HSON 2013 Proxy Statement
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
|
| |
Filed by the Registrant | x
|
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
| o
|
Check the appropriate box:
|
| | |
o
| | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
o
| | Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as Permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
x
| | Definitive Proxy Statement |
o
| | Definitive Additional Materials |
o
| | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
| | |
x
| | No fee required. |
o
| | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
|
| | | | |
| | (1) | | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | (2) | | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | (3) | | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | (4) | | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | (5) | | Total fee paid: |
| | | | |
|
| | |
o
| | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
o
| | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. |
|
| | | | |
| | (1) | | Amount Previously Paid: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | (2) | | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | (3) | | Filing Party: |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | (4) | | Date Filed: |
| | | | |
HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held April 29, 2013
To the Stockholders of Hudson Global, Inc.:
We are providing notice that the annual meeting of stockholders of Hudson Global, Inc. will be held on Monday, April 29, 2013, at 8:00 A.M., local time, at the offices of Foley & Lardner LLP, 90 Park
Avenue, 39th Floor, New York, New York 10016, for the following purposes:
| |
1. | To elect two directors to hold office until the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
| |
2. | To approve, by advisory vote, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the accompanying proxy statement; and |
| |
3. | To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm to audit Hudson Global, Inc.'s financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. |
We also will consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2013 will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
Your vote is important no matter how large or small your holdings may be. To assure your representation at the meeting, please vote your shares over the Internet or via the toll-free telephone number, as instructed in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. You also may request a printed proxy card to submit your vote by mail. You will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request them, as instructed in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
For directions to the annual meeting, please write Latham Williams, Corporate Secretary, Hudson Global, Inc., 560 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10022 or call (212) 351-7300.
By Order of the Board of Directors
HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.
Latham Williams
Corporate Secretary
New York, New York
March 18, 2013
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.
560 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10022
PROXY STATEMENT
For
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held April 29, 2013
ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION
Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies for use at our annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on Monday, April 29, 2013, at 8:00 A.M., local time, at the offices of Foley & Lardner LLP, 90 Park
Avenue, 39th Floor, New York, New York 10016, and all adjournments or postponements of the meeting, for the purposes set forth in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
On or before March 18, 2013, we mailed to you and our other stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access this proxy statement and our annual report on the Internet and to vote your shares over the Internet or by telephone. You will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request them. If you would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, including a printed proxy card on which you may submit your vote by mail, then you should follow the instructions for obtaining a printed copy of our proxy materials contained in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
Submitting your proxy over the Internet, by telephone or by executing and returning a printed proxy card will not affect your right to attend the annual meeting and to vote in person. However, your presence at the annual meeting will not in itself revoke your submitted proxy. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised only by notifying us in writing or in open meeting.
If you submit your proxy over the Internet or by telephone, or you request a printed proxy card and properly execute and return the proxy card by mail, then the persons named as proxies will vote the shares represented by your proxy according to your instructions. If you request a printed proxy card, and properly execute and return the proxy card by mail, but do not mark voting instructions on the proxy card, then the persons named as proxies will vote FOR the two nominees for election as directors referred to in this proxy statement, FOR the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. Our management knows of no matters other than those set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be brought before the annual meeting. However, if any other business or matters properly shall come before the annual meeting, then the persons named as proxies in the form of proxy will vote the shares represented by each proxy in accordance with their judgment on such other business or matters.
Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on March 1, 2013 are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. On March 1, 2013, there were 32,624,006 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share is entitled to one vote.
If you would like to attend the annual meeting, you must demonstrate that you were a stockholder on March 1, 2013 and you must bring photo identification with you to the annual meeting. If your shares are held through a broker, bank or nominee, you must bring to the annual meeting a copy of your brokerage account statement, which you can obtain from your broker, bank or nominee that holds your shares. If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare, Inc., you need only bring photo identification with you to the annual meeting.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
Management and Directors
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 1, 2013 by: (i) each director and nominee for director; (ii) each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth below; and (iii) all of the directors, nominees and executive officers (including the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table) as a group. Each of the holders listed below has sole voting and investment power over the shares beneficially owned by such holder. None of the holders listed below have pledged any of their shares as security.
|
| | | |
Name of Beneficial Owner | Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned | Percent of Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
Jon F. Chait (2)(5) | 37,022 |
| * |
Robert B. Dubner (2)(3) | 80,963 |
| * |
John J. Haley (2)(3) | 160,963 |
| * |
Jennifer Laing (2)(3) | 85,963 |
| * |
Manuel Marquez (4) | 1,325 |
| * |
David G. Offensend (2)(3) | 173,724 |
| * |
Richard J. Stolz (2)(3) | 85,963 |
| * |
Mary Jane Raymond (1)(3) | 344,334 |
| 1.0% |
Frank P. Lanuto (1) | 49,021 |
| * |
Latham Williams (1)(3) | 70,117 |
| * |
Neil J. Funk (1)(3) | 78,883 |
| * |
All directors, nominees and executive officers as a group (11 persons) (1)(2)(3) | 1,168,277 |
| 3.5% |
_______________________
* Denotes less than 1%.
| |
(1) | Includes the following shares of restricted common stock, which are subject to forfeiture until they vest: Mary Jane Raymond, 48,155 shares; Frank P. Lanuto, 16,315 shares; Latham Williams, 15,166 shares; Neil J. Funk, 12,479 shares; and all directors, nominees and executive officers as a group, 92,115 shares. |
| |
(2) | Includes the following share units under our Director Deferred Share Plan, which are payable only in shares of common stock upon a director ceasing service as a Board member: Jon F. Chait, 15,149 shares; Robert B. Dubner, 30,963 shares; John J. Haley, 35,963 shares; Jennifer Laing, 35,963 shares; David G. Offensend, 35,963 shares; Richard J. Stolz, 30,963 shares; and all directors, nominees and executive officers as a group, 184,964 shares. |
| |
(3) | Includes the following shares of common stock subject to stock options, which are exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2013: Robert B. Dubner, 50,000 shares; John J. Haley, 50,000 shares; Jennifer Laing, 40,000 shares; David G. Offensend, 50,000 shares; Richard J. Stolz, 50,000 shares; Mary Jane Raymond, 190,000 shares; Latham Williams, 26,000 shares; Neil J. Funk, 26,000 shares; and all directors, nominees and executive officers as a group, 482,000 shares. |
| |
(4) | In 2011, in connection with his commencement of employment as Chief Executive Officer of our company, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors granted to Mr. Marquez (i) 100,000 restricted stock units that vest 50% upon completion of two years of employment, 25% upon completion of three years of employment and 25% upon completion of four years of employment with us, and (ii) options to purchase 400,000 shares of our common stock that vest 50% upon completion of two years of employment and 50% upon completion of three years of employment with us. |
(5) On February 24, 2013, Mr. Chait notified our company pursuant to a letter dated February 25, 2013 that he resigned as a director of our company effective immediately. The shares of our common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Chait listed in the table are as of the effective date of his resignation from our company.
Other Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership by other persons known to us to own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock as of March 1, 2013.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1) | | |
| | Voting Power | | Investment Power | | | | |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | | Sole | | Shared | | Sole | | Shared | | Aggregate | | Percent of Class |
Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC | | 3,232,020 | | — | | 4,740,075 | | — | | 4,740,075 | | 14.3% |
725 South Figueroa St. 39th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017 | |
Sagard Capital Partners, L.P. | | — | | 4,515,189 | | — | | 4,515,189 | | 4,515,189 | | 13.6% |
325 Greenwich Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 | |
Heartland Advisors, Inc. | | — | | 4,312,437 | | — | | 4,513,937 | | 4,513,937 | | 13.6% |
789 North Water St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 | | | | | | |
Schneider Capital Management Corporation | | 1,562,166 | | — | | 2,631,871 | | — | | 2,631,871 | | 7.9% |
460 East Swedesford Rd. Suite 2000 Wayne, PA 19087 | | | | | | |
BlackRock, Inc. | | 1,939,725 | | — | | 1,939,725 | | — | | 1,939,725 | | 5.8% |
40 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022 | | | | | | |
Rutabaga Capital Management | | 1,508,432 | | 262,900 | | 1,771,332 | | — | | 1,771,332 | | 5.3% |
64 Broad St., 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02109 | | | | | | |
_______________________
| |
(1) | These amounts represent the number of shares beneficially owned as disclosed in reports regarding beneficial ownership filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 13(g) or Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws provide that our directors are divided into three classes, with staggered terms of three years each. At the 2013 annual meeting, our stockholders will elect two directors to hold office until the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. On December 31, 2012, Jon F. Chait, a director of our company whose term was to expire at the 2013 annual meeting, notified our company that he would not seek re-election to the Board of Directors of our company. On February 24, 2013, Mr. Chait notified our company pursuant to a letter dated February 25, 2013 that he resigned as a director of our company effective immediately. Pursuant to our company's By-laws and resolutions adopted by our Board of Directors on March 7, 2011, the size of our Board of Directors was reduced from seven to six upon the effectiveness of Mr. Chait's resignation.
Listed below are the nominees of our Board of Directors for election at the annual meeting and each director whose term will continue after the annual meeting. All of the members of the Board of Directors serving in office at the time such action was taken approved the nomination of the nominees for director listed below. The following sets forth specific information about each nominee and continuing director as of March 1, 2013.
Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting
Terms Expiring at the 2013 Annual Meeting
Manuel Marquez, 54, has served as a director since March 2011 and as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of our company since May 2011. Mr. Marquez has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership positions. From 2007 to 2010, he was the chief executive officer of Amper S.A., a publicly traded defense, homeland security and telecommunications company in Spain. Prior to joining Amper, Mr. Marquez spent 15 years in the recruitment industry with Spencer Stuart, an international leader in executive search consulting services. He joined Spencer Stuart in 1991 and co-founded one of the firm's first specialized industry practices, High Technology. From 2000 to 2005, he was a member of the global executive team of Spencer Stuart responsible for the firm's operations in Europe, India and South Africa, expanding operations in this region to 14 countries with over 100 consultants. Mr. Marquez also was a member of the Advisory Board of ESADE Business School from 2007 to 2011. The particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that Mr. Marquez should serve as a director of our company include his experience as a Chief Executive Officer of a publicly-traded company and his global senior leadership experience in the recruiting industry.
Richard J. Stolz, 67, has served as a director since 2006 and served as Chairman of the Board from February 2011 until May 2011. Prior to becoming a director, Mr. Stolz was a Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP until 2004. He served as the New York Region Leader for the Consumer and Industrial Products Industry Group of PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1997 to 2001. From 1988 to 1992, Mr. Stolz worked in Tokyo, Japan, leading the International Division of the PricewaterhouseCoopers affiliate. Mr. Stolz joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1967 and became a Partner in accounting and auditing in 1981. The particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that Mr. Stolz should serve as a director of our company include his accounting and auditing background and his international business experience. Mr. Stolz also is a certified public accountant.
Vote Required
Each director will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the annual meeting (assuming a quorum is present). Consequently, any shares not voted at the annual meeting, whether due to abstentions, broker non-votes or otherwise, will have no impact on the election of the directors. Shares of common stock represented by executed, but unmarked, proxies will be voted in favor of the election as directors of the persons named as nominees; provided that, if you hold your shares of our common stock through a broker-dealer, bank nominee, custodian or
other securities intermediary, the intermediary will not vote those shares for the election of any nominee for director unless you give the intermediary specific voting instructions on a timely basis directing the intermediary to vote for such nominee. Our Board of Directors has no reason to believe that the listed nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve as directors if elected. However, if any nominee should be unable to serve or will not serve, then the shares represented by proxies received will be voted for another nominee selected by our Board of Directors.
Our Board of Directors recommends that the nominees identified above be elected as directors and urges you to vote “FOR” their election.
Directors Continuing in Office
Terms Expiring at the 2014 Annual Meeting
Robert B. Dubner, 70, has served as a director since 2006. Mr. Dubner has been a Senior Advisor to Apollo Management LP, a private equity fund, since 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Dubner was a management consulting partner and a member of International Business Machines Corporation's Business Consulting Services Global Middle Market leadership team from 2002 to 2004. Mr. Dubner joined Coopers & Lybrand International in 1989 and was a partner from 1991 to 1998, and then was a Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from 1998 to 2002, serving as the U.S. and global leader of its middle market consulting practice. He served as an elected member of Coopers & Lybrand's Board of Partners from 1995 to 1998, PricewaterhouseCoopers' U.S. Board of Partners from 1998 to 2001, and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Global Oversight Board from 1998 to 2001. He was the co-founder, in 1972, of Information Automation, Inc., a production management and monitoring systems implementation company, and served as its President from 1982 to 1989. Mr. Dubner also served as a director of Comverse Technology, Inc. from January 2009 to February 2013, and of Perf Go-Green Holdings, Inc. from September 2008 to February 2010. The particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that Mr. Dubner should serve as a director of our company include his strategic, management and operational consulting experience, and his financial and accounting background.
Jennifer Laing, 66, has served as a director since 2003. Ms. Laing served as the Associate Dean, External Relations at the London Business School from 2002 until 2007. Ms. Laing started her career in brand building and communications in 1969 with Garland-Compton, which subsequently became Saatchi and Saatchi in 1975. In 1979, she joined Leo Burnett in London. In 1981, she re-joined Saatchi and Saatchi London as Deputy Chairman rising to Joint Chairman. From 1988 to 1991 she was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aspect Hill Holiday and, following a management buyout of Aspect Hill Holiday, from 1991 to 1995 she led her own firm, Laing Henry, which was eventually purchased by Saatchi and Saatchi. Ms. Laing became Chairman of Saatchi and Saatchi London in 1995 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saatchi and Saatchi North America from 1997 to 2001. Ms. Laing is also a director of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, a position she has held since August 2005, a director of Premier Foods PLC, a position she has held since October 2012, and a fellow of both The Marketing Society and the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising. The particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that Ms. Laing should serve as a director of our company include her international experience in branding, marketing and communications, her experience as a senior executive officer, and her experience as a director of other publicly-traded companies.
