United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Schedule 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12 |
Littelfuse, Inc. |
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LITTELFUSE, INC
O’Hare Plaza
8755 West Higgins Road, Suite 500
Chicago, Illinois 60631
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 25, 2014
The 2014 annual meeting of the stockholders of Littelfuse, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at Chicago Marriott O’Hare, 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, Illinois 60631, on Friday, April 25, 2014 at 9:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes as described in the attached Proxy Statement:
1. |
To elect seven directors to serve a term of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified; |
2. |
To approve and ratify the appointment by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year of the Company ending December 27, 2014; |
3. |
To approve the adoption of the Littelfuse, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan; |
4. |
To conduct an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers; and |
5. |
To transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. |
Stockholders of record of the Company at the close of business on March 3, 2014 will be entitled to vote at the meeting.
Mary S. Muchoney | |
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Secretary |
March 17, 2014
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on April 25, 2014:
Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, your vote is important. Please read the attached Proxy Statement and promptly complete, execute and return the enclosed proxy in the accompanying postage-paid envelope. If you attend the annual meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote in person if you so desire.
The Proxy Statement and the 2013 Annual Report to Stockholders of Littelfuse, Inc., including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, are available at www.proxyvote.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Proxy Statement |
1 |
Forward-Looking Information |
1 |
Voting |
2 |
Ownership of Littelfuse, Inc. Common Stock |
4 |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance |
6 |
Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors |
7 |
Information Concerning the Board of Directors and Its Committees |
9 |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation |
15 |
Executive Compensation |
15 |
Compensation Discussion and Analysis |
15 |
Compensation Committee Report |
30 |
Compensation Tables and Narrative Disclosures |
31 |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions |
47 |
Report of the Audit Committee |
48 |
Proposal No. 2 Approval and Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors |
50 |
Proposal No. 3 Approval of the Littelfuse, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan |
52 |
Proposal No. 4 Advisory Vote on Compensation of Named Executive Officers |
56 |
Compensation Plan Information |
57 |
Stockholder Proposals |
57 |
Other Matters |
58 |
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON
APRIL 25, 2014
We are furnishing this Proxy Statement to the stockholders of Littelfuse, Inc. in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Littelfuse, Inc. (the “Board”) of proxies to be voted at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 25, 2014. The annual meeting will be held at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare, 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, Illinois 60631, at 9:00 a.m., local time, and at any postponements or adjournments of that meeting.
When used in this Proxy Statement, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “Littelfuse” refer to Littelfuse, Inc.
Any stockholder giving a proxy will have the right to revoke it at any time prior to the time it is voted. A proxy may be revoked by written notice to us sent to the attention of our Corporate Secretary at O’Hare Plaza, 8755 West Higgins Road, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60631, execution of a subsequent proxy, voting on the Internet or by telephone or attendance at the annual meeting and voting in person. Mere attendance at the annual meeting will not automatically revoke the proxy. All shares represented by effective proxies will be voted at the annual meeting or at any postponements or adjournment thereof.
We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to brokerage firms, fiduciaries and custodians holding shares in their names that are beneficially owned by others to forward to such beneficial owners. The Company may reimburse such persons for the costs they incur to forward the solicitation material to such beneficial owners. In addition to solicitation by mail, our officers and employees may solicit proxies by telephone or in person.
Under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, this Proxy Statement, our 2013 Annual Report to Stockholders, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, and other proxy materials are available online at www.proxyvote.com. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information in the proxy materials before voting. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is first being mailed to stockholders on or about March 14, 2014.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ALL the nominees for director named in Proposal 1, a vote FOR the approval and ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as independent auditors as discussed in Proposal 2, a vote FOR the approval of the Littelfuse, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan in Proposal 3 and a vote FOR the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers as discussed in Proposal 4.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements in this Proxy Statement not based on historical facts are considered “forward-looking” and, accordingly, may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, objectives, events, conditions and financial performance. These statements are intended to constitute “forward-looking” statements in connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We are providing this cautionary statement to disclose that there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013 (the “2013 Form 10-K”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for a list of such factors in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”
VOTING
Record Date; Stock Outstanding and Entitled to Vote; Voting of Proxies
Stockholders of record on the books of the Company at the close of business on March 3, 2014, the record date for the annual meeting, will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. On March 3, 2014, we had outstanding 22,510,571 shares of our common stock, par value $.01 per share. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote per share on each matter submitted to a vote at the meeting.
A list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be available for examination by any stockholder for any purpose germane to our annual meeting during ordinary business hours for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting at our headquarters located at O’Hare Plaza, 8755 West Higgins Road, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60631 and at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., our transfer agent, at 161 North Concord Exchange South, St. Paul, Minnesota 55075.
The shares represented by proxies will be voted as directed in the proxies. In the absence of specific direction, the shares represented by proxies will be voted FOR ALL of the nominees for director, FOR the approval and ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as independent auditors, FOR the approval of the Littelfuse, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan and FOR the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers. In the event any nominee for director is unable to serve, which is not now contemplated, the shares represented by proxies may be voted for a substitute nominated by the Board. If any matters are to be presented at the annual meeting other than the matters referred to in this Proxy Statement, the shares represented by proxies will be voted at the discretion of the named proxies.
Quorum and Abstentions; Broker Non-Votes
A quorum of stockholders is required for the transaction of business at our annual meeting. Our bylaws provide that a majority of all of the shares of common stock entitled to vote, whether present in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting. Votes for and against, abstentions and “broker non-votes” will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker has not received voting instructions from you on a “non-routine” matter, in which case the broker does not have authority to vote your shares with respect to such matter. Unless you provide voting instructions to a broker holding shares on your behalf, your broker may not use discretionary authority to vote your shares on any of the matters to be considered at our annual meeting other than the ratification of our independent auditors. To determine whether a specific proposal has received sufficient votes to be passed, for shares deemed present, an abstention will have the same effect as a vote “against” the proposal, while a broker non-vote will not be included in vote totals and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
Required Vote
Assuming that a quorum is present, our stockholders may take action at our annual meeting with the votes described below.
Election of Directors. With respect to the election of directors, the seven nominees who receive the most votes at the meeting will be elected. Stockholders may not cumulate votes in the election of directors. A properly executed proxy marked "withhold authority" with respect to the election of one or more directors will not be voted with respect to the director or directors indicated, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
Ratification of the Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our Independent Auditors. The affirmative vote by the holders of a majority of the shares present (whether in person or by proxy) at the meeting will be required for the ratification of Grant Thornton LLP as independent auditors.
Approval of Littelfuse, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan. The affirmative vote by the holders of a majority of the shares present (whether in person or by proxy) at the meeting will be required for the approval of the Littelfuse, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan.
Advisory Vote on the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers. With respect to approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, the affirmative vote by the holders of a majority of the shares present (whether in person or by proxy) at the meeting will be required to approve the proposal.The stockholder vote with respect to approval of the compensation of our named executive officers is advisory in nature and will not be binding on the Company.However, our Board and our Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and will consider the outcomes of the advisory vote when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.
OWNERSHIP OF LITTELFUSE, INC. COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 3, 2014, by each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, by each director, by each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table and by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Information concerning persons known to us to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock is based upon the most recently available reports furnished by such persons on Schedule 13G as filed with the SEC. Of the shares reported, none are subject to pledge or lien in a margin account or pursuant to a loan agreement.
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NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1) |
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SHARES |
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PERCENT |
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BlackRock, Inc. (2) |
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40 East 52nd Street |
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New York, New York 10022 |
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1,953,215 |
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8.7 |
% |
Royce & Associates, LLC (3) | ||||||||
745 Fifth Avenue |
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New York, New York 10151 |
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1,471,372 |
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6.5 |
% |
The Vanguard Group, Inc. (4) |
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100 Vanguard Boulevard |
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Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355 |
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1,365,450 |
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6.1 |
% |
T. J. Chung (5) |
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17,022 |
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* |
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Cary T. Fu (6) |
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934 |
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* |
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Anthony Grillo (7) |
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63,653 |
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* |
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John E. Major (8) |
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26,458 |
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* |
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William P. Noglows (9) |
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12,910 |
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* |
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Ronald L. Schubel (10) |
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29,007 |
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* |
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Dieter Röder (11) |
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14,630 |
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* |
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Philip G. Franklin (12) |
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47,475 |
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* |
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David W. Heinzmann (13) |
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21,407 |
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* |
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Gordon Hunter (14) |
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52,318 |
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* |
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Ryan K. Stafford (15) |
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12,117 |
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* |
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All current directors and executive officers as a group (18 persons) |
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333,521 |
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1.5 |
% |
*Indicates ownership of less than 1% of common stock.
(1) |
Except as indicated in the footnotes to the table, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned and percentage ownership are based on our outstanding common stock as of March 3, 2014, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes sole or shared voting or investment power with respect to such shares. All outstanding stock options and restricted stock units exercisable for or convertible into our common stock either currently or within 60 days after March 3, 2014 are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding such securities for the purpose of computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned and the percentage ownership of that person, but are not deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as indicated in the footnotes to the table, based on information provided by the persons named in the table, such persons have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. |
(2) |
As reported in an amendment to its Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 29, 2014, 1,953,215 shares represent the total number of shares beneficially owned by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) as of December 31, 2013. BlackRock has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares. The Schedule 13G indicates various persons have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of the shares; however, no one person’s interest in the shares is more than five percent (5%) of the total shares. |
(3) |
As reported in an amendment to its Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 13, 2014, 1,471,372 shares represent the total number of shares beneficially owned by Royce & Associates, LLC (“Royce & Associates”) as of December 31, 2013. Royce & Associates has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares. Securities reported as being beneficially owned by Royce & Associates, a registered investment advisor, are held on behalf of investment advisory clients. |
(4) |
As reported in its Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2014, 1,365,450 shares represent the total number of shares beneficially owned The Vanguard Group, Inc. (“Vanguard”), a registered investment adviser, as of December 31, 2013. Vanguard has shared dispositive power as to 30,091 shares, which are held by Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company and Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd., Vanguard’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, and sole dispositive power as to 1,335,359 shares. |
(5) |
Includes 972 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of March 3, 2014 and 1,708 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(6) |
Includes 311 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of March 3, 2014 and 572 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(7) |
Includes 972 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of March 3, 2014 and 1,708 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(8) |
Includes 972 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of March 3, 2014 and 1,708 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(9) |
Includes 972 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of March 3, 2014 and 1,708 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(10) |
Includes 972 restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of March 3, 2014 and 1,708 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(11) |
Includes 2,242 shares of restricted stock units and 7,933 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(12) |
Includes 4,066 shares of restricted stock units and 14,232 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(13) |
Includes 2,886 shares of restricted stock units and 10,166 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(14) |
Includes 10,695 shares of restricted stock units and 37,566 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
(15) |
Includes 3,276 shares of restricted stock units and 11,432 stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 3, 2014. |
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) requires our executive officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. Based solely on our review of the copies of these reports and on information provided by the reporting persons, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 our directors, executive officers and owners of more than 10% of our common stock complied with all applicable filing requirements.
