses and was a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Dr. Gawlick holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
●Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE: PRLB), a leading online and technology-enabled quick-turn manufacturer of custom parts for prototyping and short-run production
Prior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:
None
|
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Skills and Experiences: | | Cybersecurity |  | CybersecurityProduct Development | |  | Product
Development | | | CSR/ESG | | | Leadership |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Finance and Accounting | | | Technology/
Software
Industry | | | Go-to-Market/
Sales | | | Strategy |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Public Company Board Service and Governance | | | M&A | | | | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Director Since:
October 2016
Age: 6263
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Yogesh Gupta | | | | | | |
| |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Mr. Gupta became our President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2016. Prior to that time, Mr. Gupta served as an advisor to various venture capital and private equity firms from October 2015 until September 2016. Prior to that time, Mr. Gupta was President and Chief Executive Officer at Kaseya, Inc., a provider of IT management software solutions, from June 2013 until July 2015, at which time, Mr. Gupta became Chair of the Board of Directors of Kaseya, Inc., a position he held until October 2015. From July 2012 until June 2013, Mr. Gupta served as an advisor to various venture capital and private equity firms in several mergers and acquisitions opportunities. Mr. Gupta was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of FatWire Software from July 2007 until February 2012, prior to the acquisition of FatWire Software by Oracle Corporation. Prior roles held by Mr. Gupta include Chief Technology Officer at CA, Inc., with which Mr. Gupta held various senior positions.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
●Blackbaud, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLKB), a leading provider of software for powering social impact
Prior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:
None
|
| | | | |
| 24 | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Director Since:
November 2006
Current Board
Committees:
Audit (Chair);
Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategy
| | | Charles F. Kane
Independent |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Charles F. Kane | | | | | | |
| | Independent | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Mr. Kane is currently Senior Lecturer, Global Economics and Management and Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management at the MIT Sloan Graduate Business School of Management. Since November 2006, Mr. Kane has also been a Director and Strategic Advisor of One Laptop Per Child, a non-profit organization that provides computing and internet access for students in the developing world, for which he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2008 until 2009. Mr. Kane served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Global BPO Services Corp., a special purpose acquisition corporation, from July 2007 until March 2008, and as Chief Financial Officer of Global BPO from August 2007 until March 2008. Prior to joining Global BPO, he served as Chief Financial Officer of RSA Security Inc., a provider of e-security solutions, from May 2006 until RSA was acquired by EMC Corporation in October 2006. From July 2003 until May 2006, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Technology, Inc. (NYSE: AZPN), a publicly traded provider of supply chain management software and professional services.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
●Alkami Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT), a digital banking platform that enables banks and credit unions to grow confidently and compete with Megabanks and Fintechs
●Symbotic RoboticsInc. (Nasdaq: SYM), a robotics hardware and software company for supply chain management
Prior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:
● Demandware, Inc.●
Realpage, Inc.
|
| | | | |
20232024 Proxy Statement | 25 |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Director Since:
February 2018
Current Board
Committees:
Audit; Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategy (Chair)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Samskriti (Sam) Y. King
Independent |
| | | | | |
| | Independent | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Ms. King is currently Chief Executive Officer of Veracode, Inc., a leading provider of application security testing. Previously, from July 2017 to January 2019, Ms. King served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Veracode. From August 2015 until July 2017, Ms. King was the Chief Strategy Officer of Veracode. Prior to that time, from April 2012 until July 2015, Ms. King was Executive Vice President, Product Strategy and Corporate Development GM, Mobile at Veracode. Ms. King joined Veracode in November 2006 and also served as Veracode’s Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Vice President, Service Delivery.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
●ZeroFox Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZFOX), a leading external cybersecurity provider
Prior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:
None
|
| | | | |
| 26 | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Director Since:
February 2008
Current Board
Committees:Compensation (Chair)
| | | David A. Krall
Independent |
| | | | | | | | |
| | David A. Krall | | | | | | |
| | Independent | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Mr. Krall has served as a strategic advisor to Roku, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROKU), a leading manufacturer of media players for streaming entertainment, since January 2011. From February 2010 to December 2010, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Roku, where he was responsible for managing all functional areas of the company. Prior to that, Mr. Krall spent two years as President and Chief Executive Officer of QSecure, Inc., a privately held developer of secure credit cards based on micro-electro-mechanical system technology. From 1995 to July 2007, he held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility and scope at Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID), a publicly traded leading provider of digital media creation tools for the media and entertainment industry. His tenure at Avid included serving seven years as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
●Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq: HLIT), a leader in video delivery and cable access virtualization
●Audinate Group Ltd (ASX: AD8), a leading developer of professional AV-over-IP solutions
Prior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:●
None
|
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Skills and Experiences: |  | | | Mergers & Acquisitions | | | Leadership | | | Technology/
Software Industry | | | Strategy |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Product Development | | | Public Company
Board Service and Governance | | | | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Director Since:
February 2018
Current Board
Committees:Compensation; Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategy
| | | Angela T. Tucci
Independent |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Angela T. Tucci | | | | | | |
| | Independent | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Ms. Tucci was the Chief Operating Officer of Uplight, Inc., a provider of end-to-end technology solutions dedicated to serving the energy ecosystem, a position she held from January 2020 until October 2022. Since December 2019, she has also served as an advisor to TPG Celegene Aggregation GP, Inc. in connection with its then investment CollabNet/Version One, now Digital.ai. Previously, Ms. Tucci was Chief Executive Officer of Apto, Inc., from August 2017 to September 2019. Prior to that time, Ms. Tucci was General Manager, Agile Management Business Unit of CA, Inc. from September 2015 until July 2017. Prior to that, Ms. Tucci was Chief Revenue Officer, Office of the CEO of Rally Software Development Corp. (“Rally”) from December 2014 until August 2015, when Rally was acquired by CA, Inc. Ms. Tucci joined Rally in December 2013 as Chief Marketing Officer. From January 2011 until August 2013, Ms. Tucci was Chief Strategy Officer of Symantec Corporation. Ms. Tucci currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
None
Prior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:
None
|
| | | | |
| 28 | | | | | | |
28 | |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Director Since:
October 2019
Current Board
Committees:Compensation; Nominating and Corporate Governance
| | | Vivian Vitale, NACD.DC
Independent |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Vivian Vitale, NACD.DC | | | | | | |
| | Independent | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Ms. Vitale owns and operates Vivian Vitale Consulting, LLC, a consulting practice assisting organizations in the development of human resources and people management practices, a role she has held since April 2018. From April 2012 until March 2018, she held multiple positions of increasing responsibility at Veracode, Inc., a provider of application security testing. Her tenure at Veracode included serving as Executive Vice President of Human Resources, continuing in her role through Veracode, Inc.’s acquisition by CA Technologies in March 2017. Prior to 2012, Ms. Vitale served as Senior Vice President at Care.com, Inc., an online provider of support services to families. Previously, Ms. Vitale has also held senior leadership roles at RSA Security, Unica Corporation and IBM. Ms. Vitale is National Association of Corporate Directors NACD Directorship Certified ®Certified® since December 2022.
Other Current Public Company Boards:
●NetScout Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTCT), a network performance management company
Prior Public Company Boards in Last 5 Years:
None
|
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20232024 Proxy Statement | 29 |
Table of Contents
Corporate Governance
Our Corporate Governance Framework
We believe we have in place corporate governance processes and practices that are designed to promote and enhance the long-term interests of our shareholders,stockholders, solidify board oversight, strengthen management accountability and foster responsible decision-making. We regularly monitor developments in corporate governance and review our processes and practices in light of such developments.
| | | | | | |
| Boards are accountableAccountable toshareholders
 ✔All directors are elected annually
✔We have adopted a director resignation policy for directors Shareholders
✔Stockholders of 40% of outstanding shares have the right to call a special meeting
✔We have no shareholdersstockholders rights plan (“poison pill”) in place We hold annual say-on-pay votes
| | | | Boards should be responsiveResponsive toshareholders stockholders and be
proactivein order to understand theirperspectives
✔96% say-on-pay support at our 20222023 Annual Meeting.We believe the vote indicates strong support for our executive compensation program, including enhancements made over prior years.
✔We hold say-on-pay votes annually to help ensure continued alignment with shareholderstockholder values.
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| Boards should adopt structuresStructures and practices that enhance theirBoard effectiveness | |
| ✔8 of 9 director nominees are independent
✔ 65 of 9 director nominees have a tenure of less than eight years; current Board composition strikes an appropriate balance between directors with deep knowledge of the Company and those with a fresh perspective
✔All committee members are independent
✔All Audit Committee members are financially literate and our Audit Committee Chair is a financial expert
| | ✔Our Compensation Committee uses an independent compensation consultant
✔Robust stock ownership requirements for directors and officers
✔No hedging or pledging of stock by directors or officers
✔Director access to officers and employers
✔Director onboarding and continuing education
✔Performance evaluation of the Board and its committees
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| Boards should havestrong,Strong, independent
leadership
✔Independent Board Chair:Chair and CEO positions have been separate since 2012
✔Independent directors meet in executive session without the Chief Executive Officer at every regularly scheduled Board Meeting
| | | | Shareholders shouldbe entitledStockholders vote in
proportion to votingrights in proportion totheir
economic interest
✔One class of voting stock
✔“One share, one vote” standard
| | | | Boards should developmanagement incentivestructures that are Management incentives
alignedwith the long-term
strategyof the company
Company✔Long-term incentive compensationgoals are tied to long-range Company plans
✔Board reviews of incentive structurestake into account our long-term strategy
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30 | |
Table of Contents
Corporate Governance
Our Corporate Governance Documents
● | Certificate of Incorporation | | ● | Code of Conduct and Business Ethics |
| ● | Amended and Restated Bylaws | | ● | Finance Code of Ethics |
| ● | Audit Committee Charter Nominating and | | ● | Corporate Governance Guidelines |
| ● | Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter | | ● Compensation Committee Charter | | ● Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
● Finance Code of Ethics
● Corporate Governance Guidelines
●Stock Option Grant Policy
|
| ● | Compensation Committee Charter | | ● | Mergers & Acquisitions / Strategy Committee Charter |
Our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws are filed with the SEC and are available electronically at www.sec.gov. The other documents listed above can be found on our website at www.progress.com under the heading “Corporate Governance” located on the “Investor Relations” page. Any substantive amendment to or waiver of any provision of the Code of Conduct and Business Ethics may be made only by the Board and will be disclosed as required by Nasdaq listing standards or applicable law.
Our Corporate Governance Practices
Our Board is Independent
| 8 of 9 nominees areindependent | | If the director nominees are elected at the Annual Meeting, the Board will continue to be composed of one employee director (Mr. Gupta, our CEO) and eight independent, non-employee directors (Messrs. Egan, Dacier, Kane and Krall, Dr. Gawlick and Mses. King, Tucci and Vitale). |
| Regular executive sessions ofindependent directors | | Our independent directors meet in executive session without the Chief Executive Officer at every regularly scheduled Board meeting to discuss, among other matters, the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. |
| Committees areindependent | | Each of the Board’s committees is strictly comprised of independent directors. |
| Independent compensationconsultant | | The compensation consultant is retained by and reports directly to the Compensation Committee. The compensation consultant is independent of the Company and management. |
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Table of Contents
Corporate Governance
We Have Strong Board Refreshment
We believe it is important to maintain a mix of longer-tenured, experienced directors, who can help to preserve continuity and institutional knowledge, and new directors, who can provide fresh perspectives. In furtherance of this objective, the Board elected Mr. Dacier and Dr. Gawlick in June 2017, Mses. King and Tucci in February 2018 and Ms. Vitale in October 2019. We do not impose director tenure limits, although our Corporate Governance Guidelines do impose a mandatory retirement age of eighty-five.85. We believe our current Board composition strikes an appropriate balance between directors with deep historical knowledge of the Company and those with a fresh viewpoint.tenure of less than eight years, who represent a majority of the Board.
  |  |   | |  |
June 2017 | | February 2018 | | October 2019 |
Paul T. Dacier –
Mr. Dacier’s success and expertise with ESG initiatives is a valuable addition to our Board. Mr. Dacier also brings a wealth of experience pertaining to the software industry and applicable regulatory frameworks.Rainer Gawlick –
Dr. Gawlick brings deep expertise ina variety of areas of technology key to the Progress success strategy. Dr. Gawlick’s expertise in sales and marketing strategy in the software industry is a valuable addition to the Board. | | February 2018
Samskriti Y. King –
Ms. King is a highly accomplished business leader with an extraordinary track record, and she brings a wealth of expertise and diversity to our Board. Ms. King’s industry expertise aligns with the Company’s strategy to deliver strong, sustainable performance in the enterprise infrastructure software industry. Angela T. Tucci –
Ms. Tucci brings valuable software industry experience, entrepreneurship and diversity to our Board. Ms. Tucci’s addition supports our longstanding and continuous focus on ensuring our Board has the right skills and perspectives to enable the Company to execute on its business strategy, strengthen its competitive position and deliver value to all its shareholders.stockholders. | | October 2019
Vivian Vitale –
Ms. Vitale brings a wealth of experience in creating high-impact programs and systems aimed at scaling for growth, acquisition integration and talent management. Ms. Vitale’s skillset is critical to our go-forward M&A strategy. |
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Corporate Governance
We Have an Independent Board Chair
We believe the current Board leadership structure serves us and our shareholdersstockholders well by having a strong independent Board Chair to provide independent leadership of the Board and because it allows our CEO to focus primarily on the Company’s business strategy, operations and corporate vision. This leadership structure, coupled with a strong emphasis on Board independence, provides effective independent oversight of management. Board members have complete access to and are encouraged to utilize members of our senior management regularly, and they have the authority to retain independent advisors as they deem necessary. The Board believes this leadership structure affords our companythe Company an effective combination of internal and external experience, continuity and independence.
 
John R. Egan
Board Chair | Key Responsibilities of the Independent Board Chair:
●Calling meetings of the Board and independent directors;
●Setting the agenda for Board meetings in consultation with the CEO and our Secretary;
●Chairing executive sessions of the independent directors;
●Engaging with shareholders;stockholders; ●Acting as an advisor to Mr. Gupta on strategic aspects of the CEO role with regular consultations on major developments and decisions likely to interest the Board; and
●Performing other duties specified in the Corporate Governance Guidelines or assigned by the Board. |
Mr. Egan currently serves as our independent Board Chair and brings extensive board leadership experience as a current director of publicly traded companies, including EMC Corporation, VMWare, Inc., Verint Systems, where he serves as Lead Director, and NetScout Systems, Inc., where he serves as Lead Director.Director, having also previously served as a director of EMC Corporation and VMWare, Inc. Mr. Egan also holdsserves on the Board of Trilio, a variety of leadership roles within the boards of directors of several privately held technology companies, including HighRoads Corporation, Platform Computing Corporation and Healthrageous, Inc.company. Mr. Egan has led global technology companies through strategic growth and operational change. His strong integrity and professional credibility with the other directors and executive officers has helped Mr. Egan to effectively oversee management and execute on the Company’s business strategy.
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines do not require the separation of the roles of Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer, as our Board believes that it is important that the Board retain flexibility to determine whether these roles should be separate or combined based upon the Board’s assessment of the Company’s needs and Progress’s leadership at a given point in time. We believe that an effective board leadership structure is highly dependent on the experience, skills and personal interaction between those in leadership roles. Our policy is to have a Lead Independent Director if the Board Chair is not independent.
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Table of Contents
Corporate Governance
We Proactively Engage with our ShareholdersStockholders
We actively seek to engage with our shareholdersstockholders as part of our corporate governance cycle.governance. During the past year, members of senior management spoke to, or sought to engage with, a large cross-section of our shareholders. While approximately 49% ofstockholders. In 2023, nearly half our outstanding shares arewere held by passive investors, that do not participatewhose stewardship teams routinely connect with us only on an as-needed basis. We typically reach out to these investors proactively on a biannual basis. No passive investors requested significant engagement with us in traditional engagements,2023; therefore, the chart below reflects our investor relations team has engagedengagement efforts with the ESG departments at the largest of these passive investment firms.active investors.
Our stockholder
engagement
team
comprised of: ✔Senior Vice President ofInvestor Relations
✔Chief ExecutiveOfficer
✔Chief FinancialOfficer
✔Chief Legal Officer
✔Chief Accounting Officer
✔Members of ourFinance, Legal and Communications & Marketing Teams, who provide support and relevant information.
| We reached out
to shareholders
connected with
stockholders representing:
| We met with
shareholders
representing:
This represents ~84% of outstanding stock held by active shareholders since 49% our shares are held by passive investors
| Topics discussed
during our
meetings
included:
✔Our Total GrowthStrategy – execution, progress, results, plans
✔Cybersecurity ✔Capital Allocation toM&A, dividends and stock buy-backs
✔Operating trends ✔The state of the M&Amarket and our outlook for transactions, valuation and multiples
✔The types, sourcesand growth of our revenues
✔The integration of prioracquisitions
✔Quarterly results,projections/guidance
|
| ~75% | of our outstanding common stock held by active investors. |
| Since about 52% our shares were held by active investors, this figure represents ~39% of all outstanding shares held by all stockholders. |
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|  | Investor Relations Outreach | |
| We conduct a proactive, year-round investor outreach program with existing shareholdersstockholders and potential investors, with whom we engage both passively (by responding promptly to inbound queries) and actively (through outbound solicitation). Our outreach program is run by our Investor Relations Department, and our CEO and CFO regularly participate in investor meetings. We routinely attend investor conferences and participate in non-deal roadshows andhosted by sell-side brokerage firms, as well as host meetings with investors at their request orand by our invitation. We aim to maintain aproactive, consistent dialog with portfolio managers, analysts and ESG contacts at all institutional investment funds that own 0.5% or more of our shares. However, ourOur Investor Relations Department communicates with current and potential investors of all sizes and we routinelysizes. We further engage shareholdersstockholders and potential investors on matters pertaining to ESG and related topics. | |
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|  | How to Communicate with Our Board | |
| Our Board of Directors welcomes communications from shareholders.stockholders. Any stockholder may communicate either with our Board as a whole, or with any individual director, by sending written communications addressed to the Board of Directors or to such director at our offices located at 15 Wayside Road, Suite 400, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, or by submitting an email communication to BOD@progress.com. All good-faith communications sent to our Board of Directors will be forwarded to the full Board or to the individual director to whom such communication was addressed. | |
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Corporate Governance
Our Board Evaluates Its Effectiveness
Our Board of Directors conducts periodic self-evaluations to determine whether the Board is functioning effectively. In addition, each committee of the Board also conducts a self-assessmentself-evaluation of its performance and its members’ effectiveness relative to the goals and standards set forth in each committee’s charter. The Nominating and Governance Committee leads these evaluations and is responsible for reporting the results to the full Board and management. Directors may be required to submit responses through a survey or other means to assessevaluate the effectiveness of the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committeeannual self-evaluation process also evaluates and reports to the Board on the performance of individual directors, whose performancewhich is reviewed annuallyconsidered in connection with standing for reelection.director nominations.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategy Committees.
Director | | Audit | | Compensation | | Nominating
and
Corporate
Governance | | Mergers and
Acquisitions/
Strategy |
John R. Egan | | | | | |  | | |
Paul T. Dacier | | | | | |  | | |
Rainer Gawlick | | | | | | | | |
Yogesh Gupta | | | | | | | | |
Charles F. Kane | | | | | | | | |
Samskriti (Sam) Y. King | | | | | | | | |
David A. Krall | | | | | | | | |
Angela T. Tucci | | | | | | | | |
Vivian Vitale | | | | | | | | |
Chair Member
The Committee Charterscommittee charters adopted by our Board of Directors can be found on our website at www.progress.com under the heading “Corporate Governance” located on the “Investor Relations” page.
20232024 Proxy Statement | 35 |
Table of Contents
Corporate Governance
| |
| | Audit Committee |
| Audit Committee | |
| Charles F. Kane (Chair)
Rainer Gawlick
Samskriti (Sam) Y. King
| Principal Responsibilities:
●Assists our Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities foraccounting and financial reporting compliance
●Appoints, compensates, retains and oversees the work performed by ourindependent registered public accounting firm for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work
●Reviews the independent registered public accounting firm’s fees for servicesperformed
●Reviews with the independent registered public accounting firm, theCompany’s internal audit and financial management and the integrity of the Company’s internal and external financial reporting processes and the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting
●Reviews with management various matters related to our internal controls and legal, compliance and regulatory matters
●Reviews with management and the independent registered public accountingfirm the annual audited financial statements and the quarterly financial statements, prior to the filing of reports containing those financial statements with the SEC
●Reviews with management policies with respect to our risk assessment andrisk management (including cybersecurity, data management and applicable regulatory compliance), including appropriate guidelines and policies to govern the process, as well as the steps management has taken to monitor and control those risks
●Is responsible for producing the Audit Committee Report included in thisProxy Statement
Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements promulgated by Nasdaq and the SEC, including Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act. In addition, our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate, and that Mr. Kane qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under the rules of the SEC.
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Corporate Governance
| |
| Compensation Committee |
| Compensation Committee | |
| David A. Krall (Chair)
Angela T. Tucci
Vivian Vitale
| Principal Responsibilities:
●Oversees our overall compensation structure and benefits, policies andprograms
●Administers our equity-based plans
●Reviews and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the performance of our Chief Executive Officer
●Reviews and recommends to our Board of Directors for its approval, the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer
●Consults with our Chief Executive Officer to review and determinecompensation of all of our other executive officers
●Assists in developing and reviewing succession plans for our seniormanagement, including the Chief Executive Officer
● ReviewReview’s our policies, programs and initiatives for inclusion and diversity,and provideprovides guidance to our Board of Directors and management on these matters
●Reviews our processes and procedures for the consideration anddetermination of director and executive compensation
●Is responsible for producing the Compensation Committee Report included inthis Proxy Statement
Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements promulgated by Nasdaq.
| |
| | | | |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The members of our Compensation Committee for fiscal 20222023 were Mr. Krall and Mses. Tucci and Vitale, with Mr. Krall serving as Chair. Mr. Krall, Ms. Tucci and Ms. Vitale are not, nor have they ever been, an officer or employee of our companythe Company or of any of its subsidiaries or had any relationship with us requiring disclosure in this Proxy Statement. There are no compensation committee interlocks amongst any of our directors.
20232024 Proxy Statement | 37 |
Table of Contents
Corporate Governance
| | | |
| Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee | |
| Paul T. Dacier (Chair)
John R. Egan
Vivian Vitale
| Principal Responsibilities:
●Responsible for identifying qualified candidates for election to our Board ofDirectors and recommending nominees for election as directors at the Annual Meeting
●Assists in determining the composition of our Board of Directors and itscommittees
●Assists in developing and monitoring a process to assess the effectivenessof our Board of Directors
●Assists in developing and implementing our Corporate GovernanceGuidelines
●Assists in U.S. federal security clearance and government contracting matters
The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets the independence requirements promulgated by Nasdaq.
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| | |
| Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategy Committee | |
| Samskriti Y. King (Chair)
Rainer Gawlick
Charles F. Kane
Angela T. Tucci
| Principal Responsibilities:
●Reviews and provide guidance to Company’s management and the Board onthe Company’s merger and acquisition strategy as part of overall corporate strategy.strategy
●Assists management in the review of acquisition transactions to be broughtbefore the Board and the review of our corporate strategy
●Reviews and evaluates the performance and integration of completedtransactions. transactions
●Makes regular reports to the Board concerning its areas of the Committee’sresponsibility.
The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategy Committee meets the independence requirements promulgated by Nasdaq.
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Table of Contents
Corporate Governance
Board Oversight
Role of the Board
The Board is elected by shareholders.stockholders. Except for those matters reserved for stockholder approval, the Board is the ultimate decision-making body of the Company. The Board advises and guides senior management and monitors its performance.
The fundamental role of the directors is to exercise their business judgment to act in what they reasonably believe to be the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.stockholders. In fulfilling that responsibility, the directors may rely on the honesty and integrity of the Company’s senior management and on legal, accounting, financial and other advisors.
Strategic Oversight
Our Board delegates substantial authority in certain areas to the Company’s CEO and senior management enabling and trusting them to run the Company. The Board remains responsible however for overseeing management’s performance within the delegated areas including: strategic initiatives, financial performance, accounting and financial reporting, risk management and compliance.
Our Board engages with the Company’s management regularly and plays a vital role informing management’s understanding of the Company’s strategic objectives and performance drivers while ensuring proper focus on the risks associated with those corporate strategies and continually evaluating the level of authority delegated to management to ensure that it is reasonable.
Our Board delegates substantial authority in certain areas to the Company’s CEO and senior management enabling them to run the Company. The Board remains responsible, however, for overseeing management’s performance within the delegated areas including: strategic initiatives, financial performance, accounting and financial reporting, risk management and compliance.
20232024 Proxy Statement | 39 |
Table of Contents
Corporate Governance
Our Board of Directors Has a Significant Role in Risk Oversight
Our Board of Directors believes that its oversight responsibility with respect to the various risks confronting our companythe Company is one of its most important areas of responsibility and provides further checks and balances on our leadership structure. Our Board of Directors views its oversight of risk as an ongoing process that occurs throughout the year while evaluating the strategic direction and actions of our company.the Company. A fundamental aspect of risk management is not only understanding the risks a company faces and what steps management is taking to manage those risks, but also determining what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. We believe that having an independent Board Chair enhances our Board’s ability to oversee our risks.
| In carrying out this critical function, our Board is involved in risk oversight through direct decision-making authority with respect to significant matters and the oversight of management directly by our Board and through its committees. Each committee’s specific area of responsibility as it relates to risk management is as follows: |
|  | | | |  | | | |  | | | |  | |
|  | | | |
 | | | |  | | | |  | |
| ●Financial condition,financial statements and financial reporting process
●Internal controlsand accounting matters
●Conflict of interestissues and compliance with legal and ethical standards | | | | ●Overallcompensation practices, policies and program design
●Inclusion anddiversity initiatives
●Human capitalmanagement considerations
| | | | Nominating
and Corporate
Governance
Committee
●Corporate governancepractices
●Leadership structureof the Board
●Director andmanagement succession planning
●U.S. federal securityclearance and government contracting matters
| | | | Mergers &
Acquisitions
/ Strategy
Committee
●Review of overallcompany strategy
●Acquisitions andother strategic transactions
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Our Board of Directors receives reports from members of senior management on the functional areas for which they are responsible. These reports may include information concerning operational, financial, sales, competitive, legal and regulatory, strategic and other risks, as well as any related management and mitigation. | |
 | | | |
| | | |
|  | Board Oversight of ESG | |
| With rising expectations from investors, customers, employees and regulators related to environmental, social and governance issues (ESG), companies are increasingly taking action and implementing ESG initiatives. It is the role of our Board to guide management in connecting the Company’s ESG efforts to the industry, markets, products and strategies that are unique to Progress in order to ensure such efforts are aligned with the best interests of our stakeholders. | |
| | | Committees of the Board have been assigned responsibilities with respect to certain areas of corporate sustainability. |
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Corporate Governance
| | | | |
|  |  | Oversight of Cybersecurity | |
| A key area of focus for us is our risk mitigation practices around cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity protection is vital to our organization and our stakeholders, and we are committed to ensuring that our products, data and systems are secure from potential breach. Our cybersecurity governance team provides periodic updates to the Board and quarterly updates to the Audit Committee on cybersecurity matters, including information about cybersecurity governance processes, the status of projects to strengthen internal cybersecurity and security features of the products and services we provide our customers. Our cybersecurity program includes external audits of our internal and product security practices under top information security standards, including System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. We have implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity training program for all employees, and we have taken steps to mitigate the impact of potential cybersecurity risks, including by procuring a separate cyber insurance policy as part of our comprehensive corporate insurance program. | |
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Director Attendance
Our Board of Directors met fiveten times during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.2023. During fiscal 2022,2023, each director nominee attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of our Board of Directors and the total number of meetings of all committees of our Board of Directors on which he or she served from and after their election to the Board.
In January 2018, the Board of Directors adopted a policy requiring members of our Board of Directors to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Stockholders. All members of our Board of Directors virtually attended the 20222023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Stockholders.
| | | | | | |
| 5 10 meetings in 2022
2023 Our Board holds five regular meetings a year, with special meetings occurring when necessary. 2022
2023 Regular Board Meetings:
| | | | Each director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of our Board and the Committees on which he or she served during their respective term of service during 2022. In addition, all directors attended our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. | |
| | | | | | | |
|  | | | | | |
Our Board’s organizational meeting follows our annual meeting of shareholders. Our Board meets in executive session at every regularly scheduled Board meeting, which is followed by a session of only independent directors led by the Chair. Directors are expected to attend Board meetings, meetings of the Committees on which they serve and our annual meeting of shareholders, with the understanding that on occasion a director may be unable to attend a meeting. |
Our Board’s organizational meeting follows our annual meeting of stockholders. Our Board meets in executive session at every regularly scheduled Board meeting, which is followed by a session of only independent directors led by the Chair. Directors are expected to attend Board meetings, meetings of the committees on which they serve and our annual meeting of stockholders, with the understanding that on occasion a director may be unable to attend a meeting.
Executive Sessions of Independent Directors
The independent directors of the Board will meet in Executive Session as required and at least two times each year, typically before or after a regularly scheduled Board meeting, and at any other time requested by any independent director. The Executive Sessions are led by the Board Chair.
20232024 Proxy Statement | 41 |
Table of Contents
Director Compensation
We pay our non-employee directors a mix of cash and equity compensation. Employee directors receive no compensation for their service as directors.
In accordance with the 2022 Director Compensation Plan adopted by the Board, for 2022,2023, our non-employee directors were paid an annual retainer of $275,000, of which $50,000 was paid in cash and $225,000 in equity in the form of deferred stock units (“DSUs”). Committee members and chairs also received the additional compensation described below.
| ANNUAL RETAINER | | | ADDITIONAL ANNUAL CASH RETAINER |
 | | | Independent Board Chair
|
| | $75,000 |
| | Audit Committee | | Compensation
Committee |
| | Chair - $25,000 | | Chair - $25,000 |
| | Members - $20,000 | | Members - $15,000 |
| | Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee | | Mergers and
Acquisitions/Strategy
Committee |
| | Chair - $12,500 | | Chair - $25,000 |
| | Members - $10,000 | Compensation Committee
Chair - $25,000
| Members - $15,000 Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategy
Committee
Chair - $25,000
Members - $15,000
|
Prior to adopting the 20222023 Director Compensation Plan, the Compensation Committee received market data from Pay Governance, the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, and considered whether any changes in director compensation should be proposed. Based on the market data, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board no changes to director compensation and the Board adopted this recommendation.
The cash retainers for Board and Committeecommittee services were paid in June 20222023 and the equity retainers were issued in June 2022.July 2023.
The number of DSUs granted was determined by dividing the equity retainer by the grant-date closing price of our common stock as reported by Nasdaq. The DSUs vest in a single installment on the date of the Annual Meeting, subject to continued service on our Board of Directors through such date. DSUs do not convert to shares of common stock until a director terminates service on the Board of Directors or upon a change in control, whichever occurs first. Prior
Based on advice of its independent consultant, the Compensation Committee recommended, and the Board approved, a change to March 2019, newly electeddirector compensation for future years. Starting in 2024, non-employee directors were also entitledwill be provided the option to elect in advance to receive an initial director appointment grantrestricted stock units that settle when vested or DSUs for the equity portion of $300,000 of DSUs in connection with their appointment to our Board of Directors. In March 2019, the Board of Directors eliminated this initial director appointment grant for future appointees to the Board to remain in line with market practice.annual retainer.
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Director Compensation
Stock Ownership Guidelines
Non-employee members of our Board are required to own shares of Progress common stock. TheOur Board of Directors sets and periodically reviews and makes changes to thesehas adopted stock ownership requirements. In March 2017, our Board of Directors adopted revised stock retention guidelines for non-employee directors. These guidelines provide for all non-employee directors to hold an amount of our common stock, restricted shares, restricted stock units and/or vested DSUs having a value equal to at least five times the annual cash retainer. Directors have five years to attain this ownership threshold. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, all non-employee directors are in compliance with the stock ownership guidelines.
Director Compensation Table—Fiscal 20222023
The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation paid or granted to our non-employee directors for service on our Board in 2022.2023.
| Name | Unvested DSUs
Outstanding at
November 30, 2022(1) | | Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($) | | Stock
Awards(2)
($) | | Total
($) | | Unvested DSUs
Outstanding at
November 30, 2023(1) | | Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($) | | Stock
Awards(2)
($) | | Total
($) |
| Paul T. Dacier | 4,967 | | 62,500 | | 225,005 | | 287,505 | | 3,935 | | 62,500 | | 225,043 | | 287,543 |
| John R. Egan | 4,967 | | 135,000 | | 225,005 | | 360,005 | | 3,935 | | 135,000 | | 225,043 | | 360,043 |
| Rainer Gawlick | 4,967 | | 85,000 | | 225,005 | | 310,005 | | 3,935 | | 85,000 | | 225,043 | | 310,043 |
| Charles F. Kane | 4,967 | | 90,000 | | 225,005 | | 315,005 | | 3,935 | | 90,000 | | 225,043 | | 315,043 |
| Samskriti Y. King | 5,642 | | 95,000 | | 225,005 | | 320,005 | | 3,935 | | 95,000 | | 225,043 | | 320,043 |
| David A. Krall | 4,967 | | 75,000 | | 225,005 | | 300,005 | | 3,935 | | 75,000 | | 225,043 | | 300,043 |
| Angela T. Tucci | 5,642 | | 80,000 | | 225,005 | | 305,005 | | 3,935 | | 80,000 | | 225,043 | | 305,043 |
| Vivian Vitale | 4,967 | | 75,000 | | 225,005 | | 300,005 | | 3,935 | | 75,000 | | 225,043 | | 300,043 |
| (1) | The number of outstanding unvested DSUs held by each director as of November 30, 2022,2023, is shown. No director held stock options. |
| (2) | Represents the fair value of the awards measured at the grant date. The number of units granted to each director in 20222023 was determined by dividing the grant date value of the award, $225,000, by $45.30,$57.19, the closing price of our common stock on June 30, 2022,July 10, 2023, rounded up to the nearest whole unit. |
| |
20232024 Proxy Statement | 43 |
Table of Contents
Our Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our current executive officers and key employees.officers.
| Name | | Age | | Position | |
| Yogesh Gupta | | 63 | 62 | | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
| Anthony Folger | | 5152 | | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | |
| John Ainsworth | | 5859 | | Executive Vice President and General Manager, Application and Data Platform | |
| Loren Jarrett | | 4849 | | Executive Vice President and General Manager, Digital Experience | |
| Kathryn Kulikoski | | 4647 | | Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer | |
Jennifer Ortiz | | 47 | | Executive Vice President, Marketing |
| Ian Pitt | | 56 | | Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer | |
Jeremy Segal | | 52 | | Executive Vice President, Corporate Development |
| Sundar Subramanian | | 4445 | | Executive Vice President and General Manager, Infrastructure Management | |
YuFan Stephanie
Wang | | 41 | 40 | | Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary |
Named Executive Officers
 | | Yogesh Gupta
President and Chief ExecutiveCompliance Officer
| |
Mr. Gupta became President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2016. Since he is also a Board member, his biography appears above in Proposal One: Election of Directors.
Mr. Folger joined Progress as Chief Financial Officer in January 2020 and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. As CFO, Mr. Folger is responsible for our finance and accounting, financial planning, treasury, tax and investor relations functions. Prior to joining Progress, Mr. Folger was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Carbonite, Inc., from January 2013 until Carbonite was acquired by OpenText Corporation in late December 2019. Prior to that time, from June 2006 to December 2012, Mr. Folger held a variety of senior leadership positions at Acronis AG, including Chief Financial Officer from October 2008 to December 2012.
Mr. Ainsworth joined Progress as Senior Vice President, Products-Core in January 2017 and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. Since December 2022, Mr. Ainsworth has been serving as the General Manager for the Application and Data Platform business unit (“ADP”). As General Manager, Mr. Ainsworth is responsible for guiding all aspects of engineering, support and sales for ADP. Prior to taking on this role, Mr. Ainsworth was responsible for the product management, product marketing, technical support and engineering functions for OpenEdge, Corticon, DataDirect Connect, DataDirect Hybrid Data Pipeline, Sitefinity, MOVEit, WhatsUp Gold, Kemp Loadmaster and Kemp Flowmon. Before joining Progress, Mr. Ainsworth was Senior Vice President, Engineering Services at CA Technologies, Inc., a position he assumed in April 2016. Prior to that time, Mr. Ainsworth held various senior positions within CA Technologies, Inc., which he joined through acquisition in 1994.