Terms Expiring at the 2015 Annual Meeting
John J. Haley, 63, has served as a director since 2003. Mr. Haley is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Towers Watson & Co., a global professional services company headquartered in New York City. Mr. Haley joined Watson Wyatt Worldwide in 1977 and was elected a director of the firm in 1992. In 2010, Watson Wyatt Worldwide merged with Towers Perrin forming Towers Watson & Co. Mr. Haley is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Mr. Haley is a member of the board of directors for Maximus, Inc., a position he has held since June 2002, and the U.S.-China Business Council. The particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that Mr. Haley should serve as a director of our company include his experience as
Chief Executive Officer of an international publicly-traded company of a similar size (in terms of number of employees) and geographic spread as our company, and his financial expertise.
David G. Offensend, 59, has served as director since 2003. Mr. Offensend is the Chief Operating Officer of the New York Public Library. Prior to joining the Library in 2004, Mr. Offensend was Senior Advisor of Evercore Partners, Inc., which he co-founded in 1995. Evercore operates in the private equity business and provides merger and acquisition and restructuring advice to companies. Prior to founding Evercore, Mr. Offensend spent five years in the investment organization of Robert M. Bass, the Texas investor. Prior to joining the Bass organization in 1990, Mr. Offensend spent 13 years at Lehman Brothers. Mr. Offensend also was the lead investor in Resources Connection, Inc., a competitor of our company that was successfully taken public in 2000, and serves as a trustee of Princeton University. The particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that Mr. Offensend should serve as a director of our company include his financial and executive compensation expertise, investing experience, and background in mergers and acquisitions.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Independent Directors
Of the six directors currently serving on our Board of Directors, the Board has determined that Ms. Laing and Messrs. Dubner, Haley, Offensend and Stolz are independent directors under the independence standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Mr. Marquez is not permitted to be considered an independent director under the independence standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market because he is our current Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Chait, who served on our Board of Directors until his resignation, was not permitted to be considered an independent director under the independence standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market because he was employed by us as Chief Executive Officer within the past three years.
Board Committees
Our Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Governance, Human Resources and Executive Committees. Under the listing standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the members of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees must be comprised solely of independent directors. Accordingly, Mr. Marquez is not, and during his service as a director of our company Mr. Chait was not, eligible to serve on such Committees. All directors receive materials for all Board committee meetings even if they do not serve, or are not eligible to serve, on the committee.
The Board has adopted, and may amend from time to time, a written charter for each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee, Human Resources Committee and Executive Committee. We maintain a Web site at www.hudson.com and make available on that Web site, free of charge, copies of each of the charters for the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Governance, Human Resources and Executive Committees. We are not including the information contained on or available through this Web site as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this proxy statement.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee presently consists of Richard J. Stolz (Chairman), Robert B. Dubner, John J. Haley and David G. Offensend, each of whom is an independent director under the independence standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market and Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Dubner, Haley, Offensend and Stolz qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee held five meetings in 2012.
The Audit Committee's primary duties and responsibilities are to assist our Board of Directors in monitoring:
• the integrity of our financial statements;
• the independent registered public accounting firm's qualifications and independence;
| |
• | the performance of our internal audit function and of the independent registered public accounting firm; and |
• our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee presently consists of Jennifer Laing (Chairman), John J. Haley and David G. Offensend, each of whom is an independent director under the independence standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market and qualify as “outside directors” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Compensation Committee held four meetings in 2012.
The Compensation Committee's primary responsibility is to assure that the non-employee members of our Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, other executive officers and key management are compensated effectively and in a manner consistent with our stated compensation strategy, internal equity considerations, competitive practices and the requirements of the appropriate regulatory bodies. The Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating the compensation of executive officers (including the Chief Executive Officer), key management and outside directors, and administers our long-term incentive programs, including our equity compensation plan.
The Compensation Committee has retained the services of an independent, external compensation consultant, Pay Governance LLC. Pay Governance LLC has served as the independent compensation consultant to the Compensation Committee since 2010. The mandate of the consultant is to work for the Compensation Committee in its review of executive and director compensation practices, including the competitiveness of pay levels, executive compensation design issues, market trends and technical considerations. The consultant does not determine or recommend amounts or forms of compensation. The historical and ongoing nature and scope of services rendered by the independent compensation consultant on the Compensation Committee's behalf is described below:
| |
• | competitive market pay analyses, Board of Director pay studies, dilution analyses, and market trends; |
| |
• | ongoing support with regard to the latest relevant regulatory, technical, and/or accounting considerations affecting executive compensation and benefit programs; |
| |
• | guidance on overall compensation program structure and executive employment agreement terms; and |
| |
• | preparation for and attendance at selected management, Board committee, or Board of Director meetings. |
The Compensation Committee has the final authority to hire and terminate the consultant. The Compensation Committee also has the responsibility to consider the independence of the consultant before hiring the consultant. The Compensation Committee also evaluates the consultant periodically. Subsequent to Pay Governance LLC's initial appointment, and following the publication of SEC rules and Nasdaq listing standards regarding the independence of compensation committee advisors, the Committee reviewed the independence of Pay Governance LLC and the individual representatives of Pay Governance LLC who served as the Compensation Committee's consultants in light of the new requirements and concluded that Pay Governance LLC's work for the Compensation Committee does not raise any conflict of interest. In 2012, Pay Governance LLC did not provide any services to the Compensation Committee other than the executive and director compensation-related consulting services as described previously. Management did not obtain any services from Pay Governance LLC in 2012.
Additional information regarding the Compensation Committee and our policies and procedures regarding executive compensation, including the role of executive officers in recommending executive compensation, is
provided below under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Nominating and Governance Committee presently consists of John J. Haley (Chairman), Robert B. Dubner, Jennifer Laing, David G. Offensend and Richard J. Stolz, each of whom is an independent director under the independence standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market. The Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings in 2012.
The Nominating and Governance Committee provides assistance to our Board of Directors by:
| |
• | identifying individuals qualified to become directors and recommending to the Board candidates for all directorships to be filled by the Board or by our stockholders; |
| |
• | identifying directors qualified to serve on the committees established by the Board and recommending to the Board members for each committee to be filled by the Board; |
| |
• | identifying directors qualified to serve as lead director and recommending to the Board nominees for lead director; |
| |
• | developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles, including matters of: |
| |
• | Board organization, membership and function; |
| |
• | Board committee structure and membership; |
| |
• | succession planning for our Chief Executive Officer; and |
• taking a leadership role in shaping our corporate governance.
In identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to ensure that our Board of Directors possesses, in the aggregate, the strategic, managerial and financial skills and experience necessary to fulfill its duties and to achieve its objectives. The Nominating and Governance Committee also seeks to ensure that the Board is comprised of directors who have broad and diverse backgrounds, possessing knowledge in areas that are important to us. In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee believes it is important that at least one director has the requisite experience and expertise to be designated as an “audit committee financial expert.” The Nominating and Governance Committee looks at each nominee on a case-by-case basis regardless of who recommended the nominee.
In looking at the qualifications of each candidate to determine if their election would further the goals described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee takes into account all factors it considers appropriate, which may include strength of character, mature judgment, career specialization, relevant technical skills or financial acumen, diversity of viewpoint and industry knowledge. The Nominating and Governance Committee also believes that candidates should be selected so that the Board of Directors is a diverse body, with diversity reflecting, among other things, age, gender, race and professional experience. At a minimum, each director nominee must have displayed the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, and sound business judgment. In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee believes a director should possess the following minimum qualifications to be recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee to the Board:
| |
• | A director must be highly accomplished in his or her respective field, with superior credentials and recognition and broad experience at the administrative and/or policy-making level in business, government, education, technology or public interest. |
| |
• | A director must have expertise and experience relevant to our business and be able to offer advice and guidance to the Chief Executive Officer based on that expertise and experience. |
| |
• | A director must be independent of any particular constituency, be able to represent all of our stockholders and be committed to enhancing long-term stockholder value. |
| |
• | A director must have sufficient time available to devote to activities of the Board and to enhance his or her knowledge of our business. |
The Nominating and Governance Committee has the authority to retain a search firm to assist it in identifying director nominees, and the Nominating and Governance Committee provides the search firm with the criteria for the director nominees as described above.
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider persons recommended by stockholders to become nominees for election as directors in accordance with the foregoing and other criteria set forth in our Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, which is available on our website as described above. Recommendations for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee should be sent to our Corporate Secretary in writing, together with appropriate biographical information concerning each proposed nominee. Our By-Laws also set forth certain requirements for stockholders wishing to nominate director candidates directly for consideration by the stockholders. With respect to an election of directors to be held at an annual meeting, a stockholder must, among other things, give notice of an intent to make such a nomination to our Corporate Secretary in advance of the meeting in compliance with the terms and within the time period specified in our By-Laws. Pursuant to our By-Laws, a stockholder must give a written notice of intent to our Corporate Secretary not less than 45 days and not more than 75 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which we first mailed our proxy materials for the preceding year's annual meeting of stockholders. See “Other Matters - Stockholder Proposals” for the specific deadlines for submitting stockholder proposals to our Corporate Secretary in connection with the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders.
Human Resources Committee
The Human Resources Committee presently consists of Robert B. Dubner (Chairman), Jennifer Laing and Richard J. Stolz. The Human Resources Committee held four meetings in 2012.
The Human Resources Committee provides assistance to our Board of Directors by:
| |
• | assisting management and making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding human resources and organizational matters, other than compensation and benefits matters, for employees of our company, other than our Chief Executive Officer; |
| |
• | participating in the selection process of key executives; and |
| |
• | reviewing and monitoring our company's succession plan for senior leadership. |
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee presently consists of Manuel Marquez (Chairman), Robert B. Dubner and David G. Offensend. The Executive Committee did not meet in 2012.
The Executive Committee assists the Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities and may exercise all of the authority of the Board in the management of our business affairs, except for changes in our By-Laws, matters specifically designated to other Board committees and certain other significant corporate matters.
Board Leadership Structure
Our positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are combined, and we have a lead independent director. The reasons why we have combined these positions and why we continue to believe that combining these positions is appropriate for our company include the resulting operational efficiencies given the size of our company and the particularly detailed knowledge of our company's operations that our Chief Executive Officer develops, which we believe is beneficial for serving as our Chairman.
Our independent directors meet regularly without management, including our Chief Executive Officer, and are active in the oversight of our company. Our Board of Directors and each Board committee have access to members of our management and the authority to retain independent legal, accounting or other advisors as they deem necessary or appropriate. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer does not serve on any Board committee, other than the Executive Committee.
The duties and responsibilities of our lead independent director include the following:
| |
• | coordinate the activities of the independent directors and serve as a liaison between the independent directors and our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; |
| |
• | chair meetings and executive sessions at which only the independent directors attend; |
| |
• | advise our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as to the quality, quantity and timeliness of the flow of information from management that is necessary for the independent directors to effectively perform their duties; |
| |
• | jointly with the Compensation Committee, conduct an annual evaluation of the performance of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and report to the Board of Directors the results of that evaluation; |
| |
• | in conjunction with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, consider potential conflicts of interest of directors; |
| |
• | conduct exit interviews of senior management upon resignation; and |
| |
• | recommend to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer the retention of outside advisors and consultants who report directly to the Board of Directors. |
The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to our Board of Directors nominees for the position of lead director from among the independent directors. The independent directors on our Board of Directors then select a lead director from among the nominees to serve for a term of one year or until a successor is elected by the independent directors. There is no limit to the number of terms a director can serve as lead director. David G. Offensend currently serves as our lead director.
We believe that our board leadership structure provides an appropriate balance between strong and strategic leadership and independent oversight of our company, and that our board leadership structure continues to serve the best interests of our company and stockholders.
Risk Oversight
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors oversees our risk management process. Our Risk Committee, which consists of certain members of our senior management, has day-to-day responsibility for our risk management process. The members of the Risk Committee are our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs and Administration and Chief Knowledge Officer. Our Vice President, Internal Audit serves as the liaison between the Risk Committee and the
Audit Committee. Our Vice President, Internal Audit provides periodic updates to the Audit Committee on behalf of the Risk Committee regarding, among other things, risk assessments and actions taken to mitigate risks. In addition, our Vice President, Internal Audit reports directly to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and provides periodic updates to the Audit Committee regarding risk management issues, particularly those regarding accounting and finance related risks. Also, our Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs and Administration provides periodic updates to our Board of Directors regarding claims against our company.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Our Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to further promote the effective functioning of our Board and Board committees and to set forth a common set of expectations as to how our Board and Board committees should perform their functions. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available, free of charge, on our Web site at www.hudson.com.
Meetings and Attendance
Our Board of Directors held five meetings in 2012. Each of the directors currently serving on our Board of Directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board held in 2012 and meetings held by each committee of the Board on which such director served during the period that the director so served in 2012. Directors are expected to attend our annual meeting of stockholders each year. At the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, all of the directors then serving were in attendance.
Communications with Board of Directors
You may communicate with our Board of Directors by writing to our Corporate Secretary at Hudson Global, Inc., c/o the Board of Directors (or, at the stockholder's option, c/o a specific director), 560 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10022. The Corporate Secretary will deliver this communication to the Board or the specified director, as the case may be.
