false 0000073309 0000073309 2020-02-17 2020-02-17

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 17, 2020

 

NUCOR CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

1-4119

 

13-1860817

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

1915 Rexford Road,

Charlotte, North Carolina

28211

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (704) 366-7000

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.40 per share

 

NUE

 

New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

 

 


Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(e)    On February 17, 2020, the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) of Nucor Corporation (the “Company”) adopted and approved changes to the compensation plans for executive vice presidents and more senior officers of the Company (collectively, the “Executive Officers”). The changes are summarized below and were adopted and approved to address the level of stockholder support for the advisory vote on named executive officer compensation conducted at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and the feedback the Company received from subsequent executive compensation-focused discussions with stockholders. The following summary of the changes is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the amended plans and agreements, copies of which are filed as exhibits hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Severance Plan Amended. The Nucor Corporation Severance Plan for Senior Officers and General Managers (the “Severance Plan”) previously provided severance benefits to the Executive Officers following their retirement, resignation or death. The Committee adopted and approved an amendment to the Severance Plan to exclude Executive Officers from participation.

Supplemental Retirement Plan Adopted. The Committee adopted and approved the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”). An Executive Officer will become eligible to receive a normal retirement benefit under the Supplemental Retirement Plan upon his or her retirement after the earlier of (a) attaining age 60 or (b) attaining age 58 and completing seven years of service as an Executive Officer. The normal retirement benefit will be a monthly benefit equal to 3.36 times the Executive Officer’s monthly base salary and will be paid for 24 months.

If an Executive Officer has not satisfied the eligibility requirement(s) for a normal retirement benefit at the time of his or her termination of employment, the monthly benefit payable under the Supplemental Retirement Plan to the Executive Officer will be equal to the Executive Officer’s normal retirement benefit reduced by 1/84th for each month the Executive Officer’s termination precedes the date the Executive Officer would have completed seven years of service as an Executive Officer. However, (a) if such termination is due to the Executive Officer’s resignation, the monthly benefit payable to the Executive Officer will be equal to 50% of the reduced normal retirement benefit and (b) if such termination is due to the Executive Officer’s death, the Executive Officer’s monthly benefit will not be less than 50% of the Executive Officer’s unreduced normal retirement benefit.

If an Executive Officer is terminated for cause or breaches any restrictive covenant agreement between the Executive Officer and the Company, the Executive Officer will forfeit his or her benefits under the Supplemental Retirement Plan.


New Form of Executive Employment Agreement Adopted. The Committee adopted and approved a new form of Executive Employment Agreement. The following Executive Officers have entered into an Executive Employment Agreement on the new form adopted and approved by the Committee:

Name

 

Title

 

Base Salary

 

Craig A. Feldman

 

Executive Vice President

  $

485,000

 

James D. Frias

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President

  $

638,000

 

Ladd R. Hall

 

Executive Vice President

  $

580,000

 

Raymond S. Napolitan, Jr.

 

Executive Vice President

  $

560,000

 

MaryEmily Slate

 

Executive Vice President

  $

482,000

 

David A. Sumoski

 

Executive Vice President

  $

550,000

 

Leon J. Topalian

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

  $

1,000,000

 

D. Chad Utermark

 

Executive Vice President

  $

550,000

 

The new Executive Employment Agreement provides for the payment of a non-compete benefit to the Executive Officer as consideration for compliance with the non-competition, non-solicitation and other restrictive covenants set forth in the agreement. The non-compete benefit is equal to one month of base salary for each year of service with the Company (subject to a minimum of six months of base salary); provided, if the Executive Officer is under age 55, the non-compete benefit will not be less than the sum of the value of the Executive Officer’s forfeitable common stock units deferred and shares of restricted stock awarded under the Company’s long-term incentive plan. The non-compete benefit will be paid to the Executive Officer in 24 equal monthly installments following termination; provided, if the Executive Officer dies during the first 12 months following the Executive Officer’s termination from employment, then the Executive Officer’s estate will receive monthly installments of the non-compete benefit only through the end of the 12th month following the Executive Officer’s termination. No non-compete benefit is payable if the Executive Officer dies while employed by the Company.

In lieu of the non-compete benefit described above, if an Executive Officer’s employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company or the Executive Officer resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the Executive Employment Agreement), in either case within 24 months of a change in control of the Company, the Executive Officer would receive a non-compete benefit, payable in a lump sum cash payment, equal to the sum of:

(a)    a “base amount” multiplied by 3 in the case of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, 2.5 in the case of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, and 2 in the case of any other Executive Officer, with the “base amount” being equal to the sum of (i) the Executive Officer’s base salary and (ii) the greater of (A) 150% of the Executive Officer’s base salary and (B) the average performance award under the Company’s annual incentive plan for the three fiscal years prior to the Executive Officer’s termination of employment (provided for purposes of calculating such average, the performance award under the annual incentive plan for any year in such three-fiscal year period the Executive Officer did not hold the Executive Officer’s current position will be equal to the performance award under the annual incentive plan for such year for the Executive Officer’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by the Executive Officer’s base salary); and


(b)    the value of the restricted stock units that would have been granted to the Executive Officer in the year of termination based on the prior year’s performance (if not granted prior to the date of termination).

In addition, if an Executive Officer’s employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company or the Executive Officer resigns for Good Reason, in either case within 24 months of a change in control of the Company, medical, dental and life insurance coverage would be continued for 36 months for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, 30 months for the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and 24 months for all other Executive Officers.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

  (d) Exhibits
 

    10.1

   

Nucor Corporation Severance Plan for Vice Presidents and General Managers (#)

         
 

    10.2

   

Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (#)

         
 

    10.3

   

Executive Employment Agreement of Craig A. Feldman (#)

         
 

    10.4

   

Executive Employment Agreement of James D. Frias (#)

         
 

    10.5

   

Executive Employment Agreement of Ladd R. Hall (#)

         
 

    10.6

   

Executive Employment Agreement of Raymond S. Napolitan, Jr. (#)

         
 

    10.7

   

Executive Employment Agreement of MaryEmily Slate (#)

         
 

    10.8

   

Executive Employment Agreement of David A. Sumoski (#)

         
 

    10.9

   

Executive Employment Agreement of Leon J. Topalian (#)

         
 

    10.10

   

Executive Employment Agreement of D. Chad Utermark (#)

         
 

    104

   

Cover Page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in Inline XBRL (included in Exhibit 101)

 

(#) Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

NUCOR CORPORATION

             

Date: February 19, 2020

 

 

By:

 

/s/ James D. Frias

 

 

 

James D. Frias

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President

Exhibit 10.1

NUCOR CORPORATION

SEVERANCE PLAN FOR VICE PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL MANAGERS

as amended and restated effective February 17, 2020


NUCOR CORPORATION

SEVERANCE PLAN FOR VICE PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL MANAGERS

Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE I INTRODUCTION

     1  

ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION

     1  

Section 2.1

 

Definitions

     1  
 

AIP

     1  
 

Base Salary

     1  
 

Board

     1  
 

Change in Control

     1  
 

Change in Control Severance Benefits

     3  
 

Change in Control Severance Period

     3  
 

Claim

     3  
 

Claimant

     3  
 

Code

     3  
 

Committee

     3  
 

Company

     3  
 

Date of Termination

     3  
 

DGCL

     3  
 

Effective Date

     3  
 

Employee

     3  
 

Equity Award Plan

     3  
 

General Severance Benefits

     3  
 

Good Reason

     3  
 

Indemnified Person

     4  
 

LTIP

     4  
 

Manager

     4  
 

Month’s Base Pay

     4  
 

Participant

     4  
 

Plan

     4  
 

Severance Benefits

     4  
 

Subsidiary

     5  
 

Total Payments

     5  
 

Year of Service

     5  

Section 2.2

 

Construction

     5  

ARTICLE III ELIGIBILITY

     5  

Section 3.1

 

Participation

     5  

Section 3.2

 

Duration of Participation

     5  

ARTICLE IV GENERAL SEVERANCE BENEFITS

     6  

Section 4.1

 

Right to General Severance Benefits

     6  

Section 4.2

 

General Severance Benefits

     6  

Section 4.3

 

Other Benefits Payable

     7  

 

i


ARTICLE V CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE BENEFITS

    7  

Section 5.1

 

Terminations of Employment Which Trigger Change in Control Severance Benefits

    7  

Section 5.2

 

Change in Control Severance Benefits for Vice Presidents and General Managers

    7  

Section 5.3

 

Change in Control Severance Benefits for Certain Managers and Directors

    8  

Section 5.4

 

Payment Obligations Absolute

    9  

Section 5.5

 

General Several Benefits Not Payable

    9  

ARTICLE VI NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT; WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

    9  

Section 6.1

 

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement

    9  

Section 6.2

 

Waiver and Release Agreement

    9  

Section 6.3

 

Effect of Breach

    10  

ARTICLE VII ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

    10  

Section 7.1

 

Committee Authority

    10  

Section 7.2

 

Indemnification

    10  

ARTICLE VIII SUCCESSOR TO COMPANY

    11  

ARTICLE IX AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

    11  

Section 9.1

 

Amendment and Termination

    11  

Section 9.2

 

Form of Amendment

    11  

ARTICLE X CLAIMS PROCEDURES

    11  

Section 10.1

 

Claims Procedure

    11  

Section 10.2

 

Agent for Service of Process

    13  

ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS

    13  

Section 11.1

 

Employment Status

    13  

Section 11.2

 

Non-exclusivity of Rights and Benefits

    13  

Section 11.3

 

Validity and Severability

    13  

Section 11.4

 

Governing Law

    13  

Section 11.5

 

Named Fiduciary; Administration

    14  

Section 11.6

 

Unfunded Plan Status

    14  

Section 11.7

 

Tax Withholding

    14  

Section 11.8

 

Nonalienation of Benefits

    14  

Section 11.9

 

Facility of Payment

    14  

Section 11.10

 

Code Section 280G

    14  

Section 11.11

 

Code Section 409A

    15  

 

 

ii


NUCOR CORPORATION

SEVERANCE PLAN FOR VICE PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL MANAGERS

as amended and restated effective February 17, 2020

ARTICLE I

INTRODUCTION

The Company maintains the Nucor Corporation Severance Plan for Senior Officers and General Managers (as amended and restated effective February 18, 2009) to provide severance benefits for senior officers and general managers upon their separation from service with the Company. The Company desires to amend the Plan to (i) reflect the exclusion of Executive Vice Presidents and more senior officers of the Company from participation in the Plan and (ii) otherwise meet current needs. The amendments can best be made by amending and restating the Plan in its entirety. This instrument sets forth the amended and restated Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan, as heretofore amended, is hereby amended and restated in its entirety effective February 17, 2020, to consist of the following Article I through Article XI:

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION

Section 2.1    Definitions. As used herein, the following words and phrases shall have meanings set forth below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

Base Salary” means the amount a Participant is entitled to receive from the Company or a Subsidiary in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for his or her services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining a Participant’s Change in Control Severance Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to any Participant, the greater of (i) the Participant’s highest Base Salary during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) the Participant’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Change in Control” means the occurrence of any one of the following events

(a)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent


Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(b)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this subsection (b) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (i) an acquisition directly by or from the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (iii) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in subsection (c) below); or

(c)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company that requires the approval of the Company’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (i) more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of one hundred percent (100%) of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by the Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (ii) no person (other than (x) the Company, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the outstanding Company Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent

 

2


Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

Change in Control Severance Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Article V.

Change in Control Severance Period” means the period beginning on a Participant’s Date of Termination with a duration in months equal to the number of Month’s Base Pay the Participant is entitled to receive as Change in Control Severance Benefits.

Claim” is defined in Section 10.1(a).

Claimant” is defined in Section 10.1(a).

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute, and applicable regulations.

Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

Company” means Nucor Corporation, a Delaware corporation and any successor thereto.

Date of Termination” means the date of a Participant’s separation from service with the Company and its Subsidiaries. For purposes of the Plan, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

DGCL” is defined in Section 7.1.

Effective Date” means February 17, 2020.

Employee” means any person who is employed by the Company, including any such person who also serves as a member of the Board.

Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

General Severance Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Article IV.

Good Reason” means, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(a)    a material reduction in the Participant’s Base Salary;

 

3


(b)    a material reduction in the Participant’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which the Participant is eligible from the Participant’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which the Participant is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(c)    a material reduction in the value of the Participant’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of the Participant’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(d)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to the Participant in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by the Participant immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(e)    a change in the Participant’s principal work location to a work location that is more than fifty (50) miles from the location where the Participant was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(f)    the assignment to the Participant of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the Participant’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by the Company which results in any diminution in the Participant’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by the Participant shall be conclusive and binding on the Company.

Indemnified Person” is defined in Section 7.2.

LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

Manager” is defined in Section 5.3.

Month’s Base Pay” means a Participant’s Base Salary divided by twelve (12).

Participant” means an Employee who meets the eligibility requirements of Section 3.1.

Plan” means the Nucor Corporation Severance Plan for Vice Presidents and General Managers, as set forth herein and as amended from time to time.

Severance Benefits” means Change in Control Severance Benefits and General Severance Benefits.

 

4


Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with the Company in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

Total Payments” is defined in Section 11.10.

Year of Service” means each continuous twelve (12) month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with the Company and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining a Participant’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by the Company provides otherwise or the Company otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining a Participant’s Years of Service.

Section 2.2    Construction. To the extent the definitions ascribed to the terms in Section 2.1 are different from the definitions ascribed to the same or similar terms in any other employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, the definitions in Section 2.1 shall govern and control for purposes of administering this Plan only and shall not affect or modify or otherwise be used for the administration of any such other employee benefit plan. Whenever used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a pronoun in the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender, and the singular shall include the plural and the plural the singular. The conjunction “or” shall include both the conjunctive and disjunctive, and the adjective “any” shall mean one or more or all. Article, section and paragraph headings in the Plan have been inserted for convenience of reference only and are to be ignored in any construction of the provisions hereof. A reference to a “Section” or an “Article” means a Section or Article of the Plan and not of another source unless another source is specified or clearly indicated. Any reference in the Plan to the masculine gender is for convenience of expression only and includes the feminine gender unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

ARTICLE III

ELIGIBILITY

Section 3.1    Participation. Each Employee who is determined by the Committee to be a Vice President or a General Manager of the Company shall be a Participant in the Plan. In addition, each Employee who is employed at the Company’s corporate headquarters as a Department Manager, Director or Manager shall be a Participant solely for purposes of Section 5.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Employee is party to a written employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary that expressly precludes the Employee’s participation in the Plan, the Employee shall not be eligible to be a Participant or receive General Severance Benefits under Article IV; however, such Employee shall be eligible to be a Participant and receive Change in Control Severance Benefits in accordance with Article V.

Section 3.2    Duration of Participation. A Participant shall cease to be a Participant in the Plan if he or she is appointed an Executive Vice President (or more senior officer) of the

 

5


Company or ceases to be a Vice President or a General Manager of the Company or a Department Manager, Director or Manager employed at the Company’s headquarters. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant who has become entitled to receive Severance Benefits shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the full amount of the Severance Benefits and any other amounts payable under the Plan have been paid to the Participant.

ARTICLE IV

GENERAL SEVERANCE BENEFITS

Section 4.1    Right to General Severance Benefits. A Participant shall be entitled to receive General Severance Benefits from the Company as provided in Section 4.2, if (i) on the Participant’s Date of Termination, he or she is a Participant in the Plan (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated for any reason, including due to the Participant’s death, disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) the Participant executes a Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement and a Waiver and Release Agreement as provided in Article VI.

Section 4.2    General Severance Benefits.

(a)    General. If a Participant’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling him or her to General Severance Benefits as provided in Section 4.1, the Company shall pay such Participant General Severance Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) six (6) Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of the Participant’s Years of Service through the Participant’s Date of Termination; provided that, if the Participant is under age fifty-five (55) as of the Participant’s Date of Termination, the Participant’s General Severance Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Participant’s Date of Termination, of the Participant’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to the Participant’s deferral account under the LTIP and the Participant’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Severance Benefits payable to a Participant who is under age fifty-five (55) as of the Participant’s Date of Termination shall not include the value of the Participant’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to the Participant’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to the Participant under the Equity Award Plan). A Participant’s General Severance Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by (i) any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to the Participant under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law and (ii) any severance benefits provided to a Participant pursuant to any employment agreement between the Participant and the Company except to the extent specifically provided otherwise in such employment agreement. Subject to Section 9.14, General Severance Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4.2(b).

(b)    Time and Form of Payment. If a Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated for any reason other than the Participant’s

 

6


death, the Participant’s General Severance Benefits shall be paid to the Participant in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Participant’s Date of Termination, and if the Participant dies during the twenty-four (24) month installment payment period, the remaining payments that would have been paid to the Participant shall be paid to the Participant’s estate in a single sum payment as soon as practicable but not more than ninety (90) days following the Participant’s death. In the event a Participant dies while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary, the Participant’s General Severance Benefits shall be paid to the Participant’s estate in a single sum payment as soon as practicable following the Participant’s death.

Section 4.3    Other Benefits Payable. General Severance Benefits provided pursuant to Section 4.2 shall be provided in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other accrued or earned and vested equity awards, deferred compensation, rights, options or other benefits which may be owed to a Participant upon or following termination.

ARTICLE V

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE BENEFITS

Section 5.1    Terminations of Employment Which Trigger Change in Control Severance Benefits. A Participant shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Severance Benefits from the Company as provided in Section 5.2, in lieu of General Severance Benefits under Article IV, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is involuntarily terminated by the Company or is voluntarily terminated by the Participant for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but the Participant can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) the Participant executes a Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement and a Waiver and Release Agreement as provided in Article VI. Change in Control Severance Benefits shall not be payable to a Participant who terminates employment with the Company due to the Participant’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that such Participant may be entitled to the General Severance Benefits pursuant to Article IV.

Section 5.2    Change in Control Severance Benefits for Vice Presidents and General Managers.

(a)    Cash Severance Benefits. If a Participant’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling him or her to Change in Control Severance Benefits as provided in Section 5.1, the Company shall pay such Participant, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 9.14, within ten (10) days of the Participant’s Date of Termination, Change in Control Severance Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the greatest of (A) twelve (12) Month’s Base Pay, (B) the product of (1) one and one-half (1-12) Month’s Base Pay and (2) the number of the

 

7


Participant’s Years of Service through the Participant’s Date of Termination up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) Years of Service or (C) the product of (1) one Month’s Base Pay and (2) the number of the Participant’s Years of Service through the Participant’s Date of Termination; and

(ii)    if the Participant’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award the Participant would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if the Participant’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(b)    Offsets. A Participant’s Change in Control Severance Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by (i) any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to the Participant under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law and (ii) any severance benefits provided to a Participant pursuant to any employment agreement between the Participant and the Company except to the extent specifically provided otherwise in such employment agreement.

(c)    Welfare Benefits. A Participant entitled to Change in Control Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 5.1 shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to the Participant immediately prior to the Participant’s Date of Termination, or if more favorable to the Participant, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Severance Period with the same contribution rate for which the Participant would have been responsible if the Participant had remained employed through the Change in Control Severance Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if the Participant becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether the Participant actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

Section 5.3    Change in Control Severance Benefits for Certain Managers and Directors. A Department Manager, Manager or Director employed at the Company’s corporate headquarters as of the date of a Change in Control (a “Manager”) shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Severance Benefits pursuant to this Section 5.3 if (i) the Manager’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary is involuntarily terminated by the Company or is voluntarily terminated by the Manager for Good Reason, provided that, (a) such termination occurs after a Change in Control and on or before the first anniversary thereof, or (b) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but the Manager can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a

 

8


Change in Control and (ii) the Manager executes a Waiver and Release Agreement as provided in Section 6.2. Such severance benefits shall be equal to the greater of (i) three (3) Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of the Manager’s Years of Service through the Manager’s Date of Termination up to a maximum of twelve (12) Years of Service, less any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to the Manager under any written employment agreement between the Company and the Manager or applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Payment under this Section shall be made to a Manager in a lump sum in cash within ten (10) days of the Manager’s Date of Termination. In addition, a Manager who receives severance benefits pursuant to this Section 5.3 shall be entitled to continue to receive welfare benefits as described in Section 5.2(c), and the “Change in Control Severance Period” for such purpose shall mean the period beginning on a Manager’s Date of Termination with a duration in months equal to the number of Month’s Base Pay the Manager is entitled to receive as severance benefits pursuant to this Section 5.3.

Section 5.4    Payment Obligations Absolute. Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of the Company to pay and provide the Change in Control Severance Benefits described in Section 5.2 and Section 5.3 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may have against any Participant. In no event shall a Participant be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to a Participant under any of the provisions of this Plan, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by a Participant as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5.2(c).

Section 5.5    General Several Benefits Not Payable. The Change in Control Severance Benefits provided pursuant to Section 5.2 above shall be provided in lieu of, and not in addition to, the General Severance Benefits provided in Article IV.

ARTICLE VI

NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT;

WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

Section 6.1    Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement. As a condition to the receipt of Severance Benefits, a Participant shall enter into an agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee pursuant to which the Participant agrees to refrain, for a reasonable period of time following the Participant’s Date of Termination, from (i) competing with the Company, (ii) soliciting or influencing any customer or prospective customer of the Company to alter its business with the Company or to do business with another company, (iii) soliciting or offering employment to any employee of the Company, or (iv) disclosing any confidential information or trade secrets of the Company.

Section 6.2    Waiver and Release Agreement. As a condition to the receipt of Severance Benefits, a Participant must submit a signed Waiver and Release Agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee on or within forty-five (45) days of the Participant’s Date of Termination. A Participant may revoke the signed Waiver and Release

 

9


Agreement within seven (7) days of signing. Any such revocation must be made in writing and must be received by the Committee within such seven (7) day period. A Participant who timely revokes a Waiver and Release Agreement shall not be eligible to receive Severance Benefits under the Plan.

Section 6.3    Effect of Breach. In the event a Participant breaches any agreement entered into in accordance with Section 6.1 or fails to sign a Waiver and Release Agreement in accordance with Section 6.2, the Committee may require the Participant to (a) immediately forfeit any portion of the Severance Benefits that is then outstanding and (b) return to the Company all or some of the economic value of the Severance Benefits that was realized or obtained by the Participant prior to the breach.

ARTICLE VII

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

Section 7.1    Committee Authority. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have all of the powers necessary to enable it to properly carry out its duties under the Plan. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the power to construe and interpret the Plan and to determine all questions that shall arise thereunder and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee shall have such other and further specified duties, powers, authority and discretion as are elsewhere in the Plan either expressly or by necessary implication conferred upon it. The Committee may appoint such agents, who need not be members of the Committee, as it may deem necessary for the effective performance of its duties, and may delegate to such agents such powers and duties as the Committee may deem expedient or appropriate that are not inconsistent with the intent of the Plan to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) Section 157 (or any successor provisions thereto) and related applicable DGCL Sections. The decision of the Committee or any agent of the Committee upon all matters within the scope of its authority shall be final and conclusive on all persons.

Section 7.2    Indemnification. No member of the Board, the Committee or any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary (each such person, an “Indemnified Person”) shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any award hereunder. Each Indemnified Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (a) any loss, cost, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Indemnified Person may be a party or in which such Indemnified Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Plan and (b) any and all amounts paid by such Indemnified Person, with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Indemnified Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Indemnified Person, provided that the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding, and, once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to an Indemnified Person to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment or other final adjudication, in either case not subject to further appeal, determines that the acts or

 

10


omissions of such Indemnified Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Indemnified Person’s bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission or that such right of indemnification is otherwise prohibited by law or by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which Indemnified Persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such Indemnified Persons or hold them harmless.

ARTICLE VIII

SUCCESSOR TO COMPANY

This Plan shall bind any successor of the Company, its assets or its businesses (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise), in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be obligated under this Plan if no succession had taken place. In the case of any transaction in which a successor would not by the foregoing provision or by operation of law be bound by this Plan, the Company shall require such successor expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Company’s obligations under this Plan, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. The term “Company,” as used in this Plan, shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee to the business or assets which by reason hereof becomes bound by this Plan.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

Section 9.1    Amendment and Termination. The Plan may be terminated or amended in any respect by resolution adopted by a majority of the Board, unless a Change in Control has previously occurred. If a Change in Control occurs, the Plan shall not be subject to amendment, change, substitution, deletion, revocation or termination in any respect which adversely affects the rights of Participants for a period of two (2) years following the date of the Change in Control.

Section 9.2    Form of Amendment. The form of any amendment or termination of the Plan shall be a written instrument signed by a duly authorized officer or officers of the Company, certifying that the amendment or termination has been approved by the Board. An amendment of the Plan in accordance with the terms hereof shall automatically effect a corresponding amendment to all Participants’ rights hereunder. A termination of the Plan, in accordance with the terms hereof, shall automatically effect a termination of all Participants’ rights and benefits hereunder.

ARTICLE X

CLAIMS PROCEDURES

Section 10.1    Claims Procedure.

(a)    General. In the event that any person (a “Claimant”) makes a claim for benefits under the Plan (a “Claim”), such Claim shall be made by the Claimant’s filing a

 

11


notice thereof with the Committee within ninety (90) days after such Claimant first has knowledge of such Claim. Each Claimant who has submitted a Claim to the Committee shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to state such Claimant’s position and to present evidence and other material relevant to the Claim to the Committee for its consideration in rendering its decision with respect thereto. The Committee shall render its decision in writing within sixty (60) days after the Claim is referred to it, and a copy of such written decision shall be furnished to the Claimant.