Ms. Jarrett joined Progress as Chief Marketing Officer in January 2017. She transitioned to Senior Vice President and General Manager of our Developer Tools Business in June 2019 and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. Ms. Jarrett currently serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Digital Experience business unit. She has been in this role since December 2022. As General Manager, Ms. Jarrett is responsible for sales, product management, product marketing, demand generation, technical support and engineering for Progress’ Digital Experience business. Prior to joining Progress, Ms. Jarrett was Chief Marketing Officer at Acquia, from 2015 until December 2016, Chief Marketing Officer at Kaseya, Inc. from 2013 until 2015, and Vice President, Corporate Charge Card and Loyalty Products at American Express, in 2013. Prior to that time, Ms. Jarrett was Vice President, Product Management and Strategy at Oracle Corporation from 2011 until 2012 and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at FatWire from 2007 until its acquisition by Oracle in 2011.
Age: 62
Background:
| 44 | Mr. Gupta became President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2016. Since he is also a Board member, his biography appears on page 24 in Proposal One: Election of Directors. |
|
 | | Anthony Folger
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Age: 51
Background:
|
| Mr. Folger joined Progress as Chief Financial Officer in January 2020. As CFO, Mr. Folger is responsible for our finance and accounting, financial planning, treasury, tax and investor relations functions. Prior to joining Progress, Mr. Folger was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Carbonite, Inc., from January 2013 until Carbonite was acquired by OpenText Corporation in late December 2019. Prior to that time, from June 2006 to December 2012, Mr. Folger held a variety of senior leadership positions at Acronis AG, including Chief Financial Officer from October 2008 to December 2012. |
|
44 | |
Table of Contents
Our Executive Officers
Ms. Kulikoski became Chief People Officer in November 2019 and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. As Chief People Officer, Ms. Kulikoski is responsible for all aspects of the company’s global human resources functions, including culture development, talent acquisition, retention, change management and process effectiveness. Prior to joining the Company, from May 2014 to September 2019, Ms. Kulikoski held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility and scope at Brightcove, Inc. Her tenure at Brightcove included serving as Chief People Officer from November 2018 to September 2019. Prior to May 2014, Ms. Kulikoski held leadership positions at Optaros, CIDC and ConnectEdu.
Mr. Pitt became Chief Information Officer in August 2021 and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. As our Chief Information Officer, Mr. Pitt is responsible for driving the vision, strategy and operations of Progress’ global IT organization. Mr. Pitt is also responsible for the security of our internal networks, infrastructure and business applications. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pitt was Chief Information Officer from July 2016 until May 2021 at LogMeIn Inc. Prior roles included Chief Information Officer and senior technology and IT roles at Thunderhead/Smart Communications, IntraLinks Inc., Tata Consultancy Services and Chordiant Software Inc.
Mr. Subramanian currently serves as Executive Vice President, General Manager of Infrastructure Management and has been in this role since December 2022. As General Manager, Mr. Subramanian is responsible for the sales, product management, product marketing, field marketing, technical support and engineering for Progress’s infrastructure management business. Mr. Subramanian became Senior Vice President and General Manager, Chef in October 2020 upon completion of our acquisition of Chef and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. Prior to that time, upon joining the Company in August 2019, Mr. Subramanian was responsible for driving all facets of the Company’s early stage products including the Kinvey, Kinvey Health Cloud, DataRPM, NativeChat and NativeScript product lines. Prior to joining Progress, Mr. Subramanian was an Executive Director at athenahealth, Inc., from August 2016 to July 2019, and Vice President, Products at Citrus Payment Solutions Pvt. Ltd., from September 2015 to August 2016. Previously, he served as Vice President, SaaS at Kaseya, Inc., from January 2014 to August 2015.
Ms. Wang currently serves as Chief Legal Officer, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer and has been in this role since September 2022, where she leads Progress’ legal, compliance and corporate governance efforts. She joined the Company in May 2022 as Deputy General Counsel and became Acting Chief Legal Officer in June 2022. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Wang was with W. P. Carey Inc. (NYSE: WPC) from 2014 to 2022, where she most recently held the role of Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Legal Officer. Ms. Wang previously practiced law in the corporate departments of Clifford Chance US LLP and Proskauer Rose LLP.
 | | John Ainsworth
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Application and Data Platform
Age: 4558
Background:
|
| Mr. Ainsworth joined Progress as Senior Vice President, Products-Core in January 2017 and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. Since December 2022, Mr. Ainsworth has been serving as the General Manager for the Application and Data Platform business unit (“ADP”). As General Manager, Mr. Ainsworth is responsible for guiding all aspects of engineering, support and sales for ADP. Prior to taking on this role, Mr. Ainsworth was responsible for the product management, product marketing, technical support and engineering functions for OpenEdge, Corticon, DataDirect Connect, DataDirect Hybrid Data Pipeline, Sitefinity, MOVEit, WhatsUp Gold, Kemp Loadmaster and Kemp Flowmon. Before joining Progress, Mr. Ainsworth was Senior Vice President, Engineering Services at CA Technologies, Inc., a position he assumed in April 2016. Prior to that time, Mr. Ainsworth held various senior positions within CA Technologies, Inc., which he joined through acquisition in 1994. |
|
 | | Loren Jarrett
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Digital Experience
Age: 48
Background:
|
| Ms. Jarrett joined Progress as Chief Marketing Officer in January 2017. She transitioned to Senior Vice President and General Manager of our Developer Tools Business in June 2019 and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. Ms. Jarrett currently serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Digital Experience business unit. She has been in this role since December 2022. As General Manager, Ms. Jarrett is responsible for sales, product management, product marketing, demand generation, technical support and engineering for Progress’ Digital Experience business. Prior to joining Progress, Ms. Jarrett was Chief Marketing Officer at Acquia, from 2015 until December 2016, Chief Marketing Officer at Kaseya, Inc. from 2013 until 2015 and Vice President, Corporate Charge Card and Loyalty Products at American Express, in 2013. Prior to that time, Ms. Jarrett was Vice President, Product Management and Strategy at Oracle Corporation from 2011 until 2012 and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at FatWire from 2007 until its acquisition by Oracle in 2011. |
|
 | | Jeremy Segal
Executive Vice President, Corporate Development
Age: 52
Background:
|
| Mr. Segal joined Progress as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development in May 2020 and was elevated to Executive Vice President in November 2021. In this role, Mr. Segal is responsible for leading our inorganic growth strategy to deliver sustained shareholder value through accretive acquisitions. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Segal was Global Head of Corporate Development at LogMeIn, a position he assumed in September 2019. Prior to that time, Mr. Segal was Vice President, Corporate Development at LogMeIn beginning in March 2016. Prior to that time, Mr. Segal was Vice President, Corporate Development at Akamai Technologies, which he joined in April 2000. |
|
Table of Contents
In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are asking our shareholdersstockholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. We urge you to read the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement, which describes in more detail how our executive compensation policies and procedures operate and are designed to achieve our compensation objectives, as well as the “Summary Compensation Table” and related compensation tables and narrative, which provide detailed information on the 20222023 compensation of our named executive officers. We believe our executive compensation programs demonstrate our pay-for-performance philosophy, which creates alignment with our shareholdersstockholders and drives the creation of sustainable long-term stockholder value.
Board Recommendation
We are asking our shareholdersstockholders to indicate their support for the compensation of our named executive officers, as described in this Proxy Statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement. Accordingly, we ask our shareholdersstockholders to vote “FOR” the following resolution at our Annual Meeting:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s shareholdersstockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20222023 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the “Summary Compensation Table” and the other related tables and narrative disclosure.”
This say-on-pay vote is advisory only and not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our Board of Directors. Although the vote is advisory, our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee value the opinions of our shareholdersstockholders and expect to take the outcome of this vote into account when considering future compensation arrangements for our executive officers.
| 46 | |
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Introduction
This “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section describes the elements of our compensation programs for our executive officers. This section also provides an overview of our executive compensation philosophy and analyzes how and why the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors arrives at specific compensation decisions and policies.
We describe below our compensation philosophy, policies and practices relating to the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022,2023, with respect to the following “named executive officers” (“NEOs”), whose compensation is set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” and other compensation tables contained in this Proxy Statement:
 Yogesh Gupta
President and
Chief Executive
Officer
| 
Executive Vice
President, Chief
Financial Officer
|
 John Ainsworth
Executive Vice
President and
General Manager,
Application and
Data Platform
| 
Executive Vice
President and
General Manager,
Digital Experience
|
 Jeremy Segal
Executive Vice
President
Corporate
Development and
General Manager,
Infrastructure
Management
|
We present our Compensation Discussion and Analysis in the following sections:
| 1 | Executive Summary
In this section, we discuss our strategy, our fiscal 20222023 corporate performance and certain governance aspects of our executive compensation program.
|  | > See page 48 |
| 2 | Executive Compensation Program
In this section, we describe our executive compensation philosophy and process and the material elements of our executive compensation program.
| | > See page 51 |
| 3 | 20222023 Executive Compensation Decisions
In this section, we provide an overview of our Compensation Committee’s executive compensation decisions for fiscal 20222023 and certain actions taken before or after fiscal 2022,2023, when doing so enhances the understanding of our executive compensation program.
| | > See page 56 |
| 4 | Other Executive Compensation Matters
In this section, we describe our other compensation policies and review the accounting and tax treatment of compensation.
| | > See page 6663 |
20232024 Proxy Statement | 47 |
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Summary
Fiscal 20222023 Performance
As outlined below, our financial and operating performance in fiscal 20222023 was strong, across virtually every financial metric andas we benefited from steady demand across virtually all our products lines and markets. Our employees most of whom continued to work remotely, worked tirelessly, enabling us to execute exceptionally well against our strategic plan.
HighlightsPerformance relative to our most important incentive compensation metrics, as well as other highlights of our fiscal 20222023 operational and financial results, include:
Exceeded revenue guidance
on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis for each fiscal quarter of, and full year, fiscal 2022
Incentive Compensation Metrics |
Adjusted Free
Cash Flow
$175M
Near Our Target | Exceeded top end of earnings per share guidance
on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis for each fiscal quarter of, and full year, fiscal 2022
Non-GAAP
Revenue
$698M
Above Our Target | Non-GAAP
Operating Income
$271M
Above Our Target |
| | | |
Annualized recurring revenue
(“ARR”) of
$574 million
as of the end of fiscal 2023,
increased 17% year-over-year on
a constant currency basis | Successful
integration of
MarkLogic,
which closed in
February 2023 | Stockholder-focused
capital allocation
Over $65 million
of capital returned to
stockholders in fiscal 2023,
including more than
$31 million in dividends |
| | | | | |
| | Annualized recurring revenue
(“ARR”) of
$497 million
100% NRR
net retention rate
as of the end of fiscal 2022, increased 3.5% year-over-year on a constant currency basis | | Achieved cash flows from
operations of over
$192 million
Achieved record adjusted free
cash flow (non-GAAP) of over
$189 million
| | Shareholder-focused
capital allocation
Over $108 million
of capital returned to
shareholders in fiscal 2022,
including more than
$31 million in dividends
| |
|
Above 101% NDRR
net dollar retention rate
(current period ARR divided by prior period ARR) as
|
of the end of fiscal 2022,2023, illustrating our
predictable and durable revenue performance | | | Key product releases, including
Developer Tools, Sitefinity,
WhatsUp Gold, LoadMaster 360
and Flowmon ADS |
| |
| |
Successful integration of
Kemp, which closed in October
of 202148 |
|
|
|
20% Operating Margins
40% Non-GAAP Operating Margins
|
(FY22 non-GAAP operating margins exceeded our stated target of +35% |
|
Diluted earnings per share
was $2.15 in FY22, up 22% |
Non-GAAP diluted earnings
per share was $4.13 in FY22,
up 7% |
|
|
Key product releases, including
Developer Tools, Sitefinity DX,
WhatsUp Gold, Chef Cloud
|
Security, MOVEit, Flowmon and
DataDirect. |
48 | |
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Fiscal 20222023 Compensation Structure
The Compensation Committee’s philosophy is to tie executive pay to Company performance, thereby creating alignment with our shareholdersstockholders and driving the creation of sustainable long-term stockholder value. Despite the challenges presented by geopolitical tensions and economic volatility during fiscal year 2022,2023, our compensation programs continued to reflect this philosophy and compensation earned reflected our business achievements.
Our fiscal 20222023 budget and operating plan prioritized enhancing customer retention and reflected our expectations for strong recurring revenue and high renewal rates but limited revenue growth beyond the inclusion of KempMarkLogic Corporation for a portion of the entire fiscal year. Consistent with past years, we also prioritized operating our business as efficiently as possible to strengthen Progress for the benefit of shareholdersstockholders which included internal reorganization work to better align our products and go-to-market strategy.
As was the case in fiscal 2021,2022, the Compensation Committee utilized a combination of short and long-term compensation programs to advance our strategy.
20222023 Executive Compensation Highlights
●Base Salaries for our named executive officers targeted at market competitive levels ●● 100% of annual cash bonusesfor our named executive officers tied to achieving pre-established financial objectivesthat are difficult to attain and require achievement that is closely linked to our annual operating plan and budget and publicly announced expectations
●Payouts under the annual cash bonuses capped at 150% of target amounts
| | ●● 50% of annual target equity opportunityfor our named executive officers was delivered in the form of cliff-vestedperformance-based stock awards tied to three-year relative total shareholderstockholder return and cumulative operating income metrics ●● 30% of annual target equity opportunityfor our named executive officers was delivered in the form of time-based restricted stock unitsand 20%in the form of stock options
|
Our fiscal 20222023 compensation structure at the start of fiscal 20222023 was consistent with our fiscal 20212022 compensation structure. As described below, the Compensation Committee modified the fiscal 2022 long-term performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) applicable to the NEOs by adjusting the weighting of the performance measures. The Compensation Committee reviewed our fiscal 20222023 compensation structure in November 20212022 and January 20222023 in consultation with Pay Governance, our externalits independent compensation consultant. Consistent with prior years, our annual and long-term incentive bonus plan wasplans were designed to achieve financial goals related to our business plan for fiscal 20222023 and in line with our financial guidance to shareholders.stockholders.
For fiscal 2022,2023, payouts under our Corporate Bonus Plan were made at 112%107% of target, based on our solid performance. The construct, underlying metrics and resulting performance and payout outcome under the Corporate Bonus Plan are described further in the section below entitled “Cash Incentive Compensation”.
The three-year performance period for PSUs awarded under our 20202021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) ended on November 30, 2022.2023. Based on our relative total shareholderstockholder return (“TSR”) during that period, we achieved a final payout of 127.5%145% for the TSR metric, and 191% performancewhile we achieved a 200% payout for the cumulative total operating income metric. As a result, 159%186% of the awarded PSUsperformance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) were earned, as described further in the section entitled “2022“2023 Executive Compensation Decisions – Equity Compensation – LTIP PSUs” below.
20232024 Proxy Statement | 49 |
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Governance
| | What We Do: |  | | | | What We Don’t Do: |  | |
| |  ✔70% of annual equity award is performance-based, through performance-based stock units and stock options. options
✔Grant performance-based equity awards with performance measures that span three years
✔Utilize different measures for performance equity awards and cash incentives
✔Maintain stock ownership guidelines to ensure our directors’ and executives’ interests are aligned with those of our shareholders stockholders
✔Clawback Policy: committed to updatingupdated our compensation recovery policy in line with the SEC’s recently updated rules and Nasdaq’s proposed listing standards (when available)
✔Cap the amounts our executives can earn under our annual incentive plans
✔Compensation Committee retains independent compensation consultant
| | | | | |  ✖No perquisites
✖No guaranteed salary increases or non-performance-based bonuses
✖No pledging or hedging of company stock by directors or executive officers
✖No excise tax gross-ups
| | |
Response to 20222023 Say-on-Pay Vote and the Evolution of our Executive Compensation Programs
We value the input of our shareholders on our compensation programs. We hold an advisory vote on executive compensation on an annual basis. We also regularly seek feedback from our shareholders to better understand their opinions on governance issues, including compensation. The Compensation Committee carefully considers stockholder feedback and the outcome of each vote when reviewing our executive compensation programs each year.
At our 2022 annual shareholders meeting, approximately 96% of the votes cast approved, on an advisory basis, our executive compensation for fiscal year 2021. As shown in the table at right, for each of the past six years, we received approximately 96% or greater, support with respect to the advisory vote on executive compensation.
| | Say-on-Pay Votes (2017-2022)
|
We value the input of our stockholders on our compensation programs. We hold an advisory vote on executive compensation on an annual basis. We also regularly seek feedback from our stockholders to better understand their opinions on governance issues, including compensation. The Compensation Committee carefully considers stockholder feedback and the outcome of each vote when reviewing our executive compensation programs each year.
At our 2023 annual stockholders meeting, approximately 96% of the votes cast approved, on an advisory basis, our executive compensation for fiscal 2022. As shown in the table at right, for each of the past six years, we received approximately 96% or greater, support with respect to the advisory vote on executive compensation.
Say-on-Pay Votes (2018-2023)
The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of our say-on-pay votes and our shareholders’stockholders’ views when making future compensation decisions for our executives.
| 50 | |
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Compensation Program
Philosophy and Objectives
Our philosophy is to reward executive officers based upon corporate performance, as well as to provide long-term incentives for the achievement of financial and strategic goals. We use a combination of cash compensation, composed of base salary and an annual cash bonus program, long-term equity incentive compensation programs and a broad-based benefits program to create a competitive compensation package for our executive management team. We tie the payment of cash and long-term equity incentive compensation to executive officers exclusively to the achievement of financial objectives.
The Compensation Committee uses the following principles to guide its decisions regarding the compensation of our executive officers:
| Pay for Performance | | Total compensation should reflect a “pay-for-performance” philosophy in which more than 50% of each executive officer’s compensation is tied to the achievement of company financial objectives. Cash compensation for our executive officers is weighted toward short-term incentive bonus awards tied to company financial objectives that are difficult to attain and require achievement that is closely linked to our annual operating plan and budget and publicly announced expectations. Long-term incentive awards, namely PSUs and stock options, also ensure pay and performance alignment over the long term. |
Alignment with Shareholders’Stockholders’ Interests | | Total compensation levels should include long-term performance-based equity awards to align executive officer and stockholder interests. |
| Internal Parity | | To the extent practicable, base salaries and short- and long-term incentive targets for similarly situated executive officers should be comparable to avoid divisiveness and encourage teamwork, collaboration, and a cooperative working environment. |
| External Competitiveness | | Total compensation should be competitive with peer companies so that we can attract and retain high performinghigh-performing key executive talent. To achieve this goal within market ranges, our Compensation Committee annually reviews the compensation practices of other companies in our peer group, as discussed in the “Peer“Peer Group” section below. |
20232024 Proxy Statement | 51 |
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Review Process
  |   |   |   |   |
| January | March | June | September | November |
January | March | June | September | November |
| | | | |
●Determine achievement under prior period performance-based compensation
●Review pay-for-performance alignment
●Grant annual performance-based and time-based equity awards
● ��Establish executive compensation for year
| ●Review Compensation Discussion and Analysis
●Review non-executive Board of Directors compensation
| ●Review annual say-on-pay vote results and proxy advisor recommendations
●Consider Performance criteria for next fiscal year
●Review Compensation Committee Charter
| ●Review and establish compensation peer group for upcoming year
●Review executive compensation trends and regulatory updates
| ●Review equity use and forecast expense
●Establish final performance-based compensation plans for next year
|
Role of Compensation Committee
Toward the end of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee begins the process of reviewing executive officer compensation for the next fiscal year. The Compensation Committee is provided with reports from its independent compensation consultant comparing our executive compensation and equity granting practices relative to the market and to our peer group. The Compensation Committee reviews recommendations from management on the current fiscal year annual and long-term incentive compensation programs. The Compensation Committee then reviews and approves any changes to executive officers’ total target cash compensation and long-term equity incentive compensation. The Compensation Committee reviews all recommendations considering our compensation philosophy and seeks input from its independent compensation consultant prior to making any final decisions.
The Compensation Committee meets in executive session (without management) with its independent compensation consultant to deliberate on executive compensation matters. None of our executive officers participate in the Compensation Committee’s deliberations or decisions regarding their own compensation.
Role of Chief Executive Officer
Our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee with respect to compensation for his direct reports (including our other named executive officers). In making these recommendations, the factors considered include market data, tenure, individual performance, responsibilities and experience levels of the executives, as well as the compensation of the executives relative to one another.
These initial CEO recommendations are presented at Compensation Committee meetings. The Total Rewards team within our People function and individuals within our Finance and Legal teams support the Compensation Committee in the performance of its responsibilities. During fiscal 2022,2023, our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief People Officer and Vice President, Global Rewards & Systems attended the Compensation Committee meetings to provide perspectives on the competitive landscape, the needs of the business, information about our financial performance and relevant legal and regulatory developments.
| 52 | |
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Role of Compensation Consultant
Our Compensation Committee again retained Pay Governance to advise it on matters related to executive compensation for fiscal 2022.2023.
Other than providing limited guidance regarding our broad-based equity plan design for all employees, which was approved by the Compensation Committee, Pay Governance did not provide any services for management in fiscal 2022.2023. Pay Governance consulted with our management when requested by the Compensation Committee and only as necessary to obtain relevant compensation and performance data for the executives, as well as essential business information so that it could effectively support the Compensation Committee with appropriate competitive market information and relevant analyses.
During fiscal 2022,2023, Pay Governance provided a range of services to the Compensation Committee to support the Compensation Committee’s agenda and obligations under its charter, including providing advice relating to the impact of regulatory updates, industry trends and peer group compensation data, advice on the structure and competitiveness of our compensation programs, advice on the consistency of our programs with our executive compensation philosophy and advice on director compensation. Representatives of Pay Governance also attended Compensation Committee meetings.
The Compensation Committee assessed the independence of Pay Governance and determined that Pay Governance is independent of our companyProgress and has no relationships that could create a conflict of interest with us. As part of its assessment, the Compensation Committee considered the fact that Pay Governance did not provide any other services to us and consults with our management only as necessary to provide the services described above.
Peer Group
To assist the Compensation Committee in making decisions on total compensation for executives and company-wide equity grants, the Compensation Committee utilizes peer and industry group data and analyses. Each year, as necessary, the Compensation Committee reviews with its independent compensation consultant the list of peer companies as points of comparison to ensure that comparisons are meaningful.
With management’s input, and focus on the following considerations, Pay Governance provided recommendations on the composition of our peer group for fiscal 2022.2023.
General Description
Application Software or Systems Software companies which operate in similar or related businesses and with which Progress competes for business or talent.
Criteria Considered
| ● | Publicly traded on a major U.S. exchange and based in U.S. |
| ● | |
● | Revenues-0.5xRevenues: 0.5x to 2.5x of Progress |
| |
| ● | Market Cap-0.2xCap: 0.2x to 5.0x of Progress |
| |
| ● | Qualitative Factors: |
| |
| ● | Proxy advisor-defined peers |
| | |
| ● | Recent financial performance |
| | |
| ● | Growth and profitability (including dividend payors) profiles |
20232024 Proxy Statement | 53 |
Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
For fiscal 2022,2023, the Compensation Committee removed four peer companies utilized in 20212022 and added twothree new peer companies as shown in the table below. The four companies removed (HubSpot(Bottomline Technologies (de), Inc., MongoDB,; Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., Synchronoss Technologies,; MicroStrategy, Incorporated; and QAD Inc. and Talend S.A)) either were acquired or are no longer meet our criteria for inclusion (e.g., market caps above/below the ranges specified above)an appropriate peer due to unique pay structures or were acquired during 2021.business models.
| Peer Group List |
Aspen Technology, Inc.Appian Corporation | | Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. | | QAD Inc. |
Avid Technology, Inc. | | Everbridge, Inc. | | Rapid7, Inc. |
Appian Corporation | | Manhattan Associates, Inc. | | SailPoint Technologies Holdings, Inc. |
Blackbaud,Aspen Technology, Inc. | Manhattan Associates, Inc. | MicroStrategy, Incorporated | | SPS Commerce, Inc. |
Bottomline Technologies (de),Avid Technology, Inc. | New Relic, Inc.* | OneSpan Inc. | | Upland Software, Inc.* |
| Blackbaud, Inc. | OneSpan Inc. | Verint Systems, Inc.* |
| CommVault Systems, Inc. | | Pegasystems, Inc. | | Xperi Holding Corporation*Corporation |
| Dynatrace, Inc.* | Rapid7, Inc. | |
Pay Governance then prepared a compensation analysis based on survey data and data gathered from publicly available information for our peer group companies. Pay Governance separately analyzed and advised the Compensation Committee regarding the pay practices of companies engaged in a total growth strategy like ours.
As of November 30, 2022 ($Ms)
Survey Data
The executive compensation analysis prepared by Pay Governance also included data from Radford’s 20202022 Global Technology SurveyCompensation Database for U.S.-based companies with revenues similar to ours. The Compensation Committee used this data to compare the current compensation of our named and other executive officers to the peer group and to determine the relative market value for each position, based on direct, quantitative comparisons of pay levels. The survey data was used when there was a lack of public peer data for an executive’s position and to obtain a general market understanding of current compensation practices.
Competitive Positioning
Fiscal 20222023 target total direct compensation for our named executive officers was set by the Compensation Committee based predominantly on competitive pay practices, as reflected in the peer group and survey data. The Compensation Committee reviews market data at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile and, for 2022,2023, sought to target total direct compensation for the named executive officers as a group at the 50th percentile of our peer group in setting our executive compensation programs. Additional adjustments were considered based on individual tenure, experience, performance, criticality of role, succession planning, internal pay equity and historical pay levels, as well as the level of an executive officer’s unvested equity awards and incentives.
Components of Executive Compensation
Compensation for our named executive officers currently consists of three primary components that are designed to reward performance in a simple and straightforward manner: base salary, annual cash bonus and long-term equity awards. The objectives and key attributes of these components, as well as how each element accomplishes the goals and objectives of our overall program are summarized below.
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
| Compensation Element | | Objective | | Key Attributes | | Key Features |
 | CEO | Other NEOs | Objective | Key Attributes | Key Features |
 | Base Salary | | | | |
 |  | To secure and retain services of key executive talent by providing a fixed level of cash compensation | | Aligns with scope and complexity of role and prevailing market conditions; salary levels are generally at market median | | Adjustments may be made to reflect market conditions for a position, changes in responsibilities, individual performance or internal pay equity |
  | Annual Cash Bonus | | | |
 |  | To encourage and reward annual corporate performance that enhances short and long-term stockholder value | | 100% financial/formulaic Fiscal 20222023 metrics utilized are:
●Total non-GAAP revenue (40%)
●Total non-GAAP operating income (40%)
●Total adjusted free cash flow (20%) | | Cash bonuses are based on percentage of base salary, with actual awards based exclusively on attainment of objective corporate financial goals. For General Managers, a small portionone-sixth of the total bonus opportunity is also tied to business unit performance goals.(1)goals under the Sales Leader Plan. |
PSUs under the
Long-Term Incentive Plan | | | |
 |  | To align interests of management with those of our shareholdersstockholders with the goal of creating long-term growth and value | | Three-year performance period with cliff-vesting
50% of annual equity awardaward; three-year performance period with three-year cliff-vesting Performance metrics utilized are:
●75% non-GAAP operating income (subject to 35% annual non-GAAP operating margin threshold)
●25% relative TSR in comparison to the S&P Software and Services Select Industry Index |
| Restricted Stock Units | | | |
 |  | To retain executive talent | | Time-based over three years with vests every six months to support retention
30% of annual equity awardaward; vesting over three years |
Stock Options
|
| | |
 |  | To align interests of management with those of our shareholdersstockholders with the goal of creating long-term growth and value
| Time-based
| 20% of annual equity award; vesting over four years with a 7-yearseven-year expiration and vests every six months. |
| 20% of annual equity award | Exercise price equal to fair market value on date of grant |
(1)2024 Proxy Statement | Loren Jarrett is the only named executive officer who served as a General Manager in fiscal 2022, therefore a portion of her overall bonus target is tied to the performance of her business unit during fiscal 2022. Her overall annual cash bonus is 60% of her base salary, with 50% tied to corporate performance and 10% tied to business unit metrics. 55 |
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
20222023 Executive Compensation Decisions
Program Design
Consistent with its pay-for-performance philosophy, the Compensation Committee emphasized alignment with our long-term business goals in designing our executive compensation programs for fiscal 2022.2023. Our executive compensation programs for fiscal 20222023 were designed to reflect our continued commitment to the goals of our total growth strategy:
| ● | Be thea trusted provider of the best products to develop, deploy and manage high-impact business applications. |
| ● | |
● | Focus on customer and partner retention to drive recurring revenue and increased profitability. |
| ● | |
● | Execute our total growth strategy driven by targeting accretive M&A. |
| ● | |
● | Execute our capital allocation strategy. |
Pay Mix
In setting the mix among the different elements of executive compensation, we do not target specific allocations, but generally weight target compensation more heavily toward performance-based compensation, both cash and equity. The percentage of performance-based compensation for our executive officers and other employees increases with job responsibility, reflecting our view of internal pay equity and the ability of a given employee to contribute to our results. We also generally align our compensation mix with the practices of our peer group when possible and to the extent consistent with our compensation strategy and business plan.
As shown in the charts below, the total direct compensation mix for Mr. Gupta and our other named executive officers in fiscal 2022 was closely aligned with our peer group.
Progress - CEO | | Peers - CEOCFO |
 | |  |
91% Performance-based Compensation | | 85% Performance-based Compensation |
Progress - CFO | | Peers - CFO |
 | |  |
85% Performance-based Compensation | | 80% Performance-based Compensation |
Progress - Other NEOs | | Peers - Other NEOs |
 | |  |
76% Performance-based Compensation | | 76% Performance-based Compensation |
“Other“Other NEOs” reflects average of NEO salaries,NEOs, excluding CEO & CFO
These allocationsAllocations among pay elements reflect our belief that a significant portion of our named executive officers’ compensation should be performance-based and therefore “at risk” based on Company performance, as well as subject to service requirements. Since our cash incentive opportunities and equity incentive awards have both upside opportunities and downside risks and our actual performance can deviate from the target goals, the amount of compensation earned will differ from the target allocations.
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Individual Considerations
Below is a summary of the fiscal compensation decisions and, where applicable, changes for each named executive officer from fiscal 2021.
| | | |
|  | | Yogesh Gupta
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
| | | |
2022 Target (in $ millions)
Total Target Annual Compensation:
$6,650,000
| | ● Target Annual Cash Compensation: $1,150,000
● Target Annual Equity Compensation: $5,500,000
The Committee evaluated Mr. Gupta’s fiscal 2021 total target annual compensation against our compensation peer group to determine if changes should be made. Based on this evaluation, we determined that the value of Mr. Gupta’s target annual equity compensation should be increased to $5,500,000 for fiscal 2022, with 50% of the award in the form of LTIP PSUs, 30% in time-based RSUs and 20% in the form of stock options.
|
Alignment of CEO Realizable Pay Value and Performance
The Compensation Committee reviews realizable pay value analyses for the executive officers to inform design and award levels for long-term incentive awards. We believe our overall executive compensation program has been effective at driving the achievement of our target financial and strategic results, appropriately aligning executive pay and corporate performance and enabling us to attract and retain top executives within our industry.
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
When results do not meet our expectations, our named executive officers receive compensation that is below our target levels and may be below market in comparison to our peer group. The table below shows
Individual Determinations
Below is a summary of the targetfiscal 2023 compensation decisions of the Compensation Committee and, realizable paywhere applicable, changes for our CEO, Mr. Gupta, foreach named executive officer from fiscal years 2020 through 2022. The realizable pay values shown below are as of our 2022 fiscal year-end, November 30, 2022. Realizable pay calculations show the potential value of pay as of a specific date; however, the actual pay realized will vary due to performance, vesting provisions and changes in stock price.
| | | Total Target
Compensation
($)(1) | | Total Realizable
Compensation
($)(2) | | Realizable Pay as
a Percentage of
Target Pay % |
| 2020 | | 5,000,000 | | 5,861,785 | | 117% |
| 2021 | | 5,650,000 | | 8,983,460 | | 159% |
| 2022 | | 6,650,000 | | 8,180,276 | | 123% |
| Average 2020-2022 | | 5,766,667 | | 7,675,174 | | 133% |
| Name | | 2023 Annual
base salary | | YOY change
for base
salary (%) | | 2023 Target annual
Cash Incentive
Award (% of salary) | | YOY Change for
Target Annual
Cash Incentive
(as % of salary) | | 2023 Target Value
of Equity Awards
($)(1) | | YOY change for
Target Value of
Equity Awards(2) |
| Yogesh Gupta | | $600,000 | | 4.3% | | 100.0% | | 0.0% | | $7,000,000 | | 27.3% |
| Anthony Folger | | $440,000 | | 6.0% | | 65.0% | | 0.0% | | $2,600,000 | | 30.0% |
| Loren Jarrett | | $425,000 | | 9.0% | | 60.0% | | 0.0% | | $1,200,000 | | 20.0% |
| John Ainsworth(3) | | $425,000 | | 9.0% | | 60.0% | | 10.0% | | $1,200,000 | | 20.0% |
| Sundar Subramanian(4) | | $425,000 | | 77.1% | | 60.0% | | 0.0% | | $1,200,000 | | 20.0% |
| (1) | Total TargetEquity Award total split 50% PSUs, 30% RSUs, and 20% Options. |
| (2) | The year-over-year increase in target equity value for the NEOs reflects a market adjustment approved by the Compensation is defined asCommittee in consultation with its independent consultant. |
| (3) | Mr. Ainsworth became a GM and eligible for the sum of (a) annualSales Leader Plan in 2023. |
| (4) | Mr. Subramanian worked for the Company from India in 2022 and was paid in local currency and according to local market. His year-over-year base salary (b) target bonus, (c) the valueincrease is due to adjustment of stock options awarded, equalhis compensation in connection with his reassignment to the number of options granted multiplied by the Black-Scholes value of such options on the grant date, (d) the value of RSUs awarded, equalU.S. His compensation was aligned to the number of RSUs granted multiplied by the closing price of our stock on the grant daterole, location and (e) the value of PSUs awarded under our LTIP, equal to the number of PSUs granted assuming 100% performance multiplied by the closing price of our stock on the grant date. |
(2) | Total Realizable Compensation is defined as the sum of (a) annual base salary, (b) actual corporate bonus plan award paid, (c) the “in-the-money” value of stock options as of November 30, 2022 (the last trading day of our fiscal year 2022), (d) the value of RSUs awarded, equal to the number of RSUs granted multiplied by the closing price of our stock on November 30, 2022, which was $53.32 and (e) the value of PSUs awarded, determined by measuring the performance thus far in the performance period and determining the resulting level of assumed payout as of the most recent fiscal year end. With respect to the 2020 LTIP PSUs, the amounts in this column reflect that based on our relative TSR during the three-year performance period, we performed at a final payout of 127.5% performance for the TSR metric and 191% level of performance for the cumulative total operating income metric and, as a result, 159% of the awarded PSUs were earned. With respect to each of the 2021 and 2022 LTIP PSUs, we have assumed achievement of both the total shareholder return and the operating income metrics based on Company performance as of November 30, 2022, and determined the resulting level of payout. As a result of our financial performance in fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022, Mr. Gupta earned 94%, 150%, and 112% of his annual bonus, respectively.peers. |
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| | | |
|  | | Anthony Folger
Chief Financial Officer
|
| | | |
2022 Target (in $ millions)
Total Target Annual Compensation:
$2,684,750
| | ● Target Annual Cash Compensation: $684,750
● Target Annual Equity Compensation: $2,000,000
The Compensation Committee and CEO evaluated Mr. Folger’s fiscal 2021 total target annual cash compensation against our compensation peer group, Mr. Folger’s individual contributions and overall Company performance. The CEO recommended and the Committee approved an increase to Mr. Folger’s base salary to $415,000 and an increase to his target annual equity compensation to $2,000,000 for fiscal 2022.
For fiscal 2022, Mr. Folger’s target bonus was tied to performance under the Corporate Bonus Plan.
|
| | | |
|  | | John Ainsworth
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Application and Data Platform
|
| | | |
2022 Target (in $ millions)
Total Target Annual Compensation:
$1,585,000
| | ● Target Annual Cash Compensation: $585,000
● Target Annual Equity Compensation: $1,000,000
The Compensation Committee and CEO evaluated Mr. Ainsworth’s fiscal 2021 total target annual compensation against our compensation peer group and his individual, business unit and overall Company performance. Based on this evaluation, the CEO recommended, and the Committee approved an increase to Mr. Ainsworth’s base salary to $390,000 and an increase to his target annual equity compensation to $1,000,000 for fiscal 2022.
