UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated
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SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED |
April 19, 2019
Dear Shareholder:
I am pleased to invite you to attend the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will be held at the Rivergate Tower, 400 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 320, 3rd Floor, Conference Room A, Tampa, FL 33602, on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time. In the following pages, you will find the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders as well as a proxy statement which describes the items of business to be conducted at the meeting.
Your vote is important, so to assure your representation at the Annual Meeting, please vote on the matters described in this proxy statement by completing the enclosed proxy card and mailing it promptly in the enclosed envelope. If your shares are held in street name by a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, the nominee will supply you with a proxy card to be returned to it. It is important that you return the proxy card as quickly as possible so that the nominee may vote your shares. If your shares are held in street name by a nominee, you may not vote those shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a power of attorney or legal proxy from that nominee authorizing you to vote the shares, and you present that power of attorney or proxy at the Annual Meeting.
Sincerely,
James T. Holder |
Corporate Secretary |
Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials
for the Shareholders Meeting to be held on May 20, 2019
This proxy statement and our 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at:
https://materials.proxyvote.com/871237
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
400 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 2800
Tampa, FL 33602
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Date and Time: | 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time on May 20, 2019 | |
Place: | Rivergate Tower 400 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 320, 3rd Floor, Conference Room A, Tampa, FL 33602 | |
Items of Business: |
1. To elect three directors to hold office until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders; | |
2. To hold a shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation; | ||
3. To approve the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan; | ||
4. To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors of the Company; and | ||
5. To transact any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting. |
Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 18, 2019 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting. Information relating to the matters to be considered and voted on at the Annual Meeting is set forth in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice.
Tampa, Florida
April 19, 2019
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
James T. Holder |
Corporate Secretary |
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Companys Board of Directors (the Board) is comprised of nine individuals and is divided into three classes (designated CLASS I, CLASS II, and CLASS III), with three directors in each class. Each class generally serves a three-year term expiring at the third annual meeting of shareholders after its election.
The term of the three current CLASS II directors will expire at the Annual Meeting. Paul L. Whiting will not stand for re-election. The Companys Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has nominated Carlos E. Evans and W. Mark Watson, the two other current CLASS II directors, along with Mark C. Bozek, to stand for election as CLASS II directors, whose terms will all expire at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Provided that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, each nominee shall be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast with respect to that nominees election. A majority of votes cast means that the number of shares voted for a directors election exceeds 50% of the number of votes cast with respect to that directors election. Votes cast shall include (i) votes for the election of such director and (ii) votes against the election of such director, and shall exclude abstentions with respect to that directors election and broker non-votes.
Incumbent directors Evans and Watson have provided to the Company contingent letters of resignation from the Board which shall become effective only if such director fails to receive a sufficient number of votes for re-election at the Annual Meeting and the Board determines to accept the resignation. The Board will consider and act upon the contingent letter of resignation of a director who fails to receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on his election within ninety (90) days after the date on which the election results were certified and will promptly make public disclosure of the results of its decision. The Board, in making its decision, may consider any factors or other information that it considers appropriate and relevant. The director who has tendered his resignation shall not participate in the decision of the Board with respect to his resignation. If such incumbent directors resignation is not accepted by the Board, such director shall continue to serve until his successor is duly elected, or his earlier resignation or removal.
In the event any nominee is unable to serve, the persons designated as proxies will cast votes for such other person in their discretion as a substitute nominee. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that the nominees named herein will be unavailable or, if elected, will decline to serve.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS IN THE CLASS SPECIFIED AND URGES EACH SHAREHOLDER TO VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES. EXECUTED PROXIES IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM THAT ARE NOT OTHERWISE MARKED WILL BE VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING FOR THE ELECTION AS DIRECTORS OF THE NOMINEES NAMED BELOW.
Directors Standing for Election at the 2019 Annual Meeting
CLASS II TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING.
Name | Age | Position(s) with the Company | Director Since |
|||||||
Carlos E. Evans(1)(4) |
|
67 |
|
Director & Chairman of the Finance Committee |
|
2016 |
| |||
W. Mark Watson(3)(4) |
|
68 |
|
Director |
|
2018 |
|
Nominees Standing for Election at the 2019 Annual Meeting
Name | Age | Position(s) with the Company | Director Since |
|||||||
Mark C. Bozek |
|
59 |
|
Nominee |
|
N/A |
|
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 3
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
Directors Whose Term of Office Continues
CLASS I TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING.
Name | Age | Position(s) with the Company | Director Since |
|||||||
James S. MacLeod |
|
71 |
|
Director & Non-Executive Chairman |
|
2005 |
| |||
William D. Muir, Jr.(1)(4) |
|
50 |
|
Director & Chairman of the Compensation Committee |
|
2014 |
| |||
Lorraine L. Lutton(1)(2)(3) |
|
53 |
|
Director |
|
2014 |
|
CLASS III TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2021 ANNUAL MEETING.
Name |
Age |
Position(s) with the Company |
Director |
|||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
|
56 |
|
Director, President & Chief Executive Officer |
|
2004 |
| |||
William J. Meurer(2)(3) |
|
75 |
|
Director & Chairman of the Audit Committee |
|
2000 |
| |||
Vanessa C.L. Chang(2)(3) |
|
66 |
|
Director & Chairman of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
|
2016 |
|
(1) | Member of the Compensation Committee |
(2) | Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
(3) | Member of the Audit Committee |
(4) | Member of the Finance Committee |
4 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION |
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Biographical information for each of the director nominees is set forth below, including the key qualifications, experience, attributes, and skills that led our Board to the conclusion that each of the director nominees should serve as a director.
Our Board includes individuals with strong backgrounds in executive leadership and management, accounting and finance, and Company and industry knowledge, and we believe that, as a group, they work effectively together in overseeing our business. We believe that our directors hold themselves to the highest standards of integrity and that they are committed to representing the long-term best interests of our shareholders. While we do not have a formal diversity policy, we believe that our directors diversity of backgrounds and experiences, which include public accounting, aerospace, manufacturing, banking, technology, healthcare, telecommunications, finance and retail, results in different ideas and varying viewpoints that contribute to effective oversight of our business.
Board of Directors Summary Information
Director Since |
Industry Experience |
Committees Membership |
Other Public Co. Boards |
Mandatory Date | ||||||||||||||||||
Name | Age | Diversity | Independent | AC | CC | FC | NGC | |||||||||||||||
Vanessa C.L. Chang |
66 |
2016 |
Accounting/ Real Estate
|
Asian/ Female |
✓ |
M |
C |
3 |
2030 | |||||||||||||
Carlos E. Evans |
67 |
2016 |
Banking |
Hispanic/ Male
|
✓ |
M |
C |
1 |
2028 | |||||||||||||
Lorraine L. Lutton |
53 |
2014 |
Health Care |
White/ Female
|
✓ |
M |
M* |
M |
0 |
2032 | ||||||||||||
James S. MacLeod |
71 |
2005 |
Financial Services/
|
White/ |
✓ |
2 |
2026 | |||||||||||||||
William J. Meurer |
75 |
2000 |
Accounting |
White/
|
✓ |
C* |
M |
0 |
2021 | |||||||||||||
William D. Muir, Jr. |
50 |
2014 |
Manufacturing/ Engineering
|
Hispanic/ Male |
✓ |
C |
M |
1 |
2035 | |||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
56 |
2004 |
Business Process Outsourcing
|
White/ |
0 |
2027 | ||||||||||||||||
W. Mark Watson |
68 |
2018 |
Accounting |
White/
|
✓ |
M |
M |
2 |
2028 |
AC = Audit Committee
CC = Compensation Committee
FC = Finance Committee
NGC = Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
M = Member
C = Chair
C* = Chair and Designated Financial Expert
M* = Member Appointed in August 2018 upon the death of Lt. Gen. Michael P. DeLong.
Board Characteristics and Diversity
89% of SYKES Directors
|
33% of SYKES Directors
|
25% of SYKES Directors
|
65 Years Average Age of SYKES Directors |
9 Years Average Tenure of SYKES Directors
|
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 5
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION |
Mr. Evans
|
Director Since May 2016
Carlos E. Evans was elected to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting in May 2016 and is Chair of the Finance Committee and is a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Evans retired from Wells Fargo Bank in May 2014, where he served as executive vice president and group head of the eastern division of Wells Fargo commercial banking. Mr. Evans was also responsible for the banks government and institutional banking group and he served on Wells Fargos management committee. Mr. Evans joined First Union National Bank in 2000 as the wholesale banking executive for the commercial segment prior to its merger with Wachovia Corporation in 2001. From 2006 until Wachovias merger with Wells Fargo in 2009, Mr. Evans was the wholesale banking executive and an executive vice president for the Wachovia general banking group, overseeing the commercial, business and community banking segments, the dealer financial services business and the government, tax exempt and not-for-profit healthcare groups. Before joining First Union, Mr. Evans served in a variety of roles at Bank of America and its predecessors including NationsBank, North Carolina National Bank and Bankers Trust of South Carolina, which he joined in 1973. Mr. Evans received his B.A. in economics from Newberry College. He is also a graduate of the Commercial Lending School in Oklahoma and the Colgate Darden Commercial Lending School at the University of Virginia. Mr. Evans is chairman emeritus of the board of the Spoleto Festival USA and former chairman of the board of the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation. He is also on the boards of Queens University of Charlotte, three private companies, National Coatings and Supplies Inc., American Welding & Gas Inc. and Johnson Management, and one other public company, Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE: HIW).
Qualifications:
Mr. Evans brings to the Board a vast array of experiences in commercial banking, including financial aspects of governmental, tax exempt and not-for-profit healthcare groups. Mr. Evans decades of experience in various management roles provides a significant level of business acumen and judgment.
|
Mr. Watson
|
Director Since May 2018
W. Mark Watson was elected to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting in May 2018 and is a member of the Audit and Finance committees. Mr. Watson, a Certified Public Accountant, currently is the president of WM Watson, LLC, a consulting services organization. From 1973 to 2013, Mr. Watson held various positions at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte) including Marketplace Leader, Lead Client Service Partner and Lead Audit Partner. Having spent his entire professional career at Deloitte, he worked with many mid-market to Fortune Global 500 companies, developing strengths in operations and strategic thinking implementation. Mr. Watson serves on the Board of Directors of, and as the Chairman of the Audit Committee for, BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc., Momentum Health Holdings, LLC and HedgePath Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Watson has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Marquette University. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Moffitt Medical Group and the audit and finance committees for Moffitt Cancer Center and has served on various other civic and charitable boards in the past.
| |
Qualifications:
As a result of his 40 years of experience with Deloitte, as well as his other professional and civic engagements, Mr. Watson brings to the Board valuable financial analytical skills, a deep understanding of accounting and management issues, strategic thinking and sound judgment. |
6 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION |
Mr. Bozek
|
Nominee for Director
Mark C. Bozek has been nominated for election as a director at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Bozek is the Founder and CEO of Live Rocket, LLC, a New York based branding, licensing, marketing and entertainment company collaborating with domestic and international retailers on brand development and licensing opportunities as well as strategic partnerships and acquisitions, programming content and overall growth strategies on multiple platforms. Prior to the founding of Live Rocket in 2017, Mr. Bozek served as Chief Executive Officer of Evine Live, Inc. a digital TV commerce company from June 2014 to March 2016. Mr. Bozek served as President of Galgos Entertainment, a privately held film production company that he founded, from January 2003 to February 2017. From March 1997 until February 2003, Mr. Bozek served as the Chief Executive Officer of HSN (f/k/a Home Shopping Network). From April 1993 until February 1996, Mr. Bozek served as the Vice President of Broadcasting for QVC. Mr. Bozek previously served as a director of the Company from August 2003 until March 2013.
| |
Qualifications:
Mr. Bozeks experience as a public company CEO in call center enabled businesses, as well as commerce and content, equips him to provide industry insight to the Board and management on strategic and business planning and operations as well as employee relations, development and management succession. |
Mr. MacLeod
|
Director Since May 2005
James S. MacLeod was elected to the Board of Directors in May 2005, and was elected as Non-Executive Chairman in May 2016. Mr. MacLeod has served in various positions at CoastalStates Bank in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina since February 2004 and is currently its Non-Executive Chairman. Mr. MacLeod serves on the Board of Directors of CoastalStates Bank and has served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of CoastalSouth Bancshares, its holding company, since 2018. From June 1982 to February 2004, he held various positions at Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the last 7 years serving as its Executive Vice President. Mr. MacLeod has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Tampa, a Master of Science in Real Estate and Urban Affairs from Georgia State University and a Masters degree in City Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. MacLeod is also a Trustee of the Allianz Global Investors Funds and serves as Chairman of their Performance Committee, he serves as a Trustee and Board Vice Chairman of the University of Tampa, and serves as a Director of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Foundation and as a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Finance Committee.
| |
Qualifications:
As a result of his extensive financial services background, Mr. MacLeod brings to the Board valuable financial analytical skills and experience, a deep understanding of cash transaction and management issues, as well as business acumen and judgment. |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 7
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION |
Mr. Muir
|
Director Since May 2014
William D. Muir, Jr. was elected to the Board of Directors in 2014 and is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Since October 2018, Mr. Muir has served as Chief Executive Officer of Electronics for Imaging, Inc. (NASDAQ: EFII), a Silicon Valley global technology company leading the worldwide transformation from analog to digital imaging. Mr. Muir served as the Chief Operating Officer of Jabil Circuit, Inc. (NYSE: JBL), from 2013 through 2017. From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Muir served as Jabils Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Manufacturing Services, responsible for $14B of annual revenue with commercial leadership across diversified markets, including Healthcare & Life Sciences, Enterprise & Infrastructure, High Velocity and Industrial & Clean-tech. Additionally, Mr. Muir led the global, integrated capabilities in Operations, Supply Chain and Design which underpin these diversified businesses. Previously, Mr. Muir served as Regional President for Asia, responsible for Jabils Operations and Business Development efforts across China, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. In this capacity, he resided in Shanghai from 2004 through 2007 and subsequently in Singapore until 2009. Prior to his leadership role in Asia, Mr. Muir led Global Business Development efforts for Jabil across large-scale customer relationships and has also held roles leading Operations across the Americas.
| |
Qualifications:
Mr. Muir brings to our Board a diverse background spanning engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, business development, and operations. He has been a leader in information technology, supply chain, security, quality, engineering innovation, and global, strategic accounts. Mr. Muirs decade long global and domestic profit and loss responsibility also brings valuable business financial acumen to the Board. |
Ms. Lutton
|
Director Since May 2014
Lorraine L. Lutton was elected to the Board of Directors in 2014 and is a member of the Audit, Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees. Since 2016, Ms. Lutton has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Roper St. Francis Health Care, an integrated health system with 3 acute care hospitals in Charleston, South Carolina. Prior to joining Roper St. Francis, Ms. Lutton had been employed by the BayCare Health System since 1992 in various capacities, serving most recently as the President of St. Josephs Hospital, a 529 bed tertiary acute care facility in Tampa Florida. Ms. Lutton received her bachelors degree in public health, health policy and administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her masters degree in business administration from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. Ms. Lutton is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
| |
Qualifications:
Ms. Lutton brings to our Board substantial business experience in the healthcare arena, as well as communication, planning, organizational and management skills. |
8 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION |
Mr. Sykes
|
Director Since August 2004
Charles E. Sykes was elected to the Board of Directors in August 2004 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Companys founder and former Chairman, John H. Sykes. Mr. Charles Sykes joined the Company in September 1986 and has served in numerous capacities throughout his years with the Company. Mr. Sykes was appointed as Vice President of Sales, North America in 1999 and between the years of 2000 to 2003 served as Group Executive, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Alliances, and Senior Vice President of Global Operations. Mr. Sykes was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in July 2003 and was named President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2004. Mr. Sykes received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University in 1985. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Partnership, the Tampa Bay Metro Board of the American Heart Association, Feeding America of Tampa Bay, Inc., the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida, and the Board of Visitors for North Carolina State University, and is a member of the Florida Council of 100.