(b)    Notice of Decision of Committee. Each Claimant whose Claim has been denied by the Committee shall be provided written notice thereof, which notice shall set forth:

(i)    the specific reason(s) for the denial;

(ii)    specific reference to pertinent provision(s) of the Plan upon which such denial is based;

(iii)    a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect such Claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and

(iv)    an explanation of the procedure hereunder for review of such Claim;

All in a manner calculated to be understood by such Claimant.

(c)    Review of Decision of Committee. Each such Claimant shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for a full and fair review of the decision of the Committee denying the Claim. Such review shall be by the Committee. Such appeal shall be made within ninety (90) days after the Claimant received the written decision of the Committee and shall be made by the written request of the Claimant or such Claimant’s duly authorized representative to the Committee. In the event of appeal, the Claimant or such Claimant’s duly authorized representative may review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing to the Committee. The Committee shall review the following:

(i)    the initial proceedings of the Committee with respect to such Claim;

(ii)    such issues and comments as were submitted in writing by the Claimant or the Claimant’s duly authorized representative; and

(iii)    such other material and information as the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems advisable for a full and fair review of the decision of the Committee.

The Committee may approve, disapprove or modify the decision of the Committee, in whole or in part, or may take such other action with respect to such appeal as it deems

 

12


appropriate. The decision of the Committee with respect to such appeal shall be made promptly, and in no event later than sixty (60) days after receipt of such appeal, unless special circumstances require an extension of such time within which to render such decision, in which event such decision shall be rendered as soon as possible and in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days following receipt of such appeal. The decision of the Committee shall be in writing and in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant and shall include specific reasons for such decision and set forth specific references to the pertinent provisions of the Plan upon which such decision is based. The Claimant shall be furnished a copy of the written decision of the Committee. Such decision shall be final and conclusive upon all persons interested therein, except to the extent otherwise provided by applicable law. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the discretion to decide any factual or interpretative issues in its determination of Claims, and the Committee’s exercise of such discretion shall be conclusive and binding as long as it is not arbitrary or capricious.

Section 10.2    Agent for Service of Process. The Company shall be the agent for service of legal process upon this Plan, and its address for such purpose shall be the address of its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.1    Employment Status. This Plan does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company or any Subsidiary any obligation to retain the Participant as an Employee, to change the status of the Participant’s employment, or to change the Company’s policies or those of its subsidiaries’ regarding termination of employment.

Section 11.2    Non-exclusivity of Rights and Benefits. Nothing in this Plan shall prevent or limit a Participant’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and for which the Participant may qualify. Amounts which are or become vested benefits or which a Participant is otherwise entitled to receive under the AIP, the LTIP, the Equity Award Plan or any other plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of Subsidiaries at or subsequent to the Participant’s Date of Termination or a Change in Control shall be payable or provided in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement.

Section 11.3    Validity and Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the Plan, which shall remain in full force and effect, and any prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 11.4    Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of the Plan shall in all respects be governed by the laws of North Carolina, without reference to principles of conflict of law.

 

13


Section 11.5    Named Fiduciary; Administration. The Company is the named fiduciary of the Plan, with full authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the Plan, acting through the Committee and the Board.

Section 11.6    Unfunded Plan Status. This Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan. All payments pursuant to the Plan shall be made from the general funds of the Company and no special or separate fund shall be established or other segregation of assets made to assure payment. No Participant or other person shall have under any circumstances any interest in any particular property or assets of the Company as a result of participating in the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may (but shall not be obligated to) create one or more grantor trusts, the assets of which are subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors, to assist it in accumulating funds to pay its obligations under the Plan.

Section 11.7    Tax Withholding. Any payment provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state, local or foreign law.

Section 11.8    Nonalienation of Benefits. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, amounts payable under the Plan shall not be subject to any manner of anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, charge, garnishment, execution or levy of any kind, either voluntary or involuntary, including any liability which is for alimony of other payments for the support of a spouse or former spouse, or for any other relative of a Participant, prior to actually being received by the person entitled to payment under the terms of the Plan. Any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, charge, garnish, execute or levy upon, otherwise dispose of any right to amounts payable hereunder, shall be null and void.

Section 11.9    Facility of Payment.

(a)    If a Participant is declared an incompetent, and a conservator, guardian, or other person legally charged with his or her care has been appointed, any Severance Benefits to which such individual is entitled may be paid or provided to such conservator, guardian, or other person legally charged with his or her care;

(b)    If a Participant is incompetent, the Company may (i) require the appointment of a conservator or guardian, (ii) distribute amounts to his or her spouse, with respect to a Participant who is married, or to such other relative of an unmarried Participant for the benefit of such Participant, or (iii) distribute such amounts directly to or for the benefit of such Participant; provided however, that a conservator, guardian, or other person charged with his or her care has not been appointed.

Section 11.10    Code Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by a Participant in connection with a Change in Control or the termination of the Participant’s employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this Plan or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company) (all such payments and benefits, the “Total Payments”) would not be deductible (in whole or part), by the Company (or an affiliate making such payment or providing such benefit) as a result of Section 280G of the Code, then the Total Payments shall be reduced if, and only if, such

 

14


reduction results in the Participant’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of a greater amount of the Total Payments after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate). Any reduction in the Total Payments required by this Section 11.10 shall first reduce the cash Severance Benefits (if necessary, to zero), and all other Severance Benefits shall thereafter be reduced (if necessary, to zero); provided, however, the Participant may elect to have the noncash Severance Benefits reduced (or eliminated) prior to any reduction of the cash Severance Benefits.

Section 11.11    Code Section 409A.

(a)    Delay of Certain Payments. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that the Company determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Plan by reason of a Participant’s termination of employment, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A:

(i)    if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum to a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), the Participant’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of the Participant’s death or the seventh month following the Participant’s Date of Termination; and

(ii)    if the payment or distribution is payable over time to a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation that would otherwise be payable during the six (6) month period immediately following the Participant’s Date of Termination will be accumulated and the Participant’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount will be delayed until the earlier of the Participant’s death or the seventh month following the Participant’s Date of Termination and paid on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments or distributions will commence.

(b)    Expense Reimbursements. To the extent any expense reimbursement or in-kind benefit to which a Participant is or may be entitled to receive under the Plan constitutes non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, then (i) such reimbursement shall be paid to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable after the Participant submits a valid claim for reimbursement, but in no event later than the last day of the Participant’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during any taxable year of the Participant shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year of the Participant, and (iii) the Participant’s right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

15


(c)    Separation from Service Required. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Plan providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Plan, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”

(d)    Interpretation and Administration. Nothing in this Plan shall operate or be construed to cause the Plan to fail to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and, to the extent applicable, it is intended that the Plan comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and shall be administered in a manner consistent with that intent. Any provision of this Plan that would cause the Plan or any payment made hereunder to fail to satisfy Code Section 409A shall have no force and effect until amended by the Company to comply with Code Section 409A (which amendment may be retroactive to the extent permitted by Code Section 409A) and may be made by the Company without the consent of any Participant.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned authorized officer of the Company has executed this instrument on behalf of the Company as of the 17th day of February, 2020.

 

NUCOR CORPORATION

/s/ James D. Frias

James D. Frias
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Executive Vice President

 

16

Exhibit 10.2

NUCOR CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

as adopted effective February 17, 2020

 


Table of Contents

 

     Page  

ARTICLE I INTRODUCTION

     1  

ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS, CONSTRUCTION

     1  

Section 2.1

 

Definitions

     1  
 

Base Salary

     1  
 

Beneficiary

     1  
 

Benefit Service

     1  
 

Board

     1  
 

Cause

     1  
 

Change in Control

     2  
 

Claim

     3  
 

Claimant

     3  
 

Code

     3  
 

Committee

     3  
 

Company

     3  
 

DGCL

     3  
 

Disability

     3  
 

Early Retirement

     3  
 

Effective Date

     3  
 

Executive Officer

     4  
 

Indemnified Person

     4  
 

Normal Retirement

     4  
 

Participant

     4  
 

Plan

     4  
 

Separation from Service

     4  
 

Service

     4  
 

Supplemental Retirement Account

     4  
 

Subsidiary

     4  
 

Subsidiaries

     4  
 

Year of Benefit Service

     4  

Section 2.2

 

Construction

     4  

ARTICLE III PARTICIPATION

     5  

Section 3.1

 

General

     5  

Section 3.2

 

Participation

     5  

Section 3.3

 

Duration of Participation

     5  

ARTICLE IV BENEFITS

     5  

Section 4.1

 

Supplemental Retirement Accounts

     5  

Section 4.2

 

Supplemental Retirement Account Adjustments

     5  

Section 4.3

 

Normal Retirement

     5  

Section 4.4

 

Early Retirement

     6  

Section 4.5

 

Disability or Involuntary Termination without Cause

     6  

Section 4.6

 

Involuntary Termination with Cause

     6  

Section 4.7

 

Death

     6  

Section 4.8

 

Method of Benefit Payments

     7  

 

i


Table of Contents (continued)

 

         Page  

ARTICLE V CLAIMS PROCEDURES

     7  

Section 5.1

 

Claims Procedure

     7  

Section 5.2

 

Agent for Service of Process

     9  

ARTICLE VI PLAN ADMINISTRATION

     9  

Section 6.1

 

Committee Authority

     9  

Section 6.2

 

Indemnification

     9  

ARTICLE VII NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT; WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

     10  

Section 7.1

 

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement

     10  

Section 7.2

 

Waiver and Release Agreement

     10  

Section 7.3

 

Effect of Breach

     10  

ARTICLE VIII SUCCESSOR TO COMPANY

     10  

ARTICLE IX AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

     11  

Section 9.1

 

Amendment and Termination

     11  

Section 9.2

 

Form of Amendment

     11  

Section 9.3

 

Effect of Amendment or Termination on Certain Benefits

     11  

ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS

     11  

Section 10.1

 

Employment Status

     11  

Section 10.2

 

Non-exclusivity of Rights and Benefits

     11  

Section 10.3

 

Validity and Severability

     11  

Section 10.4

 

Governing Law

     12  

Section 10.5

 

Named Fiduciary; Administration

     12  

Section 10.6

 

Unfunded Plan Status

     12  

Section 10.7

 

Tax Withholding

     12  

Section 10.8

 

Nonalienation of Benefits

     12  

Section 10.9

 

Facility of Payment

     12  

Section 10.10

 

Code Section 409A

     13  

 

ii


NUCOR CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

as adopted effective February 17, 2020

ARTICLE I

INTRODUCTION

The Company desires to adopt and establish, effective as of February 17, 2020, an unfunded supplemental retirement plan to be known as the “Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers” to provide supplemental retirement benefits to eligible executive officers of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan, is hereby adopted and established, effective February 17, 2020, to consist of the following Article I through Article X:

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS, CONSTRUCTION

Section 2.1    Definitions.

Base Salary means the amount a Participant is entitled to receive from the Company or a Subsidiary in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for his or her services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation.

Beneficiary means the person(s) or entity(ies) designated by a Participant or the provisions of the Plan to receive such benefits as may become payable to such person(s) or entity(ies) in accordance with the provisions of the Plan.

Benefit Service means, with respect to a Participant as of any date, the Participant’s Service with the Company or a Subsidiary calculated from the date the individual is designated a Participant in the Plan until the earlier of (i) the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date the individual is no longer an active Participant in the Plan pursuant to Section 3.3.

Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Cause means a Participant’s (a) continued willful failure to substantially perform and fulfill the Participant’s duties to the Company, (b) willfully engaging in gross misconduct materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company or (c) material breach of any written agreement between the Participant and the Company, provided, that with respect to an event giving the Company Cause for termination described in either of the foregoing clauses (a) or (c), as determined by the Committee in good faith, the Company has provided the Participant written notice thereof and the Participant has not cured such event, as determined by the Committee in good faith within fifteen (15) days following the date the Company provides such notice.


Change in Control means the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(a)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(b)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this subsection (b) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (i) an acquisition directly by or from the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (iii) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in subsection (c) below); or

(c)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company that requires the approval of the Company’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (i) more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of one hundred percent (100%) of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by the Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is

 

2


represented by shares into which Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (ii) no person (other than (x) the Company, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the outstanding Company Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

Claim is defined in Section 5.1(a).

Claimant is defined in Section 5.1(a).

Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute, and applicable regulations.

Committee means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

Company means Nucor Corporation, a Delaware corporation and any successor thereto.

DGCL is defined in Section 6.1.

Disability means “disability” or “disabled” as defined in any long-term disability plan sponsored by the Company or a Subsidiary in which the Participant participates. In the event the Participant does not participate in any long-term disability plan sponsored by the Company or a Subsidiary, “disability” means the Participant is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. No Participant shall be considered to have a Disability unless he or she furnishes proof of the existence thereof in such form and manner, and at such times, as the Committee may require.

Early Retirement means a Participant’s Separation from Service due to the Participant’s resignation prior to the date the Participant has satisfied the eligibility requirement(s) for Normal Retirement.

Effective Date means February 17, 2020.

 

3


Executive Officer means an Executive Vice President or more senior officer of the Company.

Indemnified Person is defined in Section 6.2.

Normal Retirement means a Participant’s Separation from Service due to the Participant’s resignation, termination by the Company without Cause or Disability, in each case, on or after the date (a) the Participant has attained age sixty (60) or (b) attained age fifty-eight (58) and completed seven (7) Years of Benefit Service.

Participant means an Executive Officer who has been designated as a Participant in the Plan as provided in Section 3.2.

Plan means the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers, as set forth herein and as amended from time to time.

Separation from Service means a Participant’s separation from Service with the Company and its Subsidiaries. For purposes of the Plan, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

Service means employment by the Company or any Subsidiary.

Supplemental Retirement Account means the bookkeeping account established and maintained on the books and records of the Plan pursuant to Sections 4.1(b) and 4.1(d) for a Participant to record the Participant’s benefit accrued under the Plan.

Subsidiary or Subsidiaries means any corporation (other than the Company), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with the Company in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

Year of Benefit Service means, with respect to a Participant as of any date, the number of complete calendar months included in the Participant’s Benefit Service divided by twelve (12).

Section 2.2    Construction. To the extent the definitions ascribed to the terms in Section 2.1 are different from the definitions ascribed to the same or similar terms in any other employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, the definitions in Section 2.1 shall govern and control for purposes of administering this Plan only and shall not affect or modify or otherwise be used for the administration of any such other employee benefit plan. Whenever used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a pronoun in the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender, and the singular shall include the plural and the plural the singular. The conjunction “or” shall include both the conjunctive and disjunctive, and the adjective “any” shall mean one or more or all. Article, section and paragraph headings in the Plan have been inserted for convenience of reference only and are to be ignored in any construction of the provisions hereof. A reference to a “Section” or an “Article” means a Section

 

4


or Article of the Plan and not of another source unless another source is specified or clearly indicated. Any reference in the Plan to the masculine gender is for convenience of expression only and includes the feminine gender unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

ARTICLE III

PARTICIPATION

Section 3.1    General. No person shall become a Participant unless or until such person is or becomes an Executive Officer of the Company. In addition, in no event shall any Executive Officer be eligible to participate in the Plan prior to the Effective Date.

Section 3.2    Participation. The Committee, in its sole and exclusive discretion, shall determine which Executive Officers shall become Participants. Designation of Executive Officers as Participants shall be made in such manner as the Committee shall determine from time to time.

Section 3.3    Duration of Participation. A Participant shall cease to be an active Participant in the Plan and no further credits shall be made to his or her Supplemental Retirement Account from and after the date he or she ceases to be an Executive Officer of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant shall remain a Participant in the Plan until the full amount of any benefits payable under the Plan to the Participant have been paid.

ARTICLE IV

BENEFITS

Section 4.1    Supplemental Retirement Accounts.

(a)    General. A Supplemental Retirement Account shall be established and maintained on the books and records of the Plan in the name of each Participant in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.1 effective as of the date the Participant commences participation in the Plan.

(b)    Initial Supplemental Retirement Account Balance. The Supplemental Retirement Account established for a Participant shall be credited with an initial balance equal to (i) two (2) times (ii) the product of (A) the Participant’s Base Salary multiplied by (B) 3.36.

Section 4.2    Supplemental Retirement Account Adjustments. The balance to the credit of a Participant’s Supplemental Retirement Account shall be adjusted each time his or her Base Salary is adjusted to equal the amount that would have been credited to the Participant’s Supplemental Retirement Account pursuant to Section 4.1(b) if the Participant had commenced participation in the Plan as of the effective date of his or her Base Salary adjustment.

Section 4.3    Normal Retirement. Upon a Participant’s Normal Retirement, the Participant shall be entitled to receive a benefit equal to the balance to the credit of the Participant’s Supplemental Retirement Account.

 

5


Section 4.4    Early Retirement. Upon a Participant’s Early Retirement, the Participant shall be entitled to receive a benefit equal to (a) fifty percent (50%) of (b)(i) the balance to the credit of the Participant’s Supplemental Retirement Account multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the lesser of seven (7) or the Participant’s Years of Benefit Service, and the denominator of which is seven (7).

Section 4.5    Disability or Involuntary Termination without Cause. Upon a Participant’s Separation from Service due to the Participant’s Disability or a termination by the Company without Cause, in either case prior to the date the Participant has satisfied the eligibility requirement(s) for Normal Retirement, the Participant shall be entitled to receive a benefit equal to (a) balance to the credit of the Participant’s Supplemental Retirement Account multiplied by (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is the lesser of seven (7) or the Participant’s Years of Benefit Service, and the denominator of which is seven (7).

Section 4.6    Involuntary Termination with Cause. Upon a Participant’s Separation from Service at any time (including without limitation, on or after the Participant has satisfied the eligibility requirement(s) for Normal Retirement) due to an involuntary termination by the Company with Cause, the Participant shall not be entitled to receive any benefit under the Plan.

Section 4.7    Death.

(a)    Death After Separation from Service. In the event a Participant dies after the Participant’s Separation from Service, the benefits which would have been payable to the Participant if he or she had survived shall be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary.

(b)    Death While in Service. If a Participant dies while in Service, a death benefit shall be payable to the Participant’s Beneficiary. If the Participant attained age sixty (60) or completed seven (7) Years of Benefit Service prior to the Participant’s death, the amount of the death benefit shall be equal to the balance to the credit of the Participant’s Supplemental Retirement Account. If the Participant died prior to attaining age (60) or completing seven (7) Years of Benefit Service, the amount of the death benefit shall be equal to the greater of (i) 50% of the balance to the credit of the Participant’s Supplemental Retirement Account or (ii) the balance to the credit of the Participant’s Supplemental Retirement Account multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Participant’s Years of Benefit Service, and the denominator of which is seven (7).

(c)    Designation or Change of Beneficiary by a Participant. Each Participant may from time to time designate the person(s) or entity(ies) to whom any death benefits are to be paid under the Plan. A Participant may from time to time change such designation and upon any such change, any previously designated Beneficiary’s right to receive any benefits under the Plan shall terminate. In order to be effective, any designation or change of designation of a Beneficiary must be made on a form furnished by the Company and signed by the Participant and received by the Company while the Participant is alive. If a Beneficiary of a deceased Participant shall survive the deceased Participant but die prior to the receipt of all benefits payable to said Beneficiary under the

 

6


Plan, then such benefits as would have been payable to said deceased Beneficiary shall be paid to such Beneficiary’s estate at the same time and in the same manner as such benefits would have been payable to the deceased Beneficiary.

(d)    Beneficiary Designated by the Plan. In the event a Participant shall die without having designated a Beneficiary, or in the event that a Participant shall die having revoked an earlier Beneficiary designation without having effectively designated another Beneficiary, or in the event that a Participant shall die but the Beneficiary designated by such Participant shall fail to survive such Participant, then and in any such event, the deceased Participant’s estate shall be the Participant’s Beneficiary.

Section 4.8    Method of Benefit Payments.

(a)    To Participants. The benefit payable to a Participant pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 4.5 shall be paid to the Participant in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments commencing within sixty (60) days of the six (6) month anniversary of the Participant’s Separation from Service.

(b)    To Beneficiaries. The benefit payable to a Participant’s Beneficiary pursuant to Section 4.7 shall be paid to the Beneficiary in a single lump sum payment within sixty (60) days after the Participant’s death.

ARTICLE V

CLAIMS PROCEDURES

Section 5.1    Claims Procedure.

(a)    General. In the event that any person (a “Claimant”) makes a claim for benefits under the Plan (a “Claim”), such Claim shall be made by the Claimant’s filing a notice thereof with the Committee within ninety (90) days after such Claimant first has knowledge of such Claim. Each Claimant who has submitted a Claim to the Committee shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to state such Claimant’s position and to present evidence and other material relevant to the Claim to the Committee for its consideration in rendering its decision with respect thereto. The Committee shall render its decision in writing within sixty (60) days after the Claim is referred to it, and a copy of such written decision shall be furnished to the Claimant.

(b)    Notice of Decision of Committee. Each Claimant whose Claim has been denied by the Committee shall be provided written notice thereof, which notice shall set forth:

(i)    the specific reason(s) for the denial;

(ii)    specific reference to pertinent provision(s) of the Plan upon which such denial is based;

 

7


(iii)    a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect such Claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and

(iv)    an explanation of the procedure hereunder for review of such Claim;

all in a manner calculated to be understood by such Claimant.

(c)    Review of Decision of Committee. Each such Claimant shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for a full and fair review of the decision of the Committee denying the Claim. Such review shall be by the Committee. Such appeal shall be made within ninety (90) days after the Claimant received the written decision of the Committee and shall be made by the written request of the Claimant or such Claimant’s duly authorized representative to the Committee. In the event of appeal, the Claimant or such Claimant’s duly authorized representative may review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing to the Committee. The Committee shall review the following:

(i)    the initial proceedings of the Committee with respect to such Claim;

(ii)    such issues and comments as were submitted in writing by the Claimant or the Claimant’s duly authorized representative; and

(iii)    such other material and information as the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems advisable for a full and fair review of the decision of the Committee.

The Committee may approve, disapprove or modify the decision of the Committee, in whole or in part, or may take such other action with respect to such appeal as it deems appropriate. The decision of the Committee with respect to such appeal shall be made promptly, and in no event later than sixty (60) days after receipt of such appeal, unless special circumstances require an extension of such time within which to render such decision, in which event such decision shall be rendered as soon as possible and in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days following receipt of such appeal. The decision of the Committee shall be in writing and in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant and shall include specific reasons for such decision and set forth specific references to the pertinent provisions of the Plan upon which such decision is based. The Claimant shall be furnished a copy of the written decision of the Committee. Such decision shall be final and conclusive upon all persons interested therein, except to the extent otherwise provided by applicable law. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the discretion to decide any factual or interpretative issues in its determination of Claims, and the Committee’s exercise of such discretion shall be conclusive and binding as long as it is not arbitrary or capricious.

 

8


Section 5.2    Agent for Service of Process. The Company shall be the agent for service of legal process upon this Plan, and its address for such purpose shall be the address of its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina.

ARTICLE VI

PLAN ADMINISTRATION

Section 6.1    Committee Authority. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have all of the powers necessary to enable it to properly carry out its duties under the Plan. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the power to construe and interpret the Plan and to determine all questions that shall arise thereunder and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee shall have such other and further specified duties, powers, authority and discretion as are elsewhere in the Plan either expressly or by necessary implication conferred upon it. The Committee may appoint such agents, who need not be members of the Committee, as it may deem necessary for the effective performance of its duties, and may delegate to such agents such powers and duties as the Committee may deem expedient or appropriate that are not inconsistent with the intent of the Plan to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) Section 157 (or any successor provisions thereto) and related applicable DGCL Sections. The decision of the Committee or any agent of the Committee upon all matters within the scope of its authority shall be final and conclusive on all persons.

Section 6.2    Indemnification. No member of the Board, the Committee or any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary (each such person, an “Indemnified Person”) shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any award hereunder. Each Indemnified Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (a) any loss, cost, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Indemnified Person may be a party or in which such Indemnified Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Plan and (b) any and all amounts paid by such Indemnified Person, with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Indemnified Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Indemnified Person, provided that the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding, and, once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to an Indemnified Person to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment or other final adjudication, in either case not subject to further appeal, determines that the acts or omissions of such Indemnified Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Indemnified Person’s bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission or that such right of indemnification is otherwise prohibited by law or by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which Indemnified Persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such Indemnified Persons or hold them harmless.

 

9


ARTICLE VII

NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT;

WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

Section 7.1    Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement. As a condition to the receipt of benefits under the Plan, a Participant shall enter into an agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee pursuant to which the Participant agrees to refrain, for a reasonable period of time following the Participant’s Separation from Service, from (i) competing with the Company, (ii) soliciting or influencing any customer or prospective customer of the Company to alter its business with the Company or to do business with another company, (iii) soliciting or offering employment to any employee of the Company, or (iv) disclosing any confidential information or trade secrets of the Company.

Section 7.2    Waiver and Release Agreement. As a condition to the receipt of benefits under the Plan, a Participant must submit a signed Waiver and Release Agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee on or within forty-five (45) days of the Participant’s Separation from Service. A Participant may revoke the signed Waiver and Release Agreement within seven (7) days of signing. Any such revocation must be made in writing and must be received by the Committee within such seven (7) day period. A Participant who timely revokes a Waiver and Release Agreement shall not be eligible to receive benefits under the Plan.

