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TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. | ||||
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Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.
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THE
ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Time: 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time
Meeting Format:
Due to COVID-19, we are holding the 2020 Annual Meeting in a virtual-only meeting format via live webcast on the Internet. You will not be able to attend at a physical location. Stockholders will be able to join and attend online by logging in at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020.
Additional information is provided below, including under the heading "How can I attend the virtual-only Annual Meeting?".
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
We also will transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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SPENCER G. SMUL |
Senior Vice President,
Deputy General Counsel and Secretary |
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New York, New York September 24, 2020 |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO VOTE BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE OR BY REQUESTING A PRINTED COPY OF THE PROXY MATERIALS AND COMPLETING AND RETURNING BY MAIL THE PROXY CARD YOU RECEIVE IN RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 10, 2020: The Company's Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 with certain exhibits (which constitutes the "Annual Report to Stockholders") are available at www.proxyvote.com.
Table of Contents |
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. This summary does not contain all the information that you should consider, and you should read the entire Proxy Statement before voting. The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement and form of proxy are first being provided to stockholders, or being made available through the Internet for those stockholders receiving their proxy materials electronically, is September 24, 2020.
2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
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Date and Time:
Record Date: |
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Tuesday
November 10, 2020 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time September 11, 2020 |
| Place: | | The Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual-only meeting format via live webcast on the Internet: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020. |
Voting Matters
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ITEMS OF BUSINESS | |
BOARD
RECOMMENDATION |
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PROXY
STATEMENT DISCLOSURE |
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1 | | | | Election of Class III Directors | |
FOR
each Director Nominee |
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Page 10 |
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2 | | | | Ratification of Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Auditors | | FOR | | Page 91 |
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3 | | | | Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation | | FOR | | Page 93 |
The following table provides information about the Class III Director Nominees standing for election to serve until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Information about all the Directors can be found in this Proxy Statement beginning on page 10.
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Nominee |
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Current Position |
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Committee Membership |
Charlene Barshefsky | | Senior International Partner, WilmerHale | | Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee |
Wei Sun Christianson | | Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific and Chief Executive Officer of China, Morgan Stanley | | Nominating and Governance Committee |
Fabrizio Freda | | President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. | | None |
Jane Lauder | | Executive Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. | | None |
Leonard A. Lauder | | Chairman Emeritus, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. | | None |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 1 |
As explained in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," we drive our annual and long-term performance through our executive compensation programs. Annual incentive pay is tied to business objectives that are specific to each employee's responsibilities and encourage collaboration across the organization. Long-term equity incentives are tied to both the Company's share price and financial goals over a period of three or more years. As explained below, this combination of compensation elements is intended to help drive and promote strong, balanced, and sustainable corporate performance.
Fiscal 2020 was an extraordinarily difficult year for the global economy, our business and our Company. Our performance in the first half of fiscal 2020 was exceptional and on track to achieve better than maximum performance on numerous metrics. The momentum continued into the second half until the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 significantly disrupted the lives of our consumers, as well as the abilities of our customers and suppliers to operate. During those first few months, and continuing through the rest of fiscal 2020, our management pivoted to capture opportunities in the channels that remained fully functional, made difficult choices, and executed with excellence using new and existing technologies and new ways of working. The second half also marked a period of profound pain as tragic events in the United States highlighted the systemic racial injustice that has plagued our society for far too long. In June 2020, we announced a comprehensive set of commitments to act with urgency on achieving racial equity. Throughout the past several months, our executive officers and other employees have showcased their agility and flexibility, as well as the family values at the heart of our Company. Reflecting how we are managed on the principles of long-term stewardship and "patient capital," our citizenship and sustainability goals remain on track.
To help employees in light of the impacts of COVID-19, the Company developed global initiatives that were implemented at the regional and local levels, including (i) the establishment of the ELC Cares Employee Relief Fund to provide immediate and critical financial relief to eligible employees; (ii) a Medical Review Board comprised of senior leaders and leading medical experts to guide the Company on a number of matters, including health and safety policies, guidelines, and protocols; (iii) access to Company-paid supplemental COVID-19 support (e.g., medical triage services and telehealth services) for full-time and part-time employees where necessary and permissible; (iv) a new global Employee Assistance Program with expanded services; (v) enhanced childcare and eldercare benefits; and (vi) for point-of-sale and field employees in locations where retail operations were closed or experiencing slow recovery, the Company maintained Company-paid healthcare and other benefits for a period of time.
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2 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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In fiscal 2020, our multiple engines of growth strategy proved highly effective. The Estée Lauder brand grew double-digits for the third consecutive year. Asia/Pacific was strong with organic sales growth in mainland China and several other markets driving prestige beauty share gains, our skin care category grew and was further boosted by the acquisition of Have&Be Co. Ltd. (i.e. Dr. Jart+), and our online channel surged. We quickly pivoted to capture consumption online during COVID-19 as retail stores around the world temporarily closed. Our closing stock price of $188.68 on June 30, 2020 was above our closing stock price of $183.11 on June 28, 2019 (the last trading day of fiscal 2019). In fiscal 2020, we increased the common stock dividend rate by 12%, repurchased 5 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for $893 million, and used $623 million of cash flow from operations for capital expenditures.
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Financial Measure |
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Fiscal 2020 |
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Change over
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3-Year
Compound Annual Growth Rate (or Basis Point Change) |
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5-Year
Compound Annual Growth Rate (or Basis Point Change) |
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Net Sales |
| $ | 14.3 billion | | | (4)% | | | | 7% | | | | 6% | | | |||
Net Sales as adjusted(1) |
| $ | 14.3 billion | | | (4)% | | | | 7% | | | | 5% | | | |||
Net Sales as adjusted in constant currency(1) |
| $ | 14.4 billion | | | (3)% | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | |||
Operating Margin |
| 4.2% | | | (1,140)bp | | | | (1,010)bp | | | | (1,070)bp | | | ||||
Operating Margin as adjusted(1) |
| 14.7% | | | (280)bp | | | | (120)bp | | | | (120)bp | | | ||||
Diluted EPS |
| $ | 1.86 | | | (61)% | | | | (18)% | | | | (8)% | | | |||
Diluted EPS as adjusted(1) |
| $ | 4.12 | | | (23)% | | | | 6% | | | | 6% | | | |||
Diluted EPS as adjusted in constant currency(1) |
| $ | 4.16 | | | (22)% | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | |||
Return on Invested Capital Return on Invested Capital as adjusted(2) |
| 18.5% | | | (720)bp | | | | (40)bp | | | | (310)bp | | | ||||
Cash Flow from Operations |
| $ | 2.3 billion | | | (9)% | | | | 8% | | | | 3% | | | |||
Total Stockholder Return ("TSR")(3) |
| 3.8% | | | | | | | 102.5% | | | | 130.7% | | | ||||
TSR S&P 500 Composite(3) |
| 7.5% | | | | | | | 35.8% | | | | 66.5% | | |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 3 |
excludes the tax impact of the gain on a previously held equity method investment. Fiscal 2019 excludes the impact of the provisional charges resulting from the enactment of the TCJA on the effective tax rate and the tax impact of the gain on liquidation of an investment in a foreign subsidiary, net. See Appendix A for information about this non-GAAP financial measure.
As COVID-19 impacted our business, we implemented a number of cash conservation measures, including suspension of our share repurchase program; not declaring the quarterly cash dividend that would have been payable in June 2020; temporary salary reductions for senior management; temporary elimination of cash retainers for the Board of Directors; and cutting approximately one-third of our planned capital investments for fiscal 2020.
For fiscal 2021, we remain focused on the safety and well-being of our employees and consumers. Our strategic priorities rightly balance investment in those engines of growth where we see the greatest opportunities with cost discipline amid the ongoing pandemic. Through the Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program announced in August 2020, we plan to better align our brick-and-mortar footprint to improve productivity and invest for growth. We are well-positioned to drive growth as the market dynamics support it, yet remain equally mindful of the effects of COVID-19 on consumers, the retail sector and economics, in general, as well as geopolitical uncertainty.
Executive Compensation Highlights
The following summarizes key executive compensation matters:
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4 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 5 |
THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 10, 2020
September 24, 2020
Annual Meeting and Voting
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (the "Company," "we," or "us"), a Delaware corporation, to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in a virtual-only meeting format via live webcast on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
How can I attend the virtual-only Annual Meeting?
Due to COVID-19, we are holding the Annual Meeting in a virtual-only meeting format, and you will not be able to attend at a physical location.
If you are a registered stockholder or beneficial owner of Class A Common Stock holding shares at the close of business on the record date (September 11, 2020), you may attend the Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020 and logging in with the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form, or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable. If you do not have your 16-digit control number or are not a stockholder, you will be able to register as a guest to view the live webcast by visiting the website referenced in this paragraph; however, you will not be able to vote or submit questions during the meeting. You may log into www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020 beginning at 9:45 a.m., Eastern Time, on November 10, 2020. The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time.
How can I ask a question during the Annual Meeting?
Stockholders of record may submit questions either before or during the meeting. If you wish to submit a question before the meeting, you may log into www.proxyvote.com using your 16-digit control number and follow the instructions to submit a question. Alternatively, to submit a question during the meeting, log into the virtual meeting platform at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020 using the 16-digit control number and follow the instructions to submit a question.
Who may vote?
Only stockholders of record of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. Each owner of record of Class A Common Stock on the Record Date is entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock. Each owner of record of Class B Common Stock on the Record Date is entitled to ten votes for each share of Class B Common Stock. As of August 31, 2020, there were 226,139,308 shares of Class A Common Stock and 135,067,429 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding.
Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of the proxy materials instead of a paper copy of the proxy materials?
In accordance with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), we have elected to furnish to our stockholders this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to Stockholders
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6 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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by providing access to these documents on the Internet rather than mailing printed copies. Accordingly, a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice") is being mailed to our stockholders of record and beneficial owners (other than those who previously requested printed copies or electronic delivery of our proxy materials), which will direct stockholders to a website where they can access our proxy materials and view instructions on how to vote online or by telephone. If you would prefer to receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice.
How do I cast my vote if I am a stockholder of record?
If you are a stockholder of record (which means your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company's transfer agent, Computershare, Inc., or you have a physical stock certificate), you can vote your shares in the following ways: (i) prior to the meeting, you can use the Internet via www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions; (ii) if you received a proxy card, you can return the proxy card via mail in the postage paid envelope provided for that purpose; (iii) by telephone; or (iv) by following the instructions provided on the Notice, and by requesting a printed copy of our proxy materials and completing and returning by mail the proxy card you receive in response to your request. During the meeting, you may vote online by following the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020.
Whichever method you use, each valid proxy received in time will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions. To ensure that your proxy is voted, it should be received before November 10, 2020. If you submit a proxy without giving instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.
How do I cast my vote if my shares are held in "street name?"
If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee (i.e. in "street name"), on the day of the Annual Meeting, you may go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020, and log in by entering the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form, or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice"), as applicable. If you do not have your control number, you will be able register as a guest; however, you will not be able to vote or submit questions during the meeting.
If you will not be attending the Annual Meeting, you may vote over the Internet or otherwise by following the instructions provided in the Notice, or, if you requested to receive printed proxy materials, you will receive voting instructions from your broker, bank, or nominee describing the available processes for voting your shares.
If your shares are held for you by a broker, your broker must vote those shares in accordance with your instructions. If you do not give voting instructions to your broker, your broker may vote your shares for you on any discretionary items of business to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting, i.e. the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Item 2).
Important Consideration for "street name" holders: You must instruct your broker if you want your shares to be counted in the election
of directors at the Annual Meeting (Item 1) and the advisory vote to
approve executive compensation (Item 3). New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") rules prevent your broker from voting your shares on these matters without your instructions. Please follow the
instructions provided by your broker so that your vote can be counted.
May I change my vote?
All proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation are revocable at any time before they are exercised, at the option of the persons submitting them, by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company at the mailing address set forth below or by submitting a later-dated proxy (either by mail, telephone, or Internet). The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 767 Fifth Avenue, New York,
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2020 Proxy Statement | 7 |
New York 10153. If you attend the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote by voting online during the meeting.
What constitutes a quorum?
The holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders entitled to vote generally, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions, broker non-votes, and votes withheld are included in the count to determine a quorum.
What if a quorum is not represented at the Annual Meeting?
In the event that a quorum does not exist, the Executive Chairman or the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders who are present in person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting whether or not a quorum is present. At a subsequent meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
How many votes are required to approve a proposal?
The following table notes for each proposal: (i) the vote required of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (voting together) for approval; (ii) whether abstentions count as votes cast; and (iii) whether broker discretionary voting is allowed.
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Proposal |
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Item 1:
Election of Class III Directors |
| Plurality of Votes Cast* | | Not Applicable | | No |
Item 2:
Ratify appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors |
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Majority of Votes Cast | | No | | Yes |
Item 3:
Advisory vote to approve Executive Compensation |
| Majority of Votes Cast** | | No | | No |
Abstentions and broker non-votes do not count as votes cast, and therefore have no effect on vote outcomes.
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8 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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How will my shares be voted?
All proxies properly submitted pursuant to this solicitation and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions given. In the election of directors (Item 1), stockholders may vote in favor of, or withhold their votes from, each nominee. For the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Item 2) and the advisory vote to approve executive compensation (Item 3), stockholders may vote in favor of the proposal, may vote against the proposal, or may abstain from voting. Stockholders should specify their choices on the proxy card or pursuant to the instructions thereon for telephone or Internet voting. If no specific choices are indicated, the shares represented by a properly submitted proxy will be voted:
If you have returned your signed and completed proxy card, and other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration, the proxy holders appointed by the Board of Directors (the persons named in your proxy card if you are a stockholder of record) will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you.
Who will count the vote?
Representatives of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will tabulate the votes and act as inspectors of election.
May I see a list of stockholders entitled to vote as of the Record Date?
In accordance with Delaware law, a list of registered stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be available for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting, by appointment, at the office of Spencer G. Smul, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10153, ten days prior to the Annual Meeting and in electronic form on the day of the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020.
Can I access the Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and Annual Report to Stockholders on the Internet?
Our Proxy Statement (including Notice of Annual Meeting) and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 with certain exhibits (which constitutes the "Annual Report to Stockholders") are available for stockholders at www.proxyvote.com.
These materials are also available in the "Investors" section of our website at www.elcompanies.com. Instead of receiving future copies of our Proxy Statement (including Notice of Annual Meeting) and Annual Report to Stockholders by mail, stockholders can access these materials online. Opting to receive your proxy materials online will save us the cost of producing and mailing documents to you; an electronic link to the proxy voting site will be provided to you. Stockholders of record can enroll at www.proxyvote.com for online access to future proxy materials. If you hold your shares in a bank or brokerage account, you also may have the opportunity to receive copies of these documents electronically. Please check the information provided in the proxy materials mailed to you by your bank or broker regarding the availability of this service.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 9 |
Currently, the Board of Directors (the "Board") is comprised of sixteen directors. The directors are divided into three classes, each serving for a period of three years. Class I is comprised of five directors, Class II is comprised of six directors, and Class III is comprised of five directors.
The stockholders elect one class of the members of the Board of Directors annually. The directors whose terms will expire at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are Charlene Barshefsky, Wei Sun Christianson, Fabrizio Freda, Jane Lauder, and Leonard A. Lauder. Each of these directors has been nominated to stand for re-election as a Class III director at the 2020 Annual Meeting, to hold office until the 2023 Annual Meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. In the unanticipated event that one or more of the nominees is unable or declines to serve for any reason, the Board may reduce the number of directors or take action to fill any vacancy.
Lauder Family Members, including related entities, who control the Company have agreed to vote their shares in favor of four individuals as directors: Jane Lauder, Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, and William P. Lauder. The term "Lauder Family Members" is defined below (see "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation").
Director Qualifications. Our Board is comprised of individuals with diverse and complementary business experience, leadership
experience, and financial experience. Many of our directors
have leadership experience at major domestic and multinational companies, as well as experience on the boards of other companies and organizations, which provides an understanding of different
business processes, challenges, and strategies. Other directors have government, legal, public policy, or media experience that provides insight into issues faced by public companies. The members of
the Board are inquisitive and collaborative, challenging yet supportive, and demonstrate maturity and sound judgment in performing their duties. The Board believes that the above-mentioned attributes,
along with the leadership skills and other experience of its Board members, some of which are described in the biographies below, provide the appropriate perspectives and judgment to guide the
Company's long-term strategy, monitor progress, and oversee management.
The Company does not have a specific policy on diversity of the Board. Instead, the Board evaluates nominees in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that can best support the success of the business and, based on the group's diversity of experience, represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. Such diversity of experience may be enhanced by a mix of different professional and personal backgrounds and experiences. The Company is proud to have a diverse Board, including with respect to gender and race. Seven of our directors are women; one of our directors self-identifies as Black or African American; and two of our directors self-identify as Asian.
The Board recommends a vote FOR each nominee as a director to hold office until the 2023 Annual Meeting. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy. |
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10 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Charlene Barshefsky | ||||
Committees:
Compensation Committee (Chair) and Stock Plan Subcommittee |
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BACKGROUND Ambassador Barshefsky is Senior International Partner at the law firm of WilmerHale in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the law firm in 2001, she was the United States Trade Representative from 1997 to 2001, and Deputy United States Trade Representative and Acting United States Trade Representative from 1993 to 1996. Ambassador Barshefsky is on the boards of directors of American Express Company and MDC Partners Inc. Additionally, within the past five years, she served as a director of Intel Corporation and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Ambassador Barshefsky is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a trustee of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
International, government, and public policy experience as United States Trade Representative Legal experience, including current role as Senior International Partner at WilmerHale Board experience at American Express Company, Intel Corporation, MDC Partners Inc., and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Trustee of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute |
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Wei Sun Christianson | ||||
Committee:
Nominating and Governance Committee |
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BACKGROUND Ms. Christianson is a Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific and Chief Executive Officer of China at Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm. She is based in Beijing, and in addition to her regional role, Ms. Christianson is responsible for all aspects of Morgan Stanley's operations in China and is a member of Morgan Stanley's Management Committee. Prior to rejoining Morgan Stanley in 2006, she was the Chairman of China for Citigroup Global Markets (Asia Ltd.) and previously served as Chairman of China and Country Manager for Credit Suisse First Boston. Ms. Christianson held an earlier position at Morgan Stanley beginning in 1998 as Executive Director and Beijing Representative. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global management and investment banking experience as Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific and Chief Executive Officer of China at Morgan Stanley based in Beijing Experience working abroad, particularly in China Financial experience Government experience (in Hong Kong) |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 11 |
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Fabrizio Freda | ||||
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BACKGROUND Mr. Freda has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since July 2009. From March 2008 through June 2009, he was President and Chief Operating Officer where he oversaw the Clinique, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Jo Malone London, Aveda, and Bumble and bumble brands, and the Aramis and Designer Fragrances division. He also was responsible for the Company's International Division, as well as Global Operations, Research and Development, Packaging, Quality Assurance, Merchandise Design, Corporate Store Design, and Retail Store Operations. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Freda served in a number of positions of increasing responsibility at The Procter & Gamble Company ("P&G"), where he was responsible for various operating, marketing, and key strategic efforts for over 20 years. From 2001 through 2007, Mr. Freda was President, Global Snacks, at P&G. He also spent more than a decade in the Health and Beauty Care division at P&G. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Freda directed marketing and strategic planning for Gucci SpA. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of BlackRock, Inc., a global asset management company. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global management, marketing, and other business, consumer and luxury brand industry experience as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Similar experience, including developing and leading global organizations, in leadership positions at P&G and Gucci SpA Experience leading successful, creative organizations with innovation programs based on research and development Board experience at BlackRock, Inc. Experience living and working in several countries Financial experience |
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Jane Lauder | ||||
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BACKGROUND Ms. Lauder is Executive Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer. She began her career with the Company in 1996 at Clinique and has served in various positions throughout the Company. Ms. Lauder was Global Brand President, Clinique from April 2014 to July 2020. Previously, she was Global President, General Manager of the Origins, Ojon, and Darphin brands from July 2010 to April 2014. She was Senior Vice President/General Manager of the Origins brand from July 2008 to July 2010, and Senior Vice President, Global Marketing for Clinique from July 2006 to July 2008. Ms. Lauder is a member of the Board of Directors of Eventbrite, Inc. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Management, marketing, and other industry experience through leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Board experience at Eventbrite, Inc. Significant stockholder and party to Stockholders' Agreement (solely as trustee of one or more trusts) |
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12 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Leonard A. Lauder | ||||
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BACKGROUND Mr. L. Lauder is Chairman Emeritus of the Company. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1995 through June 2009 and served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer from 1982 through 1999 and President from 1972 until 1995. Mr. Lauder has held various positions since formally joining the Company in 1958 after serving as an officer in the United States Navy. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the Whitney Museum of American Art, a Charter Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, a Trustee of The Aspen Institute, and the co-founder and Co-Chairman of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. Mr. Lauder is Honorary Chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. He served as a member of the White House Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations under President Reagan. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global business, marketing, and consumer and luxury brand industry experience through leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Experience leading successful creative organizations with innovation programs based on research and development Affiliation with leading business, civic, and public policy associations Charter Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania Significant stockholder and party to Stockholders' Agreement |
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Rose Marie Bravo, CBE | ||||
Director since 2003
Committees:
Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee |
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BACKGROUND Ms. Bravo is a retail and marketing consultant. She was Vice Chairman of Burberry Group plc from July 2006 to July 2007. Prior to that, she was Burberry's Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to July 2006. Prior to her appointment at Burberry, Ms. Bravo was President of Saks Fifth Avenue since 1992, with responsibility for merchandising, marketing, and product development. From 1974 to 1992, Ms. Bravo held a number of positions at R.H. Macy & Co., culminating as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. retailer I. Magnin from 1987 to 1992. Ms. Bravo is a member of the Board of Directors of Tiffany & Co. Additionally, within the past five years, she served as a director of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global management, marketing, retail, and consumer and luxury brand industry experience as former Chief Executive Officer of Burberry, in various leadership positions at Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's, and in senior roles related to merchandising in the beauty category Board experience at Burberry, Tiffany & Co., and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Experience working abroad Merchandise and product development expertise |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 13 |
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Paul J. Fribourg | ||||
Director since 2006
Committees:
Audit Committee Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee |
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BACKGROUND Mr. Fribourg is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Grain Company, an international agribusiness and investment company. He joined Continental Grain Company in 1976 and worked in various positions there with increasing responsibility in both the United States and Europe. Mr. Fribourg is on the boards of directors of Bunge Limited, Loews Corporation, and Restaurant Brands International Inc. Additionally, within the past five years, he served as a director of Apollo Global Management, LLC. He is a member of Rabobank's International North American Agribusiness Advisory Board, Temasek Americas Advisory Panel, and the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for The Mayor of Shanghai. Mr. Fribourg also serves as a board member and Executive Committee member of Castleton Commodities International LLC. He has been a member of the Council on Foreign Relations since 1985. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global management, marketing, and other business experience as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Grain Company Board experience at Apollo Global Management, LLC, Bunge Limited, Loews Corporation, and Restaurant Brands International Inc. Affiliation with leading business and public policy associations (Council on Foreign Relations) Financial experience |
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Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. | ||||
Director since 2001
Presiding Director
Committee:
Nominating and Governance Committee (Chair) |
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BACKGROUND Mr. Hockaday is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Hallmark Cards, Inc. Prior to joining Hallmark in 1983, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Kansas City Southern Industries, Inc. Mr. Hockaday retired from Hallmark in December 2001, and he was a member of the Hallmark Board of Directors from 1978 until January 2002. Within the past five years, he served as a member of the Board of Directors of Aratana Therapeutics, Inc. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global business experience and consumer brand industry experience as former CEO of Hallmark Cards, Inc. Board experience at Aratana Therapeutics, Inc., Crown Media Holdings, Inc., Ford Motor Company, and Sprint Nextel Financial experience Legal experience |
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14 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Jennifer Hyman | ||||
Director since 2018
Committee: Audit Committee |
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BACKGROUND Ms. Hyman is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rent the Runway, Inc., which rents designer clothing and accessories to women both on-demand and through its subscription service. Prior to co-founding Rent the Runway, Inc. in 2009, she was Director of Business Management at IMG, a global talent management company, from 2006 to 2007. Ms. Hyman was Senior Manager, Sales, at the WeddingChannel.com from 2005 to 2006. From 2002 to 2005, she was Senior Manager, Leisure Program Development, at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Ms. Hyman is a member of the Board of Directors of Zalando SE. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Management and entrepreneurial experience as Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rent the Runway, Inc. Deep knowledge about millennials and other consumers Omnichannel, disruptive technology, and social-digital experience Board experience at Rent the Runway, Inc. and Zalando SE Financial experience |
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Barry S. Sternlicht | ||||
Director since 2004
Committee:
Nominating and Governance Committee |
