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
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrantþ¨
Filed by a Party other than the Registranto¨
Check the appropriate box:
¨ | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |||
¨ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule | |||
x | Definitive Proxy Statement | |||
¨ | Definitive Additional Materials | |||
¨ | Soliciting Material |
FERRO 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 the appropriate box): | ||||
¨ | No fee | |||
¨ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and |
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(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: | |||
(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): | |||
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¨ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |||
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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FERRO CORPORATION 6060 PARKLAND BOULEVARD MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO 44124 USA TELEPHONE: (216) 641-8580 FACSIMILE: (216) 875-7266 WEBSITE: www.ferro.com |
I cordially invite you to attend the 20102012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ferro Corporation, which will be held on Friday, April 30, 2010.27, 2012. The meeting will be held at our corporate offices located at 1000 Lakeside Avenue inthe Cleveland Marriott East, 26300 Harvard Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, and will begin at 10:9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). At the 20102012 Annual Meeting, shareholders will (i) vote on the election of three Directors, (ii) vote on the approval of the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, (iii) vote on the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Ferro’sour independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010,2012, (iii) vote in a non-binding advisory capacity to approve our executive compensation, (iv) vote on a proposal to amend Ferro’s Code of Regulations to permit the Board of Directors to amend Ferro’s Code of Regulations to the extent permitted by Ohio law, (v) vote on a shareholder proposal, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting, and (vi)(v) transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The following Proxy Statement contains information about the Directors, a description of our corporate governance practices, information about our relationship with Deloitte & Touche LLP, a description of the proposed 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, a description of the proposed amendment to our Code of Regulations,executive compensation, a description of the shareholder proposal and other relevant information about our Company and the Annual Meeting.
Regardless of the number of shares you own, your participation is important. I urge you to vote as soon as possible by telephone, the Internet or mail, even if you plan to attend the meeting. You may revoke your proxy at any time before the meeting regardless of your voting method. If you choose, you may also vote your shares personally at the meeting. In any case, your vote is important.
I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.
Very truly yours, |
JAMES F. KIRSCH |
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
The Board of Directors of Ferro is soliciting your proxy in connection with Ferro’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Where and when will the meeting be held?
This year’s meeting will be held on April 30, 2010,27, 2012, at the Company’s corporate headquarters located at 1000 Lakeside Avenue in Cleveland Marriott East, 26300 Harvard Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio. The meeting will begin at 10:9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Parking is available at nearby facilities.
What will be voted on at the meeting?
At the meeting, shareholders will vote on the election of three Directors for terms ending in 2013, vote on the approval of the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan,2015, vote on the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2010,2012, vote onin a proposalnon-binding advisory capacity to amendapprove the Company’s Code of Regulations to permit the Board of Directors to amend the Company’s Code of Regulations to the extent permitted by Ohio law,executive compensation, vote on a shareholder proposal, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting, and transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
What if I wish to attend the meeting?
If you wish to attend the meeting, you should so indicate on the enclosed attendance response card and return the card to Ferro. This will assist with meeting preparations and expedite your admission to the meeting.
Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?
The record date for this meeting is March 5, 2010.2012. On that date, we had 86,228,86986,566,037 shares of Common Stock (which have a par value of $1.00 per share) and 203,282 shares of Series A ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock (which have no par value) outstanding. Each of these shares will be entitled to one vote at the meeting. (The Common Stock and Series A ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock will vote together as a single class.)
How do I vote?
If you are a registered shareholder, you may cast your vote in person at the meeting or by any one of the following ways:
By Telephone: You may call the toll-free number (1-888-652-8683)(1-800-652-8683) printed on your proxy card. Follow the simple instructions and use the personalized control number printed on your proxy card to vote your shares. You will be able to confirm that your vote has been properly recorded. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day. Telephone voting is available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 29, 2010.26, 2012. If you vote by telephone, you do not need to return your proxy card.
Over the Internet: You may visit the Web site (www.investorvote.com/FOE) printed on your proxy card. Follow the simple instructions and use the personalized control number printed on your proxy card to vote your shares. You will be able to confirm that your vote has been properly recorded. Internet voting is available 24 hours a day. Internet voting is available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 29, 2010.26, 2012. If you vote over the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card.
By Mail: You may mark, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
If you are a beneficial holder (your shares are held through your bank or broker), you will receive instructions on how to vote your shares with these proxy materials.
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What if I change my mind before the meeting?
If you change your mind, you may revoke your proxy by giving us notice, either in writing before the meeting to: Secretary, Ferro Corporation, 1000 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland,6060 Parkland Boulevard, Mayfield Heights, Ohio44114-1147 44124 USA or at the meeting itself. (If you do revoke your proxy during the meeting, it will not, of course, affect any vote that has already been taken.)
If you properly submit a proxy without giving specific voting instructions, the individuals named as proxies on the proxy card will vote your shares:
o | FORthe election of the three nominees for Director named on page | |
o | ||
FORthe ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for | ||
o | FORthe | |
o | AGAINSTthe shareholder proposal. | |
o | In accordance with the best judgment of the individuals named as proxies on the proxy card on any other matters properly brought before the Annual Meeting. |
Will my shares be voted if I do not provide my proxy?
If you are a registered shareholder and do not submit a proxy, you must attend the meeting in order to vote your shares.
If you hold shares through an account with a bank or broker, your shares may be voted even if you do not provide voting instructions to your bank or broker. Banks and brokers have the authority under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on certain routine matters. The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is considered a routine matter for which banks and brokers may vote without specific instructions from their customers. You must provide voting instructions to your bank or broker for your shares to be voted on all other matters presented at the Annual Meeting.
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This document is the Notice of Meeting and the Proxy Statement of the Board of Directors of Ferro Corporation (the “Board”) in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 30, 2010,27, 2012, at 10:9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time).
PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will consider the election of three Directors for terms ending in 2013. In December 2009, the Board voted to increase the number of Directors and elected Richard C. Brown, Gregory E. Hyland and Ronald P. Vargo to the Board.2015. The Directors are divided into three classes with each class having a minimum of three directors.Directors. The Directors in each class are elected for terms of three years so that the term of office of one class of Directors expires at each Annual Meeting. The following pages contain information about Ferro’s Directors, (includingincluding the nominees for re-election, the Directors whose terms will not expire at this meeting and the DirectorsDirector whose term expires at the Annual Meetingthis meeting and will not stand for re-election).*
Nominees for Election at this Annual Meeting
The current terms of office of Richard C. Brown, Gregory E. HylandJennie S. Hwang, Ph.D. and Ronald P. VargoJames F. Kirsch will expire on the day of this Annual Meeting (as soon as they or their successors are elected). The Board has nominated eachboth of these incumbents for re-election at this Annual Meeting. In addition, the Board has nominated Peter T. Kong for election at this Annual Meeting. Mr. Sharp, whose term expires on the day of this Annual Meeting, will not stand for re-election. Following is information about the three Directors nominated for election or re-election, as applicable, at this Annual Meeting:
JENNIE S. HWANG, Ph.D. | ||||||
Age: | 64 | |||||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 2001 | |||||
Current Term Expires: | This Annual Meeting | |||||
Common Stock Owned: | 36,925 shares | |||||
Common Stock Under Option: | ||||||
Committee Assignments: | Audit Committee Governance & Nomination Committee | |||||
Biographical Information:
Dr. Hwang has over 30 years of experience in materials, electronics, chemicals and coatings through her management and/or ownership of businesses. She has served as the President of H-Technologies Group since 1994, encompassing international business, worldwide manufacturing services, intellectual property management and joint ventures. Dr. Hwang is an invited guest columnist for Global Solar Technology magazine. Dr. Hwang was elected to the Board in December 2009.
Dr. Hwang holds a global leaderPh.D. in high-performance industrial fibersengineering and related materials. Mr. BrownM.S. degrees in liquid crystals and in chemistry. She has worked in chemical and chemical-related businesses for the majority of his career and has strong international experience. Prior to joining Performance Fibers, Mr. Brown was Vice President andserved as National President of the Performance Chemicals BusinessSurface Mount Technology Association and in other global leadership positions and is an international speaker and author of W.R. Grace & Co. from 2005 until 2007. Priormore than 300 publications and several textbooks on leading technologies and global market thrusts. Dr. Hwang has been elected to his position with W.R. Grace & Co., Mr. Brown spent 19 years at General Electric Company, where hethe National Academy of Engineering and International Hall of Fame (Women in Technology).
Dr. Hwang is a board member of Singapore Asahi Chemical Industries, Pte. Ltd. (a Singapore chemical company) and Case Western Reserve University and formerly served ason the President & Global Business Unit Leaderboard of GE Advanced Materials and Silicones from 2003 until 2005 and President and General Manager of General Electric Sealants and Adhesives from 1999 until 2003.
* | For each of the Directors, the number of shares reported as “Common Stock Owned” is as of March 5, 2012, the record date for the Annual Meeting, and includes shares that the Director owns beneficially, deferred shares and deferred stock units that are converted to Common Stock after a one-year vesting period. The number of shares reported as “Common Stock Under Option” is as of March 5, |
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JAMES F. KIRSCH | ||||
Age: | 54 | |||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 2005 | |||
Current Term Expires: | This Annual Meeting | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 534,993 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 763,511 shares | |||
Biographical Information:
Mr. Kirsch was elected Chairman of Ferro’s Board of Directors in December 2006. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer and a Director in November 2005. Mr. Kirsch joined Ferro in October 2004 as its President and Chief Operating Officer.
Prior to joining Ferro, Mr. Kirsch served as President of Premix Inc. and Quantum Composites, Inc., manufacturers of thermoset molding compounds, parts and sub-assemblies for the automotive, aerospace, electrical and HVAC industries. Prior to that, from 2002 through 2004, he served as President of Quantum Composites, Inc. From 2000 through 2002, he served as President and director of Ballard Generation Systems and Vice President for Ballard Power Systems in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Mr. Kirsch started his career with The Dow Chemical Company, where he spent 19 years and held various positions of increasing responsibility, including global business director of Propylene Oxide and Derivatives and Global Vice President of Electrochemicals.
Mr. Kirsch also serves as a director of Cliff Natural Resources Inc. (an international mining and natural resources company).