Section 7.3    Effect of Breach. In the event a Participant breaches any agreement entered into in accordance with Section 7.1 or fails to sign a Waiver and Release Agreement in accordance with Section 7.2, the Committee may require the Participant to (a) immediately forfeit any portion of the Plan benefits that is then outstanding and (b) return to the Company all or some of the Plan benefits the Participant received prior to the breach.

ARTICLE VIII

SUCCESSOR TO COMPANY

This Plan shall bind any successor of the Company, its assets or its businesses (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise), in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be obligated under this Plan if no succession had taken place. In the case of any transaction in which a successor would not by the foregoing provision or by operation of law be bound by this Plan, the Company shall require such successor expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Company’s obligations under this Plan, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. The term “Company,” as used in this Plan, shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee to the business or assets which by reason hereof becomes bound by this Plan.

 

10


ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

Section 9.1    Amendment and Termination. The Plan may be terminated or amended in any respect by resolution adopted by the Board or the Committee. If a Change in Control occurs, the Plan shall not be subject to amendment, change, substitution, deletion, revocation or termination in any respect which adversely affects the rights of Participants for a period of two (2) years following the date of the Change in Control.

Section 9.2    Form of Amendment. The form of any amendment or termination of the Plan shall be a written instrument signed by a duly authorized officer or officers of the Company. An amendment of the Plan in accordance with the terms hereof shall automatically effect a corresponding amendment to all Participants’ rights hereunder. A termination of the Plan, in accordance with the terms hereof, shall automatically effect a termination of all Participants’ rights and benefits hereunder.

Section 9.3    Effect of Amendment or Termination on Certain Benefits. No amendment or termination of the Plan may reduce or eliminate the benefits (if any) payable under the Plan (without regard to such amendment or termination) to:

(a)    any Participant who commenced receiving benefits under the Plan prior to the amendment or termination date and is alive on the amendment or termination date or the Beneficiary of such Participant; or

(b)    any Beneficiary who commenced receiving benefits under the Plan prior to the amendment and termination date.

In addition, no amendment or termination of the Plan shall reduce the amount of any Participant’s benefits under the Plan below the amount of such benefits determined immediately prior to such amendment or termination as if the Participant had then separated from Service and was to receive such benefits in a single cash payment of the entire amount of such benefits.

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 10.1    Employment Status. This Plan does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company or any Subsidiary any obligation to retain the Participant as an employee, to change the status of the Participant’s employment, or to change the Company’s policies or those of its subsidiaries’ regarding termination of employment.

Section 10.2    Non-exclusivity of Rights and Benefits. Nothing in this Plan shall prevent or limit a Participant’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and for which the Participant may qualify.

Section 10.3    Validity and Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the Plan, which shall remain in full force and effect, and any prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

11


Section 10.4    Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of the Plan shall in all respects be governed by the laws of North Carolina, without reference to principles of conflict of law.

Section 10.5    Named Fiduciary; Administration. The Company is the named fiduciary of the Plan, with full authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the Plan, acting through the Committee and the Board.

Section 10.6    Unfunded Plan Status. This Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan. All payments pursuant to the Plan shall be made from the general funds of the Company and no special or separate fund shall be established or other segregation of assets made to assure payment. No Participant or other person shall have under any circumstances any interest in any particular property or assets of the Company as a result of participating in the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may (but shall not be obligated to) create one or more grantor trusts, the assets of which are subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors, to assist it in accumulating funds to pay its obligations under the Plan.

Section 10.7    Tax Withholding. Any payment provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state, local or foreign law.

Section 10.8    Nonalienation of Benefits. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, amounts payable under the Plan shall not be subject to any manner of anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, charge, garnishment, execution or levy of any kind, either voluntary or involuntary, including any liability which is for alimony of other payments for the support of a spouse or former spouse, or for any other relative of a Participant, prior to actually being received by the person entitled to payment under the terms of the Plan. Any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, charge, garnish, execute or levy upon, otherwise dispose of any right to amounts payable hereunder, shall be null and void.

Section 10.9    Facility of Payment.

(a)    If a Participant is declared an incompetent, and a conservator, guardian, or other person legally charged with his or her care has been appointed, any benefits under the Plan to which such individual is entitled may be paid or provided to such conservator, guardian, or other person legally charged with his or her care;

(b)    If a Participant is incompetent, the Company may (i) require the appointment of a conservator or guardian, (ii) distribute amounts to his or her spouse, with respect to a Participant who is married, or to such other relative of an unmarried Participant for the benefit of such Participant, or (iii) distribute such amounts directly to or for the benefit of such Participant; provided however, that a conservator, guardian, or other person charged with his or her care has not been appointed.

 

12


Section 10.10    Code Section 409A.

(a)    Delay of Certain Payments. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that the Company determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Plan by reason of a Participant’s termination of employment, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A:

(i)    if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum to a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), the Participant’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of the Participant’s death or the seventh month following the Participant’s Separation from Service; and

(ii)    if the payment or distribution is payable over time to a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation that would otherwise be payable during the six (6) month period immediately following the Participant’s Separation from Service will be accumulated and the Participant’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount will be delayed until the earlier of the Participant’s death or the seventh month following the Participant’s Separation from Service and paid on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments or distributions will commence.

(b)    Expense Reimbursements. To the extent any expense reimbursement or in-kind benefit to which a Participant is or may be entitled to receive under the Plan constitutes non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, then (i) such reimbursement shall be paid to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable after the Participant submits a valid claim for reimbursement, but in no event later than the last day of the Participant’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during any taxable year of the Participant shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year of the Participant, and (iii) the Participant’s right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c)    Separation from Service Required. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Plan providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Plan, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”

 

13


(d)    Interpretation and Administration. Nothing in this Plan shall operate or be construed to cause the Plan to fail to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and, to the extent applicable, it is intended that the Plan comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and shall be administered in a manner consistent with that intent. Any provision of this Plan that would cause the Plan or any payment made hereunder to fail to satisfy Code Section 409A shall have no force and effect until amended by the Company to comply with Code Section 409A (which amendment may be retroactive to the extent permitted by Code Section 409A) and may be made by the Company without the consent of any Participant.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned authorized officer of the Company has executed this instrument on behalf of the Company as of the 17th day of February, 2020.

 

NUCOR CORPORATION

/s/ James D. Frias

James D. Frias
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Executive Vice President

 

14

Exhibit 10.3

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into to be effective as of February 17, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between NUCOR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina (“Nucor Corporation”), and CRAIG FELDMAN (“Executive”), a resident of North Carolina.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined it is in the best interests of Nucor Corporation to amend certain entitlements and retirement and benefit plans applicable to executives of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation desires to continue to employ Executive as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, which terms and conditions reflect the aforementioned amendments to executive entitlements and retirement and benefit plans;

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date, Executive and Nucor Corporation discussed the requirements of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement as a condition to Executive’s continued service as an Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, the terms of this Agreement provide Executive with the opportunity to earn benefit entitlements not previously available to Executive;

WHEREAS, Executive agrees and acknowledges that in Executive’s position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, Executive will continue to have access to and knowledge of Nucor’s (as hereinafter defined) trade secrets and confidential information; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish for Nucor Corporation to employ Executive under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

1.    Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    “AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(b)    “Base Salary” means the amount Executive is entitled to receive from Nucor in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for Executive’s services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining an Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to Executive, the greater of (i) Executive’s highest Base Salary during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) Executive’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.


(c)    “Business” means the research, manufacture, marketing, trading, sale, fabrication, placement and/or distribution of steel or steel products (including but not limited to flat-rolled steel, special quality and merchant quality steel bar and shapes, concrete reinforcement bars, structural steel, hollow structural section tubing, conduit tubing, steel plate, steel joists and girders, steel deck, steel fasteners, steel pilings, metal building systems, wire rod, welded-wire reinforcement rolls and sheets, cold finished steel bars and wire, guard rail, and structural welded-wire reinforcement) or steel or steel product inputs (including but not limited to scrap metal and direct reduced iron).

(d)    “Change in Control” means and includes the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of Nucor Corporation in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of Nucor Corporation as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Nucor Corporation representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Nucor Corporation’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Nucor Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this clause (ii) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (A) an acquisition directly by or from Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary; (B) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in clause (iii) of this definition); or

(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving Nucor Corporation that requires the approval of Nucor Corporation’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Nucor Corporation’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of Nucor Corporation (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation

 

2


that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Nucor Corporation Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Nucor Corporation Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Nucor Corporation Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x) Nucor Corporation, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Nucor Corporation Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

(e)    “Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.

(f)    “Change in Control Period” means 24 months.

(g)    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

(i)    “Competing Business Activity” means any business activity (other than business activities engaged in for or on behalf of Nucor) that (i) is the same as, or is in competition with, any portion of the Business, and (ii) is a business activity in which Executive was involved or engaged during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(j)    “Confidential Information” includes all confidential and proprietary information of Nucor, including, without limitation, any of the following information to the extent not generally known to third persons: financial and budgetary information and strategies; plant design, specifications, and layouts; equipment design, specifications, and layouts; product design and specifications; manufacturing processes, procedures, and specifications; data processing or other computer programs; research and development projects; marketing information and strategies; customer lists; vendor lists; supplier lists; information about customer preferences and buying patterns; information about supplier or vendor preferences and patterns; information about prospective customers, vendors, suppliers or business opportunities; proprietary information with respect to any Nucor employees; proprietary information of any customers, suppliers or vendors of Nucor; information about Nucor’s costs and the pricing structure used in sales to customers or purchases from suppliers or vendors; information about Nucor’s overall corporate business strategy; and technological innovations used in Nucor’s business, to the extent that such information does not fall within the definition of Secret Information.

 

3


(k)    “Customer or Supplier” means the following alternatives:

(i)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports had significant contact or with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive had significant contact or with whom Executive directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor about whom Executive had obtained Secret Information or Confidential Information by virtue of Executive’s employment with Nucor at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

provided, however, that the term “Customer or Supplier” shall not include any business or entity that no longer does business with Nucor without any direct or indirect interference by Executive or violation of this Agreement by Executive, and that ceased doing business with Nucor prior to any direct or indirect communication or contact by Executive.

(l)    “Date of Termination” means the date of Executive’s separation from service with Nucor. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

(m)    “Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

(n)    “General Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 4.

(o)    “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i)    a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary;

(ii)    a material reduction in Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible from the Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(iii)    a material reduction in the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


(iv)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to Executive in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(v)    a change in Executive’s principal work location to a work location that is more than 50 miles from the location where Executive was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi)    the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by Nucor Corporation which results in any diminution in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by Executive shall be conclusive and binding on Nucor Corporation.

(p)    “LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(q)    “Month’s Base Pay” means Executive’s Base Salary divided by 12.

(r)    “Nucor” means Nucor Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in existence or planned during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(s)    “Prospective Customer or Supplier” means any person or entity who does not currently or has not yet purchased the products or services of Nucor or provided products or services to Nucor, but who, at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, has been targeted by Nucor as a potential user of the products or services of Nucor or supplier or vendor of products or services to Nucor, and whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports participated in the solicitation of on behalf of Nucor.

(t)    “Restrictive Period” means a period of time commencing upon the Date of Termination and expiring 24 months thereafter.

(u)    “Restricted Territory” means Executive’s geographic area of responsibility at Nucor which Executive acknowledges extends to the full scope of Nucor operations throughout the world. “Restricted Territory” therefore consists of the following alternatives reasonably necessary to protect Nucor’s legitimate business interests:

(i)    Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, Central America and North America, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    The United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

 

5


(iii)    The United States, Canada and Mexico, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iv)    The contiguous United States, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business.

(v)    “Secret Information” means Nucor’s proprietary and confidential information (i) that is not generally known in the Business, which would be difficult for others to acquire or duplicate without improper means, (ii) that Nucor strives to keep secret, and (iii) from which Nucor derives substantial commercial benefit because of the fact that it is not generally known. As used in this Agreement, Secret Information includes, without limitation: (w) Nucor’s process of developing and producing raw material, and designing and manufacturing steel and iron products; (x) Nucor’s process for treating, processing or fabricating steel and iron products; (y) Nucor’s customer, supplier and vendor lists, non-public financial data, strategic business plans, competitor analysis, sales and marketing data, and proprietary margin, pricing, and cost data; and (z) any other information or data which meets the definition of Trade Secrets.

(w)    “Solicit” means to initiate contact for the purpose of promoting, marketing, selling, brokering, procuring or obtaining products or services similar to those Nucor offered or required during the tenure of Executive’s employment with Nucor or to accept business from Customers or Suppliers or Prospective Customers or Suppliers.

(x)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than Nucor Corporation), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with Nucor Corporation in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

(y)    “Trade Secrets” means any information or data meeting the definition for such term under either the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

(z)    “Year of Service” shall mean each continuous 12 month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with Nucor Corporation and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Except with respect to Executive’s years of service with The David J. Joseph Company prior to such time as The David J. Joseph Company became a subsidiary of Nucor Corporation (which years of service shall be deemed Years of Service for purposes of this Agreement), Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by Nucor Corporation provides otherwise or Nucor Corporation otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service.

 

6


2.    Employment. Nucor agrees to continue to employ Executive in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, and Executive agrees to continued employment in this position, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which Executive acknowledges were discussed in detail prior to and made an express condition of Executive’s continued service as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation.

3.    Compensation and Benefits During Employment. Nucor will provide the following compensation and benefits to Executive:

(a)    Nucor will pay Executive a Base Salary of $485,000 per year, paid not less frequently than monthly in accordance with Nucor’s normal payroll practices, subject to withholding by Nucor and other deductions as required by law. Executive’s base salary is subject to adjustment up or down by the Board at its sole discretion and without notice to Executive.

(b)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be a participant in and eligible to receive awards of incentive and equity-based compensation under and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the AIP, the LTIP, and the Equity Award Plan, each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

(c)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be eligible for all other employee benefits that are generally made available by Nucor Corporation to its executive officers, including the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”), each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

4.    General Non-Compete Benefits Following Termination.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive General Non-Compete Benefits from Nucor Corporation as provided in Section 4(b) if (i) on the Date of Termination, Executive is an executive officer of Nucor Corporation (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason (other than due to the Executive’s death), including due to the Executive’s disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to General Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 4(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive General Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 6 Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of Executive’s Years of Service through the Date of Termination; provided that, if Executive is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Date of Termination, of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the LTIP and Executive’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Non-Compete Benefits payable to Executive who is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination shall not include the value of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units

 

7


credited to Executive’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to Executive under the Equity Award Plan). Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Subject to the provisions of Section 26, General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4(c).

(c)    Subject to the provisions of Section 26, if Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason other than Executive’s death, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid to Executive in 24 equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Date of Termination, provided, however, if Executive dies during the first 12 months following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor, then Nucor will pay Executive’s estate the monthly installments due pursuant to this Section 4(c) through the end of the 12th month following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor. If Executive dies 12 or more months after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, then Nucor’s obligations to make any installment payments under this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate without the necessity of Nucor providing notice, written or otherwise. If Executive is employed by Nucor at the time of Executive’s death, Nucor’s obligations to make any payments of the monthly installments pursuant to this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate and Executive’s estate and executors will have no rights to any such payments.

5.    Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits from the Company as provided in this Section 5, in lieu of General Non-Compete Benefits under Section 4, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and Executive’s employment with the Nucor is involuntarily terminated by Nucor or is voluntarily terminated by Executive for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination. Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall not be payable if Executive terminates employment with the Company due to Executive’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that Executive may be entitled to the General Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 4.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 5(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 26, within 10 days of the Date of Termination, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the product of (A) 2 multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary and (2) the greater of (x) 150% of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) the average performance award under the AIP (including any deferred portion thereof but excluding

 

8


the related “Deferral Incentive” (as defined in the AIP)) for the 3 fiscal years prior to Executive’s Date of Termination, provided for purposes of calculating such average, the performance award under the AIP for any year in such 3 fiscal year period Executive did not hold Executive’s current position shall be equal to the performance award under the AIP for such year for Executive’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary; and

(ii)    if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award Executive would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if Executive’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(c)    Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law.

(d)    If Executive is entitled to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 5(a), Executive shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior to the Date of Termination, or if more favorable to Executive, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Period with the same contribution rate for which Executive would have been responsible if Executive had remained employed through the Change in Control Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether Executive actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

(e)    Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of Nucor Corporation to pay and provide the Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits described in this Section 5 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Nucor may have against Executive. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5(d).

(f)    In exchange for Nucor Corporation’s agreement to make Executive eligible for the compensation, payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

6.    Duties and Responsibilities; Best Efforts. While employed by Nucor, Executive shall perform such duties for and on behalf of Nucor as may be determined and assigned to Executive from

 

9


time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation or the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full time and best efforts to the business and affairs of Nucor. During the term of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive will not undertake other paid employment or engage in any other business activity without the prior written consent of the Board.

7.    Employment at Will. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create employment for a definite term and that Executive’s employment with Nucor is at will and terminable by Nucor or Executive at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, unless otherwise expressly set forth in a separate written agreement executed by Executive and Nucor after the Effective Date.

8.    Change in Executive’s Position. In the event that Nucor transfers, demotes, promotes, or otherwise changes Executive’s compensation or position with Nucor, the restrictions and post-termination obligations set forth in Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits and opportunities being provided to Executive under this Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s compliance with these obligations.

9.    Recognition of Nucor’s Legitimate Interests. Executive understands and acknowledges that Nucor competes in North America and throughout the world in Business. As part of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive acknowledges Executive will continue to have access to and gain knowledge of significant secret, confidential and proprietary information of the full range of operations of Nucor. In addition, Executive will continue to have access to and contact with vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers of Nucor, in which capacity Executive is expected to develop good relationships with such vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers, and will gain intimate knowledge regarding the products and services of Nucor. Executive recognizes and agrees that Nucor has spent and will continue to spend substantial effort, time and money in developing relationships with its customers, suppliers and vendors, that many customers, suppliers and vendors are long term customers, suppliers and vendors of Nucor, and that all customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts that Executive may deal with during Executive’s employment with Nucor, including any customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts acquired for Nucor by Executive, are the customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts of Nucor. Executive acknowledges that Nucor’s competitors, customers, suppliers and vendors would obtain an unfair advantage if Executive disclosed Secret Information or Confidential Information to a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor, used it on a competitor’s, customer’s, supplier’s or vendor’s behalf (except for the benefit of Nucor), or if Executive were able to exploit the relationships Executive develops as an employee of Nucor to Solicit or direct business on behalf of a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor.

10.    Covenant Regarding Nucor’s Secret Information.

(a)    Executive recognizes and agrees that Executive will have continued access to Secret Information. Executive agrees that unless Executive is expressly authorized by Nucor in writing, Executive will not use or disclose or allow to be used or disclosed Secret Information. This covenant shall survive until the Secret Information is generally known in the industry through no act or omission of the Executive or until Nucor knowingly authorizes the disclosure of or discloses the Secret Information, without any limitations on use or confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that Executive did not have knowledge of Secret Information prior to Executive’s employment with Nucor and that the Secret Information does not include Executive’s general skills and know-how.

 

10


(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual will be immune from criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for (i) the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) a disclosure that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the Trade Secret to the attorney of the individual and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.

11.    Agreement to Maintain Confidentiality; Non-Disparagement.

(a)    During Executive’s employment with Nucor and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, (i) Executive covenants and agrees to treat as confidential all Confidential Information submitted to Executive or received, compiled, developed, designed, produced, accessed, or otherwise discovered by the Executive from time to time while employed by Nucor, and (ii) Executive will not disclose or divulge the Confidential Information to any person, entity, firm or company whatsoever or use the Confidential Information for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any person, entity, firm or company other than Nucor. This restriction will apply throughout the world; provided, however, that if the restrictions of this Section 11(a) when applied to any specific piece of Confidential Information would prevent Executive from using Executive’s general knowledge or skills in competition with Nucor or would otherwise substantially restrict the Executive’s ability to fairly compete with Nucor, then as to that piece of Confidential Information only, the scope of this restriction will apply only for the Restrictive Period (as defined below).

(b)    Executive specifically acknowledges that the Confidential Information, whether reduced to writing or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive, and whether compiled or created by Executive, Nucor, or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Confidential Information. Executive also acknowledges that reasonable efforts have been put forth by Nucor to maintain the secrecy of the Confidential Information, that the Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of Nucor or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, as the case may be, and that any retention and/or use of Confidential Information during or after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor (except in the regular course of performing Executive’s duties hereunder) will constitute a misappropriation of the Confidential Information belonging to Nucor. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if Executive (i) accesses Confidential Information on any Nucor computer system within 30 days prior to the effective date of Executive’s voluntary resignation of employment with Nucor and (ii) transmits, copies or reproduces in any manner such Confidential Information to or for herself or any person or entity not authorized by Nucor to receive such Confidential Information, or deletes any such Confidential Information, Executive is exceeding Executive’s authorized access to such computer system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, this Agreement shall not be construed to restrict Executive from communications or disclosures that are protected under federal law or regulation.

 

11


(c)    Executive agrees not to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices, or conduct of Nucor, or any of Nucor’s directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this prohibition extends to statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to the general public, the news media, investors, potential investors, any board of directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, customers or Nucor employees, agents or representatives (past and present), however, nothing set forth in this Section 11(c) prohibits Executive from communicating, without notice to or approval by Nucor Corporation, with any United States Federal Government agency about a potential violation of a United States Federal law or regulation.

12.    Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, within the Restricted Territory:

(a)    engage in any Competing Business Activity, whether as an owner, partner, shareholder, member, lender, employee, consultant, agent, co-venturer or in any other capacity;

(b)    commence, establish, own (in whole or in part) or provide financing for any business that engages in any Competing Business Activity, whether (i) by establishing a sole proprietorship, (ii) as a partner of a partnership, (iii) as a member of a limited liability company, (iv) as a shareholder of a corporation (except to the extent Executive is the holder of not more than 2% of any class of the outstanding stock of any company listed on a national securities exchange so long as Executive does not actively participate in the management or business of any such entity) or (v) as the owner of any equity interest in any such entity;

(c)    provide any public endorsement of, or otherwise lend Executive’s name for use by, any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business Activity; or

(d)    engage in work, whether for a competitor, customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to call on Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to reveal, rely upon, or otherwise use Confidential Information or Secret Information.

13.    Nonsolicitation. Executive hereby agrees for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise:

(a)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to limit, curtail, cancel, or terminate any business it transacts with, or products or services it receives from or provides to Nucor;

(b)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to terminate any business negotiations it is having with Nucor, or to otherwise not do business with Nucor;

(c)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Customer or Supplier; or

 

12


(d)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Prospective Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Prospective Customer or Supplier.

14.    Antipiracy.

(a)    Executive agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or through or by any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, solicit, encourage, contact, or attempt to induce any employees of Nucor (i) with whom Executive had regular contact with at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, and (ii) who are employed by Nucor at the time of the encouragement, contact or attempted inducement, to end their employment relationship with Nucor.

(b)    Executive further agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period not to hire, or to assist any other person or entity to hire, any employees described in Section 14(a) of this Agreement.

15.    Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.

(a)    Executive hereby assigns to Nucor Corporation Executive’s entire right, title and interest, including copyrights and patents, in any idea, invention, design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), work product and any other work of authorship (collectively the “Developments”), made or conceived solely or jointly by Executive at any time during Executive’s employment by Nucor (whether prior or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement), or created wholly or in part by Executive, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, where the Developments: (i) were developed, invented, or conceived within the scope of Executive’s employment with Nucor; (ii) relate to Nucor’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive on Nucor’s behalf. Executive shall disclose any Developments to Nucor’s management within 30 days following Executive’s development, making or conception thereof.

(b)    The assignment requirement in Section 15(a) shall not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using Nucor’s equipment, supplies, facilities or Secret Information or Confidential Information except for those inventions that (i) relate to Nucor’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by Executive for Nucor.

(c)    Executive will, within 3 business days following Nucor’s request, execute a specific assignment of title to any Developments to Nucor Corporation or its designee, and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Nucor Corporation or its designee to secure a patent, copyright, or other form of protection for any Developments in the United States and in any other applicable country.

 

13


(d)    Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to waive, or shall be construed as waiving, any assignment of any Developments to Nucor implied by law.

16.    Severability. It is the intention of the parties to restrict the activities of Executive only to the extent reasonably necessary for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests. The parties specifically covenant and agree that should any of the provisions in this Agreement be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction too broad for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests, the parties authorize the court to narrow, limit or modify the restrictions herein to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish such purpose. In the event such limiting construction is impossible, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

17.    Enforcement. Executive understands and agrees that any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement, and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nucor shall be entitled to pursue any and all of its remedies under law or in equity arising out of such breach. If Nucor pursues either a temporary restraining order or temporary injunctive relief, then Executive agrees to expedited discovery with respect thereto and waives any requirement that Nucor post a bond. Executive further agrees that in the event of Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement, unless otherwise prohibited by law:

(a)    Nucor shall be entitled to (i) cancel any unexercised stock options granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan from and after the Effective Date (the “Post-Agreement Date Option Grants”), (ii) cease payment of any General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan) otherwise due hereunder, (iii) seek other appropriate relief, including, without limitation, repayment by Executive of General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan); and

(b)    Executive shall (i) forfeit any (A) unexercised Post-Agreement Date Option Grants and (B) any shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan that vested during the 6 month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (the “Vested Stock”) and (ii) forfeit and immediately return upon demand by Nucor any profit realized by Executive from the exercise of any Post-Agreement Date Option Grants or sale or exchange of any Vested Stock during the 6 month period preceding Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

Executive agrees that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 will cause Nucor irreparable harm which cannot be remedied through monetary damages and the alternative relief set forth in Sections 17(a) and (b) shall not be considered an adequate remedy for the harm Nucor would incur. Executive further agrees that such remedies in Sections 17(a) and (b) will not preclude injunctive relief.

If Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of Sections 12, 13 or 14 of this Agreement and Nucor obtains an injunction, preliminary or otherwise, ordering Executive to adhere to the Restrictive Period required by the applicable Section, then the applicable Restrictive Period will be extended by the number of days that Nucor has alleged that Executive has been in breach of any of these provisions.

 

14


Executive further agrees, unless otherwise prohibited by law, to pay Nucor’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing its rights pursuant to this Section 17, or in defending against any action brought by Executive or on Executive’s behalf in violation of or under this Section 17 in which Nucor prevails. Executive agrees that Nucor’s actions pursuant to this Section 17, including, without limitation, filing a legal action, are permissible and are not and will not be considered by Executive to be retaliatory. Executive further represents and acknowledges that in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment and that enforcement of this Agreement by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.

18.    Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Nucor under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate competition which would otherwise be unfair to Nucor, do not interfere with Executive’s exercise of Executive’s inherent skill and experience, are reasonably required to protect the legitimate interests of Nucor, and do not confer a benefit upon Nucor disproportionate to the detriment to Executive. Executive certifies that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with such legal advisors as Executive chooses and that Executive understands its provisions and has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

19.    Applicable Law. Executive’s primary place of employment is Nucor’s corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Accordingly, this Agreement is made in, and shall be interpreted, construed and governed according to the laws of, the State of North Carolina, regardless of choice of law principles of any jurisdiction to the contrary. Each party, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the North Carolina state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and (b) waives any objection to any such action based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, Executive hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court or similar body within the Restricted Territory for enforcement of any judgment entered in a court or similar body pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement is intended, among other things, to supplement the provisions of the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, each as amended from time to time, and the duties Executive owes to Nucor under North Carolina common law, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties owed by Executive to Nucor.

20.    Executive to Return Property. Executive agrees that upon (a) the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor and within 3 business days thereof, whether by Executive or Nucor for any reason (with or without cause), or (b) the written request of Nucor, Executive (or in the event of the death or disability of Executive, Executive’s heirs, successors, assigns and legal representatives) shall return to Nucor any and all property of Nucor regardless of the medium in which such property is stored or kept, including but not limited to all Secret Information, Confidential Information, notes, data, tapes, computers, lists, customer lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, names of customers, suppliers or vendors, reference items, phones, documents, sketches, drawings, software, product samples, rolodex cards, forms, manuals, keys, pass or access cards and equipment, without retaining any copies or summaries of such property. Executive further agrees that to the extent Secret Information or Confidential Information are in electronic format and in Executive’s possession, custody or control, Executive will provide all such copies to Nucor and will not keep copies in such format but, upon Nucor’s request, will confirm the permanent deletion or other destruction thereof.

 

15


21.    Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes, discharges and cancels all previous agreements regarding Executive’s employment with Nucor, including without limitation that certain Executive Employment Agreement by and between Nucor Corporation and Executive effective as of June 10, 2018, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof. No agreements, representations, or statements of any party not contained herein shall be binding on either party. Further, no amendment or variation of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

22.    Assignability. This Agreement and the rights and duties created hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Nucor may, at its option and without consent of Executive, assign or delegate its rights and duties hereunder, in whole or in part, to any successor entity or transferee of Nucor Corporation’s assets.

23.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Nucor and Executive and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

24.    No Waiver. No failure or delay by any party to this Agreement to enforce any right specified in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, nor will any single or partial exercise of a right preclude any further or later enforcement of the right within the period of the applicable statute of limitations. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless such waiver is set forth in a written instrument executed by the party waiving compliance.

25.    Cooperation. Executive agrees that both during and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, at Nucor’s request, render all assistance and perform all lawful acts that Nucor considers necessary or advisable in connection with any litigation involving Nucor or any of its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, representatives, consultants, clients, customers, suppliers or vendors. Executive understands and agrees that Nucor will reimburse Executive for any reasonable documented expense Executive incurs related to this cooperation and assistance, but will not be obligated to pay Executive any additional amounts.

26.    Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of Code as of the Date of Termination and (b) any amount or benefit that Nucor determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the payment, distribution or benefit is payable or provided over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation or benefit that would otherwise be payable or provided during the 6 month period immediately following the Date of Termination will be accumulated, and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount or benefit will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination and paid or provided on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments, distributions or benefits will commence.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations, and Executive shall be a “specified employee” during the 12 month period beginning April 1 each year if Executive met the requirements of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) at any time during the 12 month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the Date of Termination.

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Nucor Corporation have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Craig Feldman

Craig Feldman
NUCOR CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Leon J. Topalian

Its:  

President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.4

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into to be effective as of February 17, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between NUCOR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina (“Nucor Corporation”), and JAMES D. FRIAS (“Executive”), a resident of North Carolina.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed in the position of Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined it is in the best interests of Nucor Corporation to amend certain entitlements and retirement and benefit plans applicable to executives of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation desires to continue to employ Executive as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, which terms and conditions reflect the aforementioned amendments to executive entitlements and retirement and benefit plans;

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date, Executive and Nucor Corporation discussed the requirements of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement as a condition to Executive’s continued service as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, the terms of this Agreement provide Executive with the opportunity to earn benefit entitlements not previously available to Executive;

WHEREAS, Executive agrees and acknowledges that in Executive’s position of Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, Executive will continue to have access to and knowledge of Nucor’s (as hereinafter defined) trade secrets and confidential information; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish for Nucor Corporation to employ Executive under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

1.    Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    “AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(b)    “Base Salary” means the amount Executive is entitled to receive from Nucor in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for Executive’s services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining an Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to Executive, the greater of (i) Executive’s highest Base Salary during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) Executive’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.


(c)    “Business” means the research, manufacture, marketing, trading, sale, fabrication, placement and/or distribution of steel or steel products (including but not limited to flat-rolled steel, special quality and merchant quality steel bar and shapes, concrete reinforcement bars, structural steel, hollow structural section tubing, conduit tubing, steel plate, steel joists and girders, steel deck, steel fasteners, steel pilings, metal building systems, wire rod, welded-wire reinforcement rolls and sheets, cold finished steel bars and wire, guard rail, and structural welded-wire reinforcement) or steel or steel product inputs (including but not limited to scrap metal and direct reduced iron).

(d)    “Change in Control” means and includes the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of Nucor Corporation in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of Nucor Corporation as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Nucor Corporation representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Nucor Corporation’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Nucor Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this clause (ii) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (A) an acquisition directly by or from Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary; (B) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in clause (iii) of this definition); or

(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving Nucor Corporation that requires the approval of Nucor Corporation’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Nucor Corporation’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total

 

2


voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of Nucor Corporation (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Nucor Corporation Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Nucor Corporation Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Nucor Corporation Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x) Nucor Corporation, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Nucor Corporation Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

(e)    “Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.

(f)    “Change in Control Period” means 30 months.

(g)    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

(i)    “Competing Business Activity” means any business activity (other than business activities engaged in for or on behalf of Nucor) that (i) is the same as, or is in competition with, any portion of the Business, and (ii) is a business activity in which Executive was involved or engaged during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(j)    “Confidential Information” includes all confidential and proprietary information of Nucor, including, without limitation, any of the following information to the extent not generally known to third persons: financial and budgetary information and strategies; plant design, specifications, and layouts; equipment design, specifications, and layouts; product design and specifications; manufacturing processes, procedures, and specifications; data processing or other computer programs; research and development projects; marketing information and strategies; customer lists; vendor lists; supplier lists; information about customer preferences and buying patterns; information about supplier or vendor preferences and patterns; information about prospective customers, vendors, suppliers or business opportunities; proprietary information with respect to any Nucor employees; proprietary information of any customers, suppliers or vendors

 

3


of Nucor; information about Nucor’s costs and the pricing structure used in sales to customers or purchases from suppliers or vendors; information about Nucor’s overall corporate business strategy; and technological innovations used in Nucor’s business, to the extent that such information does not fall within the definition of Secret Information.

(k)    “Customer or Supplier” means the following alternatives:

(i)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports had significant contact or with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive had significant contact or with whom Executive directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor about whom Executive had obtained Secret Information or Confidential Information by virtue of Executive’s employment with Nucor at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

provided, however, that the term “Customer or Supplier” shall not include any business or entity that no longer does business with Nucor without any direct or indirect interference by Executive or violation of this Agreement by Executive, and that ceased doing business with Nucor prior to any direct or indirect communication or contact by Executive.

(l)    “Date of Termination” means the date of Executive’s separation from service with Nucor. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

(m)    “Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

(n)    “General Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 4.

(o)    “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i)    a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary;

(ii)    a material reduction in Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible from the Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


(iii)    a material reduction in the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(iv)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to Executive in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(v)    a change in Executive’s principal work location to a work location that is more than 50 miles from the location where Executive was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi)    the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by Nucor Corporation which results in any diminution in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by Executive shall be conclusive and binding on Nucor Corporation.

(p)    “LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(q)    “Month’s Base Pay” means Executive’s Base Salary divided by 12.

(r)    “Nucor” means Nucor Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in existence or planned during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(s)    “Prospective Customer or Supplier” means any person or entity who does not currently or has not yet purchased the products or services of Nucor or provided products or services to Nucor, but who, at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, has been targeted by Nucor as a potential user of the products or services of Nucor or supplier or vendor of products or services to Nucor, and whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports participated in the solicitation of on behalf of Nucor.

(t)    “Restrictive Period” means a period of time commencing upon the Date of Termination and expiring 24 months thereafter.

(u)    “Restricted Territory” means Executive’s geographic area of responsibility at Nucor which Executive acknowledges extends to the full scope of Nucor operations throughout the world. “Restricted Territory” therefore consists of the following alternatives reasonably necessary to protect Nucor’s legitimate business interests:

(i)    Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, Central America and North America, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

 

5


(ii)    The United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    The United States, Canada and Mexico, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iv)    The contiguous United States, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business.

(v)    “Secret Information” means Nucor’s proprietary and confidential information (i) that is not generally known in the Business, which would be difficult for others to acquire or duplicate without improper means, (ii) that Nucor strives to keep secret, and (iii) from which Nucor derives substantial commercial benefit because of the fact that it is not generally known. As used in this Agreement, Secret Information includes, without limitation: (w) Nucor’s process of developing and producing raw material, and designing and manufacturing steel and iron products; (x) Nucor’s process for treating, processing or fabricating steel and iron products; (y) Nucor’s customer, supplier and vendor lists, non-public financial data, strategic business plans, competitor analysis, sales and marketing data, and proprietary margin, pricing, and cost data; and (z) any other information or data which meets the definition of Trade Secrets.

(w)    “Solicit” means to initiate contact for the purpose of promoting, marketing, selling, brokering, procuring or obtaining products or services similar to those Nucor offered or required during the tenure of Executive’s employment with Nucor or to accept business from Customers or Suppliers or Prospective Customers or Suppliers.

(x)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than Nucor Corporation), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with Nucor Corporation in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

(y)    “Trade Secrets” means any information or data meeting the definition for such term under either the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

(z)    “Year of Service” shall mean each continuous 12 month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with Nucor Corporation and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by Nucor Corporation provides otherwise or Nucor Corporation otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service.

2.    Employment. Nucor agrees to continue to employ Executive in the position of Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, and Executive agrees to

 

6


continued employment in this position, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which Executive acknowledges were discussed in detail prior to and made an express condition of Executive’s continued service as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation.

3.    Compensation and Benefits During Employment. Nucor will provide the following compensation and benefits to Executive:

(a)    Nucor will pay Executive a Base Salary of $638,000 per year, paid not less frequently than monthly in accordance with Nucor’s normal payroll practices, subject to withholding by Nucor and other deductions as required by law. Executive’s base salary is subject to adjustment up or down by the Board at its sole discretion and without notice to Executive.

(b)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be a participant in and eligible to receive awards of incentive and equity-based compensation under and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the AIP, the LTIP, and the Equity Award Plan, each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

(c)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be eligible for all other employee benefits that are generally made available by Nucor Corporation to its executive officers, including the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”), each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

4.    General Non-Compete Benefits Following Termination.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive General Non-Compete Benefits from Nucor Corporation as provided in Section 4(b) if (i) on the Date of Termination, Executive is an executive officer of Nucor Corporation (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason (other than due to the Executive’s death), including due to the Executive’s disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to General Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 4(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive General Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 6 Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of Executive’s Years of Service through the Date of Termination; provided that, if Executive is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Date of Termination, of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the LTIP and Executive’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Non-Compete Benefits payable to Executive who is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination shall not include the value of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to Executive under the Equity Award

 

7


Plan). Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Subject to the provisions of Section 26, General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4(c).

(c)    Subject to the provisions of Section 26, if Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason other than Executive’s death, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid to Executive in 24 equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Date of Termination, provided, however, if Executive dies during the first 12 months following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor, then Nucor will pay Executive’s estate the monthly installments due pursuant to this Section 4(c) through the end of the 12th month following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor. If Executive dies 12 or more months after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, then Nucor’s obligations to make any installment payments under this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate without the necessity of Nucor providing notice, written or otherwise. If Executive is employed by Nucor at the time of Executive’s death, Nucor’s obligations to make any payments of the monthly installments pursuant to this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate and Executive’s estate and executors will have no rights to any such payments.

5.    Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits from the Company as provided in this Section 5, in lieu of General Non-Compete Benefits under Section 4, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and Executive’s employment with the Nucor is involuntarily terminated by Nucor or is voluntarily terminated by Executive for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination. Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall not be payable if Executive terminates employment with the Company due to Executive’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that Executive may be entitled to the General Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 4.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 5(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 26, within 10 days of the Date of Termination, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the product of (A) 2.5 multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary and (2) the greater of (x) 150% of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) the average performance award under the AIP (including any deferred portion thereof but excluding the related “Deferral Incentive” (as defined in the AIP)) for the 3 fiscal years prior to Executive’s Date of Termination, provided for purposes of calculating such average, the

 

8


performance award under the AIP for any year in such 3 fiscal year period Executive did not hold Executive’s current position shall be equal to the performance award under the AIP for such year for Executive’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary; and

(ii)    if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award Executive would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if Executive’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(c)    Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law.

(d)    If Executive is entitled to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 5(a), Executive shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior to the Date of Termination, or if more favorable to Executive, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Period with the same contribution rate for which Executive would have been responsible if Executive had remained employed through the Change in Control Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether Executive actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

(e)    Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of Nucor Corporation to pay and provide the Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits described in this Section 5 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Nucor may have against Executive. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5(d).

(f)    In exchange for Nucor Corporation’s agreement to make Executive eligible for the compensation, payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

6.    Duties and Responsibilities; Best Efforts. While employed by Nucor, Executive shall perform such duties for and on behalf of Nucor as may be determined and assigned to Executive from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation or the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full time and best efforts to the business and affairs of Nucor. During the term of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive will not undertake other paid employment or engage in any other business activity without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

9


7.    Employment at Will. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create employment for a definite term and that Executive’s employment with Nucor is at will and terminable by Nucor or Executive at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, unless otherwise expressly set forth in a separate written agreement executed by Executive and Nucor after the Effective Date.

8.    Change in Executive’s Position. In the event that Nucor transfers, demotes, promotes, or otherwise changes Executive’s compensation or position with Nucor, the restrictions and post-termination obligations set forth in Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits and opportunities being provided to Executive under this Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s compliance with these obligations.

9.    Recognition of Nucor’s Legitimate Interests. Executive understands and acknowledges that Nucor competes in North America and throughout the world in Business. As part of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive acknowledges Executive will continue to have access to and gain knowledge of significant secret, confidential and proprietary information of the full range of operations of Nucor. In addition, Executive will continue to have access to and contact with vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers of Nucor, in which capacity Executive is expected to develop good relationships with such vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers, and will gain intimate knowledge regarding the products and services of Nucor. Executive recognizes and agrees that Nucor has spent and will continue to spend substantial effort, time and money in developing relationships with its customers, suppliers and vendors, that many customers, suppliers and vendors are long term customers, suppliers and vendors of Nucor, and that all customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts that Executive may deal with during Executive’s employment with Nucor, including any customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts acquired for Nucor by Executive, are the customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts of Nucor. Executive acknowledges that Nucor’s competitors, customers, suppliers and vendors would obtain an unfair advantage if Executive disclosed Secret Information or Confidential Information to a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor, used it on a competitor’s, customer’s, supplier’s or vendor’s behalf (except for the benefit of Nucor), or if Executive were able to exploit the relationships Executive develops as an employee of Nucor to Solicit or direct business on behalf of a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor.

10.    Covenant Regarding Nucor’s Secret Information.

(a)    Executive recognizes and agrees that Executive will have continued access to Secret Information. Executive agrees that unless Executive is expressly authorized by Nucor in writing, Executive will not use or disclose or allow to be used or disclosed Secret Information. This covenant shall survive until the Secret Information is generally known in the industry through no act or omission of the Executive or until Nucor knowingly authorizes the disclosure of or discloses the Secret Information, without any limitations on use or confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that Executive did not have knowledge of Secret Information prior to Executive’s employment with Nucor and that the Secret Information does not include Executive’s general skills and know-how.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual will be immune from criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for (i) the disclosure of a Trade Secret

 

10


that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) a disclosure that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the Trade Secret to the attorney of the individual and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.

11.    Agreement to Maintain Confidentiality; Non-Disparagement.

(a)    During Executive’s employment with Nucor and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, (i) Executive covenants and agrees to treat as confidential all Confidential Information submitted to Executive or received, compiled, developed, designed, produced, accessed, or otherwise discovered by the Executive from time to time while employed by Nucor, and (ii) Executive will not disclose or divulge the Confidential Information to any person, entity, firm or company whatsoever or use the Confidential Information for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any person, entity, firm or company other than Nucor. This restriction will apply throughout the world; provided, however, that if the restrictions of this Section 11(a) when applied to any specific piece of Confidential Information would prevent Executive from using Executive’s general knowledge or skills in competition with Nucor or would otherwise substantially restrict the Executive’s ability to fairly compete with Nucor, then as to that piece of Confidential Information only, the scope of this restriction will apply only for the Restrictive Period (as defined below).

(b)    Executive specifically acknowledges that the Confidential Information, whether reduced to writing or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive, and whether compiled or created by Executive, Nucor, or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Confidential Information. Executive also acknowledges that reasonable efforts have been put forth by Nucor to maintain the secrecy of the Confidential Information, that the Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of Nucor or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, as the case may be, and that any retention and/or use of Confidential Information during or after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor (except in the regular course of performing Executive’s duties hereunder) will constitute a misappropriation of the Confidential Information belonging to Nucor. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if Executive (i) accesses Confidential Information on any Nucor computer system within 30 days prior to the effective date of Executive’s voluntary resignation of employment with Nucor and (ii) transmits, copies or reproduces in any manner such Confidential Information to or for herself or any person or entity not authorized by Nucor to receive such Confidential Information, or deletes any such Confidential Information, Executive is exceeding Executive’s authorized access to such computer system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, this Agreement shall not be construed to restrict Executive from communications or disclosures that are protected under federal law or regulation.

(c)    Executive agrees not to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation,

 

11


practices, or conduct of Nucor, or any of Nucor’s directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this prohibition extends to statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to the general public, the news media, investors, potential investors, any board of directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, customers or Nucor employees, agents or representatives (past and present), however, nothing set forth in this Section 11(c) prohibits Executive from communicating, without notice to or approval by Nucor Corporation, with any United States Federal Government agency about a potential violation of a United States Federal law or regulation.

12.    Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, within the Restricted Territory:

(a)    engage in any Competing Business Activity, whether as an owner, partner, shareholder, member, lender, employee, consultant, agent, co-venturer or in any other capacity;

(b)    commence, establish, own (in whole or in part) or provide financing for any business that engages in any Competing Business Activity, whether (i) by establishing a sole proprietorship, (ii) as a partner of a partnership, (iii) as a member of a limited liability company, (iv) as a shareholder of a corporation (except to the extent Executive is the holder of not more than 2% of any class of the outstanding stock of any company listed on a national securities exchange so long as Executive does not actively participate in the management or business of any such entity) or (v) as the owner of any equity interest in any such entity;

(c)    provide any public endorsement of, or otherwise lend Executive’s name for use by, any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business Activity; or

(d)    engage in work, whether for a competitor, customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to call on Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to reveal, rely upon, or otherwise use Confidential Information or Secret Information.

13.    Nonsolicitation. Executive hereby agrees for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise:

(a)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to limit, curtail, cancel, or terminate any business it transacts with, or products or services it receives from or provides to Nucor;

(b)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to terminate any business negotiations it is having with Nucor, or to otherwise not do business with Nucor;

(c)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Customer or Supplier; or

 

12


(d)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Prospective Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Prospective Customer or Supplier.

14.    Antipiracy.

(a)    Executive agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or through or by any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, solicit, encourage, contact, or attempt to induce any employees of Nucor (i) with whom Executive had regular contact with at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, and (ii) who are employed by Nucor at the time of the encouragement, contact or attempted inducement, to end their employment relationship with Nucor.

(b)    Executive further agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period not to hire, or to assist any other person or entity to hire, any employees described in Section 14(a) of this Agreement.

15.    Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.

(a)    Executive hereby assigns to Nucor Corporation Executive’s entire right, title and interest, including copyrights and patents, in any idea, invention, design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), work product and any other work of authorship (collectively the “Developments”), made or conceived solely or jointly by Executive at any time during Executive’s employment by Nucor (whether prior or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement), or created wholly or in part by Executive, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, where the Developments: (i) were developed, invented, or conceived within the scope of Executive’s employment with Nucor; (ii) relate to Nucor’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive on Nucor’s behalf. Executive shall disclose any Developments to Nucor’s management within 30 days following Executive’s development, making or conception thereof.

(b)    The assignment requirement in Section 15(a) shall not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using Nucor’s equipment, supplies, facilities or Secret Information or Confidential Information except for those inventions that (i) relate to Nucor’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by Executive for Nucor.

(c)    Executive will, within 3 business days following Nucor’s request, execute a specific assignment of title to any Developments to Nucor Corporation or its designee, and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Nucor Corporation or its designee to secure a patent, copyright, or other form of protection for any Developments in the United States and in any other applicable country.

(d)    Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to waive, or shall be construed as waiving, any assignment of any Developments to Nucor implied by law.

 

13


16.    Severability. It is the intention of the parties to restrict the activities of Executive only to the extent reasonably necessary for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests. The parties specifically covenant and agree that should any of the provisions in this Agreement be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction too broad for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests, the parties authorize the court to narrow, limit or modify the restrictions herein to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish such purpose. In the event such limiting construction is impossible, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

17.    Enforcement. Executive understands and agrees that any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement, and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nucor shall be entitled to pursue any and all of its remedies under law or in equity arising out of such breach. If Nucor pursues either a temporary restraining order or temporary injunctive relief, then Executive agrees to expedited discovery with respect thereto and waives any requirement that Nucor post a bond. Executive further agrees that in the event of Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement, unless otherwise prohibited by law:

(a)    Nucor shall be entitled to (i) cancel any unexercised stock options granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan from and after the Effective Date (the “Post-Agreement Date Option Grants”), (ii) cease payment of any General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan) otherwise due hereunder, (iii) seek other appropriate relief, including, without limitation, repayment by Executive of General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan); and

(b)    Executive shall (i) forfeit any (A) unexercised Post-Agreement Date Option Grants and (B) any shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan that vested during the 6 month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (the “Vested Stock”) and (ii) forfeit and immediately return upon demand by Nucor any profit realized by Executive from the exercise of any Post-Agreement Date Option Grants or sale or exchange of any Vested Stock during the 6 month period preceding Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

Executive agrees that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 will cause Nucor irreparable harm which cannot be remedied through monetary damages and the alternative relief set forth in Sections 17(a) and (b) shall not be considered an adequate remedy for the harm Nucor would incur. Executive further agrees that such remedies in Sections 17(a) and (b) will not preclude injunctive relief.

If Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of Sections 12, 13 or 14 of this Agreement and Nucor obtains an injunction, preliminary or otherwise, ordering Executive to adhere to the Restrictive Period required by the applicable Section, then the applicable Restrictive Period will be extended by the number of days that Nucor has alleged that Executive has been in breach of any of these provisions.

Executive further agrees, unless otherwise prohibited by law, to pay Nucor’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing its rights pursuant to this Section 17, or in defending against any action

 

14


brought by Executive or on Executive’s behalf in violation of or under this Section 17 in which Nucor prevails. Executive agrees that Nucor’s actions pursuant to this Section 17, including, without limitation, filing a legal action, are permissible and are not and will not be considered by Executive to be retaliatory. Executive further represents and acknowledges that in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment and that enforcement of this Agreement by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.