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BACKGROUND Mr. Sternlicht is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Capital Group, a privately-held global investment firm with a primary focus on global real estate. He also serves as Chairman and CEO of Starwood Property Trust, Inc., a commercial mortgage REIT. Mr. Sternlicht is the Chairman of the Board of Starwood Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. and is on the Board of Directors of A.S. Roma. Additionally, within the past five years, he served as a director of Baccarat S.A., TRI Pointe Group Inc., and Invitation Homes, Inc. From 1995 through early 2005, Mr. Sternlicht was Chairman and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. He currently serves as a member of the board of The Robin Hood Foundation, and he is on the board of the Dreamland Film & Performing Arts Center and the Executive Advisory Board of Americans for the Arts. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global business, investment, real estate, financial, private equity, entrepreneurial, and consumer brand and luxury industry expertise at Starwood Capital Group, as Chairman of Starwood Property Trust, Inc., as Chairman of the Board of Starwood Real Estate Trust, Inc., and as founder and former Chief Executive of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Board experience at A.S. Roma, Baccarat S.A., Invitation Homes, Inc., Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc., Riviera Holdings Corporation, Starwood Property Trust, Inc., and TRI Pointe Group, Inc. Financial experience |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 15 |
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Ronald S. Lauder | ||||
Director since 2016
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BACKGROUND Mr. R. Lauder is Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC. He was Chairman of Estee Lauder International, Inc. from 1987 through 2002. Mr. Lauder joined the Company in 1964 and has served in various capacities. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Company from 1968 to 1986 and again from 1988 to July 2009, prior to rejoining the Board in 2016. From 1983 to 1986, Mr. Lauder served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Affairs. From 1986 to 1987, he was U.S. Ambassador to Austria. Mr. Lauder is an Honorary Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Modern Art and President of the Neue Galerie. He is also Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the co-founder and Co-Chairman of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global business, marketing, and consumer and luxury brand industry experience through leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Affiliation with leading business, civic, and government associations Board experience at Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. Significant stockholder and party to Stockholders' Agreement |
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William P. Lauder | ||||
Director since 1996
Committee:
Nominating and Governance Committee |
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BACKGROUND Mr. W. Lauder is Executive Chairman of the Company and, in such role, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was Chief Executive Officer of the Company from March 2008 through June 2009 and President and Chief Executive Officer from July 2004 through February 2008. From January 2003 through June 2004, he was Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Lauder joined the Company in 1986 and has served in various capacities. From July 2001 through 2002, he was Group President, responsible for the worldwide business of the Clinique and Origins brands and the Company's retail store and online operations. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Lauder was President of Clinique Laboratories, LLC. Prior to 1998, he was President of Origins Natural Resources Inc. Within the past five years, Mr. Lauder served as a director of Jarden Corporation. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Fresh Air Fund, as a member of the boards of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and The Trinity School in New York City, and as a member of the boards of directors of the 92nd Street Y and the Partnership for New York City, and he is on the Advisory Board of Zelnick Media. Mr. Lauder is also Co-Chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global business, marketing, Internet, retail, and consumer and luxury brand industry experience through leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Experience leading successful creative organizations with innovation programs based on research and development Board experience at GLG Partners, Inc., Jarden Corporation, and True Temper Sports, Inc. Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and lecturer at The Wharton School Financial experience Significant stockholder and party to Stockholders' Agreement |
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16 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Richard D. Parsons | ||||
Director since 1999
Committees:
Compensation Committee Nominating and Governance Committee |
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BACKGROUND Mr. Parsons is a senior advisor to Providence Equity Partners LLC, a global private equity and investment firm, and he is a co-founder and partner of Imagination Capital LLC, a venture capital firm. From 1996 until 2012, he was a director of Citigroup Inc. and served as its Chairman from February 2009 to April 2012. From May 2003 until his retirement in December 2008, Mr. Parsons served as Chairman of the Board of Time Warner Inc. From May 2002 until December 2007, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Inc. From January 2001 until May 2002, Mr. Parsons was Co-Chief Operating Officer of AOL Time Warner. From 1995 until the merger with America On-Line Inc., he was President of Time Warner Inc. From 1990 through 1994, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dime Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Parsons is on the boards of directors of Lazard Ltd. and The Madison Square Garden Company. Additionally, within the past five years, he served as a director of CBS Corporation. Among his numerous community activities, he is Chairman of the Apollo Theatre Foundation, Chairman of the Jazz Foundation of America, and Chairman of the Rockefeller Foundation. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global business, marketing, media, Internet, banking, and other business and consumer brand experience through leadership roles at Time Warner Inc. and Dime Bancorp, Inc. Board experience at CBS Corporation, Citigroup Inc., Lazard Ltd., The Madison Square Garden Company, and Time Warner Inc. Private equity experience at Providence Equity Partners LLC Legal and government experience Financial experience |
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Lynn Forester de Rothschild | ||||
Committee:
Nominating and Governance Committee |
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BACKGROUND Lady de Rothschild is the Chair of E.L. Rothschild LLC, a private investment company with investments in media, information technology, agriculture, financial services, and real estate worldwide. She was the Chief Executive of E.L. Rothschild LLC from 2002 to 2016. Lady de Rothschild has been a director of The Economist Newspaper Limited since October 2002. From 1989 to 2002, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of FirstMark Holdings, Inc. She serves on the Board and Executive Committee of The Peterson Institute for International Economics. Lady de Rothschild is a trustee of the Eranda Foundation and a board member of the International Advisory Board of Columbia University School of Law and the Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (USA), Chatham House (UK), the International Advisory Council of Asia House (UK), the International Institute of Strategic Studies (UK), and the Foreign Policy Association (USA). |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Global business and investment experience as former Chief Executive of E.L. Rothschild LLC and CEO of FirstMark Holdings, Inc. Board and media experience as director of The Economist Newspaper Limited Affiliation with leading business and public policy associations (Council on Foreign Relations) Experience working abroad Legal and government expertise Financial experience |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 17 |
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Jennifer Tejada | ||||
Director since 2018
Committee:
Audit Committee |
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BACKGROUND Ms. Tejada is Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of PagerDuty, Inc., a digital operations management platform for businesses. Prior to joining PagerDuty in 2016, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of Keynote Systems Corporation, a software company specializing in digital performance analytics and web and mobile testing, from 2013 to 2015. Ms. Tejada was Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Mincom, an enterprise software company, from 2008 to 2011. She has also previously held senior positions at Merivale Group, The Procter & Gamble Company, and i2 Technologies |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Management experience at PagerDuty, Inc., Keynote Systems Corporation, and Mincom Digital, mobile, cyber, and software experience Consumer goods experience Experience working abroad Board experience at PagerDuty, Inc., Keynote Systems Corporation, and Puppet Labs, Inc. Financial experience |
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Richard F. Zannino | ||||
Director since 2010
Committee:
Audit Committee (Chair) |
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BACKGROUND Mr. Zannino is a Managing Director at the private equity firm CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC. He is a partner on the firm's Investment Committee and co-heads the consumer retail practice. Prior to joining CCMP Capital, Mr. Zannino was an independent retail and media advisor from February 2008 to June 2009. He was Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. from February 2006 until January 2008. Mr. Zannino joined Dow Jones as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2001 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in July 2002. From 1998 to 2001, he was Executive Vice President of Liz Claiborne, Inc., where he oversaw the finance, administration, retail, fragrance, and licensing divisions. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Zannino was with Saks Fifth Avenue, serving as Vice President and Treasurer, Senior Vice President, Finance and Merchandise Planning, and then Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He is on the boards of directors of IAC/InterActiveCorp and Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. Additionally, within the past five years, Mr. Zannino served as a director of Francesca's Holdings Corporation. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Pace University. |
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QUALIFICATIONS
Management, media, finance, retail, and consumer brand industry experience in various positions at Dow Jones & Company, Inc., Liz Claiborne, Inc., and Saks Fifth Avenue Consumer, retail, media, and private equity experience at CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC Board experience at Dow Jones & Company, Inc., Francesca's Holdings Corporation, IAC/InterActiveCorp, and Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. Trustee of Pace University Financial experience |
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18 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors
Stockholders' Agreement and Lauder Family Control. All Lauder Family Members who are party to a stockholders' agreement with the Company (the "Stockholders' Agreement") have agreed to vote shares beneficially owned by them for Leonard A. Lauder (or for one of his sons), Ronald S. Lauder (or for one of his daughters), and one person, if any, designated by each as a director of the Company. Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder are parties to the Stockholders' Agreement solely as trustees of certain trusts. The term "Lauder Family Members" is defined below (see "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation"). Shares subject to the Stockholders' Agreement represent approximately 84% of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. The right of each of Leonard A. Lauder (or his sons) and Ronald S. Lauder (or his daughters) to designate a nominee exists only when he (including his descendants) beneficially owns (other than by reason of the Stockholders' Agreement) shares of Common Stock with at least 10% of the total voting power of the Company. Currently, William P. Lauder is the nominee of Leonard A. Lauder, and Jane Lauder is the nominee of Ronald S. Lauder. The right of each of Leonard A. Lauder (or one of his sons) and Ronald S. Lauder (or one of his daughters) to be nominated will exist so long as he (including his descendants) beneficially owns shares of Common Stock with at least 5% of the total voting power of the Company. In the event that Leonard A. Lauder ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors by reason of his death or disability, then his sons, William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder, will succeed to his rights to be nominated as a director and to designate one nominee. If either son is unable to serve by reason of his death or disability, the other son will have the right to designate a nominee. Similarly, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder's daughters, will succeed to their father's rights upon his death or disability. If either daughter is unable to serve by reason of her death or disability, the other daughter will have the right to designate a nominee. In the event none of Leonard A. Lauder and his sons and Ronald S. Lauder and his daughters are able to serve as directors by reason of death or disability, then the rights under the Stockholders' Agreement to be a nominee and to designate a nominee will cease. The Stockholders' Agreement contains a "sunset provision." Under this provision, the Stockholders' Agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including the transfer of shares of Common Stock by a party to the Stockholders' Agreement that causes all parties thereto immediately after such transaction to own beneficially in the aggregate shares having less than 10% of the total voting power of the Company.
The Lauder family has direct and indirect holdings of approximately 86% of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. The Company is a "controlled company" under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") because the Lauder family and their related entities hold more than 50% of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock. As such, the Company may avail itself of exemptions relating to the Board and certain Board committees. Despite the availability of such exemptions, the Board of Directors has determined that it will have a majority of independent directors and that both the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee will have otherwise required provisions in their charters. As permitted by the NYSE rules for "controlled companies," our Board does not require that the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee be comprised solely of independent directors.
Board Committees. The Board of Directors has established the following standing committees: the Audit Committee; the Compensation
Committee (which includes the Stock Plan
Subcommittee); and the Nominating and Governance Committee. Each director on these committees is an independent director except for William P. Lauder and Richard D. Parsons. Each committee reports
regularly to the Board and has the authority to engage its own advisors. From time to time, the Board considers the composition of our Board committees.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 19 |
The members of the committees as of the Record Date are set forth in the following table:
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Director |
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Audit
Committee |
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Compensation
Committee |
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Nominating and
Governance Committee |
Charlene Barshefsky | | | | |||
Rose Marie Bravo | | | | | | |
Wei Sun Christianson | | | | |||
Paul J. Fribourg | | | | | ||
Jennifer Hyman | | | | |||
Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr.* | | | | | | |
William P. Lauder | | | | |||
Richard D. Parsons | | | | | ||
Lynn Forester de Rothschild | | | | |||
Barry S. Sternlicht | | | | | | |
Jennifer Tejada | | | | |||
Richard F. Zannino | | | | | |
Chair Member
Copies of the charters adopted by the Board of Directors for each committee may be found in the "Investors" section of the Company's website, www.elcompanies.com, under "Corporate Governance."
Audit |
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Richard F. Zannino (Chair) |
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Jennifer Hyman |
Committee |
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Paul J. Fribourg |
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Jennifer Tejada |
The Audit Committee, among other things, appoints the independent auditors; reviews the independence of such auditors; approves the scope of the annual audit activities of the independent auditors and the Company's Internal Audit department; reviews audit results; reviews and discusses the Company's financial statements with management and the independent auditors; reviews and discusses with the Board the Company's policies for risk assessment and risk management; and is responsible for our related person transactions policy. The committee's scope of oversight responsibilities includes information technology, cybersecurity, taxes, treasury, and legal matters. The committee meets periodically with the Chief Financial Officer, the head of internal audit, and representatives of the independent auditors. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Mr. Fribourg and Mr. Zannino qualifies as an "Audit Committee Financial Expert" in accordance with SEC rules.
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20 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Compensation |
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Charlene Barshefsky (Chair) |
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Paul J. Fribourg |
Committee |
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Rose Marie Bravo |
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Richard D. Parsons |
The Compensation Committee establishes and approves compensation plans and arrangements with respect to the Company's executive officers and administers the Company's Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The Stock Plan Subcommittee has authority over all decisions regarding awards to executive officers under the Company's share incentive plans and authority to administer the Company's share incentive plans under which executive officers and other employees may receive equity grants. The Company also has an Employee Equity Award Committee, the sole member of which is Mr. Freda; the purpose of this committee is to make limited grants of equity awards under the share incentive plan to employees who are not executive officers. During fiscal 2020, the Employee Equity Award Committee did not make any grants.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. During fiscal 2020, Ambassador Barshefsky, Ms. Bravo,
Mr. Fribourg, and Mr. Parsons served on the Compensation Committee. None of these
directors is a former or current officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. During fiscal 2020, none of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee (or
other committee performing similar functions) or as a director of any other entity of which an executive officer served on our Board or Compensation Committee. None of the directors who served on our
Compensation Committee during fiscal 2020 has any relationship requiring disclosure under this caption under SEC rules.
Nominating and |
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Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. (Chair) |
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Richard D. Parsons |
Governance |
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Wei Sun Christianson |
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Lynn Forester de Rothschild |
Committee |
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William P. Lauder |
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Barry S. Sternlicht |
The Nominating and Governance Committee's responsibility for corporate governance matters includes oversight of the Company's environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") activities and practices, including citizenship and sustainability matters. Among other things, the committee proposes candidates to fill vacancies on the Board and recommends nominees for election as members of the Board; oversees CEO succession planning; considers and makes recommendations regarding Board practices and procedures; considers corporate governance issues that arise from time to time and makes appropriate recommendations for the Board regarding such matters; and reviews the compensation for service as a Board member.
Board and Board Committee Meetings; Annual Meeting Attendance; and Executive Sessions. Directors are expected to devote sufficient time
to carrying out their duties and responsibilities effectively, and should be committed to serve on the Board for
an extended period of time. In furtherance of the Board's role, directors are expected to attend all scheduled Board and Board committee meetings and all meetings of stockholders. In fiscal 2020, the
Board of Directors met five times, the Audit Committee met eight times, the Compensation Committee met six times (and the Stock Plan Subcommittee met five times), and the Nominating and Governance
Committee met four times. The total combined attendance for all Board and committee meetings in fiscal 2020 was over 95%. No director attended less than 75% of Board and committee meetings in fiscal
2020. The non-employee directors met five times in executive session in fiscal 2020. Directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and all of the directors who were on the Board
attended the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in November 2019.
Board Leadership Structure. Our Board is currently led by our Executive Chairman, who is a member of the Lauder family. In addition, we
have an independent director who serves as our
Presiding Director. A majority of the directors on our Board are independent. At present, there are 16 directors on our Board, comprised of: (i) our President and Chief Executive Officer
("CEO"); (ii) 11
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2020 Proxy Statement | 21 |
non-employee directors (10 of whom are independent); and (iii) 4 directors who are members of the Lauder family, including our Executive Chairman. The Presiding Director presides at all meetings or executive sessions of non-employee or independent directors. The Board of Directors considers this structure appropriate in view of the Lauder family's significant investment in the Company. The structure also comports with the Stockholders' Agreement among various members of the Lauder family and the Company. See "Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors Stockholders' Agreement and Lauder Family Control."
In addition to his responsibilities as Chairman of the Board, Mr. W. Lauder, as Executive Chairman, works with the President and CEO to set overall vision, strategy, financial objectives, and investment priorities for the business. Mr. W. Lauder also continues to provide high-level leadership in areas that are important to the Company, including marketing, trade relations, global communications, and regulatory affairs.
As provided in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, an independent director serves as our Presiding Director. The Presiding Director serves a one-year term beginning with the meeting of the Board immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Hockaday served as the Presiding Director for all executive sessions of the Board of Directors in fiscal 2020, and he has been appointed by the Board to serve for an additional one-year term beginning after the 2020 Annual Meeting.
CEO Succession Planning Process. Our Board of Directors works closely with the Nominating and Governance Committee regarding CEO
succession planning and reviews succession plans on an ongoing
basis. The Board has numerous opportunities to meet with, and assess development plans for, members of management and other potential leaders, including through formal presentations to the Board and
its committees, as well as informal discussions and events. The Board has established a succession process in the event of the death or disability of the CEO.
Board Role in Risk Oversight. Our Board of Directors regularly receives reports from our CEO and other members of senior management
regarding areas of significant risk to us, including
strategic, operational, financial, legal and regulatory, cybersecurity, and reputational risks. However, senior management is responsible for assessing and managing the Company's various risk
exposures on a day-to-day basis. In this regard, various management functions within the Company, such as Legal, Finance, Treasury, Internal Audit, Information Technology, Global Supply Chain,
Research & Development, and Environmental Affairs and Safety, focus on particular risks. Management has a systemic and integrated approach to overall risk management that includes the
identification of risks and mitigation plans in the strategic planning process. The Board's role is one of oversight, assessing major risks facing the Company and reviewing options for their
mitigation with management. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management our enterprise risk management processes.
Risk in Compensation Programs. The Company has a framework for evaluating incentive plan design features that may encourage or help
mitigate risk, such as a mix of compensation elements,
metrics, leverage, caps, and time horizons, in order to determine whether the risks arising from our compensation programs (in addition to those applicable only to executive officers) are reasonably
likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Using this framework in fiscal 2020, we concluded that our compensation programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on
the Company. The results were reviewed with senior management and the Compensation Committee.
Board Membership Criteria. The Nominating and Governance Committee works with the Board on an annual basis to determine the appropriate
characteristics, skills, and experience for the Board
as a whole and its individual members. All directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics as well as an inquisitive and objective perspective, practical wisdom, and mature
judgment. In evaluating the suitability of individual Board members, the Board takes into account
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22 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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many factors, including general understanding of marketing, finance, and other disciplines relevant to the success of a large publicly traded company in today's business environment; understanding of the Company's business on a technical level; and educational and professional background. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that can best support the success of the business and, based on its diversity of experience, represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Nominating and Governance Committee also considers the director's past attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board.
Upon determining the need for a new director candidate, the Nominating and Governance Committee will identify one or more director candidates and evaluate each candidate under the criteria described above based on the information it receives with a recommendation or that it otherwise possesses, which information may be supplemented by additional inquiries. Application of these criteria involves the exercise of judgment and cannot be measured in any mathematical or routine way. Based on its assessment of each candidate's independence, skills, and qualifications and the criteria described above, the Committee will make recommendations regarding potential director candidates to the Board. The Committee has engaged a third-party firm to assist with identifying and evaluating potential director candidates. The Committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates in the same manner as other candidates. Candidates may also be designated pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement. See "Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors Stockholders' Agreement and Lauder Family Control."
Board Independence Standards for Directors. To be considered "independent" for purposes of membership on the Company's Board of
Directors, the Board must determine that a director has no material
relationship with the Company, including any of its subsidiaries, other than as a director. For each director, the Board broadly considers all relevant facts and circumstances. In making its
determination, the Board considers the following categories of relationships to be material, thus precluding a determination that a director is "independent:"
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2020 Proxy Statement | 23 |
Additionally, the following relationships will not be considered to be "material" relationships that would impair a director's independence:
Contributions to tax exempt organizations shall not be considered payments for purposes of these independence standards. An "immediate family member" includes a director's spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers- and fathers-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, brothers-and sisters-in-law, and anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such person's home.
The Board reviews at least annually whether directors meet these Director Independence Standards. The following directors have been determined by the Board to be "independent" pursuant to NYSE rules and the Company's Independent Director Standards described above: Charlene Barshefsky, Rose Marie Bravo, Wei Sun Christianson, Paul J. Fribourg, Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr., Jennifer Hyman, Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Barry S. Sternlicht, Jennifer Tejada, and Richard F. Zannino. In addition to the foregoing, in order to be considered "independent" under NYSE rules for purposes of serving on the Company's Audit Committee or Compensation Committee, a director also may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Company, other than as a director, and may not be an "affiliated person" of the Company. Audit Committee members may receive directors' fees and fixed payments for prior service with the Company. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee and each independent member of the Compensation Committee meets these additional independence requirements.
Communications with the Board. A stockholder or any other interested party may communicate with the Board, any Committee thereof, the
non-management directors as a group, or any individual
director, including the Presiding Director, by addressing the correspondence to that individual or group, c/o General Counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York 10153. The General Counsel or a designee will review such correspondence and forward to the intended recipient(s) if the substance relates to the duties and responsibilities of the
Board or director; at the discretion of the General Counsel or a designee, materials considered to be inappropriate or harassing, unsolicited advertisements, or promotional materials may not be
forwarded.
Director Nominees Recommended by Stockholders. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider stockholder recommendations of
nominees in the same manner as and pursuant to the same criteria by which it
considers all other nominees, except for nominations received pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement. Stockholders who wish to suggest qualified candidates should send their written recommendation to
the Nominating and Governance Committee, c/o General Counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. The following information must
accompany any such recommendation by a stockholder: (i) the name and address of the stockholder making the recommendation; (ii) the name, address, telephone number, and social security
number of the proposed nominee; (iii) the class or series and number of shares of the Company that are beneficially owned by the stockholder making the recommendation; (iv) a description
of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and the candidate, and an executed written consent of the proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Company if so elected;
(v) a copy of the proposed nominee's resume and references; and (vi) an analysis of the candidate's qualifications to serve on the Board of Directors and on each of the Board's
committees in light of the criteria for Board membership established by
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the Board. See "Board Membership Criteria." For stockholders intending to nominate an individual for election as a director directly, there are specific procedures set forth in our bylaws. See "Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2021 Annual Meeting" below.
Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Conduct
The Board of Directors has developed corporate governance practices to help it fulfill its responsibilities to stockholders in providing general direction and oversight of management of the Company. These practices are set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Company also has a Code of Conduct (the "Code") applicable to all employees, officers, and directors of the Company including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. These documents, as well as any waiver of a provision of the Code granted to any senior officer or director or any material amendment to the Code, may be found in the "Investors" section of the Company's website: www.elcompanies.com under "Corporate Governance."
Related Person Transactions Policy and Procedures
We have a written policy (the "Related Person Transactions Policy") that sets forth procedures for the review, approval, and ratification of transactions involving "Related Persons." Such persons consist of any director, director nominee, executive officer, any beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, any immediate family member of such persons, and any other person deemed to be a Related Person under the rules of the SEC. Under the Related Person Transactions Policy, a "Transaction" includes any financial transaction, arrangement, or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships where the Company and a Related Person are participants. The Audit Committee is responsible for administering this policy.
When a potential Related Person Transaction is identified, our policy requires that it be promptly reported to either the General Counsel or the Secretary to review. If it is determined that such Transaction is not within the scope of the Related Person Transactions Policy, then no further action is necessary. Otherwise, the Transaction shall be presented to the Audit Committee to make an assessment and determination. The information presented to the Audit Committee in connection with its assessment may include the following: (i) the Related Person's relationship to the Company; (ii) a description of the Transaction, including the material terms, the approximate aggregate value, and the identities of other parties; (iii) the benefits of the Transaction to the Company and the Related Person; (iv) the availability of other sources of comparable products or services; and (v) any other relevant information. If the Audit Committee determines that the Related Person has a direct or indirect material interest in any Transaction, the Transaction shall be disclosed in the Company's proxy statement. If the Related Person at issue is a director of the Company, or an immediate family member of a director, then such director shall not participate in the assessment or determination of the Transaction being reviewed.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation. Leonard A. Lauder is Chairman Emeritus, and his brother Ronald S. Lauder is Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC. Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder are also directors of the Company. Leonard A. Lauder has two sons, William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder. William P. Lauder is Executive Chairman and in such role is Chairman of the Board of Directors. Gary M. Lauder is not an employee of the Company. Ronald S. Lauder has two daughters, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder. Aerin Lauder is not an employee of the Company; she is the Style and Image Director for the Estée Lauder brand (see "Agreements with Aerin Lauder" below for additional information). Jane Lauder is an employee of the Company. During fiscal 2020, she was Global Brand President, Clinique, and beginning July 1, 2020 (fiscal 2021), she became Executive Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer. Jane Lauder is also a member of our Board of Directors.
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Impact of COVID-19 on Compensation Matters for Certain Lauder Family Members. In April 2020, the Company announced that, as part of its initiatives to enhance financial flexibility and liquidity, certain base salary reductions would be made over a six month period from May 1 through October 31, 2020 (i.e. the last two months of fiscal 2020 and the first four months of fiscal 2021), including the following: (i) for Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder, base salaries reduced by nearly 100%; (ii) for William P. Lauder, base salary reduced by 50%; and (iii) for Jane Lauder, base salary reduced by 30%.
Fiscal 2020 Compensation for Certain Lauder Family Members. Leonard A. Lauder's annual base salary for fiscal 2020 was $1,505,187, as adjusted for the above-referenced reduction for the last two months of fiscal 2020; without this adjustment, his fiscal 2020 annual base salary would have been $1,800,000. Ronald S. Lauder's annual base salary for fiscal 2020 was $546,854, as adjusted for the above-referenced reduction for the last two months of fiscal 2020; without this adjustment, his fiscal 2020 annual base salary would have been $650,000. In addition to his salary, Mr. R. Lauder also received a bonus of $253,600 for fiscal 2020. William P. Lauder's annual base salary for fiscal 2020 was $1,375,000, as adjusted for the above-referenced reduction for the last two months of fiscal 2020; without this adjustment, his fiscal 2020 annual base salary would have been $1,500,000. In addition to his salary, for fiscal 2020, Mr. W. Lauder also received a bonus of $1,516,050, Performance Share Units ("PSUs") with a target payout of 5,013 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 18,240 shares of Class A Common Stock, and Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") for 5,013 shares of Class A Common Stock. The aggregate earnings for fiscal 2020 on Mr. W. Lauder's nonqualified deferred compensation account were $263,523, and his aggregate account balance as of June 30, 2020 was $8,284,419. Jane Lauder's annual base salary for fiscal 2020 was $812,250, as adjusted for the above-referenced reduction for the last two months of fiscal 2020; without this adjustment, her fiscal 2020 annual base salary would have been $855,000. In addition to her salary, for fiscal 2020, Ms. J. Lauder also received a bonus of $185,150, PSUs with a target payout of 2,210 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 8,039 shares of Class A Common Stock, and RSUs for 2,210 shares of Class A Common Stock. Each of these Lauder Family Members is entitled to participate in standard benefit plans, such as the Company's pension and medical plans.