Policies and Procedures Regarding Related Person Transactions
Our Board of Directors has adopted written policies and procedures regarding related person transactions. For purposes of these policies and procedures:
| |
• | a “related person” means any of our directors, executive officers or nominees for director or any of their immediate family members; and |
| |
• | a “related person transaction” generally is a transaction (including any indebtedness or a guarantee of indebtedness) in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. |
Each of our executive officers, directors or nominees for director is required to disclose to the Audit Committee certain information relating to related person transactions for review, approval or ratification by the Audit Committee. Disclosure to the Audit Committee should occur before, if possible, or as soon as practicable after the related person transaction is effected, but in any event as soon as practicable after the executive officer, director or nominee for director becomes aware of the related person transaction. The Audit Committee's decision whether or not to approve or ratify a related person transaction is to be made in light of the Audit Committee's determination that consummation of the transaction is not or was not contrary to our best interests. Any related person transaction must be disclosed to the full Board of Directors.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation received by each of our directors during 2012, other than Mr. Marquez who did not receive any compensation for serving as a director and whose compensation as an executive officer is set forth below under “Executive Compensation-Summary Compensation Table.”
|
| | | | |
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash | Stock Awards(1) | Option Awards(2) | Total |
Jon F. Chait(3) | $31,000 | $65,000 | $0 | $96,000 |
Robert B. Dubner | $66,000 | $65,000 | $0 | $131,000 |
John J. Haley | $65,000 | $65,000 | $0 | $130,000 |
Jennifer Laing | $64,000 | $65,000 | $0 | $129,000 |
David G. Offensend | $82,000 | $65,000 | $0 | $147,000 |
Richard J. Stolz | $69,000 | $65,000 | $0 | $134,000 |
____________
| |
(1) | The dollar amount shown reflects the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for all awards of restricted stock granted during the fiscal year under our Director Deferred Share Plan. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 4 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. |
| |
(2) | During 2012, no directors were granted options to purchase shares of our common stock. The aggregate number of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2012 for each of our directors named above was: Mr. Chait, 0; Mr. Dubner, 50,000; Mr. Haley, 50,000; Ms. Laing, 40,000; Mr. Offensend, 50,000; and Mr. Stolz, 50,000. |
| |
(3) | On February 24, 2013, Mr. Chait notified our company pursuant to a letter dated February 25, 2013 that he resigned as a director of our company effective immediately. |
Retainer and Meeting Fees
Each non-employee director is entitled to receive an annual retainer of $25,000 paid in cash and $65,000 paid in share units as described below under “Director Deferred Share Plan,” a fee of $2,000 for each Board and Board committee meeting attended in person and a fee of $1,000 for each telephonic Board and Board committee meeting in which the director participates. The Chairmen of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000, and the Chairmen of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Human Resources Committee receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000. The lead director also receives an additional annual retainer of $20,000. Additionally, directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses associated with attending meetings of the Board and Board committees.
In 2011, using market data provided by Pay Governance, our independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee reviewed the compensation of our independent directors. Based on the market data provided by Pay Governance, the Compensation Committee determined that the total compensation of our independent directors was below the median total compensation of both the industry peer group and the general industry comparator group. As a result, the Compensation Committee determined that it was appropriate to increase total director compensation by increasing the equity portion of the annual retainer, but to simplify the equity component of director compensation by eliminating the one time grant of share units upon initially being elected or appointed to serve as a non-employee director and the annual grant of share units after three years of Board service. Consequently, beginning on April 26, 2012, the date of our 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, the Compensation Committee increased the portion of the annual retainer paid in share units from $15,000 to $65,000 and eliminated the one-time grant of share units upon initially being elected or appointed to serve as a non-employee director and the annual grant of 2,500 share units after three years of Board service.
Director Deferred Share Plan
The share units paid as part of the annual retainer are awarded under our Director Deferred Share Plan. On the date of our annual meeting of stockholders, the retirement account of each non-employee director under the Director Deferred Share Plan is credited with the share units, which fully vest on the date of grant. All share units are equivalent to one share of our common stock and are payable only in common stock issued under our 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan upon a director ceasing service as a Board member.
Stock Options
Until 2008, upon first being elected or appointed as a director, we granted each non-employee director an option to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock. The exercise price for options was the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. Options have a term of ten years and became exercisable as follows: 40% immediately on the date of grant, 60% after the first anniversary of the date of grant, 80% after the second anniversary and 100% after the third anniversary. If a director ceases service for any reason other than death, then that portion of the option that is exercisable on the date the director ceases service will remain exercisable for a period of two years after such date. If the director's service ceases by reason of the director's death, then the option will remain exercisable by the director's beneficiary for a period of two years after the date of the director's death.
Stock Ownership Policy
The Board of Directors considers ownership of our common stock to be an important factor in aligning the interest of our directors with those of our stockholders. In December 2011, the Board of Directors established a Stock Ownership Policy for non-employee directors that became effective beginning January 1, 2012. Under the Stock Ownership Policy, non-employee directors are required to own shares of our common stock with a market value equal to at least three times the director's then-current annual cash retainer. A director must satisfy the ownership requirements within five years from the date of the director's appointment to the Board or five years from the effective date of the Stock Ownership Policy, whichever occurs later. Stock ownership can consist of shares owned directly by the director and deferred shares, but vested and unvested stock options and unvested restricted shares are not included. The value of our common stock held by directors is measured annually using the greater of the value of our common stock on the date when the shares were vested or purchased and the value of our common stock as of December 31 of the applicable year. Once the value of a director's shares reaches the required market value, the director is deemed to have met the stock ownership requirements and must retain only the number of shares that were required to meet the stock ownership requirements as of the date the director first met the requirements. As of December 31, 2012, the last measurement date for compliance with the Stock Ownership Policy, all directors met the stock ownership requirements imposed by the Stock Ownership Policy.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
The purpose of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis is to provide material information about the compensation of our executive officers named below under “Executive Compensation-Summary Compensation Table,” which we refer to as our named executive officers. In this section, we provide an analysis and explanation of our executive compensation program and the compensation derived by our named executive officers from this program.
Objectives of the Compensation Program
The central objectives of our compensation program are to attract and retain the talented and critical individuals needed to achieve long-term success for our company and to motivate them to achieve goals designed to enhance long-term stockholder value. The Compensation Committee, which oversees our executive compensation program, believes these goals can best be achieved with a compensation program designed on the principles of simplicity, transparency and objectivity.
Design of the Executive Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee takes a “total rewards” approach to executive compensation by combining elements of compensation to create a competitive proposition for prospective and existing executive officers. The Compensation Committee targets total compensation for executive officers at median market levels for comparable companies. The key policies that underpin our executive compensation program are as follows:
| |
• | Total cash compensation, which is comprised of base salary plus annual incentive (cash bonus), is targeted at median market levels for comparable companies: |
| |
• | Base salaries are targeted at median market levels for comparable companies; and |
| |
• | Annual incentives are generally designed to provide awards above median market levels for comparable companies for above median performance. |
| |
• | Long-term incentives provide equity awards, typically in the form of restricted shares and stock options, and are targeted at median market levels for comparable companies. |
| |
• | Employee benefits are offered to all eligible employees, including our executive officers, and are targeted at median market levels for comparable companies. |
Consequently, our executive officers have the opportunity to earn above median compensation-both from above median bonuses and from above median appreciation of equity grants-resulting from above median performance of our company.
The Compensation Committee believes that providing total cash compensation (base salary plus annual incentive), equity compensation and employee benefit programs generally targeted at median market levels for comparable companies is essential for attracting new talent and retaining and motivating existing key talent. However, on occasion, the Compensation Committee may determine that a deviation from median market levels is necessary to attract and retain key talent. We believe that providing our named executive officers with the ability to earn above median market levels for cash bonuses based on above median performance encourages the retention of high performers who strive to consistently beat their established performance targets. Target bonus payouts are set as a percentage of base salary. Actual business performance, measured solely by financial results, not individual performance, determines whether bonus payments are above or below the target level. The Compensation Committee also considers base salary in granting equity awards, because the Compensation Committee's desire is to provide meaningful equity awards for the named executive officers and a few key members of senior management.
At our 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, our stockholders were asked to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement for the 2012 annual meeting. Of those stockholders who voted, in excess of 77% voted to approve the compensation of our named executive officers. As of the date of our 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, our executive compensation program for 2012 had already been established by the Compensation Committee. However, following the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, the Compensation Committee reviewed our executive compensation program and concluded that our overall executive compensation program for 2012 continued to be appropriate for our company and effective in rewarding executives commensurate with our financial performance. The Compensation Committee did not make any adjustments to the compensation of our executive officers, including our named executive officers, based on the results of the advisory vote at our 2012 annual meeting of stockholders.
Target Compensation Levels and Benchmarking
Overview
The Compensation Committee, with the assistance of the independent compensation consultants it retains, reviews the market positioning of total compensation for each of our executive officers. It has been the practice of the Compensation Committee to review the market positioning of total compensation for each of our executive officers on a biennial basis. In 2010, the Compensation Committee undertook such a study with Pay Governance, its independent compensation consultant. In 2011, at the direction of the Compensation Committee, Pay Governance updated the 2010 study for our continuing executive officers. Given that the 2010 study was updated in 2011, the Compensation Committee did not undertake a market study of total compensation in 2012 for our executive officers, other than for Mr. Marquez as described below. Consistent with its historical practice, in 2013 the Compensation Committee does expect to undertake, with the assistance of Pay Governance, a study of the market positioning of total compensation for each of our executive officers.
Compensation and Benchmarking Studies
In 2010, at the direction of the Compensation Committee, Pay Governance compared the base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives of our executive officers to executives in similar positions at relevant comparator companies. Pay Governance used two groups of comparator companies for the positions of chief executive officer and chief financial officer. The first group of companies, all of which were U.S.-based publicly-traded staffing companies, consisted of CDI Corp., Ciber, Inc., Kelly Services, Inc., Kforce, Inc., On Assignment, Inc., Resources Connection, Inc., Robert Half International, Inc. and SFN Group, Inc. In weighing the relevance of a particular comparator company, the Compensation Committee considered the size and business mix of each comparator company in relationship to our company. For the second group of comparator companies, Pay Governance used survey data from a database of approximately 110 consolidated professional and general business service firms. For the positions other than chief executive officer and chief financial officer, Pay Governance used survey data from the same database of consolidated professional and general business service firms. The data was adjusted for annual revenue size using regression analysis. We did not rely on a specific sub-group of peer companies within that database, and, in working with Pay Governance, we played no role in selecting the individual companies for which the data was obtained.
In 2011, at the direction of the Compensation Committee, Pay Governance updated the 2010 study for our continuing executive officers by increasing the 2010 base salary data at comparator companies by three percent, which reflected the change in the market data from 2010 to 2011. For the updated study in 2011, Pay Governance used the same two groups of comparator companies for the positions of chief executive officer and chief financial officer and the same database of consolidated professional and general business service firms for the positions other than the chief executive officer and chief financial officer as used for the original study in 2010.
Based on the updated market data provided by Pay Governance in 2011, the Compensation Committee determined that the total compensation for Ms. Raymond and Mr. Williams was below median market levels for comparable positions. The Compensation Committee determined it was appropriate to increase the total compensation of Ms. Raymond and Mr. Williams to median market levels by increasing their base salaries and target bonus amounts. Effective January 1, 2012, the Compensation Committee increased (i) the base salaries of Ms. Raymond from $350,000 to $375,000 and Mr. Williams from $265,000 to $300,000, and (ii) the target bonus amounts of Ms. Raymond from $233,450 to $251,250 and Mr. Williams from $198,750 to $201,000. The Compensation Committee did not make any adjustments to the compensation of our other named executive officers for 2012 because the Compensation Committee determined that their compensation was appropriate based on the updated market data provided by Pay Governance in 2011, internal fairness and our performance.
In 2012, at the direction of the Compensation Committee, Pay Governance compared the base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives of our chief executive officer to the chief executive officers at relevant comparator companies. Pay Governance used two groups of comparator companies. The first group of companies, all of which were either U.S.-based or U.K.-based publicly-traded staffing firms, consisted of CDI Corp., Ciber, Inc., Hays PLC, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., Kelly Services, Inc., Kforce, Inc., Korn Ferry International, Michael Page International, Resources Connection, Inc. and Robert Half International, Inc. In weighing the relevance of a particular comparator company, the Compensation Committee considered the size and business mix of each comparator company in relationship to our company. For the second group of comparator companies, Pay Governance used survey data from a database of approximately 110 consolidated professional and general business service firms. We did not rely on a specific sub-group of peer companies within that database, and, in working with Pay Governance, we played no role in selecting the individual companies for which the data was obtained.
In 2012, the Compensation Committee did not make any adjustments to the compensation of our named executive officers for 2013 because the Compensation Committee determined that, other than for Mr. Marquez, their compensation was appropriate based on the updated market data provided by Pay Governance in 2011, internal fairness and our performance. Based on the market data provided by Pay Governance in 2012 for Mr. Marquez, the only adjustment to the compensation of Mr. Marquez for 2013 was the increase in his annual base salary of 4%, from $600,000 to $624,000, pursuant to his employment agreement, effective January 1, 2013. Given that Mr. Marquez's target annual bonus is 90% of his annual base salary, his target bonus amount for 2013 increased from $540,000 to $561,600, effective January 1, 2013.