| |
Qualifications:
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Sykes provides the Board with information gained from hands-on management of Company operations, identifying near-term and long-term goals, challenges and opportunities. As the son of the Companys founder and having worked for the Company for his full career, he brings a continuity of mission and values on which the Company was established.
|
Mr. Meurer
|
Director Since October 2000
William J. Meurer was elected to the Board of Directors in October 2000 and is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Previously, Mr. Meurer was employed for 35 years with Arthur Andersen LLP where he served most recently as the Managing Partner for Arthur Andersens Central Florida operations. Since retiring from Arthur Andersen in 2000, Mr. Meurer has been a private investor and consultant. Mr. Meurer also serves on the Board of Trustees for Lifelink Foundation, Inc. and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Eagle Family of Funds until November 2018. Mr. Meurer is a Certified Public Accountant.
| |
Qualifications:
As former managing partner of an international public accounting firm, Mr. Meurer brings to our Board relevant experience with financial accounting, audit and reporting issues, SEC filings and complex corporate transactions.
|
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 9
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION |
Ms. Chang
|
Director Since March 2016
Vanessa C.L. Chang was elected to the Board of Directors in 2016 and is Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. Ms. Chang previously served as a director of EL & EL Investments (Vancouver B.C. Canada), a private real estate investment business, from 1999 until 2018. She served as chief executive officer and president of ResolveItNow.com (Los Angeles, CA), an online dispute resolution service from 2000 to 2002, was senior vice president of Secured Capital Corporation (Los Angeles, CA), a real estate investment bank in 1998, and from 1986 until 1997 she was a partner in the accounting firm KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (Los Angeles, CA). Ms. Chang serves as a director of Edison International and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern California Edison Company (a regulated electric utility Los Angeles, CA), a director of Transocean Ltd. (an offshore contract driller, Zug Switzerland), and a director or trustee of seventeen funds advised by the Capital Groups subsidiaries in the American Funds and Capital Group Private Client Services (Los Angeles, CA). She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
| |
Qualifications:
Ms. Chang brings to the Board experience in accounting and financial reporting and governance matters. She also brings experience as a director of public, private, and non-profit organizations, as well as knowledge of securities regulation and corporate governance.
|
10 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions
Leadership Structure
Risk Oversight
12 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Director Independence
In accordance with Nasdaq rules, the Board affirmatively determines the independence of each director and nominee for election as a director in accordance with guidelines it has adopted, which include all elements of independence set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards. Based upon these standards, at its meeting held on March 12, 2019, the Board determined that each of the following non-employee directors and nominees was independent and had no relationship with the Company, except as a director and shareholder of the Company:
(1) | Mark C. Bozek | (5) | James S. MacLeod | |||
(2) | Vanessa C.L. Chang | (6) | William J. Meurer | |||
(3) | Carlos E. Evans | (7) | William D. Muir, Jr. | |||
(4) | Lorraine L. Lutton | (8) | W. Mark Watson |
In connection with its decision to nominate Mr. Mark C. Bozek to stand for election at the Annual Meeting, the Board has affirmatively determined that he is independent and has no previous or current relationship with the Company other than having previously served as a Director of the Company.
Nominations for Directors
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 13
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Communications with our Board
Meetings and Committees of the Board
14 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Committees of the Board
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None.
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 15
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION |
In addition to the Annual Retainer award, the non-employee Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual cash award of $100,000, and each non-employee director serving on a committee of the Board receives an additional annual cash award in the following amounts:
Position |
Amount |
|||
Audit Committee |
||||
Chairperson |
$ |
20,000 |
| |
Member |
$ |
10,000 |
| |
Compensation Committee |
||||
Chairperson |
$ |
15,000 |
| |
Member |
$ |
7,500 |
| |
Finance Committee |
||||
Chairperson |
$ |
12,500 |
| |
Member |
$ |
7,500 |
| |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
||||
Chairperson |
$ |
12,500 |
| |
Member |
$ |
7,500 |
|
16 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION |
The following table contains information regarding compensation paid to the non-employee directors during fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, including cash and shares of the Companys common stock.
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
(g) |
(h) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Fees Earned ($)(1) |
Stock ($)(2) |
Option ($) |
Non-Equity ($) |
Change in Value and ($) |
All Other ($) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Vanessa C.L. Chang |
|
91,250 |
|
|
100,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,773 |
(3) |
|
203,031 |
| |||||||
Lt. General Michael P. DeLong (Ret.)(4) |
|
43,750 |
|
|
100,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
143,758 |
| |||||||
Carlos E. Evans |
|
88,750 |
|
|
100,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
198 |
|
|
188,956 |
| |||||||
Lorraine L. Lutton |
|
89,375 |
|
|
100,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,188 |
|
|
190,571 |
| |||||||
James S. MacLeod |
|
172,500 |
|
|
100,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,476 |
|
|
274,984 |
| |||||||
William J. Meurer |
|
97,500 |
|
|
100,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,299 |
|
|
198,807 |
| |||||||
William D. Muir, Jr. |
|
91,875 |
|
|
100,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
191,883 |
| |||||||
W. Mark Watson |
|
65,625 |
|
|
160,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
225,637 |
| |||||||
Paul L. Whiting |
|
90,625 |
|
|
100,008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
918 |
|
|
191,551 |
|
(1) | Amounts shown include the cash portion of the Annual Retainers and other amounts paid in cash for services on Board committees paid to each non-employee director in 2018. The amount shown for Mr. MacLeod includes $100,000 he receives for his services as independent Chairman of the Board. |
(2) | The amounts shown in column (c) represent the Annual Retainer amounts paid in shares of the Companys stock, and for Mr. Watson, includes the initial retainer amounts paid in shares of the Companys stock granted upon joining the Board in May 2018. The amounts are valued based on the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Notes 1 and 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2019, for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. |
(3) | This amount is comprised of business-related travel expenses of $11,431 and seminar fees. |
(4) | Lt. Gen. DeLong passed away in July 2018. Upon his death, 2,710 unvested shares with an aggregate grant date fair value of $75,013 were forfeited. |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 17
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (this CD&A) is intended to assist our shareholders in understanding our compensation philosophy, strategy, program design, policies, and practices, with a focus on our 2018 compensation decisions and results for our Named Executive Officers (NEOs). For 2018, our NEOs were as follows:
Name |
Title | |
Charles E. Sykes |
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | |
John Chapman |
Chief Financial Officer | |
Lawrence R. Zingale |
Chief Customer Officer and General Manager EMEA (GM EMEA) | |
James T. Holder |
Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary | |
James D. Farnsworth |
Executive Vice President Americas Business Development |
Executive Summary
18 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 19
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Roles and Responsibilities in Determining Executive Compensation
20 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Executive Compensation Analysis
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 21
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Elements of Compensation
The relative percentages between base salary, annual cash incentive targets and long-term, equity-based incentive targets as compared to total target compensation for the NEOs for 2018 were as follows:
Name | Total Direct Compensation |
Base Salary |
Annual Cash Incentive |
Long-Term Equity Incentive |
||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
|
100 |
% |
|
16 |
% |
|
18 |
% |
|
66% |
| ||||
John Chapman |
|
100 |
% |
|
27 |
% |
|
19 |
% |
|
54% |
| ||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
|
100 |
% |
|
27 |
% |
|
19 |
% |
|
54% |
| ||||
James T. Holder |
|
100 |
% |
|
40 |
% |
|
20 |
% |
|
40% |
| ||||
James D. Farnsworth |
|
100 |
% |
|
48 |
% |
|
33 |
% |
|
19% |
|
Our executives are also permitted to participate in our 401(k) plan which is available to all employees, as well as our non-qualified executive deferred compensation plan. The purpose of the deferred compensation plan is to provide our executives with the ability to take advantage of tax deferred savings which may not be fully available to them under our 401(k) plan.
22 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
The key elements of our 2018 executive compensation program were as follows:
Type of
|
Element of Compensation
|
Description
|
Rationale
| |||
Base Salary |
Fixed amount of annual cash compensation |
Attracts and retains talented, experienced executives | ||||
Short-Term Incentive Awards |
Annual Performance-Based Cash Incentive Award |
Variable cash amount based on achievement of Company (and sometimes individual) performance goals Award value generally based on a percentage of the executives base salary and achievement of Adjusted Operating Income performance targets Threshold performance (80% of target performance measures) paid out at 50% of target, maximum performance (120% of target performance measures) paid out at 150% of target |
Motivates executives to achieve and exceed annual goals Attracts talent by offering a compensation opportunity that awards performance Maximizes short-term profitability and drives shareholder value | |||
Long-Term Incentive Awards |
Stock Appreciation Rights |
Entitles recipient to receive, at the time of exercise, shares with a market value equal to the difference between the exercise price of the SARs (the closing price of the underlying shares on the grant date) and the market price of the underlying shares on the date of exercise Vest ratably over a three-year period
|
Value tied to the appreciation of the value of our Common Stock Balances short-term and long-term decision making | |||
Time-Based Restricted Stock (or Stock Unit) Awards |
Share-based element of incentive compensation. Vest ratably over a three-year period |
Time-based vesting blends a short-term award with long-term incentive Encourages retention of NEOs and key management | ||||
Performance-Based Restricted Stock (or Stock Unit) Awards |
Variable amount of shares paid out to the executive at the end of a three-year performance period Award value based on a percentage of the executives base salary in the year of grant and achievement of revenue and Plan Adjusted Operating Income performance targets 1/3 of the amount of shares paid out are tied to gross revenue, 2/3 of the shares paid out are tied to Plan Adjusted Operating Income Threshold performance (95% of target performance measures) paid out at 50% of the target pay out, maximum performance (110% of target performance measures) paid out at 200% of target payout |
Rewards achievement of long-term performance goals Balances short-term and long-term decision making Maximizes long-term profitability and drives shareholder value |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 23
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Adjusted Operating Income = GAAP Operating Income Adjusted for: |
depreciation and amortization related to write ups in connection with acquisitions; |
costs to obtain synergies in connection with acquisitions; |
transaction and integration costs associated with an acquisition; and |
restructuring costs, costs associated with exit or disposal activities, net gain or loss on sale of facilities, impairment charges and the release of cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) due to liquidation of a legal entity. |
24 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
The Companys 2018 annual incentive plan compensation is summarized in the table below:
Named Executive Officer | Salary | Threshold Award Percentage(1) |
Target Award Percentage(1) |
Maximum Award Percentage(1) |
Target Annual Incentive Award |
2018 Annual Cash Incentive Award |
2018 Award Percentage(1) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
$ |
740,500 |
|
|
55% |
|
|
110% |
|
|
165% |
|
|
$814,550 |
|
|
$608,877 |
|
|
82% |
| |||||||
John Chapman |
$ |
426,000 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
70% |
|
|
105% |
|
|
$298,200 |
|
|
$222,907 |
|
|
52% |
| |||||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
$ |
464,000 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
70% |
|
|
105% |
|
|
$324,800 |
|
|
$135,931 |
|
|
29% |
| |||||||
James T. Holder |
$ |
370,290 |
|
|
25% |
|
|
50% |
|
|
75% |
|
|
$185,145 |
|
|
$138,393 |
|
|
37% |
| |||||||
James D. Farnsworth |
$ |
395,000 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
70% |
|
|
105% |
|
|
$276,500 |
|
|
$296,264 |
|
|
75% |
|
(1) | As a percentage of the respective NEOs eligible earnings |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 25
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Plan Adjusted Operating Income = GAAP Operating Income less : |
Adjusted Operating Income = GAAP Operating Income Adjusted for : | |
depreciation and amortization related to write ups in connection with acquisitions; |
same | |
costs to obtain synergies in connection with acquisitions; |
same | |
transaction costs associated with entity acquisitions and dispositions; |
same | |
restructuring and impairment charges related to the acquisitions and dispositions referenced in above; and |
restructuring costs, costs associated with exit or disposal activities, net gain or loss on sale of facilities, impairment charges and the release of CTA due to liquidation of a legal entity. | |
any effects (positive or negative) from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. |
26 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
2018 2020 Performance Cycle
In 2018, the Committee set the 2018 2020 performance cycle LTIP awards as a percentage of the base salary of each NEO as follows:
Named Executive Officer | Performance Award |
Restricted Stock Award Percentage |
SAR Award Percentage |
|||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
|
200% |
|
|
80% |
|
|
120% |
| |||
John Chapman |
|
100% |
|
|
40% |
|
|
60% |
| |||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
|
100% |
|
|
40% |
|
|
60% |
| |||
James T. Holder |
|
50% |
|
|
20% |
|
|
30% |
| |||
James D. Farnsworth |
|
27% |
|
|
13% |
|
|
N/A |
|
The SARs were granted in fiscal 2018, and will have value based on the value of the shares of the Companys common stock over the three-year vesting period for the SARs.
The three-year, cumulative performance measures that will be used by the Committee for calculating award values for performance stock awards granted for the 2018 2020 performance period are:
Performance Measure |
Weighting |
Threshold Performance |
Target Performance |
Maximum Performance |
||||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income |
|
2/3 |
|
$ |
370,700,000 |
|
$ |
390,200,000 |
|
$ |
429,200,000 |
| ||||
Revenue |
|
1/3 |
|
$ |
4,988,400,000 |
|
$ |
5,252,000,000 |
|
$ |
5,777,200,000 |
|
It should be noted that the performance measure related to income for the 2018 2020 performance cycle was changed to Adjusted Operating Income from Plan Adjusted Operating Income, which was the measure used in prior performance cycles. Accordingly, the figures for the income related performance measures are not comparable between the 2018 2020 performance cycle and previous performance cycles.