Fiscal 2021 Compensation for Certain Lauder Family Members. Leonard A. Lauder's annual base salary for fiscal 2021 is expected to be $1,210,375, as adjusted for the above-referenced reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021; without this adjustment, his fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $1,800,000. Ronald S. Lauder's annual base salary for fiscal 2021 is expected to be $443,708, as adjusted for the above-referenced reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021; without this adjustment, his fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $650,000. In addition, Mr. R. Lauder has a target incentive bonus opportunity of $350,000. William P. Lauder's annual base salary for fiscal 2021 is expected to be $1,250,000, as adjusted for the above-referenced reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021; without this adjustment, his fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $1,500,000. For fiscal 2021, Mr. W. Lauder also has a target incentive bonus opportunity of $3.1 million and a target equity opportunity of $2.4 million. In September 2020, Mr. W. Lauder was granted equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $3.82 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 5,837 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 21,900 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $218.06 per share, and RSUs for 5,837 shares of Class A Common Stock, in each case for fiscal 2021. The aggregate value of Mr. W. Lauder's equity-based compensation for fiscal 2021 includes additional amounts as explained below. See "Compensation Discussion and AnalysisImpact of COVID-19 on Compensation Matters." Jane Lauder's annual base salary for fiscal 2021 is expected to be $810,000, as adjusted for the above-referenced reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021; without this adjustment, her fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $900,000. For fiscal 2021, Ms. Lauder also has a target incentive bonus opportunity of $800,000 and a target equity opportunity of $1,600,000. In September 2020, Ms. Lauder was granted equity based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $1.93 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 2,946 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 11,062 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of
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26 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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$218.06 per share, and RSUs for 2,946 shares of Class A Common Stock, in each case for fiscal 2021. The aggregate value of Ms. Lauder's equity-based compensation for fiscal 2021 includes additional amounts as explained below. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis Impact of COVID-19 on Compensation Matters." The grants were consistent with those made to employees at Ms. Lauder's level.
Employment Agreement for Leonard A. Lauder. Leonard A. Lauder's current employment agreement (the "LAL Agreement") provides for his employment as Chairman Emeritus until such time as he resigns, retires, or is terminated. Mr. L. Lauder is entitled to participate in standard benefit plans, such as the Company's pension and medical plans. He is also entitled to participate in the Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan, but no grants have been made to him under the plan to date. If Mr. L. Lauder retires, the Company will continue to provide him with the office he currently occupies (or a comparable office if the Company relocates) and a full-time executive assistant. The Company may terminate Mr. L. Lauder's employment at any time if he becomes "permanently disabled," in which event he will be entitled to (i) receive his base salary for a period of two years after termination, (ii) receive bonus compensation during such salary continuation period at an annual rate equal to the average of the actual bonuses paid to him prior to such termination under the LAL Agreement (the "Leonard Lauder Bonus Compensation"), and (iii) participate in the Company's benefit plans for two years. In the event of Mr. L. Lauder's death during the term of his employment, for a period of one year from the date of Mr. L. Lauder's death, his beneficiary or legal representative will be entitled to receive Mr. L. Lauder's base salary and the Leonard Lauder Bonus Compensation. Mr. L. Lauder may terminate his employment at any time upon six months' written notice to the Company, in which event he will be entitled to receive his base salary and the Leonard Lauder Bonus Compensation for the six-month period following termination. In addition, the Company may terminate Mr. L. Lauder's employment for any reason upon 60 days' written notice. In the event of termination of his employment by the Company (other than for cause, disability, or death) or a termination by Mr. L. Lauder for good reason after a change of control, (a) Mr. L. Lauder, for a period of three years from the date of termination, will be entitled to (i) receive his base salary in effect at the time of termination, (ii) receive the Leonard Lauder Bonus Compensation, (iii) participate in the Company's benefit plans and (b) in the case of termination by the Company (other than for cause, disability, or death), Mr. L. Lauder will not be subject to the non-competition covenant contained in the LAL Agreement. Upon termination for any reason, any options previously granted to Mr. L. Lauder will remain exercisable for the remainder of their respective terms, subject to certain non-competition and good conduct provisions.
Employment Agreement for William P. Lauder. Under his employment agreement effective July 1, 2010, William P. Lauder is an employee-at-will, and he will continue as Executive Chairman until his retirement or other termination of his employment. The agreement provides that Mr. W. Lauder's base salary and bonus opportunities will be set by the Compensation Committee and that his equity grants are to be determined by the Stock Plan Subcommittee. In addition to benefits generally available to senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $20,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $75,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. W. Lauder.
Lauder Family Members. As used in this Proxy Statement, the term "Lauder Family Members" includes only the following persons: (i) the estate of Mrs. Estée Lauder; (ii) each descendant of Mrs. Estée Lauder (a "Lauder Descendant") and their respective estates, guardians, conservators, or committees; (iii) each "Family Controlled Entity" (as defined below); and (iv) the trustees, in their respective capacities as such, of each "Family Controlled Trust" (as defined below). The term "Family Controlled Entity" means: (i) any not-for-profit corporation if at least 80% of its board of directors is composed of Lauder Descendants; (ii) any other corporation if at least 80% of the value of its
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2020 Proxy Statement | 27 |
outstanding equity is owned by Lauder Family Members; (iii) any partnership if at least 80% of the value of its partnership interests are owned by Lauder Family Members; and (iv) any limited liability or similar company if at least 80% of the value of the company is owned by Lauder Family Members. The term "Family Controlled Trust" includes certain trusts existing on November 16, 1995 and trusts the primary beneficiaries of which are Lauder Descendants, spouses of Lauder Descendants, and/or charitable organizations, provided that if the trust is a wholly charitable trust, at least 80% of the trustees of such trust consist of Lauder Descendants.
Registration Rights Agreement. Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust, William P. Lauder, Gary M.
Lauder, Aerin Lauder, Jane Lauder, certain Family
Controlled Entities and other Family Controlled Trusts, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan Guaranty"), and the Company are parties to a Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration
Rights Agreement"), pursuant to which each of Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, and Morgan Guaranty has three demand registration rights and The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust has six
demand registration rights in respect of shares of Class A Common Stock (including Class A Common Stock issued upon conversion of Class B Common Stock) held by them. Three of the
demand rights granted to The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust may be used only by a pledgee of The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust's shares of Common Stock. All the parties to the
Registration Rights Agreement (other than the Company) also have an unlimited number of piggyback registration rights in respect of their shares. The rights of Morgan Guaranty and any other pledgee of
The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust under the Registration Rights Agreement will be exercisable only in the event of a default under certain loan arrangements. Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S.
Lauder may assign their demand registration rights to Lauder Family Members. The Company is not required to effect more than one registration of Class A Common Stock in any consecutive
twelve-month period. The piggyback registration rights allow the holders to include their shares of Class A Common Stock in any registration statement filed by the Company, subject to certain
limitations. The Company is required to pay all expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions of the selling stockholders, taxes payable by the selling stockholders, and the fees and
expenses of the selling stockholders' counsel) in connection with any demand registrations, as well as any registrations pursuant to the exercise of piggyback rights. The Company has agreed to
indemnify the selling stockholders against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933.
Stockholders' Agreement. All Lauder Family Members who are party to the Stockholders' Agreement have agreed to vote shares beneficially
owned by them for Leonard A. Lauder (or for one of
his sons), Ronald S. Lauder (or for one of his daughters), and one person, if any, designated by each as a director of the Company. Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder are parties to the Stockholders'
Agreement solely as trustees of certain trusts. Shares subject to the Stockholders' Agreement represent a substantial majority of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. See "Additional
Information Regarding the Board of Directors Stockholders' Agreement and Lauder Family Control."
Parties to the Stockholders' Agreement may, without restriction under the agreement, sell their shares in a widely distributed underwritten public offering, in sales made in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, or to other Lauder Family Members. In addition, each party to the Stockholders' Agreement may freely donate shares in an amount not to exceed 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock in any 90-day period. In the case of other private sales, each stockholder who is a party to the Stockholders' Agreement (the "Offering Stockholder") has granted to each other party (the "Offeree") a right of first offer to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock that the Offering Stockholder intends to sell to a person (or group of persons) who is not a Lauder Family Member. Each Offeree has the opportunity to purchase the Offeree's pro rata portion of the shares to be offered by the Offering Stockholder, as well as additional shares not purchased by other Offerees. Any shares not purchased pursuant to the right of first offer may be sold at or above 95% of the price offered to the Offerees. The Stockholders' Agreement also includes provisions for bona fide pledges of shares of Common Stock and procedures related to
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such pledges. The Stockholders' Agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including the transfer of shares of Common Stock by a party to the Stockholders' Agreement that causes all parties thereto immediately after such transaction to own beneficially in the aggregate shares having less than 10% of the total voting power of the Company.
Agreements with Aerin Lauder. Estee Lauder Inc. ("ELI"), a subsidiary of the Company, is party to (i) a creative consultant
agreement with Aerin Lauder (the "Creative Consultant
Agreement") and (ii) a brand license agreement with Ms. Lauder and Aerin LLC, a limited liability company wholly owned by Ms. Lauder (the "License Agreement").
Creative Consultant Agreement. Under the Creative Consultant Agreement, Aerin Lauder is a spokesperson for the Estée Lauder brand and collaborates with the Estée Lauder Creative Director on creative aspects of the brand as Style and Image Director. The current term of this agreement expires June 30, 2021. For fiscal 2020, Ms. Lauder received approximately $654,000 for her services under the agreement. For fiscal 2021, she will receive approximately $680,000 for such services. During the term of the Creative Consultant Agreement, the Company has the exclusive right to use Ms. Lauder's name and image to market beauty products and related services of the Estée Lauder brand, and Ms. Lauder has agreed to no more than 25 days of personal appearances per year for the brand, the Company, or its subsidiaries, after which ELI is required to pay her an additional amount per day (for fiscal 2020, $28,000; and for fiscal 2021, $29,000). No additional amount per day was paid in fiscal 2020. An office and access to an assistant are also provided to Ms. Lauder in connection with her services.
License Agreement. Under the License Agreement, Aerin LLC has granted ELI a worldwide license to use the "Aerin" trademark and "A" logo (and related marks) and Ms. Lauder's name and image (i) exclusively in connection with "Core Beauty Products" (cosmetics, fragrances, toiletries, skin care, hair care, value sets, and beauty accessories) and (ii) non-exclusively in connection with "Non-Core Beauty Products" (cosmetics bags, tote bags, and fragranced candles). The License Agreement covers the name "Aerin" and not the name "Lauder," for which the Company and its subsidiaries retain sole ownership. The initial license term expired on June 30, 2017, at which time the agreement automatically renewed for an additional 5-year period through June 30, 2022. The License Agreement provides for two additional 5-year renewal terms if ELI does not give notice of non-renewal and net sales hit certain performance targets (or if ELI cures a sales shortfall, in certain circumstances).
ELI launched AERIN Beauty in September 2012 with several products, and additional products have been introduced since then. ELI may launch additional Aerin-branded products in its reasonable commercial judgment. Ms. Lauder has agreed to provide at least ten personal appearances under the License Agreement during each fiscal year, for which she will not be compensated, and which are in addition to those appearances covered by the Creative Consultant Agreement. ELI will be responsible for Ms. Lauder's reasonable travel expenses in connection with such appearances. Aerin LLC may terminate the License Agreement if an unaffiliated third party obtains more than 50% of the voting power or equity of ELI. ELI may terminate the License Agreement if control of Aerin LLC (or substantially all of its assets) is transferred to a competitor of ELI or to certain categories of retailers not engaged in prestige distribution. Either side may terminate the License Agreement for an uncured material breach.
Under the License Agreement, Aerin LLC receives the following royalties: (i) for all products other than fragrances, 4% of annual net sales up to $40 million and 5% of annual net sales in excess thereof; and (ii) for fragrances, 5% of annual net sales. For fiscal 2020, Aerin LLC was paid approximately $532,000 in royalties. Under the agreement, ELI must spend the following minimum amounts to promote Aerin-branded products: 15% of ELI's net sales each annual period (July 1 June 30) in the remaining term of the agreement, with such requirement capped each year at 50% of Aerin LLC's similar expenditures, either directly or through other licensees, on Aerin-branded products. Both ELI and Aerin LLC will distribute Aerin-branded products only through prestige
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2020 Proxy Statement | 29 |
retailers. In addition, in fiscal 2020, in connection with the License Agreement, the Company received approximately $131,000 from Aerin LLC for AERIN products provided for sale in Aerin retail locations and on Aerin LLC's website.
Under the License Agreement, the Company has agreed to invest in the AERIN Beauty business an additional $300,000 each year during the remaining term of the License Agreement for incremental advertising and promotion. Further, the license agreement has a provision concerning a sublicense to a third party to use certain licensed intellectual property solely in connection with amenity-size licensed products. Pursuant to that agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Aerin LLC 50% of any royalty obtained from the third party. In fiscal 2020, no such payments were made.
Other Arrangements. The Company has subleased certain of its office space in New York to an affiliate of Ronald S. Lauder. This
sublease was renewed in March 2020 for a five-year
term with three consecutive five-year renewal terms. For fiscal 2020, the rent paid or accrued was approximately $951,000, which equals the Company's lease payments for that space. The Company also
has agreed to provide such affiliate with certain services, such as phone systems, payroll service, and office and administrative services, which are reimbursed at a rate approximating the Company's
incremental cost thereof. For fiscal 2020, such affiliate paid approximately $12.6 million pursuant to such agreement. At June 30, 2020, such affiliate had deposited with the Company
approximately $1.10 million to cover expenses. The Company has similar arrangements for space and services with an affiliate of Leonard A. Lauder and his family. For fiscal 2020, that affiliate
paid the Company approximately $8.5 million for office space and certain services, such as phone systems, payroll service, and office and administrative services. At June 30, 2020, that
affiliate had approximately $790,000 deposited with the Company to cover expenses. The payments by both of the affiliates approximated the Company's incremental cost of the relevant space and
services.
The Company charters an aircraft owned indirectly by Executive Chairman William P. Lauder (the "Aircraft") for certain business travel by Mr. Lauder himself and other Company employees. For such use, the Company pays no more than market rates for comparable travel. For fiscal 2020, the Company paid approximately $324,000 for travel on the Aircraft.
Certain members of the Lauder family (and entities affiliated with one or more of them) own numerous works of art that are displayed at the Company's offices. The Company pays no fee to the owners for displaying such works, and the owners of the works pay for their maintenance. In fiscal 2020, the Company paid premiums of less than $10,000 for insurance relating to such works.
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The following summary describes compensation for non-employee directors, including temporary actions taken in light of COVID-19.
Annual Cash Retainer for Board Service. Each non-employee director receives an annual cash retainer of $100,000, payable quarterly,
which may be deferred as explained below.
Annual Cash Retainer for Presiding Director. The Presiding Director receives an additional annual cash retainer of $30,000, payable
quarterly, which may be deferred as explained below.
Annual Cash Retainer for Committee Service. Each non-employee director who serves on a committee receives an additional annual cash
retainer in the following amounts: $12,000 per year for service on the
Audit Committee, $8,000 per year for service on the Compensation Committee (including service on the Stock Plan Subcommittee), and $8,000 per year for service on the Nominating and Governance
Committee. The Chair of the Audit Committee receives a further annual cash retainer of $25,000. The Chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee receive a further
annual cash retainer of $15,000 each. Cash retainers for committee service are paid quarterly and may be deferred, as explained below.
Deferral of Annual Cash Retainers. Non-employee directors may elect to defer receipt of all or part of their cash-based compensation.
Specifically, pursuant to Deferred Compensation Agreements,
they may defer any or all of the above-referenced annual cash retainers into either (i) stock units (accompanied by dividend equivalent rights) or (ii) an interest-bearing cash account,
in each case to be paid out in a lump sum in cash as of the first business day of the calendar year following the date on which the director ceases to be a member of the Board.
Impact of COVID-19 on Director Compensation Matters Annual Cash Retainers. In April 2020, the Company announced that, as
part of its initiatives to enhance financial flexibility and liquidity due to the impacts of COVID-19, non-employee
directors would forego cash retainers that would have been paid through November 2020. As a result, the cash retainers that would have been paid in May 2020 (fiscal 2020) and July 2020 (fiscal 2021)
were not paid; in addition, the non-employee directors will not receive the cash retainers that would have been payable in November 2020 (fiscal 2021).
Initial Stock Grant. On the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders that is more than six months after a non-employee
director's initial election to the Board, the director
receives a grant of 2,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (plus a cash payment in an amount to cover related income taxes), pursuant to the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Share
Incentive Plan (the "Director Share Plan").
Annual Stock Units Retainer for Board Service. An additional $75,000 is payable to each non-employee director by a grant of stock units
(accompanied by dividend equivalent rights) as an annual stock retainer,
pursuant to the Director Share Plan. This grant is made on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The number of stock units to be awarded is determined by dividing $75,000 by the average
closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the twenty trading days preceding the date of grant. Each stock unit is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock, and the
Class A Common Stock represented by the stock units is distributed to the director on or after the first business day of the calendar year following the date on which the director ceases to be
a member of the Board.
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Annual Stock Options. In addition to the cash and stock portion of the retainer, each non-employee director receives an annual grant of
options valued at no more than $100,000 on the
date of grant, pursuant to the Director Share Plan. This grant is made on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The exercise price of the options is equal to the closing price of the
Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The options are exercisable beginning one year after the date of grant, provided that the director continues to serve as of such date. The options
generally terminate ten years after the date of grant.
Stock Ownership Requirement. As set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board believes that in order to align
the interests of directors and stockholders, directors
should have a significant financial stake in the Company. Specifically, each director should own shares of the Company's Common Stock with a value equal to or greater than four times the annual cash
retainer for Board service. Applying this guideline for fiscal 2020, each director was required to own shares of the Company's Common Stock with a value equal to or greater than $400,000
(i.e. $100,000 × 4). A director must be in compliance with this requirement no later than three years after initial election to the Board. Therefore, Ms. Hyman and
Ms. Tejada have until April 2021 to satisfy this requirement. As of the end of fiscal 2020, each of the directors was in compliance with this stock ownership requirement.
Company Products. The Company provides directors with certain Company products from different brands and product categories. The Company
believes that providing these products
serves a business purpose by expanding the directors' knowledge of the Company's business. The Company also provides each non-employee director with the opportunity to purchase up to $1,280 worth of
the Company's products each calendar year (based on suggested retail prices) at no charge; if a director chooses to take advantage of this opportunity and purchases more than $640 worth of the
Company's products, the excess is imputed as taxable income to the director. For the year ended June 30, 2020, the aggregate incremental cost to the Company for products provided to the
directors was substantially less than $10,000 per director. Non-employee directors may also purchase Company products with the same discount made available to employees of the Company.
Reimbursement of Expenses. Non-employee directors are reimbursed for their reasonable expenses (including costs of travel, food, and
lodging) incurred in attending Board, committee, and
stockholder meetings. Directors are also reimbursed for any other reasonable expenses relating to their service on the Board, including participating in director continuing education and Company site
visits.
Role of Compensation Consultant. In fiscal 2020, the Nominating and Governance Committee engaged Semler Brossy Consulting Group,
LLC ("Semler Brossy") to assess trends and developments in
director compensation practices and assist the Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities regarding compensation of directors for service on the Company's Board and its committees. Semler Brossy's
work for the Committee includes a competitive benchmarking of director compensation practices, referencing the same peer group used for the Company's executive compensation analysis, as set forth in
the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Committee determined that Semler Brossy is free of conflicts of interest.
Management Directors. Directors who are also employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for service as directors.
These directors are Fabrizio Freda, Jane Lauder,
Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, and William P. Lauder.
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32 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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The following table sets forth compensation information regarding the Company's non-employee directors in fiscal 2020.
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Name |
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Fees
Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(1)(2) |
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Stock
Awards ($)(3)(4) |
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Option
Awards ($)(5)(6) |
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Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
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Change in
Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(7) |
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All Other
Compensation ($) |
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Total
($) |
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Charlene Barshefsky |
| $ | 92,250 | | $ | 75,000 | | $ | 99,993 | | | | | | | $ | 46,079 | | | | | | | $ | 313,322 | | ||
Rose Marie Bravo |
| 81,000 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 255,993 | | |||||||
Wei Sun Christianson |
| 81,000 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 255,993 | | |||||||
Paul J. Fribourg |
| 90,000 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 264,993 | | |||||||
Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. |
| 114,750 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 289,743 | | |||||||
Jennifer Hyman |
| 84,000 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 258,993 | | |||||||
Richard D. Parsons |
| 87,000 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 261,993 | | |||||||
Lynn Forester de Rothschild |
| 81,000 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 255,993 | | |||||||
Barry S. Sternlicht |
| 81,000 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 255,993 | | |||||||
Jennifer Tejada |
| 84,000 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 258,993 | | |||||||
Richard F. Zannino |
| 102,750 | | 75,000 | | 99,993 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 277,743 | |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 33 |
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Name |
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Total Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock
Underlying Stock Awards Outstanding as of June 30, 2020 |
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Charlene Barshefsky |
| | 18,701 | | | |
Rose Marie Bravo |
| | 15,080 | | | |
Wei Sun Christianson |
| | 8,687 | | | |
Paul J. Fribourg |
| | 10,291 | | | |
Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. |
| | 22,347 | | | |
Jennifer Hyman |
| | 975 | | | |
Richard D. Parsons |
| | 17,649 | * | | |
Lynn Forester de Rothschild |
| | 18,478 | | | |
Barry S. Sternlicht |
| | 14,137 | | | |
Jennifer Tejada |
| | 975 | | | |
Richard F. Zannino |
| | 9,516 | | |
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34 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Name |
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Total Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock
Underlying Stock Options Outstanding as of June 30, 2020 |
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Charlene Barshefsky |
| | 33,308 | * | | |
Rose Marie Bravo |
| | 7,140 | | | |
Wei Sun Christianson |
| | 33,308 | | | |
Paul J. Fribourg |
| | 4,234 | | | |
Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. |
| | 4,234 | | | |
Jennifer Hyman |
| | 4,234 | | | |
Richard D. Parsons |
| | 4,234 | | | |
Lynn Forester de Rothschild |
| | 33,308 | | | |
Barry S. Sternlicht |
| | 43,308 | | | |
Jennifer Tejada |
| | 4,234 | | | |
Richard F. Zannino |
| | 23,996 | | |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 35 |
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of August 3, 2020 by: (i) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock; (ii) each of the Company's directors or nominees; (iii) each of the executive officers whose names appear in the Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group. Except as set forth in the notes to the table, the business or mailing address of each 5% stockholder is 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. As described in the notes to the table, certain named beneficial owners share voting and/or investment power with respect to certain shares of Common Stock. Consequently, such shares are shown as beneficially owned by more than one person.
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Class A
Common Stock(1) |
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Class B
Common Stock |
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Voting
Power |
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Name of Beneficial Owner |
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Number(2) |
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% |
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Number |
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% |
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% |
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|||||
Leonard A. Lauder(3)(4) |
| 601,138 | | 0.3 | % | | | | | * | | |||||
LAL Family Corporation(3)(5) |
| | | | | 86,437,628 | | 63.9 | % | 54.8 | % | |||||
Ronald S. Lauder(3)(6) |
| 73,335 | | * | | 7,581,210 | | 5.6 | % | 4.8 | % | |||||
William P. Lauder(3)(7) |
| 29,116 | | * | | 8,515,960 | | 6.3 | % | 5.4 | % | |||||
Gary M. Lauder(3)(8) |
| 10,468 | | * | | 45,740 | | * | | * | | |||||
Aerin Lauder(3)(9) |
| 1,692 | | * | | 6,585,594 | | 4.9 | % | 4.2 | % | |||||
Jane Lauder(3)(10) |
| 165,073 | | * | | 22,346,614 | | 16.5 | % | 14.2 | % | |||||
Joel S. Ehrenkranz, as trustee(3)(11) |
| 586,138 | | 0.3 | % | | | | | * | | |||||
Richard D. Parsons, individually and as trustee(3)(12) |
| 24,420 | | * | | 8,633,277 | | 6.4 | % | 5.5 | % | |||||
Charlene Barshefsky(13) |
| 119,688 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Rose Marie Bravo(14) |
| 28,315 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Wei Sun Christianson(15) |
| 44,225 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Paul J. Fribourg(16) |
| 16,620 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr.(17) |
| 30,416 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Jennifer Hyman(18) |
| 5,304 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Lynn Forester de Rothschild(19) |
| 53,881 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Barry S. Sternlicht(20) |
| 122,522 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Jennifer Tejada(21) |
| 5,304 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Richard F. Zannino(22) |
| 31,607 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Fabrizio Freda(23) |
| 917,706 | | 0.4 | % | | | | | * | | |||||
John Demsey(24) |
| 11,904 | | * | | | | | | * | | |||||
Cedric Prouvé(25) |
| 273,279 | | 0.1 | % | | | | | * | | |||||
Deirdre Stanley(26) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |||||
Tracey T. Travis(27) |
| 315,810 | | 0.1 | % | | | | | * | | |||||
BlackRock, Inc.(28) |
| 15,894,921 | | 7.1 | % | | | | | 1.0 | % | |||||
FMR LLC(29) |
| 15,924,277 | | 7.1 | % | | | | | 1.0 | % | |||||
The Vanguard Group(30) |
| 17,527,874 | | 7.8 | % | | | | | 1.1 | % | |||||
All directors and executive officers as a group (26 persons)(31) |
| 3,233,631 | | 1.4 | % | 47,077,061 | | 34.8 | % | 30.0 | % |
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36 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Mr. R. Lauder disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock owned by trusts for the benefit of one or more of his children and by The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation. 6,325,000 shares of Class B Common Stock are pledged by Mr. R. Lauder to secure loans under loan facilities with certain banks as to which he has sole voting power and shares investment power with certain pledgees under the loan facilities. In March 2020, a
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2020 Proxy Statement | 37 |
previously-disclosed prepaid variable forward sale contract between Mr. Lauder and an unaffiliated third-party buyer was settled in shares of Class A Common Stock; that transaction and a related pledge of shares of Class B Common Stock are no longer outstanding.