PETER T. KONG | ||||
Age: | 61 | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 0 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 0 shares | |||
Biographical Information:
Mr. Kong is President of the Global Components business segment for Arrow Electronics, Inc., a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. Prior to being named to his current position in May 2009, Mr. Kong served as President of Arrow’s Asia-Pacific components business, overseeing strategy and operations in 11 countries and territories in that region.
From 1998 to 2006, Mr. Kong served as President of Asia-Pacific Operations for Lear Corp., a global automotive supplier, where he developed and implemented the company’s Asia-Pacific growth strategy. From 1993 to 1998, he was President of MAPS International, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in business development, strategy planning and operations management. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with automotive systems supplier Magna International, Inc., as well as Domtar, Inc., and Esso Chemicals.
Mr. Kong holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Toronto, a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Washington State University.
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Dr. Hwang and Mr. Kirsch have each agreed to stand for re-election and Mr. Kong has agreed to stand for election. While we have no reason to believe that any of these nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve at the time of the Annual Meeting, in the unlikely event any of them does not stand for election or re-election, as applicable, the shares represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting may be voted for the election of a substitute nominee named by the Board.
Vote Required
The three nominees who receive the greatest number of votes cast by the shares present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote will be elected Directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be considered as shares voted for or against the election of the nominees. If you return a proxy without giving specific voting instructions, then your shares will be voted for the election of Dr. Hwang and Messrs. Kirsch and Kong. If you own your shares through a bank or broker and do not provide specific voting instructions to the bank or broker or do not obtain a proxy to vote those shares, then your shares will not be voted in the election of Directors.
If the election of Directors is by cumulative voting (see page 53 below), the persons appointed by your proxy intend to cumulate the votes represented by the proxies they receive and distribute such votes in accordance with their best judgment to elect as many of the Board nominees as possible.
Board Recommendation
The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of Dr. Hwang and Messrs. Kirsch and Kong. Unless you instruct otherwise on your proxy card or by telephone or Internet voting instructions, your proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendation.
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Directors Continuing in Office
The following are the Directors who will continue in office after the Annual Meeting:
SANDRA AUSTIN | ||||
Age: | 64 | |||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 1994 | |||
Current Term Expires: | 2014 | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 57,309 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 28,000 shares | |||
Committee Assignments: | Audit Committee Governance & Nomination Committee | |||
Biographical Information:
Ms. Austin is a Managing Director with Alvarez and Marsal, a professional services firm. Ms. Austin joined the firm in January 2006. Prior to that, Ms. Austin was President and Chief Executive Officer of PhyServ, LLC, a health care billing, collections, receivables and information company.
Ms. Austin was appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Medical/Surgical and Psychiatry Management Centers of University Hospitals of Cleveland in 1988. From 1990 to 1994, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The University of Chicago Hospitals. In 1994, she was appointed President of Caremark Clinical Management Services, a division of Caremark Rx, Inc. In 1995, Ms. Austin was named President of Caremark Physician Services, a division of Caremark, Inc., which provides physician practice management services. Between 1997 and 1999, Ms. Austin was President and Chief Executive Officer of Sedona Health Care Group, Inc. In 1999, she became President and Chief Executive Officer of PhyServ LLC and retired from that position in 2001, when the company was acquired.
Ms. Austin formerly served as a director of Gambro AB (a medical technology and healthcare company) and NCCI Holdings, Inc. (a workers’ compensation database management firm).
RICHARD C. BROWN | ||||
Age: | 52 | |||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 2009 | |||
Current Term Expires: | 2013 | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 24,200 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 0 shares | |||
Committee Assignments: | Compensation Committee | |||
Biographical Information:
Mr. Brown currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Performance Fibers, a global leader in high-performance industrial fibers and related materials. Mr. Brown has worked in chemical and chemical-related businesses for the majority of his career and has strong international experience. Prior to joining Performance Fibers, Mr. Brown was Vice President and President of the Performance Chemicals Business of W.R. Grace & Co. from 2005 until 2007. Prior to his position with W.R. Grace & Co., Mr. Brown spent 19 years at General Electric Company, where he served as the President & Global Business Unit Leader of GE Advanced Materials and Silicones from 2003 until 2005 and President and General Manager of General Electric Sealants and Adhesives from 1999 until 2003.
Mr. Brown also serves as a director of Kraton Polymers LLC, a leading producer of engineered polymers and styrenic block copolymers.
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RICHARD J. HIPPLE | ||||
Age: | 59 | |||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 2007 | |||
Current Term Expires: | 2014 | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 34,800 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 0 shares | |||
Committee Assignments: | Compensation Committee (Chair) | |||
Biographical Information:
Mr. Hipple is the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Materion Corporation (formerly known as Brush Engineered Materials Inc.), a manufacturer of high-performance engineered materials. Mr. Hipple has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Materion since May 2006 and President of Materion since May 2005. Mr. Hipple was Vice President of Strip Products of Materion from July 2001 until May 2002, when he became President of Alloy Products of Materion.
Prior to joining Materion, Mr. Hipple was President of LTV Steel Company, a business unit of the LTV Corporation.
GREGORY E. HYLAND | ||||
Age: | 61 | |||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 2009 | |||
Current Term Expires: | 2013 | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 24,200 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 0 shares | |||
Committee Assignments: | Compensation Committee Governance & Nomination | |||
Biographical Information:
Mr. Hyland has comprehensive operations, sales and international experience in multiple industries. Mr. Hyland currently serves as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mueller Water Products, Inc. Prior to joining Mueller Water Products, Inc., Mr. Hyland served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Walter Industries, Inc. from September 2005 until December 2006. Prior to that time, Mr. Hyland served as President, U.S. Fleet Management Solutions of Ryder System, Inc. from June 2005 to September 2005. He served as Executive Vice President, U.S. Fleet Management Solutions of Ryder from October 2004 to June 2005.
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WILLIAM B. LAWRENCE | ||||
Age: | 67 | |||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 1999 | |||
Current Term Expires: | 2014 | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 47,170 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 28,000 shares | |||
Committee Assignments: | Compensation Committee Governance & Nomination Committee (Chair) | |||
Biographical Information:
Before the sale of TRW Inc. to Northrop Grumman in December 2002 and his retirement from TRW in February 2003, Mr. Lawrence served as TRW’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary. TRW was a provider of advanced technology products and services for the global automotive, aerospace and information systems markets.
Mr. Lawrence first joined TRW in 1976 as counsel specializing in securities and finance. He held positions of increasing responsibility within the TRW law department until his appointment as TRW’s Executive Vice President of Planning, Development and Government Affairs in 1989 and a member of TRW’s Management Committee. In 1997, Mr. Lawrence was named to the additional position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary.
Mr. Lawrence also serves as a director of Materion Corporation (formerly known as Brush Engineered Materials Inc.), a manufacturer of high-performance engineered materials.
TIMOTHY K. PISTELL | ||||
Age: | 64 | |||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 2010 | |||
Current Term Expires: | 2014 | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 22,200 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 0 shares | |||
Committee Assignments: | Audit Committee | |||
Biographical Information:
Mr. Pistell served as the Executive Vice President–Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Parker Hannifin Corporation, a leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems until his retirement on March 31, 2011. Mr. Pistell was appointed the Executive Vice President–Finance & Administration in April 2005 and has been Chief Financial Officer since April 2003. Prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer of Parker Hannifin, Mr. Pistell served as the company’s Vice President–Treasurer from July 1993 to April 2003.
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RONALD P. VARGO | ||||
Age: | 58 | |||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 2009 | |||
Current Term Expires: | 2013 | |||
Common Stock Owned: | 29,200 shares | |||
Common Stock Under Option: | 0 shares | |||
Committee Assignments: | Audit Committee (Chair) Compensation Committee | |||
Biographical Information:
Mr. Vargo has extensive global experience in treasury, investor relations, business strategy, acquisitions and divestitures, finance, and operations in global corporations. Mr. Vargo served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ICF International from April 2010 until May 2011. Prior to joining ICF International, Mr. Vargo served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Electronic Data Systems (“EDS”) and served as a member of the EDS Executive Committee. Mr. Vargo joined EDS in 2004 as Vice President and Treasurer and was promoted to Co-Chief Financial Officer in March 2006. Before joining EDS, Mr. Vargo served as Corporate Treasurer and Vice President of Investor Relations at TRW Inc., now part of Northrop Grumman, until 2003.
Mr. Vargo also serves as a director of EPAM Systems, Inc. (a global IT services provider).
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Retiring Director
Mr. Sharp’s term of office expires on the day of the Annual Meeting and he will not stand for re-election. The Corporate Governance Principles provide that, unless the Board specifically requests otherwise, a Director is expected to retire from the Board at the annual meeting following his or her 70th birthday. Mr. Sharp turned 70 prior to this Annual Meeting.
WILLIAM J. SHARP | |||||
Age: | 70 | ||||
First Became a Ferro Director: | 1998 | ||||
Current Term Expires: | This Annual Meeting | ||||
Common Stock Owned: | 46,425 shares | ||||
Common Stock Under Option: | 28,000 shares | ||||
Committee Assignments: | |||||
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Governance & Nomination Committee |
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Fees | Deferred Stock Units(2) | |||||||||||||||||
Number of | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares of | ||||||||||||||||||
Paid In | Common | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Cash | Deferred(1) | Total Fees | Stock | Value(3) | Compensation | ||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | Shares | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Richard C. Brown(4) | 16,250 | 0 | 16,250 | 0 | 0 | 16,250 | ||||||||||||
Michael H. Bulkin | 0 | 75,000 | 75,000 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 80,206 | ||||||||||||
Sandra Austin Crayton | 65,000 | 0 | 65,000 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 70,206 | ||||||||||||
Richard J. Hipple | 78,500 | 0 | 78,500 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 83,706 | ||||||||||||
Gregory E. Hyland(4) | 16,250 | 0 | 16,250 | 0 | 0 | 16,250 | ||||||||||||
Jennie S. Hwang | 68,000 | 0 | 68,000 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 73,206 | ||||||||||||
James F. Kirsch(5) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||
William B. Lawrence | 87,000 | 0 | 87,000 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 92,206 | ||||||||||||
Michael F. Mee(6) | 0 | 85,500 | 85,500 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 90,706 | ||||||||||||
Perry W. Premdas | 0 | 78,500 | 78,500 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 83,706 | ||||||||||||
William J. Sharp | 109,000 | 0 | 109,000 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 114,206 | ||||||||||||
Dennis W. Sullivan | 0 | 68,000 | 68,000 | 3,800 | 5,206 | 73,206 | ||||||||||||
Ronald P. Vargo(4) | 16,250 | 0 | 16,250 | 0 | 0 | 16,250 | ||||||||||||
Biographical Information:
Mr. Sharp serves as a consultant to various private equity groups.