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board currently consists of seven members. All of our current directors are standing for re-election. We are asking our stockholders to elect seven directors at the annual meeting to serve a term of one year and until their successors have been elected and qualified. The nominees for director, all of whom are now serving as directors, are listed below together with certain biographical information as of March 17, 2014.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR ALL of the nominees listed below as directors.
Tzau-Jin (T. J.) Chung, age 51, has been a director of Littelfuse since July 2007. Mr. Chung is President and CEO of Navman Wireless, a market leader in fleet management solutions and GPS technologies. Mr. Chung assumed his position in early 2007 upon the acquisition of Navman Wireless from the New Technologies Division of Brunswick Corporation. Previously, Mr. Chung served as President of the New Technologies Division of Brunswick Corporation from 2002 to 2007. Prior to that, he served as Vice President — Strategy of Brunswick Corporation, where he was responsible for corporate-wide strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions and information technology. Mr. Chung earned his bachelor’s degree in science, electrical and computer engineering from the University of Texas — Austin. He also holds a Master of Science degree in computer science from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Mr. Chung has been determined by the Board to be “independent” under the listing standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”). In nominating Mr. Chung for election as a director, our Board focused on his past experience in developing new products and his experience with operations in Asia as important attributes for his continuing to serve as one of our directors.
Cary T. Fu, age 65, has been a director of the Company since July 2012. Mr. Fu is the co-founder of Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (“Benchmark Electronics”) and was a director of Benchmark Electronics from 1990 through 2012 and Chairman of the Board from May 2009 until December 2012. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Benchmark Electronics from September 2004 to December 2011, President and Chief Executive Officer of Benchmark Electronics from September 2004 to December 2006, President and Chief Operating Officer of Benchmark Electronics from May 2001 to September 2004, Executive Vice President from 1990 to May 2001 and Executive Vice President — Financial Administration from 1990 to April 1992. He also served Benchmark Electronics as Treasurer from 1986 to January 1996, Secretary from 1990 to January 1996 and from 1986 to 1988 and Assistant Secretary from 1988 to 1990. In addition, Mr. Fu also served as a director of Benchmark Electronics from 1986 to 1988. From 1983 to 1986, Mr. Fu was employed by Intermedics as Controller of Benchmark Electronics and another subsidiary of Intermedics. Mr. Fu holds an M.S. degree in accounting from the University of Houston and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Fu also serves on the board of directors of Teradata Corporation. Mr. Fu has been determined by the Board to be “independent” under NASDAQ listing standards. In nominating Mr. Fu for election as a director, our Board focused on his past experience in the industry and unparalleled management experience.
Anthony Grillo, age 58, has been a director of Littelfuse since December 1991. Mr. Grillo is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of American Securities Advisors, LLC, an advisory and investment firm established in 2005. Mr. Grillo also serves as Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Rutgers University Foundation. From January 2005 through September 2005, Mr. Grillo served as Chief Executive Officer of CricketHill Associates, LLC, a boutique advisory firm providing financial advisory services to distressed companies. From 2001 through 2004, Mr. Grillo was a Senior Managing Director of Evercore Partners, Inc., an investment banking boutique providing advisory services to multinational corporations on significant mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings and other strategic corporate transactions, where he founded the restructuring practice for the firm. From 1999 through 2001, Mr. Grillo was a Senior Managing Director of Joseph Littlejohn & Levy, Inc., a private equity firm. From 1991 through 1999, Mr. Grillo was a Senior Managing Director of the Blackstone Group L.P., an investment banking firm. During those years, Mr. Grillo was the co-founder of Blackstone’s Restructuring and Reorganization Group, Chief Operating Officer of the firm’s mergers and acquisitions practice and a member of its Investment Committee. Mr. Grillo served as Chairman of the Board of Silicon Graphics, Inc. and as the Chairman of its Compensation Committee. Mr. Grillo has been determined by the Board to be “independent” under NASDAQ listing standards. In nominating Mr. Grillo for election as a director, our Board focused on his past experience in the financial markets, his experience with corporate acquisitions, his value as an audit committee financial expert and the knowledge of the Company that he has gained and shared from serving as a director since 1991 as important attributes for his continuing to serve as one of our directors.
Gordon Hunter, age 62, has been a director of Littelfuse since June 2002 and became our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2005. Mr. Hunter became our Chief Operating Officer in November 2003. Prior to joining Littelfuse, Mr. Hunter was Vice President, Intel Communications Group, and General Manager, Optical Products Group. Mr. Hunter was responsible for managing Intel’s access and optical communications business segments within the Intel Communications Group. Prior to joining Intel in February 2002, he served as President of Elo TouchSystems, a subsidiary of Raychem Corporation. Mr. Hunter also served in a variety of positions during a 20-year career at Raychem Corporation, including Vice President of Commercial Electronics and a variety of sales, marketing, engineering and management positions. Mr. Hunter currently serves on the Council of Advisors of Shure Incorporated, the Board of Directors of Veeco Instruments, Inc., where he serves on the Compensation Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, and the Board of Directors of CTS Corporation. Mr. Hunter holds a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Liverpool, England, and an MBA from London Business School. In nominating Mr. Hunter for election as a director, our Board focused on his leadership, vision and execution as our Chief Executive Officer in growing and reshaping the Company and setting and communicating the proper cultural and behavioral tone as important attributes for his continuing to serve as one of our directors.
John E. Major, age 68, has been a director of Littelfuse since December 1991. Mr. Major has been President of MTSG, a strategic consulting and investments company, since January 2003. From April 2004 to October 2006, Mr. Major served as Chief Executive Officer of Apacheta Corporation, a mobile wireless software company whose products are used to manage retail inventory, service and deliveries. From August 2000 through January 2003, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Novatel Wireless Inc., a wireless data access solutions company. Previously, Mr. Major was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wireless Knowledge, a QUALCOMM and Microsoft joint venture that developed a unique solution to allow all Internet-enabled devices, including cell phones, to access critical corporate information such as email, contacts and calendar entries in a convenient and secure manner. Prior to joining Wireless Knowledge, Mr. Major served as Corporate Executive Vice President of QUALCOMM, Inc. and President of its Wireless Infrastructure Division, where he managed the high growth rate and global expansion of the company’s infrastructure business. Under his leadership, the division achieved a leading position in open interface, wireless systems and developed a new line of extremely compact base stations. Prior to that, for approximately 18 years, Mr. Major held various executive and leadership positions at Motorola, Inc., the most recent of which was Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, where he directed a broad range of research initiatives and led Motorola’s efforts to develop world-class excellence in software.
Mr. Major received a B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Rochester, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois, an M.B.A. from Northwestern University and a J.D. from Loyola University. Mr. Major holds eleven U.S. patents.
Mr. Major is the past chairman of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). He served on the University of California President’s Board on Science and Innovation. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Committee of the University of Rochester Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Science and as Chairman of the University of Illinois at Chicago-Engineering School Advisory Board. Mr. Major serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of CommNexus, a nonprofit telecom industry group and as Chairman of the Board of the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology.
Mr. Major’s distinguished career and successes in a range of areas, including his senior management leadership at both large and startup technology companies, as well as his drive for innovation, as evidenced by his achievements at Wireless Knowledge, Qualcomm and Motorola, make Mr. Major a valuable contributor to our Board of Directors. Mr. Major also brings considerable directorial, financial and governance experience to the Board, currently serving on the boards of directors and several board committees of Lennox International, Inc., Broadcom Corporation, Pulse Electronics and ORBCOMM Inc.
Mr. Major has been determined by the Board to be “independent” under NASDAQ listing standards. In nominating Mr. Major for election as a director, our Board focused on his seasoned experience from having served as an executive officer and on the boards and board committees of varied technology companies, his vision and expertise in matters of corporate governance, his expertise in technical development and the knowledge of the Company that he has gained and shared as a director since 1991 as important attributes for his continuing to serve as one of our directors.
William P. Noglows, age 56, has been a director of Littelfuse since February 2007. Mr. Noglows is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cabot Microelectronics Corporation (NASDAQ:CCMP), a leading worldwide supplier of consumable products used in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Mr. Noglows assumed his current position at Cabot Microelectronics Corporation in 2003. Prior to that, he was an Executive Vice President and General Manager at Cabot Corporation. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. Noglows has been determined by the Board to be “independent” under NASDAQ listing standards. In nominating Mr. Noglows for election as a director, our Board focused on his experience as chief executive officer of a leading public company and his expertise in developing technology as important attributes for his continuing to serve as one of our directors.
Ronald L. Schubel, age 70, has been a director of Littelfuse since June 2002. In October 2007, Mr. Schubel retired as Corporate Executive Vice President and President of the Americas Region for Molex Incorporated, a global manufacturer of interconnect systems. He began his career with Molex in 1981, spending five years in Singapore as President of the Far East South Region. Prior to joining Molex, Mr. Schubel worked for General Motors for 15 years. His last position with General Motors was Director of Operations for the Packard Electric Division. In addition, Mr. Schubel serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Edward-Elmhurst Health Service Corporation, a nonprofit corporation. In addition he serves on the board of the Edward Cayman Corporation for investment and insurance support of Edward-Elmhurst and its affiliate of the EHSC Cayman Segregated Portfolio Company, which is the insurance company of EHSC. Further, Mr. Schubel is an advisor for Oaktree Capital working with the board of directors of Isola Group Ltd. Mr. Schubel has been determined by the Board to be “independent” under NASDAQ listing standards. In nominating Mr. Schubel for election as a director, our Board focused on his knowledge of managing manufacturing operations and his experience with operations in Asia as important attributes for his continuing to serve as one of our directors.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
Compensation of Directors.
For the 2013 fiscal year, directors who are not our employees are paid an annual retainer of $58,000, plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses relating to attendance at meetings. Directors are not paid any additional fees for attendance at meetings. In addition, our Lead Director is paid an additional annual retainer of $10,000, the Chairperson of the Audit Committee is paid an additional annual retainer of $18,000, the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee is paid an additional annual retainer of $15,000, the Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee is paid an additional annual retainer of $7,500, and the Chairperson of the Technology Committee is paid an additional annual retainer of $5,000. No additional fees are paid to directors who are also our full-time employees.
In January 2014, the Board approved an increase in the annual retainer paid to the non-employee directors to $65,000 and an increase in the lead director fee to $15,000, both effective for the 2014 fiscal year.
In addition to cash compensation, each non-employee director receives a grant of equity under the Littelfuse, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Long-Term Plan”) comprised of one-third options and two-thirds restricted stock units upon his or her election or reelection to the Board at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The value of the annual grant of equity is equal to $80,000, based on a valuation performed by the Compensation Committee’s independent consultant. The stock options vest ratably over three year, have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and have a seven-year term. The restricted stock units vest ratably over three years and entitle the director to receive one share of common stock per unit upon vesting. On April 26, 2013, Messrs. Chung, Grillo, Fu, Major, Noglows and Schubel were each granted 1,716 options to purchase shares of common stock and 934 restricted stock units.
In January 2014, the Board approved an increase in the value of the annual equity grant to $95,000, effective for the 2014 fiscal year.