Mr. G. Lauder disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held as custodian to the extent he does not have a pecuniary interest in such shares.
Ms. A. Lauder disclaims beneficial ownership to the extent that she does not have a pecuniary interest in the shares held by the 2008 Descendants Trust. Shares held by Ms. A. Lauder directly are not subject to the Stockholders' Agreement. Richard D. Parsons is trustee of a trust for the benefit of Ms. A. Lauder that holds shares of Class B Common Stock. See note (12).
Ms. J. Lauder disclaims beneficial ownership to the extent that she does not have a pecuniary interest in the shares held by the 2008 Descendants Trust. Shares held by Ms. J. Lauder directly are not subject to the Stockholders' Agreement.
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38 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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The 4202 Trust owns all of the outstanding shares of The 4202 Corporation, which corporation is a Lauder Family Member and owns the shares of Class B Common Stock directly. The 4202 Corporation is not a party to the Stockholders' Agreement; therefore any shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock owned by The 4202 Corporation are not subject to that agreement. Mr. Parsons disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by The 4202 Corporation. Mr. Parsons's business address is 31 West 52nd Street, Suite 2400, New York, New York 10019.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 39 |
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40 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 41 |
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Summary
Fiscal 2020 was an extraordinarily difficult year for the global economy, our business and our Company. Our performance in the first half of fiscal 2020 was exceptional and on track to achieve better than maximum performance on numerous metrics. The momentum continued into the second half until the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 significantly disrupted the lives of our consumers, as well as the abilities of our customers and suppliers to operate. During those first few months, and continuing through the rest of fiscal 2020, our management pivoted to capture opportunities in the channels that remained fully functional, made difficult choices, and executed with excellence using new and existing technologies and new ways of working. The second half also marked a period of profound pain as tragic events in the United States highlighted the systemic racial injustice that has plagued our society for far too long. In June 2020, we announced a comprehensive set of commitments to act with urgency on achieving racial equity. Throughout the past several months, our executive officers and other employees have showcased their agility and flexibility, as well as the family values at the heart of our Company. Reflecting how we are managed on the principles of long-term stewardship and "patient capital," our citizenship and sustainability goals remain on track.
To help employees in light of the impacts of COVID-19, the Company developed global initiatives that were implemented at the regional and local levels, including (i) the establishment of the ELC Cares Employee Relief Fund to provide immediate and critical financial relief to eligible employees; (ii) a Medical Review Board comprised of senior leaders and leading medical experts to guide the Company on a number of matters, including health and safety policies, guidelines, and protocols; (iii) access to Company-paid supplemental COVID-19 support (e.g., medical triage services and telehealth services) for full-time and part-time employees where necessary and permissible; (iv) a new global Employee Assistance Program with expanded services; (v) enhanced childcare and eldercare benefits; and (vi) for point-of-sale and field employees in locations where retail operations were closed or experiencing slow recovery, the Company maintained Company-paid healthcare and other benefits for a period of time.
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42 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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In fiscal 2020, our multiple engines of growth strategy proved highly effective. The Estée Lauder brand grew double-digits for the third consecutive year. Asia/Pacific was strong with organic sales growth in mainland China and several other markets driving prestige beauty share gains, our skin care category grew and was further boosted by the acquisition of Have&Be Co. Ltd. (i.e. Dr. Jart+), and our online channel surged. We quickly pivoted to capture consumption online during COVID-19 as retail stores around the world temporarily closed. Our closing stock price of $188.68 on June 30, 2020 was above our closing stock price of $183.11 on June 28, 2019 (the last trading day of fiscal 2019). In fiscal 2020, we increased the common stock dividend rate by 12%, repurchased 5 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for $893 million, and used $623 million of cash flow from operations for capital expenditures.
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Financial Measure |
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Fiscal 2020 |
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Change over
Prior Year |
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3-Year
Compound Annual Growth Rate (or Basis Point Change) |
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5-Year
Compound Annual Growth Rate (or Basis Point Change) |
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Net Sales |
| $ | 14.3 billion | | | (4)% | | | | 7% | | | | 6% | | | |||
Net Sales as adjusted(1) |
| $ | 14.3 billion | | | (4)% | | | | 7% | | | | 5% | | | |||
Net Sales as adjusted in constant currency(1) |
| $ | 14.4 billion | | | (3)% | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | |||
Operating Margin |
| 4.2% | | | (1,140)bp | | | | (1,010)bp | | | | (1,070)bp | | | ||||
Operating Margin as adjusted(1) |
| 14.7% | | | (280)bp | | | | (120)bp | | | | (120)bp | | | ||||
Diluted EPS |
| $ | 1.86 | | | (61)% | | | | (18)% | | | | (8)% | | | |||
Diluted EPS as adjusted(1) |
| $ | 4.12 | | | (23)% | | | | 6% | | | | 6% | | | |||
Diluted EPS as adjusted in constant currency(1) |
| $ | 4.16 | | | (22)% | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | |||
Return on Invested Capital Return on Invested Capital as adjusted(2) |
| 18.5% | | | (720)bp | | | | (40)bp | | | | (310)bp | | | ||||
Cash Flow from Operations |
| $ | 2.3 billion | | | (9)% | | | | 8% | | | | 3% | | | |||
Total Stockholder Return ("TSR")(3) |
| 3.8% | | | | | | | 102.5% | | | | 130.7% | | | ||||
TSR S&P 500 Composite(3) |
| 7.5% | | | | | | | 35.8% | | | | 66.5% | | |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 43 |
As COVID-19 impacted our business, we implemented a number of cash conservation measures, including suspension of our share repurchase program; not declaring the quarterly cash dividend that would have been payable in June 2020; temporary salary reductions for senior management; temporary elimination of cash retainers for the Board of Directors; and cutting approximately one-third of our planned capital investments for fiscal 2020.
For fiscal 2021, we remain focused on the safety and well-being of our employees and consumers. Our strategic priorities rightly balance investment in those engines of growth where we see the greatest opportunities with cost discipline amid the ongoing pandemic. Through the Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program announced in August 2020, we plan to better align our brick-and-mortar footprint to improve productivity and invest for growth. We are well-positioned to drive growth as the market dynamics support it, yet remain equally mindful of the effects of COVID-19 on consumers, the retail sector and economics, in general, as well as geopolitical uncertainty.
The following summarizes key executive compensation matters:
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44 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
At the 2019 Annual Meeting, approximately 99% of the votes cast in connection with the stockholders advisory vote on compensation of the NEOs were cast in favor of the proposal. We have considered this voting result, and as explained below, our compensation policies and decisions continue to be focused on sustainable financial performance and aligning the interests of senior management with the interests of stockholders.
Overview of Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our compensation program for executive officers is designed to attract and retain world class talent and to motivate achievement of both our long-term and short-term goals. We believe that the design and governance of our program supports, and aligns executive officers with, the business strategy and the overall goal to continue sustainable growth of net sales, profitability, and return on invested capital on an annual and long-term basis. Our executive compensation program reflects our successful track record and the control by the Lauder family. Periodically, we review various aspects of our compensation program to ensure that it remains aligned with our business strategy and the above-referenced goals. From time to time, we discuss various topics, including executive compensation and corporate governance matters, with investors and other stakeholders.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 45 |
Key features of our compensation programs, policies, and practices are as follows:
Align pay with performance and the interests of stockholders by linking a significant portion of total compensation to the achievement of Company-wide performance criteria during one- and three-year performance periods | |||
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Deliver approximately one-third of the value of annual equity awards in PSUs, with failure to achieve the pre-established minimum threshold amount resulting in no payout under the PSUs |
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Conduct an annual evaluation about risk in compensation programs to confirm that our compensation programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company |
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Engage a compensation consultant that reports directly to the Committee and is free of conflicts of interest |
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Maintain stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for executive officers to further align their interests with those of our stockholders |
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Prohibit repricing or buying out stock options |
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Prohibit hedging of outstanding equity grants |
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Maintain policies on insider trading, clawbacks, and pledging |
Our executive compensation program is designed to achieve our business and financial goals by providing compensation that: aligns executives' interests with our long-term and short-term goals and the interests of our stockholders; rewards performance at the Company, business unit, and individual levels; is competitive with the compensation practices at other leading beauty and consumer products companies; and is equitable among our executive officers.
Employment agreements in effect during fiscal 2020 for our NEOs are described under "Employment Agreements" and, for Ms. Stanley, also under "Compensation for Other NEOs." Our standard employment agreements for executive officers cover termination and severance and include non-competition, confidentiality, and related provisions. They do not include specified amounts of salary, bonus opportunities, or equity-based compensation for future years. For executive officers who are recruited to join the Company, we will specify levels of salary, bonus opportunities, and equity-based compensation grants for certain initial periods or that relate to initial grants (e.g., to compensate the officer for amounts or awards that may be forfeited at a prior employer).
The compensation program for executive officers is established and administered by the Committee and the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee approves the terms of all equity grants to executive officers under our long-term equity incentive plan (including any equity compensation-related terms of employment agreements for executive officers). The Committee approves all other aspects of executive compensation.
Impact of COVID-19 on Compensation Matters
As explained above, fiscal 2020 was an extraordinarily difficult year for the global economy, our business and our Company. Given the impacts of COVID-19 on the market and the ongoing uncertainty around potential future impacts, employees are working differently and with greater flexibility. As COVID-19 impacted our business, we implemented a number of expense reduction and cash conservation measures as part of our initiatives to enhance financial flexibility and liquidity. Against this extremely challenging backdrop, the Compensation Committee and the Subcommittee made certain decisions, in their discretion, described below. These decisions are meant to balance the impact on employees with the impact on our stockholders who saw an increase in the fiscal year end stock price ($188.68 at June 30, 2020 as compared to $183.11 at June 28, 2019, the last trading day of fiscal 2019) despite the impacts of COVID-19. Under the
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46 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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principles of trying to ensure that employees are not overly impacted for outcomes outside their control and to ensure that they remain incentivized for future performance, we took the following compensation actions as further explained below:
Temporary Base Salary Reductions
As the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our business became clearer, especially for point-of-sale and field employees in retail operations, senior management took reductions in their base salaries to show their solidarity with impacted employees and to contribute to the Company's initiatives to reduce expenses and enhance financial flexibility and liquidity. Similarly, non-employee directors are foregoing cash retainers that would have been paid through November 2020. See "Director Compensation" above. These temporary reductions were part of the numerous actions we took in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 to reduce expenses so we could prioritize areas of growth and cash generation among our geographic regions, product categories, brands, and channels of distribution. The salary reductions for executive officers, including those mentioned by name in this paragraph, are for the six-month period ending October 31, 2020, so they impact salaries in both fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021. For the NEOs, the salary reduction is 50% for Mr. Freda and 30% for Ms. Travis, Mr. Demsey, Mr. Prouvé, and Ms. Stanley. The base salaries for Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus, and Ronald S. Lauder, Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC, are being reduced by nearly 100%. The base salary for William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman, is being reduced by 50%, and the base salaries for the remainder of the Company's executive officers are being reduced by 30%. Base salary reductions for the NEOs between May 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020 are reflected in the fiscal 2020 Summary Compensation Table. The impact of the salary reductions between July 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020 will be reflected in the fiscal 2021 Summary Compensation Table, as applicable.
Fiscal 2020 EAIP Payouts In addition to cash payments as calculated, additional amounts awarded for fiscal 2021 annual equity grants
For the NEOs and other executive officers, the Compensation Committee measured the results against the EAIP goals set in September 2019. As such, the bonus payouts in cash reflect the impacts of COVID-19 on our business operations during fiscal 2020. Our incentive plan payouts were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 relative to actual employee performance, resulting in payouts substantially less than in previous years. Given the outstanding performance collectively and individually by the various executive officers, the Subcommittee decided to grant additional value, in the form of additional amounts to the annual fiscal 2021 equity grants, to the NEOs and other executive officers, as applicable. While the additional amounts are not intended to, and will not, close the gap on bonus payouts caused by the impacts of COVID-19, the Subcommittee believes they will further align employees' and stockholders' interests on a long-term basis while driving collaboration across the enterprise and recognizing the continued resiliency and creativity of the Company's employees.
In determining the additional amounts for each executive officer's fiscal 2021 annual equity grants, the Subcommittee considered the difference between the actual payout under the EAIP and the amount the individual would have received for fiscal 2020 (a) assuming a floor of 40% for the Business Unit Multiplier and (b) assuming a floor of 90% for the Corporate Multiplier. The
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2020 Proxy Statement | 47 |
Subcommittee decided that these actions regarding the Business Unit Multiplier and the Corporate Multiplier serve to better protect the stronger performing business units while at the same time providing a reasonable reward and incentives to those business units that were more deeply affected. See "Impact of COVID-19 on Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Bonus Payouts and Fiscal 2021 Annual Equity Grants to Named Executive Officers" for information about how these decisions impacted the NEOs, as applicable.
Changes to the Fiscal 2021 EAIP and Fiscal 2021 PSU Design
The Compensation Committee and the Subcommittee, each in consultation with management, considered whether to simplify both the fiscal 2021 EAIP and fiscal 2021 PSU design in order to focus employee efforts on overall Company Net Sales and Operating Margin recovery, and to continue to incent performance and reward agility through these challenging and unprecedented times. At the same time, the Compensation Committee and the Subcommittee recognized the importance of maintaining the core design of our plans and energizing participants by increasing the maximum payouts.
After significant consideration and discussion, the Compensation Committee and the Subcommittee determined that the decisions explained below would most appropriately balance the interests of our employees and our stockholders and position us well going forward by (a) providing for reasonable protection to employees with regard to aggressive goals in a volatile environment, (b) continuing to drive a performance orientation, through sustained engagement, that motivates and rewards results for each individual business unit and the overall Company, (c) contributing to our Company's cash conservation efforts, and (d) tying EAIP and PSU awards to align, over the long term, with stockholders' interests. These modifications will apply for fiscal 2021, and the Compensation Committee and the Subcommittee plan to revisit the EAIP design and PSU design in fiscal 2022 once more is known about the duration and impacts of COVID-19.
Changes to Fiscal 2021 EAIP
For the reasons explained above, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, approved the following changes to the fiscal 2021 EAIP:
Changes to Fiscal 2021 PSU Design
The Subcommittee recognizes that setting three-year financial goals is far more challenging at this time, given the uncertainty and volatility due to COVID-19; however, the Subcommittee decided that it was important to continue granting PSUs to drive performance accountability and alignment with stockholders' interests and long-term results. Therefore, the Subcommittee considered and discussed appropriate and thoughtful modifications to the PSU design in order to drive increased focus on Net Sales and Diluted EPS. For the reasons explained above, the Subcommittee, in its discretion, approved the following changes to the fiscal 2021 PSU design:
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48 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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The Compensation Committee and the Subcommittee determined that these decisions most appropriately balanced the interests of our employees and our stockholders and position us well going forward by providing for reasonable protection to employees with regard to aggressive goals in a volatile environment; continuing to drive a performance orientation that motivates and rewards results for each individual business unit and the overall Company; contributing to the Company's cash conservation efforts; and tying EAIP and PSU awards to align, over the long term, with stockholders' interests.
Elements of Compensation
Our executive compensation program for fiscal 2020 generally consisted of the following:
For information regarding changes to the EAIP and design changes to our PSUs, in each case for fiscal 2021, see "Impact of COVID-19 on Compensation Matters."
The Committee, Subcommittee, and our senior management begin their review of compensation by looking first at the components of total direct compensation, gauging, for each type of position in the executive officer group, the extent to which total direct compensation is broadly aligned with that of our executive compensation peer group. The Committee, Subcommittee, and our senior management then review the elements of compensation (i.e. base salary, annual cash incentive bonus opportunities, and long-term equity-based compensation opportunities) and determine a mix of these elements as a percentage of total direct compensation. The mix is intended to be performance based (i.e. provide a greater percentage of compensation in the form of variable annual and long-term incentive compensation) and reasonable when compared with the peer group. As shown below, the CEO annual target pay mix for fiscal 2020 was 89% performance based, and the average annual target pay mix for the other NEOs for fiscal 2020 was 84% performance based. Executive officers with similar responsibilities generally have a similar mix of pay elements. There is internal pay equity among similarly situated executive officers, which is intended to foster a team-oriented approach to managing the business. Total direct compensation and allocations of metrics within the EAIP are determined based on the type and
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2020 Proxy Statement | 49 |
level of responsibility of the particular executive officer, internal pay equity, and competitive considerations.
Generally, we believe that executive officers should have a greater percentage of their compensation based on performance in the form of annual long-term equity-based incentives ("LTI"), followed by annual cash incentives, and then by base salary.
Based on target levels for incentive compensation for fiscal 2020, the mix of pay for executive officers is shown below:
We Align Executive Compensation with Our Business Strategy and Goals. We intend for our annual and long-term incentive plans to cover a portfolio of performance measures that balance growth, profitability, and stockholder return over both an annual and long-term period. We work to establish goals that support the long-term strategy of growing sales at least 1% ahead of global prestige beauty, improving operating margin, achieving competitive levels of return on invested capital, and optimizing inventory. We assess global macro-economic risks to prudently plan activities in markets that are currently over-attaining goals and to challenge markets that are lagging net sales and profit objectives. We carefully plan to drive sustained, profitable sales growth over the long-term horizon. We do this by strategically planning category and subcategory innovation and extending consumer reach by pivoting to online channels to help enable net sales and profit growth.
Target levels of performance for a given fiscal year are determined based on our internal planning and forecasting processes and are benchmarked against select peer companies. The Committee and the Subcommittee consider various factors, including the expected performance of our competitors and our long-term strategy, in establishing the performance required to achieve the maximum payout under each measure for both our annual cash and long-term incentive plans.
In addition to total direct compensation described above, we also provide competitive benefits and certain perquisites. In some circumstances, we may pay amounts or grant equity to attract executives to work for us or move to particular locations, or we may provide additional incentives for executives to perform or remain with us. This reflects, in part, the global nature of our business and the executives that we seek to attract and retain.
Citizenship and Sustainability
Our Company's citizenship and sustainability ("C&S") initiatives are deeply embedded in our culture and overall corporate strategy and help drive innovation, growth, and efficiency. Across our business and within our brand portfolio, we incorporate sustainable practices, methodologies, and
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50 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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design, reflecting the C&S focus in our leadership's DNA. Our C&S strategy and goals reflect the link between our commitments and business value creation. For example, our climate and environmentally-related goals support efficiency and conservation within our facilities and internal supply chain. Some of these goals are also meant to help us reduce cost and waste.
Our C&S strategic initiatives are led by our Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability, who reports to our CEO. We have a management committee the Sustainability Executive Committee composed of senior leaders from Finance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability, along with additional representation across brands, regions, and other functions. This executive committee drives our C&S strategy.
Given our history, ownership structure, and long-term strategy, we follow principles of long-term stewardship and "patient capital," and our compensation approach reflects and supports this approach. Consistent with our culture and our compensation philosophy and objectives, our combination of compensation elements is intended to help drive and promote strong, balanced, and sustainable corporate performance. We evaluate the performance of our employees, including our NEOs, under C&S goals holistically, within the framework of our corporate strategy, as an input into compensation decisions. For example, the bonuses and long-term incentive awards for executive officers, including our NEOs, are tied to achievement of business goals that include goals regarding our C&S strategy. As such, our executive officers, including our NEOs, are assessed on the achievement of these goals, and compensation decisions are made based on their achievement.
Base Salary
We pay base salaries to provide executives with a secure base of cash compensation. In determining the amount of base salary for an executive officer, the Committee primarily considers the executive's position, current salary, tenure, and internal pay equity among executives with similar responsibilities, as well as competitiveness of the salary level in the marketplace. The Committee also considers recommendations from the Executive Chairman, the CEO, the Executive Vice President Global Human Resources, and the Committee's outside consultant (Semler Brossy Consulting Group). As explained herein, the Company is temporarily reducing base salaries for senior management, including the NEOs, for the period May 2020 through October 2020 as part of its efforts to enhance financial flexibility and liquidity due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Annual Incentive Bonus
Annual incentives provided under the EAIP are of key importance in aligning the interests of our executives with our short-term goals and rewarding them for performance. For executive officers, the level of bonus opportunities and performance targets are based on the scope of the executive's responsibilities, internal pay equity among executives with similar responsibilities, and competitive considerations. The measures in our annual incentive program are designed to foster interdependence and collaboration among brands, regions, and functions to drive the corporate strategy by ensuring alignment of business unit performance with overall corporate performance. Annual incentives payable to our executive officers, including the NEOs, are limited to a pool set at the beginning of the fiscal year by the Committee (3% of our net operating profit in fiscal 2020). Within that limit, the Committee sets annual aggregate bonus opportunities and exercises negative discretion to determine the annual incentives to be paid. For fiscal 2020, the EAIP payout was the product of the target for each executive officer and the EAIP payout percentage ("EAIP Payout %"), which is comprised of (a) the Corporate Multiplier and (b) the Business Unit Multiplier, as described below. For additional information about each NEO's fiscal 2020 EAIP payout, see "Impact of COVID-19 on Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Bonus Payouts and Fiscal 2021 Annual Equity Grants to Named Executive Officers." Total EAIP cash payouts were less than the amount of the bonus pool.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 51 |
Target level performance on each of the criteria would result in multipliers at 100% and payout at 100% of the executive officer's target opportunity. Provided the minimum threshold has been achieved, payouts can range from 31.25% of target up to a maximum of 150% of target. Failure to achieve the pre-established minimum threshold level of performance would result in no credit for that particular criteria and, depending upon performance in respect of other criteria, could result in no bonus being paid. Measurement of performance, including establishment of the bonus pool, is subject to certain automatic adjustments, such as changes in accounting principles, goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, the impact of unplanned completed business acquisition activity, restructuring and other activities, discontinued operations, certain non-recurring income/expenses, and the impact on net sales of unplanned changes in foreign currency rates. Such automatic adjustments for fiscal 2020 were: the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities related to the Company's Leading Beauty Forward initiatives, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, goodwill, other intangible, and long-lived asset impairments, gain on previously held equity method investment, and incremental net loss associated with the acquisition of Dr. Jart+.
The target payout, business criteria, performance levels within each multiplier, and the threshold, target, and maximum payouts associated with each criteria and performance level were set by the Committee in consultation with management and the Committee's outside consultant during the first quarter of the fiscal year. Target payouts for executive officers are largely based on the prior year's target amount and are reviewed by the Committee annually.
Corporate Multiplier. The Corporate Multiplier is comprised of four equally weighted, Company-wide performance criteria: (1) diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations ("Diluted EPS"); (2) Operating Income Margin Percentage ("OI Margin Percent"); (3) Net Sales; and (4) return on invested capital ("ROIC"). If actual performance is between the target and the maximum, or between the threshold and the target, the payout factor is calculated mathematically using straight-line interpolation with target level of performance as a base. As an example, for Net Sales performance that is between the threshold and the target, for each 1% that performance is below target, the payout will be 31/3% below the target payout of 100%. The chart below shows the threshold, target, and maximum for each criteria making up the Corporate Multiplier as well as the results for fiscal 2020. Performance was below target for each of the four performance criteria resulting in a Corporate Multiplier of 71.8% for fiscal 2020. Each executive officer's incentive payment is subject to the Corporate Multiplier.
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| | | Threshold |
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Target |
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Maximum |
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Actual
Performance* |
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| Fiscal 2020 Target |
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Payout
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Diluted EPS |
| $5.79 | | | 50 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 102.1 | % | | | 120 | % | | | 73.2 | % | | | 67.4 | % | | ||||||||
OI Margin Percent |
| 17.8% | | | 50 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 101.3 | % | | | 120 | % | | | 84.6 | % | | | 76.0 | % | | ||||||||
Net Sales |
| $15.87 billion | | | 85 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100.7 | % | | | 120 | % | | | 89.6 | % | | | 77.6 | % | | ||||||||
ROIC |
| 25.8% | | | 50 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 101.9 | % | | | 120 | % | | | 71.7 | % | | | 66.3 | % | | ||||||||
Corporate Multiplier |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 71.8 | % | |
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52 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Business Unit Multiplier. The Business Unit Multiplier works similarly, but is based on various combinations of business criteria at the business unit level, including: (1) Net Sales; (2) Net Operating Margin ("NOP Margin"); (3) inventory management; (4) productivity and other cost savings; and (5) other divisional goals tied to our long-term strategy ("Business Unit Strategic Objectives"). The weighting of the various measures is fixed for each executive officer depending upon position and responsibilities. As with the Corporate Multiplier, target level performance on all the applicable criteria leads to a Business Unit Multiplier of 100%. If the threshold level of performance is not achieved for any of the applicable criteria, then the Business Unit Multiplier would be zero for those criteria. When performance exceeds the maximum level, the payout factors are at 125% of target. In the case where the actual performance was between the target and the maximum, or between the threshold and the target, the payout factor was calculated mathematically using straight-line interpolation with target level of performance and associated payout as a base.