The 2018 2020 performance cycle LTIP target award values for the performance stock awards, and the number of shares underlying SARs are as follows:
Named Executive Officer | Performance Value at Target |
Number of Shares of Performance Stock Awarded at Target |
Restricted Stock Value(1) |
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awarded |
Number of Shares Underlying SARs(2) |
|||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
$ |
1,481,000 |
|
|
52,611 |
|
$ |
592,389 |
|
|
21,044 |
|
|
129,912 |
| |||||
John Chapman |
$ |
425,994 |
|
|
15,133 |
|
$ |
170,392 |
|
|
6,053 |
|
|
37,368 |
| |||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
$ |
463,996 |
|
|
16,483 |
|
$ |
185,593 |
|
|
6,593 |
|
|
40,702 |
| |||||
James T. Holder |
$ |
185,143 |
|
|
6,577 |
|
$ |
74,063 |
|
|
2,631 |
|
|
16,241 |
| |||||
James D. Farnsworth |
$ |
105,337 |
|
|
3,742 |
|
$ |
52,669 |
|
|
1,871 |
|
|
N/A |
|
(1) | The value of the restricted stock award is calculated by multiplying the market price of the Companys common stock on the grant date by the number of shares awarded to the NEO. The grant date value of the restricted stock granted to our NEOs is included in the amount set forth under Stock Awards on the Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement. The restricted stock award vests ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2018, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2019 and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2020. |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 27
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
(2) | The SARs vest ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2018, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2019, and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2020. Upon exercise, the NEO is entitled to a payout equal to the value of the SARs in shares of the Companys common stock. The SARs were granted on June 1, 2018 with an exercise price of $28.15. The actual grant date value of the SARs granted to our NEOs is set forth under Option Awards on the Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement. The actual number of shares underlying the SARs cannot be determined until such time as the SARs vest and are exercised and the spread between the fair value on the date of exercise and the base price is known. |
2017 2019 Performance Cycle
In 2017, the Committee set the 2017 2019 performance cycle LTIP awards as a percentage of the base salary of each NEO as follows:
Named Executive Officer | Performance Award |
Restricted Stock Award Percentage |
SAR Award Percentage |
|||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
|
200% |
|
|
80% |
|
|
120% |
| |||
John Chapman |
|
100% |
|
|
40% |
|
|
60% |
| |||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
|
100% |
|
|
40% |
|
|
60% |
| |||
James T. Holder |
|
50% |
|
|
20% |
|
|
30% |
| |||
James D. Farnsworth |
|
27% |
|
|
13% |
|
|
0% |
|
The SARs were granted in fiscal 2017, and will have value based on the value of the shares of the Companys common stock over the three-year vesting period for the SARs.
The three-year, cumulative performance measures that will be used by the Committee for calculating award values for performance stock awards granted for the 2017 2019 performance period are:
Performance Measure |
Weighting |
Threshold Performance |
Target Performance |
Maximum Performance |
||||||||||||
Plan Adjusted Operating Income |
|
2/3 |
|
$ |
399,300,000 |
|
$ |
420,300,000 |
|
$ |
462,300,000 |
| ||||
Revenue |
|
1/3 |
|
$ |
4,706,600,000 |
|
$ |
4,954,300,000 |
|
$ |
5,449,700,000 |
|
The 2017 2019 performance cycle LTIP target award values for the performance stock awards, and the number of shares underlying SARs are as follows:
Named Executive Officer | Performance Value at Target |
Number of Shares of Performance Stock Awarded at Target |
Restricted Stock Value(1) |
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awarded |
Number of Shares Underlying SARs(2) |
|||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
$ |
1,444,806 |
|
|
49,210 |
|
$ |
577,893 |
|
|
19,683 |
|
|
138,923 |
| |||||
John Chapman |
$ |
426,131 |
|
|
14,514 |
|
$ |
170,435 |
|
|
5,805 |
|
|
40,973 |
| |||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
$ |
464,211 |
|
|
15,811 |
|
$ |
185,673 |
|
|
6,324 |
|
|
44,636 |
| |||||
James T. Holder |
$ |
180,623 |
|
|
6,152 |
|
$ |
72,226 |
|
|
2,460 |
|
|
17,368 |
| |||||
James D. Farnsworth |
$ |
93,333 |
|
|
3,178 |
|
$ |
46,667 |
|
|
1,589 |
|
|
|
|
(1) | The value of the restricted stock award is calculated by multiplying the market price of the Companys common stock on the grant date by the number of shares awarded to the NEO. The grant date value of the restricted stock granted to our NEOs is included in the amount set forth under Stock Awards on the Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement. The restricted stock award vests ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2017, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2018 and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2019. |
(2) | The SARs vest ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2017, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2018, and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2019. Upon exercise, the NEO is entitled to a payout equal to the value of the SARs in shares of the Companys common stock. The SARs were granted on April 21, 2017 with an exercise price of $29.36. The actual grant date value of the SARs granted to our NEOs is set forth under Option Awards on the Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement. The actual number of shares underlying the SARs cannot be determined until such time as the SARs vest and are exercised and the spread between the fair value on the date of exercise and the base price is known. |
28 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
2016 2018 Performance Cycle
In 2016, the Committee set the 2016 2018 performance cycle LTIP awards as a percentage of the base salary of each NEO as follows:
Named Executive Officer | Performance Stock Award Percentage Target |
Restricted Stock Award Percentage |
SAR Award Percentage |
|||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
|
200% |
|
|
80% |
|
|
120% |
| |||
John Chapman |
|
75% |
|
|
30% |
|
|
45% |
| |||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
|
100% |
|
|
40% |
|
|
60% |
| |||
James T. Holder |
|
50% |
|
|
20% |
|
|
30% |
| |||
James D. Farnsworth |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
The SARs were granted in fiscal 2016, and will have value based on the value of the shares of the Companys common stock over the three-year vesting period for the SARs.
The three-year, cumulative performance measures that will be used by the Committee for calculating award values for performance stock awards granted for the 2016 2018 performance period are:
Performance Measure |
Weighting |
Threshold Performance |
Target Performance |
Maximum Performance |
||||||||||||
Plan Adjusted Operating Income |
|
2/3 |
|
$ |
377,200,000 |
|
$ |
397,100,000 |
|
$ |
436,800,000 |
| ||||
Revenue |
|
1/3 |
|
$ |
4,420,200,000 |
|
$ |
4,652,800,000 |
|
$ |
5,118,100,000 |
|
The 2016 2018 performance cycle LTIP target award values for the performance stock awards, and the number of shares underlying SARs are as follows:
Named Executive Officer | Performance Value at Target |
Number of Shares of Performance Stock Awarded at Target |
Restricted Stock Value(1) |
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awarded |
Number of Shares Underlying SARs(2) |
|||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
$ |
1,400,000 |
|
|
46,174 |
|
$ |
560,000 |
|
|
18,469 |
|
|
109,375 |
| |||||
John Chapman |
$ |
301,500 |
|
|
9,944 |
|
$ |
120,600 |
|
|
3,977 |
|
|
23,554 |
| |||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
$ |
424,360 |
|
|
13,996 |
|
$ |
169,744 |
|
|
5,598 |
|
|
33,153 |
| |||||
James T. Holder |
$ |
175,029 |
|
|
5,773 |
|
$ |
70,011 |
|
|
2,309 |
|
|
13,674 |
| |||||
James D. Farnsworth |
$ |
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
(1) | The value of the restricted stock award is calculated by multiplying the market price of the Companys common stock on the grant date by the number of shares awarded to the NEO. The grant date value of the restricted stock granted to our NEOs is included in the amount set forth under Stock Awards on the Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement. The restricted stock award vests ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2016, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2017 and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2018. |
(2) | The SARs vest ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2016, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2017, and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2018. Upon exercise, the NEO is entitled to a payout equal to the value of the SARs in shares of the Companys common stock. The SARs were granted on April 04, 2016 with an exercise price of $30.32. The actual grant date value of the SARs granted to our NEOs is set forth under Option Awards on the Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy statement. The actual number of shares underlying the SARs cannot be determined until such time as the SARs vest and are exercised and the spread between the fair value on the date of exercise and the base price is known. |
The Companys cumulative revenue for the 2016 2018 performance period was $4.462 billion, which exceeded the threshold performance requirement for a payout under the terms of the award for the 2016 2018 performance period and resulted in an equity payout of 100.44% of the target for this portion of the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
The Companys cumulative Plan Adjusted Operating Income for the 2016 2018 performance period was $332.5 million, which was below the minimum threshold required to earn a payout and therefore no NEO earned a payout for this portion of the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
The Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End table later in this proxy statement shows the number of shares underlying outstanding SARs granted between 2015 and 2018 and held by each NEO, which have exercise prices between $25.06 and $30.32, based on the market price of the Companys common stock on the grant date.
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 29
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Other Elements of the Compensation Program
30 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 31
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Mitigating Compensation Risks
Tax and Accounting Implications
32 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT |
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
William D. Muir, Jr., Chairman
Carlos E. Evans
Paul L. Whiting
Lorraine L. Lutton
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 33
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to, or earned by, each of the named executive officers for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of the named executive officers which are summarized under the section entitled Employment Agreements below. When setting the total compensation for each of the named executive officers, the Committee considers all of the executives current compensation, including equity and non-equity based compensation.
The named executive officers did not receive payments which would be characterized as Bonus payments for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. Amounts listed under column (g), Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation were paid in accordance with parameters determined by the Committee on March 12, 2018, March 14, 2017 and March 15, 2016, respectively, and were paid in March 2018, March 2017 and March 2016, respectively.
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($)(1) |
Option ($)(1) |
Non-Equity ($)(2) |
Change in Value and ($) |
All Other Compensation ($)(3) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes | 2018 | 740,500 | | 2,073,389 | 888,598 | 608,877 | | 34,531 | 4,345,895 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President and Chief | 2017 | 732,845 | | 2,022,699 | 866,880 | 572,352 | | 45,061 | 4,239,837 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Officer | 2016 | 712,927 | | 1,959,976 | 840,000 | 599,928 | | 48,554 | 4,161,385 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John Chapman | 2018 | 426,000 | | 596,386 | 255,597 | 222,907 | | 37,909 | 1,538,799 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | 2017 | 426,005 | | 596,566 | 255,672 | 211,724 | | 37,359 | 1,527,326 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 401,290 | | 422,085 | 180,895 | 214,891 | | 36,083 | 1,255,244 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lawrence R. Zingale | 2018 | 464,000 | | 649,589 | 278,402 | 135,931 | | 44,675 | 1,572,597 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Customer Officer and | 2017 | 464,006 | | 649,884 | 278,529 | 208,037 | | 42,797 | 1,643,253 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General Manager EMEA | 2016 | 432,198 | | 594,090 | 254,615 | 270,583 | | 43,981 | 1,595,476 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James T. Holder | 2018 | 370,290 | | 259,206 | 111,088 | 138,393 | | 47,354 | 926,331 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Legal Officer and | 2017 | 366,462 | | 252,849 | 108,376 | 130,094 | | 43,179 | 900,960 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Secretary | 2016 | 356,520 | | 245,046 | 105,016 | 136,369 | | 36,298 | 879,249 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James D. Farnsworth | 2018 | 395,000 | | 158,006 | | 296,264 | | 31,456 | 880,726 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice President - | 2017 | 368,014 | | 139,988 | | 141,961 | | 25,462 | 675,425 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Americas Business Development | 2016 | 32,308 | | | | | | 1,689 | 33,997 |
(1) | The amounts shown in column (e) and (f) represent awards pursuant to long-term incentive bonus programs (restricted stock and stock appreciation rights, respectively) established by the Compensation Committee. The amounts are based on the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards, with the value of the performance-based awards in column (e) based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions as of the grant date, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation Stock Compensation. See Notes 1 and 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2019, for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The maximum fair values of the awards made in 2018 at the grant date, assuming achievement of the highest level of performance, are as follows: Mr. Sykes $3,554,388; Mr. Chapman $1,022,380; Mr. Zingale $1,113,586; Mr. Holder $444,348; and Mr. Farnsworth $263,343. |
(2) | The amounts in column (g) reflect the cash awards to the named individuals pursuant to annual performance-based incentive programs established by the Committee and discussed in more detail on page 24 under the heading Performance-Based Annual Cash Incentive Compensation. |
(3) | The amounts shown in column (i) reflect for each named executive officer: |
| matching contributions allocated by the Company to each of the named executive officers pursuant to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan described in more detail on page 30 under the heading Executive Deferred Compensation; |
| reimbursement for premiums attributable to increased coverage for vision, dental and group medical insurance benefits and the cost of premiums for term life and disability insurance benefits; and |
34 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
| the Companys matching contribution to the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated Employees 401(k) Savings Plan and Trust, as follows: |
Name | EDC Matching Contr. ($) |
Insurance Premiums ($) |
Company Contributions to Retirement and 401(k) Plans ($) |
Total All Other Compensation ($) |
||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
| 29,031 | 5,500 | 34,531 | ||||||||||||
John Chapman |
11,959 | 25,950 | | 37,909 | ||||||||||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
11,976 | 32,699 | | 44,675 | ||||||||||||
James T. Holder |
11,964 | 29,890 | 5,500 | 47,354 | ||||||||||||
James D. Farnsworth |
9,807 | 21,649 | | 31,456 |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 35
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table provides information about equity and non-equity awards granted to the named executives in 2018, including (i) the grant date, (ii) the estimated future payouts under the non-equity incentive plan awards, (iii) the estimated future payouts under equity incentive plan awards, which consist of shares of restricted stock, (iv) all other stock awards, which consist of shares of the Companys stock contributed as matching contributions under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, (v) all other option awards, which consist of Stock Appreciation Rights and the base price of those Stock Appreciation Rights, and (vi) the fair value of the equity awards on the date of grant.
(b) Grant Date |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2) |
(i) All Other (#)(3) |
(j) All Other |
(k) Exercise |
(l) Grant |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Name |
(c) Threshold ($) |
(d) Target ($) |
(e) Maximum ($) |
(f) Threshold (#) |
(g) Target (#) |
(h) Maximum (#) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
04/16 | 407,275 | 814,550 | 1,221,825 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | 26,306 | 52,611 | 105,222 | | | 28.15 | 1,481,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | 21,044 | | 28.15 | 592,389 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | | 129,912 | 28.15 | 888,598 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John Chapman |
03/31 | | | | | | | 135 | | 28.94 | 3,907 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
04/03 | 149,100 | 298,200 | 447,300 | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | 7,567 | 15,133 | 30,266 | | | 28.15 | 425,994 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | 6,053 | | 28.15 | 170,392 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | | 37,368 | 28.15 | 255,597 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/30 | | | | | | | 159 | | 28.78 | 4,576 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09/30 | | | | | | | 114 | | 30.49 | 3,476 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
03/31 | | | | | | | 148 | | 28.94 | 4,283 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
04/02 | 162,400 | 324,800 | 487,200 | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | 8,242 | 16,483 | 32,966 | | | 28.15 | 463,996 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | 6,593 | | 28.15 | 185,593 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | | 40,702 | 28.15 | 278,402 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/30 | | | | | | | 173 | | 28.78 | 4,979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09/30 | | | | | | | 89 | | 30.49 | 2,714 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James T. Holder |
03/31 | | | | | | | 118 | | 28.94 | 3,415 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
04/12 | 92,573 | 185,145 | 277,718 | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | 3,289 | 6,577 | 13,154 | | | 28.15 | 185,143 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | 2,631 | | 28.15 | 74,063 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | | 16,241 | 28.15 | 111,088 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/30 | | | | | | | 138 | | 28.78 | 3,972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09/30 | | | | | | | 112 | | 30.49 | 3,415 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12/31 | | | | | | | 47 | | 24.73 | 1,162 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James D. Farnsworth |
03/31 | | | | | | | 78 | | 28.94 | 2,257 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
04/03 | 138,250 | 276,500 | 414,750 | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | 1,871 | 3,742 | 7,484 | | | 28.15 | 105,337 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/01 | | | | | | | 1,871 | | 28.15 | 52,669 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/30 | | | | | | | 92 | | 28.78 | 2,648 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09/30 | | | | | | | 74 | | 30.49 | 2,256 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12/31 | | | | | | | 107 | | 24.73 | 2,646 |
(1) | These amounts are based on the individuals current salary and position. |
(2) | Where amounts are shown in columns (f) and (h), then the amounts shown in column (f) reflect the Long-Term Incentive Stock Grant minimum which is 50% of the target amount shown in column (g), and the amount shown in column (h) is 200% of such target amount. The target amount shown is an absolute target. These amounts are based on the individuals current salary and position. The grant date fair value of the long-term incentive plan awards is based upon the target amounts shown in column (g). |
(3) | The amounts shown in column (i) reflect the number of shares of stock granted to each named executive officer as matching contributions pursuant to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and the service based restricted stock portion of the Long-Term Incentive Stock Grants. |
(4) | The amounts shown in column (j) reflect the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to each named executive officer as part of the Long-Term Incentive awards as described in more detail on page 25 under the heading Performance-Based, Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation. The actual number of shares underlying the Stock Appreciation Rights cannot be determined until such time as the Stock Appreciation Rights vest and are exercised and the spread between the fair value on the date of exercise and the base price is known. The fair value of the Stock Appreciation Rights included in column (l) is the amount determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. |
36 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information on the holdings of stock option and stock awards by the named executives as of December 31, 2018. The table includes both exercisable and unexercisable options together with the exercise price and the expiration date; unvested Stock Appreciation Rights; the number of shares and market value of unvested matching contributions to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan; and the number of shares of long-term incentive (LTI) restricted stock together with the market value of those shares.