Non-employee Directors may defer receipt of their cash fees under the Littelfuse Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors (the “Non-employee Directors Plan”) and defer payout of their equity grants under the Long-Term Plan. All deferrals are deposited with a third party trustee, where they (and any distributions thereon) are invested in Littelfuse common stock. Deferred cash fees are generally paid in a lump sum or installments when the Director ceases to be a director of Littelfuse. Deferred equity grants are paid out when the director ceases to be a Director or the date specified by the Director at the time of his or her deferral election. Deferred payments owing to Gordon Hunter as a result of his prior service as a non-employee Director are expected to be delayed six months as required by law due to his status as a "specified employee" under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
The following table sets forth compensation paid to all persons who were non-employee directors at any time during 2013:
2013 Director Compensation Table
Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Stock Awards ($)(2) |
Option Awards ($)(3) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
T. J. Chung |
73,000 |
60,813 |
41,012 |
— |
— |
— |
174,825 |
Cary T. Fu |
58,000 |
60,813 |
41,012 |
— |
— |
— |
159,825 |
Anthony Grillo(1) |
76,000 |
60,813 |
41,012 |
— |
— |
— |
177,825 |
John E. Major |
65,500 |
60,813 |
41,012 |
— |
— |
— |
167,325 |
William P. Noglows(1) |
68,000 |
60,813 |
41,012 |
— |
— |
— |
169,825 |
Ronald L. Schubel |
58,000 |
60,813 |
41,012 |
— |
— |
— |
159,825 |
|
(1) |
Fees earned by these directors include amounts deferred under the Non-employee Directors Plan. |
|
(2) |
The amounts in this column reflect the full grant date fair value for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of restricted stock unit awards under the Long-Term Plan. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are described in Note 13 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2014. The full grant date fair value of each restricted stock unit awarded in 2013, determined in accordance with FAS ASC Topic 718, without regard to when the award was recognized for financial reporting purposes, is equal to $65.11. As of December 28, 2013, the aggregate numbers of restricted stock units outstanding (including restricted stock units that have been deferred under the Long-Term Plan) were: Mr. Chung, 8,904 shares; Mr. Fu, 934 shares; Mr. Grillo, 3,382 shares; Mr. Major, 3,382 shares; Mr. Noglows, 1,926 shares; and Mr. Schubel, 3,382 shares. |
|
(3) |
The amounts in these columns reflect the full grant date fair value for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of option awards under the Long-Term Plan (including predecessor plans), including amounts from awards granted in 2013. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are described in Note 13 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2014. The full grant date fair value of each option awarded in 2013, determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, without regard to when the award was recognized for financial reporting purposes, is equal to $23.90. As of December 28, 2013, the aggregate numbers of shares underlying option awards outstanding were: Mr. Chung, 6,851 shares; Mr. Fu, 1,716 shares; Mr. Grillo, 35,450 shares; Mr. Major, 11,237 shares; Mr. Noglows, 15,450 shares; and Mr. Schubel, 21,479 shares. |
Stock Ownership Policy
In February 2011, the Board of Directors adopted a stock ownership policy that requires our executive officers and directors to hold and maintain a certain number of shares of common stock of the Company. Each non-employee director is required to hold a number of shares equal to five times (5x) the amount of his annual cash retainer. All new directors have five years from the date of election or appointment to satisfy their required stock ownership level. Until such time as a director achieves the required stock ownership level, the director is required to retain 50% of the shares of common stock realized from any equity awards granted by the Company. In the case of stock options, such shares are limited to “net shares” that remain after shares are sold or withheld to pay the exercise price of stock options, if applicable. Failure of a director to satisfy the applicable stock ownership level within the required compliance period may result in the director being ineligible to receive his annual equity award or being subject to a 100% retention requirement. All of our directors are in compliance with the guidelines and requirements set forth in our stock ownership policy.
Attendance at Meetings.
The Board held eight meetings during fiscal year 2013. All of the directors attended 100% of the meetings of the Board and the committees on which they served. Consistent with our policy, all of our directors attended our 2013 annual meeting of stockholders.
Independent members of our Board regularly meet in executive session without management present. Stockholders wishing to communicate directly with the Board or individual directors should communicate in writing to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices. Our Corporate Secretary will in turn promptly forward such communication to the directors.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Gordon Hunter, also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Additionally, William Noglows serves as the independent Lead Director. Among other things, the Lead Director convenes and chairs regular and special executive sessions of the independent directors and serves as liaison between the independent directors and our CEO and Chairman of the Board. We believe that our leadership structure allows the Board to have better control of the direction of management, while still retaining independent oversight. In understanding our structure, it is important to remember that Mr. Hunter served as a director of Littelfuse before serving as an executive officer.
The Board’s role in our risk oversight process includes receiving regular reports from members of management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal and regulatory, compensation and strategic risks. The full Board or the appropriate committee receives these reports from management to enable it to understand our risk identification, risk management and risk mitigation strategies. When a committee receives the report, the chairman of the relevant committee reports on the discussion to the full Board during the committee reports portion of the next Board meeting. This enables the Board and its committees to coordinate the risk oversight role, particularly with respect to risk interrelationships. In addition, the full Board and each committee of the Board conducts an annual self-assessment based on feedback received from the individual members of the Board and each committee.
We reviewed our compensation policies and practices to assess whether such policies and practices as they relate to the Company’s employees were reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. This assessment was made by the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer and senior members of the Company’s human resources department in consultation with outside counsel. Where appropriate, the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer and the senior members of the Company’s human resources department sought input from the Compensation Committee’s compensation consultant, the Company’s accounting and financial staff and other senior management. We concluded that any risks arising from our policies and programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Our programs reflect sound risk management practices including:
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● |
Use of a variety of compensation vehicles that provide a balance of long- and short-term incentives with fixed and variable components; |
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Our annual incentive program awards are capped to limit windfalls; |
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The Compensation Committee has downward discretion over annual incentive program payouts; |
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Our equity incentive awards vest over several years, so while the potential compensation payable for equity incentive awards is tied directly to appreciation of our stock price, taking excessive risk for a short term gain is discouraged because it would not maximize the value of equity incentive awards over the long term; and |
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Our executive officers and directors are subject to a stock ownership policy that requires our executive officers and directors to hold and maintain a certain number of shares of common stock of the Company. |
Board Committees
We have four standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Technology Committee. Each of these committees has a written charter approved by our Board.
Director |
|
Audit Committee |
|
Compensation Committee |
|
Nominating and Governance Committee |
|
Technology Committee |
T. J. Chung |
|
|
|
Chairman |
|
|
|
X |
Cary T. Fu |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
Anthony Grillo |
|
Chairman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gordon Hunter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chairman |
John E. Major |
|
X |
|
|
|
Chairman |
|
X |
William P. Noglows |
|
|
|
X |
|
X |
|
|
Ronald L. Schubel |
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
X |
Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”) is responsible for, among other things, the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm engaged (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company. It is also the responsibility of the Audit Committee to (1) review the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial controls and procedures of the Company and (2) review transactions posing a potential conflict of interest between us and our directors, officers and affiliates. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is available on our website at www.littelfuse.com. The Audit Committee met seven times in 2013. Members of the Audit Committee are Anthony Grillo, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, John E. Major and Cary T. Fu, each of whom has been deemed by the Board to be “independent” and to meet the enhanced requirements for audit committee members under the NASDAQ rules and listing standards and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Board has determined that Anthony Grillo is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC based on his prior experience as a certified public accountant, investment banker and private equity investor.
Compensation Committee.
The charter for the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) is posted on our website at www.littelfuse.com. The Compensation Committee is charged in the charter with the authority to, among other things, review our compensation practices and policies, review and recommend to the Board for its consideration and determination the compensation for the directors, Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers, evaluate Chief Executive Officer performance, and annually review and report on our compensation discussion and analysis and recommend its inclusion in our Form 10-K and Proxy Statement. The Compensation Committee held five meetings in 2013. The members of the Compensation Committee are T.J. Chung, the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, William P. Noglows and Ronald L. Schubel, each of whom has been deemed by the Board to be independent under NASDAQ listing standards. See the “Compensation Committee Report” below.
Processes and Procedures.
The Compensation Committee focuses on good governance practices and procedures in its operation. In 2013, this included:
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Considering compensation for the named executive officers (as defined below) in the context of all of the components of total compensation; |
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● |
Reviewing prior compensation for the named executive officers, including all components of total compensation; |
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● |
Conducting executive sessions with Compensation Committee members only; and |
|
● |
Obtaining professional advice from Compensation Strategies, Inc., an outside compensation consultant engaged directly by the Compensation Committee, that enabled the Compensation Committee to make decisions in the Company’s best interests, and having direct access to the outside compensation consultant. |
Delegation of Authority.
The Compensation Committee charter does not provide authority to the Compensation Committee to delegate its role and responsibilities under the charter to anyone. However, pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee has the power, in its discretion, to retain at the Company’s expense, such independent counsel and other advisors and experts as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the Compensation Committee’s duties.
Role of Executive Officers.
A discussion of the role of management in determining compensation levels can be found in this Proxy Statement under “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
Role of Compensation Consultant.
The Compensation Committee engaged Compensation Strategies, Inc. during the 2013 fiscal year to assist it with compiling a comprehensive analysis of market data and analyzing its implications for executive compensation at the Company, as well as various other executive compensation issues. Compensation Strategies, Inc. provided the following services in 2013: (1) reviewed our annual incentive and long-term incentive programs; (2) reviewed the executive compensation philosophy; (3) provided an update on executive compensation trends and pending and enacted legislation relevant to the compensation of our executive officers; and (4) reviewed the executive and director share ownership guidelines. The compensation consultant also provided competitive compensation data regarding the Company's peer group to the Compensation Committee in October 2013 for the formulation of executive compensation in 2014. Compensation Strategies continued to work with the Compensation Committee throughout the year with respect to these issues and as requested by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee determined that Compensation Strategies, Inc. did not have any economic interests or other relationships that would conflict with its obligation to provide impartial and objective advice.
Nominating and Governance Committee.
It is the responsibility of the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board (the “Nominating and Governance Committee”) to identify individuals qualified to serve on our Board and to recommend those individuals the Board should nominate for election at our annual meeting of stockholders.The Board has adopted a charter for the Nominating and Governance Committee.A copy of that charter is available on our website at www.littelfuse.com.The Nominating and Governance Committee met three times during 2013.The Nominating and Governance Committee reviewed the performance of all of the current members of the Board and determined and recommended to the Board that all of the current directors should be nominated for re-election.In making this recommendation, consideration was given to matters such as attendance at meetings, preparation for meetings, input at meetings, interaction with other Board members, and other tangible and intangible benefits their service as directors brought to us.No other candidates were recommended or evaluated.Members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are John E. Major, the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and William P. Noglows,each of whom has been deemed by the Board to be independent under NASDAQ listing standards.