For the Business Unit Multiplier, the Functions Average is a simple average of the performance against Business Unit Strategic Objectives for six Corporate Functions (i.e. Finance; Human Resources; Legal; Global Communications; Global Research and Development, Corporate Product Innovation, Package Development; and Global Supply Chain). For Messrs. Demsey and Prouvé, the threshold, target, and maximum for each criteria making up the Business Unit Multiplier for their respective units, as well as the results for fiscal 2020, are shown in the table set forth below.
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Division Net Sales |
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John Demsey |
| $ | 7.6 billion | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 101.6 | % | | 125 | % | | 75.4 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
| $ | 11.1 billion | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 101.6 | % | | 125 | % | | 94.2 | % | 85.4 | % | ||||||||
Division NOP Margin |
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John Demsey |
| 17.9% | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 102.1 | % | | 125 | % | | 12.7 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
| 37.5% | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 100.8 | % | | 125 | % | | 95.8 | % | 89.5 | % | |||||||||
Inventory Management Days to Sell |
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John Demsey |
| 186 | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 105.0 | % | | 125 | % | | 82.9 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
| 124 | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 105.0 | % | | 125 | % | | 92.1 | % | 80.2 | % | |||||||||
Productivity Employee Costs |
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John Demsey |
| $ | 567 million | | | 90 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 103.0 | % | | 125 | % | | 104.3 | % | 125.0 | % | ||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
| $ | 838 million | | | 90 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 103.0 | % | | 125 | % | | 103.4 | % | 125.0 | % | ||||||||
Productivity Employee Costs as % of Net Sales |
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John Demsey |
| 7.4% | | | 90 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 105.0 | % | | 125 | % | | 77.4 | % | 0.0 | % | |||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
| 7.4% | | | 90 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 105.0 | % | | 125 | % | | 95.8 | % | 84.2 | % | |||||||||
Online Sales |
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John Demsey |
| $ | 1.1 billion | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 101.6 | % | | 125 | % | | 131.3 | % | 125.0 | % | ||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
| $ | 1.3 billion | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 101.6 | % | | 125 | % | | 136.9 | % | 125.0 | % | ||||||||
Online NOP Margin |
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John Demsey |
| 48.7% | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 100.4 | % | | 125 | % | | 85.4 | % | 63.5 | % | |||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
| 44.7% | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 100.6 | % | | 125 | % | | 106.7 | % | 125.0 | % | |||||||||
Total Company Sales |
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John Demsey |
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Cedric Prouvé |
| $ | 15.8 billion | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 101.6 | % | | 125 | % | | 90.6 | % | 76.5 | % | ||||||||
Total Company NOP Margin |
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John Demsey |
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Cedric Prouvé |
| 18.1% | | | 85 | % | | | 62.5 | % | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % | | 100.8 | % | | 125 | % | | 78.2 | % | 0.0 | % |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 53 |
Ms. Travis, Mr. Demsey and Mr. Prouvé were each assigned Business Unit Strategic Objectives for fiscal 2020 that accounted for the percentages of the individual's aggregate bonus opportunity target indicated below.
These Business Unit Strategic Objectives are aligned with high-level themes, explained below, that help focus collective efforts in areas that are important to shared success across business units and drive the corporate strategy.
After the end of fiscal 2020, the Executive Chairman, the CEO, and the Executive Vice President Global Human Resources, with appropriate input from other employees, reviewed the actions taken by executive officers including the NEOs, as applicable, in connection with the Business Unit Strategic Objectives and, based on that assessment, recommended the payout percentages shown in the table below (with a maximum of 125%). The assessment of these achievements and payouts were confirmed by the Committee in its business judgment.
Calculation of EAIP Payout Percentage. As noted, the weightings of the various criteria for an executive officer's Business Unit Multiplier depend upon the officer's position and responsibilities, as shown in the calculation of the Business Unit Multiplier below.
The calculation of the individual's EAIP Payout % for fiscal 2020, including both the Business Unit Multiplier (weighted accordingly) and the Corporate Multiplier, is shown for the NEOs, as applicable, in the table below. Ms. Stanley is not included in this table because, as discussed below, her employment agreement provided for a minimum incentive bonus payout for fiscal 2020.
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54 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Impact of COVID-19 on Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Bonus Payouts and Fiscal 2021 Annual Equity Grants to Named Executive Officers
As explained above, the Compensation Committee measured the performance against the fiscal 2020 EAIP goals set in September 2019. As such, the September 2020 bonus payouts in cash for the NEOs reflect the impacts of COVID-19 on our business operations during fiscal 2020. Because our incentive plan payouts were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 relative to actual employee performance, the Subcommittee decided to grant additional value to the NEOs and other executive officers in the form of additional amounts to their annual fiscal 2021 equity grants. While the additional amounts are not intended to, and will not, close the gap on bonus payouts caused by the impacts of COVID-19, the Subcommittee believes they will further align employees' and stockholders' interests on a long-term basis while driving collaboration across the enterprise and recognizing the continued resiliency and creativity of the Company's employees.
In determining the additional amounts for each officer's fiscal 2021 annual equity grants, the Subcommittee considered the difference between the actual payout under the EAIP and the amount the individual would have received for fiscal 2020 (a) assuming a floor of 40% for the Business Unit Multiplier and (b) assuming a floor of 90% for the Corporate Multiplier. The final column in the table below shows this difference. As noted above, the Subcommittee believes that these actions better protect the stronger performing business units while at the same time providing a reasonable reward and incentives to the more deeply affected business units. The table below shows this approach applied to the NEOs, as applicable, approximately.
For more information about the potential bonus opportunities of our NEOs for fiscal 2020, see "Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2020."
Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation
We consider equity-based compensation awarded under our Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (the "Share Incentive Plan") to be of key importance in aligning executives with our long-term goals and rewarding them for performance. The awards also provide an incentive for continued employment with us. The Subcommittee typically makes equity-based compensation awards to our executive officers at its regularly scheduled meeting during the first quarter of each fiscal year. We grant certain executive officers a combination of PSUs, stock options, and RSUs. Since fiscal 2000, no grants of equity-based compensation have been made to Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus, or Ronald S. Lauder, Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC.
The target and actual amounts and allocation of equity-based compensation reflect the business judgment of the Subcommittee after discussion with its outside consultant and certain
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2020 Proxy Statement | 55 |
members of our senior management. As with each other element of compensation, and compensation overall, the Subcommittee (or the Committee for non-equity-based compensation), its outside consultant, and management take into account the level of responsibility of the particular executive officer, recent performance and expected future contributions, internal pay equity, and competitive practice. They also consider applicable employment agreements as necessary.
The allocation among the value of the different types of annual awards granted in fiscal 2020 is weighted equally among PSUs (at target), stock options, and RSUs reflecting, in the business judgment of the Subcommittee, a balance among motivating and retaining executive officers, rewarding performance, mitigating risk, and helping executive officers increase their equity ownership to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. Such allocation may change depending upon any additional (non-annual) grants made to executive officers.
No specific weightings were used to determine the amounts of the equity-based compensation. The Subcommittee applied an individual performance factor to the target equity opportunity for each executive officer. The performance factors ranged from 100% 125% of target. As with the amount of equity-based compensation granted, the allocation among the equity-based compensation elements are compared with practices of the peer group companies (see "Compensation Planning and the Decision Making Process Peer Group" below) to ensure they are competitive and appropriate.
Performance Share Units. Annual PSUs represent approximately one-third of the grant date value of the equity-based compensation granted to executive officers. PSUs are generally rights to receive shares of our Class A Common Stock if certain Company-wide performance criteria are achieved during a three-year performance period. PSUs are expressed in terms of opportunities, and each opportunity is based on a particular financial metric that is considered important in achieving our overall long-term financial goals.
For the annual grant of PSUs, the Subcommittee approves the performance target for each metric during the first quarter of the three-year performance period. Each opportunity is expressed in shares to be paid out if performance equals 100% of the target. PSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalents that are accrued and paid in cash after the end of the performance period. To the extent shares are paid out on a PSU award, the cash amount paid is equal to the dividends declared per share over the performance period times the number of shares paid out. The target amount of a PSU award represents the aggregate payout if the performance of all opportunities equal 100% of the related target performances. An above-target payout can be achieved under a particular opportunity if the performance associated with such opportunity exceeds 100% of the target, up to a maximum of 150% of target. Failure to achieve the pre-established minimum threshold amount would result in no payout being made under the opportunity.
Measurement of performance is subject to certain automatic adjustments such as changes in accounting principles, goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, the impact of unplanned completed business acquisition activity, restructuring and other activities, discontinued operations, certain non-recurring income/expenses, and the impact on net sales of unplanned changes in foreign currency rates. Payout of PSUs is contingent on the Company achieving positive Net Earnings for the fiscal year in which the grant is made. Because the Company achieved positive Net Earnings for fiscal 2020, the payout of the PSUs granted in September 2019 is based solely on achievement of the financial measures described below in "Fiscal 2020 PSU Grants."
Fiscal 2018 PSU Grants. The PSU targets for the three-year period ended June 30, 2020 were based on compound annual growth rates ("CAGR") in Company-wide Net Sales, Diluted EPS, and ROIC, weighted equally. Each 1% increase in performance over the threshold results in a 5% increase in associated payout for Net Sales and 31/3% increases in associated payouts for Diluted EPS and ROIC up to the target performance levels. Each 1% increase in performance above target
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56 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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results in 35.4%, 18.1%, and 13.7% increases in associated payouts for Net Sales, Diluted EPS, and ROIC, respectively. Performance above maximum results in a payout of 150% of target opportunity.
For the PSUs that were paid out after the end of fiscal 2020 (specifically, in September 2020), the aggregate payout of the three measures, weighted equally, was 109.9%.
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Net Sales (CAGR)(1) |
| | 7.0 | % | | | 90.0 | % | | | 50.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 101.4 | % | | 150.0 | % | | 98.5 | % | | 92.6 | % | | |||||||||
Diluted EPS (CAGR) |
| | 9.7 | % | | | 85.0 | % | | | 50.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 102.8 | % | | 150.0 | % | | 96.1 | % | | 87.1 | % | | |||||||||
ROIC (CAGR) |
| | (4.6 | )% | | | 85.0 | % | | | 50.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 103.7 | % | | 150.0 | % | | 114.6 | % | | 150.0 | % | | |||||||||
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 109.9 | % | |
Fiscal 2020 PSU Grants. The targets for the PSU opportunities and corresponding payouts for PSUs granted in fiscal 2020 for the three-year period ending June 30, 2022 are based on CAGR in Company-wide Net Sales, Diluted EPS, and ROIC, weighted equally, as follows:
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| | 7.2 | % | | | 90.0 | % | | | 50.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 102.5 | % | | 150.0 | % | | |||||||
Diluted EPS (CAGR) |
| | 9.6 | % | | | 85.0 | % | | | 50.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 103.9 | % | | 150.0 | % | | |||||||
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| | 0.0 | % | | | 85.0 | % | | | 50.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 101.9 | % | | 150.0 | % | |
Targets for each grant are based on the long-term strategic plan and conditions that exist at beginning of each grant period. Multiple factors influence the setting of underlying measures including the anticipated Company-specific goals and objectives as well as macroenvironmental influences for the three-year performance period. Each grant period targets are set independent of other outstanding grants. We believe that the components underpinning each grant are reasonably aggressive when set. For fiscal 2021 PSU design changes, see "Impact of COVID-19 on Compensation Matters."
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2020 Proxy Statement | 57 |
Additional (non-annual) PSU Grants. From time to time, the Subcommittee makes grants of additional PSUs to executive officers. For example, for information relating to the additional PSUs granted to Mr. Freda in fiscal 2018 and in fiscal 2016, see "Additional (non-annual) PSU Grants to CEO in Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2016" below and "Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2020."
Stock Options. Annual stock options represent approximately one-third of the grant date value of the equity-based compensation granted to executive officers. We believe that stock options are performance-based because the exercise price is equal to the closing price of the underlying Class A Common Stock on the date the option is granted. Under our Share Incentive Plan, the exercise price of options cannot be lower than such closing price. Despite the value attributed on the date of grant for accounting purposes, value is realized by the executive officer only to the extent that the stock price exceeds the exercise price during the period in which the executive officer is entitled to exercise the options and the officer exercises them. Options granted to our executive officers generally become exercisable in three equal installments approximately 16 months, 28 months, and 40 months after the date of grant, and expire ten years from the grant date.
Restricted Stock Units. Annual RSUs represent approximately one-third of the grant date value of the equity-based compensation granted to executive officers. RSUs are the right to receive shares of our Class A Common Stock over a period of time. RSUs are granted to executive officers to serve as a retention mechanism and to help them build their equity ownership. RSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalents that are paid in cash; at the time an RSU vests, the cash amount paid to the executive officer is equal to the dividends declared per share between the grant date and the vesting date multiplied by the number of shares paid out. RSUs granted to our executive officers generally vest in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months from the date of grant.
Additional (non-annual) RSU Grants. From time to time, the Subcommittee makes grants of additional (non-annual) RSUs to executive officers. On September 3, 2019 (fiscal 2020), the Subcommittee granted Tracey T. Travis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, an additional RSU award for 10,026 shares, valued at $2.0 million on the date of grant. This award vests 100% on November 1, 2022 assuming Ms. Travis's continued employment through such date. The award is intended to recognize the expanded responsibilities that Ms. Travis has assumed in connection with certain strategic initiatives and to provide additional incentive for her to remain in her role for the duration of the award.
Equity-Based Compensation Granted in Fiscal 2020. As noted above, target award levels and actual grants of equity made to executive officers are determined by taking into account many factors, including an assessment of recent performance and expected future contributions. For the Executive Chairman and the CEO, this determination is made by the Subcommittee; for the remaining executive officers, a recommendation is made by the executive officer's immediate manager, and the actual grant is approved by the Subcommittee. Fiscal 2020 annual equity grants were awarded in September 2019; the resulting equity grant percentages awarded to our NEOs, as applicable, in fiscal 2020 were based on target grant levels and an assessment of each officer's performance and expected future contributions. See "Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2020" and "Summary Compensation Table."
CEO Compensation
Mr. Freda has extended his track record of outstanding leadership as our Chief Executive Officer. The depth and breadth of his experience as a steward of our Company for over ten years, along with the impressive performance by the entire management team, were critical in driving our performance in response to COVID-19 and to the resiliency demonstrated by our business during these unprecedented challenges. Since becoming President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2009, Mr. Freda has led the development and implementation of our long-term strategy. Between that
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58 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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time and June 30, 2020, (i) we have achieved TSR of 1,214% (the TSR of the S&P 500 Index was 324%); and (ii) our market capitalization has increased from $6 billion to $68 billion.
Fiscal 2020 Compensation. In September 2019, in recognition of Mr. Freda's leadership and expected future contributions, as well as our strong multi-year performance, the Committee and the Subcommittee increased Mr. Freda's annual equity target to $10.5 million (from $9.15 million); his annual base salary remained at $2.0 million, and his target bonus opportunity remained at $5.0 million. The change in Mr. Freda's annual equity target for fiscal 2020 represented an increase of 8.4% for total direct annual compensation, and his total target compensation for fiscal 2020 was $17.5 million. As noted above, Mr. Freda's base salary for the last two months of fiscal 2020 (i.e., May and June) was reduced by 50% as part of the Company's initiatives to enhance financial flexibility and liquidity in light of COVID-19.
CEO Compensation on Annualized Basis. Mr. Freda's total compensation, as disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table, shows significant fluctuations year-over-year due to the value and timing of additional (non-annual) equity awards he has received in the past in addition to his annual equity grants. These fluctuations are attributable to applicable disclosure rules that require we report the total value of equity grants on the grant date rather than over the life of the award. When the additional (non-annual) equity awards were granted, the Subcommittee considered the impact of those awards on an annualized basis. The table below reflects the amounts shown for Mr. Freda for each year in the "Stock Awards" column in the Summary Compensation Table adjusted to (a) deduct the aggregate grant date fair value of the February 2018 PSU ($27.4 million) from fiscal 2018 and (b) instead include the amounts relating to that award and other non-annual awards that were expensed for accounting purposes in each fiscal year shown in the Summary Compensation Table, including the amounts expensed for such awards granted prior to fiscal 2018 as disclosed in previous proxy statements. As adjusted, the amounts shown for Mr. Freda for "Stock Awards" and "Total" in the Summary Compensation Table would be as follows:
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| | $ | 17,931 | | | | $ | 8,750 | | | | $ | 27,605 | | | | $ | 18,424 | | |
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| | 19,414 | | | | 7,625 | | | | 33,225 | | | | 21,435 | | | ||||
2018 |
| | 19,162 | | | | 35,371 | | | | 32,545 | | | | 48,754 | | |
Fiscal 2021 Compensation Decisions for the CEO. For fiscal 2021, Mr. Freda's annual base salary is expected to be $1.67 million, reflecting the adjustment for the above-referenced base salary reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021. Without this adjustment, his fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $2.0 million. His target incentive bonus opportunity remains at $5.0 million, and his target equity opportunity was increased to $11.13 million (from $10.5 million). In setting Mr. Freda's compensation for fiscal 2021, the Committee and Subcommittee considered additional equity awards that were made to him in prior years. In September 2020 (fiscal 2021), we granted Mr. Freda equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $15.64 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 23,914 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 89,746 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $218.06 per share, and RSUs for 23,914 shares of Class A Common Stock. These grants reflect (i) the application of an individual performance factor to the target equity opportunity approved for fiscal 2021, and (ii) value in the form of additional amounts included in these annual fiscal 2021 equity grants (see "Impact of COVID-19 on Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Bonus Payouts and Fiscal 2021 Annual Equity Grants to Named Executive Officers"). These equity awards will appear in our "Summary Compensation Table" and "Grants of Plan-Based Awards" for fiscal 2021.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 59 |
Additional (non-annual) PSU Grants to CEO in Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2016
Additional PSU Grant in February 2018 (fiscal 2018). On February 14, 2018, the Subcommittee, with input from members of the Board of Directors, granted a PSU award (the "February 2018 PSU") to Mr. Freda to further align his interests with those of our stockholders and motivate his continued stewardship of the Company's brands, talent base, and reputation over the longer term. The shares of Class A Common Stock subject to this award are not intended to be delivered fully to Mr. Freda until after the end of fiscal 2024, which reflects the Company's desire to further align his interests with those of our stockholders over that extended period of time. The award covers an aggregate of 195,940 shares divided in two equal tranches (i.e. 97,970 shares per tranche) and was valued at approximately $27.4 million on the date of grant. The service periods, performance periods, and share payment dates for the February 2018 PSU are as follows:
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| January 1, 2018 June 30, 2022 | | July 1, 2018 June 30, 2022 | | September 3, 2024 |
In its consideration of the appropriate size and structure for the February 2018 PSU grant, the Subcommittee considered the input from its consultant and other Board members, as well as the feedback and concerns received from some institutional investors following the September 2015 differentiated long-term award to Mr. Freda. Ultimately, the Subcommittee determined that the February 2018 grant was appropriate and consistent with the Company's long-term business and compensation strategy, providing an incentive for sustainable and effective stewardship of the Company's brands, talent base, and reputation over an extended period of time. In setting the performance goal for this award, the Subcommittee determined that any absolute or relative goals would become meaningless or counterproductive in light of a rapidly evolving competitive environment. The performance goal (positive Cumulative Operating Income, as discussed below) is intended to prevent this award from vesting if our performance were to suffer a substantial reversal during the vesting period and is accompanied by carefully considered payout restrictions around termination scenarios as described below.
The February 2018 PSU covers a period of about six-and-a-half years in total and involves two separate tranches that vest after three-and-a-half and four-and-a-half years based on Mr. Freda's continued employment and achievement of the performance goal described above. If the performance goal for a tranche is achieved, the shares of common stock underlying such tranche would be paid out to Mr. Freda in September 2024, a period of time that is much longer than typical grants. The delayed distribution feature is a key component of the award, intended to ensure that Mr. Freda is further incentivized to drive long-term performance. By separating award vesting from delivery of the underlying common stock, we continue to tie a portion of Mr. Freda's wealth to share value over an extended time horizon (i.e. six-and-a-half years, through the delivery in September 2024). The Company notes that between February 14, 2018 (the grant date of the February 2018 PSU) and June 30, 2020, (i) we have achieved TSR of 38% (the TSR of the S&P 500 Index was 20%); and (ii) our market capitalization increased from approximately $51 billion to $68 billion.
This award generally provides that the vesting of each tranche is contingent on the Company achieving positive Cumulative Operating Income during the relevant Performance Period. For purposes of this award, "Cumulative Operating Income" means the sum of the operating income
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60 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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for each fiscal year in such Performance Period, subject to certain automatic adjustments set forth in the award agreement.
If Mr. Freda's employment is terminated for cause, as defined in the February 2018 PSU award agreement, prior to the delivery of the shares associated with any tranche, regardless of whether that tranche has been otherwise earned or vested, he will receive no shares. If (a) Mr. Freda is no longer employed by us for any reason, (b) payment of a tranche has not previously been made, and (c) it is determined that his behavior while he was employed would have constituted cause, then each tranche not previously paid will be forfeited, regardless of whether such tranche has been otherwise earned and vested. In addition, payouts of the award after termination of Mr. Freda's employment are subject to Mr. Freda not (x) competing with the Company during the lesser of (i) the remaining term of his award or (ii) a period of 24 months, nor (y) conducting himself in a manner adversely affecting the Company. If he voluntarily resigns or retires prior to the end of the Service Period, any unearned, unvested tranches will be forfeited. If Mr. Freda's employment is terminated without cause, then for each Performance Period that has not yet concluded and subject to actual achievement of the performance goal for such tranche, he will earn and vest in the pro rata portion of such tranche inclusive of credit for an additional 12 months of service (up to a maximum of 100% of the Service Period for that tranche). However, instead of a pro rata portion, Mr. Freda would earn and vest fully in such tranche if the Company also has achieved Company-wide performance criteria (currently known as the "corporate multiplier") under the Company's Executive Annual Incentive Plan of at least 90% for each of the Company's two fiscal years preceding the year of Mr. Freda's termination, as determined by the Compensation Committee. If Mr. Freda dies or becomes disabled, then for each Performance Period that has not yet concluded, he will earn and vest in a pro rata portion of such tranche, and the share payment would be made shortly thereafter. Upon a Change in Control, the performance goal will be deemed to be met, and the award will be paid on the earliest of the original payment date, shortly after a qualifying "double trigger" termination of employment, or a date determined by the Subcommittee in accordance with the Share Incentive Plan. Dividend equivalents will be paid out in cash in connection with shares that are earned.
Additional PSU Grant in September 2015 (fiscal 2016). The size and structure of the February 2018 PSU described above, as well as the reasons for the grant, are similar to the differentiated long-term grant to Mr. Freda on September 4, 2015 (the "September 2015 PSU"), which is discussed below. The September 2015 PSU award reflected the Company's strong performance, the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the Company's performance and its longer term success, and the desire to retain Mr. Freda and further align his interests with the interests of our stockholders. The Subcommittee also wanted to recognize and provide an incentive for sustainable and effective stewardship of the Company's brands, talent base, and reputation over that extended period of time. The final performance period for the September 2015 grant ended on June 30, 2020, and the share payment date is June 30, 2023. The timing dovetails with the performance periods for the February 2018 PSU that end on June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2022, each with a payment date of September 3, 2024. The Company notes that between September 4, 2015 (the grant date of the September 2015 PSU) and June 30, 2020, (i) we have achieved TSR of 158% (the TSR of the S&P 500 Index was 78%); and (ii) our market capitalization increased from $29 billion to $68 billion.
The September 2015 PSU is a long-term equity award that is designed to not be delivered fully to Mr. Freda until the end of fiscal 2023. This PSU grant has a target payout of 387,848 shares and was valued at $30 million on the date of grant. The award is designed to be earned in tranches at the end of certain fiscal years with no shares being delivered to Mr. Freda until the end of subsequent fiscal years as reflected below.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 61 |
The September 2015 PSU is divided into three tranches with service periods, performance periods, and payment dates, if any, as follows:
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This award provides that the vesting of each of the three tranches was contingent on the Company achieving (i) positive Cumulative Operating Income during the relevant Performance Periods as well as (ii) positive Net Earnings, as defined in the agreement, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has achieved positive Cumulative Operating Income during each of the three Performance Periods. In addition, the Company achieved positive Net Earnings for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. Therefore, subject to the terms and conditions of the September 2015 PSU award agreement described below, Mr. Freda will receive payout of the First Tranche, Second Tranche, and Third Tranche on the Share Payment Dates noted above.