18.    Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Nucor under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate competition which would otherwise be unfair to Nucor, do not interfere with Executive’s exercise of Executive’s inherent skill and experience, are reasonably required to protect the legitimate interests of Nucor, and do not confer a benefit upon Nucor disproportionate to the detriment to Executive. Executive certifies that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with such legal advisors as Executive chooses and that Executive understands its provisions and has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

19.    Applicable Law. Executive’s primary place of employment is Nucor’s corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Accordingly, this Agreement is made in, and shall be interpreted, construed and governed according to the laws of, the State of North Carolina, regardless of choice of law principles of any jurisdiction to the contrary. Each party, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the North Carolina state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and (b) waives any objection to any such action based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, Executive hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court or similar body within the Restricted Territory for enforcement of any judgment entered in a court or similar body pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement is intended, among other things, to supplement the provisions of the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, each as amended from time to time, and the duties Executive owes to Nucor under North Carolina common law, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties owed by Executive to Nucor.

20.    Executive to Return Property. Executive agrees that upon (a) the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor and within 3 business days thereof, whether by Executive or Nucor for any reason (with or without cause), or (b) the written request of Nucor, Executive (or in the event of the death or disability of Executive, Executive’s heirs, successors, assigns and legal representatives) shall return to Nucor any and all property of Nucor regardless of the medium in which such property is stored or kept, including but not limited to all Secret Information, Confidential Information, notes, data, tapes, computers, lists, customer lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, names of customers, suppliers or vendors, reference items, phones, documents, sketches, drawings, software, product samples, rolodex cards, forms, manuals, keys, pass or access cards and equipment, without retaining any copies or summaries of such property. Executive further agrees that to the extent Secret Information or Confidential Information are in electronic format and in Executive’s possession, custody or control, Executive will provide all such copies to Nucor and will not keep copies in such format but, upon Nucor’s request, will confirm the permanent deletion or other destruction thereof.

21.    Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes, discharges and cancels all previous agreements regarding Executive’s employment with Nucor, including without limitation that certain Executive Employment Agreement by and between Nucor Corporation and Executive effective as of January 1, 2010, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject

 

15


matter hereof. No agreements, representations, or statements of any party not contained herein shall be binding on either party. Further, no amendment or variation of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

22.    Assignability. This Agreement and the rights and duties created hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Nucor may, at its option and without consent of Executive, assign or delegate its rights and duties hereunder, in whole or in part, to any successor entity or transferee of Nucor Corporation’s assets.

23.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Nucor and Executive and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

24.    No Waiver. No failure or delay by any party to this Agreement to enforce any right specified in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, nor will any single or partial exercise of a right preclude any further or later enforcement of the right within the period of the applicable statute of limitations. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless such waiver is set forth in a written instrument executed by the party waiving compliance.

25.    Cooperation. Executive agrees that both during and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, at Nucor’s request, render all assistance and perform all lawful acts that Nucor considers necessary or advisable in connection with any litigation involving Nucor or any of its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, representatives, consultants, clients, customers, suppliers or vendors. Executive understands and agrees that Nucor will reimburse Executive for any reasonable documented expense Executive incurs related to this cooperation and assistance, but will not be obligated to pay Executive any additional amounts.

26.    Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of Code as of the Date of Termination and (b) any amount or benefit that Nucor determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the payment, distribution or benefit is payable or provided over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation or benefit that would otherwise be payable or provided during the 6 month period immediately following the Date of Termination will be accumulated, and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount or benefit will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination and paid or provided on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments, distributions or benefits will commence.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations, and Executive shall be a “specified employee” during the 12 month period beginning April 1 each year if Executive met the requirements of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) at any time during the 12 month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the Date of Termination.

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Nucor Corporation have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/ James D. Frias

James D. Frias
NUCOR CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Leon J. Topalian

Its:  

President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.5

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into to be effective as of February 17, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between NUCOR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina (“Nucor Corporation”), and LADD R. HALL (“Executive”), a resident of North Carolina.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined it is in the best interests of Nucor Corporation to amend certain entitlements and retirement and benefit plans applicable to executives of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation desires to continue to employ Executive as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, which terms and conditions reflect the aforementioned amendments to executive entitlements and retirement and benefit plans;

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date, Executive and Nucor Corporation discussed the requirements of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement as a condition to Executive’s continued service as an Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, the terms of this Agreement provide Executive with the opportunity to earn benefit entitlements not previously available to Executive;

WHEREAS, Executive agrees and acknowledges that in Executive’s position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, Executive will continue to have access to and knowledge of Nucor’s (as hereinafter defined) trade secrets and confidential information; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish for Nucor Corporation to employ Executive under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

1.    Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    “AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(b)    “Base Salary” means the amount Executive is entitled to receive from Nucor in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for Executive’s services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining an Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to Executive, the greater of (i) Executive’s highest Base Salary during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) Executive’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.


(c)    “Business” means the research, manufacture, marketing, trading, sale, fabrication, placement and/or distribution of steel or steel products (including but not limited to flat-rolled steel, special quality and merchant quality steel bar and shapes, concrete reinforcement bars, structural steel, hollow structural section tubing, conduit tubing, steel plate, steel joists and girders, steel deck, steel fasteners, steel pilings, metal building systems, wire rod, welded-wire reinforcement rolls and sheets, cold finished steel bars and wire, guard rail, and structural welded-wire reinforcement) or steel or steel product inputs (including but not limited to scrap metal and direct reduced iron).

(d)    “Change in Control” means and includes the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of Nucor Corporation in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of Nucor Corporation as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Nucor Corporation representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Nucor Corporation’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Nucor Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this clause (ii) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (A) an acquisition directly by or from Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary; (B) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in clause (iii) of this definition); or

(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving Nucor Corporation that requires the approval of Nucor Corporation’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Nucor Corporation’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of Nucor Corporation (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation

 

2


that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Nucor Corporation Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Nucor Corporation Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Nucor Corporation Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x) Nucor Corporation, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Nucor Corporation Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

(e)    “Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.

(f)    “Change in Control Period” means 24 months.

(g)    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

(i)    “Competing Business Activity” means any business activity (other than business activities engaged in for or on behalf of Nucor) that (i) is the same as, or is in competition with, any portion of the Business, and (ii) is a business activity in which Executive was involved or engaged during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(j)    “Confidential Information” includes all confidential and proprietary information of Nucor, including, without limitation, any of the following information to the extent not generally known to third persons: financial and budgetary information and strategies; plant design, specifications, and layouts; equipment design, specifications, and layouts; product design and specifications; manufacturing processes, procedures, and specifications; data processing or other computer programs; research and development projects; marketing information and strategies; customer lists; vendor lists; supplier lists; information about customer preferences and buying patterns; information about supplier or vendor preferences and patterns; information about prospective customers, vendors, suppliers or business opportunities; proprietary information with respect to any Nucor employees; proprietary information of any customers, suppliers or vendors of Nucor; information about Nucor’s costs and the pricing structure used in sales to customers or purchases from suppliers or vendors; information about Nucor’s overall corporate business strategy; and technological innovations used in Nucor’s business, to the extent that such information does not fall within the definition of Secret Information.

 

3


(k)    “Customer or Supplier” means the following alternatives:

(i)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports had significant contact or with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive had significant contact or with whom Executive directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor about whom Executive had obtained Secret Information or Confidential Information by virtue of Executive’s employment with Nucor at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

provided, however, that the term “Customer or Supplier” shall not include any business or entity that no longer does business with Nucor without any direct or indirect interference by Executive or violation of this Agreement by Executive, and that ceased doing business with Nucor prior to any direct or indirect communication or contact by Executive.

(l)    “Date of Termination” means the date of Executive’s separation from service with Nucor. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

(m)    “Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

(n)    “General Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 4.

(o)    “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i)    a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary;

(ii)    a material reduction in Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible from the Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(iii)    a material reduction in the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


(iv)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to Executive in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(v)    a change in Executive’s principal work location to a work location that is more than 50 miles from the location where Executive was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi)    the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by Nucor Corporation which results in any diminution in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by Executive shall be conclusive and binding on Nucor Corporation.

(p)    “LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(q)    “Month’s Base Pay” means Executive’s Base Salary divided by 12.

(r)    “Nucor” means Nucor Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in existence or planned during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(s)    “Prospective Customer or Supplier” means any person or entity who does not currently or has not yet purchased the products or services of Nucor or provided products or services to Nucor, but who, at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, has been targeted by Nucor as a potential user of the products or services of Nucor or supplier or vendor of products or services to Nucor, and whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports participated in the solicitation of on behalf of Nucor.

(t)    “Restrictive Period” means a period of time commencing upon the Date of Termination and expiring 24 months thereafter.

(u)    “Restricted Territory” means Executive’s geographic area of responsibility at Nucor which Executive acknowledges extends to the full scope of Nucor operations throughout the world. “Restricted Territory” therefore consists of the following alternatives reasonably necessary to protect Nucor’s legitimate business interests:

(i)    Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, Central America and North America, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    The United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

 

5


(iii)    The United States, Canada and Mexico, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iv)    The contiguous United States, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business.

(v)    “Secret Information” means Nucor’s proprietary and confidential information (i) that is not generally known in the Business, which would be difficult for others to acquire or duplicate without improper means, (ii) that Nucor strives to keep secret, and (iii) from which Nucor derives substantial commercial benefit because of the fact that it is not generally known. As used in this Agreement, Secret Information includes, without limitation: (w) Nucor’s process of developing and producing raw material, and designing and manufacturing steel and iron products; (x) Nucor’s process for treating, processing or fabricating steel and iron products; (y) Nucor’s customer, supplier and vendor lists, non-public financial data, strategic business plans, competitor analysis, sales and marketing data, and proprietary margin, pricing, and cost data; and (z) any other information or data which meets the definition of Trade Secrets.

(w)    “Solicit” means to initiate contact for the purpose of promoting, marketing, selling, brokering, procuring or obtaining products or services similar to those Nucor offered or required during the tenure of Executive’s employment with Nucor or to accept business from Customers or Suppliers or Prospective Customers or Suppliers.

(x)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than Nucor Corporation), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with Nucor Corporation in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

(y)    “Trade Secrets” means any information or data meeting the definition for such term under either the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

(z)    “Year of Service” shall mean each continuous 12 month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with Nucor Corporation and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by Nucor Corporation provides otherwise or Nucor Corporation otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service.

2.    Employment. Nucor agrees to continue to employ Executive in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, and Executive agrees to continued employment in this position, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which Executive acknowledges were discussed in detail prior to and made an express condition of Executive’s continued service as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation.

 

6


3.    Compensation and Benefits During Employment. Nucor will provide the following compensation and benefits to Executive:

(a)    Nucor will pay Executive a Base Salary of $580,000 per year, paid not less frequently than monthly in accordance with Nucor’s normal payroll practices, subject to withholding by Nucor and other deductions as required by law. Executive’s base salary is subject to adjustment up or down by the Board at its sole discretion and without notice to Executive.

(b)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be a participant in and eligible to receive awards of incentive and equity-based compensation under and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the AIP, the LTIP, and the Equity Award Plan, each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

(c)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be eligible for all other employee benefits that are generally made available by Nucor Corporation to its executive officers, including the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”), each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

4.    General Non-Compete Benefits Following Termination.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive General Non-Compete Benefits from Nucor Corporation as provided in Section 4(b) if (i) on the Date of Termination, Executive is an executive officer of Nucor Corporation (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason (other than due to the Executive’s death), including due to the Executive’s disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to General Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 4(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive General Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 6 Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of Executive’s Years of Service through the Date of Termination; provided that, if Executive is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Date of Termination, of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the LTIP and Executive’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Non-Compete Benefits payable to Executive who is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination shall not include the value of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to Executive under the Equity Award Plan). Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under

 

7


applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Subject to the provisions of Section 26, General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4(c).

(c)    Subject to the provisions of Section 26, if Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason other than Executive’s death, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid to Executive in 24 equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Date of Termination, provided, however, if Executive dies during the first 12 months following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor, then Nucor will pay Executive’s estate the monthly installments due pursuant to this Section 4(c) through the end of the 12th month following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor. If Executive dies 12 or more months after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, then Nucor’s obligations to make any installment payments under this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate without the necessity of Nucor providing notice, written or otherwise. If Executive is employed by Nucor at the time of Executive’s death, Nucor’s obligations to make any payments of the monthly installments pursuant to this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate and Executive’s estate and executors will have no rights to any such payments.

5.    Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits from the Company as provided in this Section 5, in lieu of General Non-Compete Benefits under Section 4, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and Executive’s employment with the Nucor is involuntarily terminated by Nucor or is voluntarily terminated by Executive for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination. Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall not be payable if Executive terminates employment with the Company due to Executive’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that Executive may be entitled to the General Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 4.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 5(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 26, within 10 days of the Date of Termination, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the product of (A) 2 multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary and (2) the greater of (x) 150% of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) the average performance award under the AIP (including any deferred portion thereof but excluding the related “Deferral Incentive” (as defined in the AIP)) for the 3 fiscal years prior to Executive’s Date of Termination, provided for purposes of calculating such average, the performance award under the AIP for any year in such 3 fiscal year period Executive did not hold Executive’s current position shall be equal to the performance award under the AIP for such year for Executive’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary; and

 

8


(ii)    if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award Executive would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if Executive’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(c)    Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law.

(d)    If Executive is entitled to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 5(a), Executive shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior to the Date of Termination, or if more favorable to Executive, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Period with the same contribution rate for which Executive would have been responsible if Executive had remained employed through the Change in Control Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether Executive actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

(e)    Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of Nucor Corporation to pay and provide the Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits described in this Section 5 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Nucor may have against Executive. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5(d).

(f)    In exchange for Nucor Corporation’s agreement to make Executive eligible for the compensation, payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

6.    Duties and Responsibilities; Best Efforts. While employed by Nucor, Executive shall perform such duties for and on behalf of Nucor as may be determined and assigned to Executive from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation or the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full time and best efforts to the business and affairs of Nucor. During the term of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive will not undertake other paid employment or engage in any other business activity without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

9


7.    Employment at Will. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create employment for a definite term and that Executive’s employment with Nucor is at will and terminable by Nucor or Executive at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, unless otherwise expressly set forth in a separate written agreement executed by Executive and Nucor after the Effective Date.

8.    Change in Executive’s Position. In the event that Nucor transfers, demotes, promotes, or otherwise changes Executive’s compensation or position with Nucor, the restrictions and post-termination obligations set forth in Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits and opportunities being provided to Executive under this Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s compliance with these obligations.

9.    Recognition of Nucor’s Legitimate Interests. Executive understands and acknowledges that Nucor competes in North America and throughout the world in Business. As part of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive acknowledges Executive will continue to have access to and gain knowledge of significant secret, confidential and proprietary information of the full range of operations of Nucor. In addition, Executive will continue to have access to and contact with vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers of Nucor, in which capacity Executive is expected to develop good relationships with such vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers, and will gain intimate knowledge regarding the products and services of Nucor. Executive recognizes and agrees that Nucor has spent and will continue to spend substantial effort, time and money in developing relationships with its customers, suppliers and vendors, that many customers, suppliers and vendors are long term customers, suppliers and vendors of Nucor, and that all customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts that Executive may deal with during Executive’s employment with Nucor, including any customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts acquired for Nucor by Executive, are the customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts of Nucor. Executive acknowledges that Nucor’s competitors, customers, suppliers and vendors would obtain an unfair advantage if Executive disclosed Secret Information or Confidential Information to a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor, used it on a competitor’s, customer’s, supplier’s or vendor’s behalf (except for the benefit of Nucor), or if Executive were able to exploit the relationships Executive develops as an employee of Nucor to Solicit or direct business on behalf of a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor.

10.    Covenant Regarding Nucor’s Secret Information.

(a)    Executive recognizes and agrees that Executive will have continued access to Secret Information. Executive agrees that unless Executive is expressly authorized by Nucor in writing, Executive will not use or disclose or allow to be used or disclosed Secret Information. This covenant shall survive until the Secret Information is generally known in the industry through no act or omission of the Executive or until Nucor knowingly authorizes the disclosure of or discloses the Secret Information, without any limitations on use or confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that Executive did not have knowledge of Secret Information prior to Executive’s employment with Nucor and that the Secret Information does not include Executive’s general skills and know-how.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual will be immune from criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for (i) the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a

 

10


suspected violation of law; or (ii) a disclosure that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the Trade Secret to the attorney of the individual and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.

11.    Agreement to Maintain Confidentiality; Non-Disparagement.

(a)    During Executive’s employment with Nucor and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, (i) Executive covenants and agrees to treat as confidential all Confidential Information submitted to Executive or received, compiled, developed, designed, produced, accessed, or otherwise discovered by the Executive from time to time while employed by Nucor, and (ii) Executive will not disclose or divulge the Confidential Information to any person, entity, firm or company whatsoever or use the Confidential Information for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any person, entity, firm or company other than Nucor. This restriction will apply throughout the world; provided, however, that if the restrictions of this Section 11(a) when applied to any specific piece of Confidential Information would prevent Executive from using Executive’s general knowledge or skills in competition with Nucor or would otherwise substantially restrict the Executive’s ability to fairly compete with Nucor, then as to that piece of Confidential Information only, the scope of this restriction will apply only for the Restrictive Period (as defined below).

(b)    Executive specifically acknowledges that the Confidential Information, whether reduced to writing or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive, and whether compiled or created by Executive, Nucor, or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Confidential Information. Executive also acknowledges that reasonable efforts have been put forth by Nucor to maintain the secrecy of the Confidential Information, that the Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of Nucor or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, as the case may be, and that any retention and/or use of Confidential Information during or after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor (except in the regular course of performing Executive’s duties hereunder) will constitute a misappropriation of the Confidential Information belonging to Nucor. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if Executive (i) accesses Confidential Information on any Nucor computer system within 30 days prior to the effective date of Executive’s voluntary resignation of employment with Nucor and (ii) transmits, copies or reproduces in any manner such Confidential Information to or for herself or any person or entity not authorized by Nucor to receive such Confidential Information, or deletes any such Confidential Information, Executive is exceeding Executive’s authorized access to such computer system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, this Agreement shall not be construed to restrict Executive from communications or disclosures that are protected under federal law or regulation.

(c)    Executive agrees not to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices, or conduct of Nucor, or any of Nucor’s directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this prohibition extends to

 

11


statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to the general public, the news media, investors, potential investors, any board of directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, customers or Nucor employees, agents or representatives (past and present), however, nothing set forth in this Section 11(c) prohibits Executive from communicating, without notice to or approval by Nucor Corporation, with any United States Federal Government agency about a potential violation of a United States Federal law or regulation.

12.    Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, within the Restricted Territory:

(a)    engage in any Competing Business Activity, whether as an owner, partner, shareholder, member, lender, employee, consultant, agent, co-venturer or in any other capacity;

(b)    commence, establish, own (in whole or in part) or provide financing for any business that engages in any Competing Business Activity, whether (i) by establishing a sole proprietorship, (ii) as a partner of a partnership, (iii) as a member of a limited liability company, (iv) as a shareholder of a corporation (except to the extent Executive is the holder of not more than 2% of any class of the outstanding stock of any company listed on a national securities exchange so long as Executive does not actively participate in the management or business of any such entity) or (v) as the owner of any equity interest in any such entity;

(c)    provide any public endorsement of, or otherwise lend Executive’s name for use by, any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business Activity; or

(d)    engage in work, whether for a competitor, customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to call on Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to reveal, rely upon, or otherwise use Confidential Information or Secret Information.

13.    Nonsolicitation. Executive hereby agrees for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise:

(a)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to limit, curtail, cancel, or terminate any business it transacts with, or products or services it receives from or provides to Nucor;

(b)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to terminate any business negotiations it is having with Nucor, or to otherwise not do business with Nucor;

(c)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Customer or Supplier; or

 

12


(d)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Prospective Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Prospective Customer or Supplier.

14.    Antipiracy.

(a)    Executive agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or through or by any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, solicit, encourage, contact, or attempt to induce any employees of Nucor (i) with whom Executive had regular contact with at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, and (ii) who are employed by Nucor at the time of the encouragement, contact or attempted inducement, to end their employment relationship with Nucor.

(b)    Executive further agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period not to hire, or to assist any other person or entity to hire, any employees described in Section 14(a) of this Agreement.

15.    Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.

(a)    Executive hereby assigns to Nucor Corporation Executive’s entire right, title and interest, including copyrights and patents, in any idea, invention, design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), work product and any other work of authorship (collectively the “Developments”), made or conceived solely or jointly by Executive at any time during Executive’s employment by Nucor (whether prior or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement), or created wholly or in part by Executive, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, where the Developments: (i) were developed, invented, or conceived within the scope of Executive’s employment with Nucor; (ii) relate to Nucor’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive on Nucor’s behalf. Executive shall disclose any Developments to Nucor’s management within 30 days following Executive’s development, making or conception thereof.

(b)    The assignment requirement in Section 15(a) shall not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using Nucor’s equipment, supplies, facilities or Secret Information or Confidential Information except for those inventions that (i) relate to Nucor’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by Executive for Nucor.

(c)    Executive will, within 3 business days following Nucor’s request, execute a specific assignment of title to any Developments to Nucor Corporation or its designee, and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Nucor Corporation or its designee to secure a patent, copyright, or other form of protection for any Developments in the United States and in any other applicable country.

(d)    Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to waive, or shall be construed as waiving, any assignment of any Developments to Nucor implied by law.

 

13


16.    Severability. It is the intention of the parties to restrict the activities of Executive only to the extent reasonably necessary for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests. The parties specifically covenant and agree that should any of the provisions in this Agreement be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction too broad for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests, the parties authorize the court to narrow, limit or modify the restrictions herein to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish such purpose. In the event such limiting construction is impossible, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

17.    Enforcement. Executive understands and agrees that any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement, and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nucor shall be entitled to pursue any and all of its remedies under law or in equity arising out of such breach. If Nucor pursues either a temporary restraining order or temporary injunctive relief, then Executive agrees to expedited discovery with respect thereto and waives any requirement that Nucor post a bond. Executive further agrees that in the event of Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement, unless otherwise prohibited by law:

(a)    Nucor shall be entitled to (i) cancel any unexercised stock options granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan from and after the Effective Date (the “Post-Agreement Date Option Grants”), (ii) cease payment of any General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan) otherwise due hereunder, (iii) seek other appropriate relief, including, without limitation, repayment by Executive of General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan); and

(b)    Executive shall (i) forfeit any (A) unexercised Post-Agreement Date Option Grants and (B) any shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan that vested during the 6 month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (the “Vested Stock”) and (ii) forfeit and immediately return upon demand by Nucor any profit realized by Executive from the exercise of any Post-Agreement Date Option Grants or sale or exchange of any Vested Stock during the 6 month period preceding Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

Executive agrees that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 will cause Nucor irreparable harm which cannot be remedied through monetary damages and the alternative relief set forth in Sections 17(a) and (b) shall not be considered an adequate remedy for the harm Nucor would incur. Executive further agrees that such remedies in Sections 17(a) and (b) will not preclude injunctive relief.

If Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of Sections 12, 13 or 14 of this Agreement and Nucor obtains an injunction, preliminary or otherwise, ordering Executive to adhere to the Restrictive Period required by the applicable Section, then the applicable Restrictive Period will be extended by the number of days that Nucor has alleged that Executive has been in breach of any of these provisions.

Executive further agrees, unless otherwise prohibited by law, to pay Nucor’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing its rights pursuant to this Section 17, or in defending against any action

 

14


brought by Executive or on Executive’s behalf in violation of or under this Section 17 in which Nucor prevails. Executive agrees that Nucor’s actions pursuant to this Section 17, including, without limitation, filing a legal action, are permissible and are not and will not be considered by Executive to be retaliatory. Executive further represents and acknowledges that in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment and that enforcement of this Agreement by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.

18.    Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Nucor under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate competition which would otherwise be unfair to Nucor, do not interfere with Executive’s exercise of Executive’s inherent skill and experience, are reasonably required to protect the legitimate interests of Nucor, and do not confer a benefit upon Nucor disproportionate to the detriment to Executive. Executive certifies that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with such legal advisors as Executive chooses and that Executive understands its provisions and has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

19.    Applicable Law. Executive’s primary place of employment is Nucor’s corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Accordingly, this Agreement is made in, and shall be interpreted, construed and governed according to the laws of, the State of North Carolina, regardless of choice of law principles of any jurisdiction to the contrary. Each party, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the North Carolina state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and (b) waives any objection to any such action based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, Executive hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court or similar body within the Restricted Territory for enforcement of any judgment entered in a court or similar body pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement is intended, among other things, to supplement the provisions of the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, each as amended from time to time, and the duties Executive owes to Nucor under North Carolina common law, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties owed by Executive to Nucor.

20.    Executive to Return Property. Executive agrees that upon (a) the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor and within 3 business days thereof, whether by Executive or Nucor for any reason (with or without cause), or (b) the written request of Nucor, Executive (or in the event of the death or disability of Executive, Executive’s heirs, successors, assigns and legal representatives) shall return to Nucor any and all property of Nucor regardless of the medium in which such property is stored or kept, including but not limited to all Secret Information, Confidential Information, notes, data, tapes, computers, lists, customer lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, names of customers, suppliers or vendors, reference items, phones, documents, sketches, drawings, software, product samples, rolodex cards, forms, manuals, keys, pass or access cards and equipment, without retaining any copies or summaries of such property.    Executive further agrees that to the extent Secret Information or Confidential Information are in electronic format and in Executive’s possession, custody or control, Executive will provide all such copies to Nucor and will not keep copies in such format but, upon Nucor’s request, will confirm the permanent deletion or other destruction thereof.