Director Qualification Standards. The Nominating and Governance Committee, in considering a person for a nominee as a director, takes into consideration such factors as it deems appropriate, including the following:
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Experience as an executive or director of a publicly-traded company; |
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Familiarity with our business and our industry; |
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Availability to actively participate in meetings of the Board and attend the annual meeting of stockholders; |
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Knowledge and experience in the preparation or evaluation of financial statements; |
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Diversity of background, knowledge, skills and experience to create a well-rounded Board; |
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Satisfaction of the criteria for independence established by the SEC and NASDAQ listing standards, as they may be amended from time to time; and |
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Ability to interact in a productive manner with the other members of the Board. |
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees for the Board recommended by stockholders, using the same evaluation process as for any other candidate. Recommendations should be submitted to the Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices or directly to any member of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Any recommendation must include:
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The name and address of the candidate; |
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A brief biographical description, including his or her occupation for at least the last five years, and a statement of the qualifications of the candidate, taking into account the qualification factors set forth above; and |
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The candidate’s signed consent to be named in the Proxy Statement if nominated and to serve as a director if elected. |
To be considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for nomination and inclusion in our proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting, stockholder recommendations for director must have been received by us no later than November 13, 2014. Each stockholder recommendation must include the name and address of the nominating stockholder and the number of shares owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder.
Technology Committee. It is the responsibility of the Technology Committee of the Board (the “Technology Committee”) to review our research and development activities and ensure we maximize the use of appropriate technology throughout the organization. The Board has adopted a charter for the Technology Committee, which is available on our website at www.littelfuse.com. The Technology Committee met four times in 2013. Members of the Technology Committee are Gordon Hunter, the Chairman of the Technology Committee, T. J. Chung, John E. Major, Ronald L. Schubel and Cary T. Fu.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
T.J. Chung, William P. Noglows and Ronald L. Schubel served on the Compensation Committee during fiscal year 2013. None of our executive officers served as a member of the Compensation Committee, or on a board of directors performing equivalent functions, of any entity that had one or more of its executive officers serving as a director or member of our Compensation Committee.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis, or CD&A, describes our 2013 executive compensation program. This CD&A is intended to be read in conjunction with the tables beginning on page 31, which provide detailed historical compensation information for our following named executive officers, or NEOs.
Name |
Title |
Gordon Hunter |
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Philip G. Franklin |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
David W. Heinzmann |
Chief Operating Officer |
Ryan K. Stafford |
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer |
Dieter Röder |
Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Business Unit |
As discussed in more detail below, effective January 10, 2014, Mr. Heinzmann was promoted from Vice President of Global Operations to the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Franklin was promoted from Vice President, Operations Support, and Chief Financial Officer to the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Stafford was promoted from General Counsel and Vice President, Human Resources to the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer.
Executive Summary
Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, our stockholders are entitled to cast an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
As described below, our executive compensation programs are designed to align the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders, by rewarding performance that meets or exceeds established corporate and individual performance goals. Company performance is based on the achievement of specified financial objectives applicable to each named executive officer, which include sales, earnings per share and cash from operations, as well as performance measurements of the areas within the scope of authority of the named executive officer; whereas individual performance is based on each named executive officer’s achievement of specified individual performance objectives.
The compensation of our named executive officers during fiscal year 2013 should be viewed in light of our strong shareholder returns. Our compounded annual shareholder return for the five year period ending December 28, 2013 (assuming reinvestment of dividends) was 42.3%, as compared to the compounded annual shareholder return over the same period of 26.0% for the Dow Jones Electrical Components and Equipment Industry Group Index and 20.1% for the Russell 2000 Index.
Our executive compensation program is designed to pay for performance. In fiscal year 2013, our annual incentive award targets for our named executive officers were weighted at 80% for targets that were directly performance-based and 20% for targets that were tied to individual goals that promote value to the Company. In addition, a significant portion of our executive compensation program consists of long-term compensation subject to long-term vesting requirements.
The Compensation Committee continually reviews the compensation programs for our named executive officers to ensure they achieve the desired goals of aligning our executive compensation structure with our stockholders’ interests and current market practices. We believe we have programs that align the compensation of our executives with the interests of our stockholders and manage compensation risk, including stock ownership guidelines, an independent Compensation Committee and the use of an independent compensation consultant.
Pursuant to the SEC’s say-on pay rules, our shareholders approved, by the affirmative vote of 96% of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote at our 2013 Annual Meeting, the compensation for our named executive officers in our 2013 proxy statement. The Compensation Committee takes this approval into account when developing the compensation for our NEOs.
We are asking our stockholders to indicate their support for our named executive officer compensation as described in this proxy statement under Proposal No. 4, which allows our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our named executive officers’ compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the executive compensation tables, and the accompanying narrative as presented in this Proxy Statement.
Total Rewards Philosophy
The Compensation Committee is responsible for guiding and overseeing the formulation and application of the compensation and benefit programs for our named executive officers. Our Total Rewards Philosophy for executive compensation is designed to drive performance in the form of global business growth and success by fully leveraging our investment in our human capital to create stockholder value. To achieve our goals, we must attract and retain individuals with the appropriate expertise and leadership ability, and we must motivate and reward them to build long-term stockholder value.
The Compensation Committee has worked with our management and the Compensation Committee’s compensation consultant to design compensation programs with the following primary objectives:
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Attract, retain and motivate highly qualified executives; |
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Reward executives based upon our financial performance at levels competitive with peer companies; and |
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Align a significant portion of the executive compensation with driving our performance and stockholder value in the form of performance-based executive incentive awards and long-term awards. |
The design of our specific programs is based on the following guiding principles:
Performance
We believe that the best way to accomplish alignment of compensation with the interests of our stockholders is to link a significant portion of total compensation directly to meeting and exceeding individual, business unit and overall Company performance goals. When performance exceeds expectations, total pay levels are expected to be above the competitive median. When performance falls below expectations, total pay levels are expected to be below competitive levels.
Competitiveness
Compensation and benefit programs are designed to be competitive with those provided by companies with whom we compete for talent. While we target the 50th percentile of the total compensation programs of competitor companies, we also take into account other factors such as an executive’s operating responsibilities, management level, and tenure and performance in the position. In order to help us analyze the competitiveness of our compensation programs, we developed a reference group which was used to set compensation for the 2013 fiscal year, as discussed in more detail below in “Total Rewards Philosophy – Competitive Analysis.” This peer group was updated and used in October 2013 to set compensation for the 2014 fiscal year. Our health and welfare benefit programs, perquisites and other benefits are designed to provide competitive levels of protection and financial security but are not based on performance.
Cost
Compensation and benefit programs are designed to be cost effective, ensuring that the interests of our stockholders are considered.
The Annual Compensation Process
The Compensation Committee reviews industry data and performance results presented by its compensation consultant in determining the appropriate aggregate and individual compensation levels for the year. In conducting its review, the Compensation Committee considers quantitative performance results, the overall need of the organization to attract, retain and motivate the executive team, and the total cost of compensation programs. The Compensation Committee also reviews information showing the executive’s total target and actual compensation during the year. The amount of compensation already realized or potentially realizable, however, does not determine the level at which future pay opportunities may be set.
The Compensation Committee reviews base salaries starting in the fall, with any changes to be effective February 1 of the following year. This process aligns the timing of annual executive salary adjustments with the timing of adjustments for all other employees. To-date, approval of incentive awards for NEOs under the Littelfuse, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan (the “Annual Incentive Plan”) for the preceding year and the terms of the incentive awards for NEOs for the current year have been approved by the Compensation Committee at its January or February meeting (and such practice is expected to continue in the future if the Annual Incentive Plan is approved at our 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders). Stock options and restricted stock units (please see discussion below in the section entitled “Equity Compensation”) are granted at the meetings of the Compensation Committee and the full Board held in connection with our Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Since we establish the annual meeting schedule for our grants well in advance, there is no opportunity for manipulation of exercise prices on option grants if we are in possession of non-public information at the time of the meetings. Approval of grants for any newly-hired or promoted executives during the course of the year generally occurs at the Compensation Committee meeting immediately following the hiring or promotion, as applicable.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive compensation levels for our Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers are established through, among other methods, the use of data obtained from the Compensation Committee’s compensation consultant. These analyses include base salary, annual incentive opportunities and long-term incentive opportunities for comparable companies. With the advice of our compensation consultant, we adopted an industry reference group as a source to evaluate compensation levels, which industry group was used to set compensation for the 2013 fiscal year. The reference group consists of 17 publicly-traded companies of reasonably similar size to us in the electronic equipment/electronic manufacturing services industry, the electronic components and equipment industry and the semiconductor/semiconductor equipment and manufacturing industry, representing different segments of our business. The companies included in the reference group are set forth below:
COMPANY |
TICKER SYMBOL | |
Actuant Corporation |
|
ATU |
Altera Corporation |
|
ALTR |
AVX Corporation |
|
AVX |
Cabot Microelectronics Corporation |
|
CCMP |
CTS Corporation |
|
CTS |
Diodes Incorporated |
|
DIOD |
Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. |
|
ESIO |
Franklin Electric Company, Inc. |
|
FELE |
Linear Technology Corporation |
|
LLTC |
Methode Electronics, Inc. |
|
MEI |
Molex Inc. |
|
MOLX |
MTS Systems Corporation |
|
MTSC |
ON Semiconductor Corporation |
|
ONNN |
Pulse Electronics Corporation |
|
PULS |
Rogers Corporation |
|
ROG |
Semtech Corporation |
|
SMTC |
Xilinx Inc. |
|
XLNX |
With the advice of our compensation consultant, in October 2013 we adopted an updated industry reference group as a source to evaluate compensation levels, which industry group was used to set compensation for the 2014 fiscal year. The Compensation Committee again reviewed the members of the reference group during 2013 based on information provided by the compensation consultant and determined it was appropriate to update the peer group for purposes of setting compensation for the 2014 fiscal year. The new reference group consists of 18 publicly-traded companies of reasonably similar size to us in the electronic equipment/electronic manufacturing services industry, the electronic components and equipment industry and the semiconductor/semiconductor equipment and manufacturing industry, representing different segments of our business. The companies included in the reference group are set forth below:
COMPANY |
TICKER SYMBOL | |
Cabot Microelectronics Corporation |
|
CCMP |
CTS Corporation |
|
CTS |
Diodes Incorporated |
|
DIOD |
Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. |
|
ESIO |
Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc.* |
|
FCS |
Gentex Corporation* |
|
GNTX |
Hubbell Incorporated* |
|
HUBA, HUBB |
KEMET Corporation* |
|
KEM |
Methode Electronics, Inc. |
|
MEI |
Molex Inc. |
|
MOLX |
MTS Systems Corporation |
|
MTSC |
ON Semiconductor Corporation |
|
ONNN |
Rogers Corporation |
|
ROG |
Semtech Corporation |
|
SMTC |
Stoneridge, Inc.* |
|
SRI |
TTM Technologies, Inc.* |
|
TTMI |
Veeco Instruments Inc.* |
|
VECO |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.* |
|
VSH |
* Represents new peer company for 2014. |
The raw data derived from each company in the reference group is size-adjusted to approximate our revenues for the corresponding fiscal year. The total compensation for our named executive officers is generally targeted at the 50th percentile of the adjusted data specific to each position. In some instances, however, we provide compensation above or below the 50th percentile for a particular element and/or for a particular position, based on internal factors, including the executive’s operating responsibilities, management level, possible differences in compensation standards in the representative industries, the focus of our Total Rewards Philosophy, and tenure and performance of the executive officer in the position.