In 2001, Mr. Sharp retired as President of North American Tire for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a tire, engineered rubber products and chemicals manufacturer.
Mr. Sharp began his career with Goodyear in 1964. Following various assignments in the United States and abroad, he was named Director of European Tire Production in 1984. He was appointed Vice President of Tire Manufacturing in 1987 and later Executive Vice President of Product Supply in 1991. In 1992, he became President and General Manager of Goodyear’s European Regional Operations. He was elected President of Goodyear Global Support Operations in 1996 and served as President of North American Tire of Goodyear from 1998 until his retirement in 2001.
Mr. Sharp is also a director of Xingda International Holdings Limited (a Chinese tire component supplier), Exceed Company Ltd. (a designer and distributor of footwear, apparel and accessories), China Zenix Auto International Limited (a designer, developer, manufacturer and seller of commercial vehicle wheels), Theotino, Inc. (a specialty IT outsourcing company dedicated to servicing small and medium enterprises worldwide) and Acquity Group (an ecommerce and digital marketing company).
Board Meetings and Attendance
During 2011, the Board met 7 times and each Director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and the committees on which he or she served. In accordance with Ferro’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Directors are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All of the Directors who were in office at the time attended the 2011 Annual Meeting held on April 29, 2011.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate Governance
The Board of Directors and management believe that good corporate governance enhances investor confidence in Ferro and increases shareholder value. The continued development and implementation of best practices in Ferro’s corporate governance structure is fundamental to Ferro’s strategy to enhance performance by creating an environment that increases operational efficiency and ensures long-term productivity and growth. Sound corporate governance practices also advance shareholder interests by promoting fairness, transparency and accountability in the business activities of employees, management and the Board. Representative steps Ferro has taken to fulfill this commitment include, among others:
o | The | |
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o | All members of the (“NYSE”); |
o | The
|
o | All Directors, officers and employees are
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o | The charters for the committees of the Board clearly establish each committee’s respective roles and responsibilities; |
o | Ferro has a hotline available to all |
o | Ferro’s internal audit function maintains critical oversight over key areas of Ferro’s business and financial processes and controls, and reports directly to the |
o | Ferro’s independent registered public accountants report directly to the |
o | Ferro |
Corporate Governance Principles
The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Principles. These Corporate Governance Principles, which may be found on Ferro’s Web site (www.ferro.com), are intended to assure that Ferro’s Director qualifications, committee structure and overall Board processes provide good corporate governance and independent oversight of the Company’s management.
Director Independence
The Board has also adopted formal Guidelines for Determining Director Independence, which are available on Ferro’s Web site (www.ferro.com). The purpose of these Guidelines is to assist the Board in its evaluation of and determination as to the independence of members of the Board. The Guidelines
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meet or exceed in all respects the standards set forth in section 303A of the NYSE listing standards, and the Board has determined that all Directors and Director nominees, other than Mr. Kirsch, qualify as “independent” under such standards.
Board Committees
The Board of Directors has three committees, which are the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Governance & Nomination Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists the Board with oversight of the integrity of Ferro’s financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to Ferro’s financial reports, Ferro’s independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence, and performance, the performance of the internal audit and risk management functions, compliance with legal and ethical policies and accounting practices and systems of internal controls. The Audit Committee is not, however, responsible for conducting audits, preparing financial statements or the accuracy of any financial statements or filings, all of which remain the responsibility of management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee’s charter may be found on Ferro’s Web site (www.ferro.com).
Ms. Austin, Dr. Hwang and Messrs. Pistell and Vargo served on the Audit Committee throughout 2011, with Mr. Vargo serving as the Chair. Each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” as required under section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as under the standards contained in section 303A of the NYSE’s listing standards and the Company’s Guidelines for Determining Director Independence. The Board has designated Mr. Vargo as the Audit Committee’s named financial expert, as defined in section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) rules under that statute. (Mr. Vargo’s biography is on page 9 above.) Each member of the Audit Committee has the requisite financial literacy required under section 303A of the NYSE listing standards to serve on the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee met 7 times in 2011. The Audit Committee’s report is on page 47 below.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is responsible for recommending policies for compensation of Directors and setting the compensation of the Senior Management Committee, which is comprised of the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee also oversees management’s administration of the other significant employee compensation and benefit plans. The Compensation Committee’s charter may be found on Ferro’s Web site (www.ferro.com).
Messrs. Brown, Hipple, Hyland, Lawrence and Vargo served on the Compensation Committee throughout 2011, with Mr. Hipple serving as the Chair. All members of this Committee meet the “independence” standards contained in section 303A of the NYSE’s listing standards and the Company’s Guidelines for Determining Director Independence.
The Compensation Committee met 4 times in 2011. The Compensation Committee’s report is on page 29 below.
The Compensation Committee retained Pay Governance LLC (“Pay Governance”) to serve as its compensation consultant until July 2011. In July 2011, the Compensation Committee retained Exequity LLP (“Exequity” and together with Pay Governance, the “Compensation Consultants”) to
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serve as its compensation consultant. The Compensation Consultants assisted with the design of pay plans and with reviewing the effectiveness and competitiveness of the Company’s compensation programs. The Compensation Consultants each provided the Compensation Committee and management with market data on the compensation programs of peer companies. To ensure that the Compensation Consultants’ consulting services remain independent and objective, the Compensation Committee and the Compensation Consultants took the following steps: (i) each Compensation Consultant reported directly to the Compensation Committee Chair; (ii) at least annually, the Compensation Committee conducts a review of the Compensation Consultant’s performance; and (iii) neither of the Compensation Consultants’ fees were linked to the size of the Company’s executive compensation programs.
The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Vice President, Human Resources make recommendations regarding compensation of the Senior Management Committee (other than for the CEO) based on competitive market data, internal pay equity, responsibilities and performance. The Compensation Committee makes all final determinations regarding executive compensation, including salary, bonus targets, equity awards and related performance goals. From time to time, the Compensation Committee delegates to the CEO and Vice President, Human Resources authority to carry out certain administrative duties regarding the compensation programs, including grants of equity awards to non-executive employees and new hires. For more information on how executive compensation decisions are made, see the “Executive Compensation Discussion & Analysis” section beginning on page 19 below.
Governance & Nomination Committee
The Governance & Nomination Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board corporate governance principles, overseeing adherence to the corporate governance principles adopted by the Board, recommending to the Board criteria and qualifications for new Board members, recommending to the Board nominees for election as Directors and recommending to the Board the composition and chairs of each committee. The Governance & Nomination Committee’s charter may be found on Ferro’s website (www.ferro.com).
Ms. Austin, Dr. Hwang and Messrs. Hyland, Lawrence and Sharp served on the Governance & Nomination Committee throughout 2011, with Mr. Lawrence serving as the Chair. All members of this Committee meet the “independence” standards contained in section 303A of the NYSE’s listing standards and the Company’s Guidelines for Determining Director Independence.
The Governance & Nomination Committee met 4 times in 2011.
In its role as the nominating body for the Board, the Governance & Nomination Committee reviews the credentials of potential Director candidates (including potential candidates recommended by shareholders), conducts interviews and makes formal recommendations to the Board for the annual and any interim election of Directors. In making its recommendations, pursuant to the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, the Governance & Nomination Committee considers a variety of factors, including skills, independence, background, experience, diversity and compatibility with existing Board members. The Governance & Nomination Committee may also consider such other factors as it deems appropriate in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Governance & Nomination Committee does not have a policy exclusively focused on the consideration of diversity; however, diversity is one of the factors that the Governance & Nomination Committee considers when identifying potential Director candidates and making recommendations to the Board.
The Governance & Nomination Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. If any Board member is of retirement age or does not wish to continue in service or if the Governance & Nomination Committee or the Board decides not
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to nominate a member for re-election, then the Committee identifies the desired skills and experience in light of the criteria outlined above. The Governance & Nomination Committee then considers potential Director candidates that may be recommended by the Board, senior management, shareholders and consultants. During February 2012, the Governance & Nomination Committee also retained a third party search firm to assist in the identification of Director candidates. The third party search firm identified Mr. Kong as a Director candidate.
The Governance & Nomination Committee considered each Director’s leadership experience, specific industry or manufacturing experience and familiarity with global operations. The Directors hold or have held executive officer positions in organizations that have provided them experience in operations, management, risk management and leadership development. The Board and the Governance & Nomination Committee believe that these skills and qualifications combined with each Director’s diverse background and ability to work in a positive and collegial fashion benefit Ferro and Ferro’s shareholders by creating a strong and effective Board. Set forth below are qualifications with respect to each member of the Board:
Mr. Kirsch brings to the Board an extensive understanding of Ferro’s business and has experience working as a senior officer for major organizations with international operations. As the Chief Executive Officer since 2005 and the Chairman of the Board since 2006, Mr. Kirsch has played an integral role in shaping Ferro’s strategic direction.
Mr. Brown’s distinguished career in chemical and chemical-related businesses and strong international experience adds to the Board relevant knowledge for Ferro’s future success. In addition, Mr. Brown has demonstrated leadership experience and currently serves as the chief executive officer of an industrial fibers company and a member of the board of another publicly traded company.
Ms. Austin has experience serving in several senior management positions in both the public and private sector and is currently a managing director of Alvarez and Marsal, a professional services firm. In addition, Ms. Austin has served as a director of the Company since 1994 and has extensive knowledge of the Company’s industry and its strategic challenges.
Mr. Hipple has leadership and management experience with a business that produces and supplies high performance engineered materials globally. Mr. Hipple currently serves as chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of a publicly-traded company and provides the board with insight and experience leading a public company comparable in size and with international sales.
Dr. Hwang has over three decades of international business experience in materials, electronics, manufacturing, technology, chemicals and coatings through her management and/or ownership of businesses. She has served in a number of senior management positions, including president and chief executive officer. Her knowledge of the materials industries and experience in manufacturing infrastructure offers a broad perspective on the industries in which Ferro participates. In addition, she has served on international advisory boards and the boards of both public and private companies and non-profit organizations.