Role of Executive Officers in the Compensation Process
The development of annual incentive targets and the calculation of the actual annual incentives earned are performed by the Chief People Officer in conjunction with the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. These data (incentive targets and actual incentives earned) are then reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer before being presented to the Compensation Committee for discussion and approval. Long-term equity incentive grants are recommended to the Chief Executive Officer by various regional business heads and corporate department heads. The Chief Executive Officer then presents his grant recommendations to the Compensation Committee for its discussion and consideration. While the Chief Executive Officer takes an active role in making compensation recommendations for our executive officers, he makes no recommendations concerning any element of his own compensation. Compensation decisions for executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer are made during regularly scheduled Compensation Committee meetings, which are generally attended by a representative of the Compensation Committee's compensation consultant. Discussions regarding Chief Executive Officer compensation take place in Compensation Committee executive session without the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officers present. The Compensation Committee makes all final decisions on compensation for our executive officers.
Elements of Compensation
Overview
The compensation for our named executive officers consists primarily of four elements: (1) a base salary, (2) an annual cash incentive program, (3) eligibility to participate in periodic grants of restricted shares of stock or stock options and (4) benefits. Each named executive officer has an employment agreement that covers basic terms of his or her employment and that contains both contractual separation payments under certain circumstances and provisions covering a possible change in the control of our company. In general, these agreements provide for a maximum of one year's base salary and target bonus protection for the executive under certain circumstances of separation, other than the agreement with Mr. Marquez, which provides for a maximum of two year's base salary and target bonus under certain circumstances of separation prior to the second anniversary of his agreement and a maximum of one year's base salary and pro-rata target bonus under certain circumstances of separation beginning after the second anniversary of his agreement.
The same compensation policies and decisions cover all of our named executive officers.
Base Salary
We do not have a policy of providing annual raises for executive officers; however, the base salary of our named executive officers as a group was reviewed in 2010 as part of the review of total compensation and in 2011 as part of the update to the 2010 market study, and the base salary of our chief executive officer was reviewed in 2012, with each such review performed for the Compensation Committee by Pay Governance. These reviews consisted of the benchmarking described previously.
The Compensation Committee did not make any adjustments to the base salaries of our named executive officers for 2012 (other than Ms. Raymond and Mr. Williams as described previously under “Target Compensation Levels and Benchmarking - Compensation and Benchmarking Studies”) because the Compensation Committee determined that their base salaries were appropriate based on the updated market data provided by Pay Governance in 2011, internal fairness and our performance.
In 2012, the Compensation Committee also did not make any adjustments to the base salaries of our named executive officers for 2013 because the Compensation Committee determined that, other than for Mr. Marquez, their base salaries were appropriate based on the updated market data provided by Pay Governance in 2011, internal fairness and our performance. Based on the market data provided by Pay Governance in 2012 for Mr. Marquez, the only adjustment to the compensation of Mr. Marquez for 2013 was the increase in his annual base salary of 4%, from $600,000 to $624,000, pursuant to his employment agreement, effective January 1, 2013.
Annual Incentives
The annual incentive program consists of eligibility for a cash bonus based on our actual earnings before interest, income taxes, special charges, other non-operating expense and depreciation and amortization, or adjusted EBITDA, on a constant currency basis, relative to target adjusted EBITDA set at the beginning of the year by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the authority to determine all components of the calculation of adjusted EBITDA. The achievement of threshold adjusted EBITDA (dollars earned) is required for any bonus to be paid. The Compensation Committee believes that adjusted EBITDA is a clear, objective standard of measurement that encourages executives to strive toward increased profit generation year-over-year. The intent of the annual incentive program is to provide above market median bonus compensation in years where our performance meets or exceeds target levels, but to pay less or no incentive in years where our performance does not meet or exceed target levels.
The Compensation Committee sets performance targets annually at the beginning of the year based on the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer (with the exception of the Chief Executive Officer's own target, which is set solely by the Compensation Committee). Factors considered in setting the performance targets include profit we earned in the prior year, the current year's profit budget, desired growth and general economic conditions (for example, higher targets may be set in good economic periods). The Compensation Committee measures performance targets at the level of our company - consolidated corporate, regional or business unit performance - that it believes best aligns with driving accountability of our named executive officers for the delivery of our strategy and business objectives. Historically, the Compensation Committee has set these targets meaningfully above prior year results to stimulate ongoing profit growth from one year to the next. In setting the 2012 performance targets, the Compensation Committee considered our 2011 actual performance, our 2012 budget and its view of the global economic conditions. Target bonus amounts for individual named executive officers are set as a percentage of base salary and are reviewed during the independent compensation consultant's total compensation study to ensure that the target bonus is appropriate considering both internal equity and relevant market competitiveness.
In 2012, the Compensation Committee continued to apply its compensation policies as they relate to setting performance targets consistent with past practices. In February 2012, the Compensation Committee established the 2012 Incentive Compensation Program for the named executive officers, including specific performance targets as described in the subsequent paragraph. After considering the factors set forth previously under the caption “Base Salary” - 2011 updated market data, internal fairness and our performance - the Compensation Committee did not make any changes to the target bonus amounts for 2012, other than the changes for Ms. Raymond and Mr. Williams that became effective on January 1, 2012 as described previously under “Target Compensation Levels and Benchmarking - Compensation and Benchmarking Studies.” No changes to these target bonus amounts are planned for 2013 other than for Mr. Marquez pursuant to his employment agreement as described previously under “Target Compensation Levels and Benchmarking - Compensation and Benchmarking Studies.” The Compensation Committee has considered all of such factors in setting performance targets for 2013, and the goals and terms of the program remain substantially the same as in 2012.
For all named executive officers, achievement of a single consolidated corporate adjusted EBITDA (determined on a constant currency basis) threshold of $24.5 million and target of $35.0 million measured in dollars of adjusted EBITDA was required to earn 25% and 100% payouts, respectively. No bonus was payable for adjusted EBITDA performance below threshold. For adjusted EBITDA performance between threshold and 90% of target, bonuses were payable on a pro rata basis between 25% and 60% based on dollars of adjusted EBITDA. For adjusted EBITDA performance from 90% of target up to and including target, bonuses were payable on a pro rata basis from 60% to 100% based on dollars of adjusted EBITDA. If adjusted EBITDA performance exceeded target, then the executive officers would be paid an additional bonus amount on a pro rata basis up to a cap of 180%.
For 2012, our adjusted EBITDA performance, on a constant currency basis, was $7.3 million. As a result of our adjusted EBITDA performance relative to the 2012 bonus targets, each of Mr. Marquez, Ms. Raymond, Mr. Lanuto, Mr. Williams and Mr. Funk received no bonus for 2012 under the 2012 Incentive Compensation Program. However, pursuant to Mr. Marquez's employment agreement, he was also entitled to a minimum cash bonus for 2012 equal to 90% of his annual base salary, which was to be deducted from any cash bonus earned under the 2012 Incentive Compensation Program. Based on this formula, Mr. Marquez received a minimum cash bonus of $540,000.
The Compensation Committee has the discretion to make payments outside of the formula of the annual incentive program to reflect extenuating circumstances or actual individual contribution, but chose not to exercise this discretion with respect to any named executive officer for 2012.
Long-Term Incentives
The Compensation Committee has the authority under the Hudson Global, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan to make equity grants to employees. Prior to our stockholders' approval in May 2009 of the 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan, the Compensation Committee made equity grants under the Long Term Incentive Plan. The Long Term Incentive Plan terminated upon approval of the 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan. However, all equity grants made under the Long Term Incentive Plan that were outstanding at the time of the approval of the 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan will remain outstanding and will continue to be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Long Term Incentive Plan.
Historically, the Compensation Committee has used a mix of stock options and restricted shares to motivate and retain key executive officers, including our named executive officers. The equity awards that we grant to our named executive officers vest over time and are typically also subject to certain financial and non-financial performance vesting conditions. To provide both a financial commitment to a new executive officer and an incentive to drive performance to increase our share price, the Compensation Committee has awarded grants of stock options and restricted shares to the named executive officers from time to time. The Compensation Committee makes its decisions about annual grants considering the factors of market competitiveness, internal equity and position responsibilities.
In February 2012, the Compensation Committee, considering the factors of market competitiveness, internal equity and position responsibilities, granted 56,250 shares of restricted stock to Ms. Raymond, 30,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Williams, 12,500 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Lanuto and 10,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Funk, pursuant to a form of restricted stock award agreement that allows awards of restricted stock to vest based on our financial performance and our employee engagement survey results. The Compensation Committee approved the form of restricted stock award agreement with both performance and service vesting conditions to align further the interests of our executive officers with our stockholders. Mr. Marquez did not receive an equity award grant in 2012, but he received in 2011 an equity award grant of 100,000 restricted stock units and 400,000 stock options in connection with his commencement of employment with us. The performance vesting conditions with respect to the restricted stock are satisfied as follows:
| |
a. | 50% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that, for the year ended December 31, 2012, our company achieved a 48% “target” Take-out Ratio (defined as the percentage of the direct, front line costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2012 divided by the gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2012) , provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock will vest if the Take-out Ratio is between 50% and 48.1% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Take-out Ratio achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100.0% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock) if the Take-out Ratio is between 47.9% and 46% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Take-out Ratio achievement within such range); |
| |
b. | 25% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Employee Engagement Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved for the year ended December 31, 2012 a “target” Employee Engagement Score (defined as the employee engagement score for the year ended December 31, 2012, based on a survey conducted by a consulting firm applying the same methodology as was applied in the employee engagement survey conducted for the year ended December 31, 2011) of 61%; provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Employee Engagement Restricted Stock will vest if the Employee Engagement Score is between 57% and 60.9% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Employee Engagement Score achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock) if the Employee Engagement Score is between 61.1% and 65% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Employee Engagement Score achievement within such range); and |
| |
c. | 25% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved for the year ended December 31, 2012 a “target” Cash Efficiency Score (defined as (i) cash flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 divided by (ii) gross margin minus selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012) of 0.65; provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock will vest if the Cash Efficiency Score is between 0.55 and 0.64 (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Cash Efficiency Score achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock) if the Cash Efficiency Score is between 0.66 and 0.75 (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Cash Efficiency Score achievement within such range). |
The executive will forfeit the number of shares of Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock, Employee Engagement Restricted Stock and Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock that do not vest pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) described previously. To the extent the performance vesting conditions set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) have been satisfied, the service vesting conditions with respect to the restricted stock are satisfied as follows: (i) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the later of the determination of the satisfaction of the performance vesting conditions or the first anniversary of the grant date, (ii) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 34% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; provided that, in each case, the executive remains employed by our company from the grant date through the date the performance vesting conditions are satisfied, in the case of clause (i), or the applicable anniversary date, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii).
Based on the Compensation Committee's determination of our 2012 Take-out Ratio of 52%, 2012 Employee Engagement Score of 54% and 2012 Cash Efficiency Score of 1.4, the performance vesting conditions were satisfied for 0%, 0% and 120% of the shares of Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock, Employee Engagement Score Restricted Stock and Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock, respectively, awarded in 2012.
The Compensation Committee considers grants to executive officers, including our named executive officers, upon a significant change in the status of an officer (hire, promotion, additional responsibility) or annually at its first meeting in the calendar year. This practice helps to ensure that the Compensation Committee makes no attempt to coordinate grants prior to the release of material non-public information, either positive or negative.
Grants of equity awards approved by the Compensation Committee generally become effective seven calendar days following the release of the annual or quarterly earnings period most immediately following the Compensation Committee's approval. The grant price for all equity awards approved by the Compensation Committee is the closing price of a share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of effectiveness of the grant. If shares of our common stock are not traded on this date, then the grant price of the stock option will be the closing price of a share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the next day of market activity.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
In December 2011, the Board of Directors established a new Stock Ownership Policy for senior management, including our named executive officers, which became effective on January 1, 2012. The new Stock Ownership Policy is intended to further align the interests of management and stockholders. Under the Stock Ownership Policy, executives, other than the Chief Executive Officer, are required to own shares of our common stock with a value equal to at least one times their respective base salaries. The Chief Executive Officer must own shares of our common stock with a value equal to at least two times his annual base salary. An executive must satisfy the ownership requirements within five years of the date of the executive's appointment to a position covered by the Stock Ownership Policy or five years from the effective date of the Stock Ownership Policy, whichever occurs later. Stock ownership can consist of shares owned directly by the executive, vested restricted shares, deferred shares, shares in the executive's 401(k) account and shares owned through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Vested and unvested stock options, unvested restricted stock units and unvested restricted shares will not apply to the ownership level. The value of our common stock held by executives is measured annually using the greater of the value of our common stock on the date when the shares were vested or purchased and the value of our common stock as of December 31 of the applicable year. Once the value of an executive's shares reaches the required market value, the executive will be deemed to have met the stock ownership requirements and must retain only the number of shares that were required meet the stock ownership requirements as of the date the executive first met the requirements. As of December 31, 2012, the last measurement date for compliance with the Stock Ownership Policy, Ms. Raymond met her stock ownership requirement. As of such date, the other named executive officers had not met their respective stock ownership requirements, but were on track to do so within the five-year prescribed period. No named executive officer who had not met his or her stock ownership requirement sold shares or exercised options during 2012.
Benefits
We provide our employees with customary health care benefits and offer a defined contribution plan (401(k) plan) in lieu of a pension plan to eligible employees, including our named executive officers, who, if they meet the plan eligibility requirements, may elect to participate. Under our 401(k) plan, we have the discretion to make a matching contribution at the end of each plan year to each participant's account in an amount up to 50% of the participant's salary reduction contributions for the plan year, taking into account salary reduction contributions between 1% and 6% of the participant's eligible compensation. Other than these savings programs, we provide no retirement benefits to employees or supplemental retirement benefits to our executive officers.