In 2013, the Compensation Committee awarded total compensation to Messrs. Hunter, Franklin, Heinzmann, Stafford and Röder that was 20%, 23%, 24%, 19% and 5%, respectively, above the median of our peer group for our 2013 fiscal year, as compared to -3%, +2%, +3%, -2% and -5%, respectively, in relation to the median of our new peer group for the 2014 fiscal year. In making the awards to our NEOs in 2013 above the median of our peer group for our 2013 fiscal year, in addition to analysis of our peer group, the Compensation Committee considered the individual scope of responsibility of each NEO, each NEO’s historical compensation levels, the NEO’s years of experience, the NEO’s past, and expected future, contributions to our success, market practice, internal equity considerations and individual performance.
Allocation between Cash and Non-Cash Compensation and Current and Long-Term Compensation
We believe that both cash components and non-cash components are appropriate mechanisms for delivering compensation. Cash compensation is used as current compensation (i.e., base salary and annual incentive awards), while non-cash compensation (i.e., stock options and restricted stock units) is generally used for long-term compensation. The allocation between cash and non-cash compensation is an outcome of our targeted competitiveness for individual program elements, including salary, annual incentive compensation and long-term incentive grants, and our practice with respect to allocating between the different types of incentive grants. The mix of compensation ultimately realized by the named executives is determined by a combination of individual, team and Company-wide performance over time.
The allocation between current and long-term compensation is based primarily on competitive market practices relative to base salaries, annual incentive awards and long-term incentive values, as opposed to a targeted allocation between current and long-term pay. We also consider certain internal factors that may cause us to target a particular element of a named executive’s compensation differently. These internal factors may include the named executive’s operating responsibilities, management level and tenure and performance in the position. We consider the total compensation to be delivered to individual named executives, and as such, exercise discretion in determining the portion allocated to annual and long-term incentive opportunity. We believe that this “total compensation” approach provides the ability to align pay decisions with the short-term and long-term needs of the business and the interests of our stockholders. It also allows for the flexibility needed to recognize differences in performance of each named executive officer by providing differentiated pay.
Management’s Role
The key elements of management’s role in determining compensation levels for the named executive officers are as follows:
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Develop performance measures: Management identifies appropriate performance measures, recommends performance targets that are used to determine annual awards, and develops individual performance objectives for each named executive officer. |
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Compile competitive market data: Management works with the compensation consultant in compiling compensation information and preparing the data for presentation to the Compensation Committee. |
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Develop compensation recommendations: Based on the compensation survey data and publicly disclosed compensation information, our Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer prepare recommendations for the named executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer himself) and present these recommendations to the Compensation Committee. Our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer also assists in the preparation of performance targets and objectives based on our short- and long-term growth plans. Our Chief Executive Officer also assists the Compensation Committee by providing input with regards to the fulfillment of the individual performance objectives of the named executive officers. |
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Chief Executive Officer compensation: The Compensation Committee reviews base salaries starting in the fall, with any changes to be effective February 1 of the following year. This process aligns the timing of annual executive salary adjustments with the timing of adjustments for all other employees. To-date, approval of incentive awards for NEOs under the Littelfuse, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan (the prior “Annual Incentive Plan”) for the preceding year and the terms of the incentive awards for NEOs for the current year have been approved by the Compensation Committee at its January or February meeting (and such practice is expected to continue in the future if the new Annual Incentive Plan is approved at our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders). Stock options and restricted stock units (please see discussion below in the section entitled “Equity Compensation”) are granted at the meetings of the Compensation Committee and the full Board held in connection with our Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Since we establish the annual meeting schedule for our grants well in advance, there is no opportunity for manipulation of exercise prices on option grants if we are in possession of non-public information at the time of the meetings. Approval of grants for any newly-hired or promoted executives during the course of the year generally occurs at the Compensation Committee meeting immediately following the hiring or promotion, as applicable. |
The Independent Consultant
The Compensation Committee has the authority under its charter to engage the services of outside advisors to assist in carrying out its duties. Under this authority, the Compensation Committee retained Compensation Strategies, Inc. in August 2007 to assist in the structuring of executive compensation for 2008. The Compensation Committee has continued to use Compensation Strategies, Inc. for assistance and reference with regards to executive compensation from 2009 to 2013, and into 2014. Compensation Strategies did not provide any other services to us in 2013. As mentioned previously, Compensation Strategies provided the following services in 2013: (1) reviewed our annual incentive and long-term incentive programs; (2) reviewed the executive compensation philosophy; (3) provided an update on executive compensation trends and pending and enacted legislation relevant to the compensation of our executive officers; and (4) reviewed the executive and director share ownership guidelines. The compensation consultant also provided competitive compensation data regarding the peer group to the Compensation Committee in October 2013 for the formulation of executive compensation in 2014.
Impact of Accounting and Tax Issues on Executive Compensation
In setting each named executive officer’s compensation levels, we do not have a stated policy that all compensation must be deductible. The Compensation Committee will consider various alternatives to preserving the deductibility of compensation payments and benefits to the extent reasonably practicable and to the extent consistent with our other compensation goals. The Compensation Committee and the Board analyze the overall expense arising from aggregate executive compensation levels and awards and the components of our pay programs. Section 162(m) of the Code (“Section 162(m)”) places a limit of $1,000,000 on the amount of compensation that we may deduct in any one year with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and our three other most highly compensated officers, other than the principal financial officer. Compensation, including compensation pursuant to plans or arrangements approved by our stockholders, that qualifies as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) is not subject to the deduction limit. The prior Annual Incentive Plan and the Long-Term Plan have been approved by our stockholders; as a result, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and annual cash incentive awards under all of these plans that qualify as “performance-based compensation” will not be subject to the deductibility limit imposed by Section 162(m). We are asking that shareholders approve the adoption of the new Annual Incentive Plan (see Proposal 4) so that awards granted under that plan can continue to not be subject to the deductibility limit imposed by Section 162(m), if desired by the Compensation Committee.
Employment Contracts
As of December 31, 2007, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Gordon Hunter, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, which replaced his employment agreement dated as of May 1, 2006. The employment agreement was amended and restated in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and formal guidance issued thereunder (“Section 409A”). The term of the employment agreement runs until death, disability, or such time as terminated by us or Mr. Hunter. We may terminate Mr. Hunter’s employment for cause or for any reason upon 60 days notice subject to certain payments as further discussed below in the section entitled, “Gordon Hunter’s Employment Agreement Post-Employment Provisions.” The employment agreement requires us to provide Mr. Hunter with a base salary of at least $525,000 per year, provisions for a home office, an automobile, and up to $15,000 in annual financial planning and tax counseling services. The employment agreement also contains non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-hire provisions for Mr. Hunter upon cessation of his employment with us. The foregoing description of the terms of the employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the employment agreement as set forth on Exhibit 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008.
Mr. Dieter Röder, our Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Business Unit, continues to have in effect with us an employment agreement dated January 22, 2005 and amended in 2007 and 2008. This agreement was entered into with Mr. Röder as part of our normal hiring practices in Germany and is governed by German law. The employment agreement requires us to provide Mr. Röder with a monthly base salary, reimbursement for certain business-related expenses (including costs related to his home office), and an automobile (including maintenance and insurance). The employment agreement also requires us to make a contribution as required by German law to a statutory social insurance scheme providing Mr. Röder's medical, dental and group accident insurance coverage. We also make a contribution to a German statutory pension insurance scheme as required by German law on behalf of Mr. Röder. The employment agreement provides that we may only terminate it by providing at least three months’ notice, although no post-termination severance or other benefits are promised. The employment agreement contains certain confidentiality provisions. In addition to what is provided in his employment agreement, Mr. Röder may be entitled to additional notice and severance benefits as required for all employees under German law.
Please see additional discussion regarding the terms of Messrs. Hunter’s and Röder’s employment agreements below in the section entitled “Post-Employment Compensation.” Other than the change of control agreements also discussed below under “Post-Employment Compensation,” none of the other named executive officers have employment agreements.
Components of Total Compensation
The compensation of our named executive officers usually consists of five components:
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base salaries; |
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annual incentive plan awards; |
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long-term incentive compensation; |
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perquisites and health and welfare programs; and |
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post-employment compensation. |
Each component is designed to help achieve our compensation objectives and to contribute to a total compensation arrangement that is competitive, appropriately performance-based and valued by our executives.
A. |
Base Salaries |
Purpose: The determination of each named executive officer’s base salary is designed to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified executives by paying a competitive salary.
Administration: Our Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer recommend named executive officer salary levels (other than for the Chief Executive Officer) to the Compensation Committee for approval. The Compensation Committee reviews these recommendations along with the reference group information and other information and advice of the compensation consultant, if any, and makes its recommendations to the full Board for approval. The Compensation Committee determines and makes Chief Executive Officer salary recommendations to the full Board for approval by the independent directors.
Determination of amounts: While base salary is targeted at the 50th percentile of the reference group, we also take into account factors such as individual scope of responsibility, years of experience, past and future contributions to our success and possible differences in compensation standards in our industry. We strive to be market competitive in an effort to attract, retain and motivate highly talented executive officers. The named executive officers’ salaries are determined by market salary data and each individual’s position, responsibility and longevity within our company and performance in that position.
The base salaries for the named executive officers in 2013 were determined based on historical compensation for our named executive officers and on compensation information provided by the compensation consultant. In both 2013 and 2014, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board and the Board approved increases in base salary for all named executive officers, effective as of February 1 of that year except for Mr. Heinzmann, whose 2014 increase was effective January 10, 2014 to coincide with his promotion from Vice President of Global Operations to the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. In connection with Mr. Heinzmann’s promotion, the Compensation Committee, after considering a compensation review prepared by Compensation Strategies, Inc., approved an increase in his annual base salary from $307,178 to $400,000
The base salary amounts for the named executive officers, effective as of February 1, 2013 and February 1, 2014 (or January 10, 2014, in the case of Mr. Heinzmann), respectively, are as follows:
NAME |
2014 BASE SALARY |
2013 BASE SALARY |
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Gordon Hunter |
$ | 730,714 | $ | 709,431 | ||||
Philip G. Franklin |
$ | 408,512 | $ | 384,307 | ||||
David W. Heinzmann |
$ | 400,000 | $ | 307,178 | ||||
Ryan K. Stafford |
$ | 372,768 | $ | 330,362 | ||||
Dieter Röder (1) |
$ | 285,794 | $ | 268,982 |
(1) Mr. Röder’s base salary has been converted to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of December 27, 2013, the last business day of the 2013 fiscal year, of 1 Euro to 1.3814 U.S. Dollars.
B. |
Annual Incentive Plan |
Purpose: The prior Annual Incentive Plan has been designed to provide a performance-based cash reward to the named executive officers (among other executives and key employees of the Company) for contributing to the achievement of our corporate goals and driving stockholder value, thereby addressing the objectives of our executive compensation policies.
Administration: The Compensation Committee, after (1) consulting with our Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer, (2) reviewing the reference group information and other information and advice, if any, of the compensation consultant and (3) discussing the financial goals and targets of the Company for the next fiscal year with our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Operating Officer, and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, establishes a threshold, target and maximum amount that may be awarded as an annual incentive compensation award to each named executive officer for the calendar year. The threshold, target and maximum amounts are set as percentages of each named executive officer’s base salary.