Mr. Hyland has comprehensive operations, sales and international experience in multiple industries, which will benefit the Company’s diverse business units. In addition, Mr. Hyland currently serves as the chairman, chief executive officer and president of another publicly traded company.
Mr. Kong brings to the Board extensive international business and operations experience, including a deep understanding of the Asian and international business environment. He has comprehensive experience in business development, distribution, and operations management, including with businesses in the chemicals, automotive and electronic industries. Mr. Kong has served in a number of senior management positions in global companies and currently oversees a publicly-traded company’s components business.
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Mr. Lawrence has experience with legal compliance, risk assessment, government relations and business development in global automotive, aerospace and information systems markets. Mr. Lawrence served as secretary and general counsel of a Fortune 500 company and has extensive experience dealing with corporate governance issues. In addition, Mr. Lawrence also serves as a member of the board of another publicly traded company.
Mr. Pistell has extensive experience in corporate finance, treasury, international business and diversified manufacturing. In addition, Mr. Pistell has served in a number of senior management positions in accounting and finance including as the chief financial officer of a publicly traded company.
Mr. Sharp has extensive experience in international operations. He served in several senior management positions in the United States and abroad, which provides the Board with global perspective. In addition, Mr. Sharp serves as a member of the boards of directors of both public and private international companies.
Mr. Vargo has extensive experience in treasury, investor relations, business strategy, acquisitions and divestitures, finance and operations in global corporations. In addition, Mr. Vargo has served in several senior management positions at other publicly traded companies and as the chief financial officer of two publicly traded companies.
The Governance & Nomination Committee will consider candidates for Director who are recommended by shareholders in accordance with the advance notice provisions in the Company’s Code of Regulations. Shareholder recommendations must be submitted in writing to: Secretary, Ferro Corporation, 6060 Parkland Boulevard, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124 USA not less than 90 nor more than 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting of shareholders. The recommendation notice should include the information required by the Company’s Code of Regulations, including, but not limited to, (a) certain biographical and share ownership information concerning the nominee and the shareholder proponent, (b) a description of any arrangements between the shareholder proponent (and certain affiliates) and any other person or entity with respect to the nomination, including the nominee, and (c) a written consent of the nominee to serve as a director of the Company, if elected, and a representation regarding the nominee’s voting commitments or actions as a director, as well as that the nominee will comply with the Company’s corporate governance and other policies, principles and guidelines. Ferro may also require a candidate to furnish additional information regarding his or her eligibility and qualifications.
Board Leadership Structure
Ferro’s board leadership structure is comprised of a combined CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors and a Lead Director. Currently, Mr. Kirsch serves as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ferro believes that a combined CEO and Chairman of the Board role is appropriate because it provides an efficient and effective leadership structure for Ferro and ensures that the Board of Directors’ agenda and Ferro’s strategic objectives and challenges are aligned, that the Board of Directors is presented with information required for it to fulfill its responsibilities and that Board of Directors’ meetings are as productive and effective as possible.
Ferro’s non-management Directors, all of whom are independent, meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions several times each year. These meetings are chaired by a Lead Director selected from among the committee Chairs. Mr. Hipple, the Chair of the Compensation Committee, currently serves as the Lead Director. Neither the CEO nor any other member of management attends these meetings except in limited circumstances if requested by the Directors. Following each executive session, the Lead Director or the other non-management Directors shares with the CEO such observations, comments or concerns as the Lead Director and the other non-management Directors deem appropriate.
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The independent Directors have access to Ferro management as they deem necessary or appropriate. In addition, the Chairs of the Audit Committee, Governance & Nomination Committee and Compensation Committee meet periodically with members of senior management.
Board’s Role in Risk Management Oversight
The Board oversees the Audit Committee, which has the primary role in risk management oversight. The Board receives periodic reports from the Audit Committee with respect to its discussions with management regarding Ferro’s guidelines and policies governing the assessment and management of risks, any major risk exposures and steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures and Ferro’s use of certain financial instruments. Management uses an enterprise risk management process to identify, assess, manage and mitigate risks to the Company. Each of the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), the Director of Internal Audit and the General Counsel of the Company periodically report to the Audit Committee with respect to risk management. In addition, each of the CFO and the Treasurer periodically report to the Audit Committee with respect to financial risk management and Ferro’s use of certain financial instruments. With respect to risk related to compensation matters, the Compensation Committee considers, in establishing and reviewing Ferro’s executive compensation program, whether the program encourages unnecessary or excessive risk-taking. The Compensation Committee periodically reports to the Board. Ferro’s Board leadership structure facilitates the effectiveness of the risk oversight process by having an experienced Chairman and CEO who has extensive knowledge of and experience with the risks that Ferro encounters.
Other Corporate Governance Measures
Finally, Ferro has adopted a series of policies dealing with business conduct and ethics. These policies apply to all Ferro Directors, officers and employees. A summary of these policies may be found on Ferro’s Web site (www.ferro.com), and the full text of the policies is available in print, free of charge, by writing to: Secretary, Ferro Corporation, 6060 Parkland Boulevard, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124 USA. The Audit Committee is responsible for the review and oversight of the Company’s ethical policies. The Audit Committee must approve any exception, amendment or waiver to these policies. In addition, a description of any exception, amendment or waiver to these policies with respect to the CEO, the CFO and the Company’s principal accounting officer, controller or persons performing similar functions will be posted on the Company’s Web site within four business days following the date of the exception, amendment or waiver. Ferro also maintains a hotline that allows employees throughout the world to report confidentially any detected violations of these legal and ethical conduct policies consistent with local legal requirements and subject to local legal limitations. In addition, the Governance & Nomination Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving any related party transaction. Any shareholder or other interested party who wishes to communicate directly and confidentially with the Lead Director or the non-management Directors as a group may contact the non-management Directors at the following Web site: www.ferrodirectors.com. The non-management Directors will handle such communications confidentially.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Stock Ownership by Directors and Executive Officers
Ferro encourages share ownership by its Directors and executive officers and has ownership guidelines as described in Executive Compensation Discussion & Analysis. The information below shows beneficial ownership of Ferro Common Stock by (i) each Director, (ii) each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 31 above, and (iii) all Directors and current executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise noted, each person has sole voting and investment power as to his or her shares of Common Stock. The information set forth below is as of March 5, 2012.
Shares of Common Stock | Shares of Common Stock Underlying Options Exercisable Within 60 Days of Record Date | Total Shares of Common Stock | Percentage of Outstanding Common Stock | |||||||||||||
Sandra Austin(1) | 45,309 | 28,000 | 73,309 | * | ||||||||||||
Richard C. Brown(1) | 12,200 | 0 | 12,200 | * | ||||||||||||
Richard J. Hipple(1) | 22,800 | 0 | 22,800 | * | ||||||||||||
Jennie S. Hwang(1) | 24,925 | 28,000 | 52,925 | * | ||||||||||||
Gregory E. Hyland(1) | 12,200 | 0 | 12,200 | * | ||||||||||||
James F. Kirsch(2) | 224,845 | 763,511 | 988,356 | 1.14 | % | |||||||||||
William B. Lawrence(1) | 35,170 | 28,000 | 63,170 | * | ||||||||||||
Timothy K. Pistell(1) | 10,200 | 0 | 10,200 | * | ||||||||||||
William J. Sharp(1) | 34,425 | 28,000 | 62,425 | * | ||||||||||||
Ronald P. Vargo(1) | 17,200 | 0 | 17,200 | * | ||||||||||||
Officers Named in Summary Compensation Table | ||||||||||||||||
Thomas R. Miklich(2) | 57,500 | 31,134 | 88,634 | * | ||||||||||||
Michael J. Murry(2) | 41,695 | 158,940 | 200,635 | * | ||||||||||||
Peter T. Thomas(2) | 40,370 | 126,200 | 166,570 | * | ||||||||||||
Mark H. Duesenberg(2) | 28,065 | 73,266 | 101,331 | * | ||||||||||||
16 Directors and Executive Officers as a Group(3) | 644,476 | 1,398,168 | 2,042,644 | 2.36 | % |
* | Less than 1 percent. |
(1) | Shares of Common Stock reported above does not include 12,000 deferred stock units awarded to each non-employee Director in February 2012, because no voting rights are conferred with the deferred stock units. The deferred stock units will be converted to Common Stock after a one-year vesting period, unless deferred into the Ferro Director Deferred Compensation Plan, and are subject to forfeiture if the recipient is no longer serving as a
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(2) | Shares of Common Stock reported above include 108,500, 27,500, 24,000, 24,000 and |
(3) | Shares reported above include 218,000 restricted shares of common stock, but do not include 168,426 restricted share units awarded to the
- 17 - Stock Ownership by Other Major Shareholders The following table sets forth information about each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Ferro’s outstanding Common Stock or shares convertible into Common Stock.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our officers and Directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, Directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish Ferro with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To Ferro’s knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to Ferro, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, or with respect to such fiscal year, all Section 16(a) filing requirements were met. - 18 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS Set forth below is a description of the process by which the Company, through its Compensation Committee, set the compensation of its Chief Executive Officer and other members of the Senior Management Committee for 2011. (The Senior Management Committee is comprised of the Company’s executive officers. See page 18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.) Executive Summary – 2011 Company Performance During 2011, the Company’s net sales increased by 2.6% and reported net income improved, primarily as a result of reduced restructuring and impairment charges and lower losses on extinguishment of debt. Sales increased in all reporting segments except Electronic Materials. The lower Electronic Materials sales reflected a significant reduction in demand for conductive metal pastes from customers in the solar power market. Reduced sales of conductive pastes led to reduced gross profit margin and reduced operating profit margins on an adjusted basis, excluding special charges. Operating profit margin declined to 7.2% of sales excluding precious metals, compared with 11.1% in 2010 and 4.2% in 2009. The operating profit margins for all periods have been adjusted to exclude special charges. The Compensation Committee considers the results of the advisory “say-on-pay” vote in connection with its determination of compensation policies and decisions. Last year, approximately 95% of shareholders voting on our say-on-pay proposal voted “for” our executive compensation for 2010. The Committee did not believe that this result suggested consideration of any significant changes to our compensation practices. The Committee did, however, decide to modify the long-term incentive grant portfolio awarded to executive officers in 2012 to a more performance-based mix of 50% performance shares, 30% stock options and 20% restricted share units. Pay Implications of 2011 Performance The Company’s compensation plans have been designed with strong linkage between the Company’s financial performance and the payouts made to executive officers. The Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) is structured to deliver incentive payouts at the 50th percentile