For fiscal 2022, Mr. Ainsworth’s target bonus was tied to performance under the Corporate Bonus Plan.
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
| | | |
|  | | Loren Jarrett
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Digital Experience
|
| | | |
2022 Target (in $ millions)
Total Target Annual Compensation:
$1,624,000
| | ● Target Annual Cash Compensation: $624,000
● Target Annual Equity Compensation: $1,000,000
The Compensation Committee and the CEO evaluated Ms. Jarrett’s fiscal 2021 total target annual cash compensation against our compensation peer group, her individual, business unit and overall Company performance. Based on this evaluation, The CEO recommended and the Committee approved an increase to Ms. Jarrett’s base salary to $390,000 and an increase to her target annual equity compensation to $1,000,000 for fiscal 2022.
As the only named executive officer who served as a General Manager in fiscal 2022, Ms. Jarrett’s target bonus was composed of two parts: five-sixths of this target was tied to performance under the Corporate Bonus Plan and one-sixth of this target was tied to financial objectives with respect to the products for which she served as General Manager.
|
| | | |
|  | | Jeremy Segal
Executive Vice President Corporate Development
|
| | | |
2022 Target (in $ millions)
Total Target Annual Compensation:
$1,525,000
| | ● Target Annual Cash Compensation: $525,000
● Target Annual Equity Compensation: $1,000,000
The Compensation Committee and CEO evaluated Mr. Segal’s fiscal 2021 total target annual compensation against our compensation peer group and his individual, business unit and overall Company performance. Based on this evaluation, the CEO recommended, and the Committee approved an increase to Mr. Segal’s base salary to $350,000 and an increase to his target annual equity compensation to $1,000,000 for fiscal 2022.
For fiscal 2022, Mr. Segal’s target bonus was tied to performance under the Corporate Bonus Plan.
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Cash Compensation
Cash Incentive Compensation
Annual Cash Bonus
It is our philosophy to base a significant portion of each executive officer’s total compensation opportunity on performance incentives. Our annual bonus plan is intended to motivate eligible participants toward overall business results, to tie their goals and interests to those of the Company and its shareholdersstockholders and to enable the Company to attract and retain highly qualified executives. Our bonus plan is administered by our Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee set the target annual cash incentive opportunity for 20222023 (expressed as a percentage of base salary earned during the year) for each named executive officer in January 2022.2023. In setting the target levels, the Compensation Committee considered each named executive officer’s 20222023 target total cash opportunity against the peer group data provided by our independent compensation consultant, internal pay equity and the roles and responsibilities of the named executive officers. The Compensation Committee believes that the target annual cash bonus opportunity should make up a larger portion of an executive officer’s total target cash compensation as the executive’s level of responsibility increases.
The Compensation Committee set eachIn the case of Ms. Jarrett and Messrs. Ainsworth and Subramanian, as named executive officer’s cash bonus target at the same percentage as their respective target opportunity in 2021. In Ms. Jarrett’s case, as the only named executive officerofficers who served as a General ManagerManagers in fiscal 2022,2023, five-sixths of hertheir respective target bonus was tied to performance under the fiscal 20222023 Corporate Bonus Plan and one-sixth of hertheir respective target was tied to performance under the fiscal to financial objectives with respect to the products for which she is responsible.they are responsible under the Sales Leader Plan.
20222023 Plan Design
In January 2022,2023, the Compensation Committee approved the fiscal 20222023 Corporate Bonus Plan. For fiscal 2022,2023, the Compensation Committee adopted three plan metrics for the Corporate Bonus Plan applicable to our named executive officers, all of which would be utilized to determine funding and payout under the cash bonus plan. These plan metrics were the same metrics utilized by the Compensation Committee in fiscal 2021.2022 and are consistent with the financial measures upon which the Company provides guidance to investors.
| Performance metric | | Weighting | | Rationale |
| Non-GAAP corporate revenue | | 40% | | reflect the priority of customer retention and recurring revenue |
| Non-GAAP operating income | | 40% | | reflect the priority for efficient scalable operations |
| Adjusted free cash flow metric | | 20% | | reflect the importance of cash flow on our Total Growth Strategy execution. |
Each metric was measured separately and was not impacted by performance with respect to the other metrics. The performance measures selected for our cash bonus plan were designed to support our goals of expanding our non-GAAP operating income, while at the same time preserving our strong cash flow, which would result in increased stockholder returns.
For 2022,2023, the Compensation Committee set the thresholds, targets and stretch (maximum) performance levels for purposes of earning any award under the Corporate Bonus Plan at approximately 97% ofas set forth in the total revenue target, approximately 92% of the operating income target and approximately 97% of the adjusted free cash flow target under our fiscal 2022 annual budget. These thresholds are unchanged from 2021.following table.
| | Payout Percentage |
| Performance Metric | | Threshold—25% | | Target—100% | | Maximum—150% |
| Total Revenue (% of performance target) | | 97% | | 100% | | 103% |
| Operating Income (% of performance target) | | 92% | | 100% | | 111% |
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow (% of performance target) | | 97% | | 100% | | 111% |
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Amounts Earned under the 20222023 Corporate Bonus Plan
As a result of our performance during fiscal 2022,2023, we achieved an overall payout percentage of 112%107% under the fiscal 20222023 Corporate Bonus Plan. This reflects non-GAAP corporate revenue achievement at 123% of target, non-GAAP operating income achievement at 113% of target and adjusted free cash flow performance at 64% of target. For Mr. Gupta and the other executive officers,all Named Executive Officers, the actual bonuses earned were based 100%purely on the financial metrics described above and no portion of the annual bonuses were based on subjective measures.
The following table shows the bonuses earned by our named executive officers under the fiscal 20222023 Corporate Bonus Plan.
| NEO | | Target Annual Bonus
($) | | Amount Earned
($) | | Target Annual Bonus
($)(1) | | Amount Earned
($) |
| Yogesh Gupta | | 575,000 | | 644,000 | | 600,000 | | 642,000 |
| Anthony Folger | | 269,750 | | 302,120 | | 286,000 | | 306,020 |
| John Ainsworth | | 195,000 | | 218,400 | | 212,500 | | 227,375 |
Loren Jarrett(1) | | 195,000 | | 218,400 | | 212,500 | | 227,375 |
| Jeremy Segal | | 175,000 | | 196,000 | |
| Sundar Subramanian | | | 212,500 | | 227,375 |
| (1) | ReflectsTarget annual bonus for Ainsworth, Jarrett and Subramanian above reflects the portion of Ms. Jarrett’s target bonus (five-sixths) that is tied to the Corporate Bonus Plan. The remaining portion (one-sixth) of Ms. Jarrett’s target bonus is tied to financial objectives within the products for which she is the General Manager. For fiscal 2022, Ms. Jarrett earned 112% of the portion of her fiscal 2022 target bonus that wasincentive opportunity tied to the Corporate Bonus Plan and 99.2%(50% of base salary). Each of these executives, also received an incremental incentive opportunity equal to 10% of base salary under the portion of her bonus that was tied to the financial objectives within the products for which she is the General Manager.Sales Leader Plan. |
Equity Compensation
We use equity compensation to attract, retain, motivate and reward our named executive officers and other employees and to align our executives’ interests with those of our shareholders.stockholders. Equity-based incentive awards are intended to be the longer-term components of our overall executive compensation program and are designed to encourage performance by our executive officers over several years. The Compensation Committee’s decisions regarding the amount and type of equity incentive compensation, the allocation of equity and relative weighting of these awards within total executive compensation have been based on advice provided by our independent compensation consultant and the Compensation Committee’s understanding and individual experiences with market practices of similarly situated companies. We issue annual and new hire equity awards based on guidelines for awards commensurate with position levels and that reflect grant practices within our peer group and the broader software industry generally.
The following is a summary of our fiscal 20222023 equity program.
| Program | | Fiscal 20222023 Equity Program |
| Form of Equity | | Time-based Restricted Stock Units equal to 30% of annual grant value |
| | Non-Qualified Stock Options equal to 20% of annual grant value |
| | Performance-Based Stock Units equal to 50% of annual grant value |
| Performance Periods | | PSUs have three-year performance period |
| Metrics | | LTIP PSUs tied 75% to cumulative non-GAAP operating income (subject to 35% annual operating margin threshold) and 25% to relative TSR |
| Vesting | | Time-based RSUs vest in six equal installments over three years
Stock options vest in eight equal installments over four years
LTIP: 3-year
PSUs: three-year cliff vest ●With respect to TSR metric, participants can earn between 0% to 200% of target amount of LTIP PSUs, with threshold vesting at the 35thpercentile achievement, target at 55thpercentile and maximum vesting at the 90thpercentile ●With respect to the non-GAAP operating income metric, participants can earn between 0% and 200% of the target amount of LTIP PSUs, once operating income criteria is met, subject to a 35% annual operating margin threshold
|
| Frequency of Grant | | Annual |
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Target Value and Award Determination
The Compensation Committee reviews the mix of equity awards granted to our named executive officers on an annual basis. Consistent with the Compensation Committee’s philosophy that a significant portion of the equity mix to named executive officers should be tied to our long-term performance, the Compensation Committee determined that there should be no changes to the equity mix utilized for fiscal 2022.2023. Accordingly, the equity mix for fiscal 20222023 was 50% LTIP PSUs, 30% RSUs and 20% stock options.
For the named and other executive officers, to determine the size of the individual annual equity awards, the Compensation Committee, utilizing data provided by Pay Governance, compared the long-term equity incentive compensation levels of our executives with similar positions within our peer group and survey data to determine the long-term equity incentive compensation amount for each executive. The Compensation Committee reviews market data at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile. In finalizing the amounts of the annual equity awards, the Compensation Committee considers this market data, the CEO’s recommendations, each executive’s performance over a multi-year period and the Compensation Committee’s assessment of the value the individual delivers to the organization, the burn rate of the executive grants and the degree to which those amounts would be aligned with our goals of motivating and retaining key employees.
RSUs
RSUs typically vest in six equal installments over a three-year period. In a volatile stock market, RSUs continue to provide value when other forms of equity such as stock options may not, which the Compensation Committee believes is useful in retaining talented executives in unpredictable economic times.
The RSUs awarded as part of the fiscal 20222023 equity program were issued on January 20, 2022.19, 2023. The Compensation Committee awarded these RSUs as a dollar amount, which were then converted to RSUs based on our closing stock price on the date of grant.
Stock Options
Stock option awards provide individuals with the right to purchase shares of our common stock at a fixed exercise price, typically for a period of seven years, subject to continuous employment with our company.the Company. Stock option grants are intended to correlate executive compensation to our long-term success as measured by our stock price. Stock options are tied to our future success because options granted have an exercise price equal to the closing market value at the date of grant and will only provide value to the extent that the price of our stock increases above the exercise price. As a result, the Compensation Committee views stock options as a form of performance equity, but with a longer-term focus than PSUs, which are tied to three-year performance metrics.
Stock options vest in eight equal installments over a four-year period. We believe that meaningful vesting periods encourage recipients to remain with our companythe Company over the long term and, because the value of the awards is based on our stock price, stock options encourage recipients to focus on achievement of longer-term goals, such as strategic growth, business innovation and stockholder return.
The stock options awarded as part of the fiscal 20222023 equity program were issued on January 20, 2022.19, 2023. The Compensation Committee awarded these stock options as a dollar amount, which were then converted to stock options based on the Black-Scholes value of our stock options on the date of grant.
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
LTIP PSUs
We currently have in place a long-term equity incentive compensation plan consisting of PSUs that are earned based on Company performance over a three-year measurement period. PSUs under our long-term equity incentive compensation plan are subject to three-year performance criteria aligned with our business plan and are earned only to the extent the performance criteria are achieved. These PSUs are awarded to the named executive officers and other executive officers and represent 50% of the total annual equity compensation granted to these individuals.
For fiscal 2022,2023, the Compensation Committee, in consultation with Pay Governance and management, reviewed the terms of the fiscal 20212022 LTIP to ensure that the plan was aligned with the objectives of the Compensation Committee and with market practices. The Compensation Committee concluded that the fiscal 20212022 LTIP met the objectives of the Compensation Committee because the terms of the LTIP tied the vesting of the PSUs to the long-term objectives of achieving both profitable growth and enhanced stockholder value. Pay Governance advised the Compensation Committee that the terms of the fiscal 20212022 LTIP were consistent with market practices. Based on this review, the Compensation Committee determined that the metrics and terms of the fiscal 20222023 LTIP should remain identical to the fiscal 2021.2022 LTIP.
With respect to the relative TSR metric, the Compensation Committee left unchanged the payout scale utilized in fiscal 20212022 to reflect current trends and stockholder-friendly practices (e.g., above-median performance required to achieve target payout). Participants can earn between 0% and 200% (the payout cap under the LTIP) of the target number of PSUs attributable to the relative TSR metric. The cumulative three-year TSR measure compares the TSR of our common stock against the TSR of companies included in the S&P Software and Services Select Industry Index during the three-year period. Our relative TSR performance must be at the 55th percentile of the index group for 100% of the target award to be earned. Additionally, regardless of our relative position with respect to the S&P Software and Services Select Industry Index, the award with respect to the TSR metric will be capped at 100% if our absolute TSR over the measurement period is negative.
With respect to the operating income metric, participants can earn between 0% and 200% of the target number of PSUs attributable to the operating income metric. In designing the operating income metric to include both operating margin dollar and percentage goals, the Compensation Committee soughtseeks to ensure discipline and reinforce consistent with our stated strategy, that profitable growth and margin expansion/maintenance are key to long-term value creation.maintenance. The cumulative three-year operating income measure is based on the sum of the operating income amounts for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 20242025 contained in our 20222023 strategic plan.
We must achieve 100% of the operating income target for a given performance period for payout with respect to this metric to occur. Furthermore, with respect to the operating income metric, the 35% annual operating margin threshold “performance gatekeeper” applies at all levels of performance and requires that annual operating margin to be at or above 35% for each of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 20242025 or no payout can occur with respect to this metric, regardless of cumulative operating income performance.
The below table sets forth the payout criteria for the 20222023 LTIP:
| | | | % of Target Earned(1) | |
| | | | % of Target Earned(1) | | % of Target Earned(1) |
| Performance Metric | | Weight Factor | | 0% | | 50% | | 100% | | 150% | | 200% | | Weight Factor | | 0% | | 50% | | 100% | | 150% | | 200% |
| Relative TSR Performance (% Rank) | | 25% | | <35% | | 35% | | 55% | | 75% | | 90% | | 25% | | <35% | | 35% | | 55% | | 75% | | 90% |
| Operating Income (3-year Cumulative)(2) | | 75% | | <$720 | | N/A | | $720 | | $762 | | $802 | |
| Operating Income (three-year Cumulative)(2) | | | 75% | | <$846 | | N/A | | $846 | | $895 | | $942 |
| (1) | Award interpolated for performance within stated percentilespercentiles. |
| (2) | $ amounts in millions and using budgeted exchange rates. In addition, if operating margin in any of the three annual periods of the performance period is less than 35%, the operating income metric earned will be zero. |
For the fiscal 2023 award under the LTIP, the three-year performance period commenced on December 1, 2022, and will end on November 30, 2025.
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The three-year performance period with respect to the LTIP awarded in 20202021 (the “2020 LTIP“2021 PSUs”) completed on November 30, 2022.2023. Based on the price of our common stock for the 30-day trading period ending November 30, 2022,2023, our TSR compared to the S&P Software & Services Index for the same period placed us in the 66th73rd percentile, meaning that thewhich resulted in a payout percentage with respect to the TSR metric was 127.5%of 145%. Based on our actual total three-year operating income for fiscal 2020, 2021 and 2022,2021-2023, the payout percentage with respect to the operating income metric was 191%200%. Blending the two metrics together, each weightedweighting TSR at 50%25% and operating income metric at 75%, resulted in a blended 159%186.25% payout percentage.
The following table shows the portion of the 2020 LTIP2021 PSUs earned by our named executive officers based on Company performance.
| Named Executive Officer | | Target LTIP Value ($) | | Target PSUs (#)(1) | | PSUs Earned | Target LTIP Value ($) | | Target PSUs (#)(1) | | PSUs Earned |
| Yogesh Gupta | | 1,925,000 | | 40,819 | | 65,003 | | 2,250,000 | | | | 52,817 | | | | 98,371 | |
| Anthony Folger | | 800,000 | | 25,405 | | 40,456 |
| John Ainsworth | | 350,000 | | 7,422 | | 11,819 |
| Loren Jarrett | | 350,000 | | 7,422 | | 11,819 |
| Jeremy Segal | | 500,000 | | 12,841 | | 20,448 | |
| Sundar Subramanian | |
| (1) | Target PSUs for the 20202021 LTIP were determined by dividing the Target LTIP Value listed above by the closing price on the date of grant, which was $47.16 for Gupta, Jarrett and Ainsworth and $31.49$42.60 on March 30, 2020, for Folger and $38.94 on June 29, 2020, for Segal.January 19, 2021. |
For the fiscal 2022 award under the LTIP, the three-year performance period commenced on December 1, 2021, and will end on November 30, 2024.
Other Compensation Elements
Compensation
Element | Objective | Key Features |
| Other Compensation | To provide benefits that promote employee health and welfare, which assists in attracting and retaining our executive officers | Indirect compensation element consisting of programs such as medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with up to a 3% matching contribution, an employee stock purchase plan program and other plans and programs generally made available to employees |
Severance and
Change in Control
Benefits | To serve our retention and motivational objectives helping our named executive officers maintain continued focus and dedication to their responsibilities and objectivity to maximize stockholder value, including in the event of a transaction that could result in a change in control of our company;the Company; particularly important in a time of increased consolidation in our industry and increased competition for executive talent | Provides protection in the event of an involuntary termination of employment under specified circumstances, including following a change in control of our companythe Company as described below under “Executive Compensation-Severance and Change in Control Agreements” and “Estimate of Severance and Change in Control Benefits.” |
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Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Other Executive Compensation Matters
Timing of Equity Grants
We do not time grants either to take advantage of a depressed stock price or in anticipation of an increase in stock price and have limited the amount of discretion that can be exercised in connection with the timing of awards. We generally make awards only on pre-determined dates to ensure that awards cannot be timed to take advantage of material non-public information.
Equity awards may be made only by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee makes awards only at Compensation Committee meetings and awards are not granted during regular quarterly trading blackout periods.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
In January 2018, ourOur Board of Directors has adopted revised stock ownership guidelines for our senior executive officers, including our named executive officers. These guidelines provide for the Chief Executive Officer to hold sharesan amount of our common stock, restricted shares and/or restricted stock units having an aggregate value equal to at least three times their base salary. For other senior executive officers, the stock ownership requirement is at least one times their base salary. Executive officers have five years to attain the applicable ownership threshold. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, all the named executive officers met the applicable ownership threshold except Mr. Segal, who joined our company in May 2020 and is still within the allowable window for compliance.threshold.
Compensation Recovery Policy
Our current clawback policy provides that in the event of a material restatement of financial statements triggered by executive-level misconduct, we may require that the bonuses and other incentive compensation paid to that executive be forfeited. The amount of incentive compensation subject to recovery would be the amount in excess of what the executive officer would have earned in accordance with the restatement, as determined by the Compensation Committee.
GivenFollowing the SEC’s recent approval of new clawback requirements, our Board of Directors will reviewreviewed the applicable Nasdaq and SEC standards and oversee updates to the Company’sapproved an updated clawback policy to ensurein compliance with the final SEC rules. This policy applies to current and former Section 16 officers and provides for the recovery by the Company following a financial restatement of any incentive compensation received in excess of what would have been received had such compensation been determined based on our restated financials. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the Company’s approach to clawbacks.
Hedging and Pledging Policy
Our directors and executive officers are prohibited from engaging in short sales, transactions in derivative securities such as put or call options, hedging transactions or other inherently speculative transactions with respect to our stock. In addition, no director or executive officer may pledge or margin, or make any offer to pledge or margin, any of our stock, including without limitation, borrowing against such stock, at any time. Stock options granted under our stock option plans are not deemed to be derivative securities covered by this policy. Employees, other than our executive officers, are generally permitted to engage in transactions designed to hedge or offset market risk.
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Table of Contents
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Tax and Accounting Considerations and Compensation Recovery Policies
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code imposes additional significant taxes if an executive officer, director or service provider receives “deferred compensation” that does not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A. Our severance and change in control agreements described below, including the Employee Retention and Motivation Agreements we entered with our named executive officers, contain provisions that are intended to either avoid the application of Section 409A or, to the extent doing so is not possible, comply with the applicable Section 409A requirements. The Compensation Committee has the sole discretion to change the severance guidelines applicable to executive officers to the extent necessary to avoid the application of Section 409A or comply with applicable Section 409A requirements.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards, measured at the grant date and recognized over the relevant service period. We estimate the fair value of each stock-based award on the measurement date using either the current market price of the stock, the Black-Scholes option valuation model or the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model.
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Table of Contents
Compensation Committee Report
This report is submitted by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee has reviewed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” included in this Proxy Statement and discussed it with management. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee has recommended to our Board of Directors that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this Proxy Statement and in our Proxy Statement for the 20232024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Stockholders.
No portion of this Compensation Committee Report shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), through any general statement incorporating by reference in its entirety the Annual Report or Proxy Statement in which this report appears, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this report or a portion of it by reference. In addition, this report shall not be deemed filed under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Respectfully submitted by the Compensation Committee,
David A. Krall, Chair
Angela T. Tucci
Vivian Vitale
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Analysis of Risk Associated with Our Compensation Plans
In setting compensation, the Compensation Committee considers the risks to our shareholdersstockholders and to the achievement of our goals that may be inherent in the compensation plans and programs for all employees, including our executives. When evaluating our overall executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee considers whether the program is based on the appropriate philosophy, benchmarked against the appropriate peer group and balanced between long and short-term performance targets and company and individual performance. Although a significant portion of our executives’ compensation is performance-based and “at-risk,” we believe our compensation plans and programs are appropriately structured so as not to encourage our employees to take excessive or unreasonable risks.
We considered the following elements of our compensation plans and policies when evaluating whether such plans and policies are structured to encourage our employees to take unreasonable risks:
| ● | A detailed planning process with executive or Compensation Committee oversight exists for all compensation programs. |
| ● | The proportion of an employee’s performance-based pay increases as the responsibility and potential impact of the employee’s position increases, which structure is in line with market practices. |
| ● | Compensation consists of both fixed and variable components. The fixed portion (i.e., base salary) and variable portion (i.e., performance-based bonus and equity awards) provide a mix of compensation intended to produce corporate performance without encouraging excessive risk. |
| ● | We set performance goals that we believe are strategically focused and consistent with building long-term stockholder value. |
| ● | We use consistent corporate performance metrics from year-to-year rather than changing the metric to take advantage of changing market conditions. |
| ● | Our short-term incentive plans are capped as to the maximum potential payout, which we believe mitigates excessive risk taking by limiting bonus payments even if we dramatically exceed the performance targets. |
| ● | We modify the short-term and long-term incentive plans to reflect acquisitions consistent with our internal acquisition model, five-year strategic plan and publicly announced expectations. |
| ● | The time-based vesting for RSUs and stock options ensures that our executives’ interests align with those of our shareholdersstockholders for the long-term performance of our company.the Company. |
| ● | Assuming achievement of at least a minimum level of performance, payouts under our performance-based plans result in some compensation at levels below full target achievement, rather than an “all-or-nothing” approach. |
| ● | Our long-term performance-based equity awards are based on multi-year criteria that align with our shareholders’stockholders’ interests that we grow our companythe Company in a highly profitable and disciplined manner. |
| ● | In accordance with our written stock option grant policy, all equity grants must occur at a meeting of the Compensation Committee and management has no authority to issue equity. |
| ● | The Compensation Committee retains and does not delegate any of its power to determine matters of executive compensation. |
| ● | We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that amounts are earned and paid in accordance with our plans and programs. |
| ● | We do not allow our executives and directors to hedge their exposure to ownership of, or interest in, our stock. We also do not allow them to engage in speculative transactions with respect to our stock. |
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Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to compensation for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2023, 2022 2021 and 20202021 earned by:
| ● | Mr. Gupta;Gupta, our Chief Executive Officer; |
| ● | Mr. Folger;Folger, our Chief Financial Officer; and |
| ● | Ms. Jarrett, Mr. Ainsworth and Mr. Segal,Subramaniam, our three other named executive officers. |
Summary Compensation Table
Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal Years 2023, 2022 2021 and 20202021
Name and
Principal Position | | Year | | Salary
($) | | Stock
Awards
($)(1) | |
Option
Awards(2) | | Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3) | | All Other
Compensation
($)(4) | | Total
($) | | Year | | Salary
($) | | Stock
Awards
($)(1) | | Option
Awards(2) | | Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3) | | All Other
Compensation
($)(4) | | Total
($) |
Yogesh Gupta,
Chief Executive Officer
| | 2022 | | 575,000 | | 4,542,957 | | 1,100,007 | | 644,000 | | 38,249 | | 6,900,213 | | 2023 | | 598,750 | | 5,784,591 | | 1,400,004 | | 642,000 | | 210,189 | | 8,635,534 |
| | 2021 | | 575,000 | | 3,657,400 | | 900,007 | | 862,500 | | 24,122 | | 6,019,029 | | 2022 | | 575,000 | | 4,542,957 | | 1,100,007 | | 644,000 | | 38,249 | | 6,900,213 |
| | 2020 | | 575,000 | | 3,305,184 | | 770,010 | | 540,500 | | 15,183 | | 5,205,877 | | 2021 | | 575,000 | | 3,657,400 | | 900,007 | | 862,500 | | 24,122 | | 6,019,029 |
Anthony Folger,
Chief Financial Officer(5)
| | 2022 | | 414,423 | | 1,652,016 | | 400,004 | | 302,120 | | 23,055 | | 2,791,618 | | |
| | 2021 | | 400,000 | | 1,381,718 | | 340,002 | | 390,000 | | 18,149 | | 2,529,869 | | |
| | 2020 | | 316,923 | | 1,314,556 | | 320,002 | | 203,667 | | 9,722 | | 2,164,870 | | |
John Ainsworth
EVP and General Manager,
Application and Data Platform(6) | | 2022 | | 389,231 | | 826,054 | | 200,007 | | 218,400 | | 15,195 | | 1,648,887 | | |
| | 2021 | | 370,000 | | 650,220 | | 160,007 | | 277,500 | | 14,586 | | 1,472,313 | | |
| | 2020 | | 365,192 | | 600,957 | | 140,010 | | 173,900 | | 20,830 | | 1,300,889 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Anthony Folger,
Chief Financial Officer | | 2023 | | 438,750 | | 2,148,576 | | 520,014 | | 306,020 | | 126,020 | | 3,539,380 |
| 2022 | | 414,423 | | 1,652,016 | | 400,004 | | 302,120 | | 23,055 | | 2,791,618 |
| 2021 | | 400,000 | | 1,381,718 | | 340,002 | | 390,000 | | 18,149 | | 2,529,869 |
John Ainsworth,
EVP and General Manager,
Application and Data
Platform(5) | | 2023 | | 423,250 | | 991,659 | | 240,013 | | 227,375 | | 110,441 | | 1,992,738 |
| 2022 | | 389,231 | | 826,054 | | 200,007 | | 218,400 | | 15,195 | | 1,648,887 |
| 2021 | | 370,000 | | 650,220 | | 160,007 | | 277,500 | | 14,586 | | 1,472,313 |
Loren Jarrett,
EVP and General Manager,
Digital Experience | | 2022 | | 389,231 | | 826,054 | | 200,007 | | 218,400 | | 56,492 | | 1,690,184 | | 2023 | | 423,250 | | 991,659 | | 240,013 | | 227,375 | | 101,755 | | 1,984,052 |
| | 2021 | | 367,115 | | 650,220 | | 160,007 | | 277,500 | | 53,290 | | 1,508,132 | | 2022 | | 389,231 | | 826,054 | | 200,007 | | 218,400 | | 54,075 | | 1,687,767 |
| | 2020 | | 353,077 | | 600,957 | | 140,010 | | 166,850 | | 40,940 | | 1,301,834 | | 2021 | | 367,115 | | 650,220 | | 160,007 | | 277,500 | | 56,336 | | 1,511,178 |
Jeremy Segal
EVP, Corporate Development(7) | | 2022 | | 349,423 | | 826,054 | | 200,007 | | 196,000 | | 15,822 | | 1,587,306 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | 426,586 | | 991,659 | | 240,013 | | 227,375 | | 119,054 | | 2,004,687 |
| (1) | These amounts do not reflect the actual economic value realized by the named executive officer. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, we estimate the fair value of each stock-based award on the measurement date, using either the current market price of the stock or the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model, assuming the probable outcome of related performance conditions at target levels. See the description of our 20222023 Annual Equity Program described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this Proxy Statement and Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.2023. The value at grant date of the LTIP PSUs included in the amounts shown in this column, assuming the highest level of performance conditions achieved (payout at 200% ofat target) are $7,000,088, $5,500,032 $4,501,065 and $4,300,282,$4,501,065 for Mr. Gupta for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 respectively; $2,600,009, $2,000,003 and 2020 respectively; $2,000,003, $1,700,480 and $2,676,417 for Mr. Folger for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively; $1,200,012, $1,000,046 and 2020, respectively; $1,000,046, $800,216 and $781,908, for Ms. Jarrett and Mr. Ainsworth for fiscal 2023, 2022 2021 and 2020,2021, respectively; and, $1,000,046$1,200,012 for Mr. SegalSubramanian for fiscal 2022.2023. |
| (2) | Represents the grant date fair value of options on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of our options is equal to the number of shares subject to the option multiplied by the fair value of our options on the date of grant determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The methodology and assumptions used to calculate the Black-Scholes value of our options are described in Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.2023. |
| (3) | The amounts listed reflect the amounts earned under our Corporate Bonus Plan. For all individuals, bonus payments were accrued and earned in the year indicated and paid in the succeeding fiscal year. |
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Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
| (3) | The amounts listed reflect the amounts earned under our Corporate Bonus Plan and individual business unit performance plan for Loren Jarrett as explained on page 62 in footnote (1) under the amounts earned in the Corporate Bonus Plan table as described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this Proxy Statement. For all individuals, bonus payments were accrued and earned in the year indicated and paid in the succeeding fiscal year. |
| (4) | Amounts listed in this column for 2022 and prior years include: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Name, | | Company
Contributions
(401(k))
($) | | Insurance
Premiums
($) | | Sales Leader
Plan
($) | | Taxable/
Fringe
Benefit
Expenses
($) | | Dividend
Equivalents
($) |
| | Mr. Gupta | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2022 | | 9,150 | | 720 | | | | | | 28,379 |
| | 2021 | | 12,161 | | 720 | | | | 141 | | 11,100 |
| | 2020 | | 12,442 | | 720 | | | | | | 2,021 |
| | Mr. Folger | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2022 | | 9,150 | | 633 | | | | | | 13,272 |
| | 2021 | | 12,182 | | 576 | | | | | | 5,391 |
| | 2020 | | 8,308 | | 576 | | | | | | 838 |
| | Mr. Ainsworth | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2022 | | 9,150 | | 612 | | | | 318 | | 5,115 |
| | 2021 | | 11,940 | | 533 | | | | 106 | | 2,007 |
| | 2020 | | 12,442 | | 533 | | | | 7,488 | | 367 |
| | Ms. Jarrett | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2022 | | 9,150 | | 612 | | 41,120 | | 495 | | 5,115 |
| | 2021 | | 11,940 | | 511 | | 38,479 | | 356 | | 2,007 |
| | 2020 | | 12,442 | | 511 | | 27,620 | | | | 367 |
| | Mr. Segal | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2022 | | 9,150 | | 540 | | | | | | 6,132 |
| (4) | Amounts listed in this column for 2023 and prior years include: |
| | Name, | | Company
Contributions
(401(k))
($) | | Insurance
Premiums
($) | | Sales Leader
Plan
($) |
|
Taxable/
Fringe
Benefit
Expenses
($) | | Dividend
Equivalents
($) |
| Mr. Gupta | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | 30,000 | | 720 | | — | | 708 | | 178,762 |
| 2022 | | 9,150 | | 720 | | — | | — | | 28,379 |
| 2021 | | 12,161 | | 720 | | — | | 141 | | 11,100 |
| Mr. Folger | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | 30,000 | | 634 | | — | | — | | 95,386 |
| 2022 | | 9,150 | | 633 | | — | | — | | 13,272 |
| 2021 | | 12,182 | | 576 | | — | | — | | 5,391 |
| Mr. Ainsworth | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | 30,000 | | 720 | | 47,031 | | 405 | | 32,393 |
| 2022 | | 9,150 | | 612 | | — | | 318 | | 5,115 |
| 2021 | | 11,940 | | 533 | | — | | 106 | | 2,007 |
| Ms. Jarrett | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | 22,500 | | 612 | | 45,790 | | 460 | | 32,393 |
| 2022 | | 9,150 | | 612 | | 38,703 | | 495 | | 5,115 |
| 2021 | | 11,940 | | 511 | | 41,524 | | 354 | | 2,007 |
| Mr. Subramanian | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | 22,500 | | 612 | | 35,575 | | 31,708 | | 28,659 |
| (5) | Mr. Folger became our Chief Financial Officer in January 2020. |
(6) | Mr. Ainsworth was not a named executive officer in fiscal 2021.2021; however, he was in fiscal 2020 therefore we are reporting his compensation for 2021 as well in accordance with SEC rules. |
(7)(6) | Mr. SegalSubramanian was not a named executive officer inbefore fiscal 2021 or fiscal 2020.2023. The amount included as taxable/fringe benefit expenses for Mr. Subramanian also includes certain relocation expenses. |
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Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table – 20222023
| | | | | Estimated Future Pay-outs
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards | | Estimated Future Pay-outs
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards | | All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock
or Units | | All Other
Option
Awards:
Number
Securities
Underlying
Options | | Exercise
of or
Base
Price of
Option
Awards | | Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards |
| Name | | Grant
Date(1) | | Threshold
($)(2) | | Target
($)(2) | | Maximum
($)(2) | | Threshold
(#)(3) | | Target
(#)(3) | | Maximum
(#)(3) | | (#)(4) | | (#)(5) | | ($/Sh) | | ($)(6) |
| Yogesh Gupta | | — | | 143,750 | | 575,000 | | 862,500 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | 7,727 | | 61,812 | | 123,624 | | — | | — | | — | | 2,750,016 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 37,087 | | — | | — | | 1,650,001 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 102,517 | | 44.49 | | 1,100,007 |
| Anthony Folger | | — | | 67,437 | | 269,750 | | 404,625 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | 2,810 | | 22,477 | | 44,954 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,000,002 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 13,487 | | — | | — | | 600,037 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 37,279 | | 44.49 | | 400,004 |
| John Ainsworth | | — | | 48,750 | | 195,000 | | 292,500 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,405 | | 11,239 | | 22,478 | | — | | — | | — | | 500,023 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 6,744 | | — | | — | | 300,041 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 18,640 | | 44.49 | | 200,007 |
| | | | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | |
| Loren Jarrett | | — | | 58,500 | | 234,000 | | 351,000 | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,405 | | 11,239 | | 22,478 | | — | | — | | — | | 500,023 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 6,744 | | — | | — | | 300,041 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 18,640 | | 44.49 | | 200,007 |
| Jeremy Segal | | — | | 43,750 | | 175,000 | | 262,500 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,405 | | 11,239 | | 22,478 | | — | | — | | — | | 500,023 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | 6,744 | | — | | — | | 300,041 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | — | | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | — | | 18,640 | | 44.49 | | 200,007 |
| | | | Estimated Future Pay-outs
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards | | Estimated Future Pay-outs
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards | | All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of Stock
or Units | | All Other
Option
Awards:
Number
Securities
Underlying
Options | | Exercise
of or
Base
Price of
Option
Awards | | Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards |
| Name | | Grant
Date(1) | | Threshold
($)(2) | | Target
($)(2) | | Maximum
($)(2) | | Threshold
(#)(3) | | Target
(#)(3) | | Maximum
(#)(3) | | (#)(4) | | (#)(5) | | ($/Sh) | | ($)(6) |
Yogesh
Gupta | | — | | 150,000 | | 600,000 | | 900,000 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | 8,510 | | 68,081 | | 136,162 | | — | | — | | — | | 3,500,044 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 40,849 | | — | | — | | 2,100,047 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 97,155 | | 51.41 | | 1,400,004 |
Anthony
Folger | | — | | 71,500 | | 286,000 | | 429,000 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | 3,161 | | 25,287 | | 50,574 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,300,005 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 15,173 | | — | | — | | 780,044 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 36,087 | | 51.41 | | 520,014 |
John
Ainsworth | | — | | 63,750 | | 255,000 | | 382,500 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,459 | | 11,671 | | 23,342 | | — | | — | | — | | 600,006 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 7,003 | | — | | — | | 360,024 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 16,656 | | 51.41 | | 240,013 |
| | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | |
Loren
Jarrett | | — | | 63,750 | | 255,000 | | 382,500 | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,459 | | 11,671 | | 23,342 | | — | | — | | — | | 600,006 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 7,003 | | — | | — | | 360,024 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 16,656 | | 51.41 | | 240,013 |
Sundar
Subramanian | | — | | 63,750 | | 255,000 | | 382,500 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | 1,459 | | 11,671 | | 23,342 | | — | | — | | — | | 600,006 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | 7,003 | | — | | — | | 360,024 |
| 1/19/2023 | | — | | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | — | | 16,656 | | 51.41 | | 240,013 |
| (1) | Awards granted on January 20, 2022,19, 2023, were approved by the Compensation Committee on January 10, 2022.9, 2023. |
| (2) | These columns indicate the range of payouts (25%, 100% and 150%) targeted for fiscal 20222023 performance under our Corporate Bonus Plan as described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this Proxy Statement. The actual payout with respect to fiscal 20222023 for each named executive officer is shown in the Summary Compensation Table in the column titled “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” For Messrs. Ainsworth and Subramanian and Ms. Jarrett, one-sixth of amounts are tied to performance under the Sales Leader Plan. |
| (3) | These columns represent performance share units awarded under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). The amounts shown indicate the potential performance share units at threshold, target and maximum levels of performance. If the threshold is not achieved, no performance share units will be earned with respect to that performance metric. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement for additional discussion of the LTIP. |
| (4) | Represents RSUs that vest, subject to continuous employment, in six equal installments over three years beginning approximately nine months after the date of issuance. |
| (5) | Represents stock options that vest, subject to continuous employment, in eight equal installments over four years beginning approximately nine months after date of issuance. |
| (6) | For RSUs and LTIP PSUs, the value shown is the fair value of the awards, measured at the grant date. For stock options, the grant date fair value is equal to the number of shares subject to the option multiplied by the fair value of our options on the date of grant determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The methodology and assumptions used to calculate the Black-Scholes value of our options are described in Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report. The closing price of our stock on January 20, 2022,19, 2023, was $44.49.$51.41. |
722024 Proxy Statement | | 69 |
Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
Narrative Description of Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
The material terms of our named executive officers’ annual compensation, including base salaries, cash incentive plan, time-based RSUs, stock options and Long-Term Incentive Plan PSUs and the explanations of the amounts of salary, cash incentives and equity values in proportion to total compensation are described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this Proxy Statement.