Awards to NEOs are granted based on an explicit formula approved by the Compensation Committee and recommended to the full Board for approval, typically at the first meeting of each year. At the end of each year, the amount of the total award payable to each of the named executive officers is calculated by the Compensation Committee based on Company and individual performance measures using a mathematical formula weighing each of the factors. The Compensation Committee then recommends the awards to the full Board for approval.
The Compensation Committee retains the discretion to decrease the total award payable to any named executive officer and to adjust (upward or downward) any performance measure for extraordinary events or circumstances, except that no adjustment to performance measures will be made if it would cause an award subject to Section 162(m) to fail to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m). In the past, these adjustments have included severance charges and extreme commodity price changes.
Determination of amounts: Incentive amounts are earned by each named executive officer based on the achievement of established objectives on a sliding scale from 0% to 200% of the target amount, which is set as a percentage of the named executive officer’s base salary. The maximum incentive amount that can be paid for a performance period has been limited under the prior Annual Incentive Plan to $2,000,000. This limit will increase to $2,500,000 under our new Annual Incentive Plan, if approved (see Proposal 3). While one factor we consider in compensation of our NEOs is where that compensation falls in relation to the 50th percentile of the total compensation of our reference group, we do not necessarily match our annual incentive awards against a certain percentile of the reference group and we consider other factors, such as internal equity considerations and the years of service of the NEO, in setting the compensation amounts. We set the threshold, target and maximum amounts so that, if earned, we pay sufficient total annual compensation to remain competitive.
Expiration: The prior Annual Incentive Plan expired on April 25, 2013. In January 2014, our Compensation Committee and our Board approved the new Annual Incentive Plan containing terms substantially similar to the prior Annual Incentive Plan and subject to stockholder approval (see Proposal 3).
Incentive awards paid to individual named executive officers have been based on both the actual financial results in relation to the target goals under the Annual Incentive Plan and an evaluation of the named executive officer’s performance in relation to his or her individual performance objectives. Approximately 80% of the award has been tied to the actual financial results, such as sales, earnings per share and cash from operations, as well as performance measurements of the areas within the scope of authority of the named executive officer, in relation to the target goals under the Annual Incentive Plan and, except for an earnings per share threshold with respect to Mr. Hunter, approximately 20% has been based on individual performance objectives, some of which are qualitative in nature and require subjective determinations by the Committee in its discretion. Since Section 162(m) allows payout amounts to be reduced (but not increased) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, 20% of Mr. Hunter’s award has been fully-earned at a maximum level based on meeting a minimum amount of earnings per share, but then has been subject to reduction to appropriate levels based on performance against his stated goals, as determined by the Compensation Committee or Board in their negative discretion.
The following table summarizes the Annual Incentive Plan target percentages for the named executive officers for 2013:
NAME |
THRESHOLD, TARGET AND MAXIMUM AMOUNTS AS A PERCENTAGE OF 2013 BASE SALARY |
Gordon Hunter |
50, 100 & 200% |
Philip G. Franklin |
35, 70 & 140% |
David W. Heinzmann |
30, 60 & 120% |
Ryan K. Stafford |
30, 60 & 120% |
Dieter Röder |
30, 60 & 120% |
The threshold, target and maximum amounts as percentages of each named executive officer’s base salary are set forth in the Grants of Plan Based Awards in 2013 Table included in this Proxy Statement. Based on our previous financial performance and the projections for 2013 performance, the Compensation Committee set what it considered aggressive Company performance objectives for the prior Annual Incentive Plan in 2013.
In January 2014, the Compensation Committee made determinations as to the satisfaction of the individual performance factors for 2013 for each named executive officer and determined payouts under the prior Annual Incentive Plan for 2013. The table below shows the amounts earned under the awards granted under the prior Annual Incentive Plan in 2013 for each named executive officer and the amount as a percentage of base salary:
NAME |
AMOUNTS AWARDED UNDER THE 2013 ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN |
AWARDED AMOUNT AS PERCENT OF BASE SALARY |
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Gordon Hunter |
$ | 994,735 | 140 | % |
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Philip G. Franklin |
$ | 399,031 | 104 | % |
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David W. Heinzmann |
$ | 299,186 | 97 | % |
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Ryan K. Stafford |
$ | 321,766 | 97 | % |
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Dieter Röder (1) |
$ | 250,746 | 93 | % |
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(1) The amount awarded to Mr. Röder has been converted to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of December 27, 2013, the last business day of the 2013 fiscal year, of 1 Euro to 1.3814 U.S. Dollars.
In connection with making the above awards, the Committee certified that the following performance had been achieved for 2013:
Goals |
Weight |
Adjusted Target |
Adjusted Actual |
Incentive Earned (% of Total Target) |
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Gordon Hunter |
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Corporate Sales (1) |
20% |
$700.3M |
$706.9M |
24% |
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Earnings per Share (2) |
30% |
$4.00 |
$4.34 |
60% |
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Working Capital % of Sales (3) |
10% |
27.6% |
26.4% |
14% |
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Cash from Operations |
20% |
$120.2 |
$122.4 |
22% |
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Individual: |
20% |
* 100% (4) |
* 100% (4) |
20% (4) |
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Total: |
100% |
140% |
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Philip G. Franklin |
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Corporate Sales (1) |
10% |
$700.3M |
$706.9M |
12% |
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Earnings per Share (2) |
40% |
$4.00 |
$4.34 |
80% |
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Working Capital % of Sales (3) |
10% |
27.6% |
26.4% |
14% |
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Cash from Operations |
20% |
$120.2 |
$122.4 |
22% |
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Individual: |
20% |
* 100% (4) |
* 100% (4) |
20% (4) |
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Total: |
100% |
148% |
Goals | Weight | Adjusted Target Performance |
Adjusted Actual Performance |
Incentive Earned (% of Total Target) |
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Dave Heinzmann |
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Corporate Sales (1) |
10% |
$700.3M |
$706.9M |
12% |
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Earnings per Share (2) |
40% |
$4.00 |
$4.34 |
80% |
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Working Capital % of Sales (3) |
10% |
27.6% |
26.4% |
14% |
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Cash from Operations |
20% |
$120.2 |
$122.4 |
22% |
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Individual: |
20% |
* 100% (4) |
* 170% (4) |
34% (4) |
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Total: |
100% |
162% |
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Ryan K. Stafford |
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Corporate Sales (1) |
10% |
$700.3M |
$706.9M |
12% |
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Earnings per Share (2) |
40% |
$4.00 |
$4.34 |
80% |
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Working Capital % of Sales (3) |
10% |
27.6% |
26.4% |
14% |
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Cash from Operations |
20% |
$120.2 |
$122.4 |
22% |
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Individual: |
20% |
* 100% (4) |
* 170% (4) |
34% (4) |
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Total: |
100% |
162% |
Dieter Röder |
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Earnings per Share (2) |
20% |
$4.00 |
$4.34 |
40% |
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Automotive Working Capital % of Sales (3) |
10% |
31.0% |
29.5% |
14% |
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Automotive Business Unit Sales (5) |
15% |
$229.5M |
$240.4M |
22% |
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Automotive Business Unit Operating Income (6) |
35% |
$33.5M |
$38.0M |
49% |
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Individual: |
20% |
* 100% (4) |
* 150% (4) |
30% (4) |
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Total: |
100% |
155% |
(1) |
Adjusted target corporate sales and adjusted actual corporate sales are adjusted to exclude sales from Hamlin, Inc. which was acquired on May 31, 2013. |
(2) |
Adjusted target earnings per share and adjusted actual earnings per share are adjusted to exclude (1) the net income of Hamlin, (2) acquisition expenses, (3) purchase accounting adjustments, (4) impairment charges and (5) foreign exchange gains. |
(3) |
Adjusted target working capital % of sales, adjusted actual working capital % of sales, adjusted target automotive working capital % of sales and adjusted actual automotive working capital % of sales are adjusted to exclude Hamlin sales and working capital. |
(4) |
Evaluation of individual performance goals and determination of results are discussed below. The Committee determined that the incentive earned (as a percent of goal target) for the individual goals for each of Messrs. Hunter, Franklin, Heinzmann, Stafford and Röder was 100%, 100%, 170%, 170% and 150%, respectively. |
(5) |
Adjusted target automotive business unit sales and adjusted actual automotive business unit sales are calculated by excluding Hamlin sales. |
(6) |
Adjusted target business unit operating income and adjusted actual business unit operating income are calculated by excluding (1) the operating income of Hamlin, (2) amortization, (3) acquisition expenses and (4) purchase accounting adjustments. |
The personal performance objectives vary for each named executive officer, as described below, and are tailored to the job responsibilities of each individual NEO. Personal performance objectives considered in determining incentive awards are subject to change from year-to-year, depending on the needs of the Company and the role of the named executive officer; however, personal performance objectives in 2013 generally fell under three broad categories: (1) overall Company business performance; (2) development of managerial leaders and talent within the Company; and (3) legal compliance and corporate governance best practices.
Mr. Hunter’s personal performance objectives included: (1) talent and leadership development ; (2) business strategy communication; (3) mergers and acquisitions and capital structure; (4) operational excellence; and (5) legal compliance and corporate governance. Mr. Franklin’s personal performance objectives included: (1) mergers and acquisitions planning and integration; (2) talent and leadership development; (3) investor relations and shareholder communications; and (4) key balance sheet measurements. Mr. Heinzmann’s personal performance objectives included: (1) customer complaint reduction ; (2) improvements in lead times and fill rates; (3) cost reductions; (4) lean enterprise improvements; and (5) mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Stafford’s personal performance objectives included: (1) legal compliance and corporate governance; (2) marketing strategy; (3) leadership and talent development; and (4) mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Röder’s personal performance objectives included: (1) key sales growth initiatives; (2) lean enterprise improvements; (3) key operational improvements; (4) mergers and acquisitions; and (5) leadership and talent development.
While some of the 2013 individual performance objectives for each named executive officer may be measured by objective standards, others may be more qualitative in nature and are ultimately subject to the determination of the Compensation Committee based on input from our Chief Executive Officer. In the case of Mr. Hunter, his 20% portion is fully earned on meeting an earnings per share threshold of $2.00 and then is subject to reduction by the Compensation Committee or the Board in their negative discretion based on individual performance against stated goals.
At its January 2014 meeting, the Compensation Committee established the threshold, target and maximum amounts (as a percentage of base salary) to be awarded under the new Annual Incentive Plan for 2014 for the named executive officers, subject to stockholder approval of such plan (see Proposal 3) and achievement of financial objectives of the Company and individual performance objectives set by the Compensation Committee for 2014.
In connection with Mr. Heinzmann’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Stafford's promotion to Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer in January 2014, the Compensation Committee, after consideration of a compensation review prepared by its compensation consultant, approved an increase in Mr. Heinzmann’s and Mr. Stafford's target incentives under the Annual Incentive Plan for 2014 from 60% to 70% of base salary. The Board also approved these increases. Beginning in 2014, in order to protect their Section 162(m) exemption, 20% of the awards for Messrs. Franklin and Heinzmann will be subject to a minimum earnings per share requirement and Compensation Committee discretion to reduce, similar to Mr. Hunter.