of the competitive market for achievement of target performance levels. The financial AIP goals are established based on the budget in the annual operating plan approved by the Board of Directors and, for 2011, determined 80% of an executive’s bonus. For 2011, the financial goals for all executive officers were adjusted EBIT, adjusted gross margin percentage and cash conversion cycle, all measured at the Company level. Primarily as a result of the decline in revenues from Electronic Materials and the resulting decline in operating profit margin, the Company’s financial performance in 2011 fell below the established threshold achievement level for the three financial goals under the AIP. Accordingly, no incentive payments were earned by executive officers or other plan participants based on the AIP financial goals for 2011. Annual cash compensation paid to executive officers was below market median, consistent with the plan design of delivering pay that is below median for performance that does not achieve targeted results. Long-term incentive grants made to executive officers in 2011 were comprised of approximately 68% to 73% stock options, and approximately 27% to 32% restricted shares, targeted at the median of the competitive market. Consistent with the historical methodology, the average annual stock price for 2010 ($10.50) was used as a basis for determining the number of shares awarded. On the grant date of February 24, 2011, the stock price was $15.16 resulting in a higher reported award value in the Summary Compensation Table. The stock price declined significantly during 2011 to a year-end close price of $4.89. As a result, the realizable value of long-term compensation at year-end was significantly below the levels reported in the Summary Compensation Table. - 19 - In December of 2011, the Compensation Committee reviewed the long-term incentive grant mix for executive officers and the stock price methodology for determining the number of shares granted to again position the opportunity at market median. The Committee decided to adjust the long-term incentive grant portfolio to a more performance-based mix of 50% performance shares, 30% stock options and 20% restricted share units. Further reinforcing the relationship between pay and performance, the metric chosen for the performance share grants for the 2012-2014 period is the change in Ferro’s stock price (its total shareholder return) relative to the change in stock price for a selected group of peer companies. The Committee also decided that, for the February 23, 2012 grants (and future February annual award grants), the average stock price during the month of January would be used to determine the number of shares granted, more closely aligning the award values with the share price on the date of grant and the numbers reported in the Summary Compensation Table. The Company’s pay for performance philosophy is also reinforced by the following:
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o | Non-qualified plans do not provide for any premium or guaranteed investment returns. |
o | Executive officers are subject to |
o | Restricted shares granted to executive officers in 2011 vest three years from the date of grant and are then subject to an additional holding period of two years. |
o | No executive officer is covered by an employment contract. A severance policy adopted in 2010 provides for payments consistent with market practices of peer companies. |
o | Effective in 2010, change-in-control agreements covering new executives were modified single trigger provisions. |
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The primary objectives of the Company’s executive compensation program are:
o | To provide a total compensation opportunity designed to attract, retain and align the efforts of an experienced and high-performing senior management team toward the achievement of the
Compensation Committee Oversight The Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) is responsible for establishing, implementing and monitoring adherence to the Company’s compensation philosophy for the CEO and - 20 - the other members of the Senior Management Committee. The Committee sets the compensation of the Company’s executive officers, recommends to the Board compensation for the Directors and committee Chairs and oversees management’s administration of the other significant employee compensation and benefit plans. In carrying out its oversight responsibilities, the Committee is supported by external executive compensation consultants and management. The Committee has the sole authority to retain (and terminate) any consultants used to evaluate the Company’s executive management compensation. The nature of this support is summarized below: Role of External Compensation Consultants. During 2011, the Committee initially retained Pay Governance LLC (“Pay Governance”). In late July, the Committee transitioned to Exequity LLP (“Exequity” and together with Pay Governance, the “Compensation Consultants”) as the Committee’s executive compensation consulting firm. Neither Pay Governance nor Exequity provided any other services to the Company during 2011. The Compensation Consultants report directly to the Committee and provided expertise to management and the Committee on the design of appropriate pay plans, analysis of the effectiveness of existing plans and the market-competitiveness of base salary, annual incentive levels and long-term incentive awards. The Compensation Consultants also provided advice to management and the Committee on the competitive elements of the pay program for non-employee Directors. In fulfilling this role, the Compensation Consultants provided the Committee with competitive market data. For decisions made in 2011, the Compensation Consultants provided competitive market data from two main sources. Compensation data was collected from the proxies filed by the Company’s peer group of specialty chemical companies and from other Mid-Cap companies. The peer group was selected based on factors including company size (e.g., revenues and employees), products, end-use markets and degree of global operations. The peer group composition was updated in 2010 to reflect the Company’s growth in sales since the prior peer group was established in 2005. The sales for the peer group companies generally ranged from one-half to two times the Company’s sales and these companies overlapped significantly with the Company’s businesses and end-use markets. The Company’s peer group of companies for 2011 included the following: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PolyOne Corporation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Albemarle Corporation | RPM International Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Arch Chemicals | Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cabot Corporation | Sensient Technologies Corporation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FMC Corporation | Stepan Company
Nalco Company |
Compensation data was also obtained from nationally recognized compensation surveys that included hundreds of companies comparable in revenues to the Company but that operate in a broader range of industries. These additional data helped confirm the validity of the findings from the analysis of peer group proxy statements and they supplied a perspective on compensation practices across the broader market within which the Company competes for senior executives.
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Data from both peer group proxy statements and surveys of broader industry practices were used to identify “competitive” base salaries, annual bonuses, total cash compensation (salary plus bonus), long-term incentives and total direct compensation (cash compensation plus long-term incentives) for the CEO and other executive officers. These competitive pay levels served as a basis for the Committee’s annual review of the Company’s pay programs. The Committee and the CEO used this information to establish base salaries, annual incentives and long-term incentive awards. The Compensation Committee approves all pay decisions related to the Senior Management Committee.
Role of Management.Management of the Company supports the Committee in its assessment of executive compensation, implements decisions made by the Committee and ensures that the Company’s compensation plans are administered in accordance with the provisions of the plans. The CEO and Vice President, Human Resources participate in an advisory capacity in the Committee’s meetings, including the annual compensation review in February each year, provide the Committee with data and analyses and make recommendations with respect to awards under the long-term incentive program. The Committee makes its decisions with respect to the compensation of the CEO in executive session.
Current Compensation Program
The Company’s current compensation program includes a base salary, an annual incentive, long-term incentives, retirement benefits and a deferred compensation plan. In addition, the Company provides its executives with protection in the event of fundamental changes in the Company’s ownership and control through change in control agreements. A separation policy, put in place in 2010, provides executives with specified payments in the event of a termination by the Company without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason”. The total compensation and the individual elements of compensation are periodically reviewed by the Committee based upon data provided by the Compensation Consultant on market practices of peers, as well as other companies comparable in size to Ferro. The competitive market provides a larger range of companies and more information regarding the compensation of officers than the data from Ferro’s peer companies because certain officers’ information is not available in the public disclosure by peer companies. Each element of the Company’s compensation program is discussed below.
Base Salary. An executive’s base salary is cash compensation that is generally not at risk and is paid to the executive regardless of the performance of the Company in a particular year. The amount of base salary is reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted, if warranted, to reflect scope of responsibilities, individual performance and external market conditions. The Company targets base salary at the 50th percentile of the competitive market but considers other factors, including individual performance and experience, internal pay equity and scope and influence of the position, in setting an individual’s base salary and overall compensation level. This helps ensure the Company’s ability to compete in the market for executive talent while maintaining fixed compensation costs at levels that are comparable to other companies of similar size.
Annual Incentives. The Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (the “AIP”) provides an executive with an opportunity to earn additional cash compensation based upon the achievement of pre-determined Company financial and personal performance goals for the year. The AIP is designed to deliver incentive payouts at the 50th percentile of the competitive market for achievement of target performance levels. Target incentive opportunities, performance metrics and performance goals are established by the Committee after reviewing and discussing management’s recommendations and are communicated to participants near the beginning of each year. The financial AIP goals are linked to the financial goals in the annual operating plan approved by the Board of Directors and, for 2011, determined 80% of an executive’s bonus. Personal performance goals, weighted at 20% in 2011, are established at the beginning of the year and are closely linked to the Company’s business and
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strategic objectives. At the Committee’s discretion, AIP payments earned by the CEO and each Senior Management Committee member related to established financial goals may be adjusted upward or downward by as much as 20% to reflect individual performance in a given year. In addition, the Committee may adjust AIP performance results to account for certain special charges in exceptional or extraordinary circumstances where the effects of the item are auditable.
Long-Term Incentives. In April 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2010 LTIP”). The 2010 LTIP replaced the earlier 2006 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2006 LTIP”). (The 2006 LTIP and the 2010 LTIP constitute the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan and are collectively referred to as the “LTIP” in this Executive Compensation Discussion & Analysis.) Grants in February of 2011 were made under the 2010 LTIP. The Company also has outstanding option awards under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2003 LTIP”) and the Employee Stock Option Plan.
The LTIP is a critical component of the compensation program. It is designed to promote Ferro’s long-term financial interests and growth by attracting, retaining and motivating high-quality key employees and Directors and aligning their interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. The LTIP is administered by the Committee. Management proposes to the Committee the employees who will participate in the program and the number of shares to be granted to each participant. The Committee reviews, discusses and approves the types and number of awards to be made to each participant and approves the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to each award. The Committee delegates authority to the CEO, within pre-established limitations, to make awards to newly-hired employees or current employees who are not executive officers during the course of the year. Long-term incentive grant values are targeted at the 50th percentile of the competitive market, but may be adjusted after consideration of factors that include share availability, burn rate, and unusual changes in stock price.