Perquisites
We provide no perquisites to our named executive officers as a group, and in 2012, we did not provide perquisites in an aggregate amount greater than $10,000 to any individual named executive officer, other than Mr. Marquez as described in Footnote 4 to the Summary Compensation Table.
The perquisites that we provided to Mr. Marquez are pursuant to his CEO Employment Agreement and consisted of (i) an allowance for round trip airplane tickets for Mr. Marquez and his wife and their three children to travel round trip from New York to Madrid, Spain twice during the year; (ii) a temporary housing allowance in New York; (iii) tax equalization payments; and (iv) fees to an accounting firm in connection with the preparation of Mr. Marquez's tax documentation. We believe these perquisites were necessary to retain Mr. Marquez to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of our company.
Agreements with Named Executive Officers
We entered into a CEO Employment Agreement with Manuel Marquez in connection with him becoming our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. We believe it was necessary to enter into the CEO Employment Agreement to attract and retain Mr. Marquez to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of our company and to motivate Mr. Marquez to achieve goals designed to enhance long-term stockholder value. Under the CEO Employment Agreement, Mr. Marquez is entitled to, among other things, (i) an annual base salary, subject to increase in each of 2013 and 2015; (ii) eligibility to receive an annual bonus as provided in our Senior Management Bonus Plan and a retention bonus for 2013 and 2014, in each case, contingent on Mr. Marquez's continued employment with us on such dates; (iii) an allowance for Mr. Marquez and his wife and their three children to travel round trip from New York to Madrid, Spain, twice each year during the term of Mr. Marquez's employment; (iv) a temporary housing allowance; (v) tax equalization payments to the extent the income taxes Mr. Marquez is required to pay in the United States for Company compensation exceed the income taxes he would have paid in Spain; (vi) four weeks of vacation per year; (vii) severance and health and dental benefits upon termination or non-renewal of employment; (viii) severance and health and dental benefits upon a termination of employment after a change in control of our company; and (ix) other benefits of employment comparable to other senior management. Mr. Marquez is not entitled to an excise tax gross-up payment after a change in control of our company. However, if any portion of the severance payments or any other payments under the CEO Employment Agreement or under any other agreement with Mr. Marquez would result in the imposition on him of an excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code, then the total amount of such payments will be delivered either in full (with Mr. Marquez paying the applicable excise tax) or in a reduced amount such that no portion of such payments would be subject to excise tax, whichever results in the receipt of the greatest benefit on an after-tax basis. In connection with entering into the CEO Employment Agreement, Mr. Marquez executed a Confidentiality, Non-solicitation and Work Product Assignment Agreement with us.
In addition to Mr. Marquez, all of our other named executive officers have a standard form of employment agreement with us. These agreements were put in place to allow us to attract and retain key talent to our business. They are designed to provide reasonable financial security (in general, not exceeding one year's salary and target bonus) to our executive officers in the event of certain kinds of separations from our company, while providing our company with appropriate releases from potential claims and commitments not to solicit our clients or employees during a set period.
Under the employment agreements, each named executive officer (other than Mr. Marquez) is entitled to (i) an annual base salary; (ii) eligibility to receive an annual bonus as provided in our Senior Management Bonus Plan; (iii) four weeks of vacation plus four personal days per year; (iv) severance and health and dental benefits upon termination or non-renewal of employment; (v) severance and health and dental benefits upon a termination of employment after a change in control of our company; and (vi) other benefits of employment comparable to other senior management. In connection with entering into the employment agreements, each named executive officer executed a Confidentiality, Non-solicitation and Work Product Assignment Agreement with us.
Additional information regarding these employment agreements can be found in “Disclosure Regarding Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”
Impact of Tax Treatment on Compensation
Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the tax deduction available to corporate taxpayers, such as us, is limited with respect to the compensation of certain executive officers unless such compensation is based upon performance objectives meeting certain regulatory criteria or is otherwise excluded from the limitation. The Compensation Committee currently intends, except in limited circumstances, to qualify compensation paid to our executive officers for deductibility by us under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code provides, among other things, rules for when compensation may be deferred and when, if deferred, it may be paid. Our compensation plans and agreements are intended to be compliant with Section 409A.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement with our management and, based on such review and discussion, has recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
Hudson Global, Inc.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Jennifer Laing, Chairman
John J. Haley
David G. Offensend
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensation earned including during 2012 by (i) our Chief Executive Officer, (ii) our Chief Financial Officer and (iii) our three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of 2012. Information is not included for Mr. Marquez for 2010 because he did not join our company until 2011. The persons named in the table are sometimes referred to in this proxy statement as the “named executive officers.”
|
| | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus | Stock Awards(2) | Option Awards(3) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | All Other Compensation | Total |
Manuel Marquez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | 2012 2011 -- | $600,000 $377,308 -- | $540,000(1) $539,577 -- | $0 $518,000 -- | $0 $1,401,480 -- | $0 $40,070 -- | $228,422(4) $333,519 -- | $1,368,422 $3,209,954 -- |
Mary Jane Raymond, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | 2012 2011 2010 | $375,000 $350,000 $350,000 | $0 $0 $100,000 | $258,188 $445,200 $218,400 | $0 $0 $0 | $0 $233,450 $207,000 | $7,500(5) $7,350 $7,350 | $640,688 $1,036,000 $882,750 |
Frank P. Lanuto, Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer | 2012 2011 2010 | $310,000 $310,000 $310,000 | $0 $0 $0 | $57,375 $76,320 $54,600 | $0 $0 $0 | $0 $186,000 $165,000 | $7,500(5) $7,350 $7,350 | $374,875 $579,670 $536,950 |
Latham Williams, Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs and Administration, Corporate Secretary | 2012 2011 2010 | $300,000 $265,000 $265,000 | $0 $0 $0 | $137,700 $76,320 $54,600 | $0 $0 $0 | $0 $198,750 $177,000 | $7,500(5) $7,350 $0 | $445,200 $547,420 $496,600 |
Neil J. Funk, Vice President, Internal Audit | 2012 2011 2010 | $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 | $0 $0 $0 | $45,900 $76,320 $54,600 | $0 $0 $0 | $0 $125,000 $111,000 | $7,500(5) $7,350 $7,350 | $303,400 $458,670 $422,950 |
| |
(1) | The dollar amount shown reflects the $540,000 minimum cash bonus that we paid to Mr. Marquez for 2012 pursuant to his employment agreement, which represents 90% of his annual base salary for 2012. |
| |
(2) | The dollar amount shown reflects the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 (excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures) for all awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during the relevant fiscal year. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 4 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Awards of restricted stock that we granted in 2012 to our named executive officers are subject to performance conditions as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of Compensation - Long-Term Incentives.” See note 2 to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table. Based on our actual 2012 performance, the dollar amounts in the table above reflect the maximum number of shares that will vest subject to service vesting conditions. |
| |
(3) | The dollar amount shown reflects the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 (excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures) for all awards of stock options granted during the relevant fiscal year. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 4 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. |
| |
(4) | For Mr. Marquez, the dollar amount consists of $47,728 for round trip airline tickets for Mr. Marquez and his wife and their three children to travel round trip from New York and Madrid, Spain twice during 2012; $150,000 for a temporary housing allowance in New York; $16,694 for tax equalization payments; $6,500 for fees paid to an |
accounting firm in connection with the preparation of Mr. Marquez's tax documentation; and $7,500 for matching contributions under our 401(k) Savings Plan.
| |
(5) | Consists only of our matching contributions under our 401(k) Savings Plan. Certain personal benefits we provided to the named executive officers are not included in the table because the aggregate amount of such personal benefits for each named executive officer was less than $10,000. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information regarding the awards that we made to the named executive officers during 2012 under our 2012 Incentive Compensation Program (“ICP”) and our 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (“ISAP”). The columns under “Estimated Potential Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards” show the threshold, target and maximum bonus amounts that could have been earned under the 2012 Incentive Compensation Program.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | Grant Date | Estimated Potential Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (2) | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units | All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options) | Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards(3) |
Threshold | Target | Maximum | Threshold | Target | Maximum |
Manuel Marquez ICP | | $270,000 | $540,000 | $972,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Mary Jane Raymond ICP ISAP - Restricted Stock | 3/1/2012 | $116,725
| $251,000
| $451,800
| 45,000 | 56,250 | 67,500 | -- | -- | -- | $258,188 |
Frank P. Lanuto ICP ISAP - Restricted Stock | 3/1/2012 | $93,000
| $186,000
| $334,800
| 10,000 | 12,500 | 15,000 | -- | -- | -- | $57,375 |
Latham Williams ICP ISAP - Restricted Stock | 3/1/2012 | $100,500
| $201,000
| $361,800
| 24,000 | 30,000 | 36,000 | -- | -- | -- | $137,700 |
Neil J. Funk ICP ISAP-Restricted Stock | 3/1/2012 | $62,500
| $125,000
| $225,000
| 8,000 | 10,000 | 15,000 | -- | -- | -- | $45,900 |
| |
(1) | The 2012 threshold and target data and results under our 2012 Incentive Compensation Program for our named executive officers is described previously under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of Compensation - Annual Incentives.” |
| |
(2) | The performance vesting conditions with respect to the restricted stock are satisfied as follows: |
| |
a. | 50% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock”)vest on the determination by the Compensation Committee that, for the year ended December 31, 2012, our company achieved a “target” Take-out Ratio (defined as the percentage of the direct, front line costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2012 divided by the gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2012) of 48%, provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock will vest if the Take-out Ratio is between 50% and 48.1% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Take-out Ratio achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock) if the Take-out Ratio is between 47.9% and 46% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Take-out Ratio achievement within such range); |
| |
b. | 25% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Employee Engagement Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved for the year ended December 31, 2012 a “target” Employee Engagement Score (defined as the employee engagement score for the year ended December 31, 2012, based on a survey conducted by a consulting firm applying the same methodology as was applied in the employee engagement survey conducted for the year ended December 31, 2011) of 61%; provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Employee Engagement Restricted Stock will vest if the Employee Engagement Score is between 57% and 60.9% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Employee Engagement Score achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock) if the Employee Engagement Score is between 61.1% and 65% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Employee Engagement Score achievement within such range); and |
| |
c. | 25% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved for the year ended December 31, 2012 a “target” Cash Efficiency Score (defined as (i) cash flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 divided by (ii) gross margin minus selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012) of 0.65; provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock will vest if the Cash Efficiency Score is between 0.55 and 0.64 (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Cash Efficiency Score achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100.0% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock) if the Cash Efficiency Score is between 0.66 and 0.75 (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Cash Efficiency Score achievement within such range). |
The executive will forfeit the number of shares of Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock, Employee Engagement Restricted Stock and Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock that do not vest pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above. To the extent the performance vesting conditions set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above have been satisfied, the service vesting conditions with respect to the restricted stock are satisfied as follows: (i) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the later of the determination of the satisfaction of the performance vesting conditions or the first anniversary of the grant date, (ii) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 34% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; provided that, in each case, the executive remains employed by our company from the grant date through the date the performance vesting conditions are satisfied, in the case of clause (i), or the applicable anniversary date, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii).
| |
(3) | The dollar amount shown reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the amounts of restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and option awards calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. |
Disclosure Regarding Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
CEO Employment Agreement
Pursuant to the CEO Employment Agreement, we employ Mr. Marquez as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of our company. The CEO Employment Agreement entitles Mr. Marquez to:
| |
• | an annual base salary of $600,000, subject to a 4% increase on January 1 in each of 2013 and 2015; |
| |
• | for 2011 and 2012, a minimum bonus equal to 90% of his then-current base salary, prorated for 2011 for the partial year, in each case, subject to his continued employment with our company; |
| |
• | a retention bonus of $125,000 for 2013 and $75,000 for 2014, payable in twelve monthly installments and subject to Mr. Marquez's continued employment with our company on such dates; |
| |
• | an allowance, based on the reasonable estimate for business class airfare, for Mr. Marquez and his wife and their three children to travel round trip from New York to Madrid, Spain twice each year during the term of Mr. Marquez's employment; |
| |
• | a temporary housing allowance of $150,000 for 2012, subject to his continued employment with our company; |
| |
• | tax equalization payments to the extent the income taxes Mr. Marquez is required to pay in the United States for Company compensation exceed the income taxes he would have paid in Spain; |
• four weeks of vacation per year; and
• other benefits of employment comparable to other senior management.
Executive Employment Agreements
We have Executive Employment Agreements with each of our other executive officers, including the named executive officers (other than Mr. Marquez, who is covered by the CEO Employment Agreement described previously). Pursuant to the Executive Employment Agreements, we agree to employ each of the executives for one-year terms, with automatic, annual extensions of additional one-year terms. The Executive Employment Agreements entitle the executives to:
| |
• | an annual base salary in the amount of at least $375,000 for Ms. Raymond, $310,000 for Mr. Lanuto, $300,000 for Mr. Williams and $250,000 for Mr. Funk; |
• eligibility to receive an annual bonus as provided in our senior management bonus plan;
• four weeks of vacation per year; and
• other benefits of employment comparable to other senior management.
Ms. Raymond also is entitled to an allowance for housing in New York, although because such allowance was not needed in 2012, we did not pay her such an allowance in 2012.
In December 2011, the Compensation Committee approved an increase to the annual base salary of Ms. Raymond from $350,000 to $375,000 and Mr. Williams from $265,000 to $300,000, and such increases became effective January 1, 2012. The Compensation Committee increased their annual base salaries for the reasons described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Compensation and Benchmarking Studies.”