As discussed in greater detail in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this Proxy Statement, the 20222023 non-equity incentive awards were granted pursuant to the fiscal 20222023 Corporate Bonus Plan, with amounts to be earned based on the achievement of certain financial targets. In fiscal 2022,2023, we achieved strong performance under our bonus plan with respect to the revenue, non-GAAP operating income and the adjusted free cash flow metrics, which resulted in an overall payout percentage of 112%107% with respect to the annual cash bonus.
As discussed in greater detail in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this Proxy Statement, the PSUs awarded under the Long-Term Incentive Plan will be earned based on the results achieved during the three-year performance period as determined following our 20242025 fiscal year, contingent upon each named executive officer’s continued service.
The RSUs granted to our named executive officers in 20222023 vest in equal installments every six months over three years, subject to continuous employment. There is no purchase price associated with PSU or RSU awards. The stock options granted to our named executive officers in 20222023 vest in equal installments every six months over four years, subject to continuous employment. The stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.
2023 Proxy Statement70 | 73 | |
Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the outstanding equity awards at November 30, 2022,2023, for each of the named executive officers.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 20222023
| | | | | Option Awards | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options | | Option
Exercise | | Option | | Number
of Shares
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not | | Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not | | Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have | | Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other Rights
That Have |
| Name | | Grant Date | | Exercisable
(#) | | Unexercisable
(#) | | Price
($) | | Expiration
Date | | Vested
(#)(1) | | Vested
($)(2) | | Not Vested
(#)(3) | | Not Vested
($)(4) |
| Yogesh Gupta | | 2/23/2017 | | 149,573(5) | | — | | 28.98 | | 2/22/2024 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | 1/12/2018 | | 69,195(6) | | — | | 50.69 | | 1/11/2025 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/22/2019 | | 87,741(7) | | 12,534 | | 34.73 | | 1/21/2026 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/21/2020 | | 45,360(11) | | 27,214 | | 47.16 | | 1/20/2027 | | 4,082(10) | | 217,652 | | 40,819(12) | | 2,176,469 |
| | | 1/19/2021 | | 36,488(15) | | 60,810 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 15,846(14) | | 844,909 | | 52,817(13) | | 2,816,202 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | 12,815(16) | | 89,702 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 30,906(18) | | 1,647,908 | | 61,812(17) | | 3,295,816 |
| Anthony Folger | | 3/31/2020 | | 31,497(11) | | 18,897 | | 31.49 | | 3/30/2027 | | 2,541(10) | | 135,486 | | 25,405(12) | | 1,354,595 |
| | 1/19/2021 | | 13,785(15) | | 22,972 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 5,987(14) | | 319,227 | | 19,954(13) | | 1,063,947 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | 4,660(16) | | 32,619 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 11,240 (18) | | 599,317 | | 22,477(17) | | 1,198,474 |
| John Ainsworth | | 2/17/2017 | | 23,490(5) | | — | | 29.25 | | 2/16/2024 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | 1/12/2018 | | 13,271(6) | | — | | 50.69 | | 1/11/2025 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/22/2019 | | 16,828(7) | | 2,403 | | 34.73 | | 1/21/2026 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/21/2020 | | 8,249(11) | | 4,947 | | 47.16 | | 1/20/2027 | | 743(10) | | 39,617 | | 7,422(12) | | 395,741 |
| | | 1/19/2021 | | 6,488(15) | | 10,810 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 2,817(14) | | 150,202 | | 9,390(13) | | 500,675 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | 2,330(16) | | 16,310 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 5,620(18) | | 299,658 | | 11,239(17) | | 599,263 |
| Loren Jarrett | | 2/17/2017 | | 23,490(5) | | — | | 29.25 | | 2/16/2024 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | 1/12/2018 | | 13,271(6) | | — | | 50.69 | | 1/11/2025 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/22/2019 | | 16,828(7) | | 2,403 | | 34.73 | | 1/21/2026 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | 1/21/2020 | | 8,249(11) | | 4,947 | | 47.16 | | 1/20/2027 | | 743(10) | | 39,617 | | 7,422(12) | | 395,741 |
| | | 1/19/2021 | | 6,488(15) | | 10,810 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 2,817(14) | | 150,202 | | 9,390(13) | | 500,675 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | 2,330(16) | | 16,310 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 5,620(18) | | 299,658 | | 11,239(17) | | 599,263 |
| Jeremy Segal | | 6/29/2020 | | 11,820(8) | | 11,821 | | 38.94 | | 6/28/2027 | | 2,569(9) | | 136,979 | | 12,841(12) | | 684,682 |
| | 1/19/2021 | | 6,488(15) | | 10,810 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 2,817(14) | | 150,202 | | 9,390(13) | | 500,675 |
| | | 1/20/2022 | | 2,330(16) | | 16,310 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 5,620(18) | | 299,658 | | 11,239(17) | | 599,263 |
| | | | Option Awards | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Grant Date | |
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options | | Option
Exercise
Price
($) | | Option
Expiration
Date | | Number
of Shares
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(1) | | Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)(2) | | Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)(3) | | Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)(4) |
| | | Exercisable
(#) | | Unexercisable
(#) | | | | | | |
Yogesh
Gupta | | 1/12/2018 | | 69,195 | (5) | — | | 50.69 | | 1/11/2025 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/22/2019 | | 100,275 | (6) | — | | 34.73 | | 1/21/2026 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/21/2020 | | 63,503 | (7) | 9,071 | | 47.16 | | 1/20/2027 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/19/2021 | | 60,812 | (8) | 36,486 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 5,282 | (9) | 284,489 | | 52,817 | (10) | 2,844,724 |
| 1/20/2022 | | 38,445 | (11) | 64,072 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 18,544 | (12) | 998,780 | | 61,812 | (13) | 3,329,194 |
| 1/19/2023 | | 12,145 | (14) | 85,010 | | 51.41 | | 1/18/2030 | | 34,041 | (15) | 1,833,448 | | 68,081 | (16) | 3,666,843 |
Anthony
Folger | | 3/31/2020 | | 34,095 | (7) | 6,299 | | 31.49 | | 3/30/2027 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/19/2021 | | 22,975 | (8) | 13,782 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 1,996 | (9) | 107,505 | | 19,954 | (10) | 1,074,722 |
| 1/20/2022 | | 13,980 | (11) | 23,299 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 6,744 | (12) | 363,232 | | 22,477 | (13) | 1,210,611 |
| 1/19/2023 | | 4,511 | (14) | 31,576 | | 51.41 | | 1/18/2030 | | 12,645 | (15) | 681,060 | | 25,287 | (16) | 1,361,958 |
John
Ainsworth | | 1/12/2018 | | 13,271 | (5) | — | | 50.69 | | 1/11/2025 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/22/2019 | | 19,231 | (6) | — | | 34.73 | | 1/21/2026 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/21/2020 | | 11,547 | (7) | 1,649 | | 47.16 | | 1/20/2027 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/19/2021 | | 10,812 | (8) | 6,486 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 939 | (9) | 50,575 | | 9,390 | (10) | 505,745 |
| 1/20/2022 | | 6,990 | (11) | 11,650 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 3,372 | (12) | 181,616 | | 11,239 | (13) | 605,333 |
| 1/19/2023 | | 2,082 | (14) | 14,574 | | 51.41 | | 1/18/2030 | | 5,836 | (15) | 314,327 | | 11,671 | (16) | 628,600 |
Loren
Jarrett | | 1/22/2019 | | 19,231 | (6) | — | | 34.73 | | 1/21/2026 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/21/2020 | | 11,547 | (7) | 1,649 | | 47.16 | | 1/20/2027 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/19/2021 | | 10,812 | (8) | 6,486 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 939 | (9) | 50,575 | | 9,390 | (10) | 505,745 |
| 1/20/2022 | | 6,990 | (11) | 11,650 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 3,372 | (12) | 181,616 | | 11,239 | (13) | 605,333 |
| 1/19/2023 | | 2,082 | (14) | 14,574 | | 51.41 | | 1/18/2030 | | 5,836 | (15) | 314,327 | | 11,671 | (16) | 628,600 |
Sundar
Subramanian | | 9/30/2019 | | 14,617 | (17) | — | | 38.06 | | 6/28/2027 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/21/2020 | | 9,898 | (7) | 1,413 | | 47.16 | | 1/20/2027 | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| 1/19/2021 | | 10,812 | (8) | 6,486 | | 42.61 | | 1/18/2028 | | 939 | (9) | 50,575 | | 9,390 | (10) | 505,745 |
| 1/20/2022 | | 6,990 | (11) | 11,650 | | 44.49 | | 1/19/2029 | | 3,372 | (12) | 181,616 | | 11,239 | (13) | 605,333 |
| 1/19/2023 | | 2,082 | (14) | 14,574 | | 51.41 | | 1/18/2030 | | 5,836 | (15) | 314,327 | | 11,671 | (16) | 628,600 |
| (1) | The unvested awards shown in this column are RSUs subject to service-based vesting, unless otherwise noted. |
Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
| (2) | The market value of unvested RSUs was calculated as of November 30, 20222023 (the last trading day of our fiscal 2022), based on the closing price of our common stock on Nasdaq of $53.32$53.86 on that date. |
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Summary of Executive Compensation
| (3) | The unvested awards shown in this column are PSUs subject to performance-based vesting. PSUs are reported assuming payout at target award levels, unless otherwise noted. |
| (4) | The market value of unvested PSUs was calculated as of November 30, 2022,2023, based on the closing price of our common stock on Nasdaq of $53.32$53.86 on that date. |
| (5) | Vested in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2017. |
(6) | Vested in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2018. |
(7)(6) | Vest in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2019. |
(8)(7) | Vest in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning April 1, 2021. |
(9) | Vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning April 1, 2021. |
(10) | Vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2020. |
(11) | Vest in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2020. |
(12)(8) | Vest in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2021. |
| (9) | Vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2021. |
| (10) | Vested on February 1, 2023, subject to2024, based on the Company meeting total shareholder return and operating income criteria over the three-year period ending November 30, 2022. |
(13) | Vest on February 1, 2024, subject to the Company meeting total shareholderstockholder return and operating income criteria over the three-year period ending November 30, 2023. |
(14)(11) | Vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2021. |
(15) | Vest in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2021. |
(16) | Vest in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2022. |
(17)(12) | Vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2022. |
| (13) | Vest on February 1, 2025, subject to the Company meeting total shareholderstockholder return and operating income criteria over the three-year period ending November 30, 2024. |
(18)(14) | Vest in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2023. |
| (15) | Vest in six equal semi-annual installments beginning October 1, 2022.2023. |
| (16) | Vest on February 1, 2026, subject to the Company meeting total stockholder return and operating income criteria over the three-year period ending November 30, 2025. |
| (17) | Vest in eight equal semi-annual installments beginning April 1, 2020. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the number of stock options exercised and RSUs that vested in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022,2023, under our equity incentive plans and the corresponding amounts realized by the named executive officers. The value realized on exercise of stock option awards is calculated as the difference between the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the exercise date and the exercise price of the applicable stock option award. The value realized on vesting for RSUs is calculated as the product of the number of shares subject to the RSUs that vested and the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the vesting date.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested - Fiscal 20222023
| | | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| Name | | Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#) | | Value Realized
on Exercise
($) | | Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#) | | Value Realized
on Vesting
($) |
| Yogesh Gupta | | — | | — | | 103,009 | | 4,697,404 |
| Anthony Folger | | — | | — | | 11,319 | | 503,270 |
| John Ainsworth | | — | | — | | 19,464 | | 887,934 |
| Loren Jarrett | | — | | — | | 19,464 | | 887,934 |
| Jeremy Segal | | — | | — | | 5,570 | | 247,618 |
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| Name | | Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#) | | Value Realized
on Exercise
($) | | Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#) | | Value Realized
on Vesting
($) |
| Yogesh Gupta | | 149,573 | | 4,696,143 | | 98,819 | | 5,365,938 |
| Anthony Folger | | 10,000 | | 275,047 | | 54,012 | | 2,929,868 |
| John Ainsworth | | 23,490 | | 743,400 | | 17,855 | | 969,585 |
| Loren Jarrett | | 36,761 | | 719,886 | | 17,855 | | 969,585 |
| Sundar Subramanian | | — | | — | | 16,060 | | 872,426 |
2023 Proxy Statement72 | 75 |
Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
Severance and Change in Control Agreements
We have agreements with, or guidelines applicable to, our executive officers that provide the benefits described below in connection with certain terminations of employment or a change in control of our company.the Company. We do not provide excise tax gross-ups to our executive officers under these or any other agreements. The Company is not obligated to pay any enhanced benefits to our executive officers in the event of a voluntary termination by an executive or upon termination by the Company for cause.
Mr. Gupta’s Executive Employment Agreement
In connection with his appointment as our President and Chief Executive Officer, we and Mr. Gupta entered into an employment agreement, effective as of October 10, 2016, setting forth Mr. Gupta’s compensation and certain other terms. Mr. Gupta’s employment agreement provides that if his employment is terminated because of an “involuntary termination,” he will be entitled to:
| (1) | the payment of cash severance equal to 18 months of total target cash compensation as of the date of termination, which will be paid over 18 months; |
| (2) | |
(2) | the payment of his annual target cash bonus on a pro-rata basis with respect to the elapsed part of the relevant fiscal year; |
| (3) | |
(3) | the continuation, for a period of 18 months, of benefits that are substantially equivalent to the benefits (medical, dental, vision and vision)life insurance) that were in effect immediately prior to termination; and |
| (4) | |
(4) | 18 months of acceleration of unvested stock options and RSUs (but not unvested performance equity)equity, which will vest in accordance with its terms). |
Receipt of the severance and benefits is subject to Mr. Gupta’s execution of a standard separation and release agreement. Separation payments upon any involuntary termination within 24 months following a change in control would be governed by the Employee Retention and Motivation Agreement (“ERMA”) described below and not by Mr. Gupta’s employment agreement.
An “involuntary termination” is defined in the employment agreement as a termination of employment by us other than for cause, disability or death or a termination by Mr. Gupta as a result of certain events occurring without his consent such as an assignment to him of duties or a significant reduction of his duties, either of which is materially inconsistent with his position prior to the assignment or reduction, or the removal of Mr. Gupta from that position, a material reduction in Mr. Gupta’s base salary or target bonus, a relocation of Mr. Gupta to a facility or location more than fifty miles from his then present location, or a material breach of the employment agreement by us.
Mr. Gupta’s employment agreement also includes non-competition and related covenants. The non-competition covenant will be in effect for the duration of the period in which severance and other benefits are paid. The non-competition covenant relates to certain businesses with similar product areas and activities as our company.Progress.
Mr. Gupta’s Employee Retention and Motivation Agreement
We and Mr. Gupta have also entered into an Employee Retention and Motivation Agreement (the “Gupta ERMA”),ERMA, which provides certain compensation and benefits if his employment is involuntarily terminated within 24 months of a change in control of our company.the Company. If an involuntary termination of Mr. Gupta’s employment occurs under other circumstances, the severance terms of his employment agreement, as described above, would control and not the Gupta ERMA.
Change in Control BenefitsBenefits. . Under the GuptaMr. Gupta’s ERMA, upon a change in control of our company,the Company, Mr. Gupta would be entitled to:
| (1) | the payment of his annual target cash bonus on a pro-rata basis with respect to the elapsed part of the relevant fiscal year; and |
Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
| (2) | 12 months of acceleration of unvested stock options and RSUs (but not unvested performance equity, which will vest in accordance with its terms), unless the acquirer assumes all such options and restricted equity. If such outstanding stock options and shares of restricted equity held by Mr. Gupta are continued by us or assumed by our successor entity, then vesting will continue in its usual course. |
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Summary of Executive Compensation
Involuntary Termination Following Change in Control. In the event of an involuntary termination within 24 months following a change in control, Mr. Gupta would be entitled to:
| (1) | a lump-sum payment of cash severance equal to 24 months of total target cash compensation as of the date of termination; |
| (2) | |
(2) | the continuation, for a period of 24 months, of benefits that are substantially equivalent to the benefits (medical, dental, vision and life insurance) that were in effect immediately prior to termination; and |
| (3) | |
(3) | accelerated vesting of all unvested stock options and RSUs (but not unvested performance equity, which will vest in accordance with its terms). |
In the event that any amounts provided for under the GuptaMr. Gupta’s ERMA or otherwise payable to Mr. Gupta would constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code and be subject to the related excise tax, Mr. Gupta would be entitled to receive either full payment of the benefits under the agreement or such lesser amount that would result in no portion of the benefits being subject to the excise tax, whichever results in the greatest amount of after-tax benefits to Mr. Gupta.
Mr. Folger’s Executive Employment Agreement
In connection with his appointment as Chief Financial Officer, we and Mr. Folger entered into an employment agreement, effective January 31, 2020, setting forth Mr. Folger’s compensation and certain other terms. Mr. Folger’s employment agreement provides that if his employment is terminated because of an “involuntary termination,” he will be entitled to:
| (1) | the payment of cash severance equal to 12 months of total target cash compensation as of the date of termination, which will be paid over 12 months; |
| (2) | |
(2) | the continuation, for a period of 12 months of benefits that are substantially equivalent to the benefits (medical, dental, vision and vision)life insurance) that were in effect immediately prior to termination; and |
| (3) | |
(3) | 12 months accelerated vesting of unvested stock options and RSUs (but not unvested performance equity)equity, which will vest in accordance with its terms). |
Receipt of the severance and benefits is subject to Mr. Folger’s execution of a standard separation and release agreement, which will also include non-competition and related covenants. The non-competition covenant will be in effect for the duration of the period in which severance and other benefits are paid. The non-competition covenant relates to certain businesses with similar product area and activities as the Company. Separation payments upon any involuntary termination within 12 months following a change in control would be governed by the Employee Retention and Motivation AgreementERMA described below and not by Mr. Folger’s employment agreement.
An “involuntary termination” is defined in the employment agreement as a termination of employment by the Company other than for “Cause” (as defined in the agreement), disability or death or a termination by Mr. Folger as a result of certain events occurring without his consent such as an assignment to him of duties, a significant reduction of his duties, either of which is materially inconsistent with his position prior to the assignment or reduction, or the removal of Mr. Folger from such position, a material reduction in Mr. Folger’s base salary or target bonus, a relocation of Mr. Folger to a facility or location more than fifty miles from his then-present location or a material breach of the employment agreement by the Company.
2023 Proxy Statement74 | 77 |
Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
Mr. Folger’s Employee Retention and Motivation Agreement
We and Mr. Folger have also entered into an Employee Retention and Motivation Agreement (the “Folger ERMA”), which provides certain compensation and benefits if his employment is involuntarily terminated within 12 months of a change in control of our company. If an involuntary termination of Mr. Folger’s employment occurs under other circumstances, the severance terms of his employment agreement, as described above, would control and not the Folger ERMA.
Change in Control Benefits. Under the Folger ERMA, upon a change in control of our company, Mr. Folger would be entitled to:
(1) | the payment of his annual target cash bonus on a pro-rata basis with respect to the elapsed part of the relevant fiscal year; and |
| |
(2) | 12 months of acceleration of unvested stock options and RSUs (but not unvested performance equity, which will vest in accordance with its terms), unless the acquirer assumes all such options and restricted equity. If such outstanding stock options and shares of restricted equity held by Mr. Folger are continued by us or assumed by our successor entity, then vesting will continue in its usual course. |
Involuntary Termination Following Change in Control. In the event of an involuntary termination within 12 months following a change in control, Mr. Folger would be entitled to:
(1) | a lump-sum payment of cash severance equal to 15 months of total target cash compensation as of the date of termination; |
| |
(2) | the continuation, for a period of 15 months of benefits that are substantially equivalent to the benefits (medical, dental, vision and life insurance) that were in effect immediately prior to termination; and |
| |
(3) | 12 months of accelerated vesting of unvested stock options and RSUs (but not unvested performance equity, which will vest in accordance with its terms). |
In the event that any amounts provided for under the Folger ERMA or otherwise payable to Mr. Folger would constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code and be subject to the related excise tax, Mr. Folger would be entitled to receive either full payment of the benefits under the agreement or such lesser amount that would result in no portion of the benefits being subject to the excise tax, whichever results in the greatest amount of after-tax benefits to Mr. Folger.
Executive Severance Guidelines
We have adopted severance guidelines applicable to our executive officers, including the named executive officers other than Messrs. Gupta and Folger. Any severance payable to Messrs. Gupta and Folger is governed by the employment agreements described above. Our executive severance guidelines provide that upon an involuntary termination and the execution of a standard release of claims, an executive officer is entitled to:
(1) | the payment of cash severance equal to 12 months of total target cash compensation as of the date of termination, which will be paid over 12 months; |
| |
(2) | the payment of their annual target cash bonus on a pro-rata basis with respect to the elapsed part of the relevant fiscal year; |
| |
(3) | the continuation, for a period of 12 months of benefits that are substantially equivalent to the benefits (medical, dental and vision) that were in effect immediately prior to termination; and |
| |
(4) | 12 months of acceleration of unvested stock options and RSUs (but not unvested performance equity). |
Severance payments and benefits upon any involuntary termination within 12 months following a change in control are governed by the Employee Retention and Motivation Agreement (“ERMA”) described below.
The payment of severance and other benefits is conditioned upon the executive agreeing to non-competition, non-disparagement and related covenants. The non-competition covenant would be in effect for one year following the termination of employment. In connection with the termination of employment of an executive officer, all PSUs awarded to that executive officer are cancelled.
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Summary of Executive Compensation
Other Employee Retention and Motivation Agreements
We have also entered into ERMAs with each of our other named executive officers, which were updated on January 9, 2023.Messrs. Folger, Ainsworth, Subramanian and Ms. Jarrett. Currently, upon the involuntary termination of the executive officer within 12 months following a change in control, the executive officer will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to 18 months of their total target compensation and their benefits will continue for 18 months. In addition, outstanding stock options and shares of restricted stock or restricted units held by the executive officer granted prior to the date of such termination under the Company’s equity plans which would otherwise become fully vested, nonforfeitable and not subject to any restrictions following the date of such termination shall instead become fully vested, nonforfeitable and not subject to restrictions as of the date of such termination. Under no circumstances would any of our executive officers be entitled to a gross-up payment under the ERMAs for any excise taxes to which they may be subject if any of the above payments and benefits are considered to be “parachute payments.”
Executive Severance Guidelines
We have adopted severance guidelines applicable to our executive officers, including the named executive officers other than Messrs. Gupta and Folger. Any severance payable to Messrs. Gupta and Folger is governed by the employment agreements described above. Our executive severance guidelines provide that upon an involuntary termination and the execution of a standard release of claims, an executive officer is entitled to:
| (1) | the payment of cash severance equal to 12 months of total target cash compensation as of the date of termination, which will be paid over 12 months; |
| (2) | the payment of their annual target cash bonus on a pro-rata basis with respect to the elapsed part of the relevant fiscal year; |
| (3) | the continuation, for a period of 12 months of benefits that are substantially equivalent to the benefits (medical, dental and vision) that were in effect immediately prior to termination; and |
| (4) | 12 months of acceleration of unvested stock options and RSUs (but not unvested performance equity). |
Severance payments and benefits upon any involuntary termination within 12 months following a change in control are governed by the Employee Retention and Motivation Agreement described below.
The payment of severance and other benefits is conditioned upon the executive agreeing to non-competition, non-disparagement and related covenants. The non-competition covenant would be in effect for one year following the termination of employment. In connection with the termination of employment of an executive officer, all PSUs awarded to that executive officer are cancelled.
Estimate of Severance and Change in Control Benefits at Fiscal-Year End
The following table indicates the estimated payments and benefits that each of Messrs. Gupta, Folger, Ainsworth, SegalSubramanian and Ms. Jarrett would have received under (a) their respective employment agreements, in the case of Messrs.Mr. Gupta and Folger,, (b) our severance guidelines applicable to executive officers, in the case of Messrs. Ainsworth, SegalFolger, Subramanian and Ms. Jarrett and (c) each of their then-applicable ERMAs, assuming in each case that the change in control of our company,the Company, termination of their employment and/or retirement occurred at November 30, 2022.2023.
Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
These amounts are estimates only and do not necessarily reflect the actual amounts that would be paid to the named executive officer, which amounts would only be known at the time that he or she becomes entitled to such payment.
| | Involuntary
Termination(1)
($) | | Change in
Control Only(2)
($) | | Involuntary
Termination
Following Change
in Control(2)(3)
($) |
| Yogesh Gupta | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | 1,800,000 | | — | | 2,400,000 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | 600,000 | | 600,000 | | 600,000 |
| Stock Options | | 920,727 | | — | | 1,279,872 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | 2,383,305 | | — | | 3,116,717 |
| Benefits(4) | | 42,782 | | — | | 57,042 |
| Total | | 5,746,814 | | 600,000 | | 7,453,631 |
| Anthony Folger | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | 726,000 | | — | | 1,089,000 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | 286,000 | | — | | 286,000 |
| Stock Options | | 353,706 | | — | | 591,629 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | 622,083 | | — | | 1,151,796 |
| Benefits(4) | | 38,417 | | — | | 57,626 |
| Total | | 2,026,206 | | — | | 3,176,051 |
| John Ainsworth | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | 680,000 | | — | | 1,020,000 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | 255,000 | | — | | 255,000 |
| Stock Options | | 113,559 | | — | | 228,883 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | 297,361 | | — | | 546,517 |
| Benefits(4) | | 28,575 | | — | | 42,863 |
| Total | | 1,374,495 | | — | | 2,093,263 |
| Loren Jarrett | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | 680,000 | | — | | 1,020,000 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | 255,000 | | — | | 255,000 |
| Stock Options | | 113,559 | | — | | 228,883 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | 297,361 | | — | | 546,517 |
| Benefits(4) | | 38,203 | | — | | 57,304 |
| Total | | 1,384,123 | | — | | 2,107,704 |
| Sundar Subramanian | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | 680,000 | | — | | 1,020,000 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | 255,000 | | — | | 255,000 |
| Stock Options | | 111,978 | | — | | 227,301 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | 297,361 | | — | | 546,517 |
| Benefits(4) | | 31,076 | | — | | 46,614 |
| Total | | 1,375,415 | | — | | 2,095,432 |
Table of Contents
Summary of Executive Compensation
| | | Involuntary
Termination(1)
($) | | Change in
Control Only(2)
($) | | Involuntary
Termination Within
12 Months Following
Change in Control
($) |
| Yogesh Gupta | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | | 1,725,000 | | | — | | | 2,300,000 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | | 575,000 | | | 575,000 | | | 0 |
| Stock Options | | | 1,130,880 | | | — | | | 1,843,989 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | | 2,051,274 | | | — | | | 2,710,469 |
| Benefits(3) | | | 32,097 | | | — | | | 42,796 |
| Total | | | 5,514,251 | | | 575,000 | | | 6,897,254 |
| Anthony Folger | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | | 684,750 | | | — | | | 855,938 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | | 0 | | | 269,750 | | | 0 |
| Stock Options | | | 455,735 | | | — | | | 455,735 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | | 588,013 | | | — | | | 588,013 |
| Benefits(3) | | | 35,918 | | | — | | | 44,897 |
| Total | | | 1,764,416 | | | 269,750 | | | 1,944,583 |
| John Ainsworth | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | | 585,000 | | | — | | | 731,250 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | | 195,000 | | | 195,000 | | | 0 |
| Stock Options | | | 152,445 | | | — | | | 152,445 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | | 259,615 | | | — | | | 259,615 |
| Benefits(3) | | | 21,402 | | | — | | | 26,752 |
| Total | | | 1,213,462 | | | 195,000 | | | 1,170,062 |
| Loren Jarrett | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | | 624,000 | | | — | | | 780,000 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | | 234,000 | | | 234,000 | | | 0 |
| Stock Options | | | 152,445 | | | — | | | 152,445 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | | 259,615 | | | — | | | 259,615 |
| Benefits(3) | | | 35,592 | | | — | | | 44,490 |
| Total | | | 1,305,652 | | | 234,000 | | | 1,236,550 |
| Jeremy Segal | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | | 525,000 | | | — | | | 656,250 |
| Pro Rata Bonus | | | 175,000 | | | 175,000 | | | 0 |
| Stock Options | | | 172,444 | | | — | | | 172,444 |
| Restricted Stock Units | | | 356,977 | | | — | | | 356,977 |
| Benefits(3) | | | 35,824 | | | — | | | 44,780 |
| Total | | | 1,265,245 | | | 175,000 | | | 1,230,451 |
| (1) | The amounts shown in the first column, with respect to stock options and RSUs, represent the value of certain unvested options and RSUs becoming fully vested and are calculated using the exercise price for each unvested stock option and the closing price of our common stock on November 30, 20222023 (the last trading day of our fiscal 2022)2023), which was $53.32.$53.86. In the event of an involuntary termination, all unvested PSUs awarded to an individual under our Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIP) are cancelled. |
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Summary of Executive Compensation
| (2) | In the event of a change in control, there is no accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options or shares of restricted stock or restricted units provided that the acquirer assumes all such outstanding stock options and shares of restricted stock or |
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Summary of Executive Compensation
| restricted units held by the individual. These tables have been prepared under that assumption. However, if the acquirer does not assume all outstanding stock options and shares of restricted stock or restricted units of the individual, (i) in the case of Mr. Gupta there is limited (12 month) accelerated vesting of stock options and RSUs in the event of a change ofin control, which values, based on the closing price of our common stock on November 30, 2022,2023, are $831,591$634,084 and $1,440,067,$1,683,664, respectively, and (ii) in the case of Messrs. Folger, Ainsworth, Segal,Subramanian and Ms. Jarrett, there is limited (12 month) accelerated vesting of stock options and RSUs, and the values of stock options and RSUs indicated in the first column would apply upon a change ofin control. The amounts referenced in the foregoing sentence have been calculated using the exercise price for each unvested stock option and the closing price of our common stock on November 30, 2022,2023, which was $53.32.$53.86. Under the terms of the LTIP, in the event of a change ofin control, grantees are entitled to accelerated determination of PSUs earned under outstanding LTIP awards, unless the acquirer assumes such LTIP awards. Upon the change in control, our Compensation Committee will determine the number of PSUs that are eligible to be earned based on the actual attainment of the relevant metrics as of the change in control. Those PSUs determined to be earned will not become fully vested until the conclusion of the original three-year performance period, subject to the continued employment of the grantee through such date. Additionally, under the terms of the LTIP, in the event of an involuntary termination following a change in control, grantees are entitled to accelerated payout of PSUs determined to be earned under outstanding LTIP awards as of the change in control. For purposes of computing amounts attributable to accelerated vesting, the columns exclude all unvested PSUs awarded under our LTIP as those amounts are undeterminable. |
| (3) | The amounts shown reflect the value of certain unvested equity awards becoming fully vested in the event of an involuntary termination within 24 months following a change in control for Mr. Gupta, and involuntary termination within 12 months following a change in control for each of Messrs. Folger, Ainsworth, Subramanian and Ms. Jarrett. |
| (4) | Represents the estimated value of continuing benefits (medical, dental, vision and life insurance) for: |
| a. | 18 months in the case of an involuntary termination of Mr. Gupta’s employment; and |
| | b. | 12 months in the case of an involuntary termination of employment of Messrs. Folger, Ainsworth and SegalSubramanian and Ms. Jarrett, other than in connection with a change in control; 1518 months, in the case of an involuntary termination in connection with a change in control. |
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CEO Pay Ratio
In accordance with SEC rules, we are providing the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the annual total compensation of our median employee. The 20222023 annual total compensation of our CEO Mr. Gupta is $6,900,213,$8,635,534, the 20222023 annual total compensation of our median compensated employee is $71,637,$81,146, and the ratio of these amounts is 96106 to 1. Progress recalculates the median employee each year for purposes of this ratio in order to capture growth and variation in our employee population due to our acquisitive growth strategy.
This pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules based on our human resources system of record and the methodology described below. Because the SEC rules for identifying the median compensated employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported above, as other companies may have different employment and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their own pay ratios.
For purposes of identifying our median compensated employee, we used our global employee population as of November 1, 2022,2023, identified based on our human resources system of record. We utilized total direct compensation as our consistently applied compensation measure. In this context, total direct compensation means the applicable annual fixed pay determined as of November 1, 2022,2023, the annual incentive cash target amount or commission target amount payable for service in 20212023 and the approved value of the annual equity awards granted during 2022.2023. To identify our median compensated employee, we then calculated the total direct compensation for our global employee population, converted other currencies to U.S. dollars as of November 30, 2022,2023, and ordered the employees based on their total direct compensation.
To compute the pay ratio, we then calculated both the CEO and median employee’s annual total compensation pursuant to the proxy disclosure rules and compared the annual total compensation of the CEO to that of the median employee.
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Pay Versus Performance
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s performance and the “compensation actually paid” to our NEOs, as calculated in accordance with applicable SEC rules. In accordance with the transitional relief under the SEC rules, only three years of information is required as this is the Company’s first year of disclosure under Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Value of Initial Fixed $100
Investment Based On: | | | | |
Fiscal
Year
(a) | | Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for PEO($)(1)(2)
(b) | | Compensation
Actually Paid
to PEO($)(3)
(c) | | Average
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for non-PEO
NEOs($)(1)(2)
(d) | | Average
Compensation
Actually Paid
to non-PEO
NEOs($)(3)
(e) | | PRGS
Total
Stockholder
Return($)(4)
(f) | | NASDAQ
Computer
Index
Total
Stockholder
Return($)(4)(5)
(g) | | Net
Income
($M)
(h) | | Non-GAAP
Operating
Income
($M)(6)
(i) |
| 2023 | | 8,635,534 | | 9,246,854 | | 2,380,214 | | 2,526,879 | | 134.31 | | 148.35 | | 194.2 | | 270.6 |
| 2022 | | 6,900,213 | | 12,820,362 | | 1,928,895 | | 3,424,464 | | 132.97 | | 102.36 | | 182.8 | | 242.1 |
| 2021 | | 6,019,029 | | 13,091,651 | | 2,440,870 | | 4,036,210 | | 120.82 | | 142.39 | | 172.9 | | 229.2 |
| (1) | The Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) and non-PEO NEOs for the applicable years were as follows: |
| ● | | 2023: Mr. Gupta served as the PEO for the entirety of 2023. The Company’s other NEOs for 2023 were: Anthony Folger, John Ainsworth, Loren Jarrett and Sundar Subramanian. |
| Proposal
3 | Advisory Vote on Frequency2022: Mr. Gupta served as the PEO for the entirety of Say-on-Pay |
Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote ONE YEAR 2022. The Company’s other NEOs for this proposal.