21.    Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes, discharges and cancels all previous agreements regarding Executive’s employment with Nucor, including without limitation that certain Executive Employment Agreement by and between Nucor Corporation and Executive dated as of September 28, 2007, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject

 

15


matter hereof. No agreements, representations, or statements of any party not contained herein shall be binding on either party. Further, no amendment or variation of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

22.    Assignability. This Agreement and the rights and duties created hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Nucor may, at its option and without consent of Executive, assign or delegate its rights and duties hereunder, in whole or in part, to any successor entity or transferee of Nucor Corporation’s assets.

23.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Nucor and Executive and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

24.    No Waiver. No failure or delay by any party to this Agreement to enforce any right specified in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, nor will any single or partial exercise of a right preclude any further or later enforcement of the right within the period of the applicable statute of limitations. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless such waiver is set forth in a written instrument executed by the party waiving compliance.

25.    Cooperation. Executive agrees that both during and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, at Nucor’s request, render all assistance and perform all lawful acts that Nucor considers necessary or advisable in connection with any litigation involving Nucor or any of its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, representatives, consultants, clients, customers, suppliers or vendors. Executive understands and agrees that Nucor will reimburse Executive for any reasonable documented expense Executive incurs related to this cooperation and assistance, but will not be obligated to pay Executive any additional amounts.

26.    Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of Code as of the Date of Termination and (b) any amount or benefit that Nucor determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the payment, distribution or benefit is payable or provided over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation or benefit that would otherwise be payable or provided during the 6 month period immediately following the Date of Termination will be accumulated, and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount or benefit will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination and paid or provided on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments, distributions or benefits will commence.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations, and Executive shall be a “specified employee” during the 12 month period beginning April 1 each year if Executive met the requirements of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) at any time during the 12 month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the Date of Termination.

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Nucor Corporation have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Ladd R. Hall

Ladd R. Hall

NUCOR CORPORATION

By:

 

/s/ Leon J. Topalian

Its:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.6

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into to be effective as of February 17, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between NUCOR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina (“Nucor Corporation”), and RAYMOND S. NAPOLITAN (“Executive”), a resident of North Carolina.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined it is in the best interests of Nucor Corporation to amend certain entitlements and retirement and benefit plans applicable to executives of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation desires to continue to employ Executive as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, which terms and conditions reflect the aforementioned amendments to executive entitlements and retirement and benefit plans;

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date, Executive and Nucor Corporation discussed the requirements of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement as a condition to Executive’s continued service as an Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, the terms of this Agreement provide Executive with the opportunity to earn benefit entitlements not previously available to Executive;

WHEREAS, Executive agrees and acknowledges that in Executive’s position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, Executive will continue to have access to and knowledge of Nucor’s (as hereinafter defined) trade secrets and confidential information; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish for Nucor Corporation to employ Executive under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

1.    Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    “AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(b)    “Base Salary” means the amount Executive is entitled to receive from Nucor in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for Executive’s services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining an Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to Executive, the greater of (i) Executive’s highest Base Salary during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) Executive’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.


(c)    “Business” means the research, manufacture, marketing, trading, sale, fabrication, placement and/or distribution of steel or steel products (including but not limited to flat-rolled steel, special quality and merchant quality steel bar and shapes, concrete reinforcement bars, structural steel, hollow structural section tubing, conduit tubing, steel plate, steel joists and girders, steel deck, steel fasteners, steel pilings, metal building systems, wire rod, welded-wire reinforcement rolls and sheets, cold finished steel bars and wire, guard rail, and structural welded-wire reinforcement) or steel or steel product inputs (including but not limited to scrap metal and direct reduced iron).

(d)    “Change in Control” means and includes the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of Nucor Corporation in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of Nucor Corporation as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Nucor Corporation representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Nucor Corporation’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Nucor Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this clause (ii) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (A) an acquisition directly by or from Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary; (B) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in clause (iii) of this definition); or

(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving Nucor Corporation that requires the approval of Nucor Corporation’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Nucor Corporation’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of Nucor Corporation (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation

 

2


that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Nucor Corporation Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Nucor Corporation Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Nucor Corporation Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x) Nucor Corporation, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Nucor Corporation Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

(e)    “Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.

(f)    “Change in Control Period” means 24 months.

(g)    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

(i)    “Competing Business Activity” means any business activity (other than business activities engaged in for or on behalf of Nucor) that (i) is the same as, or is in competition with, any portion of the Business, and (ii) is a business activity in which Executive was involved or engaged during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(j)    “Confidential Information” includes all confidential and proprietary information of Nucor, including, without limitation, any of the following information to the extent not generally known to third persons: financial and budgetary information and strategies; plant design, specifications, and layouts; equipment design, specifications, and layouts; product design and specifications; manufacturing processes, procedures, and specifications; data processing or other computer programs; research and development projects; marketing information and strategies; customer lists; vendor lists; supplier lists; information about customer preferences and buying patterns; information about supplier or vendor preferences and patterns; information about prospective customers, vendors, suppliers or business opportunities; proprietary information with respect to any Nucor employees; proprietary information of any customers, suppliers or vendors of Nucor; information about Nucor’s costs and the pricing structure used in sales to customers or purchases from suppliers or vendors; information about Nucor’s overall corporate business strategy; and technological innovations used in Nucor’s business, to the extent that such information does not fall within the definition of Secret Information.

 

3


(k)    “Customer or Supplier” means the following alternatives:

(i)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports had significant contact or with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive had significant contact or with whom Executive directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor about whom Executive had obtained Secret Information or Confidential Information by virtue of Executive’s employment with Nucor at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

provided, however, that the term “Customer or Supplier” shall not include any business or entity that no longer does business with Nucor without any direct or indirect interference by Executive or violation of this Agreement by Executive, and that ceased doing business with Nucor prior to any direct or indirect communication or contact by Executive.

(l)    “Date of Termination” means the date of Executive’s separation from service with Nucor. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

(m)    “Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

(n)    “General Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 4.

(o)    “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary;

(ii)    a material reduction in Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible from the Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(iii)    a material reduction in the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


(iv)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to Executive in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(v)    a change in Executive’s principal work location to a work location that is more than 50 miles from the location where Executive was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi)    the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by Nucor Corporation which results in any diminution in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by Executive shall be conclusive and binding on Nucor Corporation.

(p)    “LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(q)    “Month’s Base Pay” means Executive’s Base Salary divided by 12.

(r)    “Nucor” means Nucor Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in existence or planned during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(s)    “Prospective Customer or Supplier” means any person or entity who does not currently or has not yet purchased the products or services of Nucor or provided products or services to Nucor, but who, at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, has been targeted by Nucor as a potential user of the products or services of Nucor or supplier or vendor of products or services to Nucor, and whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports participated in the solicitation of on behalf of Nucor.

(t)    “Restrictive Period” means a period of time commencing upon the Date of Termination and expiring 24 months thereafter.

(u)    “Restricted Territory” means Executive’s geographic area of responsibility at Nucor which Executive acknowledges extends to the full scope of Nucor operations throughout the world. “Restricted Territory” therefore consists of the following alternatives reasonably necessary to protect Nucor’s legitimate business interests:

(i)    Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, Central America and North America, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    The United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

 

5


(iii)    The United States, Canada and Mexico, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iv)    The contiguous United States, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business.

(v)    “Secret Information” means Nucor’s proprietary and confidential information (i) that is not generally known in the Business, which would be difficult for others to acquire or duplicate without improper means, (ii) that Nucor strives to keep secret, and (iii) from which Nucor derives substantial commercial benefit because of the fact that it is not generally known. As used in this Agreement, Secret Information includes, without limitation: (w) Nucor’s process of developing and producing raw material, and designing and manufacturing steel and iron products; (x) Nucor’s process for treating, processing or fabricating steel and iron products; (y) Nucor’s customer, supplier and vendor lists, non-public financial data, strategic business plans, competitor analysis, sales and marketing data, and proprietary margin, pricing, and cost data; and (z) any other information or data which meets the definition of Trade Secrets.

(w)    “Solicit” means to initiate contact for the purpose of promoting, marketing, selling, brokering, procuring or obtaining products or services similar to those Nucor offered or required during the tenure of Executive’s employment with Nucor or to accept business from Customers or Suppliers or Prospective Customers or Suppliers.

(x)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than Nucor Corporation), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with Nucor Corporation in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

(y)    “Trade Secrets” means any information or data meeting the definition for such term under either the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

(z)    “Year of Service” shall mean each continuous 12 month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with Nucor Corporation and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by Nucor Corporation provides otherwise or Nucor Corporation otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service.

2.    Employment. Nucor agrees to continue to employ Executive in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, and Executive agrees to continued employment in this position, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which Executive acknowledges were discussed in detail prior to and made an express condition of Executive’s continued service as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation.

 

6


3.    Compensation and Benefits During Employment. Nucor will provide the following compensation and benefits to Executive:

(a)    Nucor will pay Executive a Base Salary of $560,000 per year, paid not less frequently than monthly in accordance with Nucor’s normal payroll practices, subject to withholding by Nucor and other deductions as required by law. Executive’s base salary is subject to adjustment up or down by the Board at its sole discretion and without notice to Executive.

(b)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be a participant in and eligible to receive awards of incentive and equity-based compensation under and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the AIP, the LTIP, and the Equity Award Plan, each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

(c)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be eligible for all other employee benefits that are generally made available by Nucor Corporation to its executive officers, including the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”), each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

4.    General Non-Compete Benefits Following Termination.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive General Non-Compete Benefits from Nucor Corporation as provided in Section 4(b) if (i) on the Date of Termination, Executive is an executive officer of Nucor Corporation (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason (other than due to the Executive’s death), including due to the Executive’s disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to General Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 4(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive General Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 6 Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of Executive’s Years of Service through the Date of Termination; provided that, if Executive is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Date of Termination, of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the LTIP and Executive’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Non-Compete Benefits payable to Executive who is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination shall not include the value of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to Executive under the Equity Award Plan). Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under

 

7


applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Subject to the provisions of Section 26, General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4(c).

(c)    Subject to the provisions of Section 26, if Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason other than Executive’s death, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid to Executive in 24 equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Date of Termination, provided, however, if Executive dies during the first 12 months following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor, then Nucor will pay Executive’s estate the monthly installments due pursuant to this Section 4(c) through the end of the 12th month following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor. If Executive dies 12 or more months after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, then Nucor’s obligations to make any installment payments under this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate without the necessity of Nucor providing notice, written or otherwise. If Executive is employed by Nucor at the time of Executive’s death, Nucor’s obligations to make any payments of the monthly installments pursuant to this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate and Executive’s estate and executors will have no rights to any such payments.

5.    Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits from the Company as provided in this Section 5, in lieu of General Non-Compete Benefits under Section 4, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and Executive’s employment with the Nucor is involuntarily terminated by Nucor or is voluntarily terminated by Executive for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination. Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall not be payable if Executive terminates employment with the Company due to Executive’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that Executive may be entitled to the General Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 4.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 5(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 26, within 10 days of the Date of Termination, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the product of (A) 2 multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary and (2) the greater of (x) 150% of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) the average performance award under the AIP (including any deferred portion thereof but excluding the related “Deferral Incentive” (as defined in the AIP)) for the 3 fiscal years prior to Executive’s Date of Termination, provided for purposes of calculating such average, the performance award under the AIP for any year in such 3 fiscal year period Executive did not hold Executive’s current position shall be equal to the performance award under the AIP for such year for Executive’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary; and

 

8


(ii)    if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award Executive would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if Executive’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(c)    Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law.

(d)    If Executive is entitled to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 5(a), Executive shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior to the Date of Termination, or if more favorable to Executive, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Period with the same contribution rate for which Executive would have been responsible if Executive had remained employed through the Change in Control Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether Executive actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

(e)    Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of Nucor Corporation to pay and provide the Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits described in this Section 5 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Nucor may have against Executive. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5(d).

(f)    In exchange for Nucor Corporation’s agreement to make Executive eligible for the compensation, payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

6.    Duties and Responsibilities; Best Efforts. While employed by Nucor, Executive shall perform such duties for and on behalf of Nucor as may be determined and assigned to Executive from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation or the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full time and best efforts to the business and affairs of Nucor. During the term of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive will not undertake other paid employment or engage in any other business activity without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

9


7.    Employment at Will. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create employment for a definite term and that Executive’s employment with Nucor is at will and terminable by Nucor or Executive at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, unless otherwise expressly set forth in a separate written agreement executed by Executive and Nucor after the Effective Date.

8.    Change in Executive’s Position. In the event that Nucor transfers, demotes, promotes, or otherwise changes Executive’s compensation or position with Nucor, the restrictions and post-termination obligations set forth in Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits and opportunities being provided to Executive under this Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s compliance with these obligations.

9.    Recognition of Nucor’s Legitimate Interests. Executive understands and acknowledges that Nucor competes in North America and throughout the world in Business. As part of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive acknowledges Executive will continue to have access to and gain knowledge of significant secret, confidential and proprietary information of the full range of operations of Nucor. In addition, Executive will continue to have access to and contact with vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers of Nucor, in which capacity Executive is expected to develop good relationships with such vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers, and will gain intimate knowledge regarding the products and services of Nucor. Executive recognizes and agrees that Nucor has spent and will continue to spend substantial effort, time and money in developing relationships with its customers, suppliers and vendors, that many customers, suppliers and vendors are long term customers, suppliers and vendors of Nucor, and that all customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts that Executive may deal with during Executive’s employment with Nucor, including any customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts acquired for Nucor by Executive, are the customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts of Nucor. Executive acknowledges that Nucor’s competitors, customers, suppliers and vendors would obtain an unfair advantage if Executive disclosed Secret Information or Confidential Information to a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor, used it on a competitor’s, customer’s, supplier’s or vendor’s behalf (except for the benefit of Nucor), or if Executive were able to exploit the relationships Executive develops as an employee of Nucor to Solicit or direct business on behalf of a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor.

10.    Covenant Regarding Nucor’s Secret Information.

(a)    Executive recognizes and agrees that Executive will have continued access to Secret Information. Executive agrees that unless Executive is expressly authorized by Nucor in writing, Executive will not use or disclose or allow to be used or disclosed Secret Information. This covenant shall survive until the Secret Information is generally known in the industry through no act or omission of the Executive or until Nucor knowingly authorizes the disclosure of or discloses the Secret Information, without any limitations on use or confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that Executive did not have knowledge of Secret Information prior to Executive’s employment with Nucor and that the Secret Information does not include Executive’s general skills and know-how.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual will be immune from criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for (i) the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a

 

10


suspected violation of law; or (ii) a disclosure that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the Trade Secret to the attorney of the individual and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.

11.    Agreement to Maintain Confidentiality; Non-Disparagement.

(a)    During Executive’s employment with Nucor and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, (i) Executive covenants and agrees to treat as confidential all Confidential Information submitted to Executive or received, compiled, developed, designed, produced, accessed, or otherwise discovered by the Executive from time to time while employed by Nucor, and (ii) Executive will not disclose or divulge the Confidential Information to any person, entity, firm or company whatsoever or use the Confidential Information for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any person, entity, firm or company other than Nucor. This restriction will apply throughout the world; provided, however, that if the restrictions of this Section 11(a) when applied to any specific piece of Confidential Information would prevent Executive from using Executive’s general knowledge or skills in competition with Nucor or would otherwise substantially restrict the Executive’s ability to fairly compete with Nucor, then as to that piece of Confidential Information only, the scope of this restriction will apply only for the Restrictive Period (as defined below).

(b)    Executive specifically acknowledges that the Confidential Information, whether reduced to writing or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive, and whether compiled or created by Executive, Nucor, or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Confidential Information. Executive also acknowledges that reasonable efforts have been put forth by Nucor to maintain the secrecy of the Confidential Information, that the Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of Nucor or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, as the case may be, and that any retention and/or use of Confidential Information during or after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor (except in the regular course of performing Executive’s duties hereunder) will constitute a misappropriation of the Confidential Information belonging to Nucor. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if Executive (i) accesses Confidential Information on any Nucor computer system within 30 days prior to the effective date of Executive’s voluntary resignation of employment with Nucor and (ii) transmits, copies or reproduces in any manner such Confidential Information to or for herself or any person or entity not authorized by Nucor to receive such Confidential Information, or deletes any such Confidential Information, Executive is exceeding Executive’s authorized access to such computer system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, this Agreement shall not be construed to restrict Executive from communications or disclosures that are protected under federal law or regulation.

(c)    Executive agrees not to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices, or conduct of Nucor, or any of Nucor’s directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this prohibition extends to

 

11


statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to the general public, the news media, investors, potential investors, any board of directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, customers or Nucor employees, agents or representatives (past and present), however, nothing set forth in this Section 11(c) prohibits Executive from communicating, without notice to or approval by Nucor Corporation, with any United States Federal Government agency about a potential violation of a United States Federal law or regulation.

12.    Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, within the Restricted Territory:

(a)    engage in any Competing Business Activity, whether as an owner, partner, shareholder, member, lender, employee, consultant, agent, co-venturer or in any other capacity;

(b)    commence, establish, own (in whole or in part) or provide financing for any business that engages in any Competing Business Activity, whether (i) by establishing a sole proprietorship, (ii) as a partner of a partnership, (iii) as a member of a limited liability company, (iv) as a shareholder of a corporation (except to the extent Executive is the holder of not more than 2% of any class of the outstanding stock of any company listed on a national securities exchange so long as Executive does not actively participate in the management or business of any such entity) or (v) as the owner of any equity interest in any such entity;

(c)    provide any public endorsement of, or otherwise lend Executive’s name for use by, any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business Activity; or

(d)    engage in work, whether for a competitor, customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to call on Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to reveal, rely upon, or otherwise use Confidential Information or Secret Information.

13.    Nonsolicitation. Executive hereby agrees for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise:

(a)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to limit, curtail, cancel, or terminate any business it transacts with, or products or services it receives from or provides to Nucor;

(b)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to terminate any business negotiations it is having with Nucor, or to otherwise not do business with Nucor;

(c)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Customer or Supplier; or

 

12


(d)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Prospective Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Prospective Customer or Supplier.

14.    Antipiracy.

(a)    Executive agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or through or by any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, solicit, encourage, contact, or attempt to induce any employees of Nucor (i) with whom Executive had regular contact with at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, and (ii) who are employed by Nucor at the time of the encouragement, contact or attempted inducement, to end their employment relationship with Nucor.

(b)    Executive further agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period not to hire, or to assist any other person or entity to hire, any employees described in Section 14(a) of this Agreement.

15.    Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.

(a)    Executive hereby assigns to Nucor Corporation Executive’s entire right, title and interest, including copyrights and patents, in any idea, invention, design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), work product and any other work of authorship (collectively the “Developments”), made or conceived solely or jointly by Executive at any time during Executive’s employment by Nucor (whether prior or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement), or created wholly or in part by Executive, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, where the Developments: (i) were developed, invented, or conceived within the scope of Executive’s employment with Nucor; (ii) relate to Nucor’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive on Nucor’s behalf. Executive shall disclose any Developments to Nucor’s management within 30 days following Executive’s development, making or conception thereof.

(b)    The assignment requirement in Section 15(a) shall not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using Nucor’s equipment, supplies, facilities or Secret Information or Confidential Information except for those inventions that (i) relate to Nucor’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by Executive for Nucor.

(c)    Executive will, within 3 business days following Nucor’s request, execute a specific assignment of title to any Developments to Nucor Corporation or its designee, and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Nucor Corporation or its designee to secure a patent, copyright, or other form of protection for any Developments in the United States and in any other applicable country.

(d)    Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to waive, or shall be construed as waiving, any assignment of any Developments to Nucor implied by law.

 

13


16.    Severability. It is the intention of the parties to restrict the activities of Executive only to the extent reasonably necessary for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests. The parties specifically covenant and agree that should any of the provisions in this Agreement be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction too broad for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests, the parties authorize the court to narrow, limit or modify the restrictions herein to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish such purpose. In the event such limiting construction is impossible, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

17.    Enforcement. Executive understands and agrees that any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement, and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nucor shall be entitled to pursue any and all of its remedies under law or in equity arising out of such breach. If Nucor pursues either a temporary restraining order or temporary injunctive relief, then Executive agrees to expedited discovery with respect thereto and waives any requirement that Nucor post a bond. Executive further agrees that in the event of Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement, unless otherwise prohibited by law:

(a)    Nucor shall be entitled to (i) cancel any unexercised stock options granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan from and after the Effective Date (the “Post-Agreement Date Option Grants”), (ii) cease payment of any General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan) otherwise due hereunder, (iii) seek other appropriate relief, including, without limitation, repayment by Executive of General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan); and

(b)    Executive shall (i) forfeit any (A) unexercised Post-Agreement Date Option Grants and (B) any shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan that vested during the 6 month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (the “Vested Stock”) and (ii) forfeit and immediately return upon demand by Nucor any profit realized by Executive from the exercise of any Post-Agreement Date Option Grants or sale or exchange of any Vested Stock during the 6 month period preceding Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

Executive agrees that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 will cause Nucor irreparable harm which cannot be remedied through monetary damages and the alternative relief set forth in Sections 17(a) and (b) shall not be considered an adequate remedy for the harm Nucor would incur. Executive further agrees that such remedies in Sections 17(a) and (b) will not preclude injunctive relief.

If Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of Sections 12, 13 or 14 of this Agreement and Nucor obtains an injunction, preliminary or otherwise, ordering Executive to adhere to the Restrictive Period required by the applicable Section, then the applicable Restrictive Period will be extended by the number of days that Nucor has alleged that Executive has been in breach of any of these provisions.

Executive further agrees, unless otherwise prohibited by law, to pay Nucor’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing its rights pursuant to this Section 17, or in defending against any action

 

14


brought by Executive or on Executive’s behalf in violation of or under this Section 17 in which Nucor prevails. Executive agrees that Nucor’s actions pursuant to this Section 17, including, without limitation, filing a legal action, are permissible and are not and will not be considered by Executive to be retaliatory. Executive further represents and acknowledges that in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment and that enforcement of this Agreement by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.

18.    Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Nucor under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate competition which would otherwise be unfair to Nucor, do not interfere with Executive’s exercise of Executive’s inherent skill and experience, are reasonably required to protect the legitimate interests of Nucor, and do not confer a benefit upon Nucor disproportionate to the detriment to Executive. Executive certifies that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with such legal advisors as Executive chooses and that Executive understands its provisions and has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

19.    Applicable Law. Executive’s primary place of employment is Nucor’s corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Accordingly, this Agreement is made in, and shall be interpreted, construed and governed according to the laws of, the State of North Carolina, regardless of choice of law principles of any jurisdiction to the contrary. Each party, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the North Carolina state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and (b) waives any objection to any such action based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, Executive hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court or similar body within the Restricted Territory for enforcement of any judgment entered in a court or similar body pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement is intended, among other things, to supplement the provisions of the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, each as amended from time to time, and the duties Executive owes to Nucor under North Carolina common law, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties owed by Executive to Nucor.

20.    Executive to Return Property. Executive agrees that upon (a) the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor and within 3 business days thereof, whether by Executive or Nucor for any reason (with or without cause), or (b) the written request of Nucor, Executive (or in the event of the death or disability of Executive, Executive’s heirs, successors, assigns and legal representatives) shall return to Nucor any and all property of Nucor regardless of the medium in which such property is stored or kept, including but not limited to all Secret Information, Confidential Information, notes, data, tapes, computers, lists, customer lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, names of customers, suppliers or vendors, reference items, phones, documents, sketches, drawings, software, product samples, rolodex cards, forms, manuals, keys, pass or access cards and equipment, without retaining any copies or summaries of such property. Executive further agrees that to the extent Secret Information or Confidential Information are in electronic format and in Executive’s possession, custody or control, Executive will provide all such copies to Nucor and will not keep copies in such format but, upon Nucor’s request, will confirm the permanent deletion or other destruction thereof.

21.    Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes, discharges and cancels all previous agreements regarding Executive’s employment with Nucor, including without limitation that certain Executive Employment Agreement by and between Nucor Corporation and Executive effective as of June 4, 2013, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject matter

 

15


hereof. No agreements, representations, or statements of any party not contained herein shall be binding on either party. Further, no amendment or variation of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

22.    Assignability. This Agreement and the rights and duties created hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Nucor may, at its option and without consent of Executive, assign or delegate its rights and duties hereunder, in whole or in part, to any successor entity or transferee of Nucor Corporation’s assets.

23.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Nucor and Executive and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

24.    No Waiver. No failure or delay by any party to this Agreement to enforce any right specified in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, nor will any single or partial exercise of a right preclude any further or later enforcement of the right within the period of the applicable statute of limitations. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless such waiver is set forth in a written instrument executed by the party waiving compliance.

25.    Cooperation. Executive agrees that both during and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, at Nucor’s request, render all assistance and perform all lawful acts that Nucor considers necessary or advisable in connection with any litigation involving Nucor or any of its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, representatives, consultants, clients, customers, suppliers or vendors. Executive understands and agrees that Nucor will reimburse Executive for any reasonable documented expense Executive incurs related to this cooperation and assistance, but will not be obligated to pay Executive any additional amounts.