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Equity (#) |
Option ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number (#) |
Market ($) |
Equity Plan Awards: (#) |
Equity ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015-2017 SARs(1) |
31,579 | | | 25.06 | 04/03/25 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 LTI PS(2) |
| | | | | | | 35,170 | 869,754 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 LTI RS(3) |
| | | | | | | 6,157 | 152,263 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 SARs(4) |
36,458 | 36,459 | | 30.32 | 04/04/26 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI PS(5) |
| | | | | | | 35,759 | 884,320 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS(6) |
| | | | | | | 13,122 | 324,507 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 SARs(7) |
46,307 | 92,616 | | 29.36 | 04/21/27 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI PS(8) |
| | | | | | | 37,529 | 928,092 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI RS(9) |
| | | | | | | 21,044 | 520,418 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 SARs(10) |
| 129,912 | | 28.15 | 06/01/28 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John Chapman |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015-2017 SARs(1) |
20,104 | | | 25.06 | 04/03/25 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 LTI PS(2) |
| | | | | | | 7,574 | 187,305 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 LTI RS(3) |
| | | | | | | 1,326 | 32,792 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 SARs(4) |
15,702 | 7,852 | | 30.32 | 04/04/26 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI PS(5) |
| | | | | | | 10,547 | 260,827 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS(6) |
| | | | | | | 3,870 | 95,705 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 SARs(7) |
13,657 | 27,316 | | 29.36 | 04/21/27 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI PS(8) |
| | | | | | | 10,795 | 266,960 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI RS(9) |
| | | | | | | 6,053 | 149,691 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 SARs(10) |
| 37,368 | | 28.15 | 06/01/28 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 LTI PS(2) |
| | | | | | | 10,661 | 263,647 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 LTI RS(3) |
| | | | | | | 1,866 | 46,146 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 SARs(4) |
22,102 | 11,051 | | 30.32 | 04/04/26 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI PS(5) |
| | | | | | | 11,489 | 284,123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS(6) |
| | | | | | | 4,216 | 104,262 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 SARs(7) |
14,878 | 29,758 | | 29.36 | 04/21/27 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI PS(8) |
| | | | | | | 11,758 | 290,775 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI RS(9) |
| | | | | | | 6,593 | 163,045 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 SARs(10) |
| 40,702 | | 28.15 | 06/01/28 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James T. Holder |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 LTI PS(2) |
| | | | | | | 4,397 | 108,738 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 LTI RS(3) |
| | | | | | | 770 | 19,042 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016-2018 SARs(4) |
4,558 | 4,558 | | 30.32 | 04/04/26 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI PS(5) |
| | | | | | | 4,471 | 110,568 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS(6) |
| | | | | | | 1,640 | 40,557 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 SARs(7) |
5,789 | 11,579 | | 29.36 | 04/21/27 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI PS(8) |
| | | | | | | 4,692 | 116,033 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI RS(9) |
| | | | | | | 2,631 | 65,065 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 SARs(10) |
| 16,241 | | 28.15 | 06/01/28 | | | | |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 37
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Equity (#) |
Option ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number (#) |
Market ($) |
Equity Plan Awards: (#) |
Equity ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
James D. Farnsworth |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI PS(5) |
| | | | | | | 2,310 | 57,126 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS(6) |
| | | | | | | 1,060 | 26,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI PS(8) |
| | | | | | | 2,669 | 66,004 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2020 LTI RS(9) |
| | | | | | | 1,871 | 46,270 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EDC Match Contr.(11) |
| | | | | 528 | 13,057 | | |
(1) | The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2015-2017 performance measurement period. The SARs vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2016, 2017, and 2018, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company. |
(2) | The figures in this row represent performance vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2016-2018 performance measurement period. The shares vest on March 15, 2019 if the performance measures have been met. |
(3) | The figures in this row represent time vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2016-2018 performance measurement period. The shares vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2017, 2018, and 2019, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company. |
(4) | The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2016-2018 performance measurement period. The SARs vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2017, 2018, and 2019, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company. |
(5) | The figures in this row represent performance vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2017-2019 performance measurement period. The shares vest on March 15, 2020 if the performance measures have been met. |
(6) | The figures in this row represent time vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2017-2019 performance measurement period. The shares vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2018, 2019, and 2020, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company. |
(7) | The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2017-2019 performance measurement period. The SARs vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2018, 2019, and 2020, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company. |
(8) | The figures in this row represent performance vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2018-2020 performance measurement period. The shares vest on March 15, 2021 if the performance measures have been met. |
(9) | The figures in this row represent time vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2018-2020 performance measurement period. The shares vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2019, 2020, and 2021, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company. |
(10) | The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2018-2020 performance measurement period. The SARs vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2019, 2020, and 2021, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company. |
(11) | The figures in this row represent the Companys common stock match of compensation deferred by the named executive officer under the Companys non-qualified Deferred Compensation plan. Matching contributions and the associated earnings vest 33% on January 1, 2020, 67% on January 1, 2022 and 100% on January 1, 2024, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company. |
38 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table provides information for the named executive officers on (1) SAR exercises during 2018, including the number of shares acquired upon exercise and the value realized; and (2) the number of shares acquired upon vesting of matching contributions under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, and the value realized upon the vesting of such shares.
Options Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | ||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Shares (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
Number of Shares (#) |
Value Realized ($) |
||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
||||||||||||||||
2015-2017 LTI PS |
| | 90,579 | 2,831,500 | ||||||||||||
2015-2017 LTI RS |
| | 6,864 | 214,569 | ||||||||||||
2015-2019 LTI RS |
| | 6,156 | 192,437 | ||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS |
| | 6,561 | 205,097 | ||||||||||||
John Chapman |
||||||||||||||||
2015-2017 LTI PS |
| | 19,222 | 600,880 | ||||||||||||
2015-2017 LTI RS |
| | 1,457 | 45,546 | ||||||||||||
2015-2019 LTI RS |
| | 1,326 | 41,451 | ||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS |
| | 1,935 | 60,488 | ||||||||||||
EDC Match Contr.(1) |
| | 408 | 11,959 | ||||||||||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
||||||||||||||||
2015-2017 SARs |
30,257 | 187,593 | | | ||||||||||||
2015-2017 LTI PS |
| | 28,929 | 904,321 | ||||||||||||
2015-2017 LTI RS |
| | 2,192 | 68,522 | ||||||||||||
2015-2019 LTI RS |
| | 1,866 | 58,331 | ||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS |
| | 2,108 | 65,896 | ||||||||||||
EDC Match Contr.(1) |
| | 410 | 11,976 | ||||||||||||
James T. Holder |
||||||||||||||||
2015-2017 SARs |
3,975 | 25,122 | | | ||||||||||||
2015-2017 LTI PS |
| | 11,400 | 356,364 | ||||||||||||
2015-2017 LTI RS |
| | 864 | 27,009 | ||||||||||||
2015-2019 LTI RS |
| | 770 | 24,070 | ||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS |
| | 820 | 25,633 | ||||||||||||
EDC Match Contr.(1) |
| | 415 | 11,964 | ||||||||||||
James D. Farnsworth |
||||||||||||||||
2017-2019 LTI RS |
| | 529 | 16,537 | ||||||||||||
EDC Match Contr.(1)(2) |
| | | |
(1) | Reflects the Companys matching contributions in the form of shares of its common stock held for the account of the named executive officer in the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan which vested during fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. |
(2) | As of December 31, 2018, Mr. Farnsworth was 0% vested under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. |
Pension Benefits
The Company does not maintain any pension plans for the benefit of its executive officers.
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 39
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Pursuant to the Companys Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, which is described under Compensation Discussion and Analysis Executive Deferred Compensation beginning on page 30, a select group of key employees, including our NEOs, may defer a portion of their compensation. Deferral elections are made on or before December 31st of each year for amounts to be deferred from income earned with respect to the following year. The table below shows the investment options available under the Deferred Compensation Plan and their annual rate of return for the calendar year ended December 31, 2018.
Name of Fund | Rate of Return |
Name of Fund | Rate of Return |
|||||||
Principal Preservation Separate Account |
|
1.80% |
|
Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 lnv |
|
-7.87% |
| |||
Prudential Total Return Bond Q Fund |
|
-0.63% |
|
Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund lnv |
|
-1.99% |
| |||
Vanguard Total Bond Mkt Index Adm |
|
-0.03% |
|
Robeco BP Large Cap Value Equity Fund |
|
-8.94% |
| |||
Pimco Real Return lnstl |
|
-1.97% |
|
Vanguard Total Intl Stock Index Admiral |
|
-14.43% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 lnv |
|
-2.97% |
|
Vanguard 500 Index Admiral |
|
-4.43% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 lnv |
|
-4.24% |
|
Vanguard US Growth Admiral |
|
.75% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 lnv |
|
-5.15% |
|
Harbor Mid Cap Value Retirement |
|
-17.61% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 lnv |
|
-5.86% |
|
Vanguard Mid Cap Index Admiral |
|
-9.23% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 lnv |
|
-6.58% |
|
Janus Henderson Enterprise N |
|
-0.81% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 lnv |
|
-7.32% |
|
Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value R6 |
|
-14.03% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 lnv |
|
-7.90% |
|
Vanguard Small Cap Index Adm |
|
-9.31% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 lnv |
|
-7.90% |
|
Voya SmallCap Opportunities R6 |
|
-16.07% |
| |||
Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 lnv |
|
-7.89% |
|
Hartford International Opportunities R6 |
|
-18.61% |
|
The following table shows information regarding contributions by the named executive officers, the Companys matching contributions, aggregate earnings on contributions during fiscal year 2018, and the aggregate balance at year end.
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | |||||||||||||||
Name | Executive Fiscal Year(1) ($) |
Company ($) |
Aggregate in Last ($) |
Aggregate Distributions ($) |
Aggregate ($) |
|||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(92,336 |
) |
|
|
|
|
906,573 |
| |||||
John Chapman |
|
34,080 |
|
|
11,959 |
|
|
(31,671 |
) |
|
|
|
|
184,197 |
| |||||
Lawrence R. Zingale |
|
37,120 |
|
|
11,976 |
|
|
(87,645 |
) |
|
|
|
|
641,910 |
| |||||
James T. Holder |
|
29,623 |
|
|
11,964 |
|
|
(77,668 |
) |
|
|
|
|
697,737 |
| |||||
James D. Farnsworth |
|
19,750 |
|
|
9,807 |
|
|
(4,204 |
) |
|
|
|
|
42,733 |
|
(1) | The amounts shown are included in either the amounts of Salary in column (c) or the amounts of Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table. |
(2) | The amounts shown are included in the amounts of Other Compensation in column (i) of the Summary Compensation Table. |
40 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes the equity compensation plans under which the equity securities of Sykes may be issued as of December 31, 2018:
(a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Options, Warrants and Rights |
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) |
||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders(1) |
6,767 | 847,493 | (2) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders |
125,600 | (3) | N/A | (3) | ||||||||
Totals |
132,367 | 847,493 |
(1) | Includes shares of common stock of Sykes authorized for awards under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. Also includes shares of common stock of Sykes reserved for issuance under the Non-Employee Director Fee Plan. |
(2) | If the shareholders approve the 2019 Equity Plan described in Proposal 3, these shares currently available under the 2011 Equity Plan will be cancelled. |
(3) | Represents shares of common stock of Sykes issued as matching grants under the Deferred Compensation Plan for executives described below. There is no specific number of shares reserved for issuance under the Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. |
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 41
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
42 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Except as provided below, the foregoing amounts are to be paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks, commencing immediately upon such officers separation from service. If such officer is determined to be a specified employee on the date of his separation from service (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within 15 days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above.
Messrs. Holder and Farnsworth. Neither of Mr. Holder or Mr. Farnsworth has change of control provisions in his employment agreement, but under various equity incentive agreements, all stock options, stock grants or other similar equity incentives and/or compensation programs will immediately accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable at his option in the event of a change in control.