The following table summarizes Annual Incentive Plan target percentages, as a percentage of base salary, for the named executive officers for 2014:
NAME |
THRESHOLD, TARGET AND MAXIMUM AMOUNTS AS A PERCENTAGE OF 2014 SALARY |
Gordon Hunter |
50, 100 & 200% |
Philip G. Franklin |
35, 70 & 140% |
David W. Heinzmann |
35, 70 & 140% |
Ryan K. Stafford |
35, 70 & 140% |
Dieter Röder |
30, 60 & 120% |
C. |
Long Term Incentive Compensation |
Purpose: In 2013, the Compensation Committee awarded a combination of two types of equity awards under the Long-Term Plan to our named executive officers: stock option awards and restricted stock units. The Compensation Committee determined that the two award types emphasize the goals of our equity compensation: (1) to align each named executive officer’s financial interests with driving stockholder value; (2) to focus the named executive officers’ efforts on long-term financial performance of the Company; and (3) to assist in the retention of our named executive officers.
Administration: The Compensation Committee approves the awards of stock options and restricted stock units based upon (1) the recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer with respect to the named executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, and on its own with respect to the Chief Executive Officer; and (2) reviewing the reference group information and other information and advice of the compensation consultant, if any. The overall funding levels for our equity awards, however, are ultimately subject to the judgment and approval of the Compensation Committee to ensure appropriate alignment with the interest of our stockholders.
Since 2010, the Compensation Committee has granted stock options with a three-year vesting period and an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and restricted stock units with a three-year vesting period. Upon vesting, one share of our common stock will be delivered for each restricted stock unit award, net of any shares necessary to satisfy applicable tax withholding. The Long-Term Plan does not permit grants of stock options with exercise prices below the fair market value of the stock at the time of the grant.
Determination of Amounts: While we generally target total equity compensation awards at the 50th percentile of our reference group, we also take into account other factors, such as years of service with the Company and internal pay equity considerations, when determining total equity compensation. The allocation by the Committee between the types of equity compensation is based primarily on a combination of market practice, internal equity considerations, individual performance and relative importance of the objectives behind each of the types (i.e. long-term financial performance and retention). In 2013, based on a valuation performed by the Compensation Committee’s independent consultant, the Compensation Committee determined that approximately 50% of the value of the equity awards should be made in stock options, with the remaining 50% of the value of the equity awards to be made in restricted stock units. The restricted stock unit awards and stock options granted in 2013 to the named executive officers are set forth in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2013 Table below.
In recognition of Mr. Röder’s efforts with respect to the Company’s successful acquisition of Hamlin, Inc. on May 31, 2013, the Committee approved a special, one-time award to him of 1,200 restricted stock units under the Long-Term Plan. The restricted stock units fully vest on the third anniversary of their grant date (subject to accelerated vesting upon death, disability, or change in control).
In connection with Mr. Heinzmann’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer, the Compensation Committee, after consideration of a compensation review prepared its compensation consultant, approved a special, one-time award to him of 2,142 restricted stock units under the Long-Term Plan. The restricted stock units fully vest on the third anniversary of their grant date (subject to accelerated vesting upon death, disability, or change in control).
Stock Ownership Policy
As mentioned above under the Director Compensation section, we adopted a stock ownership policy in fiscal year 2011 that requires our executive officers and directors to hold and maintain a certain number of shares of common stock of the Company. Our Chief Executive Officer is required to hold a number of shares equal to five times (5x) his base salary, our Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and our Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer, are each required to hold a number of shares equal to three times (3x) his respective base salary, and each of our other vice presidents and senior vice presidents is required to hold a number of shares equal to two times (2x) his or her respective base salary, each as may be adjusted by the Compensation Committee from time to time to account for a significant increase in the price of the Company’s common stock. As noted above, the stock ownership policy permits the Compensation Committee to adjust the ownership requirements in the event of a significant increase in the price of the Company’s common stock. In light of the approximately 51% increase in the price of the Company’s common stock during the 2013 fiscal year, in January 2014 the Compensation Committee approved an adjustment to the ownership requirements using the average January 2014 closing price of the Company’s common stock of $93 per share. As a result, effective January 2014, the ownership requirements for each person covered by the stock ownership policy (including the members of the Company’s Board of Directors) were adjusted by dividing the number of shares required to be held before the adjustment (for example, 5x base salary for our Chief Executive Officer) by $93 per share. All new executive officers have five years from the date of election or appointment to satisfy their required stock ownership level. Like the directors, until such time as an officer achieves the required stock ownership level, that officer is required to retain 50% of the “net shares” of common stock realized from any equity awards granted by the Company. Failure to satisfy the applicable stock ownership level within the required compliance period may result in an officer being ineligible to receive his or her annual equity award, ineligible to receive any cash bonus in the form of shares of common stock, and/or being subject to a 100% retention requirement. The NEOs are currently in compliance with the stock ownership policy.
D. |
Perquisites and Health and Welfare Programs |
Perquisites
Our Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers are provided with the opportunity to receive executive physicals and financial planning services on an annual basis. We participate in an executive physical program that provides approximately $5,000 in services per named executive officer. In addition, Mr. Hunter is entitled to $15,000 per year of financial planning and tax consulting services, and each of our other named executive officers is entitled to $12,000 per year of financial planning services. We provide these benefits to help our named executive officers efficiently manage their time and financial affairs and to allow them to stay focused on business issues and minimize distractions of this type. Additionally, Messrs. Hunter and Röder are provided with a Company automobile as required by their employment agreements, the terms of which were established to remain competitive with our referenced peer group or, in Mr. Röder's case, local practice. For more information on these perquisites, see the Summary Compensation Table below.
Health and Welfare Programs
Our U.S. named executive officers participate in the same health and welfare programs designed for all of our full-time U.S. employees. We believe these programs are important components of a total compensation system, and we provide them to remain competitive. The core package includes group health, dental, disability, business travel accident, life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. The U.S. named executive officers are also provided with an increased amount of life and AD&D insurance in order to provide a targeted level of coverage equal to three times base salary. We provide these benefits to remain competitive with those U.S. companies with whom we compete for executive talent.
For Mr. Röder (and all of our employees located in Germany), we pay an amount of statutory social insurance as required by German law which provides medical, dental and group accident insurance coverage.
E. |
Post-employment Compensation |
Retirement Plans
We provide retirement benefits to our U.S. employees and named executive officers through the following plans:
Littelfuse, Inc. 401(k) Retirement and Savings Plan
Named executive officers (other than Mr. Röder) may elect to participate in the 401(k) Plan on the same basis as all other U.S. employees. The Littelfuse, Inc. 401(k) Retirement and Savings Plan (“401(k) Plan”) provides employees the opportunity to save for retirement on a tax-favored basis. The Company amended the 401(k) Plan, effective as of January 1, 2012, to provide mandatory Company contributions equal to 2% of a participant’s annual eligible pay. This is in addition to the existing Company matching contributions, which provide a dollar-for-dollar match on participant salary deferrals up to 4% of a participant’s annual eligible pay (subject to IRS compensation limits). The Plan also provides for discretionary contributions for those eligible, active participants who as of January 1, 2010, participated in the Littelfuse, Inc. Retirement Plan (“Pension Plan”) and had earned a minimum of 10 years of service and a combined age and years of service of at least 60 (the “60 Point Group”). The Company has currently set these contributions at 5% of base pay (subject to IRS compensation limits). All contributions to the 401(k) Plan are fully vested and nonforfeitable.
Littelfuse, Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Savings Plan
Named executive officers (other than Mr. Röder) may elect to participate in the Littelfuse, Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Savings Plan, effective January 1, 2010 (the “Supplemental Plan”). The Supplemental Plan is offered to a select group of U.S. management employees who earn above a designated threshold. The Supplemental Plan is a top-hat non-qualified defined contribution retirement plan that allows participants to plan for retirement by deferring up to 90% of their annual eligible pay. The Company makes fully vested matching contributions which provide a dollar-for-dollar match on total participant salary deferrals to both the Supplemental Plan and the 401(k) Plan, less any match already made under the 401(k) Plan. This match is intended to ensure that the IRS deferral and compensation limits that apply to the 401(k) Plan do not prevent participants from deferring the desired percentage of their earnings and receiving their full matching contribution on such amount. The Company may also provide fully vested contributions to certain U.S. members of the 60 Point Group (as defined above) to ensure they receive their full contribution, without regard to the IRS compensation limit that applies to the 401(k) Plan ($255,000 for 2013). The Supplemental Plan tracks the compensation definitions and 60 Point Group contribution percentages that apply to the 401(k) Plan.
Other Plans
The named executive officers (other than Mr. Röder) accrued a retirement benefit under the Littelfuse, Inc. Retirement Plan prior to it being frozen effective April 1, 2009. See the section entitled “Pension Benefits” below for more information.
Mr. Franklin accrued a retirement benefit under the Littelfuse, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) prior to its termination effective December 31, 2009. See the section entitled “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” below for more information.
Mr. Röder participates in a German statutory pension insurance scheme on the same basis as all of our other German employees.
Post-Employment Compensation
Each of the named executives has entered into a change of control agreement with the Company that provides certain payments and benefits on termination of employment in connection with a change of control of the Company. For more information on our change of control agreements, please see the section entitled “Post-Employment Compensation – Change of Control Agreements Post-Employment Provisions.”
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
To the Board of Directors of Littelfuse, Inc.:
We have reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement.