For purposes of this award, "Cumulative Operating Income" means the sum of the operating income for each fiscal year in such Performance Period, subject to certain automatic adjustments including changes in accounting principles; impairment of intangibles; the impact of discontinued operations; non-recurring operating income and expenses; and the impact of unplanned acquisitions. Dividend equivalents will be paid out in cash in connection with shares that are earned under this award.
As set forth in the September 2015 PSU award agreement, if Mr. Freda's employment is terminated for cause prior to the delivery of the shares associated with any tranche, regardless of whether that tranche has been otherwise earned or vested, he will receive no shares. If Mr. Freda is (a) no longer employed by us for any reason, (b) payment of a tranche has not previously been made, and (c) it is determined that his behavior while he was employed would have constituted cause, then each tranche not previously paid will be forfeited, regardless of whether such tranche has been otherwise earned and vested. In addition, payouts of the award after termination of Mr. Freda's employment are subject to Mr. Freda not (x) competing with the Company the lesser of (i) the remaining term of his award or (ii) for a period of 24 months, consistent with his employment agreement, nor (y) conducting himself in a manner adversely affecting the Company. Dividend equivalents will be paid out in cash in connection with shares that are earned.
Compensation for Other NEOs
Tracey T. Travis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. For fiscal 2021, Ms. Travis's annual base salary is expected to be $990,000, reflecting the adjustment for the above-referenced base salary reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021. Without this adjustment, her fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $1.1 million. Her target incentive bonus opportunity remains at $1.4 million, and her target equity opportunity was increased to $4.24 million (from $4.0 million). In September 2020 (fiscal 2021), we granted Ms. Travis equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $5.93 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 9,071 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 34,040 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $218.06 per share, and RSUs for 9,071 shares of Class A Common Stock. These grants reflect (i) the application of an individual performance factor to the target equity opportunity approved for fiscal 2021, and (ii) value in the form of additional amounts included in these annual fiscal 2021 equity grants (see "Impact of COVID-19 on Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Bonus Payouts and Fiscal 2021 Annual Equity Grants to Named Executive Officers").
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John Demsey, Executive Group President. For fiscal 2021, Mr. Demsey's compensation is unchanged from fiscal 2020. His annual base salary is expected to be $1.06 million, reflecting the adjustment for the above-referenced salary reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021. Without this adjustment, his fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $1.18 million. His target incentive bonus opportunity remains at $3.22 million, and his target equity opportunity remains at $4.8 million. In September 2020 (fiscal 2021), we granted Mr. Demsey equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $5.24 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 8,018 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 30,081 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $218.06 per share, and RSUs for 8,018 shares of Class A Common Stock. These grants reflect (i) the application of an individual performance factor to the target equity opportunity approved for fiscal 2021, and (ii) value in the form of additional amounts included in these annual fiscal 2021 equity grants (see "Impact of COVID-19 on Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Bonus Payouts and Fiscal 2021 Annual Equity Grants to Named Executive Officers").
Cedric Prouvé, Group PresidentInternational. For fiscal 2021, Mr. Prouvé's annual base salary is expected to be $1.04 million, reflecting the adjustment for the above-referenced salary reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021. Without this adjustment, his fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $1.16 million. His target incentive bonus opportunity remains at $2.73 million, and his target equity opportunity was increased to $4.52 million. In September 2020 (fiscal 2021), we granted Mr. Prouvé equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $5.70 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 8,711 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 32,690 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $218.06 per share, and RSUs for 8,711 shares of Class A Common Stock. These grants reflect (i) the application of an individual performance factor to the target equity opportunity approved for fiscal 2021, and (ii) value in the form of additional amounts included in these annual fiscal 2021 equity grants (see "Impact of COVID-19 on Fiscal 2020 Annual Incentive Bonus Payouts and Fiscal 2021 Annual Equity Grants to Named Executive Officers").
Deirdre Stanley, Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Ms. Stanley joined us in October 2019 (fiscal 2020), and she is a Named Executive Officer for fiscal 2020. Her employment agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $875,000, a minimum incentive bonus payout of $1.2 million for fiscal 2020, and equity grants valued at $1.7 million for fiscal 2020 (see "Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2020" for additional information on these equity grants). As noted above, Ms. Stanley's base salary for May through October 2020 was reduced by 30% as part of the Company's initiatives to reduce costs and enhance financial flexibility and liquidity in light of COVID-19; she agreed to an amendment to her employment agreement to effect this temporary salary reduction. Pursuant to her employment agreement, Ms. Stanley received the following to compensate her for bonus amounts and equity awards forfeited at her prior employer: (a) a cash bonus of $1.5 million in January 2020 (fiscal 2020) and (b) two non-annual RSU grants with an aggregate value of $5.0 million. The first non-annual RSU award was granted in October 2019 (fiscal 2020) with an aggregate value of approximately $2.5 million, equal to 13,462 shares of Class A Common Stock; and the second was granted in September 2020 (fiscal 2021) with an aggregate value of approximately $2.5 million, equal to 11,465 shares of Class A Common Stock. Both of these non-annual RSU grants vest at the same time as the annual RSU grants to the other NEOs in such fiscal year, based on continued employment.
For fiscal 2021, Ms. Stanley's annual base salary is expected to be $787,500, reflecting the adjustment for the above-referenced salary reduction for the first four months of fiscal 2021. Without this adjustment, her fiscal 2021 annual base salary would be $875,000. Her target incentive bonus opportunity remains at $1.2 million, and her target equity opportunity was increased to $1.47 million (from $1.43 million). In September 2020 (fiscal 2021), we granted Ms. Stanley annual equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $1.71 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 2,607 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 9,779 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $218.06 per share, and annual RSUs for 2,607
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2020 Proxy Statement | 63 |
shares of Class A Common Stock. These grants reflect the application of an individual performance factor to the target equity opportunity approved for fiscal 2021.
Compensation Planning and the Decision-Making Process
Peer Group. We consider the compensation practices of a peer group of companies for the purpose of determining the competitiveness of our total compensation and various elements, but we do not target a specific percentile. We believe that the peer group reflects the market in which we compete for executive talent and that we have few direct competitors publicly traded in the United States. Therefore, the Committee has selected a mix of primarily consumer products and consumer discretionary companies to ensure the group includes companies of comparable size and business model to us. The Committee refers to the peer group data when considering compensation levels and the allocation of compensation elements for executive officers. The peer group of companies used for compensation in fiscal 2020, which is the same peer group used for fiscal 2019, is set forth below:
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Avon Products Capri Holdings Clorox Colgate-Palmolive Coty The Gap International Flavors & Fragrances Johnson & Johnson Kimberly-Clark |
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L Brands PepsiCo Procter & Gamble PVH Corp. Ralph Lauren Revlon Starbucks Tapestry Tiffany & Co. |
Our revenues approximate the 59th percentile relative to the peer group using each company's most recently completed fiscal year ended on or prior to June 30, 2020. For assessing fiscal 2021 compensation levels, the Committee has determined to use the same peer group as in fiscal 2020, except that Avon Products will be removed from our peer group due to its recent acquisition by a third party.
Compensation Consultant. The Committee has engaged Semler Brossy Consulting Group ("Semler Brossy") as its consultant for executive compensation. The Committee determined that Semler Brossy is free of conflicts of interest. The consultant reports directly to the Committee and works with the Committee (and the Subcommittee) and management to, among other things, provide advice regarding compensation structures in general and competitive compensation data. The consultant also reviews information prepared by management for the Committee or Subcommittee. All of the decisions with respect to determining the amount or form of executive compensation under our executive compensation programs are made by the Committee or Subcommittee alone and may reflect factors and considerations other than the information and advice provided by the consultant. As noted in "Director Compensation," Semler Brossy provides advice and guidance to the Nominating and Governance Committee regarding non-employee director compensation. No other services were provided by Semler Brossy to the Committee, Subcommittee, or Company in fiscal 2020.
Role of Executive Officers. As noted above, executive compensation is set by the Committee and Subcommittee. In performing this function, the Committee and Subcommittee rely on the Executive Chairman, the CEO, and the Executive Vice President Global Human Resources (the "EVP HR") to provide information regarding the executive officers, their roles and responsibilities, and the general performance of the Company and the various business units. These three executive officers providing support take directions from and bring suggestions to the Committee and Subcommittee. They suggest performance measures and targets for each of the executive officers under the EAIP and for PSUs. They also make suggestions regarding terms of employment agreements. The final decisions regarding salaries, bonuses (including measures, targets, and
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amounts to be paid), equity grants, and other compensation matters related to executive officers are made by the Committee or Subcommittee, as the case may be. The EVP HR and the human resources staff work with the General Counsel, the legal staff, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the finance staff to support the Committee and Subcommittee.
Other Benefits and Perquisites
Benefits. We determine benefits for executive officers by the same criteria applicable to the general employee population in the location where the executive officer is situated except as noted below. In general, benefits are designed to provide protection to the executives and their families in the event of illness, disability, or death and to provide retirement income. The benefits are important in attracting and retaining employees and mitigating distractions that may arise relating to health care, retirement, and similar matters. The NEOs are entitled to the following two Company-paid benefits that are not generally available to the employee population: (a) supplemental executive life insurance with a face amount of $5 million ($10 million for Mr. Freda) and (b) for the NEOs who were employees prior to January 1, 2011 (i.e. Mr. Freda, Mr. Demsey, and Mr. Prouvé), payment in lieu of a medical reimbursement program that was discontinued as of such date. For costs associated with such programs, see note (8) to the "Summary Compensation Table."
Perquisites. We provide certain perquisites to our executive officers. The perquisites are comprised of (a) an annual perquisite allowance of $20,000 for the Executive Chairman and the CEO and $15,000 for the other executive officers (other than Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder, who do not receive a perquisite allowance), which allowance can be used for certain specified expenses; (b) personal use of a company car (or cash in lieu of a company car); (c) financial counseling costs up to $5,000 per year (other than Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder, who do not receive a financial counseling allowance); and (d) spousal or companion travel (with required approval, the executive's spouse, companion, or domestic partner may accompany the executive on up to two business trips per fiscal year). On occasion, we will provide expense reimbursements relating to relocations. In addition, we make available to our employees, including the NEOs, the ability to obtain a limited amount of our products for free or at a discount.
Post-Termination Compensation
Retirement Plans. We provide retirement benefits to our employees in the United States, including the NEOs, under The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan (the "RGA Plan"), the related The Estee Lauder Inc. Benefits Restoration Plan (the "Restoration Plan"), and The Estee Lauder Companies 401(k) Savings Plan. Executive officers who have worked for our subsidiaries outside the United States may also be covered under plans covering such employees. As with other benefits, the retirement plans are intended to enable us to attract and retain employees. The plans provide employees, including executive officers, with an opportunity to plan for future financial needs during retirement. For a more detailed discussion on the retirement plans, see "Pension Benefits." In addition, certain executive officers who joined us mid-career, or who forfeited certain retirement benefits from their former employers to join us, have been provided with nonqualified supplemental pension arrangements.
Deferred Compensation. We currently allow executive officers to defer a portion of their base salary and annual bonus. Under the terms of their employment agreements and the EAIP, each of the NEOs may elect to defer all or part of the officer's incentive bonus compensation, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 409A"). The ability to defer is provided to participating executive officers as a way to assist them in saving for future financial needs with relatively little cost to us. The amounts deferred are a general obligation of ours, and the cash that is not paid currently may be used by us for our general corporate purposes. None of the NEOs for fiscal 2020 has any nonqualified deferred compensation agreements or account balances.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 65 |
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment. As discussed in more detail under "Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control," the NEOs' employment agreements (as well as agreements related to equity compensation awards) provide for certain payments and other benefits in the event the officer's employment is terminated under certain circumstances, such as retirement, disability, death, termination by us without cause, termination by us for material breach of the officer's employment arrangement, or termination by the executive officer for "good reason" following a "change of control."
In view of the Lauder family's ownership of shares with substantial voting power, they have the ability to determine whether our Company will undergo a "change of control." In order to protect the interests of the executive officers and to keep them involved and motivated during any process that may result in a "change of control," outstanding annual PSUs contain provisions that accelerate vesting upon a "change in control." Unvested RSUs, stock options, and other (non-annual) PSUs (i.e. the PSU granted to Mr. Freda on February 14, 2018 and the PSU granted to Mr. Freda on September 4, 2015 for 387,848 shares) contain provisions that provide for accelerated vesting or exercisability after a "change of control" only if we terminate the executive officer's employment without cause or the executive officer terminates employment for "good reason." The executive employment agreements similarly provide such a "double trigger" for other severance benefits.
The award documents in connection with our equity grants contain certain provisions regarding treatment of the awards upon termination. We place great value on the long-term commitment that many executive officers have made to us. In addition to recognizing the service they have provided during their tenure, we attempt to motivate them to act in a manner that will provide longer-term benefits to us even as they approach retirement. Therefore, annual PSUs, stock options, and annual RSUs granted to executive officers who are retirement-eligible contain provisions that allow them to continue to participate in the longer-term success of the business following retirement. For example, to the extent the performance is achieved, a retiree's annual PSUs will vest in accordance with the original vesting schedule. In addition, stock options become immediately exercisable upon retirement and are exercisable for the remainder of their ten-year terms.
The Share Incentive Plan provides for forfeiture of awards in the event that after termination of employment, a participant competes with or otherwise conducts herself or himself in a manner adversely affecting the Company.
Tax Matters
The Internal Revenue Code limits the tax deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to executive officers who are "covered employees" under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 162(m)"). Prior to the TCJA, performance-based compensation meeting specified requirements was exempt from this deduction limit. As a result of the TCJA, however, effective for the Company in fiscal 2019, compensation in excess of $1 million paid to our "covered employees" under Section 162(m) is generally not tax deductible, even if such compensation is performance-based or paid following termination of employment. Under the TCJA, once an executive officer becomes a "covered employee," that individual will remain a "covered employee" for all subsequent years. The TCJA includes a transition rule under which compensation that would have been exempt from the deduction limitation prior to TCJA that is payable pursuant to a written binding contract that was in effect on November 2, 2017, and was not materially modified after that date, will remain tax deductible. To the extent applicable, we generally expect to avail ourselves of this transition rule. Given the compensation philosophy and objectives described in this "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and the limitations imposed by the TCJA, the Committee and Subcommittee approve the payment of compensation that may not be deductible.
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66 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines and Holding Requirement
The Company has stock ownership guidelines for executive officers to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. Under these guidelines, each executive officer is required to have equity holdings with a value equal to or greater than a specified multiple of the officer's annual base salary. Any temporary salary reductions do not impact the stock ownership requirements.
In fiscal 2019, we increased our stock ownership requirements. Individuals who were executive officers on July 31, 2018 must comply with the new requirements by July 31, 2021. An executive officer who commences employment with the Company or who is promoted from within the Company has until the fifth anniversary of the date of employment or effective date of promotion to comply with these guidelines. The chart below sets forth the applicable stock ownership guidelines for fiscal 2020 as well as the new requirements.
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Executive Officer |
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Multiple of Salary
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Multiple of Salary
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Executive Chairman |
| 5 | | 8 |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
| 5 | | 8 |
Chief Financial Officer |
| 3 | | 4 |
Group Presidents |
| 3 | | 4 |
Other Executive Officers |
| 2 | | 3* |
As of June 30, 2020, all executive officers, including each of the NEOs, met or exceeded their stock ownership requirements for fiscal 2020.
The following table shows which equity holdings count for purposes of meeting our stock ownership guidelines:
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What Counts |
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What Does Not Count |
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| Common Stock(1) | | | Stock Options (vested or unvested) | ||
| Unvested RSUs | | | Unvested PSUs(3) | ||
| Vested PSUs(2) | | |
Under our stock ownership guidelines, if an executive officer receives an increase in base salary, then such officer has until the third anniversary of the effective date of the salary increase to comply
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2020 Proxy Statement | 67 |
with the incremental change in ownership requirements. If an executive officer fails to achieve the requisite ownership level by the required deadline, then until such time as the ownership guidelines are achieved, such executive officer must continue to hold (a) 100% of the net after-tax shares of Common Stock received due to the vesting of RSUs, PSUs, or any other share unit and (b) 100% of the net after-tax shares of any stock option exercise. An executive officer may satisfy the ownership guideline but subsequently, due to a drop in the stock price, the officer's ownership may fall below the required threshold. In such a case, if by the first anniversary of falling below the required threshold, such officer's holdings still do not meet the required threshold, then until such time as the ownership guidelines are achieved, the officer must continue to hold (a) at least 50% of the net after-tax shares of Common Stock received due to the vesting of RSUs, PSUs, or any other share unit and (b) 50% of the net after-tax shares of any stock option exercise. In addition, in settling bonus payouts under the EAIP for an executive officer who continues to be below the guidelines after the required deadline, the Compensation Committee may request that up to 50% of the bonus payout be settled in shares of the Company's Common Stock or additional RSUs.
Insider Trading Policy
Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits employees, including executive officers, and members of our Board of Directors from trading in Company securities while in possession of material, non-public information about the Company. Under this policy, certain individuals are prohibited from trading in Company securities during various times throughout the year known as "blackout periods," and certain individuals must receive preclearance from the Legal Department before trading in Company securities.
Pledging Policy
We do not restrict pledges of securities but require that pledges of securities be approved in advance by our Legal Department.
Hedging Policy
The Company prohibits all employees (including officers) and directors of the Company (each, a "Company Person"), as well as their Designees (as defined below), from purchasing financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds) or otherwise engaging in transactions, that hedge or offset or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of Company Equity Securities (as defined below) (any such financial instruments or transactions, "Hedge Transactions"), unless such Hedge Transaction is approved in advance by the Legal Department and made in compliance with the Company's Insider Trading Policy. However, no such approval shall be given for Hedge Transactions with regard to Outstanding Equity Grants (as defined below), which are prohibited under all circumstances.
As used in this Policy:
"Company Equity Securities" means (i) the Company's Class A or Class B Common Stock (collectively, "Common Stock"), (ii) options, rights or units where shares of Common Stock are the underlying security, (iii) Outstanding Equity Grants, and (iv) to the extent not covered by the foregoing, any "equity securities" (as defined in Section 3(a)(11) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3a-11-1 promulgated thereunder) that are issued by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.
"Designee" means (i) any family member of a Company Person living in such person's household or any other person (other than a tenant or employee) living in such person's household, and (ii) any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity controlled by a Company Person or any person listed in clause (i) above.
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68 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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"Outstanding Equity Grant" means any outstanding compensatory grant or award by the Company to a Company Person in respect of the Company's Common Stock (for example, outstanding stock options, restricted stock unit (RSU) and performance stock unit (PSU) awards under the Company's incentive plans).
All Company Persons must comply with any other applicable policies or guidelines of the Company (for example, the Company's Insider Trading Policy and the Company's Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines).
Recoupment Policy
Annual and long-term incentive compensation (whether in the form of stock options or paid or payable in cash or equity) awarded to executive officers are subject to an executive compensation recoupment policy, also known as a "clawback." Under the policy, recoupment would apply in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the applicable securities laws. Recoupment would apply to any current or former executive officer who received incentive compensation within the three-year period prior to the restatement, and the amount to be recouped would be the amount in excess of what the executive officer would have been paid under the restatement.
Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee Report
The Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee have reviewed and discussed with management the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2020.
Compensation Committee | Stock Plan Subcommittee | |
Charlene Barshefsky (Chair)
Rose Marie Bravo Paul J. Fribourg Richard D. Parsons |
Charlene Barshefsky
Rose Marie Bravo Paul J. Fribourg |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 69 |
The following table, footnotes, and narratives describe the compensation during the past three fiscal years, as applicable, for (a) our Chief Executive Officer, (b) our Chief Financial Officer, and (c) our three other most highly compensated executive officers serving at the end of our fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 ("fiscal 2020"). Our fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 is referred to as "fiscal 2019," and our fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 is referred to as "fiscal 2018." See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and other disclosures under "Executive Compensation" for a description of the material factors necessary to an understanding of the information disclosed below.
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Name and
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Year |
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Salary
($) |
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Bonus
($) |
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Stock
Awards ($)(4) |
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Option
Awards ($)(5) |
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Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(6) |
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Change in
Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(7) |
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All Other
Compensation ($)(8) |
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Total
($) |
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Fabrizio Freda(1) |
| 2020 | | $ | 1,833,333 | | $ | 0 | | $ | 8,750,030 | | $ | 4,375,020 | | | $ | 2,445,250 | | | | $ | 773,432 | | | | $ | 246,862 | | | $ | 18,423,928 | | |
President and Chief |
| 2019 | | 2,000,000 | | 0 | | 7,625,052 | | 3,812,470 | | | 7,084,100 | | | | 740,273 | | | | 173,533 | | | 21,435,428 | | |||||||||
Executive Officer |
| 2018 | | 1,900,000 | | 0 | | 35,370,666 | | 3,996,044 | | | 6,804,050 | | | | 589,517 | | | | 93,542 | | | 48,753,819 | | |||||||||
Tracey T. Travis(2) |
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2020 |
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1,045,000 |
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0 |
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5,280,101 |
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1,639,995 |
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829,700 |
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172,073 |
| | |
40,015 |
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9,006,884 |
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Executive Vice |
| 2019 | | 1,060,000 | | 0 | | 2,951,990 | | 1,476,030 | | | 1,842,400 | | | | 150,875 | | | | 63,383 | | | 7,544,678 | | |||||||||
President and |
| 2018 | | 980,000 | | 0 | | 2,807,780 | | 1,403,892 | | | 1,718,400 | | | | 66,629 | | | | 49,123 | | | 7,025,824 | | |||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
John Demsey |
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2020 |
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1,121,000 |
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0 |
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3,196,628 |
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1,598,387 |
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709,400 |
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363,695 |
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75,786 |
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7,064,896 |
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Executive Group |
| 2019 | | 1,180,000 | | 0 | | 3,356,492 | | 1,678,272 | | | 2,658,100 | | | | 430,009 | | | | 71,700 | | | 9,374,573 | | |||||||||
President |
| 2018 | | 1,161,000 | | 0 | | 3,827,692 | | 1,913,782 | | | 3,240,750 | | | | 280,891 | | | | 73,404 | | | 10,497,519 | | |||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
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2020 |
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1,097,250 |
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0 |
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3,509,030 |
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1,754,514 |
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1,780,700 |
| | |
515,024 |
| | |
96,192 |
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8,752,710 |
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Group President |
| 2019 | | 1,130,000 | | 0 | | 3,244,868 | | 1,622,657 | | | 3,676,150 | | | | 471,491 | | | | 83,618 | | | 10,228,784 | | |||||||||
International |
| 2018 | | 1,105,000 | | 0 | | 3,254,908 | | 1,627,599 | | | 3,480,200 | | | | 185,800 | | | | 121,701 | | | 9,775,208 | | |||||||||
Deirdre Stanley(3) |
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2020 |
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551,736 |
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1,500,000 |
(9) |
3,633,230 |
(10) |
566,841 |
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1,200,000 |
(11) |
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0 |
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8,942 |
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7,460,749 |
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Executive Vice President and General Counsel |
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Certain amounts do not sum due to rounding
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Fiscal Year |
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Stock Awards ($) |
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Total ($) | | ||||
2020 | | | $ | 17,930,646 | | | $ | 27,604,543 | |
2019 | | | 19,414,375 | | | 33,224,751 | | ||
2018 | | | 19,162,234 | | | 32,545,387 | |
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70 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Date of Grant |
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Expected
Volatility |
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Expected
Term to Exercise |
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Dividend
Yield |
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Risk-Free
Interest Rate |
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September 3, 2019 and October 28, 2019 (fiscal 2020) |
| | 25 | % | | | 9 | | | | 1.0 | % | | | 1.5 | % | | ||||
September 4, 2018 (fiscal 2019) |
| | 25 | % | | | 8 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | 2.8 | % | | ||||
September 5, 2017 (fiscal 2018) |
| | 26 | % | | | 9 | | | | 1.5 | % | | | 2.1 | % | |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 71 |
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Name |
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Year |
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Matching 401(k)
Savings Plan Contributions Made on Behalf of the Executive |
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Company-Paid
Premiums for Executive Life Insurance |
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Company-Paid
Medical Reimbursement Payment |
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Perquisite
Allowance(a) |
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Financial
Counseling(a) |
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Personal
Use of Company Autos and Company Aircraft(b) |
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Companion
Travel |
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Total
All Other Compensation |
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Fabrizio Freda |
| 2020 | | | $ | 14,300 | | | | $ | 35,735 | | | | $ | 6,475 | | | | $ | 20,000 | | | | $ | 5,000 | | | | $ | 165,353 | | | | | | | | $ | 246,862 | | | ||
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| 2019 | | | 14,027 | | | | 35,735 | | | | 6,382 | | | | 40,000 | | | | 5,000 | | | | 57,280 | | | | 15,109 | | | | 173,533 | | | |||||||||
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| 2018 | | | 13,824 | | | | 35,735 | | | | 8,551 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 5,000 | | | | 1,406 | | | | 9,026 | | | | 93,542 | | | |||||||||
Tracey T. Travis |
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2020 |
| |
14,171 |
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7,644 |
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| | |
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| | |
5,000 |
| | |
13,200 |
| | |
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40,014 |
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| 2019 | | | 14,050 | | | | 7,644 | | | | | | | | 15,000 | | | | 5,000 | | | | 13,200 | | | | 8,489 | | | | 63,383 | | | |||||||||
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| 2018 | | | 13,279 | | | | 7,644 | | | | | | | | 15,000 | | | | | | | | 13,200 | | | | | | | | 49,123 | | | |||||||||
John Demsey |
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2020 |
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16,250 |
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19,285 |
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8,551 |
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15,000 |
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3,500 |
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13,200 |
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75,786 |
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| 2019 | | | 12,164 | | | | 19,285 | | | | 8,551 | | | | 15,000 | | | | 3,500 | | | | 13,200 | | | | | | | | 71,700 | | | |||||||||
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| 2018 | | | 13,868 | | | | 19,285 | | | | 8,551 | | | | 15,000 | | | | 3,500 | | | | 13,200 | | | | | | | | 73,404 | | | |||||||||
Cedric Prouvé |
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2020 |
| |
14,333 |
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44,190 |
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5,976 |
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15,000 |
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3,500 |
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7,125 |
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6,068 |
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96,192 |
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| 2019 | | | 14,087 | | | | 44,190 | | | | 6,587 | | | | 15,000 | | | | 3,500 | | | | 254 | | | | | | | | 83,618 | | | |||||||||
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| 2018 | | | 13,841 | | | | 44,190 | | | | 6,058 | | | | 15,000 | | | | 3,500 | | | | 6,852 | | | | 32,260 | | | | 121,701 | | | |||||||||
Deirdre Stanley |
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2020 |
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8,942 |
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8,942 |
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Certain amounts do not sum due to rounding
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72 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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The Company's flight safety policy provides that our Chairman Emeritus, our Executive Chairman, and our Chief Executive Officer should not fly together for any reason. We pay for the travel expenses for non-business trips for one or two of these officers, as the case may be, where it is necessary to comply with the flight safety policy. For fiscal 2020, there was no Company reimbursement to any of the NEOs under the Flight Safety Policy. In addition, we make available to our employees, including the NEOs, the ability to obtain a limited amount of our products for free or at a discount. The incremental cost of the free product program did not exceed $1,000 in any of the last three fiscal years for any of the NEOs, as applicable. The sales of products to employees at a discount are profitable for us.