Charles E. Sykes
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Charles E. Sykes, the Companys President and CEO, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2018:
Company Initiated | Executive Initiated | |||||||||||||||||||
Type of Benefit | Before Change in Termination ($) |
After ($) |
Voluntary Termination ($) |
Voluntary ($) |
Change in Control ($) |
|||||||||||||||
Severance Pay |
1,481,000 | 2,221,500 | | 1,481,000 | 2,221,500 | |||||||||||||||
Bonus Payment |
| 2,443,650 | | | 2,443,650 | |||||||||||||||
Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration |
| 8,316,996 | | | 8,316,996 | |||||||||||||||
Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution |
| 588,189 | | | 588,189 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
1,481,000 | 13,570,335 | | 1,481,000 | 13,570,335 |
John Chapman
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for John Chapman, the Companys Chief Financial Officer, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2018:
Company Initiated | Executive Initiated | |||||||||||||||||||
Type of Benefit
|
Before ($)
|
After ($)
|
Voluntary
|
Voluntary ($)
|
Change in Control ($)
|
|||||||||||||||
Severance Pay
|
|
426,000
|
|
|
852,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
426,000
|
|
|
852,000
|
| |||||
Bonus Payment
|
|
447,300
|
|
|
894,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
447,300
|
|
|
894,600
|
| |||||
Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration
|
|
|
|
|
2,236,334
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,236,334
|
| |||||
Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
119,508
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
119,508
|
| |||||
Total
|
|
873,300
|
|
|
4,102,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
873,300
|
|
|
4,102,442
|
|
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 43
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Lawrence R. Zingale
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Lawrence R. Zingale, the Companys Chief Customer Officer and GM EMEA, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2018:
Company Initiated | Executive Initiated | |||||||||||||||||||
Type of Benefit
|
Before ($)
|
After ($)
|
Voluntary
|
Voluntary ($)
|
Change in ($)
|
|||||||||||||||
Severance Pay
|
|
464,000
|
|
|
928,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
464,000
|
|
|
928,000
|
| |||||
Bonus Payment
|
|
487,200
|
|
|
974,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
487,200
|
|
|
974,400
|
| |||||
Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration
|
|
|
|
|
2,602,956
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,602,956
|
| |||||
Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
416,474
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
416,474
|
| |||||
Total
|
|
951,200
|
|
|
4,921,830
|
|
|
|
|
|
951,200
|
|
|
4,921,830
|
|
James T. Holder
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for James T. Holder, the Companys Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2018:
Company Initiated | Executive Initiated | |||||||||||||||||||
Type of Benefit
|
Before ($)
|
After ($)
|
Voluntary
|
Voluntary ($)
|
Change in ($)
|
|||||||||||||||
Severance Pay
|
|
370,290
|
|
|
370,290
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration
|
|
|
|
|
1,039,748
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,039,748
|
| |||||
Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
452,695
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
452,695
|
| |||||
Total
|
|
370,290
|
|
|
1,862,733
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,492,443
|
|
James D. Farnsworth
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for James D. Farnsworth, the Companys Executive Vice President Americas Business Development, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2018:
Company Initiated | Executive Initiated | |||||||||||||||||||
Type of Benefit
|
Before ($)
|
After ($)
|
Voluntary
|
Voluntary ($)
|
Change in ($)
|
|||||||||||||||
Severance Pay
|
|
395,000
|
|
|
395,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration
|
|
|
|
|
414,772
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
414,772
|
| |||||
Unvested EDC Matching Grant
|
|
|
|
|
13,057
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,057
|
| |||||
Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
27,726
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,726
|
| |||||
Total
|
|
395,000
|
|
|
850,555
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
455,555
|
|
44 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
CEO to Median Employee Pay Ratio
Employment Agreements
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 45
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
46 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 47
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
48 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), we are providing our shareholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. Because the shareholder vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.
Recommendation of the Board
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPANYS EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ON YOUR PROXY, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 49
PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF THE SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN |
PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF THE SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The Board of Directors adopted the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2019 Plan) on March 12, 2019, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting, and the 2019 Plan will become effective when shareholder approval is obtained. The material terms of the 2019 Plan are summarized below and are qualified in their entirety by the terms of the 2019 Plan, which is attached at Appendix A to this Proxy Statement and can be accessed at http://www.sec.gov. You also can obtain a printed copy by writing to the Secretary, Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 2800, Tampa, Florida 33602.
General
The Company currently has in effect the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2011 Plan), which will expire by its terms in 2021. The Company has limited shares available for issuance under the 2011 Plan, and in order to maintain a plan which provides a mechanism for grants of equity incentive compensation to the Companys employees in accordance with the compensation philosophy of the Compensation Committee, the Board believes it is in the best interest of the Company to adopt a replacement plan with the same material terms and conditions as the 2011 Plan.
The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of awards with respect to a maximum of 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock, plus any shares of Common Stock that expire, terminate or are cancelled or forfeited under the terms of the 2011 Plan. No more than 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued as incentive stock options under the 2019 Plan. The replacement of the 2011 Plan will not affect awards previously granted under that plan, and previously granted awards will continue to be governed by that plan. However, any shares that were granted under the 2011 Plan but are subsequently cancelled or forfeited may become available for grants under the 2019 Plan. For clarity, the following is a summary of all outstanding awards under the 2011 Plan as of December 31, 2018:
| Outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights 962,000 |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price of $28.51 |
| Weighted Average Remaining Term of 8.1 years |
| Outstanding Full Value Awards 1,153,000 |
After the 2019 Plan is approved, no additional grants will be made under the 2011 Plan and any remaining shares available under that plan will be cancelled.
Purpose of the 2019 Plan
The purpose of the 2019 Plan is to provide incentives to certain employees of, and certain non-employees who provide services to, the Company and its subsidiaries, in order to encourage them to remain in the employ of or to faithfully provide services to the Company and its subsidiaries and to increase their interest in the Companys success.
Administration and Duration of the 2019 Plan
The 2019 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board, or by any other committee appointed by the Board that shall consist of not fewer than two members of the Board, each of whom shall qualify (at the time of appointment to the committee and during all periods of service on the committee) in all respects as a non-employee director as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as an independent director in accordance with NASDAQ rules. The Compensation Committee of the 2019 Plan is authorized, subject to the provisions of the 2019 Plan, to establish such rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate for the proper administration of the 2019 Plan, and to make such determinations under, and such interpretations of, and to take such steps in connection with, the 2019 Plan and plan awards as it may deem necessary or advisable. Any authority granted to the Compensation Committee may also be exercised by the Board. To the extent permitted by applicable law and with certain exceptions, the Compensation Committee may delegate any or all of its powers or duties under the 2019 Plan to such person or persons as it shall appoint, pursuant to such conditions or limitations as the Compensation Committee may establish.
50 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF THE SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN |
The 2019 Plan will have a duration of ten years from the date that the Board of Directors adopted the plan. Accordingly, the 2019 Plan will terminate on March 11, 2029, unless sooner terminated by the Board. Upon such termination, the outstanding awards granted under the 2019 Plan will remain in effect until their exercise, expiration, or termination. The Board may at any time terminate the 2019 Plan, or amend the 2019 Plan as it shall deem advisable, including any amendment deemed by the Board to be necessary or advisable to assure conformity of the 2019 Plan and any incentive stock options granted thereunder to the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, as now or hereafter in effect and to assure conformity with any requirements of other applicable state or federal laws or regulations.
Types of Awards
The 2019 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant awards in the form of options to purchase Common Stock, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards referenced below. The employees to whom plan awards are granted and the terms of the awards granted, including the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such awards, shall be within the discretion of the Compensation Committee, subject to the terms and conditions set for the in the 2019 Plan.
Options to Purchase Common Stock. The 2019 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant options to purchase Common Stock. These options may be in the form of incentive stock options, which are options that meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or nonqualified stock options, which are options that do not meet such requirements.
Except for incentive stock options granted to shareholders owning more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Companys capital stock, the per share exercise price of an incentive stock option granted or to be granted pursuant to the 2019 Plan, as determined by the Compensation Committee, shall be an amount not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date that the option is granted. For purposes of the 2019 Plan, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock is defined as the closing price of a share of Stock as reported by the securities market on the date preceding such grant, or, if such date is not a trading day, the closing price of a share of Stock as reported by the securities market on the last trading day preceding such grant or date on which a sale was reported.
The term of each option granted pursuant to the 2019 Plan shall be as determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event shall the term of an option exceed a period of ten years from the date of its grant. However, no incentive stock option shall be granted to any employee who immediately after such option is granted, owns capital stock of the Company possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of capital stock of the Company unless the option prices at the time such incentive stock option is granted is at least 110% of the fair market value of the shares subject to the incentive stock option and such incentive stock option is not exercisable by its terms after the expiration of five years from the date of its grant.
Payment of the option price may be made in cash or by check, or if approved by the Compensation Committee, by delivery of shares of Common Stock equivalent in fair market value to the option price, or by a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, at the election of the optionee and subject to the terms of the applicable stock option agreement. In the event an optionee exercises an option by surrendering shares of Common Stock as payment of the exercise price, the 2019 Plan permits the Compensation Committee to grant a replacement option equal to the number of shares surrendered as payment.
Subject to the terms of each stock option agreement, options granted under the 2019 Plan may be exercised in whole or in part. Upon exercise of an option, the employee must pay in full the option price for the shares of Common Stock being purchased.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The 2019 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant stock appreciation rights to eligible participants. A stock appreciation right is a right to receive, without payment to the Company, an amount of cash or shares of Common Stock, as determined by the Compensation Committee, equal to the amount by which the fair market value of a share of Common Stock exceeds the grant price at the time of exercise.
Under the 2019 Plan, stock appreciation rights may be granted either alone or in tandem with stock options. With respect to stand-alone stock appreciation rights, the grant price, term, method of exercise, method of payment, and other terms and conditions of each such right will be determined by the Compensation Committee, except that the grant price must be equal to at least the fair market value of the Companys Common Stock on the grant date. Tandem stock appreciation rights will have terms and conditions corresponding to the related options. To the extent that a tandem stock appreciation right is exercised, the related option will no longer be exercisable. No stock appreciation right may have a term of more than ten years from the date of grant.
Other Stock-Based Awards. In addition to stock options and stock appreciation rights, the 2019 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant other awards that are valued or determine in whole or in part by reference to or
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 51
PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF THE SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN |
otherwise based on the Companys Common Stock. Such awards may include restricted stock, restricted stock units, so-called phantom stock, and stock options containing terms or provisions differing from stock options granted pursuant to other parts of the 2019 Plan.
Shares Subject to Awards
The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of awards with respect to a maximum of 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock, plus any shares of Common Stock granted under the 2011 Plan that expire, terminate or are cancelled or forfeited. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, no awards have been granted to employees under the 2019 Plan. At this time, it is not known which employees, if any, will receive grants under the 2019 Plan or the number of shares that will be covered by any such grants. Such determinations will be made from time to time by the Compensation Committee. To the extent that awards granted under the 2019 Plan expire or terminate without having been exercised in full, the Common Stock subject to those expired or terminated awards will become available for further award grants under the 2019 Plan. Provision is made under the 2019 Plan for appropriate adjustment in the number of shares of Common Stock covered by the 2019 Plan, and covered by each award granted thereunder and any related exercise or purchase price, in the event of any change in the Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend, merger, reorganization, stock split, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares or otherwise.
Eligibility and Extent of Participation
All employees of the Company and its subsidiaries who are designated by the Compensation Committee for participation in the 2019 Plan, as well as non-employee directors, are eligible to receive awards under the 2019 Plan. As of the date hereof, there were approximately 48,000 individuals employed by the Company and its subsidiaries who are eligible to participate in the 2019 Plan. The Compensation Committee may also, in the exercise of its discretion, grant awards under the 2019 Plan to non-employees, except that incentive stock options may not be granted to such non-employees.
An incentive stock option shall be granted under the 2019 Plan to an employee only if the aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date the option is granted) of the Common Stock for which options are exercisable for the first time by such employee during any calendar year does not exceed $100,000. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be granted during a single fiscal year of the Company to any non-employee director, together with any cash fees paid to the director during the fiscal year, shall not exceed a total value of $500,000.
Limitations on Transferability and Effect of Death, Retirement or Termination of Employment
Except as otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, awards granted under the 2019 Plan are generally not transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Compensation Committee will determine, either in an award agreement or otherwise, the extent to which an award may be exercised subsequent to the death of the employee or the termination of the employees employment. An award agreement may provide that an employee who qualifies for retirement (defined under the Plan as a voluntary resignation when the sum of the employees age and vesting service in the Companys 401(k) Plan is 80 or more) may have vesting of any outstanding grants accelerated, or that vesting under those grants will continue in accordance with the vesting schedule and performance conditions (if any) stated in the award agreement. Participants, upon notifying the Company of their intent to retire shall no longer be eligible to receive any new equity grants. However, any incentive stock options granted under the 2019 Plan must terminate not later than three months after the participants termination of employment for any reason other than disability, death, or retirement and it must terminate not later than twelve months after the participants termination of employment as a result of disability.
Repricing
Neither the Board nor the Compensation Committee will amend the plan to permit a transaction that would have the effect of repricing a stock option or SAR without obtaining shareholder approval of such amendment. For this purpose, repricing means any transaction that would have the effect of repricing a stock option or SAR under applicable financial accounting standards or, with respect to underwater stock options, the cancellation of such options in exchange for replacement options or a buyout of underwater stock options for cash.
Change-of-Control Provisions
The change-of-control provisions in the equity incentive agreements with key employees of the Company, including the named executive officers, are dictated under the terms of this Plan. In certain circumstances involving mergers, reorganizations, transactions involving the sale or transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the
52 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF THE SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN |
acquisition of more the 50% of the Common Stock by any person or group of related persons without the prior approval of the Board (a Change in Control), unless an award agreement provides otherwise, if a successor corporation or other entity following a Change in Control agrees to assume any outstanding 2019 Plan Awards at the time of the Change in Control, or to substitute substantially equivalent awards, then the outstanding Plan Awards will not be immediately exercisable or immediately vest, but will remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the applicable award agreements. If, however, the outstanding 2019 Plan Awards are not assumed or replaced, then all awards based on the passage of time will be accelerated, and all awards based on attainment of Performance Goals will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions applicable to outstanding awards will lapse.
Federal Income Tax Considerations
Incentive Stock Options. Under current federal tax law, the holder of an option that qualifies as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code generally does not recognize income for federal income tax purposes at the time of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option (but the spread between the exercise price and the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of exercise generally will constitute a tax preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax). The optionee generally will be entitled to long-term capital gain treatment upon the sale of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option if the shares have been held for more than two years from the date of grant of the option and for more than one year after exercise, and the Company will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes. If the optionee disposes of the stock before the expiration of either of these holding periods (a disqualifying disposition), the gain realized on the disposition will be compensation income to the optionee to the extent the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on disposition of the underlying stock) exceeds the applicable exercise price and a corresponding deduction will be allowed to the Company.
Nonqualified Stock Options. Under current federal tax law, an optionee does not recognize income for federal income tax purposes upon the grant of a nonqualified stock option but must recognize ordinary income upon exercise to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the option. The Company generally will be entitled to a deduction in the same amount and at the same time as ordinary income is recognized by the optionee. A subsequent disposition of the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a nonqualified option typically will give rise to capital gain or loss to the extent them amount realized from the sale differs from the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise. This capital gain or loss will be long-term gain or loss if the shares sold had been held for more than one year after the date of exercise.
Stock appreciation rights. Amounts received upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right are taxed as ordinary income when received. The Company is generally allowed an income tax deduction equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by the participant.
Other stock-based awards. Amounts received by the participant upon the grant of other stock-based awards are ordinarily taxed as ordinary income when received. However, if such other stock-based awards consist of property subject to restrictions, the amounts generally will not be taxed until the restrictions lapse or until the participant makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code. The Company is generally allowed an income tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount recognized as ordinary income by the Participant.
Compliance with Section 409A. Awards under the 2019 Plan are intended to qualify for an exception to the application of Section 409A of the Code or be compliant with the provisions of Section 409A.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast on the Proposal at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval of the 2019 Plan. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast on the Proposal.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF THE SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AND URGES EACH SHAREHOLDER TO VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2019 PLAN. EXECUTED AND UNMARKED PROXIES IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM WILL BE VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN FAVOR OF APPROVING THE 2019 PLAN.
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 53
PROPOSAL 4: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
PROPOSAL 4: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2018, and the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, and express an opinion thereon. Although the Company is not required to seek shareholder ratification of this appointment, the Board believes it to be sound corporate governance to do so. If the appointment is not ratified, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment of, but will not be required to engage, a different auditing firm.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. Those representatives will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Recommendation of the Board
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THIS PROPOSAL AND URGES EACH SHAREHOLDER TO VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. EXECUTED AND UNMARKED PROXIES IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM WILL BE VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN FAVOR OF RATIFICATION.