2022 were: Anthony Folger, John Ainsworth, Loren Jarrett and Jeremy Segal. |
| ● | | | 2021: Mr. Gupta served as the PEO for the entirety of 2021. The Company’s other NEOs for 2021 were: Anthony Folger, Stephen Faberman, Loren Jarrett and Gary Quinn. |
We currently hold a say-on-pay vote every year because it enables shareholders to timely vote on executive pay and pay practices, which enables us to consider and respond to any concerns identified on a timely basis. Our Board of Directors believes it is most appropriate to retain the practice of conducting an advisory vote on executive compensation every year. Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends that you vote for an annual advisory vote on executive compensation.
However, we are not asking you to vote on the Board’s recommendation. You may cast your vote on your preferred voting frequency by choosing among the following four options: once every one year, two years or three years or you may abstain from voting. This vote is advisory and, therefore, not binding, and our Board of Directors may decide in the future that it is in our best interests and in the best interests of our shareholders to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently, as applicable, than the option approved by our shareholders.
| (2) | Amounts reported in this column represent (i) the total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year in which the NEO served as PEO in the case of Mr. Gupta and (ii) the average of the total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year for the Company’s other NEOs reported for the applicable year. |
| (3) | To calculate the compensation actually paid (“CAP”), adjustments were made to the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year. A reconciliation of the adjustments for Mr. Gupta and for the average of the other NEOs is set forth following the footnotes to this table. |
| (4) | Pursuant to rules of the SEC, the comparison assumes $100 was invested on November 30, 2020. Historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. |
| (5) | The TSR Peer Group consists of the NASDAQ Computer Index, an independently prepared index (and which is used for the Company’s stock performance chart in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2023). |
| (6) | As noted in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the Compensation Committee selected Non-GAAP Operating Income as a key metric for evaluating and rewarding management’s performance in the 2023 incentive program design. This measure is used to determine the payout of 40% of the 2023 corporate bonus plan, as well as 75% of the LTIP (on a three-year aggregated basis), and is aligned with the earnings we have reported to stockholders on a quarterly basis. |
| 2024 Proxy Statement | 83 79 |
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Pay Versus Performance
The following tables set forth the detailed calculation from SCT Total to Compensation Actually Paid for the PEO and NEOs, respectively:
| | PEO |
| Fiscal Year | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 |
| SCT Total | | $6,019,029 | | | $6,900,213 | | | $8,635,534 | |
| - Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | | ($4,557,407 | ) | | ($5,642,964 | ) | | ($7,184,594 | ) |
| + Fair Value at Fiscal Year-End of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | | $5,272,547 | | | $7,164,080 | | | $6,944,482 | |
| + Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years | | $5,407,403 | | | $4,351,106 | | | $26,379 | |
| + Fair Value at Vesting of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year That Vested During Fiscal Year | | $452,241 | | | $419,596 | | | $553,066 | |
| + Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years For Which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year | | $497,837 | | | ($371,669 | ) | | $271,987 | |
| - Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year-End of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years That Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Compensation Actually Paid | | $13,091,651 | | | $12,820,362 | | | $9,246,854 | |
| | NEO |
| Fiscal Year | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 |
| SCT Total | | $2,440,870 | | | $1,928,895 | | | $2,380,214 | |
| - Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | | ($1,688,435 | ) | | ($1,282,551 | ) | | ($1,590,901 | ) |
| + Fair Value at Fiscal Year-End of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | | $1,922,508 | | | $1,628,288 | | | $1,537,748 | |
| + Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years | | $1,142,112 | | | $1,115,953 | | | $7,467 | |
| + Fair Value at Vesting of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year That Vested During Fiscal Year | | $105,531 | | | $95,362 | | | $122,452 | |
| + Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years For Which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year | | $113,625 | | | ($61,483 | ) | | $69,899 | |
| - Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year-End of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years That Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Compensation Actually Paid | | $4,036,210 | | | $3,424,464 | | | $2,526,879 | |
Relationship Between Pay and Performance
We believe the “Compensation Actually Paid” in each of the years reported above and over the three-year cumulative period are reflective of the Compensation Committee’s emphasis on “pay-for-performance.” “Compensation Actually Paid” is higher than our Summary Compensation Total figures in each year due to the increased value of performance-based and equity compensation as a result of strong stock price performance over the three-year period.
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Pay Versus Performance
The following charts provide a description of the relationship between the “Compensation Actually Paid” to the PEO and average of non-PEO NEOs and respective metrics.
PRGS & Peer TSR vs. Compensation Actually Paid
Net Income vs. Compensation Actually Paid
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Pay Versus Performance
Operating Income vs. Compensation
Actually Paid
Tabular List of Financial Performance Measures
The following is a list of financial performance measures, which in our assessment represent the most important financial performance measures used by the Company to link compensation actually paid to the NEOs for 2023. Please see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for a further description of the metrics used in the Company’s executive compensation program.
| 1. | Non-GAAP Operating Income – incentivizes profitability and operation efficiency |
| 2. | Non-GAAP Revenue – broad topline financial metric incentivizing business development and growth |
| 3. | Adjusted Free Cash Flow – reflects disciplined management of the business to generate cash for investment and capital returns |
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| | | |
3 | Proposal
4 | Approval ofApprove an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 1991 Employee Stock Purchase2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated |
Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR this proposal. |
| | | | |
We are asking our shareholdersstockholders to approve anthe amendment toand restatement of the Progress Software Corporation 1991 Employee2008 Stock PurchaseOption and Incentive Plan as(the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan was originally adopted by our stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on April 23, 2008; amended and restated (the “ESPP”), to increase the authorized numberby our Board of shares reserved under the ESPP. The ESPPDirectors on March 18, 2010, which amendment was approved by our shareholdersstockholders at a specialthe annual meeting of shareholdersstockholders held on July 1, 1991. The ESPP wasApril 27, 2010; amended and restated inby our Board of Directors on May 6, 2013, which amendment and restatement was approved by our stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on June 6, 2013; and amended and restated by our Board of Directors on March 199823, 2021, which amendment and further amended in September 2006, April 2007,restatement was approved by our stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 2009, April 2010, May 2012, May 201618, 2021. Our Board of Directors approved the Amended and May 2021 in each case,Restated 2008 Plan (the “Amended 2008 Plan”) on March 19, 2024, subject to increase the shares available for issuance. As of March 15, 2023, a total of 10,250,000stockholder approval, to make an additional 4,665,000 shares of our common stock available for the issuance of awards under the Amended 2008 Plan, as well as the other changes. The changes to and material features of the Amended 2008 Plan are described below. If approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Amended 2008 Plan will become effective on the date of such shareholder approval.
Under the 2008 Plan, as of March 1, 2024, equity awards covering 4,115,126 shares were outstanding. Due to the conversion rate provision of the 2008 Plan (as described below), the equity awards outstanding counted as 7,020,504 shares against the 2008 Plan share reserve. As of March 1, 2024, 860,093 shares remained available for future grants, subject to the conversion rate provision. Given our current grant practices and anticipated needs, we expect to exhaust the existing share reserve in less than one year. We consider it important to maintain a strong association between compensation of our employees and service providers and our stockholders’ long-term interests. Awards under the Amended 2008 Plan are intended to provide our employees significant incentive to protect and enhance stockholder value. We believe that there is an insufficient number of shares remaining available for new grants under our 2008 Plan to sustain these important stock-based incentives. If stockholders approve the Amended 2008 Plan, we expect that the shares available will meet our anticipated needs for approximately three years, subject to changes in business conditions or other trends.
In addition to the increase of authorized shares by 4,665,000, the Amended 2008 Plan also includes the following key changes to:
| ● | Modify the conversion rate for grants of Full Value Awards from 2.25 to 1.5; |
| ● | Remove Code Section 162(m) language that is no longer applicable with the elimination of the performance-based compensation exemption), including removal of the maximum performance-based award individual limit during any one calendar year; |
| ● | Removal of the individual limit for stock options and stock appreciation rights during any one calendar year; |
| ● | Increase the maximum permitted term for stock options granted from 7 to 10 years; |
| ● | Reduce the minimum permitted vesting period for time-based deferred stock awards, including restricted stock units, from 3 years to 1 year; |
| ● | Increase by 4,665,000 the maximum number of shares of stock that may be issued in the form of incentive stock options; |
| ● | Clarify that payment of dividends or dividend equivalents on unvested awards is prohibited; |
| ● | Revise the termination date to March 18, 2034; and |
| ● | Update the stockholder voting requirements to align with the Company’s Bylaws. |
Table of Contents
Proposal 3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
Termination of 2004 Inducement Plan
At its March 19, 2024, meeting, the ESPP,Board of which approximately 336,000 remainedDirectors also took action to terminate the Company’s 2004 Inducement Plan. At the time of its termination, there were 466,716 shares available to be granted under the 2004 Inducement Plan. No further awards will be granted under the 2004 Inducement Plan.
Proposed Modification to the Conversion Rate Provision
The 2008 Plan contains a conversion rate provision, sometimes referred to as a “fungible share counting” structure. We originally adopted the 2008 Plan with a conversion rate provision in its design after consultation with advisors in 2008 to determine what structure would best align the interests of the Company and reservedits stockholders. This 2008 Plan structure offers the Company flexibility in determining what types of equity awards are best suited for issuance.its needs within the overall authorized share pool, recognizing that certain types of awards may be more valuable than others. Accordingly, for purposes of determining the number of shares available under the 2008 Plan, stock-based awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights (“Full Value Awards”) are counted against the authorized share pool differently than stock options and stock appreciation rights. Under the 2008 Plan, each share issued pursuant to a stock award that is a Full Value Award reduces the number of shares available for issuance by 2.25 shares for each share issued pursuant to a Full Value Award. Similarly, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2008 Plan is increased by 2.25 shares for each share that becomes available again for issuance under the terms of the 2008 Plan subject to a Full Value Award.
We are proposing that the conversion rate for Full Value Awards in the Amended 2008 Plan be reduced from 2.25 shares to 1.5 shares, effective for grants of Full Value Awards made on or after the 2024 Annual Meeting, so that each share issued pursuant to such grants of Full Value Awards would reduce the number of shares available out of the authorized share pool by 1.5 shares, and each share that becomes available again for issuance under the terms of the Amended 2008 Plan with respect to any Full Value Award granted after approval of this proposal would increase the number of shares available out of the authorized share pool by 1.5 shares. The Board is recommending this change to the Amended 2008 Plan because it believes the revised conversion rate is more appropriate.
Why Adding Shares to the 2008 Plan is Important
Our Board believes that the Amended 2008 Plan is a vital component of our employee compensation programs, allowing us the ability to compensate our employees, consultants and non-employee directors whose contributions are important to our success. It helps to create a culture of ownership in our future that aligns directly to our Progress values. We operate in a competitive market and new hire grants are essential in helping us attract talented individuals around the globe. We believe our stock-based compensation programs enable us to maintain our competitive position regarding recruiting and retaining highly skilled and engaged personnel.
We believe that the availability of an adequate reserve of shares for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan is central to this objective. On March 17, 2023,19, 2024, our Board of Directors unanimously approved the Amended 2008 Plan, which includes an increase in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP2008 Plan by 1,000,000 shares to a total of 11,250,000 shares, which increase is subject to stockholder approval at the Annual Meeting.4,665,000 shares. If the increase is approved by shareholders, westockholders, there will have 1,336,000be 5,525,093 shares available for issuance under the ESPP.
Why Adding Shares to the ESPP is Important
We believe that the availability of an adequate reserve of shares for issuance under the ESPP will benefit us by providing employees with an opportunity to acquire shares of our common stock and will enable us to attract, retain and motivate valued employees. Further, we believe it is in our best interest to encourage stock ownership by our employees, and the ESPP affords our employees the opportunity to purchase shares of our common stock at a discount through regular payroll deductions.grant. A copy of the ESPP,Amended 2008 Plan, as proposed to be amended, is attached as Appendix BA to this Proxy Statement.proxy statement.
If a quorumIn addition to the 2008 Plan, we currently have one other equity plan that has not been approved by stockholders, which is present at the Annual Meeting, a majority2002 Nonqualified Stock Plan (the “2002 Plan”). The 2002 Plan permits the issuance of stock options to individuals who are not our directors or officers. The 2002 Plan does not contain an adequate reserve of shares and does not permit broad-based equity awards of the votes properly cast will be necessarytype we utilize as part of our equity-based compensation programs for us to approverely on that plan. Furthermore, we cannot replenish shares under the proposed amendment to the ESPP.
Summary of the Provisions of the ESPP
The following summary of the ESPP, as proposed to be amended, is qualified in its entirety by the specific language of the ESPP, a copy of which is attached as Appendix B.
It is our intention that the ESPP qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”).
Eligibility
Generally, all our employees who are customarily employed for at least 20 hours per week and more than five months in the calendar year are eligible to participate in the ESPP following the completion of three months of continuous service to us.
Participation in the ESPP is limited to eligible employees who authorize payroll deductions (within ranges specified by the Compensation Committee) pursuant to the ESPP. As of February 28, 2023, there were approximately 1,959 employees eligible to participate in the ESPP, of whom approximately 1,050 were participating. Once an employee becomes a participant in the ESPP, that employee will automatically participate in successive offering periods, as described below, until such time as that employee withdraws from the ESPP, becomes ineligible to participate in the ESPP or their employment ceases. A participant may be enrolled in only one offering period at a time.2002 Plan without stockholder approval.
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Proposal 4:3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 1991
Employee Stock Purchase2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
No person who owns or holds, or as a result of participation in the ESPP would own or hold, stock or options to purchase stock, together equal to 5% or moreThe following table provides certain additional information regarding our equity incentive program:
| | As of March 1, 2024 |
| Total Shares Subject to Outstanding Stock Options | | 2,218,262 |
| Total Shares Subject to Outstanding Full Value Awards(1) | | 2,324,302 |
| Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Stock Options | | $45.81 |
| Weighted-Average Remaining Term of Outstanding Stock Options | | 4.27 years |
Total Shares Available for Grant under the 2008 Plan and the 2002 Nonqualified Stock Plan
(excluding the 4,665,000 for which we are seeking approval in this Proposal 3) | | 957,001 |
| Total Common Stock Outstanding | | 43,218,493 |
| Closing Price of Common Stock as Reported on Nasdaq Global Select Market | | $53.35 |
| (1) | Full value awards are stock awards or units (other than options), and the number of shares listed represents shares issuable to grantees in respect of the full value awards. |
Highlights of the total combined voting power or valuePlan. The following are highlights of certain provisions of the Amended 2008 Plan that are designed to protect stockholder interests:
| ● | The Amended 2008 Plan does not contain an evergreen feature, meaning that the plan does not provide for automatic share reserve replenishment, and stockholder approval is required to add shares. |
| ● | Shares tendered or held back upon exercise of an option or a stock appreciation right to cover the exercise price or tax withholding are not available for future issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. |
| ● | Upon exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights, the gross number of shares exercised will be deducted from the total number of shares remaining available for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. |
| ● | Shares that we repurchase on the open market with the proceeds of an option or stock appreciation right exercise price will not be available for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. |
| ● | We may not, without stockholder approval, reduce the option exercise price of any option, except in the case of adjustments for certain changes in our capitalization or sale events. |
| ● | We may not, without stockholder approval, cancel any outstanding option that has an exercise price greater than the then current fair market value of the stock underlying such option in exchange for cash or other awards under the Amended 2008 Plan, except in the case of adjustments for certain changes in our capitalization or sale events. |
| ● | For any restricted stock or deferred stock, including restricted stock units, granted to employees that has a performance-based goal, the restriction period with respect to such shares is not less than one year; and for any restricted stock or deferred stock, including restricted stock units, granted to employees that has a time-based restriction, the total restriction period with respect to such shares is not less than one year (provided, however, that restricted stock or deferred stock, including restricted stock units, with a time-based restriction may become vested incrementally over the vesting period). |
The Size of Our Share Reserve Request Is Reasonable. If the Amended 2008 Plan is approved, we will have approximately 5.8 million shares available for grant under our equity plans after our 2024 Annual Meeting, of which, approximately 5.7 million shares will be available for grant under the Amended 2008 Plan. Because substantially all classes of our outstanding stock is entitledequity awards come from the 2008 Plan and there are limitations as to participate in the ESPP. No employee may be granted an option to purchase our common stockeligible recipients of awards and types of awards we can make under the ESPP2002 Plan, we anticipate that permits him or her to purchasethe approximately 5.7 million shares of our common stock under all Section 423 employee stock purchase plans having a value of more than $25,000 (determined using the fair market value of the stock at the time such option is granted) in any calendar year.
Offering Period
Each offering of our common stock under the ESPP is for a period of 27 months, which we refer to as an “offering period.” Offering periods are overlapping, with a new 27-month offering period beginning every three months. New offering periods begin on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Each offering period is comprised of nine three-month exercise periods. Shares are purchased on the last business day of each exercise period, in March, June, September and December, with that day being referred to as an “exercise date”.
Option to Purchase
On the commencement date of each offering period, a participant in the offering period will be deemed to have been granted an option to purchase, on each exercise date during the offering period, up to a number of shares of our common stock determined by dividing the amount of the participant’s payroll deductions in the exercise period by 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the first day of the offering period or the exercise date, subject to certain limitations. Our Board of Directors may establish different offering periods or exercise periods under the ESPP.
If the market value of our common stock is lower on an exercise date than it was on the first day of the corresponding offering period, then all participants in the offering period will be automatically withdrawn from that offering period immediately after the exercise of the option on the exercise date and the participants will be automatically re-enrolled in a new offering period commencing immediately after that exercise date. The old offering period terminates upon such automatic re-enrollment.
Withdrawal/Termination
A participant may withdraw from any offering at any time before stock is purchased, in which case the participant must withdraw all of their payroll deductions for an exercise period prior to the exercise date. Upon withdrawal, the participant will be deemed to have withdrawn from the offering period and all of the participant’s payroll deductions will be paid to them, without interest. Participation terminates automatically upon termination of employment for any reason, including retirement and disability, but excluding termination of employment by reason of death. Upon termination of a participant’s participation in the ESPP, all payroll deductions credited to the participant’s account or amounts paid that were not used to purchase shares of our common stock will be refunded to them. Upon termination of employment by reason of death, the participant’s beneficiary will have the right to elect, in accordance with procedures described in the ESPP, either to withdraw all of the payroll deductions credited to the participant’s account under the ESPP or to exercise the participant’s option for the purchase of stock on the exercise date next following the date of the participant’s death for the purchase of the number of full shares which the participant’s accumulated payroll deductions, at the date of the participant’s death, will purchase at the applicable price, with any excess deductions returned to the beneficiary.
Administration
The ESPP is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee, at its sole discretion, may establish a minimum holding period for shares of stock acquired by a participant or a participant’s beneficiary under the ESPP. Currently, the Compensation Committee has set a three-month holding period. The ESPP will continue until terminated by our Board of Directors.
If the increase in the number of shares reservedavailable for issuance under the ESPP is approved by our shareholders, we intend to file a Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering the shares of our common stock issuable as a result of that increase, and upon the effectiveness of such registration statement all such sharesAmended 2008 Plan will be when issued, eligible for resale insufficient to provide an approximate three-year pool of shares beginning after the public market,end of fiscal 2024, subject to the minimum holding period described above.changes in business conditions, acquisitions or other needs. This three-year share pool is necessary to allow us to thoughtfully manage our existing employee base and also retain critical talent as we pursue our total growth strategy initiatives.
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Table of Contents
Proposal 4:3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 1991
Employee Stock Purchase2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
Our BoardPotential Dilution Is Reasonable with Size of Directors may, in its discretion, at any time, terminate or amend the ESPP except that no termination may affect any option previously granted nor may any amendment make a change in any option previously granted which would adversely affect the rights of any participant holding an option under the ESPP.
Adjustments to Common StockShare Reserve Request.
If we subdivide or reclassify the common stock subject to the ESPP, or declare on such shares any dividend payable in shares of such common stock, or take any other similar action affecting such common stock, then The following table sets forth the number and class of shares of common stock subject toauthorized for future issuance, along with the ESPP will be adjusted accordingly, and in the case of each option outstanding at the time of any such action, the number and class of shares which may thereafter be purchased pursuant to such option and the option price per share shall be adjusted to such extent as may be determinedequity dilution represented by the Compensation Committee to be necessary to preserve the rightsshares available for future awards, as a percentage of the holder of such option.
If, at any time, we merge into or consolidate with another corporation, the holder of each option then outstanding under the ESPP will thereafter be entitled to receive at the next exercise date upon the exercise of such option for each share as to which such option shall be exercised, the securities or property which a holder of one share of the common stock was entitled to upon and at the time of such merger or consolidation. Subject to the terms of the ESPP, the Compensation Committee will determine the kind and amount of such securities or property which such holder of an option shall be entitled to receive. A sale of all or substantially all of our assets will be deemed a merger or consolidation for the foregoing purposes.
Summary of Federal Income Tax Consequences
A participant in the ESPP recognizes no taxable income either as a result of participation in the ESPP or upon the purchase of43,218,493 shares of our common stock outstanding on March 1, 2024, both with respect to the shares currently available for issuance under the ESPP.
If a participant disposes of2008 Plan, and the additional shares purchasedavailable for issuance under the ESPP within two years fromAmended 2008 Plan requested by this proposal.
| | Total Shares
Available | | Equity Dilution:
Percent of Common
Shares Outstanding |
| Shares available for future awards under the 2008 Plan | | 860,093 | | 1.99% |
| Shares available for future awards under the 2002 Nonqualified Stock Plan | | 96,908 | | 0.22% |
| Requested additional shares for future awards under the Amended 2008 Plan | | 4,665,000 | | 10.79% |
Total shares available for future awards after approval of the Amended
2008 Plan(1) | | 5,622,001 | | 13.01% |
| (1) | Because the 2004 Inducement Plan was terminated in March 2024, no future awards will be made under this plan, and it is not reflected in this table. |
The following table provides information regarding our overhang, or the first daypercentage of outstanding shares represented by all outstanding equity awards and shares available for future awards under all plans as of March 1, 2024:
| Basic diluted overhang(1) | | 23.83% |
| Fully diluted overhang(2) | | 19.25% |
| (1) | Basic diluted overhang is calculated as (i) all shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of outstanding full value awards plus shares available for future awards, divided by (ii) common shares outstanding. |
| (2) | Fully diluted overhang is calculated as (i) all shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of outstanding full value awards plus shares available for future awards, divided by (ii) common shares outstanding plus the shares in the numerator. |
Actual dilution will depend on several factors, including the types of awards made under the Amended 2008 Plan.
Burn Rate Is Reasonable. In determining whether to approve the amendment to the Amended 2008 Plan, our Board and Compensation Committee took into consideration our appropriate usage under our plans to avoid excessive stockholder dilution. The following table shows our awards granted and responsible burn rate history for each of the applicable offering period or within one year fromfiscal years indicated. The burn rates were calculated using the exercise date, which we refer to as a “disqualifying disposition”, the participant recognizes ordinary income2.25 conversion rate in the year of that disposition equal to the amount by which the fair market value of the shares on the date the shares were purchased exceeds the purchase price (which is generally 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the first day of the offering period or the exercise date). The participant will also have a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sales proceeds and the fair market value of the shares on the date the shares were purchased. This capital gain or loss will be long-term if the participant has held the shares for more than 12 months, and otherwise will be short-term.
If the participant disposes of shares purchasedeffect under the ESPP at least two years after the first day of the applicable offering period2008 Plan (described below under “Shares Available for Awards”) for Full Value Awards Granted and at least one year after the exercise date, the participant recognizes ordinary income in the year of disposition equal to the lesser of (1) the excess of the fair market value of the sharesFull Value Awards Cancelled. Full Value Awards Granted and Full Value Awards Cancelled include deferred stock awards (including RSUs, PSUs, DSUs) and restricted stock awards. Our historical three-year average net burn rate is 4.65%. Based on the date of disposition over the exercise price or (2) the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the applicable offering period over the exercise price. Any excess profit will be long-term capital gain. If the participant sells the stock at a loss (if sales proceeds are less than the purchase price) after satisfying these holding periods, then the loss will be a long-term capital loss. If the participant owns the shares at the time of the participant’s death, the lesser of (1) the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of death over the purchase price or (ii) the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the applicable offering period over the purchase price (determined as if the purchase right were exercised on the first day of the applicable offering period) is recognized as ordinary income in the year of the participant’s death.
The amount a participant elects to have deducted from their compensation for the purchaseour judicious use of shares under our stock plans, as shown in the ESPP constitutes compensation income and is subject to withholding for income, Medicare and Social Security taxes, as applicable. There is no withholding of income, Medicare or Social Security taxes upontable below, the purchaseBoard has determined that the increase in the number of shares available for issuance under the ESPP or upon the sale of shares acquired under the ESPP.
There will be no tax consequences to us except that we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant as a result of the disposition, except to the extent such deductionAmended 2008 Plan is reasonable.
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Proposal 4:3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 1991
Employee Stock Purchase2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
limited by applicable provisionsOur future burn rate will depend on a number of factors, including the number of participants in the Amended 2008 Plan, the price per share of our shares, any changes to our compensation strategy, changes in business practices or industry standards, changes in our capital structure due to stock splits or similar events, the compensation practices of our competitors or changes in compensation practices in the market generally, and the methodology used to establish the equity award mix.
| | Fiscal Year
2023 | | Fiscal Year
2022 | | Fiscal Year
2021 |
| Stock Options Granted | | 242,894 | | 822,631 | | 644,582 |
| Full Value Awards Granted | | 2,152,487 | | 1,953,162 | | 1,326,983 |
| Total Awards Granted (Stock Options and Full Value Awards) | | 2,395,381 | | 2,775,793 | | 1,971,565 |
| Stock Options Cancelled | | 60,133 | | 183,520 | | 106,721 |
| Full Value Awards Cancelled | | 124,241 | | 311,321 | | 282,587 |
| Adjusted Total Awards (After Cancellations) | | 2,211,007 | | 2,280,952 | | 1,582,257 |
| Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (basic) | | 43,456,129 | | 43,475,005 | | 43,915,554 |
| Annual Gross Burn Rate(1) | | 5.51% | | 6.38% | | 4.49% |
| Annual Net Burn Rate(2) | | 5.09% | | 5.25% | | 3.60% |
| (1) | Gross Burn Rate is defined as (shares subject to all equity incentive awards granted)/weighted average common shares outstanding. |
| (2) | Net Burn Rate is defined as (shares subject to all equity incentive awards granted less shares subject to options and other equity incentives that that have been cancelled or were forfeited)/weighted average common shares outstanding. |
| Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the proposal to approve the Amended 2008 Plan, including an increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. |
Summary of the Provisions of the Amended 2008 Plan
General Terms
The following summary of the Amended 2008 Plan describes the most significant features of the Amended 2008 Plan. This summary is not intended to be complete and, is qualified in its entirety by the specific language of the Amended 2008 Plan, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.
| ● | Administration. The Amended 2008 Plan is administered by our Compensation Committee, which is composed of at least two members of our Board who meet certain tests under the U.S. tax and securities laws for independence from our management. If there are not at least two such members, then the entire Board serves as the Compensation Committee for purposes of the plan. |
| ● | Eligibility. The Amended 2008 Plan permits the granting of awards to officers, directors, employees and key persons, including consultants and prospective employees, of the Company at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee selects the persons to whom awards are granted and the number, type and terms of the award granted. As of March 1, 2024, we had nine non-employee directors, eight executive officers (all of whom are employees), and approximately 2,300 employees. |
| ● | Shares Available for Awards. Subject to adjustment for certain changes in our capitalization, the maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan (assuming shareholder approval) is equal to the sum of (i) 31,365,000, plus (ii) the number of shares of common stock that were available for grant on the adoption date of the 2008 Plan under the Old Stock Plans (our 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, our 1992 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan and our 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, each of which was replaced upon adoption of our 2008 Plan), plus (iii) the number of shares of common stock underlying any grants pursuant to the Old Stock Plans that are forfeited, cancelled, repurchased or are terminated (other than |
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Proposal 3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
| by exercise) from and after the adoption date of the 2008 Plan, plus (iv) the number of shares of common stock underlying any grants pursuant to the Amended 2008 Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, repurchased or are terminated (other than by exercise). |
| ● | Shares tendered or held back upon exercise of a stock option or stock appreciation right to cover the exercise price or tax withholding are not available for future issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. Shares tendered or held back upon settlement of any full value award to cover the purchase price or tax withholding are available for future issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. Shares repurchased by us on the open market with the proceeds of a stock option or stock appreciation right exercise price will not be available for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. Upon exercise of stock appreciation rights, the gross number of shares exercised will be deducted from the total number of shares remaining available for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. |
| ● | For grants made prior to the 2024 Annual Meeting, the grant of any full value award (a stock award other than an option or stock appreciation right) will reduce the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2008 Plan by 2.25 shares of common stock for each such share subject to the award. To the extent there is a share of common stock issuable pursuant to a full value award under the Amended 2008 Plan granted prior to the 2024 Annual Meeting and such share becomes available again for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan pursuant to the preceding paragraph, then the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2008 Plan will increase by 2.25 shares. Subject to stockholder approval, the conversion rate for full value awards granted and forfeited with respect to grants made after the 2024 Annual Meeting will be 1.5. The grant of an option or a stock appreciation right reduces the number of shares of common stock available for issuance by one share of common stock for each share subject to the award. |
| ● | Subject to adjustment for certain changes in our capitalization, the maximum number of shares of stock that may be issued in the form of incentive stock options under the Amended 2008 Plan may not exceed 19,365,000. Shares available for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan may be authorized but unissued shares of common stock or shares of stock we repurchase. |
| ● | The Amended 2008 Plan prohibits the payment of dividends or dividend equivalents on unvested awards for all equity award types. |
Types of Awards.Awards under the Amended 2008 Plan include stock options (both incentive and non-qualified), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, performance share awards, deferred stock awards (including restricted stock units), cash-based awards and dividend equivalent rights.
Stock Options.
| ● | The Amended 2008 Plan permits the granting of (1) options to purchase common stock intended to qualify as incentive stock options, or Incentive Options, under Section 422 of the Code, and (2) options that do not so qualify, or Non-Qualified Options. |
| ● | The option exercise price of each option is determined by the Compensation Committee but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. |
| ● | The term of each option is fixed by the Compensation Committee and may not exceed ten years from date of grant. The Compensation Committee determines at what time or times each option may be exercised and, subject to the provisions of the Amended 2008 Plan, the period of time, if any, after death, disability or termination of employment during which options may be exercised. Options may be made exercisable in installments, and the exercisability of options may be accelerated by the Compensation Committee. |
| ● | To qualify as Incentive Options, options must meet additional requirements, including a $100,000 per year limitation on the value of shares subject to Incentive Options which first become exercisable in any one year, and a maximum five-year term and exercise price of at least 110% of fair market value in the case of greater-than-10% stockholders. |
Stock Appreciation Rights.
| ● | The Compensation Committee may also grant stock appreciation rights which entitle the holder to receive, upon exercise, common stock having a fair market value equal to the amount by which the fair market value of our common stock on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price of the stock appreciation right, multiplied by the number of shares with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. |
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Proposal 3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
| ● | Stock appreciation rights may be granted in conjunction with an option, in which event, upon exercise of one of the awards, the number of shares with respect to which the other award may be exercised is correspondingly reduced. |
| ● | The exercise price of a stock appreciation right is determined by the Compensation Committee but is not to be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of each stock appreciation right is fixed by the Compensation Committee and may not exceed seven years. |
Restricted Stock Awards.
| ● | The Compensation Committee may also award shares of common stock subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Compensation Committee may determine (we refer to such shares as “Restricted Stock”). |
| ● | Conditions and restrictions may include provisions for vesting conditioned upon the achievement of certain performance objectives and/or continued employment with us through a specified vesting period. In the event awards of Restricted Stock granted to employees have a performance-based goal, the restriction period will be at least one year, and in the event awards of Restricted Stock granted to employees have a time-based restriction, the restriction period will be at least three years, but vesting can occur incrementally over the three-year period. The purchase price, if any, of shares of Restricted Stock is determined by the Compensation Committee. |
| ● | Restricted stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of expect as specifically provided in the Amended 2008 Plan or in the Restricted Stock award agreement. |
Unrestricted Stock Awards.
| ● | The Compensation Committee may also grant shares of common stock (at no cost or for a purchase price determined by the Compensation Committee which shall not be less than fair market value) which are free from any restrictions under the Amended 2008 Plan (we refer to such shares as “Unrestricted Stock”). |
| ● | Unrestricted Stock may be issued to employees in recognition of past services or other valid consideration and may be issued in lieu of cash bonuses to be paid to employees pursuant to our other bonus plans. |
Performance Share Awards.
| ● | The Compensation Committee may also grant performance share awards entitling the recipient to receive shares of common stock upon the achievement of individual or company performance goals and such other conditions as the Compensation Committee determines. |
| ● | The Compensation Committee determines whether and to whom performance share awards are granted, the applicable performance goals, the periods during which performance is to be measured, which may not be less than one year, and such other limitations and conditions as the Compensation Committee determines. |
| ● | A grantee receiving a performance share award has the rights of a stockholder only as to shares actually received by the grantee under the Amended 2008 Plan and not with respect to shares subject to the performance share award but not actually received by the grantee. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Compensation Committee, a grantee’s rights in all performance share awards will automatically terminate upon the grantee’s termination of employment (or cessation of service relationship) with us and our subsidiaries for any reason. |
Deferred Stock Awards (including Restricted Stock Unit Awards).
| ● | The Compensation Committee may award units as deferred stock or restricted stock unit awards to participants. Such stock unit awards are ultimately payable in the form of shares of common stock and may be subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Compensation Committee may determine. |
| ● | Conditions and restrictions may include the achievement of certain performance objectives and/or continued employment with us through a specified vesting period. However, in the event these awards granted to employees have a performance-based goal, the restriction period will be at least one year, and in the event these awards granted to employees have a time-based restriction, the restriction period will be at least one year, but vesting can occur incrementally over the vesting period. |
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Proposal 3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
Cash-based Awards.
| ● | The Compensation Committee may also grant cash-based awards upon such terms and conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee, including the achievement of individual or company performance goals. Payment of cash-based awards may be settled in cash or shares of our common stock as determined by the Compensation Committee. |
Dividend Equivalent Rights.
| ● | The Compensation Committee may grant dividend equivalent rights which entitle the participant to receive credits for dividends that would be paid if the participant had held specified shares of common stock. Dividend equivalent rights may be granted to a participant as a component of deferred stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, restricted stock awards or performance share awards or as a freestanding award. Dividend equivalent rights may be settled in cash, shares of common stock or a combination thereof, in a single installment or installments, as specified in the award. |
| ● | A Dividend Equivalent Right granted as a component of a deferred stock award, restricted stock unit award, restricted stock award or performance share award must provide that such Dividend Equivalent Right shall be subject to all of the same terms and conditions and settled upon settlement or payment of, or lapse of restrictions on, such other Award, and that such Dividend Equivalent Right will expire or be forfeited or annulled under the same conditions as such other Award. Thus, the 2008 Plan prohibits the payment of dividends or dividend equivalents on unvested awards for all equity award types. |
Performance-Based Awards.
| ● | The Amended 2008 Plan provides for the grant of performance-based stock and cash awards. Any employee or other key person providing services to us may be granted a performance-based award in the form of a restricted stock award, deferred stock award (including restricted stock units), performance share award or cash-based award payable upon the attainment of performance goals that are established by the Compensation Committee. |
| ● | The performance goals can relate to one or more of the following performance criteria (which may be applicable to the company or a unit, division, group or subsidiary of the company), in each case on a specified date or over any period determined by the Compensation Committee: revenue, non-GAAP operating income, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net income (loss) (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization), changes in the market price of the common stock, economic value-added, sales or revenue, acquisitions or strategic transactions, cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow), return on capital, assets, equity or investment, total stockholder returns, return on sales, gross or net profit levels, productivity, expense, margins, operating efficiency, working capital, earnings (loss) per share of common stock, sales or market shares and number of customers, any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or as compared to results of a peer group. |
| ● | The Compensation Committee may adjust or modify the calculation of performance goals for a performance period in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of an individual (i) in the event of, or in anticipation of, any unusual or extraordinary corporate item, transaction, event or development, (ii) in recognition of, or in anticipation of, any other unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the company, or the financial statements of the company, or (iii) in response to, or in anticipation of, changes in applicable laws, regulations, accounting principles or business conditions. |
Amendments and Termination.Our Board of Directors may at any time amend or discontinue the regulations thereunder. AnyAmended 2008 Plan and the Compensation Committee may at any time amend or cancel outstanding awards (or provide substitute awards at the same exercise or purchase price and covering the same number of shares) for the purpose of satisfying changes in the law or for any other lawful purpose. Among other things, the Compensation Committee has the authority to accelerate the exercisability or vesting of an award (except Restricted Stock Awards or Deferred Stock Awards other than in the context of a Sale Event) or extend the period for exercise of an award. However, no action may be taken which adversely affects any rights under outstanding awards without the holder’s consent. No grants may be made under the Amended 2008 Plan after March 18, 2034.