We have the right to terminate each executive's employment at any time, subject to the provisions of the CEO Employment Agreement and the Executive Employment Agreements described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control-CEO Employment Agreement” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control-Executive Employment Agreements.”
2012 Incentive Compensation Program
Our Compensation Committee annually sets bonus performance targets to help drive growth in our financial performance year-over-year. For 2012, this growth was measured in dollars of adjusted EBITDA, on a constant currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA was calculated net of bonuses payable under the program. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of Compensation - Annual Incentives” for a discussion of the adjusted EBITDA targets and thresholds applicable for the named executive officers.
Restricted Stock
The grants of restricted stock made to our named executive officers in February 2012 vest based on performance conditions and service conditions as described previously under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of Compensation - Long-Term Incentive.” See “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control-Restricted Stock Agreements” for a description of the terms of the restricted stock triggered upon a termination of the employment of a named executive officer or a change in control of our company.
Restricted Stock Units
The grants of restricted stock units that we made to Mr. Marquez in 2011 vest (i) 50% upon completion of two years of employment, (ii) 25% upon completion of three years of employment and (iii) 25% upon completion of four years of employment with us. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control-Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Manuel Marquez” for a description of the terms of the restricted stock units triggered upon a termination of the employment of Mr. Marquez or a change in control of our company.
Stock Options
The grants of stock options that we made to Mr. Marquez in 2011 vest (i) 50% upon completion of two years of employment and (ii) 50% upon completion of three years of employment with us. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control-Stock Option Agreement with Manuel Marquez” for a description of the terms of the stock options triggered upon a termination of the employment of Mr. Marquez or a change in control of our company.
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2012
The following table sets forth information on outstanding stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards held by the named executive officers at December 31, 2012, including the number of shares underlying both exercisable and unexercisable portions of each stock option, the exercise price and expiration date of each outstanding option and the market value of shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units that have not vested based on the closing market price for our common stock on December 31, 2012 of $4.48.
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Option Awards | Stock Awards |
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Exercisable | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Unexercisable | Option Exercise Price | Option Expiration Date | Number of Shares of Stock That Have Not Vested | Market Value of Shares of Stock That Have Not Vested |
Manuel Marquez | 0 | 400,000(1) | $ | 5.18 |
| 5/13/2021 |
| 100,000(2) | $448,000 |
Mary Jane Raymond | 140,000(3) | 0 | $ | 25.94 |
| 12/1/2015 |
| 16,320(10) | $73,114 |
| 50,000(4) | 0 | $ | 14.53 |
| 5/5/2016 |
| 14,667(9) | $65,708 |
| | | | | 43,712(11) | $195,830 |
| | | | | 56,250(12) | $252,000 |
Frank P. Lanuto | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 7,493(11) | $33,569 |
| | | | | 10,000(9) | $44,800 |
| | | | | 4,080(10) | $18,278 |
| | | | | 12,500(12) | $56,000 |
Latham Williams | 1,500(13) | 0 | $ | 6.83 |
| 4/11/2013 |
| 7,493(11) | $33,569 |
| 12,000(5) | 0 | $ | 13.25 |
| 1/18/2015 |
| 5,334(9) | $23,896 |
| 5,000(6) | 0 | $ | 16.00 |
| 2/15/2016 |
| 4,080(10) | $18,278 |
| 7,500(7) | 0 | $ | 16.90 |
| 2/6/2017 |
| 30,000(12) | $134,400 |
Neil J. Funk | 6,000(8) | 0 | $ | 11.07 |
| 8/4/2013 |
| 7,493(11) | $33,569 |
| 15,000(5) | 0 | $ | 13.25 |
| 1/18/2015 |
| 6,667(9) | $29,868 |
| | | | | 4,080(10) | $18,278 |
| 5,000(7) | 0 | $ | 16.90 |
| 2/6/2017 |
| 10,000(12) | $44,800 |
| |
(1) | The options were granted on May 13, 2011 and vest 50% upon completion of two years of employment and 50% upon completion of three years of employment with us. |
| |
(2) | The restricted stock units were granted on May 13, 2011 and vest 50% upon completion of two years of employment, 25% upon completion of three years of employment and 25% upon completion of four years of employment with us. |
| |
(3) | The options were granted on December 1, 2005 and vest over four years with 50% vesting on the third anniversary of the grant date and 50% vesting on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. |
| |
(4) | The options were granted on May 5, 2006 and vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date. |
| |
(5) | The options were granted on January 18, 2005 and vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date. |
| |
(6) | The options were granted on February 15, 2006 and vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date. |
| |
(7) | The options were granted on February 6, 2007 and vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date. |
| |
(8) | The options were granted on August 4, 2003 and vest over three years with 50% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date, 25% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% on the third anniversary of the grant date. |
| |
(9) | Shares of restricted stock were granted on February 24, 2009 and vest based on our share price. They vest in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, provided that the 20-day average closing price of a share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market meets or exceeds the applicable share price target at any time on or prior to the anniversary date and the executive remains employed by us through the anniversary date. |
| |
(10) | Shares of restricted stock were granted on February 17, 2010 and vest based on performance conditions and service conditions. The performance vesting conditions are satisfied as follows: (a) 60% of the shares of restricted stock (the ''EBITDA Restricted Stock'') vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved income (loss) from continuing operations before inclusion of provision for income taxes, other income (expense), interest income (expense), and depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2010 equal to or greater than $0; and (b) 40% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Gross Margin Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved gross margin growth (measured as a percentage of growth) for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 equal to or greater than 5%, provided that the shares of Gross Margin Restricted Stock vest pro rata for gross margin growth between 1% and 5%. The executive will forfeit the number of shares of EBITDA Restricted Stock and Gross Margin Restricted Stock that do not vest pursuant to the preceding sentence. To the extent the performance vesting conditions above have been satisfied, the service vesting conditions with respect to the restricted stock are satisfied as follows: (i) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest upon the determination of the satisfaction of the performance vesting conditions, (ii) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 34% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; provided that, in each case, the executive remains employed by our company from the grant date through the date the performance vesting conditions are satisfied, in the case of clause (i), or the applicable anniversary date, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii). |
| |
(11) | Shares of restricted stock were granted on February 16, 2011 and vest based on performance conditions and service conditions. The performance vesting conditions are satisfied as follows: (a) 60% of the shares of restricted stock (the ''EBITDA Restricted Stock'') vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved income (loss) from continuing operations before inclusion of provision for income taxes, other income (expense), interest income (expense), and depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2011 equal to or greater than $25.0 million, provided that the shares of EBITDA Restricted Stock shall vest (subject to satisfaction of the service vesting conditions) pro rata for EBITDA performance between $0 and $25.0 million; and (b) 40% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Gross Margin Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved gross margin growth (measured as a percentage of growth) for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 equal to or greater than 10%, provided that the shares of Gross Margin Restricted Stock vest pro rata for gross margin growth between 1% and 10%. The executive will forfeit the number of shares of EBITDA Restricted Stock and Gross Margin Restricted Stock that do not vest pursuant to the preceding sentence. To the extent the performance vesting conditions above have been satisfied, the service vesting conditions with respect to the restricted stock are satisfied as follows: (i) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, (ii) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 34% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; provided that, in each case, the executive remains employed by our company from the grant date through the date the performance vesting conditions are satisfied, in the case of clause (i), or the applicable anniversary date, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii). |
| |
(12) | Shares of restricted stock were granted on March 1, 2012 and vest based on performance conditions and service conditions. The performance vesting conditions are satisfied as follows: |
| |
a. | 50% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock”) vest on the determination by the Compensation Committee that, for the year ended December 31, 2012, our company achieved a “target” Take-out Ratio (defined as the percentage of the direct, front line costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2012 divided by the gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2012) of 48%, provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock will vest if the Take-out Ratio is between 50% and 48.1% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Take-out Ratio achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100% of the Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock) if the Take-out Ratio is between 47.9% and 46% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Take-out Ratio achievement within such range); |
| |
b. | 25% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Employee Engagement Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved for the year ended December 31, 2012 a “target” Employee Engagement Score (defined as the employee engagement score for the year ended December 31, 2012, based on a survey conducted by a consulting firm applying the same methodology as was applied in the employee engagement survey conducted for the year ended December 31, 2011) of 61%; provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Employee Engagement Restricted Stock will vest if the Employee Engagement Score is between 57% and 60.9% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Employee Engagement Score achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100% of the Employee Engagement Restricted Stock) if the Employee Engagement Score is between 61.1% and 65% (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Employee Engagement Score achievement within such range); and |
| |
c. | 25% of the shares of restricted stock (the “Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock”) vest upon the determination by the Compensation Committee that our company achieved for the year ended December 31, 2012 a “target” Cash Efficiency Score (defined as (i) cash flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 divided by (ii) gross margin minus selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012) of 0.65; provided that 80% to 99.9% of the shares of Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock will vest if the Cash Efficiency Score is between 0.55 and 0.64 (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Cash Efficiency Score achievement within such range), and a number of shares equal to 100.1% to 120% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock will vest (in the case of a number of shares up to 100% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock) or be granted (in the case of shares in excess of 100% of the Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock) if the Cash Efficiency Score is between 0.66 and 0.75 (such vesting percentage determined pro rata for Cash Efficiency Score achievement within such range). |
The executive will forfeit the number of shares of Take-out Ratio Restricted Stock, Employee Engagement Restricted Stock and Cash Efficiency Restricted Stock that do not vest pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above. To the extent the performance vesting conditions set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above have been satisfied, the service vesting conditions with respect to the restricted stock are satisfied as follows: (i) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the later of the determination of the satisfaction of the performance vesting conditions or the first anniversary of the grant date, (ii) 33% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 34% of the shares of restricted stock vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; provided that, in each case, the executive remains employed by our company from the grant date through the date the performance vesting conditions are satisfied, in the case of clause (i), or the applicable anniversary date, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii).
(13) The options were granted on April 11, 2003 and vest over three years with 50% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date, 25% on the second anniversary of the grant date and 25% on the third anniversary of the grant date.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth information regarding each exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock that occurred during 2012 for each of our named executive officers on an aggregated basis:
|
| | | | | |
| Option Awards | Stock Awards |
Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise | Value Realized on Exercise | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting | Value Realized on Vesting(1) |
Manuel Marquez | 0 | $0 | 0 |
| $0 |
Mary Jane Raymond | 0 | $0 | 37,370 |
| $181,366 |
Frank P. Lanuto | 0 | $0 | 7,651 |
| $37,290 |
Latham Williams | 0 | $0 | 7,651 |
| $37,290 |
Neil J. Funk | 0 | $0 | 7,651 |
| $37,290 |
______________
| |
(1) | Reflects the amount calculated by multiplying the number of shares of restricted stock vested by the market price of our common stock on the vesting date. |
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
We have entered into agreements and maintain plans that will require us to provide compensation to the named executive officers in the event of a termination of employment or a change in control of our company. The estimated amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer in each situation is listed in the tables below, assuming that the termination and/or change in control of our company occurred at December 31, 2012, the last business day of our fiscal year, and that our common stock is valued at $4.48, the closing market price for our common stock on December 31, 2012. Descriptions of the circumstances that would trigger payments or the provision of other benefits to these named executive officers, how such payments and benefits are determined under the circumstances, material conditions and obligations applicable to the receipt of payments or benefits and other material factors regarding such agreements and plans, and other material assumptions that we have made in calculating the estimated compensation, follow these tables.
|
| | | | | | |
Payments and Benefits to Manuel Marquez(1) |
| Termination by Company for Cause or by Executive | Termination by Company Without Cause | Death | Disability | Change in Control | Change in Control and Termination by Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason |
Severance | $0 | $1,740,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,740,000 |
Health and Dental Insurance | $0 | $17,988 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $17,988 |
Advisor Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Vesting of Restricted Stock | $0 | $0 | $448,000 | $0 | $448,000 | $448,000 |
Vesting of Stock Options | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | $0 | $1,748,994 | $448,000 | $0 | $448,000 | $2,196,994 |
_____________
(1)The amounts shown do not reflect the amount of any tax equalization payment that we would be required to pay to Mr. Marquez if the income taxes Mr. Marquez is required to pay in the United States for the compensation shown in the table exceed the income taxes he would have paid in Spain. |
|
| | | | | | |
Payments and Benefits to Mary Jane Raymond |
| Termination by Company for Cause or by Executive | Termination by Company Without Cause | Death | Disability | Change in Control | Change in Control and Termination by Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason |
Severance | $0 | $375,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $626,000 |
Health and Dental Insurance | $0 | $9,031 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $9,031 |
Advisor Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $15,000 |
Vesting of Restricted Stock | $0 | $0 | $586,652 | $0 | $586,652 | $586,652 |
Vesting of Stock Options | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | $0 | $384,031 | $586,652 | $0 | $586,652 | $1,236,683 |
|
| | | | | | |
Payments and Benefits to Frank P. Lanuto |
| Termination by Company for Cause or by Executive | Termination by Company Without Cause | Death | Disability | Change in Control | Change in Control and Termination by Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason |
Severance | $0 | $310,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $496,000 |
Health and Dental Insurance | $0 | $13,989 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $13,989 |
Advisor Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $15,000 |
Vesting of Restricted Stock | $0 | $0 | $152,647 | $0 | $152,647 | $152,647 |
Vesting of Stock Options | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | $0 | $323,989 | $152,647 | $0 | $152,647 | $677,636 |
|
| | | | | | |
Payments and Benefits to Latham Williams |
| Termination by Company for Cause or by Executive | Termination by Company Without Cause | Death | Disability | Change in Control | Change in Control and Termination by Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason |
Severance | $0 | $300,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $501,000 |
Health and Dental Insurance | $0 | $14,735 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $14,735 |
Advisor Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $15,000 |
Vesting of Restricted Stock | $0 | $0 | $210,143 | $0 | $210,143 | $210,143 |
Vesting of Stock Options | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | $0 | $314,735 | $210,143 | $0 | $210,143 | $740,878 |
|
| | | | | | |
Payments and Benefits to Neil J. Funk |
| Termination by Company for Cause or by Executive | Termination by Company Without Cause | Death | Disability | Change in Control | Change in Control and Termination by Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason |
Severance | $0 | $250,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $375,000 |
Health and Dental Insurance | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Advisor Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $15,000 |
Vesting of Restricted Stock | $0 | $0 | $126,515 | $0 | $126,515 | $126,515 |
Vesting of Stock Options | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | $0 | $250,000 | $126,515 | $0 | $126,515 | $516,515 |
CEO Employment Agreement
We have a CEO Employment Agreement with Manuel Marquez. Under the CEO Employment Agreement, we have the right to terminate Mr. Marquez's employment at any time. If we terminate Mr. Marquez's employment without cause or Mr. Marquez terminates his employment for good reason, then Mr. Marquez will be entitled to receive severance pay in an amount equal to (i) if the termination occurs prior to the second anniversary of the CEO Employment Agreement, Mr. Marquez's target annual bonus plus Mr. Marquez's then-current base salary for a period of twenty-four months following his separation from service or (ii) if the termination occurs on or after the second anniversary of the CEO Employment Agreement, Mr. Marquez's then-current base salary for a period of twelve months following his separation from service. We will also provide Mr. Marquez with a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination for a termination after December 31, 2013 and health and dental insurance benefits for a period up to the length of the applicable twenty-four or twelve month severance period.