Based on the review and discussion referred to above, we recommend to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis referred to above be included in this Proxy Statement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013.
|
Compensation Committee: |
|
|
|
Tzau-Jin (T. J.) Chung (Chairman) |
William P. Noglows | |
Ronald L. Schubel |
The foregoing report is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proxy rules or the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any prior or subsequent filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
COMPENSATION TABLES AND NARRATIVE DISCLOSURES
The following table sets forth compensation information for our named executive officers for services rendered in all capacities to us and our subsidiaries in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Summary Compensation Table
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION |
|
YEAR |
|
SALARY ($)(1) |
|
|
BONUS ($)(1) |
|
|
STOCK AWARDS ($)(2) |
|
|
OPTION AWARDS ($)(2) |
|
|
NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN COMPENSATION ($)(3) |
|
|
CHANGE IN PENSION VALUE AND NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION EARNINGS ($)(4) |
|
|
ALL OTHER COMPENSATION ($)(5) |
|
|
TOTAL COMPENSATION ($) |
| |||||||||||
Gordon Hunter |
|
2013 |
|
|
709,431 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
731,693 |
|
|
|
987,070 |
|
|
|
994,735 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
119,140 |
|
|
|
3,542,069 |
| |||
Chairman of the Board, |
|
2012 |
|
|
688,768 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
737,693 |
|
|
|
925,848 |
|
|
|
725,706 |
|
|
|
37,679 |
|
|
|
192,675 |
|
|
|
3,308,369 |
| |||
President and Chief |
|
2011 |
|
|
668,707 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
543,167 |
|
|
|
779,418 |
|
|
|
766,123 |
|
|
|
16,134 |
|
|
|
46,820 |
|
|
|
2,820,369 |
| |||
Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Philip G. Franklin |
|
2013 |
|
|
384,307 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
287,135 |
|
|
|
387,180 |
|
|
|
399,031 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
70,20177,722 |
|
|
|
1,527,854 |
| |||
Senior Vice President and |
|
2012 |
|
|
373,114 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
289,279 |
|
|
|
362,390 |
|
|
|
300,737 |
|
|
|
74,499 |
|
|
|
51,267 |
|
|
|
1,477,741 |
| |||
Chief Financial Officer |
|
2011 |
|
|
362,247 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
189,193 |
|
|
|
269,610 |
|
|
|
283,253 |
|
|
|
31,947 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,187,517 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
David W. Heinzmann |
|
2013 |
|
|
307,178 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
197,283 |
|
|
|
265,290 |
|
|
|
299,186 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
62,321 |
|
|
|
1,131,258 |
| |||
Chief Operating Officer |
|
2012 |
|
|
298,231 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
199,226 |
|
|
|
250,166 |
|
|
|
206,040 |
|
|
|
178,789 |
|
|
|
47,726 |
|
|
|
1,180,178 |
| |||
|
|
2011 |
|
|
289,545 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
146,472 |
|
|
|
213,237 |
|
|
|
192,324 |
|
|
|
54,726 |
|
|
|
35,361 |
|
|
|
931,665 |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Ryan K. Stafford |
|
2013 |
|
|
330,362 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
231,141 |
|
|
|
310,700 |
|
|
|
321,766 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
44,895 |
|
|
|
1,238,864 |
| |||
Senior Vice |
|
2012 |
|
|
320,740 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
233,150 |
|
|
|
292,250 |
|
|
|
221,591 |
|
|
|
17,283 |
|
|
|
47,968 |
|
|
|
1,132,982 |
| |||
President,Chief Legal and |
|
2011 |
|
|
311,398 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
152,575 |
|
|
|
215,688 |
|
|
|
208,708 |
|
|
|
4,912 |
|
|
|
22,132 |
|
|
|
915,413 |
| |||
Human Resources Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Dieter Röder |
|
2013 |
|
|
268,982 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
250,437 |
|
|
|
210,320 |
|
|
|
250,746 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
25,216 |
|
|
|
1,006,010 |
| |||
Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Business Unit (6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
All cash compensation received by each named executive officer is found in either the Salary or Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation columns of this Table. The amounts that would generally be considered annual “bonus” awards are found under the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column. |
|
(2) |
The amounts in these columns reflect the full grant date fair value for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of restricted stock units and option awards under our Long-Term Plan (and the predecessor plans). Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are described in Note 13 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2014. |
|
(3) |
Represents payouts for performance under the Annual Incentive Plan. See “COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS” and “NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE AND GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN 2013 TABLE” for a discussion of how amounts were determined. |
|
(4) |
Amounts shown in this column for 2013 represent the increase in the actuarial present value of each U.S. NEO's accumulated benefit under the Pension Plan from December 29, 2012 to December 28, 2013. Although the Pension Plan was frozen effective April 1, 2009, the actuarial present value of each NEOs benefit under the plan is subject to change, largely due to the passage of time, and changes in the discount rate used to value the Pension Plan's liabilities. The discount rate used to value the plan changed from 3.85% per annum as of December 29, 2012 to 4.75% per annum as of December 28, 2013. As a result, there was no increase in the actuarial present value of benefits for any of the NEO’s in 2013.
There are no above-market or preferential earnings in the Supplemental Plan or the SERP. See the 2013 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table for more information. |
|
(5) |
The amounts in this column for 2013 reflect company and matching contributions allocated by us to each U.S. NEO (other than Mr. Röder) pursuant to our 401(k) Plan, and Supplemental Plan, and the cost of insurance premiums paid by us with respect to term life and AD&D insurance. The amount of company matching contributions made to our 401(k) plan in 2013 for Messrs. Franklin and Heinzmann were $27,700 and $27,905, respectively. The amount of company contributions made to the Supplemental Plan in 2013 for Mr. Hunter was $56,871.
Each named executive officer is also eligible to receive tax and financial planning services provided by a third-party service provider and a physical examination, although Mr. Röder did not use these benefits in 2013. In addition, the amounts for Messrs. Hunter and Röder include the value of the personal use of a Company automobile, including maintenance, fuel and upkeep costs; the amount for Mr. Hunter includes club membership dues and spouse travel for industry events; Mr. Franklin’s amount includes club membership dues; and Mr. Röder’s amount includes a contribution to the German statutory pension insurance scheme as required by German law. |
|
(6) |
Mr. Röder, a non-U.S. employee compensated in Euros, became a named executive officer in 2013, and was not a named executive officer in 2012 and 2011. All compensation to Mr. Röder (other than the restricted stock unit and option awards) is presented in this table using the exchange rate as of December 27, 2013, the last business day of the 2013 fiscal year, of 1 Euro to 1.3814 U.S. Dollars. |
The following table provides additional information with respect to options and stock-based awards granted in 2013, the value of which was provided in the Stock Awards and Options Awards columns of the Summary Compensation Table, and the potential range of payouts associated with the Annual Incentive Plan.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2013 Table
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name |
Grant Date |
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
All Other Stock Awards: # of Shares of Stock or Units |
All Other Option Awards: # of Securities Underlying Options |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($) (1) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gordon Hunter |
4/26/2013(2) |
-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 11,230 | -- | -- | 731,185 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4/26/2013(3) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 41,300 | 66.68 | 987,070 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A (4) | 354,716 | 709,431 | 1,418,863 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Philip G. Franklin |
4/26/2013(2) |
-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 4,410 | -- | -- | 287,135 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4/26/2013(3) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 16,200 | 66.68 | 387,180 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A (4) | 134,508 | 269,015 | 538,031 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
David W. Heinzmann |
4/26/2013(2) |
-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3,030 | -- | -- | 197,283 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4/26/2013(3) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 11,100 | 66.68 | 265,290 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A (4) | 92,154 | 184,307 | 368,614 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ryan K. Stafford |
4/26/2013(2) |
---- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3,550 | -- | -- | 231,141 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4/26/2013(3) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 13,000 | 66.68 | 310,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A (4) | 99,109 | 198,217 | 396,434 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dieter Röder |
4/26/2013(2) |
-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2,390 | -- | -- | 155,613 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8/1/2013(2) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,200 | -- | -- | 94,824 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4/26/2013(3) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 8,800 | 66.68 | 210,320 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N/A (4)(5) | 80,695 | 161,389 | 322,778 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
|
(1) |
Represents the full grant date fair value of restricted stock units and option awards reported in this table determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, based on the assumptions discussed under the Summary Compensation Table. The options granted on April 26, 2013 had a grant date fair value of $23.90 per share; the restricted stock units granted on April 26, 2013 are valued at $65.11 per unit and the restricted stock units granted on August 1, 2013 are valued at $79.02 per unit. |
|
(2) |
Represents grants of restricted stock units awarded under the Long-Term Plan. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE AND GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN 2013 TABLE” for information regarding the vesting of restricted stock units. |
|
(3) |
Represents stock options awarded under the Long-Term Plan. See “COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS” AND “NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE AND GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN 2013 TABLE” for information regarding the vesting of stock options. |
|
(4) |
Represents payouts for 2013 performance under the Annual Incentive Plan. See “COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS” and “NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE AND GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN 2013 TABLE” for a discussion on how amounts were determined. |
(5) |
The target, threshold and maximum amounts reported for Mr. Röder have been converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate as of December 27, 2013, the last business day of the 2013 fiscal year, of 1 Euro to 1.3814 U.S. Dollars. |
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2013 Table
Annual Incentive Plan
The amounts listed in the Threshold, Target and Maximum columns under the Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards heading of the Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2013 Table represent the potential range of cash awards for the prior Annual Incentive Plan for 2013. For 2013, threshold, target and maximum awards were established for each named executive officer as a percent of base salary as shown below.
Name |
|
Annual Incentive Plan Threshold, Target and Maximum as Percent of Base Salary |
|
|
|
Gordon Hunter |
|
50, 100 & 200% |
Philip G. Franklin |
|
35, 70 & 140% |
David W. Heinzmann |
|
30, 60 & 120% |
Ryan K. Stafford |
|
30, 60 & 120% |
Dieter Röder |
|
30, 60 & 120% |
Option Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards
The stock option awards granted to NEOs in 2013 under the Long-Term Plan vest ratably over three years and have a seven-year term. The restricted stock units granted to NEOs in 2013 under the Long-Term Plan also vest ratably over three years. Upon vesting, one share of our common stock will be delivered for each restricted stock unit award (or, where non-U.S. law prohibits settlement in stock, payment may be made in cash).
See “COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS” for a discussion of the proportion of salary and bonus in relation to total compensation, which is discussed under “Allocation between Cash and Non-Cash Compensation and Current and Long-Term Compensation,” and other material terms of our named executive officers’ compensation and the related amounts included in the foregoing tables.
The following table provides information regarding the outstanding equity awards held by each of the named executive officers as of December 28, 2013.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2013 Fiscal Year-End Table
Option Awards |
Stock Awards |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name |
# of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Exercisable |
# of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
# of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (2) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) (3) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: # of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gordon Hunter |
0 | 10,600 | (1) | 62.21 |
04/29/2018 |
22,170 | 2,054,494 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 26,400 | (1) | 63.09 |
04/27/2019 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 41,300 | (1) | 66.68 |
04/26/2020 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Phillip G. Franklin |
4,400 | 0 | 35.50 |
04/28/2015 |
8,569 | 794,089 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
4,400 | 0 | 25.20 |
04/26/2015 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4,400 | 0 | 25.20 |
04/26/2017 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6,400 | 0 | 41.22 |
04/27/2014 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13,100 | 0 | 36.33 |
04/25/2015 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12,500 | 0 | 42.13 |
04/30/2017 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7,333 | 3,667 | (1) | 62.21 |
04/29/2018 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5,167 | 10,333 | (1) | 63.09 |
04/27/2019 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 16,200 | (1) | 66.68 |
04/26/2020 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
David W. Heinzmann |
9,900 | 0 | 42.13 |
04/30/2017 |
5,983 | 554,445 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
5,800 | 2,900 | (1) | 62.21 |
04/29/2018 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3,567 | 7,133 | (1) | 63.09 |
04/27/2019 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 11,100 | (1) | 66.68 |
04/26/2020 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ryan K. Stafford |
5,867 | 2,933 | (1) | 62.21 |
04/29/2018 |
6,903 | 639,701 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
4,167 | 8,333 | (1) | 63.09 |
04/27/2019 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 13,000 | (1) | 66.68 |
04/26/2020 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dieter Röder |
1,675 | 0 | 36.33 |
04/25/2015 |
5,883 | 545,177 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
4,733 | 0 | 42.13 |
04/30/2017 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4,400 | 2,200 | (1) | 62.21 |
04/29/2018 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,800 | 5,600 | (1) | 63.09 |
04/27/2019 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 8,800 | (1) |