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Proposal 3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
Unless approved by our stockholders, in no event may the Compensation Committee exercise its discretion to (i) reduce the exercise price of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights or (ii) cancel any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right that has an exercise price greater than the then current fair market value of our common stock in exchange for cash or other awards under the Amended 2008 Plan. In addition, no amendment, unless approved by our stockholders, shall be effective if it would cause a material increase in the number of shares authorized under the Amended 2008 Plan, a material increase in the benefits accruing to participants under the Amended 2008 Plan, or a change in the eligible class of recipients under the Amended 2008 Plan.
Sale Event Provisions.The Amended 2008 Plan provides that in the event of a “Sale Event” (as defined in the Amended 2008 Plan), if awards are not assumed or otherwise continued in the transaction, the Compensation Committee will accelerate the exercisability and vesting of all outstanding awards. In that instance, the Compensation Committee may provide a cash payment to holders of full value awards equal to the per share cash consideration and to holders of options and stock appreciation rights equal to the difference between the per share cash consideration and the exercise price of the option or stock appreciation rights. Alternatively, the Compensation Committee may also cancel outstanding options and other awards effective upon the Sale Event, provided that holders have a period of time prior to such deductiondate in which to exercise such options and stock appreciation rights. In addition, the Compensation Committee may also grant substitute awards or accelerate the vesting of any awards and waive conditions and restrictions on any awards to the extent it may determine appropriate in the context of a Sale Event.
New Plan Benefits.The granting of awards under the Amended 2008 Plan is discretionary, and we cannot now determine the benefits or amounts that will be subjectreceived by or allocated to our executive officers, non-executive directors and employees under the Amended 2008 Plan. Consequently, no New Plan Benefits Table is included in this proxy statement.
Awards Granted Under the 2008 Plan.The awards actually granted under the 2008 Plan to our named executive officers in 2023 are described in the executive compensation tables within the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this proxy statement. The equity grant program for our non-employee directors is described under the “Director Compensation” section in this proxy statement.
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Proposal 3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
On March 1, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq was $53.35. The following table sets forth, for each of the individuals and various groups indicated, the number of awards granted under the 2008 Plan as of March 1, 2024. The number of restricted stock units, performance stock units and deferred stock units in the table below refers to the limitationsactual number of Section 162(m)awards granted (including any awards that have already vested). These award numbers do not take into account the effect of any awards that have been cancelled or that have expired unexercised.
| Name of Beneficial Owner | | Number
of Options
Granted | | Number of
Restricted Stock
Units Granted | | Number of
Performance Stock
Units Granted(1) | | Number of
Deferred Stock
Units Granted | | Number of
Restricted Stock
Awards Granted |
| Named Executive Officers: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Yogesh Gupta, President and Chief Executive Officer | | 797,075 | | 336,542 | | 469,061 | | — | | — |
| Anthony Folger, Chief Financial Officer | | 196,893 | | 70,660 | | 117,765 | | — | | — |
| John Ainsworth, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Application and Data Platform | | 139,013 | | 64,639 | | 80,344 | | — | | — |
| Loren Jarrett, Executive Vice President and General Manager Digital Experience | | 139,013 | | 64,639 | | 80,344 | | — | | — |
| Sundar Subramanian, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Infrastructure Management | | 95,753 | | 40,187 | | 58,218 | | — | | — |
| Each nominee for election as a director: | | | | | | | | | | |
| John R. Egan | | 72,632 | | 33,079 | | — | | 42,993 | | — |
| Paul T. Dacier | | — | | — | | — | | 44,510 | | — |
| Rainer Gawlick | | — | | — | | — | | 44,510 | | — |
| Charles F. Kane | | 45,498 | | 44,272 | | — | | 55,240 | | — |
| Samskriti Y. King | | — | | — | | — | | 36,935 | | — |
| David A. Krall | | 74,619 | | 44,272 | | — | | 41,304 | | — |
| Angel T. Tucci | | — | | — | | — | | 36,935 | | — |
| Vivian Vitale | | — | | — | | — | | 22,043 | | — |
| All current executive officers as a group | | 1,546,486 | | 662,626 | | 891,910 | | — | | — |
| All current directors who are not executive officers as a group | | 192,749 | | 121,623 | | — | | 324,470 | | — |
| All current employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group | | 1,087,310 | | 2,554,693 | | 118,345 | | — | | 47,956 |
| (1) | Reflects PSUs at target. |
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Proposal 3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
Federal Tax Aspects of the Code.Amended 2008 Plan
The foregoingfollowing is only a summary of the effect of the United Statesprincipal U.S. federal income tax laws and regulations upon an employee and us with respect to an employee’s participation inconsequences of transactions under the ESPP. This summaryAmended 2008 Plan. It does not purport to be a complete description of all U.S. federal tax implications, of participation in the ESPP, nor does it discuss the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which a participantrecipient under the Amended 2008 Plan may reside or otherwise be subject to tax. ParticipantsRecipients of equity awards under the Amended 2008 Plan are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisor concerning the application of the various tax laws that may apply to a participant’srecipient’s particular situation.
New Plan Benefits
The benefitsIncentive Options. An optionee will not have income upon the grant of an Incentive Option. Also, except as described below, an optionee will not have income upon the exercise of an Incentive Option if the optionee has been employed by us at all times beginning with the option grant date and ending three months before the date the participant exercises the option. If the optionee has not been so employed during that time, then the optionee will be awarded or paidtaxed as described below under “Non-Qualified Options.” The exercise of an Incentive Option may result in connection withalternative minimum tax liability for the ESPPoptionee. If shares issued to an optionee pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Option are not currently determinable. Because benefits undersold or transferred within two years from the ESPPdate of grant and within one year after the date of exercise, then upon sale of such shares, any amount realized in excess of the option exercise price will depend on employees’ electionsbe taxed to participatethe optionee as a long-term capital gain and any loss sustained will be a long-term capital loss.
If shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Option are disposed of prior to the expiration of the two-year or one-year holding periods described above (a “disqualifying disposition”), a portion of the profit will be ordinary income and a portion may be capital gain. This capital gain will be long-term if the participant has held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term. If a participant sells the stock at a loss (sales proceeds are less than the exercise price), then the loss will be a capital loss. This capital loss will be long-term if the participant held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.
Non-Qualified Options. An optionee will not have income upon the grant of a Non-Qualified Option. Generally, (a) at exercise, the optionee will have compensation income in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, and (b) at disposition of the shares acquired upon exercise, appreciation or depreciation after the date of exercise is treated as either short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on how long the shares have been held.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A recipient will not have income upon the grant of a stock appreciation right. The recipient of a stock appreciation right will generally have compensation income equal to the fair market value of any common stock at various future dates, it is not possiblereceived upon exercise of the stock appreciation right. Upon the sale of the stock, the recipient will have capital gain or loss equal to determine the benefits thatdifference between the sales proceeds and the value of the stock on the day the stock appreciation right was exercised. This capital gain or loss will be received by employeeslong-term if the increase in shares underrecipient held the ESPP is approved bystock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.
Restricted Stock. A recipient of Restricted Stock generally will have compensation income equal to the Company’s shareholders. Non-employee directors and consultants are not eligible to participate in the ESPP.
The following table sets forth, for eachfair market value of the individuals and groups indicated,stock at the total numbertime that the stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, minus any amount paid for such stock. When the stock is sold, the recipient will have capital gain or loss equal to the sales proceeds less the value of the stock on the vesting date. However, a recipient who so elects under Section 83(b) of the Code, within 30 days of the date of issuance of the Restricted Stock, will have compensation income on the date of issuance equal to the fair market value of the shares of our commonRestricted Stock at that time, minus any amount paid for such stock. When the stock previously purchased underis sold, the ESPP asrecipient will have capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sales proceeds and the value of March 15, 2023:the stock on the date of grant. Any capital gain or loss will be taxed at long-term capital gain rates if the participant held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be taxed at short-term capital gain rates.
Unrestricted Stock. The recipient of Unrestricted Stock will generally have compensation income equal to the fair market value of such Unrestricted Stock on the date that such Unrestricted Stock is issued to the participant, minus any amount paid for such stock. When the stock is sold, the recipient will have capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sales proceeds and the value of the stock on the date of grant. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the participant held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.
Name and Position2024 Proxy Statement | | Number
of Shares
Purchased | |
Yogesh Gupta, 93
President and Chief Executive Officer | | | 2,627 | |
Anthony Folger,
Chief Financial Officer | | | 1,981 | |
John Ainsworth
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Application and Data Platform | | | 0 | |
Loren Jarrett,
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Digital Experience | | | 0 | |
Jeremy Segal
Executive Vice President, Corporate Development | | | 0 | |
All current executive officers as a group | | | 28,958 | |
All current directors who are not executive officers as a group* | | | — | |
All current employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group | | | 2,070,581 | |
Each associate of any executive officer, current director or director nominee | | | 0 | |
* Ineligible to participate in the ESPP.
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Proposal 3: Approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under our 2008 Plan, as Amended and Restated
Performance Share Awards. The recipient of a performance share award will generally have compensation income equal to the fair market value of any common stock issued under the award on the date of issuance of the shares, and we generally will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income realized by the recipient. When the stock is sold, the recipient will have capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sales proceeds and the value of the stock on the date of grant. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the participant held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.
Deferred Stock Awards (including Restricted Stock Units). The recipient of a deferred stock award, including a restricted stock unit award, will not be subject to any income tax until the award is vested, or, as long as the requirements of Section 409A of the Code are satisfied, settled in shares of common stock. Upon vesting or settlement of the award in shares of common stock, the recipient will have compensation income equal to the fair market value of the common stock. We generally will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income realized by the recipient. When the stock is sold, the recipient will have capital gain or loss equal to the sales proceeds less the value of the stock on the vesting or settlement date, as applicable. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the recipient held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.
Cash-based Awards. The recipient of a cash-based award will generally have compensation income when the award is settled.
Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. The tax treatment of dividends paid on common stock (including Restricted Stock) will depend on the type of award granted to the recipient and the time at which the dividends or dividend equivalents are paid. Dividend equivalents paid with respect to deferred stock awards will generally be compensation income to the recipient.
Tax Consequences to the Company. There will be no tax consequences to us upon the grant of awards under the Amended 2008 Plan except that we will be entitled to a deduction when a participant has compensation income, subject to the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code.
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4 | Proposal
5 | Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote FORthe ratification of the selection of independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2023.2024. |
| | | | |
Proposal Fivefour is to ratify the selection by the Audit Committee of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.2024. Deloitte was the independent registered public accounting firm for our companythe Company for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.2023. Based on the Audit Committee’s assessment of Deloitte’s qualifications and performance, our Board believes Deloitte’s retention for fiscal year 20232024 is in the best interests of the Company.
Although ratification by shareholdersstockholders is not required by law or by our bylaws, the Audit Committee believes that submission of its selection to shareholdersstockholders is a matter of good corporate governance. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time if the Audit Committee believes that such a change would be in the best interests of ourthe Company and its shareholders.stockholders. If our shareholdersstockholders do not ratify the selection of Deloitte, the Audit Committee will take that fact into consideration, together with such other factors it deems relevant, in determining its next selection of an independent registered public accounting firm.
We have been advised that a representative of Deloitte will attend the Annual Meeting. This representative will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires and will be available to respond to appropriate questions presented during the meeting.
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Proposal 5: Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Evaluation of the Independent Auditor
The Audit Committee recognizes the importance of maintaining the independence—both in fact and appearance—of our independent auditor. Consistent with its charter, the Audit Committee regularly evaluates the qualifications, performance, compensation and independence of the independent auditor and its lead audit partner, including considering whether the auditor’s quality controls are adequate and taking into account the opinions of management and internal auditors.
| | | |
| | | |
| Quality of the independent audit firm and audit process
●Independent auditor firms are evaluated for risk based on financial stability, compliance with applicable laws and professional standards and the results of applicable inspections.
| | | | Alignment with Progress Software’s core values
●Representatives of the independent auditor should reflect the Company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
| |
| | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | |
| Level of service provided by the independent audit firm
●Subject matter experts should be available to provide valuable insights on matters important to the Company.
| | | | Good faith negotiation of fees
●Fees incurred should be reasonable and commensurate with the fee estimates provided to the Audit Committee.
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TenureTable of Contents
Proposal 4: Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tenure
After review and consideration, the Audit Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company to continue to retain Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm.
| Benefits of Tenure |
|
|  | ✔Improved audit quality.During its tenure with the Company, Deloitte has gained significant institutional knowledge about our business and operations, accounting processes and internal controls on financial reporting. |
| | |
| | ✔Efficient fee structure.Deloitte is able to leverage its institutional knowledge of the Company to design efficient audit plans that cover key risk areas while taking advantage of efficiencies around scoping, testing and other areas to reduce overall cost. |
| | |
| | ✔Benefits of continuity. Any change in auditor would require significant education over an extended period of time to attain a comparable level of institutional knowledge and familiarity with Company controls and processes. |
| | Key Independence Controls |
|
| | ✔Committee oversight. To help mitigate any concerns about Deloitte’s long tenure with the Company, the Audit Committee exercises oversight through continuous engagement and comprehensive annual review. |
| | |
| | ✔Pre-approval process. The Audit Committee places limits on Deloitte’s non-audit services, including the types of services to be provided, their estimated fees and a robust pre-approval process. |
| | |
| | ✔Internal independence controls.Deloitte rotates its lead partner every five years and conducts periodic quality reviews of its work product. Further, Deloitte is subject to oversight by the SEC and PCAOB as well as peer reviews. |
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Proposal 5: Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees
Aggregate fees billed to us for services performed for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2022,2023, and November 30, 2021,2023, by our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, were as follows:
| | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Audit Fees(1) | | $ | 2,332,291 | | | $ | 2,384,021 | | | $ | 2,637,025 | | $ | 2,332,291 |
| Audit-Related Fees(2) | | | — | | | | 225,000 | | | | — | | | — |
| Tax Fees(3) | | | 10,235 | | | | 5,932 | | | $ | 7,842 | | $ | 10,235 |
| All Other Fees | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 2,000 | | | — |
| Total Fees | | $ | 2,342,526 | | | $ | 2,614,953 | | | $ | 2,646,867 | | $ | 2,342,526 |
| (1) | Represents fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements included in Form 10-K and reviews of financial statements included in our interim filings on Form 10-Q, as well as statutory audit fees related to our wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries. In accordance with the policy on Audit Committee pre-approval, 100% of audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm are pre-approved. |
| (2) | Represents for 2021, fees billed for audit services in connection with the acquisition of Kemp. |
(3) | Includes fees primarily for tax services. In accordance with the policy on Audit Committee pre-approval, 100% of tax services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm are pre-approved. |
| (3) | Represents fees billed for access to technical accounting software resource provided by Deloitte. |
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Proposal 4: Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.
Requests for specific services by the independent registered public accounting firm that comply with the auditor services policy are reviewed by our Finance, Tax and Internal Audit departments. Requests approved internally are aggregated and submitted to the Audit Committee in one of the following ways:
| ● | Request for approval of services at a meeting of the Audit Committee; or |
| |
| ● | Request for approval of services by the Chair of the Audit Committee and then the approval by the full committee at the next meeting of the Audit Committee. |
The request may be made with respect to either specific services or a type of service for predictable or recurring services.
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Audit Committee Report
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to ensure the integrity of the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), is responsible for performing an audit of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in conjunction with an audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and issuing opinions on the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee assisted the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the qualifications and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, risks relating to data privacy and cybersecurity and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures and the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, the Audit Committee focused on audit-related risks associated with M&A activities, including financial integration.
The full text of the Audit Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s governance page. The Audit Committee reviews the charter annually and evaluates the performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm including the senior audit engagement team, and determines whether to reengage the current accounting firm or consider other accounting firms. As part of that process, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and Deloitte regarding thetheir planned audit of internal control over financial reporting and the financial audit process of the Company.statement audit.
The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Deloitte’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with Deloitte the independent accountant’s independence.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022,2023, with management and Deloitte. Management has represented to the Audit Committee that the financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The Audit Committee discussed with Deloitte the overall scope and plans for its audit. The Audit Committee also discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee met with Deloitte, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examinations, itsthe audit and review procedures, including the evaluations of the Company’s internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’sconsolidated financial reporting.statements. The Audit Committee reviewed with Deloitte who is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, its judgments as to the quality of the Company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed withby the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards. In addition,applicable requirements of the Audit Committee discussedPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board and was responsible for selecting the lead audit engagement partner, which partner is rotated at least every five years.Securities and Exchange Commission, including the matters required to be reviewed pursuant to Rule 207 of Regulation S-X.
Based on the above-mentioned reviews and discussions with management and Deloitte, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022,2023, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
No portion of this Audit Committee Report shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), through any general statement incorporating by reference in its entirety the Proxy Statement in which this report appears, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this report or a portion of it by reference. In addition, this report shall not be deemed filed under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Respectfully submitted by the Audit Committee,
Charles F. Kane, Chair
Rainer Gawlick
Samskriti Y. King
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Other Matters
Our Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the persons appointed as proxies for the meeting intend to vote the shares represented by that proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.
Certain Relationships and Related Persons Transactions
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
Pursuant to the Audit Committee’s charter, which can be found at www.progress.com under the heading “Corporate Governance” located on the “Investor Relations” page, the Audit Committee is responsible for the review and approval of related person transactions. A related person is a director, executive officer, nominee for director or certain shareholdersstockholders of our companythe Company since the beginning of the last fiscal year and their respective immediate family members. A related person transaction is a transaction involving: (1) our companythe Company and any related person when the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and (2) the related person has a material direct or indirect interest.
We identify transactions for review and approval in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth in our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, which can be found at www.progress.com under the heading “Corporate Governance” located on the “Investor Relations” page. The Code of Conduct and Business Ethics requires our employees, including our executive officers, to disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest to their manager. This disclosure also applies to potential conflicts involving immediate family members of employees. We require our directors to complete a questionnaire intended to identify any transactions or potential transactions that must be reported per SEC rules and regulations. This questionnaire also requires our directors to promptly notify us of any changes during the year.
Transactions with Related Persons
During fiscal 2022,2023, neither the Company nor its subsidiaries engaged in any transactions or series of similar transactions in which the amount involved exceeded $120,000 and in which any of our directors or executive officers, any holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had a direct or indirect material interest, nor are any such transactions currently proposed.
Information About Progress Software Common Stock Ownership
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership as of March 15, 2023:1, 2024:
| ● | by each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock; |
| ● | |
● | by each of our directors and nominees for the Board of Directors; |
| ● | |
● | by each of our named executive officers; and |
| ● | |
● | by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. |
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We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares over which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power as well as any shares that the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 15, 2023,1, 2024, through the exercise of any stock option, warrants or other rights.
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The percentage of shares beneficially owned is based on 43,307,14543,218,493 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 15, 2023.1, 2024. In computing the number of shares of stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed to be outstanding all shares of our common stock subject to options that are currently vested or exercisable or that will become vested or exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2023,1, 2024, restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023,1, 2024, and fully vested deferred stock units or deferred stock units that vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.1, 2024. However, we did not deem these shares outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | | Shares
Beneficially
Owned | | | Percent of
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned | | Shares
Beneficially
Owned | | Percent of
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned |
BlackRock, Inc.(2)
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055 | | | 7,566,013 | | | | 17.5 | % | |
BlackRock, Inc.(2)
50 Hudson Yards
New York, NY 10001 | | | 7,202,708 | | 16.7 | % |
The Vanguard Group, Inc.(3)
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355 | | | 5,012,970 | | | | 11.6 | % | | 5,534,242 | | 12.8 | % |
| John Ainsworth(4) | | | 122,962 | | | | | |
| Paul T. Dacier(5) | | | 40,575 | | | | * | |
| John R. Egan(6) | | | 39,058 | | | | * | |
| Anthony Folger(7) | | | 94,396 | | | | * | |
| Rainer Gawlick(8) | | | 41,575 | | | | * | |
| Yogesh Gupta(9) | | | 583,202 | | | | 1.3 | % | | 595,397 | | 1.4 | % |
| Loren Jarrett(10) | | | 99,645 | | | | * | |
| Charles F. Kane(11) | | | 88,175 | | | | * | |
| Samskriti King(12) | | | 33,000 | | | | * | |
| David A. Krall(13) | | | 102,706 | | | | * | |
| Jeremy Segal(14) | | | 20,248 | | | | | | |
| Sundar Subramanian(14) | |
| Angela Tucci(15) | | | 33,000 | | | | * | |
| Vivian Vitale(16) | | | 18,108 | | | | * | |
| All executive officers and directors as a group (19 persons) (17) | | | 1,460,435 | | | | 3.4 | % | |
| All executive officers and directors as a group (16 persons)(17) | | | 1,443,180 | | 3.3 | % |
| * | Less than 1% |
| (1) | Subject to the other information contained in the footnotes to this table, all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by them, except for any community property interest owned by spouses and subject to community property laws where applicable and subject to the other information contained in the footnotes to this table. Unless otherwise noted, the address of such person is c/o Progress Software Corporation, 15 Wayside Road, Suite 400, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803. |
| (2) | Derived from Schedule 13G filed on February 13, 2023.January 22, 2024. The Schedule 13G13G/A reported that BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), a parent holding company through certain of its subsidiaries, beneficially owned 7,566,0137,202,708 shares of our common stock, with sole voting power over 7,452,8817,195,709 shares and sole dispositive power over 7,566,0137,202,708 shares. The Schedule 13G indicates that more than 5% of our outstanding common stock is being held by the reporting person on behalf of Blackrock Fund Advisors. The address of BlackRock is 55 East 52nd Street,50 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10055.10001. |
| (3) | Derived from Schedule 13G/A filed on February 9, 2023.13, 2024. The Schedule 13G/A reported that The Vanguard Group, Inc. (“Vanguard”), an investment adviser, beneficially owned 5,012,9705,534,242 shares of our common stock, with shared voting power over 71,33981,602 shares, sole dispositive power over 4,899,4375,406,000 shares and shared dispositive power over 113,533128,242 shares. The address of Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355. |
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| (4) | Includes 70,65663,933 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that are exercisable as of March 15, 2023; 8,5441, 2024; 8,223 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that will be exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2023,1, 2024; and 2,8063,230 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.1, 2024. |
| (5) | Includes 35,60840,575 fully vested deferred stock units and 4,967 deferred stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.units. |
| (6) | Includes 34,09139,058 fully vested deferred stock units and 4,967 deferred stock unitsunits. |
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| (7) | Includes 68,061 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that will vest within 60 daysare exercisable as of March 15, 2023. |
(7) | Includes 49,9421, 2024; 20,064 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that will be exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2023, 15,5541, 2024; and 6,773 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 1, 2024. |
| (8) | Includes 40,575 fully vested deferred stock units. |
| (9) | Includes 344,375 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that are exercisable as of March 1, 2024; 46,193 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that will be exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2023,1, 2024; and 6,78418,271 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.1, 2024. |
(8)(10) | Includes 36,608 fully vested deferred stock units and 4,967 deferred stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023. |
(9) | Includes 401,17250,662 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that are exercisable as of March 15, 2023; 46,5831, 2024; 8,223 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that will be exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2023,1, 2024; and 15,5453,230 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.1, 2024. |
(10)(11) | Includes 70,65651,305 fully vested deferred stock units. |
| (12) | Includes 33,000 fully vested deferred stock units. |
| (13) | Includes 37,369 fully vested deferred stock units. |
| (14) | Includes 44,399 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that are exercisable as of March 15, 2023; 8,5441, 2024; 7,987 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that will be exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2023,1, 2024; and 2,8063,230 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.1, 2024. |
(11)(15) | Includes 83,20833,000 fully vested deferred stock units and 4,967 deferred stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.units. |
(12)(16) | Includes 27,89818,108 fully vested deferred stock units and 5,102 deferred stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.units. |
(13)(17) | Includes 97,739 fully vested deferred stock units and 4,967 deferred stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023. |
(14) | Includes 8,818606,781 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that are exercisable as of March 15, 2023; 7,4471, 2024; 106,168 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options that will be exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2023; 3,3471, 2024; and 41,978 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023. |
(15) | Includes 27,898 fully vested deferred stock units and 5,102 deferred stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023. |
(16) | Includes 13,141 fully vested deferred stock units and 4,967 deferred stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023. |
(17) | Includes 673,266 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options that are exercisable as of March 15, 2023; 110,557 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options that will be exercisable within 60 days of March 15, 2023; 39,831 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023; 356,191 fully vested deferred stock units and 40,006 deferred stock units that will vest within 60 days of March 15, 2023.1, 2024. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Information related to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of November 30, 2022,2023, is as follows (in thousands, except per-share data):
| 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
Available
for Future
Issuance | | | 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
Available
for Future
Issuance |
| Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders(1) | | | 2,876(2) | | | $ | 41.39 | | | | 5,106(3) | | |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders(4) | | | 656 | | | $ | 42.67 | | | | 523 | | |
| | Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders(1) | | | 2,887 | (2) | | $44.59 | | 4,092 | (3) |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders(4) | |
| Total | | | 3,532 | | | $ | 41.73 | | | | 5,629 | |
| (1) | Consists of the 1992 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, 2008 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)(“ESPP”). |
| (2) | Includes 1,052,0001,307,000 restricted stock units under our 2008 Plan. Does not include purchase rights accruing under the ESPP because the purchase price (and therefore the number of shares to be purchased) will not be determined until the end of the purchase period. |
| (3) | Includes 386,0001,107,000 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP. |
| (4) | Consists of the 2002 Nonqualified Stock Plan (described below) and the 2004 Inducement Plan. The Board took action to terminate the 2004 Inducement Plan described below.in March 2024. |
We have adopted two equity compensation plans, theThe 2002 Nonqualified Stock Plan and(the “2002 Plan”) is an equity compensation plan of the 2004 Inducement Stock Plan,Company, for which the approval of shareholdersstockholders was not required. We intend that the issuance of awards under the 2004 Inducement Stock Plan be reserved for persons to whom we may issue securities as an inducement to become employed by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. An executive officer would be eligible to receive an award under the 2004 Inducement Stock Plan only as an inducement to join us. Executive officers and
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members of the Board of Directors are not eligible for awards under the 2002 Nonqualified Stock Plan. Awards under the 2002 Nonqualified Stock Plan and the 2004 Inducement Stock Plan may include nonqualified stock options, grants of conditioned stock, unrestricted grants of stock, grants of stock contingent upon the attainment of performance goals and stock appreciation rights. A total of 11,250,00093,064 shares are issuablewere available for issuance under the two plans,2002 Plan as of which 522,809 shares are available for future issuance.November 30, 2023.
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Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Under U.S. securities laws, directors, certain officers and persons holding more than 10% of our common stock must report their initial ownership of our common stock and any changes in their ownership to the SEC. The SEC has designated specific due dates for these reports, and we must identify in this Proxy Statement those persons who did not file these reports when due. Based solely on our review of copies of the reports filed with the SEC and the written representations of our directors and executive officers, we believe that all reporting requirements for fiscal year 20222023 were complied with by each person who at any time during the 20222023 fiscal year was a director or an executive officer or held more than 10% of our common stock, except that a Form 3 foron October 20, 2023, Mr. Domenic Lococo, the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer, wasKane filed one business day late on January 24, 2022 (Mr. Lococo is not an executive officer but is required to file Section 16 reports), and a Form 4 for Mr. Anthony Folger, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, was filed seven business days late on January 23, 2023, with respect toreflecting a sale of 11,863 sharescharitable gift by him of Company stock, which was effected pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted by Mr. Folgershould have been reported on October 11, 2022. TheseForm 5 within 45 days of the Company’s 2018 fiscal year end. This late filings werereporting was due to administrative oversight by the Company.
Proposals of ShareholdersStockholders For 20242025 Annual Meeting
Proposals of shareholdersstockholders intended to be presented at the 20242025 Annual Meeting must, in order to be included in our Proxy Statement and the form of proxy for the 20242025 Annual Meeting, be received at our principal executive offices by November 25, 2023.27, 2024.
Under our bylaws, any stockholder intending to present any proposal (other than a proposal made by, or at the direction of, our Board of Directors) at the 20242025 Annual Meeting, must give written notice of that proposal (including certain information about any nominee or matter proposed and the proposing stockholder) to our Secretary not later than the close of business on the 90th day (February 11, 2024)8, 2025) nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day (January 12, 2024)9, 2025) prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. However, in the event that the date of the 20242025 Annual Meeting is advanced by more than 30 days before or delayed by more than 30 days after that anniversary date, the notice must be delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the 20242025 Annual Meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the 20242025 Annual Meeting or the 10th day following the date on which public announcement of the date of the meeting is first made.
To comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholdersStockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support ofreliance on the SEC’s universal proxy rule for director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19submitted under the Exchange Act no later than March 12, 2024.advance notice requirements of our bylaws must comply with the additional requirements of Rule 14a-19(b). We encourage stockholders who wish to submit a proposal or nomination to seek independent counsel. We will not consider any proposal or nomination that is not timely or otherwise does not meet the bylaw and SEC requirements. We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.
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About the Meeting and Voting
Q: Who is soliciting my vote?
A: The Board of Directors of Progress is soliciting your vote at the 20232024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Stockholders.
Q: What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
A:
| ● | To elect nine directors to serve until the Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders to be held in 2024;2025; |
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| ● | To hold an advisory vote on the fiscal 20222023 compensation of our named executive officers (say-on-pay vote); |
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| ● | To hold an advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes; |
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● | To approve an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan;2008 Plan, as amended and restated; |
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| ● | To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our current fiscal year; and |
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| ● | To transact any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement of that meeting. |
Q: How do I attend the meeting?
A: This year’s Annual Meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting of shareholders.stockholders. We will host the Annual Meeting live online via webcast. All shareholdersstockholders as of the close of business on March 15, 2023,20, 2024, the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the meeting.
You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online, vote your shares online during the Annual Meeting and submit your questions online before and during the Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2023.PRGS2024. There will not be a physical meeting location and you will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. The webcast will start at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on May 11, 2023.9, 2024. You will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form in order to be able to enter the Annual Meeting online. Information contained on the Annual Meeting website is not incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement or any other report we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Online access to the audio webcast will open at 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time to allow time for you to log in and test your device’s audio system. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual Annual Meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the virtual Annual Meeting website. We will have technicians available to assist you.
Q: Why is the Annual Meeting a virtual, online meeting?
A: We believe that hosting a virtual meeting will facilitate stockholder attendance and participation at the Annual Meeting by enabling shareholdersstockholders to participate remotely from any location around the world.
Our virtual Annual Meeting will be governed by our rules of conduct and procedures, which will be posted at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2023PRGS2024 on the date of the Annual Meeting. We have designed the format of the virtual Annual Meeting so that shareholdersstockholders have the same rights and opportunities to vote and participate as they would have at a physical meeting. ShareholdersStockholders will be able to submit questions online before and during the meeting, providing our shareholdersstockholders with the opportunity for meaningful engagement with the Company.
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Q: Who is entitled to vote during the meeting?
A: Only shareholdersstockholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2023,20, 2024, the record date for the meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to participate in the Annual Meeting. If you were a stockholder of record on that date, you will be entitled to vote all shares that you held on that date during the meeting, or any postponements or adjournments of the meeting. There were 43,307,145 shares of our common stock outstanding on the record date.
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If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in your own name, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or nominee on how to vote and are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting online. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares online at the Annual Meeting unless you request and obtain a proxy from your broker, bank or nominee. Your broker, bank or nominee will provide a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the broker, bank or nominee regarding how to vote your shares.
Q: What are the voting rights of the holders of our common stock?
A: Each share of our common stock outstanding on the record date will be entitled to one vote on each matter considered during the meeting.
Q: What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and holding shares as a beneficial owner?
A: If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by us. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to us by completing, signing, dating and returning a proxy card or to vote online at the Annual Meeting.
Many of our shareholdersstockholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of your shares. We have sent these proxy materials to your broker or bank. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or nominee on how to vote and you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting online. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares online at the Annual Meeting unless you request and obtain a proxy from your broker, bank or nominee. Your broker, bank or nominee will provide a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the broker, bank or nominee regarding how to vote your shares.
Q: Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?
A: We are distributing our proxy materials to certain stockholders over the Internet under the “notice and access” approach in accordance with SEC rules. As a result, we mailed to many of our stockholders the Notice instead of a paper copy of the proxy materials. All stockholders receiving the Notice will have the ability to access the proxy materials over the Internet and request to receive a copy of the proxy materials by mail or email. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a paper or email copy may be found in the Notice. In addition, the Notice contains instructions on how you may request access to proxy materials in printed form by mail or email on an ongoing basis.
This approach conserves natural resources and reduces our printing and distribution costs, while providing a timely and convenient method of accessing the materials and voting.
Q: May I see a list of shareholdersstockholders entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting?
A: A list of our shareholdersstockholders who are entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting will be available to shareholdersstockholders during the meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2023.PRGS2024.
Q: How do I submit a question at the virtual Annual Meeting?
A: Before the Annual Meeting, you can submit questions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2023.PRGS2024. During the Annual Meeting, you can view our agenda and rules of conduct and procedures and submit questions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2023. ShareholdersPRGS2024. Stockholders must have their 16-digit control number to submit questions.
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We intend to answer all questions submitted during the Annual Meeting that are pertinent to the Company and the items being voted on by shareholders,stockholders, as time permits and in accordance with our rules of conduct and procedures. If we are unable to respond to a stockholder’s properly submitted question due to time constraints, we will either post the response on the investor relations section of our website following the Annual Meeting or respond directly to that stockholder using the contact information provided. Questions and answers will be grouped by topic, and substantially similar questions will be answered only once. To promote fairness, efficiently use the Company’s resources and address all stockholder questions, we will respond to no more than two questions from any single stockholder. All questions received from shareholdersstockholders during the virtual Annual Meeting will be posted on the Company’s investor relations website at http://investors.progress.com/ as soon as practicable following the Annual Meeting.
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Q: What is a quorum?
A: A quorum is the minimum number of our shares of common stock that must be represented at a duly called meeting in person or by proxy to legally conduct business during the meeting. For the Annual Meeting, the presence, online or by proxy, of the holders of at least 21,653,573 shares, which is a simple majority of the 43,307,145 shares outstanding as of the record date, will be considered a quorum allowing votes to be taken and counted for the matters before the shareholders.stockholders.
If you are a stockholder of record, you must deliver your vote by internet, phone or mail or attend the Annual Meeting online and vote to be counted in the determination of a quorum.
Abstentions and “broker non-votes” will be counted as present or represented at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker or other nominee who holds shares for a beneficial owner withholds its vote on a particular proposal because it has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have the authority to vote on that matter without instructions. Brokers and other nominees have the discretion to vote on specified routine or “discretionary” matters, but not on non-routine or “non-discretionary” matters.
Q: What is the difference between a routine matter and a non-routine matter?
A: Brokers cannot vote on their customers’ behalf on non-routine or “non-discretionary” proposals such as Proposal One, the election of directors, Proposal Two, the advisory vote on the fiscal 20222023 compensation of our named executive officers (say-on-pay vote), Proposal Three, the advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes and Proposal Four,Three, the amendment of our ESPP.2008 Plan. Proposal Five,Four, the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, is a routine or “discretionary” matter for which your broker does not need your voting instruction to vote your shares.