Under the CEO Employment Agreement, after a change in control of our company, if Mr. Marquez's employment is terminated by us other than by reason of death, disability or cause or by Mr. Marquez for good reason, then we will pay Mr. Marquez a cash termination payment equal to two times his then-current annual base salary and his target annual bonus. We will also provide Mr. Marquez health and dental insurance benefits for a period of up to twenty-four months after the termination. Mr. Marquez is not entitled to an excise tax gross-up payment after a change in control of our company. However, if any portion of the severance payments or any other payments under the CEO Employment Agreement or under any other agreement with Mr. Marquez would result in the imposition on him of an excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code, then the total amount of such payments will be delivered either in full (with Mr. Marquez paying the applicable excise tax) or in a reduced amount such that no portion of such payments would be subject to excise tax, whichever results in the receipt of the greatest benefit on an after-tax basis.
As a condition to entering into the CEO Employment Agreement, Mr. Marquez agreed to keep confidential information of ours confidential and to return such information to us upon termination of employment, not to solicit for one year clients who we provided services during the twelve months preceding the date of his termination and not to solicit or hire for one year any individual we employed on the date of his termination. Mr. Marquez also agreed that, for a period of one year after termination of employment, he will not disparage us.
The CEO Employment Agreement defines the following terms:
• “Cause” means:
| |
• | the willful failure of Mr. Marquez to perform his duties and obligations in any material respect (other than any failure resulting from illness or disability); |
| |
• | acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct by Mr. Marquez with respect to us; |
| |
• | conviction of a felony or of a violation of any law involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or fraud, or a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to such charge; |
| |
• | any material breach of the agreement or the confidentiality, non-solicitation and work product assignment agreement that Mr. Marquez entered into with us; or |
| |
• | failure to confirm compliance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics after ten days' written notice requesting confirmation. |
| |
• | “Disability” means Mr. Marquez is physically or mentally incapable (excluding infrequent and temporary absences due to ordinary illness) of performing his essential job duties or any substantially similar position of employment by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment for a total of 180 days, whether consecutive or not, during any rolling twelve-month period. |
• “Change in control” means:
| |
• | the consummation of a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization involving us, except for certain transactions that do not result in another person acquiring control of us; |
| |
• | our stockholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of us or an agreement for the sale of substantially all of our assets, other than sale of substantially all of our assets to an entity at least 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by our stockholders in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such sale; |
| |
• | any person, with certain exceptions, is or becomes the beneficial owner of our securities representing more than 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock or combined voting power of our outstanding voting securities; or |
| |
• | individuals who were directors as of the date of the agreement and any new director whose appointment or election was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then in office who were either directors on the date of agreement or whose appointment or election was previously so approved or recommended cease to constitute a majority of our directors. |
| |
• | Other than in connection with a change in control of our company, “good reason” means: |
| |
• | any changes in Mr. Marquez's authority, duties and responsibilities which are materially inconsistent with his duties and responsibilities provided for under the agreement; |
| |
• | any material reduction of Mr. Marquez's salary, aggregate incentive compensation opportunities (excluding any reduction in incentive compensation awards due to the economic performance of our company) or aggregate benefits; |
| |
• | any required relocation of Mr. Marquez's office beyond a 50 mile radius from Manhattan, New York; |
| |
• | any failure by us to obtain the assumption of the agreement by a successor to our company in accordance with the agreement; or |
| |
• | a material breach of the agreement by us. |
| |
• | In connection with a change in control of our company, “good reason” means: |
| |
• | any breach of the agreement by us, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that we remedy promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by Mr. Marquez; |
| |
• | any reduction in Mr. Marquez's base salary, percentage of base salary available as incentive compensation or bonus opportunity or benefits, in each case, relative to those most favorable to Mr. Marquez in effect at any time during the 180-day period prior to the change in control; |
| |
• | a good faith determination by Mr. Marquez that there has been a material adverse change, without Mr. Marquez's written consent, in Mr. Marquez's working conditions or status with us relative to the most favorable working conditions or status in effect during the 180-day period prior to the change in control, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent event not occurring in bad faith that we remedy within ten days after receipt of notice thereof given by Mr. Marquez; |
| |
• | the relocation of Mr. Marquez's principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from Mr. Marquez's principal place of employment on the date 180 days prior to the change in control; |
| |
• | we require Mr. Marquez to travel on company business 20% in excess of the average number of days per month Mr. Marquez was required to travel during the 180-day period prior to the change in control; |
or
| |
• | Mr. Marquez voluntary terminates his employment for any reason during the 30-day period beginning on the first anniversary of the change in control. |
Executive Employment Agreements
We have Executive Employment Agreements with each of our executive officers, including the named executive officers (other than Mr. Marquez, who is covered by the CEO Employment Agreement described previously). If the executive officer dies during the term of the Executive Employment Agreement, if we terminate the executive officer's employment as a result of the executive officer's disability or for cause, or if the executive officer voluntarily terminates employment with us, then we will have no further obligation to the executive officer or his or her estate, except to pay base salary earned through the date of death or termination.
If we terminate the executive officer's employment without cause or do not renew the executive officer's employment agreement, then, subject to the executive officer executing our then-current form of general release agreement, the executive officer will be entitled to receive base salary earned through the date of termination, a severance payment equal to his or her then-current base salary for a period of twelve months following such termination made in equal installments on our regular pay dates, our portion of the premiums for providing continued health and dental insurance benefits to the executive officer for twelve months after termination (with only the executive's portion of such premiums deducted from the executive officer's severance payment). The severance payment, plus accrued interest, will not be paid to the executive officer until six months after the executive officer's termination, unless the severance payment is less than a certain amount, as prescribed by statute.
After a change in control of our company, if the executive officer's employment is terminated by us other than by reason of death, disability or for cause or by the executive officer for good reason, then the executive officer is entitled to a lump-sum severance payment equal to the executive officer's annual base salary immediately prior to termination, and the executive officer's target annual bonus under our senior management bonus plan for the year in which the termination occurs, plus health and dental insurance benefits for a period of up to twelve months after termination. The Executive Employment Agreements provide that, upon a termination of employment after a change in control of our company, if any portion of the executive's termination payment would constitute an “excess parachute payment” then the termination payment made to the executive shall either be delivered in full or delivered in the greatest amount such that no portion of the termination payment would be subject to the excise tax, whichever results in the receipt by the executive of the greatest benefit on an after-tax basis. The Executive Employment Agreements do not provide for an excise tax gross-up payment.
The amounts set forth in the tables above for the named executive officers who have an Executive Employment Agreement assume that:
| |
• | health and dental insurance benefits will continue for twelve months after termination at the current cost per year for each executive officer; |
| |
• | for purposes of determining whether any excise tax is triggered, we would be able to overcome any presumption that restricted stock grants in 2012 were made in contemplation of a change in control pursuant to regulations issued under the Internal Revenue Code; and |
| |
• | legal and accounting advisor fees are the maximum possible under the Executive Employment Agreements. |
As a condition to entering into the Executive Employment Agreement, each executive officer agreed to keep confidential information of ours confidential and to return such information to us upon termination of employment, to not solicit for one year clients who we provided services during the twelve months preceding the date of the executive officer's termination and not to solicit or hire for one year any individual we employed on the date of the executive officer's termination. Each executive officer also agreed that, after termination of employment, the executive officer will not disparage us.
The Executive Employment Agreements define the following terms:
• “Cause” means:
| |
• | the willful or negligent failure of the executive to perform the executive's duties and obligations in any material respect, which failure is not cured within fifteen days after receipt of written notice of such failure; |
| |
• | acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct by the executive with respect to us; |
| |
• | conviction of a felony or violation of any law involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, disloyalty or fraud, or a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to such charge; |
| |
• | repeated refusal to perform the reasonable and legal instructions of the executive's supervisors; |
| |
• | any material breach of the agreement or the confidentiality, non-solicitation and work product assignment agreement that the executive entered into with us; or |
| |
• | failure to confirm compliance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics after ten days' written notice requesting confirmation. |
| |
• | “Change in control” generally has the same meaning as set forth previously under “CEO Employment Agreement.” |
| |
• | “Disability” means the executive is unable to perform the executive's essential job duties and responsibilities due to mental or physical disability for a total of twelve weeks, whether consecutive or not, during any rolling twelve-month period. |
| |
• | any breach of the Executive Employment Agreement by us, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that we remedy promptly after receipt of notice; |
| |
• | any reduction in the executive's base salary, percentage of base salary available as incentive compensation or bonus opportunity or benefits, in each case, relative to those most favorable to the executive in effect during the 180-day period prior to a change in control; |
| |
• | the removal of the executive from, or failure to reelect or reappoint the executive to, any of the positions held with us on the date of a change in control or any other positions to which the executive is thereafter elected or appointed; |
| |
• | a good faith determination by the executive that there has been a material adverse change in the executive's working conditions or status with us relative to the most favorable working conditions or status during the 180-day period prior to a change in control; |
| |
• | the relocation of the executive's principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the executive's principal place of employment on the date 180 days prior to a change in control; or |
| |
• | we require the executive to travel on our business 20% in excess of the average number of days per month the executive was required to travel during the 180-day period prior to the change in control. |
Restricted Stock Agreements
When we make grants of restricted stock to our executive officers, including the named executive officers, we enter into Restricted Stock Agreements with such executive officers that contain provisions that are triggered upon a termination of an executive officer or a change in control of our company.
If an executive officer's employment or service with us is terminated for any reason other than death, then the shares of restricted stock that have not yet become fully vested will automatically be forfeited, except, in the case of awards of restricted stock under the 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan, if for awards granted prior to February 21, 2012, an executive officer immediately becomes a non-employee director, then such executive officer will not be considered to have terminated employment until his or her service as a director has ceased.
If the executive officer's employment terminates by reason of the executive officer's death, then (i) for awards of restricted stock granted on February 24, 2009, the shares of restricted stock that have not yet become fully vested as a result of an anniversary date not having been reached will automatically become fully vested and the restrictions imposed upon the restricted stock will immediately lapse, but only if and to the extent that the applicable share price target with respect to such anniversary date shall have been achieved on or prior to the date of such termination of employment, and (ii) for awards of restricted stock granted on or after February 17, 2010, the shares of restricted stock that have not yet become fully vested as a result of a service vesting condition not being satisfied will automatically become fully vested and the restrictions imposed upon the restricted stock will immediately lapse, but only if and to the extent that the performance vesting conditions shall have been achieved on or prior to the date of such termination of employment. Effective upon a change in control of our company, if the executive is employed by us or an affiliate of ours immediately prior to the date of such change in control, the shares of restricted stock will fully vest and the restrictions imposed upon the restricted stock will be immediately deemed to have lapsed.
The amounts set forth in the tables above include the value attributable to unvested restricted stock held by our named executive officers (other than Mr. Marquez) valued at the closing market price of our common stock on December 31, 2012.
As a condition to the grant of the restricted stock, the Restricted Stock Agreements provide that the executive officer will agree to keep confidential information of ours confidential during and after employment and to return such information to us upon termination of employment, not to solicit for one year clients to whom we provided services during the twelve months preceding the date of the executive officer's termination and not to solicit or hire for one year any individual we employed as of the date of the executive officer's termination. “Change in control” in the Restricted Stock Agreements has the same meaning set forth previously under “CEO Employment Agreement.”
Stock Option Agreements
When we make grants of options to our executive officers, including the named executive officers, we enter into Stock Option Agreements with such executive officers that contain provisions that are triggered upon a termination of an executive officer or a change in control of our company.