The material terms of each NEO's employment agreement are described below:
Fabrizio Freda. Under his employment agreement effective July 1, 2011, Mr. Freda is an employee-at-will, and he will continue as President and Chief Executive Officer until his retirement or other termination of his employment. The agreement provides that his base salary and bonus opportunities will be set by the Compensation Committee and that his equity grants will be determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to benefits generally available to senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan of up to $20,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in the Company's Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $75,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $10 million for Mr. Freda. We also pay travel expenses for his spouse to accompany him on up to two business-related travel itineraries per fiscal year. In addition, Mr. Freda is entitled to an annual supplemental deferral computed by taking the difference between $485,000 and the actual vested annual accruals and contributions made to the Company's qualified and nonqualified pension and qualified retirement savings plans on his behalf. Such deferrals are credited with interest annually at a rate per annum equal to the Citibank base rate but in no event more than 9%. Mr. Freda will also be reimbursed for relocation costs of his family from New York to Italy in the event of the termination of his employment.
Tracey T. Travis. Under her employment agreement effective August 20, 2012, Ms. Travis is an employee-at-will, and she will continue as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until her retirement or other termination of her employment. The agreement provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $50,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Ms. Travis.
John Demsey. Under his employment agreement effective July 1, 2010, Mr. Demsey is an employee-at-will, and he will continue as Group President until his retirement or other termination of his employment. The agreement provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $50,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. Demsey.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 73 |
Cedric Prouvé. Under his employment agreement effective July 1, 2011, Mr. Prouvé is an employee-at-will, and he will continue as Group President, International until his retirement or other termination of his employment. The agreement provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $50,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. Prouvé.
Deirdre Stanley. Under her employment agreement effective November 4, 2019, Ms. Stanley is an employee-at-will, and she will continue as Executive Vice President and General Counsel until her retirement or other termination of her employment. The agreement generally provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $50,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Ms. Stanley. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis Compensation for Other NEOs" for additional information about Ms. Stanley's employment agreement.
Each agreement described above also (a) contains provisions relating to termination of employment and payments relating to termination, which are discussed in "Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control," (b) provides that the executive must abide by restrictive covenants relating to non-competition and non-solicitation during employment and, under certain circumstances, for two years following termination of employment, (c) provides that the executive must abide by restrictive covenants regarding non-disclosure of our confidential information, (d) provides that the executive may elect to defer all or part of his or her annual incentive bonus compensation in compliance with Section 409A, and (e) provides that benefits under the agreement may be modified by the Compensation Committee at any time other than in contemplation of a "Change of Control" (as defined in the agreement) or after a Change of Control, provided that any such modification shall not be effective until at least two years after such modification is approved by the Compensation Committee.
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74 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2020
The following table sets forth information with respect to each award of plan-based compensation in fiscal 2020 to each NEO, including bonus opportunities under the EAIP, and PSUs, RSUs, and stock options under the Share Incentive Plan. The material terms of the incentive bonus opportunities are described in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis Elements of Compensation Annual Incentive Bonus," and the material terms of the equity awards are described in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis Elements of Compensation Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation" and "Compensation Discussion and Analysis CEO Compensation." See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and other disclosures under "Executive Compensation" for a description of the material factors necessary to an understanding of the information disclosed below.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 75 |
no payout of annual PSUs will be made pursuant to the Net Sales, Diluted EPS, or ROIC compound annual growth rate opportunities unless the threshold for such opportunity is achieved, and additional shares shall be paid out if performance exceeds the targeted performance goals. Measurement of performance is subject to certain automatic adjustments. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis Elements of Compensation Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation Performance Share Units." The PSUs shown in the table above are subject to restrictions on transfer and forfeiture prior to vesting. Upon payout of the PSUs, shares will be withheld to satisfy statutory tax obligations. PSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalent rights that will be payable in cash at the time of payout of the related shares. PSUs do not have any voting rights with respect to the shares of Class A Common Stock underlying the award.
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76 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2020
The following table sets forth information with respect to stock options, RSUs, and PSUs outstanding on June 30, 2020 under our plans existing at the time of grant for each NEO.
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| | Option Awards(1) |
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| | Stock Awards | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Name |
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Grant
Date |
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Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
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Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
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Option
Exercise Price ($) |
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Option
Expiration Date |
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Award
Type |
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Number of
Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)(2) |
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Market
Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(3) |
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Award
Type |
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Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)(4) |
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Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)(5) |
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Fabrizio |
| 9/4/12 | | | 183,822 | | | | 0 | | | $ | 59.780 | | | 9/4/22 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||
Freda |
| 9/4/13 | | | 117,239 | | | | 0 | | | 67.310 | | | 9/4/23 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||
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| 9/3/14 | | | 127,919 | | | | 0 | | | 76.230 | | | 9/3/24 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||
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| 9/4/15 | | | 148,258 | | | | 0 | | | 77.350 | | | 9/4/25 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||
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| 9/4/15 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | PSU | (6) | | | 387,848 | | | | $ | 75,801,013 | | | ||||||||||
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| 9/6/16 | | | 151,163 | | | | 0 | | | 89.470 | | | 9/6/26 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||
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| 9/5/17 | | | 90,398 | | | | 45,199 | | | 107.950 | | | 9/5/27 | | | | | | RSU | | | | 12,339 | | | | $ | 2,379,946 | | | | PSU | | | | 40,682 | | | | 7,846,744 | | | ||||||||||
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| 2/14/18 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | PSU | (7) | | | 195,940 | | | | 37,718,450 | | | |||||||||||
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| 9/4/18 | | | 30,733 | | | | 61,467 | | | 138.150 | | | 9/4/28 | | | | | | RSU | | | | 18,398 | | | | 3,520,641 | | | | PSU | | | | 27,597 | | | | 5,280,962 | | | |||||||||||
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| 9/3/19 | | | 0 | | | | 79,807 | | | 199.490 | | | 9/3/29 | | | | | | RSU | | | | 21,931 | | | | 4,158,995 | | | | PSU | | | | 21,931 | | | | 4,158,995 | | | |||||||||||
Tracey T. |
| 9/4/12 | | | 44,862 | | | | 0 | | | 59.780 | | | 9/4/22 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Travis |
| 9/4/13 | | | 42,990 | | | | 0 | | | 67.310 | | | 9/4/23 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
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| 9/3/14 | | | 45,848 | | | | 0 | | | 76.230 | | | 9/3/24 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
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| 9/4/15 | | | 53,584 | | | | 0 | | | 77.350 | | | 9/4/25 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
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| 9/6/16 | | | 53,531 | | | | 0 | | | 89.470 | | | 9/6/26 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
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| 9/5/17 | | | 31,758 | | | | 15,880 | | | 107.950 | | | 9/5/27 | | | | | RSU | | | | 4,335 | | | | 836,135 | | | | PSU | | | | 14,293 | | | | 2,756,834 | | | ||||||||||||
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| 9/4/18 | | | 11,898 | | | | 23,798 | | | 138.150 | | | 9/4/28 | | | | | RSU | | | | 7,123 | | | | 1,363,057 | | | | PSU | | | | 10,684 | | | | 2,044,490 | | | ||||||||||||
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| 9/3/19 | | | 0 | | | | 29,916 | | | 199.490 | | | 9/3/29 | | | | | RSU | | | | 8,221 | | | | 1,559,030 | | | | PSU | | | | 8,221 | | | | 1,559,030 | | | ||||||||||||
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| 9/3/19 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | RSU | (8) | | | 10,026 | | | | 1,901,331 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
John |
| 9/5/17 | | | 0 | | | | 21,647 | | | 107.950 | | | 9/5/27 | | | | | | RSU | | | | 5,910 | | | | 1,139,921 | | | | PSU | | | | 19,485 | | | | 3,758,267 | | | |||||||||||
Demsey |
| 9/4/18 | | | 0 | | | | 27,058 | | | 138.150 | | | 9/4/28 | | | | | | RSU | | | | 8,099 | | | | 1,549,825 | | | | PSU | | | | 12,148 | | | | 2,324,641 | | | |||||||||||
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| 9/3/19 | | | 0 | | | | 29,157 | | | 199.490 | | | 9/3/29 | | | | | | RSU | | | | 8,012 | | | | 1,519,396 | | | | PSU | | | | 8,012 | | | | 1,519,396 | | | |||||||||||
Cedric |
| 9/6/16 | | | 19,447 | | | | 0 | | | 89.470 | | | 9/6/26 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Prouvé |
| 9/5/17 | | | 18,410 | | | | 18,410 | | | 107.950 | | | 9/5/27 | | | | | RSU | | | | 5,026 | | | | 969,415 | | | | PSU | | | | 16,569 | | | | 3,195,829 | | | ||||||||||||
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| 9/4/18 | | | 13,080 | | | | 26,162 | | | 138.150 | | | 9/4/28 | | | | | RSU | | | | 7,830 | | | | 1,498,349 | | | | PSU | | | | 11,744 | | | | 2,247,332 | | | ||||||||||||
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| 9/3/19 | | | 0 | | | | 32,005 | | | 199.490 | | | 9/3/29 | | | | | RSU | | | | 8,795 | | | | 1,667,884 | | | | PSU | | | | 8,795 | | | | 1,667,884 | | | ||||||||||||
Deirdre |
| 10/28/19 | | | 0 | | | | 11,108 | | | 185.710 | | | 10/28/29 | | | | | | RSU | | | | 3,051 | | | | 578,592 | | | | PSU | | | | 3,051 | | | | 578,592 | | | |||||||||||
Stanley |
| 10/28/19 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | RSU | (9) | | | 13,462 | | | | 2,552,934 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 77 |
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78 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2020
The following table sets forth for each NEO the number of shares acquired on the exercise of stock options and the number of shares acquired on the vesting of stock awards in fiscal 2020.
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| Option Awards |
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Stock Awards | | ||||||||||||
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Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#) |
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Value Realized
on Exercise ($)(1) |
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Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting (#)(2) |
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Value Realized
on Vesting ($)(3) |
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Fabrizio Freda |
| | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | 96,836 | (4) | | $ | 19,227,767 | | ||
Tracey T. Travis |
| | 66,000 | (5) | | 9,367,380 | | | 51,329 | (6) | | 10,060,067 | | ||||
John Demsey |
| | 61,954 | (7) | | 6,344,255 | | | 73,878 | (8) | | 14,830,939 | | ||||
Cedric Prouvé |
| | 114,134 | (9) | | 13,407,282 | | | 38,004 | (10) | | 7,539,863 | | ||||
Deirdre Stanley |
| | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 79 |
We provide retirement benefits to our employees in the United States, including the NEOs, through qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans. These plans include The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan (the "RGA Plan"), which is a qualified plan, and The Estee Lauder Inc. Benefits Restoration Plan (the "Restoration Plan"), which is a nonqualified plan. The Restoration Plan provides for pension benefit payments that employees would have received under the RGA Plan if eligible compensation (including deferred salary and bonuses, where the RGA Plan allows) had not been subject to certain compensation limits as dictated by tax laws under ERISA that apply to qualified retirement plans.
Retirement benefits under the plans are the aggregate amount of annual credits (defined as 3, 4, or 5% of total annual compensation, including bonus, with certain items excluded) plus annual interest credits thereon, based on a government index of not less than 4%. The aggregate amount is payable as a one-time lump sum under both plans or converted to monthly lifetime payments under the RGA Plan.
Executive officers who have worked for our subsidiaries outside the United States may also be covered under Company-sponsored pension plans covering such employees. None of the NEOs are covered under such plans.
We do not have any policies with respect to granting additional years of credited service except as provided in certain termination provisions as reflected in executive officer employment agreements. Benefits attributable to the additional years of credited service are payable by us pursuant to the terms of applicable employment agreements and are not payable under either the RGA Plan or the Restoration Plan.
In connection with his agreement to join the Company in November 2007, and continued in his current agreement, Mr. Freda is entitled to an annual supplemental deferral computed by taking the difference between $485,000 and the actual vested annual accruals and contributions made to the Company's qualified and nonqualified pension and qualified retirement savings plans on his behalf. Such deferrals are credited with interest as of each June 30 during the term of deferral, compounded annually, at an annual rate equal to the annual rate of interest announced by Citibank N.A. in New York, New York as its base rate in effect on such June 30, but in no event more than 9%.
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80 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Set forth in the table below are each NEO's years of credited service and the present value of the accumulated benefit under each of the pension plans and executive employment agreements pursuant to which the officer would be entitled to a retirement benefit, computed in each case as of the same pension plan measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.
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Name |
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Plan Name |
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Number of Years
Credited Service (#)* |
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Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit ($) |
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Payments During
Last Fiscal Year ($) |
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Fabrizio Freda |
| RGA Plan | | 12 | | | $ | 148,140 | | | | $ | 0 | | |
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| Restoration Plan | | | | | 3,203,048 | | | | 0 | | | ||
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| Employment Agreement | | | | | 3,943,535 | | | | 0 | | | ||
Tracey T. Travis |
| RGA Plan | | 7 | | | 78,630 | | | | 0 | | | ||
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| Restoration Plan | | | | 527,049 | | | | 0 | | | |||
John Demsey |
| RGA Plan | | 29 | | | 549,093 | | | | 0 | | | ||
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| Restoration Plan | | | | | 4,055,381 | | | | 0 | | | ||
Cedric Prouvé |
| RGA Plan | | 27 | | | 410,205 | | | | 0 | | | ||
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| Restoration Plan | | | | 3,386,899 | | | | 0 | | | |||
Deirdre Stanley |
| RGA Plan | | 0 | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | ||
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| Restoration Plan | | | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | |
The present values of accumulated benefits reflected in the table above were calculated based on the assumption that the benefits under the pension plans would be payable at the earliest retirement age at which unreduced benefits are payable (age 65). The present values for the RGA Plan also reflect the assumption that 75% of benefits are payable as a one-time lump sum, and 25% are payable as lifetime monthly payments. Amounts calculated under the pension formula based on compensation that exceeds IRS limits will be paid under the Restoration Plan and are included in the present values shown in the table above. The present values for the Restoration Plan also reflect the assumption that 100% of the benefits are payable as a one-time lump sum. The present values of accumulated benefits under the RGA Plan were calculated using a 3.0% discount rate and, for annuities, the SOA PRI-2012 mortality table projected generationally using scale MP-2019, and present values under the Restoration Plans were calculated using a 2.5% discount rate. These assumptions are consistent with the assumptions used in the calculation of our benefit obligations as of June 30, 2020, as disclosed in Note 15 (Pension, Deferred Compensation and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans) to our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2020 and at June 30, 2020
None of the Named Executive Officers for fiscal 2020 has any nonqualified deferred compensation agreements or account balances.
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control
Events of Termination under the Employment Agreements and under the Share Incentive Plan
Each of our NEOs is party to an employment agreement, as well as various equity grant agreements under the Share Incentive Plan. The agreements provide for certain payments and other benefits if the NEO terminates employment with the Company under various circumstances described below. Certain employment agreements may also impact the treatment of equity grants upon termination of employment. For purposes of the following descriptions, "Contract Year" means the twelve-month period beginning July 1 and ending the following June 30.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 81 |
Voluntary Termination and Retirement. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, the executive may terminate employment for any reason at any time upon 90 days' prior written notice, in which event we will have no further obligations after termination other than to pay the executive's accrued but unpaid salary and bonus compensation, if any, earned but not paid that relates to any Contract Year ended prior to the date of termination. The executive may also be entitled to benefits under applicable employee benefit plans and programs (e.g., health care and pension plans).
Under the NEO employment agreements and applicable equity grant agreements, for executives who are not retirement eligible, upon voluntary termination, (i) stock options that are exercisable may be exercised until the earlier of one year after termination or the end of the option term; (ii) stock options not yet exercisable as of the termination date are forfeited; and (iii) outstanding unvested PSUs and RSUs are forfeited. For those NEOs who are retirement eligible, if they choose to retire, (i) stock options that are not yet exercisable become immediately exercisable and may be exercised until the end of the option term; (ii) annual RSUs will continue to vest and be paid in accordance with the vesting schedule for each award; and (iii) annual PSUs will continue to vest and be paid as if the executive had been employed throughout the entire award period, with payment to be made at the same time such awards are paid to active executives. Such conditions do not apply to the non-annual PSUs granted to Mr. Freda on September 4, 2015 for 387,848 shares and February 14, 2018 for 195,940 shares. Therefore, for those PSUs, retirement would result in forfeiture of any unearned, unvested tranche, and any earned and vested tranche would be paid in accordance with the award agreement. In order to be retirement eligible, the executive must be at least 55 years old and have been employed by the Company for at least ten years, or the executive must be at least 65 years old and have been employed by the Company for at least five years. With regard to the non-annual RSUs granted to Ms. Travis and Ms. Stanley in fiscal 2020, upon voluntary termination, any unvested RSUs are forfeited. Among our NEOs, Mr. Freda, Mr. Demsey, and Mr. Prouvé were retirement eligible as of June 30, 2020, and Ms. Travis and Ms. Stanley were not.
Termination of Employment upon Permanent Disability. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, we may terminate the NEO's employment at any time by reason of a "permanent disability" (as defined in the executive's employment agreement), in which event the executive will be entitled to receive the following payments: (i) any accrued but unpaid salary and other amounts to which the executive otherwise is entitled prior to the date of termination; (ii) base salary in effect at the time of termination (less disability payments) for a period of one year from the date of termination; (iii) bonus compensation earned but not paid that relates to any Contract Year ended prior to the date of termination; (iv) unpaid bonus compensation otherwise payable for the Contract Year in which the disability occurred pro-rated to the date of termination; and (v) reimbursement for financial counseling services in the amount of $5,000 for a period of one year from the date of termination.
In addition, upon the executive's permanent disability, the executive will be entitled to continue to participate, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the applicable plan, in our health care, life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance benefit plans for a period of one year from the date of termination (the "Disability Continuation Period") disregarding any required delay in payments pursuant to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 409A"). Since continued participation in the 401(k) Savings Plan and the RGA Plan is not permitted under law during the Disability Continuation Period, the executive will be entitled to receive cash payments equivalent in value to the executive's continued participation in all qualified and nonqualified pension plans and the maximum matching contribution allowable under the 401(k) Savings Plan (the "Pension Replacement Payment") during the Disability Continuation Period. See "Effect of Certain Tax Regulations on Payments" below.
Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon the executive's permanent disability (as determined in the applicable grant agreement), stock options that are not yet exercisable
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82 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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become immediately exercisable and may be exercised until the earlier of one year after the last day of salary continuation or the expiration of the option term, subject to the non-competition and good conduct provisions of the executive's employment agreement and the Share Incentive Plan (including the applicable grant agreements). RSUs will vest pro-rated for the number of full months the executive was employed or receiving salary continuation payments during the applicable vesting period and will be paid in accordance with the vesting schedule for each award. The executive will be entitled to a pro-rated payment of PSUs based on actual achievement of PSU opportunities for the number of full months the executive was employed or receiving salary continuation payments during the award period, with the payment to be made at the same time payments for the award period are paid to active executives. If the executive is retirement eligible, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions relating to "permanent disability."
Termination of Employment upon Death. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, in the event of an executive officer's death during the term of employment, the executive's beneficiary or legal representative will be entitled to receive the payments described in clauses (i) through (v) above under "Termination of Employment upon Permanent Disability" as if employment had been terminated by us upon permanent disability.
Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon the executive's death, stock options, RSUs, and PSUs will be treated the same as if employment had been terminated by us upon permanent disability, except that PSUs and RSUs will be paid as soon as practicable after the executive's death, and PSUs are pro-rated based on target. If the executive is retirement eligible at the time of death, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions relating to death.
Termination of Employment Other than for Cause, Death, or Disability; Termination by the Executive for Material Breach. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, we may terminate the executive's employment for any reason upon 90 days' prior written notice. In the event of our termination of the executive's employment (other than for cause, permanent disability, or death) or a termination by the executive for an uncured "material breach" (as defined below), the executive will be entitled to payments described in clauses (i), (iii), and (iv) above under "Termination of Employment upon Permanent Disability" as if employment had been terminated by us upon permanent disability. In addition, the executive will be entitled to receive: (i) his or her base salary in effect at the time of termination for a period ending on a date two years from the date of termination; (ii) his or her bonus compensation equal to 50% of the average of incentive compensation bonuses previously paid or payable to the executive under the EAIP during the past two completed fiscal years; (iii) reimbursement for financial counseling services in the amount of $10,000 covering a period of two years from the date of termination; and (iv) participation, for a period ending on a date two years from the date of termination, to the extent permitted by applicable law, in our benefit plans and receipt of cash payments equivalent in value to the executive's Pension Replacement Payment during such period. For purposes of the employment agreements, "material breach" is a material reduction in the executive's authority, functions, duties, or responsibilities, a material reduction in the executive's target compensation (unless such reduction is similar to other officers and/or employees generally), or our failure to pay any award to which the executive is entitled under his or her employment agreement.
Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon termination of an executive's employment by us without "cause" (as defined in the applicable grant agreement), stock options and RSUs will be treated the same as if employment had been terminated by us upon permanent disability. Annual PSUs are forfeited if termination by us without "cause" occurs before the end of the first year of the award period. However, if termination occurs after the end of the first year of the award period, the executive will be entitled to a pro-rated payout based on actual achievement of annual PSU opportunities for the number of full months the executive was employed or receiving salary continuation payments during the award period, with the payment to be made at the same
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2020 Proxy Statement | 83 |
time such awards are paid to active executives. If the executive is retirement eligible, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions described in this paragraph. See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis Additional (non-annual) PSU Grants to CEO in Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2016" for information about the treatment of Mr. Freda's additional (non-annual) PSU grants upon termination of employment.
Termination of Employment Following a Change of Control. Our employment agreements as well as the applicable equity grant agreements contain certain provisions regarding change of control. Under our employment agreements, in the event the executive terminates employment for "good reason" (as defined below) within two years of a "change of control" (as defined below) of our Company, the executive is entitled to receive payments and benefits as if employment were terminated by us without cause. For purposes of the employment agreements, "good reason" means that the executive is assigned duties that are materially inconsistent with his or her position, the executive's position is materially diminished, we breach the compensation arrangements of the employment agreement (and fail to timely cure the breach), the executive is required to relocate to any location more than 50 miles from the location at which the executive performed services prior to the change of control, or we fail to have any successor company assume the executive's employment agreement.
For purposes of the employment agreements, a "change of control" or "change in control" is deemed to have occurred upon any of the following events:
However, changes in the relative beneficial ownership among members of the Lauder family and family-controlled entities would not, by themselves, constitute a change of control, and any spin-off of one of our divisions or subsidiaries to our stockholders would not constitute a change of control.
Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon a "change in control," each annual PSU and RSU will vest and become payable in shares as soon as practicable, but not later than two weeks after the change in control. If the executive is retirement eligible, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions described in this paragraph. If stock options are assumed by an acquirer, then exercisability will be accelerated after a change in control if the executive is terminated without "cause" or the executive terminates for "good reason." Similarly, if RSUs are assumed by the acquirer, vesting will be accelerated after a change in control if the executive is terminated without "cause" or the executive terminates for "good reason." PSUs in respect of the performance period that has not ended will become payable after a change in
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84 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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control in shares equal to the greater of the target award or what the payout would be based on performance as if the performance period ended on the date of the change in control.
Termination for Cause. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, in the case of termination by us for "cause" (as defined in the employment agreement), the executive will be entitled to receive accrued but unpaid salary and any benefit under our employee benefit programs and plans as of the date of such termination. In addition, the employment agreements contain certain provisions concerning termination for "cause." For purposes of these agreements and the equity grant agreements, "cause" means that the executive has engaged in any of a list of specified activities including, but not limited to, material breach of, or willful refusal to perform duties under, the agreements, failure to follow a material lawful directive of the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman, or the Board of Directors that is within the scope of the executive's duties, willful misconduct unrelated to us that could reasonably be anticipated to have a material adverse effect on us, gross negligence that could reasonably be anticipated to have a material adverse effect on us, violation of our Code of Conduct, drug or alcohol abuse that materially affects performance, or conviction of, or entry of a guilty plea or no contest for, a felony.
Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon termination of employment for cause (as defined in the applicable grant agreement) during the applicable period, outstanding stock options, PSUs, and RSUs are forfeited.
Condition Precedent to Receipt of Payments upon Termination
The employment agreements require, as a precondition to the receipt of the payments described above, that the NEO execute a general release of claims against us and our subsidiaries and affiliates. The release does not apply to rights that the executive may otherwise have to any payment of benefit provided for in the executive's employment agreement or any vested benefit the executive may have in any of our benefit plans. The agreements also include provisions relating to nondisclosure of our confidential information and non-competition with us.
Modification of Severance Payments and Benefits
The employment agreements provide that changes to severance payments and benefits may be made by the Compensation Committee (or the Subcommittee for changes related to matters under its authority), except at such time the Company is contemplating one or more transactions that will result in a Change of Control or after a Change of Control. Moreover, any changes made to severance payments or benefits without the consent of the executive will not be effective until two years after such change is approved by the Compensation Committee or Subcommittee.
Effect of Certain Tax Regulations on Payments
Effect of Excise Tax on Parachute Payments. Under the employment agreements of the NEOs, if any amount or benefit paid under the respective agreement, taken together with any amounts or benefits otherwise paid to the executive by us or any of our affiliated companies, are parachute payments subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the executive may elect to pay the excise tax on such payments or scale back the amounts paid to the executive to the extent necessary (but not below zero) to eliminate the excise tax. NEOs are not entitled to any tax gross-up in the event they are subject to excise taxes payable under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with a change in control.
Effect of Section 409A on Timing of Payments. Under the employment agreements, any amounts payable by reason of separation from service that are not exempt from Section 409A will be subject to the required six-month delay in payment after termination of service provided that the executive is a "specified employee" for purposes of Section 409A at the time of termination of service. Amounts that otherwise would have been paid during this six-month delay will be paid in a lump sum on the first day after such period expires.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 85 |
Effect of Section 409A on Equity Awards. Payment of amounts subject to Section 409A is permitted only upon certain defined events including a change of control that satisfies the definition under Section 409A and related regulations. In addition, if any payment under any equity award is subject to Section 409A, the required six-month delay after termination of service will apply to payments due by reason of separation from service.
Potential Payments in the Event of Termination at the End of Our Last Fiscal Year
The table below describes potential payments and other benefits that would have been received or receivable by each NEO or such officer's estate under the officer's employment agreement or related plans and agreements, including the Share Incentive Plan (including the applicable grant agreements), if employment had been terminated under various circumstances on June 30, 2020. For equity awards, we used the closing stock price on June 30, 2020, the last trading day of fiscal 2020.
The following assumptions and general principles apply with respect to the following table:
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86 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Retirement
($) |
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Voluntary
Termination ($) |
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Death
($) |
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Disability
($) |
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Termination
without Cause or by Executive for Material Breach ($) |
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Termination
without Cause or for Good Reason After Change of Control ($)(4) |
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Fabrizio Freda |
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Base Salary |
| $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 2,000,000 | | $ | 2,000,000 | | | $ | 4,000,000 | | | | $ | 4,000,000 | | |
Bonus |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 0 | | | 2,382,338 | | | | 2,382,338 | | | ||||||
Options |
| 6,754,843 | | | 6,754,843 | | | 6,754,843 | | 6,754,843 | | | 6,754,843 | | | | 6,754,843 | | | ||||||
PSUs |
| 9,439,957 | | | 9,439,957 | | | 42,967,468 | | 42,967,468 | | | 47,158,407 | | | | 47,158,407 | | | ||||||
RSUs |
| 10,059,582 | | | 10,059,582 | | | 10,059,582 | | 10,059,582 | | | 10,059,582 | | | | 10,059,582 | | | ||||||
Continued Health Care Benefits(1) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 32,906 | | | 65,813 | | | | 65,813 | | | ||||||
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(2) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 485,000 | | | 969,900 | | | | 969,900 | | | ||||||
Other Benefits and Perquisites(3) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 5,000 | | 53,935 | | | 107,870 | | | | 127,870 | | | ||||||
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Total |
| $ | 26,254,382 | | | $ | 26,254,382 | | | $ | 61,786,893 | | $ | 62,353,734 | | | $ | 71,498,752 | | | | $ | 71,518,752 | | |
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Tracey T. Travis |
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Base Salary |
| $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 1,100,000 | | $ | 1,100,000 | | | $ | 2,200,000 | | | | $ | 2,200,000 | | |
Bonus |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 0 | | | 668,025 | | | | 668,025 | | | ||||||
Options |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 2,484,505 | | 2,484,505 | | | 2,484,505 | | | | 2,484,505 | | | ||||||
PSUs |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 3,083,844 | | 3,083,844 | | | 3,603,521 | | | | 3,603,521 | | | ||||||
RSUs |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 3,936,005 | | 3,936,005 | | | 5,454,004 | | | | 5,659,553 | | | ||||||
Continued Health Care Benefits(1) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 27,309 | | | 54,618 | | | | 54,618 | | | ||||||
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(2) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 53,955 | | | 141,924 | | | | 141,924 | | | ||||||
Other Benefits and Perquisites(3) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 5,000 | | 25,844 | | | 51,688 | | | | 71,688 | | | ||||||
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Total |
| $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 10,609,354 | | $ | 10,711,462 | | | $ | 14,658,285 | | | | $ | 14,883,834 | | |
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John Demsey |
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Base Salary |
| $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 1,180,000 | | $ | 1,180,000 | | | $ | 2,360,000 | | | | $ | 2,360,000 | | |
Bonus |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 0 | | | 841,875 | | | | 841,875 | | | ||||||
Options |
| 3,114,803 | | | 3,114,803 | | | 3,114,803 | | 3,114,803 | | | 3,114,803 | | | | 3,114,803 | | | ||||||
PSUs |
| 3,844,037 | | | 3,844,037 | | | 3,844,037 | | 3,844,037 | | | 3,844,037 | | | | 3,844,037 | | | ||||||
RSUs |
| 4,209,141 | | | 4,209,141 | | | 4,209,141 | | 4,209,141 | | | 4,209,141 | | | | 4,209,141 | | | ||||||
Continued Health Care Benefits(1) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 25,084 | | | 50,167 | | | | 50,167 | | | ||||||
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(2) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 62,969 | | | 199,851 | | | | 199,851 | | | ||||||
Other Benefits and Perquisites(3) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 5,000 | | 37,485 | | | 74,970 | | | | 94,970 | | | ||||||
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Total |
| $ | 11,167,981 | | | $ | 11,167,981 | | | $ | 12,352,981 | | $ | 12,473,519 | | | $ | 14,694,844 | | | | $ | 14,714,844 | | |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 87 |
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Retirement
($) |
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Voluntary
Termination ($) |
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Death
($) |
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Disability
($) |
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Termination
without Cause or by Executive for Material Breach ($) |
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Termination
without Cause or for Good Reason After Change of Control ($)(4) |
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Cedric Prouvé |
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Base Salary |
| $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 1,155,000 | | $ | 1,155,000 | | | $ | 2,310,000 | | | | $ | 2,310,000 | | |
Bonus |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 0 | | | 1,364,213 | | | | 1,364,213 | | | ||||||
Options |
| 2,808,205 | | | 2,808,205 | | | 2,808,205 | | 2,808,205 | | | 2,808,205 | | | | 2,808,205 | | | ||||||
PSUs |
| 3,915,216 | | | 3,915,216 | | | 3,915,216 | | 3,915,216 | | | 3,915,216 | | | | 3,915,216 | | | ||||||
RSUs |
| 4,135,647 | | | 4,135,647 | | | 4,135,647 | | 4,135,647 | | | 4,135,647 | | | | 4,135,647 | | | ||||||
Continued Health Care Benefits(1) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 22,941 | | | 45,881 | | | | 45,881 | | | ||||||
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(2) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 64,690 | | | 206,983 | | | | 206,983 | | | ||||||
Other Benefits and Perquisites(3) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 5,000 | | 62,390 | | | 124,780 | | | | 144,780 | | | ||||||
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Total |
| $ | 10,859,068 | | | $ | 10,859,068 | | | $ | 12,019,068 | | $ | 12,164,089 | | | $ | 14,910,925 | | | | $ | 14,930,925 | | |
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Deirdre Stanley |
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Base Salary |
| $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 875,000 | | $ | 875,000 | | | $ | 1,750,000 | | | | $ | 1,750,000 | | |
Bonus |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 0 | | | 600,000 | | | | 600,000 | | | ||||||
Options |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 32,991 | | 32,991 | | | 32,991 | | | | 32,991 | | | ||||||
PSUs |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 385,728 | | 385,728 | | | 578,592 | | | | 578,592 | | | ||||||
RSUs |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 1,739,736 | | 1,739,736 | | | 2,783,578 | | | | 3,131,525 | | | ||||||
Continued Health Care Benefits(1) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 26,432 | | | 52,863 | | | | 52,863 | | | ||||||
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(2) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | 0 | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | ||||||
Other Benefits and Perquisites(3) |
| 0 | | | 0 | | | 5,000 | | 18,200 | | | 36,400 | | | | 56,400 | | | ||||||
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Total |
| $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 3,038,455 | | $ | 3,078,086 | | | $ | 5,834,424 | | | | $ | 6,202,371 | | |
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Certain amounts do not sum due to rounding
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88 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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have been entitled to the following amounts: Mr. Freda, $9,439,957; Ms. Travis, $3,603,521; Mr. Demsey, $3,844,037; Mr. Prouvé, $3,915,216; and Ms. Stanley, $578,592.
As required by SEC rules, we are providing the following information about the ratio of the annual total compensation of Fabrizio Freda, our CEO, to the annual total compensation of our median employee:
In order to provide a helpful context for the disclosure above, the Company notes that the nature of retail operations in prestige beauty relies significantly on part-time and temporary employees. Over 35% of our employees who are within the scope of the pay ratio rules are part-time or temporary. Additionally, more than 65% of our employees who are within the scope of these rules are outside the United States. The compensation elements and pay levels of our employees differ from country to country based on market trends along with fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
In fiscal 2020, to identify the median annual total compensation of our employees, we used the methodology and material assumptions, adjustments, and estimates noted below.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 89 |
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting solely of "independent directors" as defined by the Board and consistent with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, has:
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 filed with the SEC.
Audit Committee
Richard
F. Zannino (Chair)
Paul J. Fribourg
Jennifer Hyman
Jennifer Tejada
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90 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has sole authority to appoint, retain, or terminate the Company's independent auditors and to approve the compensation for the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC"), a registered public accounting firm, to serve as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, subject to ratification of this appointment by the stockholders of the Company.
The Audit Committee and management consider PwC to be well qualified and believe that the appointment of PwC is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. The Audit Committee Chair is directly involved in the selection of PwC's lead engagement partner. PwC has advised the Company that neither it nor any of its members has any direct or material indirect financial interest in the Company. One or more representatives of PwC is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will have an opportunity to make a statement if any such representative desires to do so, and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Change in Independent Auditors
As disclosed in the Company's Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2020, the Audit Committee approved the dismissal of KPMG LLP ("KPMG") as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm effective upon the completion of KPMG's audits and the issuance of its reports on the Company's consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting for the Company's fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 (fiscal 2020); such reports were included in the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal 2020 filed on August 28, 2020. KPMG had served as the Company's independent auditors since 2002.
KPMG's audit reports on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 (fiscal 2020) and June 30, 2019 (fiscal 2019) did not contain any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that (a) KPMG's fiscal 2020 audit report contained explanatory paragraphs stating that (i) "As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases effective July 1, 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases" and (ii) "As discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for revenue and related costs effective July 1, 2018 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers;" and (b) KPMG's fiscal 2019 audit report contained an explanatory paragraph stating that "As discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for revenue and related costs effective July 1, 2018 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers." KPMG's audit reports on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2020 and 2019 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, and in the subsequent interim period through August 28, 2020 (i) there were no disagreements with KPMG (within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K ("Regulation S-K") of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")) on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure that if not resolved to KPMG's satisfaction, would have caused KPMG to make reference thereto in its reports; and (ii) there were no reportable events (as defined by Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
One or more representatives of KPMG is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will have an opportunity to make a statement if any such representative desires to do so, and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 91 |
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company paid, or will pay, the following fees to KPMG and its affiliates for services rendered during the year or for the audit in respect of those years:
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Fee Type |
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Fiscal 2020 |
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Fiscal 2019 | | ||||||
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Audit Fees(1) |
| | $ | 10,863 | | | | $ | 10,534 | | |
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
| | 282 | | | | 398 | | | ||
Tax Fees(3) |
| | 2,408 | | | | 2,202 | | | ||
All Other Fees |
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Total |
| | $ | 13,553 | | | | $ | 13,134 | | |
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The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent auditor and the associated fees are compatible with maintaining auditor independence. The Audit Committee policy concerning approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor requires that all services the independent auditor may provide to the Company, including audit services and permitted audit-related and non-audit services, be pre-approved by the committee. In between committee meetings, the Chair of the Audit Committee may approve permitted non-audit services and certain audit services, which services are subsequently reported to and approved by the committee. In addition, for particular permitted services, the Chief Financial Officer may approve the engagement of the independent auditor provided such engagements will amount to fees of less than an aggregate of $50,000 per fiscal quarter and such engagement is reported to the Chair of the Audit Committee and reported to and ratified by the committee at its next meeting. All audit and non-audit services described herein were approved pursuant to this policy for fiscal 2020, and none of the services were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to a waiver of pre-approval as contemplated by Regulation S-X Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C).
Ratification of the appointment of the independent auditors requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of the Company voting in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of PwC, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy. |
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92 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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As we discussed in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above, the Company's compensation program for executive officers is designed to attract and retain world class talent and to motivate achievement of both our long-term and short-term goals. We believe that the design and governance of the Company's program supports, and aligns executive officers with, the business strategy and the overall goal to continue sustainable growth of net sales, profitability, and return on invested capital on an annual and long-term basis.
As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this proposal, commonly referred to as the "Say on Pay" resolution, seeks a stockholder advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K through the following resolution:
"RESOLVED, that the Company's stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company's Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narratives."
Because this is an advisory vote, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee value the opinions expressed by stockholders. The Company currently intends to hold an advisory vote to approve executive compensation annually, consistent with the advisory vote of the stockholders at the Company's 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposed resolution. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy. |
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2020 Proxy Statement | 93 |
Proxy Procedure and Expenses of Solicitation
The Company will hold the votes of all stockholders in confidence from its directors, officers, and employees, except: (i) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements and to assert or defend claims for or against the Company; (ii) in case of a contested proxy solicitation; (iii) in the event that a stockholder makes a written comment on the proxy card or otherwise communicates the stockholder's vote to management; or (iv) to allow the independent inspectors of election to certify the results of the vote. The Company will retain an independent tabulator to receive and tabulate the proxies and independent inspectors of election to certify the results.
All expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company will reimburse brokers, fiduciaries, and custodians for their costs in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of Common Stock held in their names.
Solicitation may be undertaken by mail, telephone, electronic means, and personal contact by directors, officers, and employees of the Company without additional compensation. In addition, the Company has engaged the firm of Morrow Sodali LLC to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of $10,000 plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2021 Annual Meeting
If a stockholder intends to present a proposal for action at the 2021 Annual Meeting and wishes to have such proposal considered for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials in reliance on Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the proposal must be submitted in writing and received by the Secretary of the Company after the 2020 Annual Meeting and no later than May 27, 2021. Such proposal also must meet the other requirements of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to stockholder proposals.
The Company's bylaws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to certain matters, including stockholder proposals and nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors, outside the process of Rule 14a-8. In general, notice of a stockholder proposal or a director nomination for an annual meeting must be received by the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the Company first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding annual meeting of stockholders and must contain specified information and conform to certain requirements, as set forth in the bylaws. To be timely for the 2021 Annual Meeting, the notice must be received by the Company on any date beginning no earlier than June 26, 2021 and ending on July 26, 2021. If the chairman at any meeting of stockholders determines that a stockholder proposal or director nomination was not made in accordance with the bylaws, the Company may disregard such proposal or nomination. In addition, if a stockholder submits a proposal outside of Rule 14a-8 for the 2021 Annual Meeting and the proposal fails to comply with the advance notice procedure prescribed by the bylaws, then the Company's proxy may confer discretionary authority on the persons being appointed as proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors to vote on the proposal.
Proposals and nominations should be addressed to Spencer G. Smul, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153.
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94 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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Management of the Company does not know of any matters that may properly come before the meeting other than those referred to in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders or other matters incident to the conduct of the meeting. As to any other matter or proposal that may properly come before the meeting, including voting for the election of any person as a director in place of a nominee named herein who becomes unable or declines to serve and voting on a proposal omitted from this Proxy Statement pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, proxies will be voted in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.
SPENCER G. SMUL | ||
Senior Vice President, | ||
Deputy General Counsel and Secretary | ||
New York, New York | ||
September 24, 2020 |
The Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes financial statements, is available, together with this Proxy Statement, at www.proxyvote.com. The Annual Report does not form any part of the material for the solicitations of proxies.
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2020 Proxy Statement | 95 |
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
In the "Proxy Statement Summary" and in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," the Company presents certain non-GAAP financial information. We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, among other financial measures, to evaluate our operating performance, which represent the manner in which we conduct and view our business. Management believes that excluding certain items that are not comparable from period to period, or do not reflect the Company's underlying ongoing business, provides transparency for such items and helps investors and others compare and analyze our operating performance from period to period. In the future, we expect to incur charges or adjustments similar in nature to those presented below; however, the impact to the Company's results in a given period may be highly variable and difficult to predict. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by, or determined in a manner consistent with, other companies. While we consider the non-GAAP measures useful in analyzing our results, they are not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
The following table presents Net Sales, Operating Margin, and Diluted EPS adjusted to exclude, where applicable, the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities; the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration; the fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2017 goodwill and other intangible asset impairments; the fiscal 2020 long-lived asset impairments; the fiscal 2020 gain on previously held equity method investment; the fiscal 2019 impact of the provisional charges resulting from the enactment of the TCJA; the fiscal 2019 gain on liquidation of an investment in a foreign subsidiary, net; the fiscal 2017 China deferred tax asset valuation allowance reversal; the fiscal 2015 impact of accelerated orders associated with the SMI rollout; the fiscal 2015 Venezuela remeasurement charge; and the effects of foreign currency translation. The table below provides reconciliations between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. Also shown in the table below is information about our adjusted Return on Invested Capital financial measure disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
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2020 Proxy Statement | A-1 |
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Financial Metric |
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Fiscal 2020 |
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Fiscal 2020,
Constant Currency |
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Fiscal
2019 |
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Change
over Prior Year |
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Change over
Prior Year in Constant Currency(1) |
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Fiscal
2017 |
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3-Year
Compound Annual Growth Rate (or Basis Point Change) |
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Fiscal
2015 |
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5-Year
Compound Annual Growth Rate (or Basis Point Change) |
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Net Sales as reported |
| $ | 14,294 | | | $ | 14,448 | | | $ | 14,863 | | (4%) | | | (3% | ) | | $ | 11,824 | | | 7 | % | | $ | 10,780 | | | 6% | | | ||||
Accelerated orders associated with SMI rollout |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 178 | | | | | | |||||||||
Returns associated with restructuring activities |
| | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
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Net Sales as adjusted |
| $ | 14,294 | | | $ | 14,448 | | | $ | 14,866 | | (4%) | | | (3% | ) | | $ | 11,826 | | | 7 | % | | $ | 10,958 | | | 5% | | | ||||
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Operating Margin as reported |
| 4.2 | % | | | | 15.6 | % | (1,140)bp | | | | | 14.3 | % | | (1,010 | )bp | | 14.9 | % | | (1,070)bp | | | |||||||||||
Accelerated orders associated with SMI rollout |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1.2 | % | | | | ||||||||||||||
Goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments |
| 10.0 | % | | | | 0.6 | % | | | | | 0.3 | % | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration |
| (0.1 | %) | | | | (0.2 | %) | | | | | (0.5 | %) | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Venezuela remeasurement charges |
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Returns and charges associated with restructuring activities |
| 0.6 | % | | | | 1.6 | % | | | | | 1.8 | % | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||
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Operating Margin as adjusted |
| 14.7 | % | | | | 17.5 | % | (280)bp | | | | | 15.9 | % | | (120 | )bp | | 15.9 | % | | (120)bp | | | |||||||||||
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Diluted EPS as reported |
| $ | 1.86 | | | $ | 1.92 | | | $ | 4.82 | | (61%) | | | (60% | ) | | $ | 3.35 | | | (18% | ) | | $ | 2.82 | | | (8%) | | | ||||
Accelerated orders associated with SMI rollout |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 0.21 | | | | | | |||||||||
Goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments |
| 3.31 | | | | | | 0.23 | | | | | | | | 0.06 | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Transition Tax resulting from the TCJA |
| | | | | | | (0.03 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Remeasurement of U.S. net deferred tax assets resulting from the TCJA |
| | | | | | | 0.02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Net deferred tax liability related to certain foreign withholding taxes on planned repatriation resulting from the TCJA |
| | | | | | | 0.02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration |
| (0.04 | ) | | | | | (0.08 | ) | | | | | | | (0.12 | ) | | | | | 0.02 | | | | | | |||||||||
Other income, net, primarily the gain on previously held equity method investment |
| (1.20 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Gain on liquidation of an investment in a foreign subsidiary, net |
| | | | | | | (0.15 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Venezuela remeasurement charges |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 0.01 | | | | | | |||||||||
China deferred tax asset valuation allowance reversal |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (0.20 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Returns and charges associated with restructuring activities |
| 0.19 | | | | | | 0.51 | | | | | | | | 0.38 | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
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Diluted EPS as adjusted |
| $ | 4.12 | | | $ | 4.16 | | | $ | 5.34 | | (23%) | | | (22% | ) | | $ | 3.47 | | | 6 | % | | $ | 3.07 | | | 6% | | | ||||
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Return on Invested Capital, as reported |
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17.4 |
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22.6 |
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(520)bp |
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18.3 |
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(90 |
)bp |
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21.5 |
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(410)bp |
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Return on Invested Capital, as adjusted(2) |
| 18.5 | | | | | 25.7 | | (720)bp | | | | | 18.9 | | | (40 | )bp | | 21.6 | | | (310)bp | | |
Certain amounts do not sum due to rounding
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A-2 | 2020 Proxy Statement |
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VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE w SCAN TO THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. 767 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10153 VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above 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. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020 You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. 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: D22166-P43128 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" each nominee in Item 1 and "FOR" Items 2 and 3. 1. Election of five (5) Class III Directors Withhold Nominees: For For Against Abstain ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 1a. Charlene Barshefsky 2. Ratification of appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for the 2021 fiscal year. 1b. Wei Sun Christianson ! ! ! 1c. Fabrizio Freda 3. Advisory vote to approve executive compensation. 1d. Jane Lauder We also will transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. 1e. Leonard A. Lauder Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon, date, and return in the enclosed envelope. If acting as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, etc., you should so indicate when signing. If the signer is a corporation, please sign the full corporate name by duly authorized officer. If shares are held jointly, each stockholder named should sign. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date
Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com. D22167-P43128 Proxy THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. CLASS A COMMON STOCK ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned, revoking all previous proxies, hereby constitutes and appoints Fabrizio Freda, Deirdre Stanley and Spencer G. Smul, and each of them, proxies with full power of substitution to vote for the undersigned all shares of Class A Common Stock of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (the "Company") which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 10, 2020, held virtually via www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time), and at any adjournment thereof, upon the matters described in the accompanying Proxy Statement and upon any other business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Said proxies are directed to vote or refrain from voting as checked on the reverse side upon the matters listed on the reverse side, and otherwise in their discretion. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as directed herein. If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Companys Board of Directors and, in the discretion of the proxy holders, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse side.
VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE w SCAN TO THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. 767 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10153 VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above 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. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020 You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. 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: D22168-Z78096 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" each nominee in Item 1 and "FOR" Items 2 and 3. 1. Election of five (5) Class III Directors For Withhold Nominees: For Against Abstain ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 1a. Charlene Barshefsky 2. Ratification of appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for the 2021 fiscal year. 1b. Wei Sun Christianson ! ! ! 1c. Fabrizio Freda 3. Advisory vote to approve executive compensation. 1d. Jane Lauder We also will transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. 1e. Leonard A. Lauder Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon, date, and return in the enclosed envelope. If acting as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, etc., you should so indicate when signing. If the signer is a corporation, please sign the full corporate name by duly authorized officer. If shares are held jointly, each stockholder named should sign. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date
Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com. D22169-Z78096 Proxy THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. CLASS B COMMON STOCK ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned, revoking all previous proxies, hereby constitutes and appoints Fabrizio Freda, Deirdre Stanley and Spencer G. Smul, and each of them, proxies with full power of substitution to vote for the undersigned all shares of Class B Common Stock of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (the "Company") which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 10, 2020, held virtually via www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2020, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time), and at any adjournment thereof, upon the matters described in the accompanying Proxy Statement and upon any other business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Said proxies are directed to vote or refrain from voting as checked on the reverse side upon the matters listed on the reverse side, and otherwise in their discretion. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as directed herein. If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Companys Board of Directors and, in the discretion of the proxy holders, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse side.