Q: How do I vote?
A: If you are a stockholder of record, you have the option of submitting your proxy card by internet, phone, mail or attending the meetingAnnual Meeting online.
| 1. | Internet: You may vote your shares from any location in the world by going to www.proxyvote.com and following the Internet voting instructions on the proxy card. Proxies submitted via the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 10, 2023.8, 2024. |
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| 2. | Telephone: You may vote your shares by calling 1-800-690-6903 (free within the United States, U.S. territories and Canada) and following the instructions provided by the recorded message. Proxies submitted via telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on May 10, 2023.8, 2024. |
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| 3. | Mail: You may vote by completing and signing the proxy card and promptly mailing it in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope provided for that purpose. You do not need to put a stamp on the enclosed envelope if you mail it from the United States. The shares you own will be voted according to your instructions on the proxy card. If you return the proxy card, but do not give any instructions on a particular matter described in this Proxy Statement, the shares you own will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each director nominee and FOR Proposals 2, 4, 53 and for ONE YEAR on Proposal 3.4. |
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| 4. | During the Annual Meeting: You may vote online during the virtual Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2023.PRGS2024. You will need your 16-digit control number included on your proxy card in order to be able to vote during the virtual Annual Meeting. |
If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may direct your broker, bank or nominee as to how to vote your shares using the voting instruction card provided by such broker, bank or nominee.
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When you vote, you are giving your “proxy” to the individuals we have designated to vote your shares during the meeting as you direct. If you do not make specific choices, they will vote your shares to:
| ● | elect the nine individuals nominated by our Board of Directors; |
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| ● | approve the advisory vote on the fiscal 20222023 compensation of our named executive officers (say-on-pay vote); |
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| ● | elect a say-on-pay voting frequency of once every one year; |
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● | approve an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan;2008 Plan, as amended and restated; and |
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| ● | approve the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our current fiscal year. |
If any matter not listed in the Notice of Meeting is properly presented during the meeting, the proxies will vote your shares in accordance with their best judgment. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, we know of no matters that need to be acted on during the meeting other than as discussed in this Proxy Statement.
Q: How does the Board of Directors recommend that I vote?
A: The Board recommends that you vote your shares as follows:
| ● | FOR Proposal One — elect the nine nominees to the Board of Directors |
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| ● | FOR Proposal Two — approve the advisory vote on the fiscal 20222023 compensation of our named executive officers (say-on-pay vote) |
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| ● | ONE YEAR on Proposal Three — elect a say-on-pay voting frequency of once every ONE YEAR |
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● | FOR Proposal FourThree — approve an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 1991 Employee Stock Purchase2008 Plan, as amended and restated |
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| ● | FOR Proposal FiveFour — approve the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our current fiscal year |
Q: Can I change or revoke my vote?
A: You may revoke your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised by filing with our Secretary a written notice of revocation or by signing and duly delivering a proxy bearing a later date. You may also revoke or change your vote by attending the Annual Meeting online and voting electronically during the Annual Meeting as instructed above. Your attendance during the meeting will not by itself revoke your vote.
Q: How many votes are required to elect directors (Proposal One)?
A: The nine nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected (also known as a “plurality” of the votes cast). You may vote either FOR the nominee or WITHHOLD your vote from the nominee. Votes that are withheld will not be included in the vote tally for the election of the directors. Brokerage firms do not have authority to vote shares held by the firms in street name for the election of directors absent instructions from beneficial owners. As a result, any uninstructed shares will be treated as broker-non votes. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the results of this vote.
In an uncontested election, if a nominee receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from their election than votes “for” such election, that nominee is required to submit their offer of resignation for consideration by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in accordance with our director resignation policy discussed in more detail on page 15in Proposal 1 of this Proxy Statement.
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Q: How many votes are required to adopt the other proposals (Proposals Two, Three Four and Five)Four)?
A: The other proposals will be approved if these proposals receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented and entitled to vote on these proposals. For Proposals Two, FourThree and Five,Four, you may vote FOR the proposal, AGAINST the proposal, or you may abstain. For Proposal Three, you may vote on your preferred voting frequency by choosing the option of one year, two years, or three years, or you may abstain. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “against” each of Proposals Two, Three and Five.Four. Absent instructions from beneficial owners, brokerage firms do not have authority to vote shares held by the firms in street name on Proposal Two (advisory vote on fiscal 20222023 compensation of our named executive officers), or Proposal Three (advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes), or Proposal Four (amendment of our ESPP)2008 Plan). As a result, any uninstructed shares on these Proposals will be treated as a broker non-vote. Those broker non-votes will have no effect on the results of the vote with respect to these Proposals.
Brokerage firms do have authority to vote customers’ uninstructed shares held by the firms in street name on Proposal FiveFour (ratification of the selection of independent registered public accounting firm). We are not required to obtain the approval of our shareholdersstockholders to appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. However, if our shareholdersstockholders do not ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our current fiscal year, the Audit Committee of our Board will consider the results of this vote when selecting auditors in the future.
Q: Who will pay for the cost of this proxy solicitation?
A: We will pay the cost of preparing, mailing and soliciting proxies, including preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this Proxy Statement and any additional information furnished to shareholders.stockholders. We may reimburse banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians for their out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners.
Q: What is “householding” of proxy materials?
A: In some cases, shareholdersstockholders holding their shares in a brokerage or bank account who share the same surname and address and have not given contrary instructions received only one copy of the proxy materials. This practice is designed to reduce duplicate mailings, save printing and postage costs, and align with our sustainability practices to reduce paper consumption. If you would like to have a separate copy of our annual report and/or Proxy Statement mailed to you or to receive separate copies of future mailings, please contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. by mail at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717 or by phone at (866) 540-7095. Such additional copies will be delivered promptly upon receipt of such request.
In other cases, shareholdersstockholders receiving multiple copies at the same address may wish to receive only one. If you now receive more than one copy and would like to receive only one copy, please submit your request to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. at the address or phone number listed above.
Q: Who will count the votes and where can I find the voting results?
A: Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will tabulate the voting results. We will announce the voting results at the Annual Meeting and we will publish the results by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC within four business days of the Annual Meeting.
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Other Matters
Expenses of Solicitation
We will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies. In addition to soliciting shareholdersstockholders by mail, we will reimburse other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket costs in forwarding proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by them. Our directors, officers and regular employees may, without additional compensation, solicit shareholdersstockholders in person or by mail, telephone, facsimile or otherwise following the original solicitation. We may engage a proxy solicitation firm in connection with the Annual Meeting, in which case, the fees and expenses associated with any such proxy solicitation firm will be paid by us.
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Other Matters
Available Information
ShareholdersStockholders of record on March 15, 2023,20, 2024, will receive with this Proxy Statement a copy of our Annual Report containing detailed financial information concerning our company.the Company.
We will furnish our Annual Report, including the financial statements, free of charge upon written request. The exhibits to the Annual Report not included in the proxy materials are available electronically at www.sec.gov. Written requests should be directed to the following address: Progress Software Corporation, 15 Wayside Road, Suite 400, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, Attention: YuFan Stephanie Wang, Secretary.
Our Annual Report (including exhibits thereto) is also available on our website at www.progress.comwww.progress.com.
PROGRESS SOFTWARE CORPORATION
2023
2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Stockholders
Progress Software Corporation
15 Wayside Road
Suite 400
Burlington, MA 01803
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Appendix A: Reconciliations
Amended and Restated 2008 Plan(1)
PROGRESS SOFTWARE CORPORATION
2008 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN
(Amended and Restated March 19, 202423 March 2021)
SECTION 1. GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE PLAN; DEFINITIONS
The name of GAAPthe plan is the Amended and RestatedProgress Software Corporation 2008 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to Non-GAAP Selected Financial Measuresencourage and enable the officers, employees, Non-Employee Directors and other key persons (including consultants and prospective employees) of Progress Software Corporation (the “Company”) and its Subsidiaries upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the Company largely depends for the successful conduct of its business to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company. It is anticipated that providing such persons with a direct stake in the Company’s welfare will assure a closer identification of their interests with those of the Company and its shareholders, thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company’s behalf and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.
| (Unaudited) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | % Change | |
| (In thousands, except per share data) | | November 30, 2022 | | November 30, 2021 | | Non-GAAP | |
| Adjusted revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| GAAP revenue | | $ | 602,013 | | | | | | | $ | 531,313 | | | | | | | | | |
| Acquisition-related revenue(1) | | | 8,605 | | | | | | | | 25,991 | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-GAAP revenue | | $ | 610,618 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 557,304 | | | | 100 | % | | | 10% | |
| Adjusted income from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| GAAP income from operations | | $ | 132,131 | | | | 22 | % | | $ | 116,102 | | | | 22 | % | | | | |
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | | | 68,944 | | | | 11 | % | | | 46,932 | | | | 8 | % | | | | |
| Stock-based compensation | | | 37,094 | | | | 7 | % | | | 29,724 | | | | 5 | % | | | | |
| Restructuring expenses and other | | | 879 | | | | — | % | | | 6,308 | | | | 1 | % | | | | |
| Acquisition-related revenue(1) and expenses | | | 13,208 | | | | 2 | % | | | 30,093 | | | | 5 | % | | | | |
| Cyber Incident | | | 602 | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % | | | | |
| Gain on sale of assets held for sale | | | (10,700 | ) | | | (2) | % | | | — | | | | — | % | | | | |
| Non-GAAP income from operations | | $ | 242,088 | | | | 40 | % | | $ | 229,159 | | | | 41 | % | | | 6% | |
| Adjusted net income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| GAAP net income | | $ | 95,069 | | | | 16 | % | | $ | 78,420 | | | | 15 | % | | | | |
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | | | 68,944 | | | | 11 | % | | | 46,932 | | | | 8 | % | | | | |
| Stock-based compensation | | | 37,094 | | | | 7 | % | | | 29,724 | | | | 6 | % | | | | |
| Restructuring expenses and other | | | 879 | | | | — | % | | | 6,308 | | | | 1 | % | | | | |
| Acquisition-related revenue(1) and expenses | | | 13,208 | | | | 2 | % | | | 30,093 | | | | 5 | % | | | | |
| Gain on sale of assets held for sale | | | (10,770 | ) | | | (2) | % | | | — | | | | — | % | | | | |
| Amortization of discount on Notes | | | — | | | | — | % | | | 7,209 | | | | 1 | % | | | | |
| Cyber Incident | | | 602 | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | — | % | | | | |
| Provision for income taxes | | | (22,252 | ) | | | (4) | % | | | (25,800 | ) | | | (5) | % | | | | |
| Non-GAAP net income | | $ | 182,774 | | | | 30 | % | | $ | 172,886 | | | | 31 | % | | | 6% | |
The following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
“Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder. “Administrator” means either the Board or the Committee.
“Adoption Date“ means March 12, 2008.
“Award” or “Awards,” except where referring to a particular category of grant under the Plan, shall include Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Deferred Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Awards, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Cash-Based Awards, Performance Share Awards and Dividend Equivalent Rights.
“Award Document” means a written or electronic document setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan. Each Award Document is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cash-Based Award” means an Award entitling the recipient to receive a cash-denominated payment.
“Cause” means (i) any material breach by the grantee of any agreement to which the grantee and the Company are both parties, (ii) any act or omission to act by the grantee which may have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business or on the grantee’s ability to perform services for the Company, including, without limitation, the commission of any crime (other than ordinary traffic violations), or (iii) any material misconduct or material neglect of duties by the grantee in connection with the business or affairs of the Company or any affiliate of the Company.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor Code, and related rules, regulations and interpretations.
“Committee” means a committee which is comprised of not less than two Non-Employee Directors who are independent.
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Appendix A: ReconciliationsAmended and Restated 2008 Plan
“Covered Employee” means an employee who is a “Covered Employee” within the meaning of GAAPSection 162(m) of the Code.
“Deferred Stock Award” means an Award of phantom stock units to Non-GAAP Selected Financial Measures
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | |
| (In thousands, except per share data) | | November
30, 2022 | | | November
30, 2021 | | | % Change
Non-GAAP | |
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| GAAP diluted earnings per share | | $ | 2.15 | | | $ | 1.76 | | | | | |
| Amortization of acquired intangibles | | | 1.56 | | | | 1.05 | | | | | |
| Stock-based compensation | | | 0.83 | | | | 0.67 | | | | | |
| Restructuring expenses and other | | | 0.02 | | | | 0.14 | | | | | |
| Acquisition-related revenue(1) and expenses | | | 0.30 | | | | 0.67 | | | | | |
| Gain on sale of assets held for sale | | | (0.24 | ) | | | — | | | | | |
| Amortization of discount on Notes | | | — | | | | 0.16 | | | | | |
| Cyber incident | | | 0.01 | | | | — | | | | | |
| Provision for income taxes | | | (0.50 | ) | | | (0.58 | ) | | | | |
| Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share | | $ | 4.13 | | | $ | 3.87 | | | | 7% | |
| Non-GAAP weighted avg shares outstanding - diluted | | | 44,247 | | | | 44,620 | | | | (1)% | |
(1) | Acquisition-related revenue consists of revenue reflected as deferred revenue that would otherwise have been recognized but for the purchase accounting treatment of acquisitions. Since GAAP accounting requires the elimination of this revenue, GAAP results alone do not fully capture all our economic activities. |
Non-GAAP Measuresa grantee, including restricted stock units.
As disclosed“Disability” means disability as set forth in our press releases regarding annual and quarterly earnings and other communications, we provide financial information using methods in additionSection 22(e)(3) of the Code.
“Dividend Equivalent Right” means an Award entitling the grantee to those prescribed by generally accepted accounting principlesreceive credits based on cash dividends that would have been paid on the shares of Stock specified in the United States (“GAAP”),Dividend Equivalent Right (or other award to which it relates) if such shares had been issued to and held by the grantee.
“Effective Date” means the date on which the Plan is approved by shareholders as non-GAAPset forth in Section 21.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Fair Market Value” of the Stock on any given date means the closing price per share of Stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market or another national securities exchange. If there are no market quotations for such date, the determination shall be made by reference to the last date preceding such date for which there are market quotations. If the Stock is not quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or another national securities exchange, the fair market value of the Stock shall be as determined in good faith by the Administrator.
“Incentive Stock Option” means any Stock Option designated and qualified as an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
“Non-Employee Director” means a member of the Board who is not also an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
“Non-Qualified Stock Option” means any Stock Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
“Option” or “Stock Option” means any option to purchase shares of Stock granted pursuant to Section 5.
“Performance-Based Award” means any Restricted Stock Award, Deferred Stock Award, Performance Share Award or Cash-Based Award that is intended to qualify as performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Performance Criteria” means the criteria that the Administrator selects for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal or Performance Goals for an individual for a Performance Cycle. The Performance Criteria (which shall be applicable to the organizational level specified by the Administrator, including, but not limited to, the Company or a unit, division, group, or Subsidiary of the Company) that will be used to establish Performance Goals include, butare notlimited to the following: revenue, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP diluted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net income (loss) (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization), changes in the market price of the Stock, economic value-added, sales or revenue, acquisitions or strategic transactions, cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow), return on capital, assets, equity, or investment, total shareholder returns, return on sales, gross or net profit levels, productivity, expense, margins, operating efficiency, working capital, earnings (loss) per share of Stock, sales or market shares and adjusted free cash flow.number of customers, any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or as compared to results of a peer group.
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures enhance“Performance Cycle” means one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, as the reader’s overall understandingAdministrator may select, over which the attainment of our current financial performance and our prospectsone or more Performance Criteria will be measured for the future by providing more transparency for certain financial measures and providingpurpose of determining a level of disclosure that helps investors understand how we plan and measure our business. We believe that providing these non-GAAP measures affords investors a view of our operating results that may be more easily comparedgrantee’s right to our peer companies and enables investors to consider our operating results on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis during and following the integration period of our acquisitions. Presenting the GAAP measures on their own may not be indicative of our core operating results. Furthermore, management believes that the presentation of non-GAAP measures when shown in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures provides useful information to management and investors regarding present and future business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations.
Non-GAAP revenue, non-GAAP income from operations and operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share exclude the effect of purchase accounting on the fair value of acquired deferred revenue, amortization of acquired intangible assets, impairment of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, acquisition-related expenses, certain identified non-operating gains and losses and the related tax effectspayment of a Restricted Stock Award, Deferred Stock Award, Performance Share Award or Cash-Based Award.
“Performance Goals” means, for a Performance Cycle, the preceding items. Non-GAAP adjusted free cash flow is equal to cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property and equipment and capitalized software development costs, plus restructuring payments.
This non-GAAP information is notspecific goals established in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP information and should be considered in conjunction with our GAAP results aswriting by the items excluded fromAdministrator for a Performance Cycle based upon the non-GAAP information often have a material impact on our financial results. We provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP adjustments to our GAAP financial results in our earnings releases and we make this information available on our website at www.progress.com within the “Investor Relations” section.Performance Criteria.
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“Performance Share Award” means an Award entitling the recipient to acquire shares of GAAPStock upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals.
“Restricted Stock Award” means an Award entitling the recipient to Non-GAAP Selected Financial Measures
The table below summarizes our 2022 financial resultsacquire, at such purchase price (which may be zero) as compareddetermined by the Administrator, shares of Stock subject to fiscal 2021:
| (In millions, except percentages and per share amounts) | | Fiscal
2022
Actual | | Fiscal
2021
Actual | | Change |
| GAAP | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenue | | $ | 602.0 | | | $ | 531.3 | | | | 13 | % |
| Income from operations | | $ | 132.1 | | | $ | 116.1 | | | | 14 | % |
| Operating Margin | | | 22 | % | | | 22 | % | | | — | |
| Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 2.15 | | | $ | 1.76 | | | | 22 | % |
| Cash from operations | | $ | 192.2 | | | $ | 178.5 | | | | 8 | % |
| Non-GAAP | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenue | | $ | 610.6 | | | $ | 557.3 | | | | 10 | % |
| Income from operations | | $ | 242.1 | | | $ | 229.2 | | | | 6 | % |
| Operating Margin | | | 40 | % | | | 41 | % | | | (100) bps | |
| Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 4.13 | | | $ | 3.87 | | | | 7 | % |
| Adjusted free cash flow | | $ | 189.4 | | | $ | 179.4 | | | | 6 | % |
Annual Recurring Revenue
We provide an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) performance metric to help investors better understandsuch restrictions and assessconditions as the performance of our business because our mix of revenue generated from recurring sources has increased in recent years. ARR represents the annualized contract value for all active and contractually binding term-based contractsAdministrator may determine at the endtime of grant.
“Sale Event” shall mean (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company on a period. ARR includes maintenance, software upgrade rights, public cloud and on-premises subscription-based transactions and managed services. ARR mitigates fluctuations dueconsolidated basis to seasonality, contract terman unrelated person or entity, (ii) a merger, reorganization or consolidation in which the outstanding shares of Stock are converted into or exchanged for securities of the successor entity and the sales mixholders of subscriptions for term-based licenses and Software as a Service (SaaS).
ARR is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. ARR does not have any standardized meaning and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or to replace either of those items. ARR is not a forecast and the active contracts at the end of a reporting period used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.
We define ARR as the annual recurring revenue of term-based contracts from all customers at a point in time. We calculate ARR by taking monthly recurring revenue (“MRR”) and multiplying it by 12. MRR for each month is calculated by aggregating, for all customers during that month, monthly revenue from committed contractual amounts, additional usage and monthly subscriptions. The calculation is done at constant currency using the current year budgeted exchange rates for all periods presented.
Net Dollar Retention Rate
We calculate net dollar retention rate as of a period end by starting with the ARR from the cohort of all customers as of 12 monthsCompany’s outstanding voting power immediately prior to such period end (“Prior Period ARR”). We then calculate the ARR from these same customers astransaction do not own a majority of the current period end (“Current Period ARR”). Current Period ARR includes any expansionoutstanding voting power of the successor entity immediately upon completion of such transaction, or (iii) the sale of all of the Stock of the Company to an unrelated person or entity.
“Sale Price” means the value as determined by the Administrator of the consideration payable, or otherwise to be received by shareholders, per share of Stock pursuant to a Sale Event.
“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and is netthe regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
“Stock” means the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of contraction or attritionthe Company, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 3.
“Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award entitling the recipient to receive shares of Stock having a value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of exercise over the last 12 months but excludes ARR from new customers inexercise price of the current period. We then divide the total Current Period ARRStock Appreciation Right multiplied by the total Prior Period ARRnumber of shares of Stock with respect to arrivewhich the Stock Appreciation Right shall have been exercised.
“Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity (other than the Company) in which the Company has at least a 50 percent interest, either directly or indirectly.
“Ten Percent Owner” means an employee who owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the net dollar retention rate. Net dollar retention rate is not calculated in accordance with GAAP.attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10 percent of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
| (In thousands) | | FY 2022 | | | FY 2021 | | | % Change | |
| Cash flows from operations | | | 192,160 | | | | 178,530 | | | | 8% | |
| Purchases of property and equipment | | | (6,090 | ) | | | (4,654 | ) | | | 31% | |
| Free cash flow | | | 186,070 | | | | 173,876 | | | | 7% | |
| Add back: restructuring payments | | | 3,348 | | | | 5,519 | | | | (39)% | |
| Adjusted free cash flow | | | 189,418 | | | | 179,395 | | | | 6% | |
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Table“Unrestricted Stock Award” means an Award of Contentsshares of Stock free of any restrictions.
Appendix B: ESPP Amendment
PROGRESS SOFTWARE CORPORATION
1991 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(Amended and Restated March 17, 2023)SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN; ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORITY TO SELECT GRANTEES AND DETERMINE AWARDS
1.(a) | PURPOSE |
| |
| Administration of Plan. The Progress Software Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”)shall be administered by the Administrator. In the event the Administrator is intended to provide a method whereby employees of Progress Software Corporation (the “Company”) will have an opportunity to acquire an ownership interest (or increase an existing ownership interest) in the Company throughCommittee rather than the purchase of shares of the Common Stock of the Company. ItBoard, it is the intention of the Company that the Plan qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” underCommittee shall consist of “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 423162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and “non-employee directors” within the meaning of 1986,Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, but the authority and validity of any act taken or not taken by the Committee shall not be affected if any person serving on the Committee does not meet the qualification imposed by this sentence. Except as amended (the “Code”)specifically reserved to the Board under the terms of the Plan or when the Board is serving as Administrator, the Committee shall have full and final authority to operate, manage and administer the Plan on behalf of the Company. Action by the Committee shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all members thereof. |
| (b) | Powers of Administrator. The Administrator shall have the power and authority to grant Awards consistent with the terms of the Plan, including the power and authority: |
| (i) | to select the individuals to whom Awards may from time to time be granted; |
| (ii) | to determine the time or times of grant, and the extent, if any, of Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Deferred Stock Awards, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Cash-Based Awards and Performance Share Awards, Dividend Equivalent Rights or any combination of the foregoing, granted to any one or more grantees; |
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Appendix A: Amended and Restated 2008 Plan
| (iii) | to determine the number of shares of Stock to be covered by any Award; |
| (iv) | to determine and modify from time to time the terms and conditions, including restrictions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award, which terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and grantees, and to approve the form of written instruments evidencing the Awards; |
| (v) | to accelerate at any time the exercisability and vesting of all or any portion of any Award with the exception of a Restricted Stock Award or Deferred Stock Award other than in the context of a Sale Event; |
| (vi) | subject to the provisions of Section 5(c), to extend at any time the period in which Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised; |
| (vii) | to reduce the per-share exercise price of any outstanding Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right awarded to any employee of the Company, including any officer or director of the Company (but not to less than 100% of Fair Market Value on the date the reduction is made); provided, however, that such reduction shall be effective only if approved by the shareholders of the Company; and |
| (viii) | at any time to adopt, alter and repeal such rules, guidelines and practices for administration of the Plan and for its own acts and proceedings as it shall deem advisable; to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan shall, accordingly, be construed so asand any Award (including related written instruments); to extend and limit participationmake all determinations it deems advisable for the administration of the Plan; to decide all disputes arising in a manner consistentconnection with the requirements of that sectionPlan; and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Code.Plan. |
All decisions and interpretations of the Administrator shall be binding on all persons, including the Company and Plan grantees.
2. | DEFINITIONS |
| |
| (a) | “Eligible Compensation” for purposes of the Plan means: (i) with respect to individuals who are hourly employees, base salary plus payments for overtime and bonuses or (ii) with respect to individuals who are salaried employees, base salary plus sales commissions and bonuses. Eligible Compensation shall not include any deferred compensation other than contributions by an individual through a salary reduction agreement to a cash or deferred plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code or to a cafeteria plan pursuant to Section 125 of the Code. |
| | |
| (b) | “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company. |
| | |
| (c) | “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board. |
| | |
| (d) | “Common Stock” means the common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company. |
| | |
| (e) | “Company” shall also include any subsidiary of Progress Software Corporation designated as a participant in the Plan by the Board, unless the context otherwise requires. |
| | |
| (f) | “Employee” means any person who is customarily employed at least 20 hours per week and more than five months in a calendar year by (i) the Company or (ii) any subsidiary corporation. |
| | |
| (g) | “Subsidiary Corporation” shall mean any present or future corporation which is or would constitute a “subsidiary corporation” as that term is defined in Section 424(f) of the Code. |
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3. | ELIGIBILITY |
| |
| (a) | Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary. Participation during any one or more of the Offering Periods, as hereafter defined,Award Document. Awards under the Plan shall neither limit, nor require, participation during any other Offering Period.be evidenced by Award Documents that set forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each Award which may include, without limitation, the term of an Award and the provisions applicable in the event employment or service terminates. |
| (d) | | Indemnification. Neither the Board nor the Administrator, nor any member of either or any delegate thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with the Plan, and the members of the Board and the Administrator (and any delegate thereof) shall be entitled in all cases to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under the Company’s articles or bylaws or any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage which may be in effect from time to time and/or any indemnification agreement between such individual and the Company. |
| (e) | (b) | Each EmployeeForeign Award Recipients. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws in other countries in which the Company and its Subsidiary CorporationsSubsidiaries operate or have employees or other individuals eligible for Awards, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (i) determine which Subsidiaries shall be covered by the Plan; (ii) determine which individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan onPlan; (iii) modify the terms and conditions of any Offering Period commencement date, as hereafter identified, followingAward granted to individuals outside the completion of three months of continuous serviceUnited States to comply with applicable foreign laws; (iv) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the Companyextent the Administrator determines such actions to be necessary or advisable (and such subplans and/or its Subsidiary Corporations;modifications shall be attached to this Plan as appendices); provided, however, that no Employeesuch subplans and/or modifications shall increase the share limitations contained in Section 3(a) hereof; and (v) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that the Administrator determines to be necessary or advisable to obtain approval or comply with any local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, an option underthat would violate the Plan: |
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| | (i) | if, immediately after the grant, such Employee would own stock, and/or hold outstanding options to purchase stock, possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the CompanyExchange Act or any Subsidiary Corporation; for purposes of this Paragraph the rules of Section 424(d) ofother applicable United States securities law, the Code shall apply in determining stock ownership ofor any employee;other applicable United States governing statute or |
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| | (ii) | which permits his/her rights to purchase stock under all Section 423 employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its Subsidiary Corporations to exceed US $25,000 of the fair market value of the stock (determined at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding; for purposes of this Paragraph, the rules of Section 423 (b)(8) of the Code shall apply. law. |
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Appendix B: ESPP Amendment SECTION 3. STOCK ISSUABLE UNDER THE PLAN; MERGERS; SUBSTITUTION
4.(a) | OFFERING PERIOD / EXERCISE PERIOD |
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| Stock Issuable. The right to purchase stock hereunder shall be made available by a series of “Exercise Periods” during an “Offering Period” to employees eligible in accordance with Paragraph 3 hereof. |
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| Offering Period. Each participant in the Plan will be enrolled in an Offering Period. An Offering Period has a duration of 27 consecutive months unless a participant: withdraws from the Plan, ceases to be an eligible employee or is automatically transferred to a new Offering Period. Offering Periods commence on each of the following dates: January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1. |
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| Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Offering Period shall commence if at any time it is determined that the Company is not then lawfully permitted to offer, issue and sell shares of Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Plan pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. If an Offering Period cannot commence upon any date for the reason set forth above, an Offering Period may commence upon a date other than January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1, and such Offering Period may be for a duration of less than 27 months. Any determination as to whether an Offering Period shall so commence on another date, and the duration of such Offering Period, shall be in the sole discretion of the Committee. |
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| Exercise Period. Each 27-month Offering Period consists of nine consecutive Exercise Periods lasting three months each. Exercise Periods start on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. |
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| Exercise Date. During each 27-month Offering Period there will be nine Exercise Dates. An Exercise Date is the last date of each Exercise Period. Therefore, Exercise Dates will be as follows: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. |
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| Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to Paragraph 22, in the event that, on any Exercise Date provided for herein, it is determined that the Company is not then lawfully permitted to offer, issue and sell shares of Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Plan pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such Exercise Date shall be of no force or effect. |
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5. | PARTICIPATION |
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| Any eligible employee may become a participant by completing a payroll deduction authorization form provided by the Company and filing it with their payroll department and the Plan administrator 20 days prior to an Offering Period commencement date. |
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| A participant may be enrolled in only one Offering Period at a time. A participant will be re-enrolled automatically as a participant in future Offering Periods when an Offering Period in which such participant is currently enrolled ends, unless such participant withdraws from participation, is terminated or terminates employment, becomes ineligible to participate for any reason, or the Plan terminates. |
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6. | PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS |
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| (a) | At the time a participant files his/her authorization for a payroll deduction, he/she shall specify a percentage of his/her Eligible Compensation to be deducted from his/her pay on each payday during any Offering Period in which he/she is a participant in the Plan. Such percentage shall be in increments of one percent (1%) up to a maximum percentage to be established for each Offering Period by the Committee. |
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| (b) | Payroll deductions for participants shall commence on the Offering Period commencement date following the effective date of his/her authorization for such payroll deductions. |
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| (c) | A participant may, at any time, reduce the percentage (but not below 1%) of his/her Eligible Compensation to be deducted on each payday that he/she participates in the Plan. A reduction in payroll deductions will be effective on the seventh business day following receipt of notice by the Company and will apply to the first full pay period commencing after such date. |
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| (d) | A participant may, at any time, increase the percentage (but not above the maximum established by the Committee) of his/her Eligible Compensation to be deducted on each payday that he/she participates in the Plan. An increase in payroll deductions will be effective on the seventh business day following receipt of notice by the Company and will apply to the first full Exercise Period commencing after such date. |
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| (e) | All payroll deductions made for a participant shall be credited to his/her account under the Plan. A participant may not make any separate cash payment into such account. |
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7. | GRANTING OF OPTION / EXERCISE PRICE |
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| (a) | On the commencement date of each Offering Period, a participant in such Offering Period shall be deemed to have been granted an option to purchase on each Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the per share exercise price) up to a number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock determined by dividing such participant’s payroll deductions accumulated during the applicable Exercise Period by eighty-five (85%) of the market value per share of the Company’s Common Stock on the Offering Period commencement date or on the Exercise Date, whichever is lower, provided that the number of shares subject(subject to the option shall not exceed 200% of the number of shares determined by dividing 10% of the participant’s Eligible Compensation over the Offering Period (determined as of the Offering Period commencement date) by 85% of the market value per share of the Company’s Common Stock on the Offering Period commencement date, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3 (b) and 12 hereof. The Market value per share of the Company’s Common Stock shall be determinedadjustment as provided in Section 7(b) herein. |
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| (b) | The exercise price per share to be paid3(c) hereof) reserved and available for Common Stock purchasedissuance under the Plan shall be equal to the lowersum of 85% of the market value per share of the Common Stock on the first day of the Offering Period in which the Exercise Date falls, or 85% of the market value per share of the Common Stock on the Exercise Date. Market value per share of the Common Stock on a particular date is the closing price (or closing bid, if no sales were reported) of the Common Stock on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)(i) 26,700,00031,365,000, or, in the event the Common Stock is listed on a stock exchange, the market value per share shall be the closing price on such exchange, for that date, as reported in the Wall Street Journal. If a closing price is not available for a particular date, then the market value per share to be used for that date will be the closing stock price as of the last preceding trading day on the NASDAQ or a stock exchange for which a closing price is available. If the Common Stock is not listed on the NASDAQ or a stock exchange then the market value per share will be determined by the Committee. |
| | For purpose of calculatingplus (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased with payroll deductions from participants outside of the United States, the Company will use the exchange rate published in the Wall Street Journalavailable for grant on the Exercise Date. |
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8. | EXERCISE OF OPTION |
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| Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan or is terminated from participating in the Plan pursuant to paragraph 10 hereof, his/her option for the purchase of Common Stock will be deemed to have been exercised automatically on each Exercise Effective AdoptionDate for the purchase of the number of full shares of Common Stock which the accumulated payroll deductions in his/her account at that time will purchase at the price of the Common Stock as determined in Paragraph 7 (b). Fractional shares will not be issued under the Progress Software Corporation 1992 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and any excess funds in a participant’s account representing any fractional shares after Common Stock purchases made on each Exercise Date will be automatically carried forward to the next Exercise Period unless the participant elects, by written notice to their payroll department, to have the excess returned to him/her. |
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| In the event that an Exercise Date is of no force or effect pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 4 above, the automatic exercise described in this Paragraph shall occur on the next succeeding Exercise Date in such Offering Period that has not been determined to be of no force or effect. If there is no such Exercise Date in the Offering Period, all of the participant’s outstanding payroll deductions for such Offering Period shall be returned to the participant, without interest.Progress |
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Appendix B: ESPP AmendmentA: Amended and Restated 2008 Plan
| 9.NEW OFFERING PERIOD |
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| IfSoftware Corporation 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the market value ofProgress Software Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated March 22, 2007 (together, the Common“Old Stock is lower on an Exercise Date than it was on the first day of the Offering Period, then all participants in such Offering Period will be automatically withdrawn from that Offering Period immediately after the participants’ exercise of the option on such Exercise Date, and such participants will be automatically re-enrolled in a new Offering Period commencing immediately after that Exercise Date. The old Offering Period terminates upon such automatic re-enrollment. |
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10. | WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION |
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| (a) | Prior to the Exercise Date for each Exercise Period, any participant may withdraw all but not less than all of his/her payroll deductions under the Plan for such Exercise Period by giving written notice to his/her payroll department. All of the participant’s payroll deductions credited to such account will be paid to him/her after receipt of notice of withdrawal, without interest, and no future payroll deductions will be made. Withdrawal from an Exercise Period will be deemed to be a withdrawal from the Offering Period which includes such Exercise Period. The Company will treat any attempt to borrow by a participant on the security of accumulated payroll deductions as an election to withdraw such deductions. |
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| (b) | A participant may elect not to exercise an option by giving written notice to their payroll department no less than seven (7) business days prior to the applicable Exercise Date. Any such election will be treated as a withdrawal pursuant to section (a) above. |
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| (c) | A participant’s election not to participate in, or withdrawal from, any Offering Period or Exercise Period within such Offering Period will not have any effect upon his/her eligibility to participate in any succeeding Offering Period or in any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company. |
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| (d) | Upon termination of the participant’s employment for any reason, including retirement but excluding death, all of his/her payroll deductions accrued during the relevant Exercise Period will be returned to the participant. |
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| (e) | Upon termination of the participant’s employment because of death, the participant’s beneficiary (as defined in Paragraph 14) shall have the right to elect, by written notice given to the participant’s former payroll department prior to the expiration of a period of 90 days commencing with the date of the death of the participant but in no event later than the applicable Offering Period, either |
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| | (i) | to withdraw all of the payroll deductions credited to the participant’s account under the Plan; or |
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| | (ii) | to exercise the participant’s option for the purchase of stock on the Exercise Date next following the date of the participant’s death for the purchase ofPlans”), plus (iii) the number of shares of Stock underlying any grants pursuant to the Old Stock Plans that are forfeited, canceled, repurchased or are terminated (other than by exercise) from and after the Effective AdoptionDate, plus (iv) the number of shares of Stock underlying any grants pursuant to this Plan that are forfeited, canceled, repurchased or are terminated (other than by exercise). Shares tendered or held back upon exercise of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right to cover the exercise price or tax withholding shall not be available for future issuance under the Plan. Shares tendered or held back upon settlement of any full shares whichvalue Award (i.e., an Award other than an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right) to cover the participant’s accumulated payroll deductions, at the date of the participant’s death, will purchase at the applicable price and any excess deductions will be returned to said beneficiary. In the event that no such written notice of electionor tax withholding shall be duly receivedavailable for future issuance under the Plan. Shares repurchased by the appropriate payroll departmentCompany on the open market with the proceeds of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right exercise price shall no longer be available for issuance under the Company,Plan. In addition, upon exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights, the beneficiarygross number of shares exercised shall automatically be deemeddeducted from the total number of shares remaining available for issuance under the Plan. Subject to have electedsuch overall limitations, shares of Stock may be issued up to withdraw the payroll deductions credited to the participant at the date of the participant’s death and the same will be paid promptly to said beneficiary. |
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11. | INTEREST |
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| No interest will be paid or allowed on any money paid into the Plan or creditedsuch maximum number pursuant to any participant. |
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12. | STOCK |
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| (a) | type or types of Award; provided, however, that Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights with respect to no more than 750,000 shares of Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3(c) hereof) may be granted to any one individual grantee during any one calendar year period. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options may not exceed 14,700,00019,365,000(subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3(c) hereof). The shares available for issuance and purchase by participants under the Plan, subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Paragraph 17, shall be 11,250,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company. If on a given Exercise Date the number of shares with respect to which options are to be exercised exceeds the number of shares then available, the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares available for delivery and distribution in an equitable manner, with the balances of payroll deductions credited to each participant under the Plan carried forward to the next Exercise Period in the applicable Offering Period or returned to the participant if the participant so chooses, by giving written notice to their payroll department to this effect. |
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| (b) | The participant will have no interest in stock underlying his/her option until such option has been exercised. |
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| (c) | The Committee, in its sole discretion, may establish a minimum holding period, if any, for shares of stock acquired pursuant hereto by any participant or his beneficiary pursuant to Paragraph 14 hereof. Certificates representing said shares of stock issued pursuant to this Plan may bear legends to that effect. |
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13. | ADMINISTRATION |
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| The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The interpretation and construction of any provision of the Plan and adoption of rules and regulations for administering the Plan shall be made by the Committee. Determinations made by the Committee with respect to any matter or provision contained in the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the Company and upon all participants, their heirs or legal representatives. Any rule or regulation adopted by the Committee shall remain in full force and effect unless and until altered, amended, or repealed by the Committee. |
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14. | DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY |
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| A participant shall file with their payroll department a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any Common Stock and/or cash under the Plan. Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the participant at any time by written notice. Upon the death of a participant and upon receipt by the Company of proof of the identity and existence at the participant’s death of a beneficiary validly designated by him under the Plan, the Company shall deliver such Common Stock and/or cash to such beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living at the time of such participant’s death, the Company shall deliver such Common Stock and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the participant. No beneficiary shall prior to the death of the participant by whom he has been designated, acquire any interest in the Common Stock and/or cash credited to the participant under the Plan. |
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15. | TRANSFERABILITY |
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| Neither payroll deductions credited to a participant nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive Common Stock under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged,authorized but unissued shares of Stock or otherwise disposedshares of in any wayStock reacquired by the participantCompany. |
| (b) | Effect of Awards. The grant of any full value Award (i.e., an Award other than by willan Option or the laws of descent and distribution. Any such attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, or other dispositiona Stock Appreciation Right) shall be without effect, except thatdeemed, for purposes of determining the Company may treat such actnumber of shares of Stock available for issuance under Section 3(a), as an election to withdraw funds in accordance with Paragraph 10(a). |
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16. | USE OF FUNDS |
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| All payroll deductions received or held by the Company under this Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions. |
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17. | EFFECT OF CHANGES OF COMMON STOCK |
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| If the Company shall subdivide or reclassify the Common Stock which has been or may be optioned under this Plan, or shall declare thereon any dividend payable inAward of 2.25 shares of Stock for each such Commonshare of Stock or shall takesubject to the Award; provided, however, if stockholders approve the amended Plan at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, any other actionsuch Award granted after the Effective Date will be deemed as an Award of 1.5 shares of Stock for each such share of Stock subject to the Award. To the extent there is a similar nature affectingshare of Stock issuable pursuant to a full value Award under the Plan granted prior to the Effective Dateand such Commonshare of Stock again becomes available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), then the number and class of shares of Common Stock which may thereafter be optioned (in the aggregate and to any participant) shall be adjusted accordingly and in the case of each option outstanding at the time of any such action, the number and class of shares which may thereafter be purchased pursuant to such option and the option price per share shall be adjusted to such extent as may be determined by the Committee, with the approval of independent public accountants and counsel, to be necessary to preserve the rights of the holder of such option. |
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18. | AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION |
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| The Board may at any time terminate or amend the Plan. No such termination shall affect options previously granted, nor may an amendment make any change in any option theretofore granted which would adversely affect the rights of any participant holding optionsavailable for issuance under the Plan. |
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19. | NOTICES |
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| All notices or other communications by a participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall increase by 2.25 shares; provided, however, to the extent there is a share of Stock issuable pursuant to a full value Award under the Plan granted after the Effective Date and such share of Stock again becomes available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), then the number of shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall increase by 1.5 shares. The grant of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right shall be deemed, to have been duly given when received byfor purposes of determining the participant’s payroll department. |
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20. | MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION |
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| If the Company shall at any time merge into or consolidate with another corporation, the holdernumber of each option then outstanding will thereafter be entitled to receive at the next Exercise Date upon the exerciseshares of such optionStock available for each shareissuance under Section 3(a), as to which such option shall be exercised, the securities or property which a holder ofan Award for one share of Stock for each such share of Stock subject to the CommonAward. |
| (c) | Changes in Stock was entitled. Subject to upon and atSection 3(d) hereof, if, as a result of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in the timeCompany’s capital stock, the outstanding shares of Stock are increased or decreased or are exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company, or additional shares or new or different shares or other securities of the Company or other non-cash assets are distributed with respect to such shares of Stock or other securities, or, if, as a result of any merger or consolidation. In accordance with this Paragraph and Paragraph 17, the Committee shall determine the kind and amount of such securities or property which such holder of an option shall be entitled to receive. Aconsolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the outstanding shares of Stock are converted into or exchanged for securities of the Company or any successor entity (or a parent or subsidiary thereof), the Administrator shall make an appropriate or proportionate adjustment in (i) the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, including the maximum number of shares that may be issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options, (ii) the number of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights that can be granted to any one individual grantee and the maximum number of shares that may be granted under a Performance-Based Award, (iii) the number and kind of shares or other securities subject to any then outstanding Awards under the Plan, (iv) the repurchase price, if any, per share subject to each outstanding Restricted Stock Award, and (v) the price for each share subject to any then outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan, without changing the aggregate exercise price (i.e., the exercise price multiplied by the number of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights) as to which such Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights remain exercisable. The Administrator shall also make equitable or proportionate adjustments in the number of shares subject to outstanding Awards and the |
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| exercise price and the terms of outstanding Awards to take into consideration cash dividends paid other than in the ordinary course or any other extraordinary corporate event. The adjustment by the Administrator shall be deemedfinal, binding and conclusive. No fractional shares of Stock shall be issued under the Plan resulting from any such adjustment, but the Administrator in its discretion may make a cash payment in lieu of fractional shares. |
| (d) | Sale Event. The Administrator may in its discretion accelerate the exercisability and vesting of all outstanding Awards. Upon the effective time of the Sale Event, the Plan and all outstanding Awards granted hereunder shall terminate, unless provision is made in connection with the Sale Event in the sole discretion of the parties thereto for the assumption or continuation of Awards theretofore granted by the successor entity, or the substitution of such Awards with new Awards of the successor entity or parent thereof, with appropriate adjustment as to the number and kind of shares and, if appropriate, the per share exercise prices, as such parties shall agree (after taking into account any acceleration hereunder). In the event the Awards are not assumed, continued or otherwise substituted in connection with a Sale Event, the Administrator shall accelerate the exercisability and vesting of all outstanding Awards. The Administrator shall have the option (in its sole discretion) to (i) make or provide for a cash payment to the grantees holding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, in exchange for the cancellation thereof, in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the sale price multiplied by the number of shares of Stock subject to all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights at exercise prices not in excess of the sale price and (B) the aggregate exercise price of all such outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights; or (ii) permit each grantee, within a specified period of time prior to the consummation of the Sale Event as determined by the Administrator, to exercise all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by such grantee. |
| (e) | Substitute Awards. The Administrator may grant Awards under the Plan in substitution for stock and stock based awards held by employees, directors or other key persons of another corporation in connection with the merger or consolidation of the employing corporation with the Company or a Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of property or stock of the employing corporation. The Administrator may direct that the substitute awards be granted on such terms and conditions as the Administrator considers appropriate in the circumstances. Any substitute Awards granted under the Plan shall not count against the share limitation set forth in Section 3(a). |
SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY
Grantees under the Plan will be such officers and other employees, Non-Employee Directors and key persons (including consultants and prospective employees) of the Company and its Subsidiaries as are selected from time to time by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
SECTION 5. STOCK OPTIONS
| (a) | Grant of Stock Options. Any Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be in such form as the Administrator may from time to time approve. |
Stock Options granted under the Plan may be either Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or any Subsidiary that is a “subsidiary corporation” within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code. To the extent that any Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, it shall be deemed a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
Stock Options granted pursuant to this Section 5 shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable.