The LTIP allows the Company to award several types of long-term incentives,i.e., stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares or units, performance shares, other common stock-based awards (such as phantom common stock units and deferred common stock units) and dividend equivalent rights. In 2011, the Committee authorized two types of LTIP awards — stock options and restricted shares. Stock options, comprising approximately 73% of the targeted grant award value for the CEO and approximately 68% of the targeted award value for other executive officers, provide strong alignment with shareholder returns. Restricted stock grants are directed towards retention of the executive team. The basic terms of those awards are described below:
o | Stock Options. Stock options are issued with an exercise price at no less than the closing market price of Ferro Common Stock on the date the options are granted. Stock options granted in 2011 have a maximum term of ten years and vest evenly over the first three anniversaries of the grant date. After receiving the recommendation of management, the Committee determines which employees receive stock options and the number of option shares granted to employees in accordance with the |
o | Restricted Shares. Restricted shares are shares of Common Stock that are forfeitable if certain conditions are not satisfied. Under the
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obligations, for a period of two years
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The Committee generally makes all LTIP awards at its meeting on a pre-determined date in February. The exercise price of any awards, including stock option strike price, is determined by the closing price of Ferro Common Stock on the NYSE on the date the Committee approves the grants. From time to time during the year, the Committee (or the CEO pursuant to the authority delegated to him by the Committee) may award shares to a new hire or to a current employee. In such cases, the strike price of the grant is based on the closing price of the Ferro Stock on the NYSE on the date the award is granted which, in the case of new hires, is the first date he or she is employed.
Retirement Benefits. In previous years, the Company offered its employees a defined benefit plan, known as the Ferro Corporation Retirement Plan (the “DB Plan”), and, for executive employees, a supplemental defined benefit program, known as the Ferro Corporation Supplemental Defined Benefit Plan for Executive Employees (the “Supplemental DB Plan”). The DB Plan and the Supplemental DB Plan provided employees annuity payments in retirement according to pre-determined formulas. Effective March 31, 2006, the DB Plan and the Supplemental DB Plan were “frozen” for purposes of future accruals. The plans have been frozen as to new entrants since July 1, 2003. Mr. Thomas, who was hired prior to July 1, 2003, is the only executive officer who has earned a benefit under the DB Plan and under the Supplemental DB Plan.
Consequently, the primary retirement benefits for executive officers in 2011 and going forward are a qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan, the Ferro Corporation Savings and Stock Ownership Plan (the “401(k) Plan”), and its companion non-qualified defined contribution plan, the Ferro Corporation Supplemental Defined Contribution Plan for Executive Employees (the “Supplemental 401(k) Plan”). The Supplemental 401(k) Plan primarily provides participants with Company contributions that would have been made to their 401(k) and basic pension contribution accounts under the 401(k) Plan, were it not for tax law limitations. The Supplemental 401(k) Plan allows participants the option of a deemed investment in either Ferro Common Stock or the stable asset fund under the 401(k) Plan. No premium or guaranteed investment return is provided.
Deferred Compensation Plan. Senior Management Committee members are eligible to participate in the Ferro Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Executive Employees (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”). Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, participants may elect to defer a percentage of their annual salary, as well as their annual bonus and/or performance share payout, to be paid at a certain time specified by the participant and consistent with the terms of the plan. The Deferred Compensation Plan allows participants the option of a deemed investment in either Ferro Common Stock or the stable asset fund under the 401(k) Plan. No premium or guaranteed investment return is provided. There are no executive officers participating in the Deferred Compensation Plan at this time and, due to the low levels of participation, the deferral election process was suspended for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Change in Control Agreements. For many years, the Board has recognized that, as is the case with many publicly-held corporations, there is always a possibility of a fundamental change in the Company’s ownership and control through a “change in control.” Any such threatened or actual change in control would create uncertainties and raise questions that could result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders. In light of these facts, the Board determined that appropriate steps needed to be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s management to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disruptive circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control. Consequently, the Company has entered into change in control agreements with
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each of the executive officers. These agreements were revised effective January 1, 2009, for the primary purpose of compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. Since 2010, change in control agreements offered to new executives, do not include an excise tax gross-up or a modified single trigger provision. For additional information on payments to executive officers as a result of a change in control, see the discussion under Employment Agreements and Termination and Change in Control Payments beginning on page 39 below.
Executive Compensation Process in 2011
The onset of the recession and the associated drop in sales and earnings that occurred beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008 caused the Committee to reconsider its approach for long-term incentive awards for 2009 and 2010. Goal setting was particularly difficult during this period as a result of extraordinary levels of economic uncertainty. In addition, the Committee was concerned about retaining the management team in light of the recent decline in the Company’s stock price during that period, which resulted in an “underwater” position of most prior stock options grants and a reduction in expected payouts for outstanding performance share grants because of the unlikelihood of meeting performance targets. After lengthy discussion of these concerns and considering other factors such as share availability, burn rate and the desire to avoid potential windfall pay gains as the economy improved, the Committee decided to modify the mix of long-term incentive awards granted to executive officers in 2009 to consist of only stock options and restricted shares. The Committee decided not to grant performance shares due to the difficulty of setting multi-year performance goals in an uncertain economic environment. The Committee decided to continue this approach for grants made in 2010 and 2011. Due primarily to limited share availability, grants made in 2010 were below the 50thpercentile of the competitive market. The approval of the 2010 LTIP allowed for a return to the Company’s pay philosophy and grants made in 2011 were targeted at the 50thpercentile of the competitive market.
Accordingly, at its February 24, 2011, meeting, the Committee made long-term incentive grants to the CEO and Senior Management Committee, split between stock options and restricted shares. Mr. Kirsch was awarded 232,500 stock options and 55,000 restricted shares; Mr. Miklich was awarded 48,400 stock options and 15,000 restricted shares; Messrs. Murry and Thomas were each awarded 38,000 stock options and 11,500 restricted shares; and Mr. Duesenberg was awarded 32,300 stock options and 10,000 restricted shares. The approximate target value of these awards was at the 50th percentile of the competitive market.
Also, at its February 24, 2011, meeting, the Committee reviewed current levels of pay for the Senior Management Committee. The Committee considered the market data provided by Pay Governance as well as the experience and performance of each individual. After discussion, the Committee approved the following changes: Mr. Miklich received a 3.5% increase, bringing his base salary to the market median. Messrs. Murry and Thomas, who were slightly above market median, received a 2.6% increase; Mr. Duesenberg received a 7.5% increase, bringing his salary to the market median. The Committee also decided to increase the AIP target percentages for Mr. Duesenberg from 50% to 55%, consistent with the market median. These changes brought executive officers’ target bonuses and target cash compensation levels in line with the median of competitive market data, consistent with the Company’s pay philosophy.
Mr. Kirsch’s base salary rate was increased by 2.5% from $885,000 to $907,000, maintaining his salary at market median. No adjustment was made to Mr. Kirsch’s AIP target of 100%.
On February 14, 2012, the Committee reviewed the Company’s performance compared to the goals for the AIP. The AIP goals established for all participants worldwide, including the named executive officers, included the following Company level metrics: (i) cash conversion cycle; (ii) adjusted gross margin; (iii) adjusted EBIT; and (iv) personal performance goals. Threshold, target and maximum
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levels for each metric were established and communicated at the beginning of the year. These metrics were selected to focus management’s efforts on improving the level and quality of operating earnings and working capital management.
Actual results were as follows:
2011 AIP Goals(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Metrics | Weighting | Threshold 25% Payout | Target 100% Payout | Maximum 200% Payout | Actual | |||||||||||||||
Cash Conversion (Days)(2) | 25 | % | 56.2 | 54.2 | 52.4 | 60.6 | ||||||||||||||
Adjusted Gross Margin(3) | 25 | % | 27.1 | % | 28.3 | % | 28.9 | % | 23.6 | % | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBIT ($M)(4) | 30 | % | $ | 164.0 | $ | 205.0 | $ | 246.0 | $ | 120.3 | ||||||||||
Personal Performance Goals | 20 | % | 25 | % | 100 | % | 200 | % |
(1) | Please note, 2011 results represent only past performance of the |
(2) | Cash conversion cycle is inventory days plus receivables days, less payables days. |
(3) | Adjusted gross margin percentage is gross profit, excluding special charges, as a percentage of |
(4) | Adjusted EBIT is earnings before interest and taxes, excluding special charges. |
Note: For Adjusted Gross Margin Percentage and Adjusted EBIT, better performance is indicated by higher values. For Cash Conversation Days, better performance is indicated by lower values.
As a result of actual performance that fell below the established threshold achievement levels for the three financial goals under the AIP, no incentive payments were earned by the executive officers or other plan participants with respect to the financial goals for 2011. Finacial goals comprised 80% of the AIP for 2011.
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The Committee also reviewed and discussed the accomplishments of each executive officer with respect to the 2011 personal performance goals specified in the following chart. Personal performance goals comprised 20% of the AIP for 2011.
Personal Performance Goals | NEOs Responsible for Goal | Results | ||
Deliver approved growth strategy | Kirsch, Miklich, Murry, Thomas | ¡ Completed Egyptian tile plant acquisition and build-out ¡ Expanded pigmented inks manufacturing and applications development capability into China, Mexico and Thailand ¡ Delivered 30% of ¡ Invested 50% of ¡ Established first Asia regional headquarters in Shanghai and staffed accordingly | ||
Create infrastructure to support future organic and acquisition growth ¡ Meet Ferro Business Systems (FBS) milestones ¡ Build business development group ¡ Standardize acquisition process | Kirsch, Duesenberg, Miklich, Murry, Thomas | ¡ Successfully completed FBS design phase on schedule, standardizing six major work processes ¡ Launched build phase on August 1st, preparing for “go-lives” in Europe and ¡ Strengthened M&A function; developed standardized target evaluation and transaction processes ¡ Identified multiple potential acquisition targets | ||
Enhance Talent Management Processes and Pipeline ¡ SMC succession pipeline ¡ Leadership development & succession planning three levels below SMC ¡ Leadership Excellence program pilot | Kirsch, Miklich, Murry, Thomas | ¡ Identified critical capabilities for CEO, senior management and Board positions ¡ Conducted in-depth assessment and development pilot process with six high-potential employees, based on identified critical capabilities ¡ Developed and launched Leadership Excellence Program in Asia ¡ High-potential voluntary turnover rates improved to 3.9% vs. 13.8% in 2010 | ||
Institutionalize the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process | Kirsch, Duesenberg | ¡ Risk management considerations driven into business activity and to accountable executives ¡ ERM program operating according to developed governance processes | ||
Finance/IS function goals ¡ Complete finance function reorganization ¡ Increase precious metal lease lines to $300M by end of | Miklich | ¡ Strengthened accounting, European credit and ¡ Increased collateral free lease lines to $345M from $170M ¡ Reduced monthly closing cycle to 5-7 days from 10-15 days ¡ Refinanced asset securitization program for annual savings of ¡ Designed and began roll-out of | ||
Legal function goals ¡ Enhance compliance program through training and communications ¡ Implement second phase of commercial contract review process | Duesenberg | ¡ Provided multiple legal and ethical training sessions to ¡ Enhanced communications on ethics and ¡ Expanded standard contract forms database/Revised standard sales terms and |
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At their meeting on February 23, 2012, after consideration of the above results and a discussion of each executive officer’s contributions during 2011, the Committee approved the following payouts for the 20% personal performance component of the AIP: Mr. Miklich $26,400, or 50%; Mr. Murry $24,000, or 50%; Mr. Thomas $48,000, or 100%; and Mr. Duesenberg $78,100, or 200%. Likewise, the Committee approved an AIP payout of $136,050, or 75% for the personal performance component for Mr. Kirsch. Total annual cash compensation for 2011 for Mr. Kirsch and the other executive officers, was significantly below targeted levels as a result of the below threshold attainment on the financial goals for the AIP. Long-term incentive compensation grants were at the market median.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
Ferro has had stock ownership guidelines for its Directors and executive officers since 1998 reinforcing one of the key objectives of the Company’s pay program, the alignment of pay with the interests of shareholders. The guidelines are reviewed and updated periodically to ensure they achieve their intended purpose. The current guidelines require the CEO and other Senior Management Committee members to achieve target ownership levels of 150,000 shares and 30,000 shares. Newly hired executives have five years to achieve their target ownership levels. Currently, Messrs. Duesenberg, Kirsch, Miklich, Murry and Thomas exceed their full ownership guideline.