54 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE |
Service Fees Paid to the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Audit Fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, as well as reviews of our quarterly financial statements and statutory audits of international subsidiaries. The Audit Committee has reviewed and approved the amount of fees paid to Deloitte & Touche LLP for audit and audit-related services. The fees charged by Deloitte & Touche LLP for professional services rendered in connection with all audit and non-audit related matters for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:
2018 ($) |
2017 ($) |
|||||||
Audit Fees(1) |
|
2,480,447 |
|
|
2,557,430 |
| ||
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
|
5,390 |
|
|
5,390 |
| ||
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Fees for audit services in 2018 and 2017 consisted of (a) audits of the Companys annual consolidated financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting, (b) reviews of the Companys quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements, and (c) annual stand-alone statutory audits. |
(2) | Fees for audit-related services in 2018 and 2017 included the Companys subscription for accounting research tools. |
56 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
SECURITY OWNERSHIP |
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Companys common stock as of March 18, 2019, for each director and nominee for director, each of our current executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table herein, and by all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.
Name | Common Stock |
Options Currently Exercisable Or Exercisable within 60 days |
Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Vested and Vesting within 60 days |
Total Stock and Stock Based Holdings |
Percent of Total Outstanding Stock |
|||||||||||||||
Vanessa C.L. Chang |
12,169 | | | 12,169 | * | |||||||||||||||
Carlos E. Evans |
12,122 | | | 12,122 | * | |||||||||||||||
Lorraine L. Lutton |
21,707 | | | 21,707 | * | |||||||||||||||
James S. MacLeod(1) |
41,881 | | | 41,881 | * | |||||||||||||||
William J. Meurer |
69,634 | | | 69,634 | * | |||||||||||||||
William D. Muir, Jr. |
20,807 | | | 20,807 | * | |||||||||||||||
Charles E. Sykes(2) |
752,457 | | | 752,457 | 1.8% | |||||||||||||||
W. Mark Watson |
4,333 | 4,333 | ||||||||||||||||||
Paul L. Whiting(3) |
32,550 | | | 32,550 | * | |||||||||||||||
John Chapman (4) |
143,841 | | | 143,841 | * | |||||||||||||||
Lawrence R. Zingale(5) |
179,146 | | | 179,146 | * | |||||||||||||||
James T. Holder(6) |
75,376 | | | 75,376 | * | |||||||||||||||
James D. Farnsworth(7) |
25,371 | | | 25,371 | * | |||||||||||||||
Others |
222,431 | | | 222,431 | * | |||||||||||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group 16 persons |
1,613,825 | | | 1,613,825 | 3.8% |
* | Less than 1.0% |
(1) | Includes 2,500 shares held by Mr. MacLeod in an IRA. |
(2) | Includes 380,511 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long-term incentive awards and 8,235 vested shares as part of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. |
(3) | Includes 16,500 shares owned jointly by Mr. Whiting and other family members. Excludes 300 shares of common stock held by Mr. Whitings wife in which Mr. Whiting disclaims beneficial ownership. |
(4) | Includes 110,216 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long term incentive awards and 1,720 vested shares as part of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. |
(5) | Includes 120,055 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long term incentive awards, and 6,484 vested shares as part of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. |
(6) | Includes 47,569 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long-term incentive awards and 7,889 vested shares as part of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. |
(7) | Includes 23,956 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long-term incentive awards and 347 vested shares as part of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. |
58 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
SECURITY OWNERSHIP |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
As of March 18, 2019, the Companys records and other information available from outside sources indicated that the following shareholders were beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of the Companys common stock. The information below is as reported in their filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not aware of any other beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Companys common stock.
Name | Shares | Percent | ||||||
BlackRock, Inc.(1) 55 East 52nd Street New York, New York, 10055 |
5,902,460 | 13.90% | ||||||
The Vanguard Group(2) 100 Vanguard Blvd. Malvern, PA 19355 |
4,609,017 | 10.85% | ||||||
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP(3) Building One 6300 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78746 |
3,597,532 | 8.47% | ||||||
John H. Sykes(4) 4201 Jim Walter Boulevard Tampa, FL 33602 |
2,150,844 | 5.06% |
(1) | All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) on January 31, 2019. BlackRock is a parent holding company or control person in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G). Various persons have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of the common stock. No one persons interest in the common stock is more than five percent of the total outstanding common shares. |
(2) | All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by The Vanguard Group (Vanguard) on February 13, 2019. Vanguard is a registered investment adviser. |
(3) | All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (Dimensional) on February 8, 2019. Dimensional is a registered investment adviser that furnishes investment advice to four investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves as investment manager or sub-adviser to certain other commingled funds, group trusts and separate accounts (such investment companies, trusts and accounts, collectively referred to as the Funds). In certain cases, subsidiaries of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP may act as an adviser or sub-adviser to certain Funds. In its role as investment advisor, sub-adviser and/or manager, Dimensional or its subsidiaries may possess voting and/or investment power over the securities of owned by the Funds, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares held by the Funds. However, all securities reported in the Schedule 13G are owned by the Funds. Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities. To the knowledge of Dimensional, the interest of any one such Fund does not exceed 5% of the class of securities. |
(4) | All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Mr. John H. Sykes on January 23, 2019. Mr. Sykes is the beneficial owner of these shares which are owned by Mr. Sykes through Jopar Investments Limited Partnership, a North Carolina limited partnership (Jopar). Mr. Sykes is the sole limited partner of Jopar and owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Jopars sole general partner, Jopar Investments, Inc., a North Carolina corporation. |
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 59
SECURITY OWNERSHIP |
60 SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement
REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING DEADLINES, FOR SUBMISSION OF PROXY PROPOSALS AND NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS
Under the rules of the SEC and our Bylaws, if a shareholder wants to nominate a person to stand for election as a director at our 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or introduce an item of business at such Annual Meeting and have us include such proposal in our proxy statement and form of proxy for presentation at our 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the nomination or proposal must be received by us at our principal executive offices at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 2800, Tampa, FL 33602, by December 21, 2019. The nomination or proposal should be sent to the attention of the Secretary of the Company.
Under our Bylaws, a shareholder must follow certain procedures to nominate persons for election as directors or to introduce an item of business at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The procedures for nominating a director are described above under the heading Corporate Governance Nominations for Directors.
The procedures for introducing an item of business at the Annual Meeting include providing a written notice of each proposed item of business that must include:
(a) | a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, |
(b) | the name and address, as they appear on the Companys stock books, of the shareholders proposing such business, |
(c) | the class and number of shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by the shareholder, |
(d) | any material interest of the shareholder in such business, and |
(e) | the same information required by clauses (b), (c) and (d) above with respect to any other shareholder that, to the knowledge of the shareholder proposing such business, supports such proposal. |
Management knows of no matter to be brought before the Annual Meeting which is not referred to in the Notice of Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by Proxy will be voted with respect thereto in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting them.
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
James T. Holder |
Corporate Secretary |
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED ï 2019 Proxy Statement 61
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. | Purpose; Eligibility. |
1.1. | General Purpose. The name of this plan is the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan). The purposes of the Plan are to (a) enable Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, a Florida corporation (the Company), and any Affiliate to attract and retain the types of Employees, Consultants and Directors who will contribute to the Companys long range success; (b) provide incentives that align the interests of Employees, Consultants and Directors with those of the shareholders of the Company; and (c) promote the success of the Companys business. |
1.2. | Eligible Award Recipients. The persons eligible to receive Awards are the Employees, Consultants and Directors of the Company and its Affiliates. |
1.3. | Available Awards. Awards that may be granted under the Plan include: (a) Incentive Stock Options, (b) Non-qualified Stock Options, (c) Stock Appreciation Rights, (d) Restricted Awards, (e) Performance Share Awards, (f) Cash Awards, and (g) Other Equity-Based Awards. |
2. | Definitions. |
Affiliate means a corporation or other entity that, directly or through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Company.
Applicable Laws means the requirements related to or implicated by the administration of the Plan under applicable state corporate law, United States federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed or quoted, and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan.
Award means any right granted under the Plan, including an Incentive Stock Option, a Non-qualified Stock Option, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Restricted Award, a Performance Share Award, a Cash Award, or an Other Equity-Based Award.
Award Agreement means a written agreement, contract, certificate or other instrument or document evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Award granted under the Plan which may, in the discretion of the Company, be transmitted electronically to any Participant. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
Beneficial Owner has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular Person, such Person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such Person has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the passage of time. The terms Beneficially Owns and Beneficially Owned have a corresponding meaning.
Board means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted at any time.
Cash Award means an Award denominated in cash that is granted under Section 7.4 of the Plan.
Cause means any of the following:
(a) | The Participant engages in conduct which has caused or is reasonably likely to cause demonstrable and serious injury to the Company; |
(b) | The Participant is convicted of a felony as evidenced by a binding and final judgment, order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction; |
(c) | The Participants failure or refusal to perform his or her duties or responsibilities as determined by the Companys Chief Executive Officer (or the Board, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer) in good faith, if such failure or refusal continues for a period of ten (10) days after written notice of the same to the Participant; |
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(d) | Gross incompetence on the part of the Participant; |
(e) | The Participants violation of any agreement with the Company, including any restrictive covenants; |
(f) | The Participants chronic absenteeism; |
(g) | The Participants use of illegal drugs; |
(h) | Insobriety by the Participant while performing his or her duties; or |
(i) | Any act of dishonesty or falsification of reports, records, or information submitted by the Participant to the Company. |
Change in Control means (i) the consummation of a plan of reorganization, merger, share exchange or consolidation of the Company with one or more other corporations or other entities as a result of which the Holders of the Stock as a group would receive less than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the capital stock or other interests of the surviving or resulting corporation or entity; (ii) the consummation of a plan of liquidation or the dissolution of the Company; (iii) the sale or transfer (other than as a security for obligations of the Company or any subsidiary) of substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than a sale or transfer to an entity at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by persons in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale; (iv) a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any 12month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Incumbent Directors before the date of the appointment or election; or (v) the acquisition of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Stock by any person within the meaning of Rule 13(d)(3) under the Exchange Act, if such acquisition is not preceded by a prior expression of approval by the Board, provided that the term person shall not include (A) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or a subsidiary, (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock in the Company.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time. Any reference to a section of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any regulations promulgated thereunder.
Committee means a committee of one or more members of the Board appointed by the Board to administer the Plan in accordance with Section 3.3 and Section 3.4. Except as otherwise determined by the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board shall be the Committee.
Common Stock means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company, or such other securities of the Company as may be designated by the Committee from time to time in substitution thereof.
Company means Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, a Florida corporation, and any successor thereto.
Consultant means any individual or entity which performs bona fide services to the Company or an Affiliate, other than as an Employee or Director, and who may be offered securities registerable pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act.
Continuous Service means that the Participants service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Consultant or Director, is not interrupted or terminated. The Participants Continuous Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participants Continuous Service; provided further that if any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, this sentence shall only be given effect to the extent consistent with Section 409A of the Code. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Director of an Affiliate will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. The Committee or its delegate, in its sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal or family leave of absence. The Committee or its delegate, in its sole discretion, may determine whether a Company transaction, such as a sale or spin-off of a division or subsidiary that employs a Participant, shall be deemed to result in a termination of Continuous Service for purposes of affected Awards, and such decision shall be final, conclusive and binding.
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Director means a member of the Board.
Disability means, unless the applicable Award Agreement says otherwise, that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment; provided, however, for purposes of determining the term of an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to Section 6.10 hereof, the term Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be determined under procedures established by the Committee. Except in situations where the Committee is determining Disability for purposes of the term of an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to Section 6.10 hereof within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, the Committee may rely on any determination that a Participant is disabled for purposes of benefits under any long-term disability plan maintained by the Company or any Affiliate in which a Participant participates.
Disqualifying Disposition has the meaning set forth in Section 14.10.
Effective Date shall mean the date as of which this Plan is adopted by the Board.
Employee means any person, including an Officer or Director, employed by the Company or an Affiliate; provided, that, for purposes of determining eligibility to receive Incentive Stock Options, an Employee shall mean an employee of the Company or a parent or subsidiary corporation within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code. Mere service as a Director or payment of a directors fee by the Company or an Affiliate shall not be sufficient to constitute employment by the Company or an Affiliate.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock as determined below. If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation, the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market, the Fair Market Value shall be the closing price of a share of Common Stock (or if no sales were reported the closing price on the date immediately preceding such date) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in the Wall Street Journal. In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Committee and such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
Fiscal Year means the Companys fiscal year.
Free Standing Rights has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Grant Date means the date on which the Committee adopts a resolution, or takes other appropriate action, expressly granting an Award to a Participant that specifies the key terms and conditions of the Award or, if a later date is set forth in such resolution, then such date as is set forth in such resolution.
Incentive Stock Option means an Option that is designated by the Committee as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and that meets the requirements set out in the Plan.
Incumbent Directors means individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board, provided that any individual becoming a Director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for Director without objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director. No individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to Directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of any person other than the Board shall be an Incumbent Director.
Non-Employee Director means a Director who is a non-employee director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.
Non-qualified Stock Option means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
Officer means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Option means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan.
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Option Holder means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.
Option Exercise Price means the price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon the exercise of an Option.
Other Equity-Based Award means an Award that is not an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, or Performance Share Award that is granted under Section 7.4 and is payable by delivery of Common Stock and/or which is measured by reference to the value of Common Stock.
Participant means an eligible person to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.
Performance Goals means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon business criteria or other performance measures determined by the Committee in its discretion.
Performance Period means the one or more periods of time, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participants right to and the payment of a Performance Share Award or a Cash Award.
Performance Share Award means any Award granted pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof.
Performance Share means the grant of a right to receive a number of actual shares of Common Stock or share units based upon the performance of the Company during a Performance Period, as determined by the Committee.
Permitted Transferee means: (a) a member of the Option Holders immediate family (child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships), any person sharing the Option Holders household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Option Holder) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Option Holder) own more than 50% of the voting interests; (b) third parties designated by the Committee in connection with a program established and approved by the Committee pursuant to which Participants may receive a cash payment or other consideration in consideration for the transfer of a Non-qualified Stock Option; and (c) such other transferees as may be permitted by the Committee in its sole discretion.
Person means a person as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
Plan means this Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and/or amended and restated from time to time.
Prior Plan means the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended).
Related Rights has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Restricted Award means any Award granted pursuant to Section 7.2(a).
Restricted Period has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).
Retirement means that an Employee voluntarily resigns his or her employment with the Company after the sum of his or her age and years of service (as determined for vesting purposes under the Companys 401(k) retirement plan) is equal to or greater than eighty (80). For purposes of the foregoing calculation, the Participants age and years of service shall be calculated based upon the whole number of age and years of service attained at the time of his or her resignation.
Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Stock Appreciation Right means the right pursuant to an Award granted under Section 7.1 to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable in cash or shares equal to the number of shares subject to the Stock Appreciation
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Right that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of (a) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (b) the exercise price specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement.
Stock for Stock Exchange has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
Substitute Award has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.
Ten Percent Shareholder means a person who owns (or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates.