| (b) | Exercise Price. The exercise price per share for the foregoing purposes.Stock covered by a Stock Option granted pursuant to this Section 5 shall be determined by the Administrator at the time of grant but shall not be less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to a Ten Percent Owner, the option price of such Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 110 percent of the Fair Market Value on the grant date. |
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| (c) | Option Term. The term of each Stock Option shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Stock Option shall be exercisable more than seven tenyears after the date the Stock Option is granted. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to a Ten Percent Owner, the term of such Stock Option shall be no more than five years from the date of grant. |
| (d) | |
21. | APPROVAL OF STOCKHOLDERS |
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| Exercisability; Rights of a Shareholder. Stock Options shall become exercisable at such time or times, whether or not in installments, as shall be determined by the Administrator at or after the grant date. The Plan is subject to the approval of the stockholders of the Company at their next annual meeting orAdministrator may at any special meetingtime accelerate the exercisability of the stockholders for which oneall or any portion of the purposes of such a special meetingany Stock Option. An optionee shall be to act upon the Plan. |
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22. | GOVERNMENTAL AND OTHER REGULATIONS |
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| The Plan, and the grant and exercise ofhave the rights of a shareholder only as to purchase shares hereunder, and the Company’s obligation to sell and deliver sharesacquired upon the exercise of a Stock Option and not as to unexercised Stock Options. |
| (e) | Method of Exercise. Stock Options may be exercised in whole or in part, by giving written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company, specifying the number of shares to be purchased. Payment of the purchase price may be made by one or more of the following methods to the extent provided in the Option Award Document: |
| (i) | In cash, by certified or bank check or other instrument acceptable to the Administrator; |
| (ii) | Through the delivery (or attestation to the ownership) of shares of Stock that have been purchased by the optionee on the open market or that have been beneficially owned by the optionee for at least six months and are not then subject to restrictions under any Company plan. Such surrendered shares shall be valued at Fair Market Value on the exercise date; or |
| (iii) | By the optionee delivering to the Company a properly executed exercise notice together with irrevocable instructions to a broker to promptly deliver to the Company cash or a check payable and acceptable to the Company for the purchase price; provided that in the event the optionee chooses to pay the purchase price as so provided, the optionee and the broker shall comply with such procedures and enter into such agreements of indemnity and other agreements as the Administrator shall prescribe as a condition of such payment procedure. |
Payment instruments will be received subject to collection. The transfer to the optionee on the records of the Company or of the transfer agent of the shares of Stock to be purchased pursuant to the exercise of a Stock Option will be contingent upon receipt from the optionee (or a purchaser acting in his stead in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Option) by the Company of the full purchase price for such shares and the fulfillment of any other requirements contained in the Option Award Document or applicable provisions of laws (including the satisfaction of any withholding taxes that the Company is obligated to withhold with respect to the optionee). In the event an optionee chooses to pay the purchase price by previously-owned shares of Stock through the attestation method, the number of shares of Stock transferred to the optionee upon the exercise of the Stock Option shall be net of the number of attested shares. In the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a third party, an automated system for the exercise of Stock Options, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, then the paperless exercise of Stock Options may be permitted through the use of such an automated system.
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| (f) | Annual Limit on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent required for “incentive stock option” treatment under Section 422 of the Code, the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time of grant) of the shares of Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan and any other plan of the Company or its parent and subsidiary corporations become exercisable for the first time by an optionee during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000. To the extent that any Stock Option exceeds this limit, it shall constitute a Non-Qualified Stock Option. |
SECTION 6. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
| (a) | Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. The Administrator in its discretion may grant Stock Appreciation Rights to any grantee (i) alone, (ii) simultaneously with the grant of a Stock Option and in conjunction therewith or in the alternative thereto or (iii) subsequent to the grant of a Non-Qualified option and in conjunction therewith or in the alternative thereto. |
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| (b) | Exercise Price of Stock Appreciation Rights. The exercise price per share of a Stock Appreciation Right granted alone shall be determined by the Administrator, but shall not be less than 100% of Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Stock Appreciation Right. A Stock Appreciation Right granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the grant of a Stock Option and in conjunction therewith or in the alternative thereto shall have the same exercise price as the related Stock Option, shall be transferable only upon the same terms and conditions as the related Stock Option and shall be exercisable only to the same extent as the related Stock Option; provided, however, that a Stock Appreciation Right, by its terms, shall be exercisable only when the Fair Market Value per share of Stock exceeds the exercise price per share thereof. |
| (c) | Terms and Conditions. Upon any exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the number of shares of Stock for which any related Stock Option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number of shares for which the Stock Appreciation Right shall have been exercised. The number of shares of Stock with respect to which a Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable shall be reduced upon any exercise of any related Stock Option by the number of shares for which such Option shall have been exercised. Any Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable upon such additional terms and conditions as may from time to time be prescribed by the Administrator. |
| (d) | Settlement in Shares. A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle the grantee upon exercise thereof to receive from the Company, upon written request to the Company at its principal offices (the “Request”), a number of shares of Stock (with or without restrictions as to substantial risk of forfeiture and transferability, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion), having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the product of (i) the excess of Fair Market Value, on the date of such Request, over the exercise price per share of Stock specified in such Stock Appreciation Right or its related Option, multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of Stock for which such Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercised. |
| (e) | Deemed Exercise. A Stock Appreciation Right shall be deemed exercised on the last day of its term, if not otherwise exercised by the holder thereof, provided that the Fair Market Value of the Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right exceeds the exercise price thereof on such date. |
| (f) | Term. The term of a Stock Appreciation Right shall not exceed seven years. |
SECTION 7. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
| (a) | Nature of Restricted Stock Awards. The Administrator shall determine the restrictions and conditions applicable to each Restricted Stock Award at the time of grant. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other service relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives. The grant of a Restricted Stock Award is contingent on the grantee executing the Restricted Stock Award Document. The terms and conditions of each such Award Document shall be determined by the Administrator, and such terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and grantees. |
| (b) | Rights as a Shareholder. Upon execution of the Restricted Stock Award Document and payment of any applicable purchase price, a grantee shall have the rights of a shareholder with respect to the voting of the Restricted Stock, subject to such conditions contained in the Restricted Stock Award Document. Unless the Administrator shall otherwise determine, (i) uncertificated Restricted Stock shall be accompanied by a notation on the records of the Company or the transfer agent to the effect that they are subject to forfeiture until such Restricted Stock are vested as provided in Section 7(d) below, and (ii) certificated Restricted Stock shall remain in the possession of the Company until such Restricted Stock is vested as provided in Section 7(d) below, and the grantee shall be required, as a condition of the grant, to deliver to the Company such instruments of transfer as the Administrator may prescribe. |
| (c) | Restrictions. Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of except as specifically provided herein or in the Restricted Stock Award Document. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Document or, subject to Section 18 below, in writing after the Award Document is issued if a grantee’s employment (or other service relationship) with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates for any reason, any Restricted Stock that has not vested at the time of termination shall automatically and without any requirement of notice to such grantee from or other action by or on behalf of, the Company be deemed to have been reacquired by the Company at its original purchase price (if any) from such grantee or such grantee’s legal representative simultaneously with such termination |
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| of employment (or other service relationship), and thereafter shall cease to represent any ownership of the Company by the grantee or rights of the grantee as a shareholder. Following such deemed reacquisition of unvested Restricted Stock that are represented by physical certificates, a grantee shall surrender such certificates to the Company upon request without consideration. |
| (d) | Vesting of Restricted Stock. The Administrator at the time of grant shall specify the date or dates and/or the attainment of pre-established performance goals, objectives and other conditions on which the non-transferability of the Restricted Stock and the Company’s right of repurchase or forfeiture shall lapse. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any such Restricted Stock granted to employees shall have a performance-based goal, the restriction period with respect to such shares shall not be less than one year, and in the event any such Restricted Stock granted to employees shall have a time-based restriction, the total restriction period with respect to such shares shall not be less than three years; provided, however, that Restricted Stock with a time-based restriction may become vested incrementally over such three-year period. Subsequent to such date or dates and/or the attainment of such pre-established performance goals, objectives and other conditions, the shares on which all restrictions have lapsed shall no longer be Restricted Stock and shall be deemed “vested.” Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Document or, subject to Section 18 below, in writing after the Award Document is issued, a grantee’s rights in any shares of Restricted Stock that have not vested shall automatically terminate upon the grantee’s termination of employment (or other service relationship) with the Company and its Subsidiaries and such shares shall be subject to allthe provisions of Section 7(c) above. |
SECTION 8. DEFERRED STOCK AWARDS
| (a) | Nature of Deferred Stock Awards. The Administrator shall determine the restrictions and conditions applicable federal, stateto each Deferred Stock Award at the time of grant. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other service relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and foreign laws, rulesobjectives. The grant of a Deferred Stock Award is contingent on the grantee executing the Deferred Stock Award Document. The terms and regulations,conditions of each such Award Document shall be determined by the Administrator, and such terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and grantees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any such Deferred Stock Award granted to employees shall have a performance-based goal, the restriction period with respect to such approvals byAward shall not be less than one year, and in the event any regulatory or governmental agencysuch Deferred Stock Award granted to employees shall have a time-based restriction, the total restriction period with respect to such Award shall not be less than three oneyears provided, however, that any Deferred Stock Award with a time-based restriction may become vested incrementally over such three-year the vestingperiod. At the end of the deferral period, the Deferred Stock Award, to the extent vested, shall be settled in the form of shares of Stock. To the extent that a Deferred Stock Award is subject to Section 409A, it may contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine in its sole discretion in order for such Award to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. |
| (b) | Election to Receive Deferred Stock Awards in Lieu of Compensation. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, permit a grantee to elect to receive a portion of future cash compensation otherwise due to such grantee in the opinionform of counsel fora Deferred Stock Award. Any such election shall be made in writing and shall be delivered to the Company be required. The Plan shall be governedno later than the date specified by the Administrator and construed and enforced in accordance with Section 409A and such other rules and procedures established by the provisionsAdministrator. Any such future cash compensation that the grantee elects to defer shall be converted to a fixed number of Sections 421, 423 and 424phantom stock units based on the Fair Market Value of Stock on the Code anddate the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In the event of any inconsistency between such provisions of the Code and any such laws, said provisions of the Code shall governcompensation would otherwise have been paid to the extent necessarygrantee if such payment had not been deferred as provided herein. The Administrator shall have the sole right to preserve favorable federal income tax treatment afforded employee stock purchase plansdetermine whether and under what circumstances to permit such elections and to impose such limitations and other terms and conditions thereon as the Administrator deems appropriate. |
| (c) | Rights as a Shareholder. A grantee shall have the rights as a shareholder only as to shares of Stock acquired by the grantee upon settlement of a Deferred Stock Award. |
| (d) | Termination. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Document or, subject to Section 42318 below, in writing after the Award Document is issued, a grantee’s right in all Deferred Stock Awards that have not vested shall automatically terminate upon the grantee’s termination of employment (or cessation of service relationship) with the Code.Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason. |
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Progress Software Corporation
15 Wayside Road
Suite 400
Burlington, MA 01803
USAAppendix A: Amended and Restated 2008 Plan
www.progress.comSECTION 9. UNRESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
| (a) | Grant or Sale of Unrestricted Stock. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, grant (or sell at par value or such higher purchase price determined by the Administrator) an Unrestricted Stock Award under the Plan. Unrestricted Stock Awards may be granted in respect of past services or other valid consideration, or in lieu of cash compensation due to such grantee. |
| (b) | Elections to Receive Unrestricted Stock In Lieu of Compensation. Upon the request of a grantee and with the consent of the Administrator, each grantee may, pursuant to an irrevocable written election delivered to the Company no later than the date or dates specified by the Administrator, receive a portion of the cash compensation otherwise due to him in Unrestricted Stock (valued at Fair Market Value on the date or dates the cash compensation would otherwise be paid). Such Unrestricted Stock shall be paid to the grantee at the same time as the cash compensation would otherwise be paid. |
SECTION 10. CASH-BASED AWARDS
Grant of Cash-Based Awards. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, grant Cash-Based Awards to any grantee in such number or amount and upon such terms, and subject to such conditions, as the Administrator shall determine at the time of grant. The Administrator shall determine the maximum duration of the Cash-Based Award, the amount of cash to which the Cash-Based Award pertains, the conditions upon which the Cash-Based Award shall become vested or payable, and such other provisions as the Administrator shall determine. Each Cash-Based Award shall specify a cash-denominated payment amount, formula or payment ranges as determined by the Administrator. Payment, if any, with respect to a Cash-Based Award shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Award and may be made in cash or in shares of Stock, as the Administrator determines.
SECTION 11. PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS
| (a) | Nature of Performance Share Awards. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, grant Performance Share Awards independent of, or in connection with, the granting of any other Award under the Plan. The Administrator shall determine whether and to whom Performance Share Awards shall be granted, the Performance Goals, the periods during which performance is to be measured, which may not be less than one year, and such other limitations and conditions as the Administrator shall determine. |
| (b) | Rights as a Shareholder. A grantee receiving a Performance Share Award shall have the rights of a shareholder only as to shares actually received by the grantee under the Plan and not with respect to shares subject to the Award but not actually received by the grantee. A grantee shall be entitled to receive shares of Stock under a Performance Share Award only upon satisfaction of all conditions specified in the Performance Share Award agreement (or in a performance plan adopted by the Administrator). |
| (c) | Termination. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award agreement or, subject to Section 18 below, in writing after the Award agreement is issued, a grantee’s rights in all Performance Share Awards shall automatically terminate upon the grantee’s termination of employment (or cessation of service relationship) with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason. |
SECTION 12. DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS
| (a) | Dividend Equivalent Rights. A Dividend Equivalent Right may be granted hereunder to any grantee as a component of a Deferred Stock Award, Restricted Stock Award or Performance Share Award or as a freestanding award. The terms and conditions of Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be specified in the Award Document. Dividend equivalents credited to the holder of a Dividend Equivalent Right may be paid currently or may be deemed to be reinvested in additional shares of Stock, which may thereafter accrue additional equivalents. Any such reinvestment shall be at Fair Market Value on the date of reinvestment or such other price as may then apply under a dividend reinvestment plan sponsored by the Company, if any. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be settled in cash or shares of Stock or a combination thereof, in a single installment or installments. A Dividend Equivalent Right granted as a component of a Deferred Stock Award, Restricted Stock Award or Performance Share Award must provide that such Dividend Equivalent Right shall be subject to all of the same terms and conditions and settled upon settlement or payment of, or lapse of restrictions on, such other Award, |
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| and that such Dividend Equivalent Right shall expire or be forfeited or annulled under the same conditions as such other Award. A Dividend Equivalent Right granted as a component of a Deferred Stock Award, Restricted Stock Award or Performance Share Award may also contain terms and conditions different from such other Award. Further, the payment of dividends or dividend equivalents on unvested awards for all equity award types is prohibited. |
| (b) | Interest Equivalents. Any Award under this Plan that is settled in whole or in part in cash on a deferred basis may provide in the grant for interest equivalents to be credited with respect to such cash payment. Interest equivalents may be compounded and shall be paid upon such terms and conditions as may be specified by the grant. |
| (c) | Termination. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Document or, subject to Section 18 below, in writing after the Award Document is issued, a grantee’s rights in all Dividend Equivalent Rights or interest equivalents granted as a component of a Deferred Stock Award, Restricted Stock Award or Performance Share Award that has not vested shall automatically terminate upon the grantee’s termination of employment (or cessation of service relationship) with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason. |
SECTION 13. PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDSTO COVERED EMPLOYEES
| (a) | Performance-Based Awards. Any employee or other key person providing services to the Company and who is selected by the Administrator may be granted one or more Performance-Based Awards in the form of a Restricted Stock Award, Deferred Stock Award, Performance Share Awards or Cash-Based Award payable upon the attainment of Performance Goals that are established by the Administrator and relate to one or more of the Performance Criteria, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. The Administrator shall define in an objective fashion the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for any Performance Period. Depending on the Performance Criteria used to establish such Performance Goals, the Performance Goals may be expressed in terms of overall Company performance or the performance of a division, business unit or an individual. The Administrator, in its discretion, may adjust or modify the calculation of Performance Goals for such Performance Period in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of an individual (i) in the event of, or in anticipation of, any unusual or extraordinary corporate item, transaction, event or development, (ii) in recognition of, or in anticipation of, any other unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, or the financial statements of the Company, or (iii) in response to, or in anticipation of, changes in applicable laws, regulations, accounting principles or business conditions; provided, however, that the Administrator may not exercise such discretion in a manner that would increase the Performance-Based Award granted to a Covered Employee. Each Performance-Based Award shall comply with the provisions set forth below. |
| (b) | Grant of Performance-Based Awards. With respect to each Performance-Based Award granted to a Covered Employee, the Administrator shall select, within the first 90 days of a Performance Cycle (or, if shorter, within the maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code) the Performance Criteria for such grant, and the Performance Goals with respect to each Performance Criterion (including a threshold level of performance below which no amount will become payable with respect to such Award). Each Performance-Based Award will specify the amount payable, or the formula for determining the amount payable, upon achievement of the various applicable performance targets. The Performance Criteria established by the Administrator may be (but need not be) different for each Performance Cycle and different Performance Goals may be applicable to Performance-Based Awards to different Covered Employees. |
| (b) | Payment of Performance-Based Awards. Following the completion of a Performance Cycle, the Administrator shall meet to review and certify in writing whether, and to what extent, the Performance Goals for the Performance Cycle have been achieved and, if so, to also calculate and certify in writing the amount of the Performance-Based Awards earned for the Performance Cycle. The Administrator shall then determine the actual size of each Covered Employee’s Performance-Based Award, and, in doing so, may reduce or eliminate the amount of the Performance-Based Award for a Covered Employee if, in its sole judgment, such reduction or elimination is appropriate. |
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| (c) | Maximum Award Payable. The maximum Performance-Based Award payable to any one employee under the Plan during any one calendar year period is 300,000 shares of Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3(c) hereof) or $2,000,000 in the case of a Performance-Based Award that is a Cash-Based Award. |
SECTION 14. TRANSFERABILITY OF AWARDS
| (a) | Transferability. Except as provided in Section 14(b) below, during a grantee’s lifetime, his or her Awards shall be exercisable only by the grantee, or by the grantee’s legal representative or guardian in the event of the grantee’s incapacity. No Awards shall be sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise encumbered or disposed of by a grantee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. No Awards shall be subject, in whole or in part, to attachment, execution or levy of any kind, and any purported transfer in violation hereof shall be null and void. |
| (b) | Administrator Action. Notwithstanding Section 14(a), the Administrator, in its discretion, may provide either in the Award Document regarding a given Award or by subsequent written approval that the grantee (who is an employee or director) may transfer his or her Awards (other than any Incentive Stock Options or Deferred Stock Awards) to his or her immediate family members, to trusts for the benefit of such family members, or to partnerships in which such family members are the only partners, provided that the transferee agrees in writing with the Company to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Award. |
| (c) | Family Member. For purposes of Section 14(b), “family member” shall mean a grantee’s child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the grantee’s household (other than a tenant of the grantee), a trust in which these persons (or the grantee) have more than 50 percent of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the grantee) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the grantee) own more than 50 percent of the voting interests. |
| (d) | Designation of Beneficiary. Each grantee to whom an Award has been made under the Plan may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to exercise any Award or receive any payment under any Award payable on or after the grantee’s death. Any such designation shall be on a form provided for that purpose by the Administrator and shall not be effective until received by the Administrator. If no beneficiary has been designated by a deceased grantee, or if the designated beneficiaries have predeceased the grantee, the beneficiary shall be the grantee’s estate. |
SECTION 15. TAX WITHHOLDING
| (a) | Payment by Grantee. Each grantee shall, no later than the date as of which the value of an Award or of any Stock or other amounts received thereunder first becomes includable in the gross income of the grantee for Federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator regarding payment of, any Federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld by the Company with respect to such income. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the grantee. The Company’s obligation to deliver evidence of book entry (or stock certificates) to any grantee is subject to and conditioned on tax withholding obligations being satisfied by the grantee. |
| (b) | Payment in Stock. Subject to approval by the Administrator, a grantee may elect to have the Company’s minimum required tax withholding obligation satisfied, in whole or in part, by authorizing the Company to withhold from shares of Stock to be issued pursuant to any Award a number of shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date the withholding is effected) that would satisfy the withholding amount due. |
SECTION 16. SECTION 409A AWARDS
To the extent that any Award is determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A (a “409A Award”), the Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Administrator from time to time in order to comply with Section 409A. In this regard, if any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A) to a grantee who is then considered a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A), then no such payment shall be made
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prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the grantee’s separation from service, or (ii) the grantee’s death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to interest, penalties and/or additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A. Further, the settlement of any such Award may not be accelerated except to the extent permitted by Section 409A.
SECTION 17. TRANSFER, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, ETC.
For purposes of the Plan, the following events shall not be deemed a termination of employment:
| (a) | a transfer to the employment of the Company from a Subsidiary or from the Company to a Subsidiary, or from one Subsidiary to another; or |
| (b) | an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the employee’s right to re-employment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Administrator otherwise so provides in writing. |
SECTION 18. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
The Board may, at any time, amend or discontinue the Plan and the Administrator may, at any time, amend or cancel any outstanding Award for the purpose of satisfying changes in law or for any other lawful purpose, but no such action shall adversely affect rights under any outstanding Award without the holder’s consent. Except as provided in Section 3(c) or 3(d), without prior shareholder approval, in no event may the Administrator exercise its discretion to (i) reduce the exercise price of outstanding Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or (ii) cancel any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right that has an exercise price greater than the then current Fair Market Value of the Stock in exchange for cash or other Awards under the Plan. To the extent required under the rules of any securities exchange or market system on which the Stock is listed, to the extent determined by the Administrator to be required by the Code to ensure that Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan are qualified under Section 422 of the Code, or to ensure that compensation earned under Awards qualifies as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, Plan amendments shall be subject to approval by the Company shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders. Nothing in this Section 18 shall limit the Administrator’s authority to take any action permitted pursuant to Section 3(d).
SECTION 19. STATUS OF PLAN
With respect to the portion of any Award that has not been exercised and any payments in cash, Stock or other consideration not received by a grantee, a grantee shall have no rights greater than those of a general creditor of the Company unless the Administrator shall otherwise expressly determine in connection with any Award or Awards. In its sole discretion, the Administrator may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the Company’s obligations to deliver Stock or make payments with respect to Awards hereunder, provided that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the foregoing sentence.
SECTION 20. GENERAL PROVISIONS
| (a) | No Distribution. The Administrator may require each person acquiring Stock pursuant to an Award to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the shares without a view to distribution thereof. |
| (b) | Delivery of Stock Certificates. Stock certificates to grantees under this Plan shall be deemed delivered for all purposes when the Company or a stock transfer agent of the Company shall have mailed such certificates in the United States mail, addressed to the grantee, at the grantee’s last known address on file with the Company. Uncertificated Stock shall be deemed delivered for all purposes when the Company or a Stock transfer agent of the Company shall have given to the grantee by electronic mail (with proof of receipt) or by United States mail, addressed to the grantee, at the grantee’s last known address on file with the Company, notice of issuance and recorded the issuance in its records (which may include electronic “book entry” records). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates evidencing shares of Stock pursuant to the exercise of any Award, unless and until the Administrator has determined, with advice of counsel (to the extent the Administrator deems such advice necessary or advisable), that the |
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| issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any exchange on which the shares of Stock are listed, quoted or traded. All Stock certificates delivered pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with federal, state or foreign jurisdiction, securities or other laws, rules and quotation system on which the Stock is listed, quoted or traded. The Administrator may place legends on any Stock certificate to reference restrictions applicable to the Stock. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Administrator may require that an individual make such reasonable covenants, agreements, and representations as the Administrator, in its discretion, deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations or requirements. The Administrator shall have the right to require any individual to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of any Award, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Administrator. |
| (c) | Shareholder Rights. Until Stock is deemed delivered in accordance with Section 20(b), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights of a shareholder will exist with respect to shares of Stock to be issued in connection with an Award, notwithstanding the exercise of a Stock Option or any other action by the grantee with respect to an Award. |
| (d) | Other Compensation Arrangements; No Employment Rights. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, including trusts, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. The adoption of this Plan and the grant of Awards do not confer upon any employee any right to continued employment with the Company or any Subsidiary. |
| (e) | Trading Policy Restrictions. Option exercises and other Awards under the Plan shall be subject to the Company’s insider trading policies and procedures, as in effect from time to time. |
| (f) | Forfeiture of Awards under Sarbanes-Oxley Act. A grantee’s rights with respect to any Award under this Plan shall in all events be subject to (a) all rights that the Company may have under any Company written clawback or recoupment policy or other written agreement or arrangement with the grantee and (b) all rights and obligations that the Company may have regarding the clawback of “incentive-based compensation” under Section 10D of the Exchange Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and any applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in effect on the grant date or thereafter.If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, then any grantee who is one of the individuals subject to automatic forfeiture under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 shall reimburse the Company for the amount of any Award received by such individual under the Plan during the 12-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, as the case may be, of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement. |
SECTION 21. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
This Plan shall become effective upon approval by the holders of a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of Companyshareholders at which a quorum is present. No grants of Stock Options and other Awards may be made hereunder after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date March 18, 2034and no grants of Incentive Stock Options may be made hereunder after the tenth anniversary of the date the Plan is approved by the Board March 18, 2034.
SECTION 22. GOVERNING LAW
This Plan and all Awards and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, applied without regard to conflict of law principles.
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PROGRESS SOFTWARE CORPORATION
15 WAYSIDE ROAD, SUITE 400
BURLINGTON, MA 01803
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| | | For
All | Withhold
All | For All
Except |
| The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: | | | |
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| 1. | Election of Directors | | | |
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| | Nominees | | | |
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| To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. | | | |
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| 01) | Paul T. Dacier | 02) John R. Egan | 03) Rainer Gawlick | 04) Yogesh Gupta | 05) Charles F. Kane |
| 06) | Samskriti Y. King | 07) David A. Krall | 08) Angela T. Tucci | 09) Vivian Vitale | |
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposal 2.proposals 2, 3 and 4. | For | Against | Abstain |
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| 2. | To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Progress Software Corporation’sCorporation's named executive officers. | o | o | o☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
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| 3. | To approve an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2008 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. | | | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
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| 4. | To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2024. | | | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 YEAR on proposal 3. | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years | Abstain |
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3. | To approve the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers. | | o | o | o | o |
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 4 and 5. | For | Against | Abstain |
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4. | To approve an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated. | o | o | o |
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. |
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| | For | Against | Abstain |
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5. | To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2023. | o | o | o |
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| NOTE: The named proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. | | | | | |
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.
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| Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] | Date | | | Signature (Joint Owners) | Date | |
Table of Contents
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The Proxy Statement and Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com
PROGRESS SOFTWARE CORPORATION
2023
2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 11, 2023
9, 2024
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of Progress Software Corporation, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints Yogesh Gupta, Anthony Folger and YuFan Stephanie Wang, or any of them acting singly, as proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock of Progress Software Corporation which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the company to be held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRGS2023PRGS2024 on May 11, 2023,9, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., local time,Eastern Time, and at any adjournments thereof, upon matters set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated March 29, 2023,27, 2024, a copy of which has been received by the undersigned, and in their discretion, upon any other business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY. A STOCKHOLDER WISHING TO VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS NEED ONLY SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Attendance of the undersigned at the meeting or any adjourned session thereof will not be deemed to revoke the proxy unless the undersigned shall affirmatively indicate the intention of the undersigned to vote the shares represented hereby in person.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side