For non-employee Directors, the stock ownership guideline is 10,000 shares. New non-employee Directors have five years from the date of election to achieve the target ownership level. Currently, all non-employee Directors have achieved the target ownership level.
Shares of Common Stock deemed to be owned by each executive officer and Director include shares owned outright with no restrictions, restricted share grants, shares owned in the 401(k) Plan, shares deemed to be invested in Ferro Common Stock through the Deferred Compensation Plan and Supplemental 401(k) Plan, 20% of vested options that are “in-the-money” by more than 30%, and shares represented by deferred stock units granted to non-employee Directors.
Section 162(m) Limitation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally provides that certain compensation in excess of $1.0 million per year paid to a company’s chief executive officer and any of its three highest paid executive officers is not deductible by a company unless the compensation qualifies for an exception. Section 162(m) provides an exception for performance-based compensation if certain procedural requirements, including shareholder approval of the material terms of the performance goals, are satisfied. The LTIP contains the provisions necessary to qualify certain awards under the LTIP under the Section 162(m) exception and preserve the tax deductibility to the Company of compensation paid to executives under these plans in the future. Restricted shares, however, do not qualify as performance-based compensation. The AIP is not currently structured in a manner that would qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).
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Compensation Committee Report The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with Ferro’s management the Compensation Discussion & Analysis set forth above. Based on the review and discussions noted above, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion & Analysis be included in Ferro’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, Respectfully submitted,
Richard C. Brown Gregory E. Hyland William B. Lawrence
Ronald P. Vargo |
Compensation Policies and Practices as Related to Risk Management
The Compensation Committee and management do not believe that Ferro maintains compensation policies or practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Ferro. During 2011, as part of a larger enterprise risk management review, Ferro reviewed its compensation policies and practices with respect to executive and non-executive employees to ensure that Ferro’s compensation program continues to align the interests of employees with those of Ferro’s shareholders and does not create any unnecessary or excessive risk. In addition, the Compensation Committee annually analyzes Ferro’s compensation program when establishing executive compensation to ensure that they do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk-taking and determined that the compensation policies or practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Ferro.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 2011, no officer or employee of Ferro served as a member of the Compensation Committee. Also, during 2011, there were no interlocking relationships (as described in Item 407(e)(4) of SEC Regulation S-K) between members of the Compensation Committee and Ferro.
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Plans Described in This Proxy Statement
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2011 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table shows the elements of compensation paid or earned during 2011, 2010 and 2009 to the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and to the Company’s other three highest-paid executive officers as of December 31, 2011:
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary(1) | Bonus(2) | Stock Awards(3) | Option Awards(4) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation(5) | Change and | All Other Compensation(7) | Total | |||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
James F. Kirsch | 2011 | 907,000 | 0 | 833,800 | 2,450,550 | 136,050 | 0 | 294,276 | 4,621,676 | |||||||||||
Chairman, President and | 2010 | 885,000 | 0 | 441,375 | 1,530,900 | 1,770,000 | 0 | 115,268 | 4,742,543 | |||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer | 2009 | 711,031 | 362,500 | 73,295 | 112,700 | 0 | 0 | 73,043 | 1,332,569 | |||||||||||
Thomas R. Miklich(8) | 2011 | 440,000 | 0 | 227,400 | 510,136 | 26,400 | 0 | 53,166 | 1,257,102 | |||||||||||
Vice President and | 2010 | 206,234 | 0 | 91,500 | 301,800 | 255,000 | 0 | 7,103 | 861,637 | |||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||||||||
Michael J. Murry | 2011 | 400,000 | 0 | 174,340 | 400,520 | 24,000 | 0 | 95,420 | 1,094,280 | |||||||||||
Vice President, | 2010 | 390,000 | 0 | 103,125 | 340,200 | 468,000 | 0 | 33,975 | 1,335,300 | |||||||||||
Electronic, Color and Glass Materials | 2009 | 357,967 | 100,375 | 17,125 | 19,600 | 0 | 0 | 28,515 | 523,582 | |||||||||||
Peter T. Thomas | 2011 | 400,000 | 0 | 174,340 | 400,520 | 48,000 | 61,057 | 113,858 | 1,197,775 | |||||||||||
Vice President, | 2010 | 390,000 | 0 | 103,125 | 340,200 | 468,000 | 43,394 | 53,293 | 1,398,012 | |||||||||||
Polymer and Ceramic Engineered Materials | 2009 | 318,738 | 89,375 | 17,125 | 19,600 | 0 | 43,784 | 32,678 | 521,300 | |||||||||||
Mark H. Duesenberg | 2011 | 355,000 | 0 | 151,600 | 340,442 | 78,100 | 0 | 60,442 | 985,584 | |||||||||||
Vice President, | 2010 | 330,000 | 0 | 66,000 | 198,450 | 330,000 | 0 | 28,619 | 953,069 | |||||||||||
General Counsel and Secretary | 2009 | 294,220 | 75,000 | 10,960 | 17,150 | 0 | 0 | 22,281 | 419,611 |
(1) | Salary. The amounts in this column consist of salary actually paid. For a description of the base salary rate in this column relating to 2011, see the Executive Compensation Discussion & Analysis on page 22 above. During 2009, |
(2) | Bonus . The |
(3) | Stock Awards. The figures reported in this column are based on restricted share awards made under the LTIP. Performance shares were not awarded in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The figures in this column include the aggregate grant date fair value of |
(4) | Option Awards. The figures reported in this column are based on stock option awards made under the LTIP equal to the grant date fair value of the awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The valuation methodology used to calculate the figures in this column is described in footnote 12 (Stock-Based Compensation) of the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. For a description of the Company’s stock option awards, see the Executive Compensation Discussion & Analysis on page 23 above. |
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(5) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. The amounts in this column consist of any AIP payments based primarily on predetermined financial measurements relating to the year indicated. The figure in this column for 2010 for Mr. Miklich is a prorated AIP amount based on his mid-2010 hire date. The amounts under the AIP relating to 2011 were paid in March 2012. See also the Grants of Plan-Based Awards on page 33 for the estimated future payouts under this plan for threshold, target and maximum attainments. Due to the discretionary determination of bonuses under the AIP for 2009, consistent with SEC rules, the AIP payout to the executive officers relating to 2009 appears in the Bonus column of this table and not in this column. For a discussion of the AIP, see the Compensation Discussion & Analysis on page 22 above. |
(6) | Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings. Amounts in this column include the change in value under the Company’s defined benefit pension plans: the DB Plan and the
(b)
Grants of Plan-Based Awards The following table sets forth information regarding 2011 awards under the AIP and under the LTIP,i.e., awards of restricted shares and stock options to each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table: Grants of Plan-Based Awards
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- 34 - Outstanding Equity Awards, Option Exercises and Vesting of Stock Awards The following table sets forth information with respect to each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table regarding vested and unvested options and stock awards held as of December 31, 2011: Outstanding Equity Awards
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The following table sets forth for each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table the exercises of stock options and an estimate of the vesting of stock awards under the Company’s LTIP during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011: Option Exercises and Stock Vested
- 36 - Post-Employment Compensation The following table sets forth the accumulated benefits under the DB Plan and the Supplemental DB Plan (collectively, the “DB Program”) for each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table: Pension Benefits
Under the DB Program, an eligible participant who retires at age 65 with at least 30 years of service will receive a monthly benefit equal to 50% of the monthly average of the participant’s highest five consecutive calendar years of compensation (which includes base salary and certain incentive payouts), reduced for 50% of the monthly primary social security benefits. Benefits are subject to reduction for service of less than 30 years and for commencement prior to age 65 (age 60 for certain eligible elected officers). Service in excess of 30 years is not taken into account for accrual of retirement benefits. DB Plan benefits are payable in a life annuity form with 120 monthly payments guaranteed (“Life Annuity”). Depending on the outcome of a participant’s benefit calculations, and consistent with the plan document and Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, Supplemental DB Plan benefits may be payable in a Life Annuity and/or those benefits may be commuted and paid in one or two lump sum payments. Furthermore, the benefits payable under the Supplemental DB Plan to an eligible participant are conditioned upon the execution of, and compliance with, a non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality agreement. The Company’s United States defined benefit pension program for salaried and certain hourly employees was significantly changed in 2003 and 2006. Effective July 1, 2003, new hires were not eligible for participation in the DB Program. In addition, effective March 31, 2006, benefits accrued for active employees who were participating in the DB Program were frozen. (This freeze did not affect the benefits of then-current retirees, former employees or employees hired on or after July 1, 2003.) Beginning April 1, 2006, the affected employees joined salaried and certain hourly employees in the United States who were hired on or after July 1, 2003, in receiving an additional basic pension - 37 - contribution each year from the Company under the 401(k) Plan, and as executives, they are also eligible to receive the supplemental basic pension contribution under the Supplemental 401(k) Plan. Messrs. Kirsch, Miklich, Murry and Duesenberg, who were hired after June 30, 2003, were never eligible for participation in the DB Program. Of the executives listed in the Summary Compensation Table, only Mr. Thomas participated in these plans during 2011 because he was hired before July 1, 2003. See the Change in Pension Value and Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column of the Summary Compensation Table on page 31 above for information regarding the change in value of Mr. Thomas’ benefits under the DB Program for 2011. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation The following table sets forth information regarding non-qualified deferred compensation plans for 2011 with respect to each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table: Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