Total Share Reserve has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
3. | Administration. |
3.1. | Authority of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee or, in the Boards sole discretion, by the Board. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committees charter and Applicable Laws, and in addition to other express powers and authorization conferred by the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority: |
a) | to construe and interpret the Plan and apply its provisions; |
b) | to promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan; |
c) | to authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any instrument required to carry out the purposes of the Plan; |
d) | to delegate its authority to one or more Officers of the Company with respect to Awards that do not involve insiders within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act; |
e) | to determine when Awards are to be granted under the Plan and the applicable Grant Date; |
f) | from time to time to select, subject to the limitations set forth in this Plan, those eligible Award recipients to whom Awards shall be granted; |
g) | to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be made subject to each Award; |
h) | to determine whether each Option is to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option; |
i) | to prescribe the terms and conditions of each Award, including, without limitation, the exercise price and medium of payment and vesting provisions, and to specify the provisions of the Award Agreement relating to such grant; |
j) | to determine the target number of Performance Shares to be granted pursuant to a Performance Share Award, the performance measures that will be used to establish the Performance Goals, the Performance Period(s) and the number of Performance Shares earned by a Participant; |
k) | to amend any outstanding Awards, including for the purpose of modifying the time or manner of vesting (provided, however, that Awards may not be accelerated except in the case of Retirement, death or Disability), or the term of any outstanding Award; provided, however, that if any such amendment impairs a Participants rights or increases a Participants obligations under his or her Award or creates or increases a Participants federal income tax liability with respect to an Award, such amendment shall also be subject to the Participants consent; |
l) | to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absences which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of their employment for purposes of the Plan, which periods shall be no shorter than the periods generally applicable to Employees under the Companys employment policies; |
m) | to make decisions with respect to outstanding Awards that may become necessary upon a change in corporate control or an event that triggers anti-dilution adjustments; |
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n) | to interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, the Plan; and |
o) | except as otherwise provided in this Plan, to exercise discretion to make any and all other determinations which it determines to be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. |
The Committee also may modify the purchase price or the exercise price of any outstanding Award, provided that if the modification effects a repricing (or permits a cash buyout of underwater Options or SARs), shareholder approval shall be required before such action is effective.
3.2. | Committee Decisions Final. All decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final and binding on the Company and the Participants, unless such decisions are determined by a court having jurisdiction to be arbitrary and capricious. |
3.3. | Delegation. The Committee or the Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a committee or committees of one or more members of the Board, and the term Committee shall apply to any person or persons to whom such authority has been delegated. The Committee shall have the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board or the Committee shall thereafter be to the committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may at any time re-vest in the Board the administration of the Plan. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board. From time to time, the Board may increase or decrease the size of the Committee, add additional members to, remove members (with or without cause) from, appoint new members in substitution therefor, and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee. The Committee shall act pursuant to a vote of the majority of its members or, in the case of a Committee comprised of only two members, the unanimous consent of its members, whether present or not, or by the written consent of the majority of its members and minutes shall be kept of all of its meetings and copies thereof shall be provided to the Board. Subject to the limitations prescribed by the Plan and the Board, the Committee may establish and follow such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it may determine to be advisable. |
3.4. | Committee Composition. Except as otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. The Board shall have discretion to determine whether or not it intends to comply with the exemption requirements of Rule 16b-3. However, if the Board intends to satisfy such exemption requirements, with respect to any insider subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Committee shall be a compensation committee of the Board that at all times consists solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. Within the scope of such authority, the Board or the Committee may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not Non-Employee Directors the authority to grant Awards to eligible persons who are not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Nothing herein shall create an inference that an Award is not validly granted under the Plan in the event Awards are granted under the Plan by a compensation committee of the Board that does not at all times consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. |
3.5. | Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as Directors or members of the Committee, and to the extent allowed by Applicable Laws, the Committee shall be indemnified by the Company against the reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, actually incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding or in connection with any appeal therein, to which the Committee may be party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan, and against all amounts paid by the Committee in settlement thereof (provided, however, that the settlement has been approved by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) or paid by the Committee in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Committee did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company, or in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reason to believe that the conduct complained of was unlawful; provided, however, |
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that within 60 days after the institution of any such action, suit or proceeding, such Committee shall, in writing, offer the Company the opportunity at its own expense to handle and defend such action, suit or proceeding. |
3.6. | Awards to Participants Outside of the United States. In order to facilitate the granting of Awards to Participants who are foreign nationals or who reside or work outside of the United States of America, the Committee (or its delegate) may provide for such special terms and conditions, including without limitation substitutes for Awards, as the Committee (or its delegate) may consider necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom. Such substitutes for Awards may include a requirement that the Participant receive cash, in such amount as the Committee (or its delegate) may determine in its sole discretion, in lieu of any Award or share of Common Stock that would otherwise have been granted to or delivered to such Participant under the Plan. The Committee (or its delegate) may approve any supplements to, or amendments, restatements or alternative versions of the Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for purposes of this Section 3.6 without thereby affecting the terms of the Plan as in effect for any other purpose, and the Secretary or other appropriate officer of the Company may certify any such documents as having been approved and adopted pursuant to properly delegated authority; provided, however, that no such supplements, amendments, restatements or alternative versions shall include any provision that is inconsistent with the terms of the Plan as then in effect. Participants subject to the laws of a foreign jurisdiction may request copies of, or the right to view, any materials that are required to be provided by the Company pursuant to the laws of such jurisdiction. |
4. | Shares Subject to the Plan. |
4.1. | Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11, no more than 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares of Common Stock underlying any award granted under the Prior Plan that expires, terminates or is canceled or forfeited under the terms of the Prior Plan shall be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan (the Total Share Reserve). During the terms of the Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Awards. |
4.2. | Shares of Common Stock available for distribution under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares reacquired by the Company in any manner. |
4.3. | Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11, no more than 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued in the aggregate pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options (the ISO Limit). |
4.4. | The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards granted during a single Fiscal Year to any Director, together with any cash fees paid to such Director during the Fiscal Year, shall not exceed a total value of $500,000 (calculating the value of any Awards based on the grant date fair value for financial reporting purposes). |
4.5. | Any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award that expires or is canceled, forfeited, or terminated without issuance of the full number of shares of Common Stock to which the Award related will again be available for issuance under the Plan Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein: shares subject to an Award under the Plan shall not again be made available for issuance or delivery under the Plan if such shares are (a) shares tendered in payment of an Option, (b) shares delivered or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, or (c) shares covered by a stock-settled Stock Appreciation Right or other Awards that were not issued upon the settlement of the Award. |
4.6. | Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be granted under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (Substitute Awards). Substitute Awards shall not be counted against the Total Share Reserve; provided, that, Substitute Awards issued in connection with the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding options intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options shall be counted against the ISO limit. Subject to applicable stock exchange requirements, available shares under a shareholder-approved plan of an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such acquisition or transaction) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not count toward the Total Share Limit. |
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5. | Eligibility. |
5.1. | Eligibility for Specific Awards. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Consultants and Directors. |
5.2. | Ten Percent Shareholders. A Ten Percent Shareholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the Option Exercise Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the Grant Date. |
6. | Option Provisions. Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 6, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Non-qualified Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to any Participant or any other person if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as such at any time or if an Option is determined to constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the terms of such Option do not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions: |
6.1. | Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.2 regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, no Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the Grant Date. The term of a Non-qualified Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, no Non-qualified Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the Grant Date. |
6.2. | Exercise Price of an Incentive Stock Option. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.2 regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, the Option Exercise Price of each Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option may be granted with an Option Exercise Price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code. |
6.3. | Exercise Price of a Non-qualified Stock Option. The Option Exercise Price of each Non-qualified Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Non-qualified Stock Option may be granted with an Option Exercise Price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 409A of the Code. |
6.4. | Consideration. The Option Exercise Price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable statutes and regulations, either (a) in cash or by certified or bank check at the time the Option is exercised or (b) in the discretion of the Committee, upon such terms as the Committee shall approve, the Option Exercise Price may be paid: (i) by delivery to the Company of other Common Stock, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company, with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the Option Exercise Price (or portion thereof) due for the number of shares being acquired, or by means of attestation whereby the Participant identifies for delivery specific shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of attestation equal to the Option Exercise Price (or portion thereof) and receives a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the difference between the number of shares thereby purchased and the number of identified attestation shares of Common Stock (a Stock for Stock Exchange); (ii) a cashless exercise program established with a broker; (iii) by reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of such Option with a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Option Exercise Price at the time of exercise; (iv) by any combination of the foregoing methods; or (v) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Committee. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, the exercise price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option |
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that is paid by delivery (or attestation) to the Company of other Common Stock acquired, directly or indirectly from the Company, shall be paid only by shares of the Common Stock of the Company that have been held for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes). Notwithstanding the foregoing, during any period for which the Common Stock is publicly traded (i.e., the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system) an exercise by a Director or Officer that involves or may involve a direct or indirect extension of credit or arrangement of an extension of credit by the Company, directly or indirectly, in violation of Section 402(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 shall be prohibited with respect to any Award under this Plan. |
6.5. | Transferability of an Incentive Stock Option. An Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Option Holder only by the Option Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option Holder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Option Holder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option. |
6.6. | Transferability of a Non-qualified Stock Option. A Non-qualified Stock Option may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be transferable to a Permitted Transferee, upon written approval by the Committee to the extent provided in the Award Agreement. If the Non-qualified Stock Option does not provide for transferability, then the Non-qualified Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Option Holder only by the Option Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option Holder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Option Holder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option. |
6.7. | Vesting of Options. Each Option may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary, but no Option may be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. |
6.8. | Termination of Continuous Service. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or in an employment agreement the terms of which have been approved by the Committee, in the event an Option Holders Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Option Holders death or Disability), the Option Holder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Option Holder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date three months following the termination of the Option Holders Continuous Service or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement; provided that, if the termination of Continuous Service is by the Company for Cause, all outstanding Options (whether or not vested) shall immediately terminate and cease to be exercisable. If, after termination, the Option Holder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate. |
6.9. | Extension of Termination Date. An Option Holders Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Option Holders Continuous Service for any reason would be prohibited at any time because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act or any other state or federal securities law or the rules of any securities exchange or interdealer quotation system, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the term of the Option in accordance with Section 6.1 or (b) the expiration of a period after termination of the Participants Continuous Service that is three months after the end of the period during which the exercise of the Option would be in violation of such registration or other securities law requirements. |
6.10. | Disability of Option Holder. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event that an Option Holders Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Option Holders Disability, the Option Holder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Option Holder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of |
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(a) the date 12 months following such termination or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination, the Option Holder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate. |
6.11. | Death of Option Holder. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event an Option Holders Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Option Holders death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent the Option Holder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death) by the Option Holders estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option upon the Option Holders death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (a) the date 12 months following the date of death or (b) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after the Option Holders death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate. |
6.12. | Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Option Holder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds $100,000, the Options or portions thereof which exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Non-qualified Stock Options. |
7. | Provisions of Awards Other Than Options. |
7.1. | Stock Appreciation Rights. |
a) | General |
Each Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7.1, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone (Free Standing Rights) or in tandem with an Option granted under the Plan (Related Rights).
b) | Grant Requirements |
Any Related Right that relates to a Non-qualified Stock Option may be granted at the same time the Option is granted or at any time thereafter but before the exercise or expiration of the Option. Any Related Right that relates to an Incentive Stock Option must be granted at the same time the Incentive Stock Option is granted.
c) | Term of Stock Appreciation Rights |
The term of a Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, no Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable later than the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date.
d) | Vesting of Stock Appreciation Rights |
Each Stock Appreciation Right may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Stock Appreciation Right may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Stock Appreciation Rights may vary but no Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock.
e) | Exercise and Payment |
Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Holder shall be entitled to receive from the Company an amount equal to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (ii) the exercise price specified in
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the Stock Appreciation Right or related Option. Payment with respect to the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be made on the date of exercise. Payment shall be made in the form of shares of Common Stock (with or without restrictions as to substantial risk of forfeiture and transferability, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion), cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.
f) | Exercise Price |
The exercise price of a Free-Standing Right shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the Grant Date of such Stock Appreciation Right. A Related Right granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the grant of an Option and in conjunction therewith or in the alternative thereto shall have the same exercise price as the related Option, shall be transferable only upon the same terms and conditions as the related Option, and shall be exercisable only to the same extent as the related Option; provided, however, that a Stock Appreciation Right, by its terms, shall be exercisable only when the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right and related Option exceeds the exercise price per share thereof and no Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in tandem with an Option unless the Committee determines that the requirements of Section 7.1(b) are satisfied.
g) | Reduction in the Underlying Option Shares |
Upon any exercise of a Related Right, the number of shares of Common Stock for which any related Option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number of shares for which the Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised. The number of shares of Common Stock for which a Related Right shall be exercisable shall be reduced upon any exercise of any related Option by the number of shares of Common Stock for which such Option has been exercised.
7.2. | Restricted Awards. |
a) | General |
A Restricted Award is an Award of actual shares of Common Stock (Restricted Stock) or hypothetical Common Stock units (Restricted Stock Units) having a value equal to the Fair Market Value of an identical number of shares of Common Stock, which may, but need not, provide that such Restricted Award may not be sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of, pledged or hypothecated as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of any obligation or for any other purpose for such period (the Restricted Period) as the Committee shall determine. Each Restricted Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Restricted Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7.2, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.
b) | Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units |
(i) Each Participant granted Restricted Stock shall execute and deliver to the Company an Award Agreement with respect to the Restricted Stock setting forth the restrictions and other terms and conditions applicable to such Restricted Stock. If the Committee determines that the Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than delivered to the Participant pending the release of the applicable restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (A) an escrow agreement satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable and (B) the appropriate blank stock power with respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreement. If a Participant fails to execute an agreement evidencing an Award of Restricted Stock and, if applicable, an escrow agreement and stock power, the Award shall be null and void. Subject to the restrictions set forth in the Award, the Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a shareholder as to such Restricted Stock, including the right to vote such Restricted Stock.
(ii) The terms and conditions of a grant of Restricted Stock Units shall be reflected in an Award Agreement. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued at the time a Restricted Stock Unit is
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granted, and the Company will not be required to set aside funds for the payment of any such Award. A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder. At the discretion of the Committee, each Restricted Stock (representing one share of Common Stock) may be credited with an amount equal to the cash and stock dividends paid by the Company in respect of one share of Common Stock (Dividend Equivalents).
c) | Restrictions |
(i) Restricted Stock awarded to a Participant shall be subject to the following restrictions until the expiration of the Restricted Period, and to such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement: (A) if an escrow arrangement is used, the Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate; (B) the shares shall be subject to the restrictions on transferability set forth in the Award Agreement; (C) the shares shall be subject to forfeiture to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement; and (D) to the extent such shares are forfeited, the stock certificates shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant to such shares and as a shareholder with respect to such shares shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company.