If we terminate the executive officer's employment for cause, then any option held by the executive officer will immediately terminate and cease to be exercisable. If an executive officer ceases to be employed by us for any reason other than death or for cause, then that portion of the option which is exercisable on the date of the executive officer's termination of employment will remain exercisable for a period of six months after such date and the remaining portion of the option will automatically expire on such date. If the executive officer's employment terminates by reason of the executive officer's death, then the option will become fully vested and will remain exercisable by the executive officer's beneficiary for a period of one year after the date of the executive officer's death. Effective upon a change in control of our company, the option will fully vest and will immediately become exercisable, except if our stockholders will receive capital stock of another corporation in connection with a change in control of our company and our Board of Directors determines that the option will be converted into an option to purchase shares of such capital stock. The amounts set forth in the tables above include the value attributable to unvested stock options held by our named executive officers (other than Mr. Marquez) valued at the amount by which the closing market price of our common stock on December 31, 2012 exceeded the exercise price of the unvested options.
As a condition to the grant of the option, the Stock Option Agreements provide that the executive officer will agree to keep confidential information of ours confidential during and after employment and to return such information to us upon termination of employment, not to solicit for one year clients to whom we provided services during the twelve months preceding the date of the executive officer's termination and not to solicit or hire for one year any individual we employed as of the date of the executive officer's termination. “Cause” and “change in control” in the Stock Option Agreements have the same meanings set forth previously under “CEO Employment Agreement.”
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Manuel Marquez
We have a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Manuel Marquez. Under the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, if Mr. Marquez's employment is terminated by us for cause or by Mr. Marquez other than for good reason or disability, then the units that have not yet become fully vested will be forfeited. If we terminate Mr. Marquez's employment for any reason other than cause, if Mr. Marquez terminates his employment for good reason, or if Mr. Marquez's employment terminates by reason of disability, then a pro-rata portion of the units will vest based on the date of termination in relation to the grant date and the remaining units will be forfeited. If Mr. Marquez's employment terminates by reason of death, then the units will become fully vested. After a change in control of our company, if Mr. Marquez's employment is terminated by us other than by reason of death, disability or for cause or by Mr. Marquez for good reason, then, upon such termination, all units that have not yet become fully vested will fully vest. “Cause”, “good reason”, “disability” and “change in control” in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement have the same meanings set forth previously under “CEO Employment Agreement.”
The amount set forth in the table above includes the value attributable to unvested restricted stock units held by Mr. Marquez valued at the closing market price of our common stock on December 31, 2012.
Stock Option Agreement with Manuel Marquez
We have a Stock Option Agreement with Manuel Marquez. Under the Stock Option Agreement, if Mr. Marquez's employment is terminated by us for cause, then the option, whether or not otherwise exercisable, will immediately terminate and cease to be exercisable. If we terminate Mr. Marquez's employment for any reason other than cause, if Mr. Marquez terminates his employment for good reason, or if Mr. Marquez's employment terminates by reason of disability, then a pro-rata portion of the options will become vested and exercisable based on the date of termination in relation to the grant date. If Mr. Marquez terminates his employment with us other than for good reason or disability, then any options not vested and exercisable on the date of such termination will immediately terminate. If Mr. Marquez's employment terminates by reason of death, then the options will become fully vested. After a change in control of our company, if Mr. Marquez's employment is terminated by us other than by reason of death, disability or for cause or by Mr. Marquez for good reason, then all options that have not yet become fully vested will fully vest and become immediately exercisable. “Cause”, “good reason”, “disability” and “change in control” in the Stock Option Agreement have the same meanings set forth previously under “CEO Employment Agreement.”
The amount set forth in the table above includes the value attributable to unvested stock options held by Mr. Marquez valued at the amount by which the closing market price of our common stock on December 31, 2012 exceeded the exercise price of the unvested options.
COMPENSATION POLICIES AND PRACTICES AND RISK
We monitor and assess periodically our enterprise risks, including risks from our compensation policies and practices for our employees. Based on our periodic assessments, we believe that risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees, including our named executive officers, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our company.
Our compensation policies and practices also do not encourage the taking of excessive or inappropriate risks for several reasons, including:
| |
• | salaries are generally targeted at median market levels for comparable companies; |
| |
• | cash bonuses are capped, except in extremely rare cases, and are determined using subjective and objective criteria; |
| |
• | equity awards have service, and often performance, vesting requirements; |
| |
• | we have stock ownership guidelines for our executive officers; and |
| |
• | we offer only customary benefits, such as health care and a defined contribution plan. |
We believe these compensation policies and practices provide an appropriate balance between short-term and long-term incentives, encourage our employees to produce superior results for our company without having to take excessive or inappropriate risks to do so, and continue to serve the best interests our company and stockholders.
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
We are required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide our stockholders with an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers. This proposal, commonly known as “Say-on-Pay,” asks our stockholders to vote, on a non-binding, advisory basis, on a resolution approving the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation” sections of this proxy statement.
We have established comprehensive compensation programs for our executive officers, including our named executive officers, and the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation” sections of this proxy statement disclose information regarding the compensation of our named executive officers. Stockholders should reference and consider the information in these sections when evaluating our approach to compensating our named executive officers.
Our Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, the Chief People Officer and the Compensation Committee's independent compensation consultant, when appropriate, monitor executive compensation programs and adopt changes, when appropriate, to our compensation programs to reflect the competitive market in which we compete for talent, as well as general economic, regulatory and legislative developments affecting executive compensation.
The objectives of our executive compensation programs are to attract and retain the talented individuals needed to achieve long-term success and to motivate them to achieve goals designed to enhance long-term stockholder value. With these objectives in mind, the Compensation Committee has taken the following compensation actions.
| |
• | Targeting total cash compensation, which is comprised of base salary plus annual incentive (cash bonus), at median market levels for comparable companies: |
| |
• | Targeting base salaries at median market levels for comparable companies, and |
| |
• | Designing annual cash incentives to provide awards above median market levels for comparable companies only for above median performance. |
| |
• | Linking the vesting of restricted stock awards to our financial performance and our employee engagement survey results through the Take-out Ratio, Employee Engagement and Cash Efficiency targets as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of Compensation - Long-Term Incentives.” |
| |
• | Limiting the perquisites that we make available to our named executive officers, who are entitled to few benefits that are not otherwise available to our employees. The aggregate amount of such perquisites for each named executive officer in any year reflected under “Executive Compensation - Summary Compensation Table” has not exceeded $10,000, other than for Mr. Marquez pursuant to his CEO Employment Agreement. |
| |
• | Requiring named executive officers to maintain certain stock ownership levels through the establishment of stock ownership guidelines. |
| |
• | Maintaining a CEO Employment Agreement and Executive Employment Agreements that do not provide for an excise tax gross-up. |
The Compensation Committee will continue to emphasize compensation arrangements that align the financial interests of our executive officers with the interests of our stockholders and to require our executive officers to own a significant amount of our common stock. Please refer to the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation” sections of this proxy statement for a detailed discussion of the Company's executive compensation practices and philosophy and the actual compensation provided to our named executive officers.
The vote on the compensation of our named executive officers is advisory and not binding on us, our Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares having voting power present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting (assuming a quorum is present) is required to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. Consequently, broker non-votes will have no effect on approval of the resolution, but abstentions will act as a vote against approval of the resolution. Shares of common stock represented by executed, but unmarked, proxies will be voted in favor of the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement; provided that, if you hold your shares of our common stock through a broker-dealer, bank nominee, custodian or other securities intermediary, the intermediary will not vote those shares for the compensation of our named executive officers unless you give the intermediary specific voting instructions on a timely basis directing the intermediary to vote in such manner. Although the outcome of this advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers is non-binding, our Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will review and consider the outcome of this vote when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.
Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. The Audit Committee's function is more fully described in its written charter, which our Board of Directors has adopted and which the Audit Committee reviews on an annual basis. Our Board of Directors annually reviews the independence of the Audit Committee members under standards of independence for audit committee members established by the Nasdaq Global Select Market and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent under those standards.
Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of our financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles, internal controls, and procedures designed to ensure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws and regulations. Our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, was responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. KPMG LLP was also responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, with our management and has discussed with KPMG LLP the matters required to be discussed by AU Section 380 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Communication With Audit Committees, and Rule 2-07 of SEC Regulation S-X. In addition, KPMG LLP has provided the Audit Committee with the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and the Audit Committee has discussed with KPMG LLP their independence.
Based on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the audited financial statements and management's report on its assessment of internal control over financial reporting be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Hudson Global, Inc.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Richard J. Stolz, Chairman
Robert B. Dubner
John J. Haley
David G. Offensend
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP
AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
General
The Audit Committee has appointed KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements and management's assessment of internal controls over financial reporting for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. Our Board of Directors is seeking stockholder ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year 2013. KPMG LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since March 2008.
Representatives of KPMG LLP will be available to answer appropriate questions from stockholders at the annual meeting and will be free to make statements, if they desire to do so, during the meeting.
Fees Paid to Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The following table presents fees billed for professional audit services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG LLP during those periods.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2012 | | 2011 |
Audit fees(1) | | $ | 2,123,679 |
| | $ | 2,135,000 |
|
Audit-related fees(2) | | 76,407 |
| | 40,800 |
|
Tax fees(3) | | 0 |
| | 0 |
|
All other fees(4) | | 0 |
| | 0 |
|
Total fees | | $ | 2,200,086 |
| | $ | 2,175,800 |
|
____________________ | |
(1) | Audit fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit and review of financial statements and services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings (domestic and international) and the audit of management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting. |
| |
(2) | Audit-related fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP for employee benefit plan audits, certain due diligence services and accounting consultation. |
The Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of the non-audit services listed above was compatible with maintaining the independence of KPMG LLP, and all such services were approved by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee will not approve any service that will impair the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. The pre-approval policy requires each audit service and each non-audit service in excess of $50,000 performed by the independent registered public accounting firm to receive the specific prior approval of the entire Audit Committee. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has authority to approve any non-audit service equal to or less than $50,000, and any subsequent fee adjustments which, in the aggregate for each non-audit service, are equal to or less than $15,000. Only if the cost of any audit or non-audit service exceeds by the greater of ten percent or $5,000 the amount previously
approved by the Audit Committee or the Chairman of the Audit Committee must the Audit Committee or the Chairman of the Audit Committee give prior approval for the additional cost. The Chairman of the Audit Committee reports any approvals pursuant to such authority to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee's pre-approval policies do not permit the delegation of the Audit Committee's pre-approval responsibilities to management. The independent registered public accounting firm must provide the Audit Committee or the Chairman of the Audit Committee with a description of each specific audit or non-audit service to be rendered and detailed documentation for any fee increase requests.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares having voting power present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting (assuming a quorum is present) is required for the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year 2013. Consequently, broker non-votes will have no effect on the ratification of the appointment, but abstentions will act as a vote against ratification of the appointment. Shares of common stock represented by executed, but unmarked, proxies will be voted in favor of the ratification of the appointment. If the appointment is not ratified by a majority of the votes cast, the adverse vote will be considered as an indication to the Audit Committee that it should consider selecting another independent registered public accounting firm for the following fiscal year. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may select a new independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it believes that such a change would be in our best interest.
Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements and management's assessment of internal controls over financial reporting for our fiscal year 2013.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and executive officers to file reports concerning their ownership of our equity securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to us and on written representations that no Form 5 was required to be filed, we believe that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, all of our directors and executive officers timely complied with the Section 16(a) filing requirements.
OTHER MATTERS
Stockholder Proposals
Proposals which our stockholders intend to present at, and wish to have included in our proxy statement for, the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 must be received at our offices by the close of business on November 18, 2013. In addition, a stockholder who intends to present business, including nominating persons for election as directors, other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 at the 2014 annual meeting must comply with the requirements set forth in our By-Laws. Among other things, to bring business before an annual meeting, a stockholder must give written notice of such business, complying with the By-Laws, to our Corporate Secretary not less than 45 days and not more than 75 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which we first mailed proxy materials for the preceding year's annual meeting (subject to certain exceptions if the annual meeting is advanced or delayed a certain number of days). Under our By-Laws, if we do not receive notice of a stockholder proposal submitted otherwise than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (i.e., proposals stockholders intend to present at the 2014 annual meeting but do not intend to include in our proxy statement for such meeting) on or after January 2, 2014 and on or prior to February 1, 2014, then the notice will be considered untimely and we will not be required to present the proposal at the 2014 annual meeting. If our Board of Directors chooses to present the proposal at the 2014 annual meeting, then the persons named in proxies solicited by our
Board of Directors for the 2014 annual meeting may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to such proposal.
Proxy Solicitation
We will pay all costs that we incur in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the annual meeting. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, certain of our officers and other employees may solicit proxies personally, by telephone or by electronic communication. We will reimburse brokers and other nominees for their reasonable expenses in communicating with the persons for whom they hold common stock. We have retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications to aid in the solicitation at an estimated cost of $11,000 plus reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses.
Stockholders Sharing the Same Address
Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, services that deliver our communications to stockholders that hold their shares through a bank, broker or other holder of record may deliver to multiple stockholders sharing the same address a single copy of our annual report to stockholders and proxy statement, unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. Upon written or oral request, we will promptly deliver a separate copy of the annual report to stockholders and/or proxy statement to any stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of each document was delivered. Stockholders sharing an address who are currently receiving multiple copies of the annual report to stockholders and/or proxy statement may also request delivery of a single copy upon oral or written request. Stockholders may notify us of their requests by writing Latham Williams, Corporate Secretary, Hudson Global, Inc., 560 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10022 or calling (212) 351-7300.
By Order of the Board of Directors
HUDSON GLOBAL, INC.
Latham Williams
Corporate Secretary
New York, New York
March 18, 2013