The non-qualified deferred compensation plans in this table consist of the Deferred Compensation Plan and the Supplemental 401(k) Plan. There are no Company Contributions under the Deferred Compensation Plan, and, among the executive officers listed in this table, none had an account balance as of December 31, 2011. Under the Supplemental 401(k) Plan, participants may receive a supplemental matching contribution and/or a supplemental basic pension contribution. These are primarily contributions that would have been made to the account of a participant in the 401(k) Plan but for the application of Federal tax law limitations. In addition, any AIP payments are included in the calculation of supplemental basic pension contributions. There are no employee contributions under the Supplemental 401(k) Plan. Under the Supplemental 401(k) Plan, each executive officer listed in this table had an account balance as of December 31, 2011. The Supplemental 401(k) Plan permits participants the option of a deemed investment in either Company Common Stock or the stable asset fund under the 401(k) Plan. During 2011, all of the - 38 - Company’s contributions under the Supplemental 401(k) Plan were deemed invested in Company Common Stock for the named executive officers, and earnings include any deemed dividends, gains and losses. No actual shares of Company Common Stock are held by the Supplemental 401(k) Plan. Employment Agreements and Termination and Change in Control Payments Employment Inducement Agreements. In December 2011, Mr. Miklich notified the Company of his intent to complete his service with the Company on July 7, 2012. Mr. Miklich, who will be 65 in April 2012, has determined that he would like to devote more time to his service on boards of directors and to return to his consulting activities. Mr. Miklich will serve as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer while the Company identifies a successor and has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity through July 7, 2012 to facilitate a smooth transition. The Company has commenced a search to identify a successor. The Company and Mr. Miklich have entered into an agreement providing for Mr. Miklich’s continued employment through July 7, 2012. Under the agreement, Mr. Miklich will continue to receive his base salary through July 7, 2012 and will be entitled to the full exercise period for any options that are vested and outstanding as of July 7, 2012. Mr. Miklich will not be entitled to receive any additional equity grants and will forfeit his restricted shares, but he will be entitled to a retention payment of $500,000 payable after completion of his service, pursuant to the terms of the agreement. The agreement also contains a release of claims and certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement obligations. Other than this Retention Agreement entered into with Mr. Miklich and customary offer letters and confidentiality and non-compete agreements, the Company is not a party to any employment agreements with any of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table. Executive Separation Policy. On June 23, 2010, the Compensation Committee approved a formal separation policy for certain senior executives, including the CEO. The policy outlines the expected separation payments to certain senior executives if their employment is terminated without “cause” or if an executive officer terminates his or her employment for “good reason.” Under the policy, eligible senior executives will receive the following benefits:
Payments are designed to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Separation benefits under the policy are payable only if (i) the executive officer has executed an agreement for non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, non-disparagement (and, if specified by the Company, arbitration) and a release of all claims that the executive may have against the Company, its officers, fiduciaries, directors, agents and employees and (ii) the executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and cooperation with the Company concerning business or legal related matters about which the executive possesses relevant knowledge or information. The Compensation Committee may modify or terminate this policy from time to time; however, any modification or termination will not affect the rights of any executive whose termination or departure preceded such modification or termination. - 39 - Termination Payments. The Executive Separation Policy governs the separation pay and benefits that the Company will provide to executive officers if their employment with the Company terminates under certain circumstances. The AIP provides an executive with an opportunity to earn additional cash compensation based upon the achievement of pre-determined financial goals for the fiscal year. See the Annual Incentives discussion of the Executive Compensation & Discussion Analysis on page 22 above for a discussion of this plan. If an executive’s employment is terminated without “cause” or if an executive officer terminates his or her employment for “good reason,” then the policy will provide for any AIP-related payments. In other termination situations, payment of any AIP is governed by the AIP itself. Under the AIP, if the executive’s employment terminates as a result of retirement or death prior to the end of the year, the executive will receive a prorated AIP payout based on his or her annual rate of base salary at retirement or death, as applicable, and actual AIP results for that year (provided that the executive worked for a minimum of three months during the plan year) or, in other termination situations, the executive will not receive any AIP payment for the year in which his or her employment terminates. The executives are eligible to participate in the Supplemental 401(k) Plan. See Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation on page 38 above for a discussion of this plan. If an executive’s employment terminates for any reason, he or she will receive the portion, if any, of his or her account that had vested prior to January 1, 2005 (plus earnings) soon after the end of the month in which the termination occurs, and any remaining vested portion of his or her account will be paid six months following the termination of employment. Each executive’s account vests 20% per year, with full vesting upon the completion of five years of employment. Alternatively, the executive’s account fully vests upon attainment of age 65, disability, death or a change in control. If the executive dies on the date of termination or during the six months following termination, the payment will be made as of the date of death. The form of the payment, whether stock or cash, is dependent upon the executive’s election. If his or her employment with the Company terminated as of December 31, 2011, each executive would have been entitled to receive the following amount under the Supplemental 401(k) Plan: Mr. Kirsch ($405,154), Mr. Miklich ($8,488), Mr. Murry ($109,184), Mr. Thomas ($126,379) and Mr. Duesenberg ($28,071). Mr. Thomas is the only executive named in the Summary Compensation Table who participates in the DB Plan and the Supplemental DB Plan because these plans are available only to executives who were hired prior to July 1, 2003 (when the DB Plan was frozen as to new hires). If Mr. Thomas’ employment terminates, under the Supplemental DB Plan, he would receive the portion, if any, of his benefit under the plans that had vested prior to January 1, 2005 (or he could begin the payment of that benefit in the form of an annuity) soon after the end of the month in which the termination occurs, and any remaining vested portion of his account will be paid in a lump sum six months following the termination of his employment. If Mr. Thomas’ employment had terminated on December 31, 2011, then his estimated benefit under the Supplemental DB Plan would have been $211,154. In addition, if Mr. Thomas’ employment had terminated on December 31, 2011, he would receive a benefit under the DB Plan in the form of an annuity, with 120 monthly payments guaranteed, beginning as early as January 1, 2012, in the gross amount of $1,155 per month (which includes a reduction for early commencement). Benefit Accruals under both the DB Plan and the Supplemental DB Plan (including those of Mr. Thomas) were frozen on March 31, 2006. See Post-Employment Compensation on page 37 for a discussion of these plans. The executives are also eligible to participate in the LTIP. (See the discussion of Long-Term Incentives in the Executive Compensation Discussion & Analysis on page 23 above for a description of the LTIP.) The LTIP allows the Company to award different types of long-term incentives; however, the Compensation Committee has only awarded stock options, performance shares and restricted shares. For stock options, if an executive leaves the Company under the Executive Separation Policy or for any reason other than a change in control, death, disability or retirement, he or she has three - 40 - months to exercise stock options that were vested as of the date of separation and any options that were not vested as of the date of separation from service are forfeited. If there is a change in control (whether or not the executive is terminated) or the executive leaves the Company as a result of death, disability or retirement, all options previously awarded to such executive are fully vested and remain exercisable for the rest of the applicable option exercise period. For performance shares, if an executive leaves the Company under the Executive Separation Policy or for any reason other than a change in control, death, disability or retirement, then he or she is entitled to the value of the performance shares that have vested for completed performance share periods, which will be provided to the executive in the form of a cash payment equal to 50% of the value of the performance shares and the other 50% will be in the form of Ferro Common Stock. Any performance shares for any performance share period that has not been completed are forfeited. If the executive leaves as a result of death, disability or retirement, the executive will receive prorated vesting of performance shares for performance periods that have not been completed as of the date of separation, which will be provided to the executive after the end of the performance period in the form of a cash payment equal to 50% of the value of the performance shares and the other 50% will be in the form of Ferro Common Stock. No performance shares were awarded in 2009, 2010 or 2011. None of the executives listed in the Summary Compensation Table held any performance shares as of December 31, 2011 and, therefore, no performance shares would have been due to those executives had their employment terminated as of December 31, 2011. For a description of the effect of a change in control on performance share awards, see the Change in Control Payments discussion beginning on page 42 below. Restricted shares were granted under the LTIP to certain executives in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Those restricted shares vest three years from the date of grant. If the executive leaves during the three-year vesting period other than due to death, disability or a change in control, then the restricted shares are forfeited. If the executive leaves during the three-year vesting period due to death, disability or a change in control, then the restricted shares will vest and the executive (or, in the case of death, the applicable recipient) will receive the restricted shares. See Executive Compensation Discussion & Analysis on page 23 for a discussion of restricted shares. - 41 - The table below shows the estimated value of the payments under the LTIP for each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table if they had left the Company on December 31, 2011: Estimated Payments on Termination
Change in Control Payments. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company entered into amended and restated change in control agreements (the “Change in Control Agreements”) with each of Messrs. Kirsch, Murry, Thomas and Duesenberg. The purpose of these agreements is to reinforce - 42 - and encourage each officer’s continued attention and dedication to his or her assigned duties without distraction in the face of solicitations by other employers and the potentially disruptive circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Company. Effective December 22, 2010, the Company entered into a change in control agreement with Mr. Miklich that is substantially similar to the form of change in control agreement between the Company and other officers of the Company described below. However, the Company made the following changes to Mr. Miklich’s change in control agreement: (a) Mr. Miklich’s change in control agreement uses a revised definition of “Good Reason”, which no longer includes a voluntary resignation during the 90-day period commencing on the first anniversary of the change in control and (b) the benefits in the agreement no longer provide for an excise tax “gross-up;” but instead, provide Mr. Miklich with benefits equal to the greater of (i) the payments under the agreement net of any excise taxes; or (ii) $1 less than the amount of payment that would trigger the application of excise taxes under Sections 280G of the Code. Under the respective Change in Control Agreements, if a change in control of the Company occurs, then the following will happen:
Each Change in Control Agreement also includes a non-disparagement provision that is perpetual.
The table below describes the estimated value of the payments Estimated Change in Control Payments
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