26.    Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of Code as of the Date of Termination and (b) any amount or benefit that Nucor determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the payment, distribution or benefit is payable or provided over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation or benefit that would otherwise be payable or provided during the 6 month period immediately following the Date of Termination will be accumulated, and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount or benefit will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination and paid or provided on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments, distributions or benefits will commence.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations, and Executive shall be a “specified employee” during the 12 month period beginning April 1 each year if Executive met the requirements of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) at any time during the 12 month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the Date of Termination.

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Nucor Corporation have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Raymond S. Napolitan

Raymond S. Napolitan
NUCOR CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Leon J. Topalian

Its:  

President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.7

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into to be effective as of February 17, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between NUCOR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina (“Nucor Corporation”), and MARYEMILY SLATE (“Executive”), a resident of North Carolina.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined it is in the best interests of Nucor Corporation to amend certain entitlements and retirement and benefit plans applicable to executives of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation desires to continue to employ Executive as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, which terms and conditions reflect the aforementioned amendments to executive entitlements and retirement and benefit plans;

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date, Executive and Nucor Corporation discussed the requirements of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement as a condition to Executive’s continued service as an Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, the terms of this Agreement provide Executive with the opportunity to earn benefit entitlements not previously available to Executive;

WHEREAS, Executive agrees and acknowledges that in Executive’s position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, Executive will continue to have access to and knowledge of Nucor’s (as hereinafter defined) trade secrets and confidential information; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish for Nucor Corporation to employ Executive under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

1.    Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    “AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(b)    “Base Salary” means the amount Executive is entitled to receive from Nucor in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for Executive’s services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining an Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to Executive, the greater of (i) Executive’s highest Base Salary during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) Executive’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.


(c)    “Business” means the research, manufacture, marketing, trading, sale, fabrication, placement and/or distribution of steel or steel products (including but not limited to flat-rolled steel, special quality and merchant quality steel bar and shapes, concrete reinforcement bars, structural steel, hollow structural section tubing, conduit tubing, steel plate, steel joists and girders, steel deck, steel fasteners, steel pilings, metal building systems, wire rod, welded-wire reinforcement rolls and sheets, cold finished steel bars and wire, guard rail, and structural welded-wire reinforcement) or steel or steel product inputs (including but not limited to scrap metal and direct reduced iron).

(d)    “Change in Control” means and includes the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of Nucor Corporation in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of Nucor Corporation as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Nucor Corporation representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Nucor Corporation’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Nucor Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this clause (ii) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (A) an acquisition directly by or from Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary; (B) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in clause (iii) of this definition); or

(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving Nucor Corporation that requires the approval of Nucor Corporation’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Nucor Corporation’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of Nucor Corporation (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation

 

2


that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Nucor Corporation Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Nucor Corporation Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Nucor Corporation Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x) Nucor Corporation, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Nucor Corporation Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

(e)    “Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.

(f)    “Change in Control Period” means 24 months.

(g)    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

(i)    “Competing Business Activity” means any business activity (other than business activities engaged in for or on behalf of Nucor) that (i) is the same as, or is in competition with, any portion of the Business, and (ii) is a business activity in which Executive was involved or engaged during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(j)    “Confidential Information” includes all confidential and proprietary information of Nucor, including, without limitation, any of the following information to the extent not generally known to third persons: financial and budgetary information and strategies; plant design, specifications, and layouts; equipment design, specifications, and layouts; product design and specifications; manufacturing processes, procedures, and specifications; data processing or other computer programs; research and development projects; marketing information and strategies; customer lists; vendor lists; supplier lists; information about customer preferences and buying patterns; information about supplier or vendor preferences and patterns; information about prospective customers, vendors, suppliers or business opportunities; proprietary information with respect to any Nucor employees; proprietary information of any customers, suppliers or vendors of Nucor; information about Nucor’s costs and the pricing structure used in sales to customers or purchases from suppliers or vendors; information about Nucor’s overall corporate business strategy; and technological innovations used in Nucor’s business, to the extent that such information does not fall within the definition of Secret Information.

 

3


(k)    “Customer or Supplier” means the following alternatives:

(i)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports had significant contact or with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive had significant contact or with whom Executive directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor about whom Executive had obtained Secret Information or Confidential Information by virtue of Executive’s employment with Nucor at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

provided, however, that the term “Customer or Supplier” shall not include any business or entity that no longer does business with Nucor without any direct or indirect interference by Executive or violation of this Agreement by Executive, and that ceased doing business with Nucor prior to any direct or indirect communication or contact by Executive.

(l)    “Date of Termination” means the date of Executive’s separation from service with Nucor. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

(m)    “Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

(n)    “General Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 4.

(o)    “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i)    a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary;

(ii)    a material reduction in Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible from the Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(iii)    a material reduction in the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


(iv)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to Executive in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(v)    a change in Executive’s principal work location to a work location that is more than 50 miles from the location where Executive was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi)    the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by Nucor Corporation which results in any diminution in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by Executive shall be conclusive and binding on Nucor Corporation.

(p)    “LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(q)    “Month’s Base Pay” means Executive’s Base Salary divided by 12.

(r)    “Nucor” means Nucor Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in existence or planned during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(s)    “Prospective Customer or Supplier” means any person or entity who does not currently or has not yet purchased the products or services of Nucor or provided products or services to Nucor, but who, at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, has been targeted by Nucor as a potential user of the products or services of Nucor or supplier or vendor of products or services to Nucor, and whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports participated in the solicitation of on behalf of Nucor.

(t)    “Restrictive Period” means a period of time commencing upon the Date of Termination and expiring 24 months thereafter.

(u)    “Restricted Territory” means Executive’s geographic area of responsibility at Nucor which Executive acknowledges extends to the full scope of Nucor operations throughout the world. “Restricted Territory” therefore consists of the following alternatives reasonably necessary to protect Nucor’s legitimate business interests:

(i)    Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, Central America and North America, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    The United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

 

5


(iii)    The United States, Canada and Mexico, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iv)    The contiguous United States, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business.

(v)    “Secret Information” means Nucor’s proprietary and confidential information (i) that is not generally known in the Business, which would be difficult for others to acquire or duplicate without improper means, (ii) that Nucor strives to keep secret, and (iii) from which Nucor derives substantial commercial benefit because of the fact that it is not generally known. As used in this Agreement, Secret Information includes, without limitation: (w) Nucor’s process of developing and producing raw material, and designing and manufacturing steel and iron products; (x) Nucor’s process for treating, processing or fabricating steel and iron products; (y) Nucor’s customer, supplier and vendor lists, non-public financial data, strategic business plans, competitor analysis, sales and marketing data, and proprietary margin, pricing, and cost data; and (z) any other information or data which meets the definition of Trade Secrets.

(w)    “Solicit” means to initiate contact for the purpose of promoting, marketing, selling, brokering, procuring or obtaining products or services similar to those Nucor offered or required during the tenure of Executive’s employment with Nucor or to accept business from Customers or Suppliers or Prospective Customers or Suppliers.

(x)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than Nucor Corporation), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with Nucor Corporation in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

(y)    “Trade Secrets” means any information or data meeting the definition for such term under either the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

(z)    “Year of Service” shall mean each continuous 12 month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with Nucor Corporation and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by Nucor Corporation provides otherwise or Nucor Corporation otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service.

2.    Employment. Nucor agrees to continue to employ Executive in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, and Executive agrees to continued employment in this position, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which Executive acknowledges were discussed in detail prior to and made an express condition of Executive’s continued service as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation.

 

6


3.    Compensation and Benefits During Employment. Nucor will provide the following compensation and benefits to Executive:

(a)    Nucor will pay Executive a Base Salary of $482,000 per year, paid not less frequently than monthly in accordance with Nucor’s normal payroll practices, subject to withholding by Nucor and other deductions as required by law. Executive’s base salary is subject to adjustment up or down by the Board at its sole discretion and without notice to Executive.

(b)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be a participant in and eligible to receive awards of incentive and equity-based compensation under and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the AIP, the LTIP, and the Equity Award Plan, each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

(c)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be eligible for all other employee benefits that are generally made available by Nucor Corporation to its executive officers, including the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”), each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

4.    General Non-Compete Benefits Following Termination.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive General Non-Compete Benefits from Nucor Corporation as provided in Section 4(b) if (i) on the Date of Termination, Executive is an executive officer of Nucor Corporation (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason (other than due to the Executive’s death), including due to the Executive’s disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to General Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 4(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive General Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 6 Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of Executive’s Years of Service through the Date of Termination; provided that, if Executive is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Date of Termination, of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the LTIP and Executive’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Non-Compete Benefits payable to Executive who is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination shall not include the value of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to Executive under the Equity Award Plan). Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under

 

7


applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Subject to the provisions of Section 26, General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4(c).

(c)    Subject to the provisions of Section 26, if Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason other than Executive’s death, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid to Executive in 24 equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Date of Termination, provided, however, if Executive dies during the first 12 months following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor, then Nucor will pay Executive’s estate the monthly installments due pursuant to this Section 4(c) through the end of the 12th month following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor. If Executive dies 12 or more months after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, then Nucor’s obligations to make any installment payments under this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate without the necessity of Nucor providing notice, written or otherwise. If Executive is employed by Nucor at the time of Executive’s death, Nucor’s obligations to make any payments of the monthly installments pursuant to this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate and Executive’s estate and executors will have no rights to any such payments.

5.    Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits from the Company as provided in this Section 5, in lieu of General Non-Compete Benefits under Section 4, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and Executive’s employment with the Nucor is involuntarily terminated by Nucor or is voluntarily terminated by Executive for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination. Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall not be payable if Executive terminates employment with the Company due to Executive’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that Executive may be entitled to the General Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 4.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 5(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 26, within 10 days of the Date of Termination, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the product of (A) 2 multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary and (2) the greater of (x) 150% of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) the average performance award under the AIP (including any deferred portion thereof but excluding the related “Deferral Incentive” (as defined in the AIP)) for the 3 fiscal years prior to Executive’s Date of Termination, provided for purposes of calculating such average, the performance award under the AIP for any year in such 3 fiscal year period Executive did not hold Executive’s current position shall be equal to the performance award under the AIP for such year for Executive’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary; and

 

8


(ii)    if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award Executive would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if Executive’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(c)    Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law.

(d)    If Executive is entitled to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 5(a), Executive shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior to the Date of Termination, or if more favorable to Executive, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Period with the same contribution rate for which Executive would have been responsible if Executive had remained employed through the Change in Control Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether Executive actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

(e)    Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of Nucor Corporation to pay and provide the Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits described in this Section 5 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Nucor may have against Executive. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5(d).

(f)    In exchange for Nucor Corporation’s agreement to make Executive eligible for the compensation, payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

6.    Duties and Responsibilities; Best Efforts. While employed by Nucor, Executive shall perform such duties for and on behalf of Nucor as may be determined and assigned to Executive from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation or the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full time and best efforts to the business and affairs of Nucor. During the term of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive will not undertake other paid employment or engage in any other business activity without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

9


7.    Employment at Will. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create employment for a definite term and that Executive’s employment with Nucor is at will and terminable by Nucor or Executive at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, unless otherwise expressly set forth in a separate written agreement executed by Executive and Nucor after the Effective Date.

8.    Change in Executive’s Position. In the event that Nucor transfers, demotes, promotes, or otherwise changes Executive’s compensation or position with Nucor, the restrictions and post-termination obligations set forth in Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits and opportunities being provided to Executive under this Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s compliance with these obligations.

9.    Recognition of Nucor’s Legitimate Interests. Executive understands and acknowledges that Nucor competes in North America and throughout the world in Business. As part of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive acknowledges Executive will continue to have access to and gain knowledge of significant secret, confidential and proprietary information of the full range of operations of Nucor. In addition, Executive will continue to have access to and contact with vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers of Nucor, in which capacity Executive is expected to develop good relationships with such vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers, and will gain intimate knowledge regarding the products and services of Nucor. Executive recognizes and agrees that Nucor has spent and will continue to spend substantial effort, time and money in developing relationships with its customers, suppliers and vendors, that many customers, suppliers and vendors are long term customers, suppliers and vendors of Nucor, and that all customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts that Executive may deal with during Executive’s employment with Nucor, including any customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts acquired for Nucor by Executive, are the customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts of Nucor. Executive acknowledges that Nucor’s competitors, customers, suppliers and vendors would obtain an unfair advantage if Executive disclosed Secret Information or Confidential Information to a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor, used it on a competitor’s, customer’s, supplier’s or vendor’s behalf (except for the benefit of Nucor), or if Executive were able to exploit the relationships Executive develops as an employee of Nucor to Solicit or direct business on behalf of a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor.

10.    Covenant Regarding Nucor’s Secret Information.

(a)    Executive recognizes and agrees that Executive will have continued access to Secret Information. Executive agrees that unless Executive is expressly authorized by Nucor in writing, Executive will not use or disclose or allow to be used or disclosed Secret Information. This covenant shall survive until the Secret Information is generally known in the industry through no act or omission of the Executive or until Nucor knowingly authorizes the disclosure of or discloses the Secret Information, without any limitations on use or confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that Executive did not have knowledge of Secret Information prior to Executive’s employment with Nucor and that the Secret Information does not include Executive’s general skills and know-how.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual will be immune from criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for (i) the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a

 

10


suspected violation of law; or (ii) a disclosure that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the Trade Secret to the attorney of the individual and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.

11.    Agreement to Maintain Confidentiality; Non-Disparagement.

(a)    During Executive’s employment with Nucor and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, (i) Executive covenants and agrees to treat as confidential all Confidential Information submitted to Executive or received, compiled, developed, designed, produced, accessed, or otherwise discovered by the Executive from time to time while employed by Nucor, and (ii) Executive will not disclose or divulge the Confidential Information to any person, entity, firm or company whatsoever or use the Confidential Information for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any person, entity, firm or company other than Nucor. This restriction will apply throughout the world; provided, however, that if the restrictions of this Section 11(a) when applied to any specific piece of Confidential Information would prevent Executive from using Executive’s general knowledge or skills in competition with Nucor or would otherwise substantially restrict the Executive’s ability to fairly compete with Nucor, then as to that piece of Confidential Information only, the scope of this restriction will apply only for the Restrictive Period (as defined below).

(b)    Executive specifically acknowledges that the Confidential Information, whether reduced to writing or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive, and whether compiled or created by Executive, Nucor, or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Confidential Information. Executive also acknowledges that reasonable efforts have been put forth by Nucor to maintain the secrecy of the Confidential Information, that the Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of Nucor or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, as the case may be, and that any retention and/or use of Confidential Information during or after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor (except in the regular course of performing Executive’s duties hereunder) will constitute a misappropriation of the Confidential Information belonging to Nucor. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if Executive (i) accesses Confidential Information on any Nucor computer system within 30 days prior to the effective date of Executive’s voluntary resignation of employment with Nucor and (ii) transmits, copies or reproduces in any manner such Confidential Information to or for herself or any person or entity not authorized by Nucor to receive such Confidential Information, or deletes any such Confidential Information, Executive is exceeding Executive’s authorized access to such computer system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, this Agreement shall not be construed to restrict Executive from communications or disclosures that are protected under federal law or regulation.

(c)    Executive agrees not to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices, or conduct of Nucor, or any of Nucor’s directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this prohibition extends to

 

11


statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to the general public, the news media, investors, potential investors, any board of directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, customers or Nucor employees, agents or representatives (past and present), however, nothing set forth in this Section 11(c) prohibits Executive from communicating, without notice to or approval by Nucor Corporation, with any United States Federal Government agency about a potential violation of a United States Federal law or regulation.

12.    Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, within the Restricted Territory:

(a)    engage in any Competing Business Activity, whether as an owner, partner, shareholder, member, lender, employee, consultant, agent, co-venturer or in any other capacity;

(b)    commence, establish, own (in whole or in part) or provide financing for any business that engages in any Competing Business Activity, whether (i) by establishing a sole proprietorship, (ii) as a partner of a partnership, (iii) as a member of a limited liability company, (iv) as a shareholder of a corporation (except to the extent Executive is the holder of not more than 2% of any class of the outstanding stock of any company listed on a national securities exchange so long as Executive does not actively participate in the management or business of any such entity) or (v) as the owner of any equity interest in any such entity;

(c)    provide any public endorsement of, or otherwise lend Executive’s name for use by, any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business Activity; or

(d)    engage in work, whether for a competitor, customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to call on Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to reveal, rely upon, or otherwise use Confidential Information or Secret Information.

13.    Nonsolicitation. Executive hereby agrees for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise:

(a)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to limit, curtail, cancel, or terminate any business it transacts with, or products or services it receives from or provides to Nucor;

(b)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to terminate any business negotiations it is having with Nucor, or to otherwise not do business with Nucor;

(c)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Customer or Supplier; or

 

12


(d)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Prospective Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Prospective Customer or Supplier.

14.    Antipiracy.

(a)    Executive agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or through or by any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, solicit, encourage, contact, or attempt to induce any employees of Nucor (i) with whom Executive had regular contact with at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, and (ii) who are employed by Nucor at the time of the encouragement, contact or attempted inducement, to end their employment relationship with Nucor.

(b)    Executive further agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period not to hire, or to assist any other person or entity to hire, any employees described in Section 14(a) of this Agreement.

15.    Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.

(a)    Executive hereby assigns to Nucor Corporation Executive’s entire right, title and interest, including copyrights and patents, in any idea, invention, design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), work product and any other work of authorship (collectively the “Developments”), made or conceived solely or jointly by Executive at any time during Executive’s employment by Nucor (whether prior or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement), or created wholly or in part by Executive, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, where the Developments: (i) were developed, invented, or conceived within the scope of Executive’s employment with Nucor; (ii) relate to Nucor’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive on Nucor’s behalf. Executive shall disclose any Developments to Nucor’s management within 30 days following Executive’s development, making or conception thereof.

(b)    The assignment requirement in Section 15(a) shall not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using Nucor’s equipment, supplies, facilities or Secret Information or Confidential Information except for those inventions that (i) relate to Nucor’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by Executive for Nucor.

(c)    Executive will, within 3 business days following Nucor’s request, execute a specific assignment of title to any Developments to Nucor Corporation or its designee, and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Nucor Corporation or its designee to secure a patent, copyright, or other form of protection for any Developments in the United States and in any other applicable country.

(d)    Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to waive, or shall be construed as waiving, any assignment of any Developments to Nucor implied by law.

 

13


16.    Severability. It is the intention of the parties to restrict the activities of Executive only to the extent reasonably necessary for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests. The parties specifically covenant and agree that should any of the provisions in this Agreement be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction too broad for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests, the parties authorize the court to narrow, limit or modify the restrictions herein to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish such purpose. In the event such limiting construction is impossible, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

17.    Enforcement. Executive understands and agrees that any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement, and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nucor shall be entitled to pursue any and all of its remedies under law or in equity arising out of such breach. If Nucor pursues either a temporary restraining order or temporary injunctive relief, then Executive agrees to expedited discovery with respect thereto and waives any requirement that Nucor post a bond. Executive further agrees that in the event of Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement, unless otherwise prohibited by law:

(a)    Nucor shall be entitled to (i) cancel any unexercised stock options granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan from and after the Effective Date (the “Post-Agreement Date Option Grants”), (ii) cease payment of any General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan) otherwise due hereunder, (iii) seek other appropriate relief, including, without limitation, repayment by Executive of General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan); and

(b)    Executive shall (i) forfeit any (A) unexercised Post-Agreement Date Option Grants and (B) any shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan that vested during the 6 month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (the “Vested Stock”) and (ii) forfeit and immediately return upon demand by Nucor any profit realized by Executive from the exercise of any Post-Agreement Date Option Grants or sale or exchange of any Vested Stock during the 6 month period preceding Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

Executive agrees that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 will cause Nucor irreparable harm which cannot be remedied through monetary damages and the alternative relief set forth in Sections 17(a) and (b) shall not be considered an adequate remedy for the harm Nucor would incur. Executive further agrees that such remedies in Sections 17(a) and (b) will not preclude injunctive relief.

If Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of Sections 12, 13 or 14 of this Agreement and Nucor obtains an injunction, preliminary or otherwise, ordering Executive to adhere to the Restrictive Period required by the applicable Section, then the applicable Restrictive Period will be extended by the number of days that Nucor has alleged that Executive has been in breach of any of these provisions.

Executive further agrees, unless otherwise prohibited by law, to pay Nucor’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing its rights pursuant to this Section 17, or in defending against any action

 

14


brought by Executive or on Executive’s behalf in violation of or under this Section 17 in which Nucor prevails. Executive agrees that Nucor’s actions pursuant to this Section 17, including, without limitation, filing a legal action, are permissible and are not and will not be considered by Executive to be retaliatory. Executive further represents and acknowledges that in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment and that enforcement of this Agreement by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.

18.    Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Nucor under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate competition which would otherwise be unfair to Nucor, do not interfere with Executive’s exercise of Executive’s inherent skill and experience, are reasonably required to protect the legitimate interests of Nucor, and do not confer a benefit upon Nucor disproportionate to the detriment to Executive. Executive certifies that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with such legal advisors as Executive chooses and that Executive understands its provisions and has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

19.    Applicable Law. Executive’s primary place of employment is Nucor’s corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Accordingly, this Agreement is made in, and shall be interpreted, construed and governed according to the laws of, the State of North Carolina, regardless of choice of law principles of any jurisdiction to the contrary. Each party, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the North Carolina state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and (b) waives any objection to any such action based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, Executive hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court or similar body within the Restricted Territory for enforcement of any judgment entered in a court or similar body pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement is intended, among other things, to supplement the provisions of the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, each as amended from time to time, and the duties Executive owes to Nucor under North Carolina common law, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties owed by Executive to Nucor.

20.    Executive to Return Property. Executive agrees that upon (a) the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor and within 3 business days thereof, whether by Executive or Nucor for any reason (with or without cause), or (b) the written request of Nucor, Executive (or in the event of the death or disability of Executive, Executive’s heirs, successors, assigns and legal representatives) shall return to Nucor any and all property of Nucor regardless of the medium in which such property is stored or kept, including but not limited to all Secret Information, Confidential Information, notes, data, tapes, computers, lists, customer lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, names of customers, suppliers or vendors, reference items, phones, documents, sketches, drawings, software, product samples, rolodex cards, forms, manuals, keys, pass or access cards and equipment, without retaining any copies or summaries of such property. Executive further agrees that to the extent Secret Information or Confidential Information are in electronic format and in Executive’s possession, custody or control, Executive will provide all such copies to Nucor and will not keep copies in such format but, upon Nucor’s request, will confirm the permanent deletion or other destruction thereof.

21.    Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes, discharges and cancels all previous agreements regarding Executive’s employment with Nucor, including without limitation that certain Executive Employment Agreement by and between Nucor Corporation and Executive effective as of May 19, 2019, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject

 

15


matter hereof. No agreements, representations, or statements of any party not contained herein shall be binding on either party. Further, no amendment or variation of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

22.    Assignability. This Agreement and the rights and duties created hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Nucor may, at its option and without consent of Executive, assign or delegate its rights and duties hereunder, in whole or in part, to any successor entity or transferee of Nucor Corporation’s assets.

23.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Nucor and Executive and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

24.    No Waiver. No failure or delay by any party to this Agreement to enforce any right specified in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, nor will any single or partial exercise of a right preclude any further or later enforcement of the right within the period of the applicable statute of limitations. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless such waiver is set forth in a written instrument executed by the party waiving compliance.

25.    Cooperation. Executive agrees that both during and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, at Nucor’s request, render all assistance and perform all lawful acts that Nucor considers necessary or advisable in connection with any litigation involving Nucor or any of its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, representatives, consultants, clients, customers, suppliers or vendors. Executive understands and agrees that Nucor will reimburse Executive for any reasonable documented expense Executive incurs related to this cooperation and assistance, but will not be obligated to pay Executive any additional amounts.

26.    Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of Code as of the Date of Termination and (b) any amount or benefit that Nucor determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the payment, distribution or benefit is payable or provided over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation or benefit that would otherwise be payable or provided during the 6 month period immediately following the Date of Termination will be accumulated, and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount or benefit will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination and paid or provided on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments, distributions or benefits will commence.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations, and Executive shall be a “specified employee” during the 12 month period beginning April 1 each year if Executive met the requirements of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) at any time during the 12 month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the Date of Termination.

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Nucor Corporation have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/ MaryEmily Slate

MaryEmily Slate
NUCOR CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Leon J. Topalian

Its:  

President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.8

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into to be effective as of February 17, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between NUCOR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina (“Nucor Corporation”), and DAVID A. SUMOSKI (“Executive”), a resident of North Carolina.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined it is in the best interests of Nucor Corporation to amend certain entitlements and retirement and benefit plans applicable to executives of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation desires to continue to employ Executive as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, which terms and conditions reflect the aforementioned amendments to executive entitlements and retirement and benefit plans;

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date, Executive and Nucor Corporation discussed the requirements of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement as a condition to Executive’s continued service as an Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, the terms of this Agreement provide Executive with the opportunity to earn benefit entitlements not previously available to Executive;

WHEREAS, Executive agrees and acknowledges that in Executive’s position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, Executive will continue to have access to and knowledge of Nucor’s (as hereinafter defined) trade secrets and confidential information; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish for Nucor Corporation to employ Executive under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

1.    Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    “AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(b)    “Base Salary” means the amount Executive is entitled to receive from Nucor in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for Executive’s services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining an Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to Executive, the greater of (i) Executive’s highest Base Salary during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) Executive’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.