(ii) Restricted Stock Units awarded to any Participant shall be subject to (A) forfeiture until the expiration of the Restricted Period, and satisfaction of any applicable Performance Goals during such period, to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement, and to the extent such Restricted Stock Units are forfeited, all rights of the Participant to such Restricted Stock Units shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company and (B) such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
(iii) The Committee shall have the authority to remove any or all of the restrictions on the Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units whenever it may determine that, by reason of changes in Applicable Laws or other changes in circumstances arising after the date the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units are granted, such action is appropriate.
d) | Restricted Period |
With respect to Restricted Awards, the Restricted Period shall commence on the Grant Date and end at the time or times set forth on a schedule established by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement.
e) | Delivery of Restricted Stock and Settlement of Restricted Stock Units |
Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in Section 7.2(c) and the
applicable Award Agreement shall be of no further force or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon such expiration, the Company shall deliver to the
Participant, or his or her beneficiary, without charge, the stock certificate evidencing the shares of Restricted Stock which have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (to the nearest full share), and
any cash dividends or stock dividends credited to the Participants account with respect to such Restricted Stock and the interest thereon, if any. Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding Restricted Stock
Units, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his or her beneficiary, without charge, one share of Common Stock for each such outstanding vested Restricted Stock Unit (Vested Unit), and cash equal to any Dividend Equivalents
credited with respect to each such Vested Unit in accordance with Section 7.2(b)(ii) hereof and the interest thereon or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to such Dividend Equivalents
and the interest thereon, if any; provided, however, that, if explicitly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, elect to pay cash or part cash and part Common Stock in lieu of
delivering only shares of Common Stock for Vested Units. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering shares of Common Stock, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock as of the date on which the
Restricted Period lapsed in the case of Restricted Stock Units, with respect to each Vested Unit.
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f) | Stock Restrictions |
Each certificate representing Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan shall bear a legend in such form as the Company deems appropriate.
7.3. | Performance Share Awards. |
a) | Grant of Performance Share Awards |
Each Performance Share Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Performance Share Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7.3, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock or stock-denominated units subject to a Performance Share Award granted to any Participant; (ii) the Performance Period applicable to any Award; (iii) the conditions that must be satisfied for a Participant to earn an Award; and (iv) the other terms, conditions and restrictions of the Award.
b) | Earning Performance Share Awards |
The number of Performance Shares earned by a Participant will depend on the extent to which the performance goals established by the Committee are attained within the applicable Performance Period, as determined by the Committee.
7.4. | Other Equity-Based Awards and Cash Awards. The Committee may grant Other Equity-Based Awards, either alone or in tandem with other Awards, in such amounts and subject to such conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. Each Equity-Based Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and shall be subject to such conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee may grant Cash Awards in such amounts and subject to such Performance Goals, other vesting conditions, and such other terms as the Committee determines in its discretion. Cash Awards shall be evidenced in such form as the Committee may determine. |
8. | Securities Law Compliance. Each Award Agreement shall provide that no shares of Common Stock shall be purchased or sold thereunder unless and until (a) any then applicable requirements of state or federal laws and regulatory agencies have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel and (b) if required to do so by the Company, the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company a letter of investment intent in such form and containing such provisions as the Committee may require. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. |
9. | Use of Proceeds from Stock. Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Awards, or upon exercise thereof, shall constitute general funds of the Company. |
10. | Miscellaneous. |
10.1. | Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting. The Committee shall have the power to accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest, subject to the limitations set forth in this Plan (including, but not limited to, Section 3.1(k). |
10.2. | Shareholder Rights. Except as provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, no Participant shall be deemed to be the Holder of, or to have any of the rights of a Holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for |
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exercise of the Award pursuant to its terms and no adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distributions of other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such Common Stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 11 hereof. |
10.3. | No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (a) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without Cause or (b) the service of a Director pursuant to the By-laws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be. |
10.4. | Transfer; Approved Leave of Absence. For purposes of the Plan, no termination of employment by an Employee shall be deemed to result from either (a) a transfer of employment to the Company from an Affiliate or from the Company to an Affiliate, or from one Affiliate to another, or (b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the Employees right to reemployment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee otherwise so provides in writing, in either case, except to the extent inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code if the applicable Award is subject thereto. |
10.5. | Withholding Obligations. To the extent provided by the terms of an Award Agreement and subject to the discretion of the Committee, the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under an Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Companys right to withhold from any other compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (a) tendering a cash payment; (b) authorizing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Award, provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the maximum amount of tax required to be withheld by law; or (c) delivering to the Company previously owned and unencumbered shares of Common Stock of the Company. |
11. | Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in the capital structure of the Company by reason of any stock or extraordinary cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, an extraordinary corporate transaction such as any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange, or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the Grant Date of any Award, Awards granted under the Plan and any Award Agreements, the exercise price of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the Performance Goals to which Performance Share Awards and Cash Awards are subject, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to all Awards stated in Section 4 will be equitably adjusted or substituted, as to the number, price or kind of a share of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Awards to the extent necessary to preserve the economic intent of such Award. In the case of adjustments made pursuant to this Section 11, unless the Committee specifically determines that such adjustment is in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates, the Committee shall, in the case of Incentive Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 11 will not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of the Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code and in the case of Non-qualified Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 11 will not constitute a modification of such Non-qualified Stock Options within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any adjustments made under this Section 11 shall be made in a manner which does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes. |
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12. | Effect of Change in Control. |
Except as may otherwise be provided in any Award Agreement and subject to compliance with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code, in the event of a Change in Control:
12.1 | If a successor corporation or other entity following a Change in Control agrees to assume any outstanding Awards at the time of the Change in Control, or to substitute substantially equivalent awards, then such outstanding Awards shall not be immediately exercisable, but shall remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the applicable award agreements; |
12.2 | If outstanding Awards are not assumed pursuant to Section 12.1 above, then all Awards based on the passage of time shall be accelerated, and all Awards based on attainment of Performance Goals shall be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met. |
The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company and its Affiliates, taken as a whole.
13. | Amendment of the Plan and Awards. |
13.1. | Amendment of Plan. The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend or terminate the Plan. However, except as provided in Section 11 relating to adjustments upon changes in Common Stock and Section 13.3, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the shareholders of the Company to the extent shareholder approval is necessary to satisfy any Applicable Laws. At the time of such amendment, the Board shall determine, upon advice from counsel, whether such amendment will be contingent on shareholder approval. |
13.2. | Shareholder Approval. The Board may, in its sole discretion, submit any other amendment to the Plan for shareholder approval. |
13.3. | Contemplated Amendments. It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible Employees, Consultants and Directors with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options or to the nonqualified deferred compensation provisions of Section 409A of the Code and/or to bring the Plan and/or Awards granted under it into compliance therewith. |
13.4. | No Impairment of Rights. Rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (a) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (b) the Participant consents in writing. |
13.5. | Amendment of Awards. The Committee at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of any one or more Awards; provided, however, that the Committee may not affect any amendment which would otherwise constitute an impairment of the rights under any Award unless (a) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (b) the Participant consents in writing. |
14. | General Provisions. |
14.1. | Forfeiture Events. The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participants rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain events, in addition to applicable vesting conditions of an Award. Such events may include, without limitation, breach of non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that are contained in the Award Agreement or otherwise applicable to the Participant, a termination of the Participants Continuous Service for Cause, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company and/or its Affiliates. In addition, in the event that the Committee unanimously determines that a Participant has committed misfeasance or malfeasance in connection with Participants employment with the Company, the Committee, by unanimous vote, may reduce, cancel, or provide for the forfeiture or recoupment of any Award made to the Participant. |
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If any Award becomes payable (or any restrictions relating to such Award lapse) while a Participant is under investigation for any event that would constitute Cause or could otherwise result in forfeiture of an Award, payment of such Award shall be delayed pending the outcome of such investigation. If such investigation is pending on the latest date upon which such Award may be paid (or such restrictions may lapse) in order for payment of the Award to remain qualified as a short-term deferral under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) or would otherwise not result in a violation of Code Section 409A, the Award may be paid on that date only if the Participant executes an agreement with the Company under which he or she agrees to repay or forfeit the Award if the investigation results in the Participant being found to have committed an act that constitutes Cause or would result in forfeiture of the Award. If the Participant fails to execute such an agreement, the Award shall be forfeited.
14.2. | Clawback. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, the Company may cancel any Award, require reimbursement of any Award by a Participant, and effect any other right of recoupment of equity or other compensation provided under the Plan in accordance with the Companys Incentive Compensation Clawback Policy or any similar Company policies that may be adopted and/or modified from time to time (each, a Clawback Policy). In addition, a Participant may be required to repay to the Company previously paid compensation, whether provided pursuant to the Plan or an Award Agreement, in accordance with the Clawback Policy. By accepting an Award, the Participant is agreeing to be bound by the Clawback Policy, as in effect or as may be adopted and/or modified from time to time by the Company in its discretion (including, without limitation, to comply with Applicable Laws or stock exchange listing requirements). |
14.3. | Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. |
14.4. | Sub-Plans. The Committee may from time to time establish sub-plans under the Plan for purposes of satisfying securities, tax or other laws of various jurisdictions in which the Company intends to grant Awards. Any sub-plans shall contain such limitations and other terms and conditions as the Committee determines are necessary or desirable. All sub-plans shall be deemed a part of the Plan, but each sub-plan shall apply only to the Participants in the jurisdiction for which the sub-plan was designed. |
14.5. | Unfunded Plan. The Plan shall be unfunded. Neither the Company, the Board nor the Committee shall be required to establish any special or separate fund or to segregate any assets to assure the performance of its obligations under the Plan. |
14.6. | Delivery. Upon exercise of a right granted under this Plan, the Company shall issue Common Stock or pay any amounts due within a reasonable period of time thereafter. Subject to any statutory or regulatory obligations the Company may otherwise have, for purposes of this Plan, 30 days shall be considered a reasonable period of time. |
14.7. | No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, additional Awards or other securities or property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, forfeited or otherwise eliminated. |
14.8. | Other Provisions. The Award Agreements authorized under the Plan may contain such other provisions not inconsistent with this Plan, including, without limitation, restrictions upon the exercise of Awards, as the Committee may deem advisable. |
14.9. | Section 409A. It is the intention of the Company that the Awards issued under the Plan will be exempt from, or will comply with the requirements of, Section 409A of the Code, and the Plan and the terms and conditions of all Awards shall be interpreted, construed and administered consistent with such intent. Although the Company intends to administer the Plan and the Awards in compliance with Section 409A of the Code or an exemption thereto, the Company does not warrant that the terms of any Award or the Companys administration thereof will be exempt from, or will comply with the requirements of, Section 409A of the Code. The Company shall not be liable to any Participant or any other person for |
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any tax, interest, or penalties that the person may incur as a result of an Award or the Companys administration thereof not satisfying any of the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. |
14.10. | Disqualifying Dispositions. Any Participant who shall make a disposition (as defined in Section 424 of the Code) of all or any portion of shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option within two years from the Grant Date of such Incentive Stock Option or within one year after the issuance of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of such Incentive Stock Option (a Disqualifying Disposition) shall be required to immediately advise the Company in writing as to the occurrence of the sale and the price realized upon the sale of such shares of Common Stock. |
14.11. | Section 16. It is the intent of the Company that the Plan satisfy, and be interpreted in a manner that satisfies, the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act so that Participants will be entitled to the benefit of Rule 16b-3, or any other rule promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and will not be subject to short-swing liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, if the operation of any provision of the Plan would conflict with the intent expressed in this Section 14.13, such provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted and/or deemed amended so as to avoid such conflict. |
14.12. | Beneficiary Designation. Each Participant under the Plan may from time to time name any beneficiary or beneficiaries by whom any right under the Plan is to be exercised in case of such Participants death. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form reasonably prescribed by the Committee and shall be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participants lifetime. |
14.13. | Expenses. The costs of administering the Plan shall be paid by the Company. |
14.14. | Severability. If any of the provisions of the Plan or any Award Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, whether in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby. |
14.15. | Plan Headings. The headings in the Plan are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the provisions hereof. |
14.16. | Non-Uniform Treatment. The Committees determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who are eligible to receive, or actually receive, Awards. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled to make non-uniform and selective determinations, amendments and adjustments, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements. |
14.17. | Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. With respect to all awards granted under the Plan, no dividends or dividend equivalents shall be paid until all vesting restrictions have been satisfied. Prior to the satisfaction of all vesting restrictions, any cash or stock dividends with respect to an award shall be withheld by the Company for the Participants account, and interest may be credited on the amount of the cash dividends withheld at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee. The cash or stock dividends so withheld by the Company and attributable to any particular award shall be distributed to the Participant in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, if applicable, only upon the release of restrictions on such award. If such award is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividends. |
15. | Effective Date of Plan. The Plan shall become effective as of the Effective Date, but no Award shall be exercised (or, in the case of a stock Award, shall be granted) unless and until the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, which approval shall be within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Upon the Plans becoming effective, the Prior Plan shall become null and void (except to the extent it continues to govern awards granted under the Prior Plan), and no further shares may be granted pursuant to such plan. |
16. | Termination or Suspension of the Plan. The Plan shall terminate automatically on March 11, 2029. No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that |
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date. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any earlier date pursuant to Section 13.1 hereof. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated. |
17. | Choice of Law. The law of the State of Florida shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such states conflict of law rules. |
As adopted by the Board of Directors of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated on March 12, 2019.
As approved by the shareholders of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated on [DATE].
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SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED 400 N. ASHLEY DRIVE, SUITE 2800 TAMPA, FL 33602 ATTN: SUBHAASH KUMAR |
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com | |
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. | ||
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS | ||
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. | ||
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 | ||
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. | ||
VOTE BY MAIL | ||
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. |
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
E46790-P04417 | KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED | ||||||||||||||||||
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposals: |
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1. | Election of three Class II Directors | 3. To approve the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan |
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Class II Directors | For | Against | Abstain | |||||||||||||||
1a) Carlos E. Evans |
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1b) W. Mark Watson
1c) Mark C. Bozek |
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4. To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors of the Company
5. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before this Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof |
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Non-binding advisory vote to approve executive compensation |
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The undersigned reserves the right to revoke this Proxy at any time prior to the Proxy being voted at the Meeting. The Proxy may be revoked by delivering a signed revocation to the Company at any time prior to the Meeting, by submitting a later-dated Proxy, or by attending the Meeting in person and casting a ballot. The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy previously given to vote such shares at the Meeting. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. |
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For address and/or name changes, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated. |
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I plan to attend the Meeting. |
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Please sign Proxy exactly as your name appears
on the stock certificate(s). JOINT OWNERS SHOULD EACH SIGN PERSONALLY. When signing |
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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date | Signature (Joint Owners) Date |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.
q DETACH BELOW AND RETURN USING THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED q
E46791-P04417
SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED Annual Meeting of Shareholders, May 20, 2019 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | ||||||||||||||
The undersigned shareholder of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (the Company) hereby appoints each of Charles E. Sykes, John Chapman and James T. Holder, and each of them with authority to act without the others, as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of the common stock of the Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company and at all adjournments thereof, to be held at the Rivergate Tower, 400 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 320, 3rd Floor, Conference Room A, Tampa, FL 33602, on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time, with all the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, such proxies being directed to vote as specified below and in their discretion on any other business that may properly come before the Meeting.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED ON THE REVERSE SIDE. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED IN ITEM 1, AND FOR PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4.
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(If you noted any Address/Name Changes above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)
Continued and to be signed on reverse side
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