(c)    “Business” means the research, manufacture, marketing, trading, sale, fabrication, placement and/or distribution of steel or steel products (including but not limited to flat-rolled steel, special quality and merchant quality steel bar and shapes, concrete reinforcement bars, structural steel, hollow structural section tubing, conduit tubing, steel plate, steel joists and girders, steel deck, steel fasteners, steel pilings, metal building systems, wire rod, welded-wire reinforcement rolls and sheets, cold finished steel bars and wire, guard rail, and structural welded-wire reinforcement) or steel or steel product inputs (including but not limited to scrap metal and direct reduced iron).

(d)    “Change in Control” means and includes the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of Nucor Corporation in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of Nucor Corporation as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Nucor Corporation representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Nucor Corporation’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Nucor Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this clause (ii) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (A) an acquisition directly by or from Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary; (B) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in clause (iii) of this definition); or

(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving Nucor Corporation that requires the approval of Nucor Corporation’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Nucor Corporation’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of Nucor Corporation (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation

 

2


that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Nucor Corporation Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Nucor Corporation Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Nucor Corporation Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x) Nucor Corporation, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Nucor Corporation Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

(e)    “Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.

(f)    “Change in Control Period” means 24 months.

(g)    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

(i)    “Competing Business Activity” means any business activity (other than business activities engaged in for or on behalf of Nucor) that (i) is the same as, or is in competition with, any portion of the Business, and (ii) is a business activity in which Executive was involved or engaged during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(j)    “Confidential Information” includes all confidential and proprietary information of Nucor, including, without limitation, any of the following information to the extent not generally known to third persons: financial and budgetary information and strategies; plant design, specifications, and layouts; equipment design, specifications, and layouts; product design and specifications; manufacturing processes, procedures, and specifications; data processing or other computer programs; research and development projects; marketing information and strategies; customer lists; vendor lists; supplier lists; information about customer preferences and buying patterns; information about supplier or vendor preferences and patterns; information about prospective customers, vendors, suppliers or business opportunities; proprietary information with respect to any Nucor employees; proprietary information of any customers, suppliers or vendors of Nucor; information about Nucor’s costs and the pricing structure used in sales to customers or purchases from suppliers or vendors; information about Nucor’s overall corporate business strategy; and technological innovations used in Nucor’s business, to the extent that such information does not fall within the definition of Secret Information.

 

3


(k)    “Customer or Supplier” means the following alternatives:

(i)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports had significant contact or with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive had significant contact or with whom Executive directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor about whom Executive had obtained Secret Information or Confidential Information by virtue of Executive’s employment with Nucor at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

provided, however, that the term “Customer or Supplier” shall not include any business or entity that no longer does business with Nucor without any direct or indirect interference by Executive or violation of this Agreement by Executive, and that ceased doing business with Nucor prior to any direct or indirect communication or contact by Executive.

(l)    “Date of Termination” means the date of Executive’s separation from service with Nucor. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

(m)    “Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

(n)    “General Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 4.

(o)    “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary;

(ii)    a material reduction in Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible from the Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(iii)    a material reduction in the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


(iv)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to Executive in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(v)    a change in Executive’s principal work location to a work location that is more than 50 miles from the location where Executive was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi)    the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by Nucor Corporation which results in any diminution in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by Executive shall be conclusive and binding on Nucor Corporation.

(p)    “LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(q)    “Month’s Base Pay” means Executive’s Base Salary divided by 12.

(r)    “Nucor” means Nucor Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in existence or planned during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(s)    “Prospective Customer or Supplier” means any person or entity who does not currently or has not yet purchased the products or services of Nucor or provided products or services to Nucor, but who, at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, has been targeted by Nucor as a potential user of the products or services of Nucor or supplier or vendor of products or services to Nucor, and whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports participated in the solicitation of on behalf of Nucor.

(t)    “Restrictive Period” means a period of time commencing upon the Date of Termination and expiring 24 months thereafter.

(u)    “Restricted Territory” means Executive’s geographic area of responsibility at Nucor which Executive acknowledges extends to the full scope of Nucor operations throughout the world. “Restricted Territory” therefore consists of the following alternatives reasonably necessary to protect Nucor’s legitimate business interests:

(i)    Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, Central America and North America, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    The United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

 

5


(iii)    The United States, Canada and Mexico, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iv)    The contiguous United States, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business.

(v)    “Secret Information” means Nucor’s proprietary and confidential information (i) that is not generally known in the Business, which would be difficult for others to acquire or duplicate without improper means, (ii) that Nucor strives to keep secret, and (iii) from which Nucor derives substantial commercial benefit because of the fact that it is not generally known. As used in this Agreement, Secret Information includes, without limitation: (w) Nucor’s process of developing and producing raw material, and designing and manufacturing steel and iron products; (x) Nucor’s process for treating, processing or fabricating steel and iron products; (y) Nucor’s customer, supplier and vendor lists, non-public financial data, strategic business plans, competitor analysis, sales and marketing data, and proprietary margin, pricing, and cost data; and (z) any other information or data which meets the definition of Trade Secrets.

(w)    “Solicit” means to initiate contact for the purpose of promoting, marketing, selling, brokering, procuring or obtaining products or services similar to those Nucor offered or required during the tenure of Executive’s employment with Nucor or to accept business from Customers or Suppliers or Prospective Customers or Suppliers.

(x)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than Nucor Corporation), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with Nucor Corporation in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

(y)    “Trade Secrets” means any information or data meeting the definition for such term under either the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

(z)    “Year of Service” shall mean each continuous 12 month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with Nucor Corporation and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by Nucor Corporation provides otherwise or Nucor Corporation otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service.

2.    Employment. Nucor agrees to continue to employ Executive in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, and Executive agrees to continued employment in this position, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which Executive acknowledges were discussed in detail prior to and made an express condition of Executive’s continued service as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation.

 

6


3.    Compensation and Benefits During Employment. Nucor will provide the following compensation and benefits to Executive:

(a)    Nucor will pay Executive a Base Salary of $550,000 per year, paid not less frequently than monthly in accordance with Nucor’s normal payroll practices, subject to withholding by Nucor and other deductions as required by law. Executive’s base salary is subject to adjustment up or down by the Board at its sole discretion and without notice to Executive.

(b)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be a participant in and eligible to receive awards of incentive and equity-based compensation under and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the AIP, the LTIP, and the Equity Award Plan, each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

(c)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be eligible for all other employee benefits that are generally made available by Nucor Corporation to its executive officers, including the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”), each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

4.    General Non-Compete Benefits Following Termination.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive General Non-Compete Benefits from Nucor Corporation as provided in Section 4(b) if (i) on the Date of Termination, Executive is an executive officer of Nucor Corporation (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason (other than due to the Executive’s death), including due to the Executive’s disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to General Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 4(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive General Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 6 Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of Executive’s Years of Service through the Date of Termination; provided that, if Executive is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Date of Termination, of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the LTIP and Executive’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Non-Compete Benefits payable to Executive who is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination shall not include the value of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to Executive under the Equity Award Plan). Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under

 

7


applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Subject to the provisions of Section 26, General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4(c).

(c)    Subject to the provisions of Section 26, if Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason other than Executive’s death, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid to Executive in 24 equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Date of Termination, provided, however, if Executive dies during the first 12 months following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor, then Nucor will pay Executive’s estate the monthly installments due pursuant to this Section 4(c) through the end of the 12th month following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor. If Executive dies 12 or more months after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, then Nucor’s obligations to make any installment payments under this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate without the necessity of Nucor providing notice, written or otherwise. If Executive is employed by Nucor at the time of Executive’s death, Nucor’s obligations to make any payments of the monthly installments pursuant to this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate and Executive’s estate and executors will have no rights to any such payments.

5.    Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits from the Company as provided in this Section 5, in lieu of General Non-Compete Benefits under Section 4, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and Executive’s employment with the Nucor is involuntarily terminated by Nucor or is voluntarily terminated by Executive for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination. Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall not be payable if Executive terminates employment with the Company due to Executive’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that Executive may be entitled to the General Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 4.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 5(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 26, within 10 days of the Date of Termination, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the product of (A) 2 multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary and (2) the greater of (x) 150% of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) the average performance award under the AIP (including any deferred portion thereof but excluding the related “Deferral Incentive” (as defined in the AIP)) for the 3 fiscal years prior to Executive’s Date of Termination, provided for purposes of calculating such average, the performance award under the AIP for any year in such 3 fiscal year period Executive did not hold Executive’s current position shall be equal to the performance award under the AIP for such year for Executive’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary; and

 

8


(ii)    if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award Executive would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if Executive’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(c)    Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law.

(d)    If Executive is entitled to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 5(a), Executive shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior to the Date of Termination, or if more favorable to Executive, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Period with the same contribution rate for which Executive would have been responsible if Executive had remained employed through the Change in Control Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether Executive actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

(e)    Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of Nucor Corporation to pay and provide the Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits described in this Section 5 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Nucor may have against Executive. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5(d).

(f)    In exchange for Nucor Corporation’s agreement to make Executive eligible for the compensation, payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

6.    Duties and Responsibilities; Best Efforts. While employed by Nucor, Executive shall perform such duties for and on behalf of Nucor as may be determined and assigned to Executive from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation or the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full time and best efforts to the business and affairs of Nucor. During the term of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive will not undertake other paid employment or engage in any other business activity without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

9


7.    Employment at Will. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create employment for a definite term and that Executive’s employment with Nucor is at will and terminable by Nucor or Executive at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, unless otherwise expressly set forth in a separate written agreement executed by Executive and Nucor after the Effective Date.

8.    Change in Executive’s Position. In the event that Nucor transfers, demotes, promotes, or otherwise changes Executive’s compensation or position with Nucor, the restrictions and post-termination obligations set forth in Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits and opportunities being provided to Executive under this Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s compliance with these obligations.

9.    Recognition of Nucor’s Legitimate Interests. Executive understands and acknowledges that Nucor competes in North America and throughout the world in Business. As part of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive acknowledges Executive will continue to have access to and gain knowledge of significant secret, confidential and proprietary information of the full range of operations of Nucor. In addition, Executive will continue to have access to and contact with vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers of Nucor, in which capacity Executive is expected to develop good relationships with such vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers, and will gain intimate knowledge regarding the products and services of Nucor. Executive recognizes and agrees that Nucor has spent and will continue to spend substantial effort, time and money in developing relationships with its customers, suppliers and vendors, that many customers, suppliers and vendors are long term customers, suppliers and vendors of Nucor, and that all customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts that Executive may deal with during Executive’s employment with Nucor, including any customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts acquired for Nucor by Executive, are the customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts of Nucor. Executive acknowledges that Nucor’s competitors, customers, suppliers and vendors would obtain an unfair advantage if Executive disclosed Secret Information or Confidential Information to a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor, used it on a competitor’s, customer’s, supplier’s or vendor’s behalf (except for the benefit of Nucor), or if Executive were able to exploit the relationships Executive develops as an employee of Nucor to Solicit or direct business on behalf of a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor.

10.    Covenant Regarding Nucor’s Secret Information.

(a)    Executive recognizes and agrees that Executive will have continued access to Secret Information. Executive agrees that unless Executive is expressly authorized by Nucor in writing, Executive will not use or disclose or allow to be used or disclosed Secret Information. This covenant shall survive until the Secret Information is generally known in the industry through no act or omission of the Executive or until Nucor knowingly authorizes the disclosure of or discloses the Secret Information, without any limitations on use or confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that Executive did not have knowledge of Secret Information prior to Executive’s employment with Nucor and that the Secret Information does not include Executive’s general skills and know-how.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual will be immune from criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for (i) the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a

 

10


suspected violation of law; or (ii) a disclosure that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the Trade Secret to the attorney of the individual and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.

11.    Agreement to Maintain Confidentiality; Non-Disparagement.

(a)    During Executive’s employment with Nucor and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, (i) Executive covenants and agrees to treat as confidential all Confidential Information submitted to Executive or received, compiled, developed, designed, produced, accessed, or otherwise discovered by the Executive from time to time while employed by Nucor, and (ii) Executive will not disclose or divulge the Confidential Information to any person, entity, firm or company whatsoever or use the Confidential Information for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any person, entity, firm or company other than Nucor. This restriction will apply throughout the world; provided, however, that if the restrictions of this Section 11(a) when applied to any specific piece of Confidential Information would prevent Executive from using Executive’s general knowledge or skills in competition with Nucor or would otherwise substantially restrict the Executive’s ability to fairly compete with Nucor, then as to that piece of Confidential Information only, the scope of this restriction will apply only for the Restrictive Period (as defined below).

(b)    Executive specifically acknowledges that the Confidential Information, whether reduced to writing or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive, and whether compiled or created by Executive, Nucor, or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Confidential Information. Executive also acknowledges that reasonable efforts have been put forth by Nucor to maintain the secrecy of the Confidential Information, that the Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of Nucor or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, as the case may be, and that any retention and/or use of Confidential Information during or after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor (except in the regular course of performing Executive’s duties hereunder) will constitute a misappropriation of the Confidential Information belonging to Nucor. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if Executive (i) accesses Confidential Information on any Nucor computer system within 30 days prior to the effective date of Executive’s voluntary resignation of employment with Nucor and (ii) transmits, copies or reproduces in any manner such Confidential Information to or for herself or any person or entity not authorized by Nucor to receive such Confidential Information, or deletes any such Confidential Information, Executive is exceeding Executive’s authorized access to such computer system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, this Agreement shall not be construed to restrict Executive from communications or disclosures that are protected under federal law or regulation.

(c)    Executive agrees not to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices, or conduct of Nucor, or any of Nucor’s directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this prohibition extends to

 

11


statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to the general public, the news media, investors, potential investors, any board of directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, customers or Nucor employees, agents or representatives (past and present), however, nothing set forth in this Section 11(c) prohibits Executive from communicating, without notice to or approval by Nucor Corporation, with any United States Federal Government agency about a potential violation of a United States Federal law or regulation.

12.    Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, within the Restricted Territory:

(a)    engage in any Competing Business Activity, whether as an owner, partner, shareholder, member, lender, employee, consultant, agent, co-venturer or in any other capacity;

(b)    commence, establish, own (in whole or in part) or provide financing for any business that engages in any Competing Business Activity, whether (i) by establishing a sole proprietorship, (ii) as a partner of a partnership, (iii) as a member of a limited liability company, (iv) as a shareholder of a corporation (except to the extent Executive is the holder of not more than 2% of any class of the outstanding stock of any company listed on a national securities exchange so long as Executive does not actively participate in the management or business of any such entity) or (v) as the owner of any equity interest in any such entity;

(c)    provide any public endorsement of, or otherwise lend Executive’s name for use by, any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business Activity; or

(d)    engage in work, whether for a competitor, customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to call on Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to reveal, rely upon, or otherwise use Confidential Information or Secret Information.

13.    Nonsolicitation. Executive hereby agrees for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise:

(a)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to limit, curtail, cancel, or terminate any business it transacts with, or products or services it receives from or provides to Nucor;

(b)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to terminate any business negotiations it is having with Nucor, or to otherwise not do business with Nucor;

(c)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Customer or Supplier; or

 

12


(d)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Prospective Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Prospective Customer or Supplier.

14.    Antipiracy.

(a)    Executive agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or through or by any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, solicit, encourage, contact, or attempt to induce any employees of Nucor (i) with whom Executive had regular contact with at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, and (ii) who are employed by Nucor at the time of the encouragement, contact or attempted inducement, to end their employment relationship with Nucor.

(b)    Executive further agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period not to hire, or to assist any other person or entity to hire, any employees described in Section 14(a) of this Agreement.

15.    Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.

(a)    Executive hereby assigns to Nucor Corporation Executive’s entire right, title and interest, including copyrights and patents, in any idea, invention, design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), work product and any other work of authorship (collectively the “Developments”), made or conceived solely or jointly by Executive at any time during Executive’s employment by Nucor (whether prior or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement), or created wholly or in part by Executive, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, where the Developments: (i) were developed, invented, or conceived within the scope of Executive’s employment with Nucor; (ii) relate to Nucor’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive on Nucor’s behalf. Executive shall disclose any Developments to Nucor’s management within 30 days following Executive’s development, making or conception thereof.

(b)    The assignment requirement in Section 15(a) shall not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using Nucor’s equipment, supplies, facilities or Secret Information or Confidential Information except for those inventions that (i) relate to Nucor’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by Executive for Nucor.

(c)    Executive will, within 3 business days following Nucor’s request, execute a specific assignment of title to any Developments to Nucor Corporation or its designee, and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Nucor Corporation or its designee to secure a patent, copyright, or other form of protection for any Developments in the United States and in any other applicable country.

(d)    Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to waive, or shall be construed as waiving, any assignment of any Developments to Nucor implied by law.

 

13


16.    Severability. It is the intention of the parties to restrict the activities of Executive only to the extent reasonably necessary for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests. The parties specifically covenant and agree that should any of the provisions in this Agreement be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction too broad for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests, the parties authorize the court to narrow, limit or modify the restrictions herein to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish such purpose. In the event such limiting construction is impossible, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

17.    Enforcement. Executive understands and agrees that any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement, and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nucor shall be entitled to pursue any and all of its remedies under law or in equity arising out of such breach. If Nucor pursues either a temporary restraining order or temporary injunctive relief, then Executive agrees to expedited discovery with respect thereto and waives any requirement that Nucor post a bond. Executive further agrees that in the event of Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement, unless otherwise prohibited by law:

(a)    Nucor shall be entitled to (i) cancel any unexercised stock options granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan from and after the Effective Date (the “Post-Agreement Date Option Grants”), (ii) cease payment of any General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan) otherwise due hereunder, (iii) seek other appropriate relief, including, without limitation, repayment by Executive of General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan); and

(b)    Executive shall (i) forfeit any (A) unexercised Post-Agreement Date Option Grants and (B) any shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan that vested during the 6 month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (the “Vested Stock”) and (ii) forfeit and immediately return upon demand by Nucor any profit realized by Executive from the exercise of any Post-Agreement Date Option Grants or sale or exchange of any Vested Stock during the 6 month period preceding Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

Executive agrees that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 will cause Nucor irreparable harm which cannot be remedied through monetary damages and the alternative relief set forth in Sections 17(a) and (b) shall not be considered an adequate remedy for the harm Nucor would incur. Executive further agrees that such remedies in Sections 17(a) and (b) will not preclude injunctive relief.

If Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of Sections 12, 13 or 14 of this Agreement and Nucor obtains an injunction, preliminary or otherwise, ordering Executive to adhere to the Restrictive Period required by the applicable Section, then the applicable Restrictive Period will be extended by the number of days that Nucor has alleged that Executive has been in breach of any of these provisions.

Executive further agrees, unless otherwise prohibited by law, to pay Nucor’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing its rights pursuant to this Section 17, or in defending against any action

 

14


brought by Executive or on Executive’s behalf in violation of or under this Section 17 in which Nucor prevails. Executive agrees that Nucor’s actions pursuant to this Section 17, including, without limitation, filing a legal action, are permissible and are not and will not be considered by Executive to be retaliatory. Executive further represents and acknowledges that in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment and that enforcement of this Agreement by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.

18.    Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Nucor under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate competition which would otherwise be unfair to Nucor, do not interfere with Executive’s exercise of Executive’s inherent skill and experience, are reasonably required to protect the legitimate interests of Nucor, and do not confer a benefit upon Nucor disproportionate to the detriment to Executive. Executive certifies that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with such legal advisors as Executive chooses and that Executive understands its provisions and has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

19.    Applicable Law. Executive’s primary place of employment is Nucor’s corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Accordingly, this Agreement is made in, and shall be interpreted, construed and governed according to the laws of, the State of North Carolina, regardless of choice of law principles of any jurisdiction to the contrary. Each party, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the North Carolina state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and (b) waives any objection to any such action based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, Executive hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court or similar body within the Restricted Territory for enforcement of any judgment entered in a court or similar body pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement is intended, among other things, to supplement the provisions of the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, each as amended from time to time, and the duties Executive owes to Nucor under North Carolina common law, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties owed by Executive to Nucor.

20.    Executive to Return Property. Executive agrees that upon (a) the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor and within 3 business days thereof, whether by Executive or Nucor for any reason (with or without cause), or (b) the written request of Nucor, Executive (or in the event of the death or disability of Executive, Executive’s heirs, successors, assigns and legal representatives) shall return to Nucor any and all property of Nucor regardless of the medium in which such property is stored or kept, including but not limited to all Secret Information, Confidential Information, notes, data, tapes, computers, lists, customer lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, names of customers, suppliers or vendors, reference items, phones, documents, sketches, drawings, software, product samples, rolodex cards, forms, manuals, keys, pass or access cards and equipment, without retaining any copies or summaries of such property. Executive further agrees that to the extent Secret Information or Confidential Information are in electronic format and in Executive’s possession, custody or control, Executive will provide all such copies to Nucor and will not keep copies in such format but, upon Nucor’s request, will confirm the permanent deletion or other destruction thereof.

21.    Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes, discharges and cancels all previous agreements regarding Executive’s employment with Nucor, including without limitation that certain Executive Employment Agreement by and between Nucor Corporation and Executive effective as of September 14, 2014, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject

 

15


matter hereof. No agreements, representations, or statements of any party not contained herein shall be binding on either party. Further, no amendment or variation of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

22.    Assignability. This Agreement and the rights and duties created hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Nucor may, at its option and without consent of Executive, assign or delegate its rights and duties hereunder, in whole or in part, to any successor entity or transferee of Nucor Corporation’s assets.

23.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Nucor and Executive and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

24.    No Waiver. No failure or delay by any party to this Agreement to enforce any right specified in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, nor will any single or partial exercise of a right preclude any further or later enforcement of the right within the period of the applicable statute of limitations. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless such waiver is set forth in a written instrument executed by the party waiving compliance.

25.    Cooperation. Executive agrees that both during and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, at Nucor’s request, render all assistance and perform all lawful acts that Nucor considers necessary or advisable in connection with any litigation involving Nucor or any of its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, representatives, consultants, clients, customers, suppliers or vendors. Executive understands and agrees that Nucor will reimburse Executive for any reasonable documented expense Executive incurs related to this cooperation and assistance, but will not be obligated to pay Executive any additional amounts.

26.    Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of Code as of the Date of Termination and (b) any amount or benefit that Nucor determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the payment, distribution or benefit is payable or provided over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation or benefit that would otherwise be payable or provided during the 6 month period immediately following the Date of Termination will be accumulated, and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount or benefit will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination and paid or provided on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments, distributions or benefits will commence.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations, and Executive shall be a “specified employee” during the 12 month period beginning April 1 each year if Executive met the requirements of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) at any time during the 12 month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the Date of Termination.

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Nucor Corporation have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/ David A. Sumoski

David A. Sumoski
NUCOR CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Leon J. Topalian

Its:  

President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.9

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into to be effective as of February 17, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between NUCOR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina (“Nucor Corporation”), and LEON J. TOPALIAN (“Executive”), a resident of North Carolina.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed in the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined it is in the best interests of Nucor Corporation to amend certain entitlements and retirement and benefit plans applicable to executives of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation desires to continue to employ Executive as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, which terms and conditions reflect the aforementioned amendments to executive entitlements and retirement and benefit plans;

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date, Executive and Nucor Corporation discussed the requirements of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement as a condition to Executive’s continued service as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, the terms of this Agreement provide Executive with the opportunity to earn benefit entitlements not previously available to Executive;

WHEREAS, Executive agrees and acknowledges that in Executive’s position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will continue to have access to and knowledge of Nucor’s (as hereinafter defined) trade secrets and confidential information; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish for Nucor Corporation to employ Executive under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

1.    Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    “AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(b)    “Base Salary” means the amount Executive is entitled to receive from Nucor in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for Executive’s services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining an Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to Executive, the greater of (i) Executive’s highest Base Salary during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) Executive’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.


(c)    “Business” means the research, manufacture, marketing, trading, sale, fabrication, placement and/or distribution of steel or steel products (including but not limited to flat-rolled steel, special quality and merchant quality steel bar and shapes, concrete reinforcement bars, structural steel, hollow structural section tubing, conduit tubing, steel plate, steel joists and girders, steel deck, steel fasteners, steel pilings, metal building systems, wire rod, welded-wire reinforcement rolls and sheets, cold finished steel bars and wire, guard rail, and structural welded-wire reinforcement) or steel or steel product inputs (including but not limited to scrap metal and direct reduced iron).

(d)    “Change in Control” means and includes the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of Nucor Corporation in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of Nucor Corporation as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Nucor Corporation representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Nucor Corporation’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Nucor Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this clause (ii) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (A) an acquisition directly by or from Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary; (B) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in clause (iii) of this definition); or

(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving Nucor Corporation that requires the approval of Nucor Corporation’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Nucor Corporation’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of Nucor Corporation (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation

 

2


that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Nucor Corporation Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Nucor Corporation Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Nucor Corporation Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x) Nucor Corporation, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Nucor Corporation Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

(e)    “Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.

(f)    “Change in Control Period” means 36 months.

(g)    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

(i)    “Competing Business Activity” means any business activity (other than business activities engaged in for or on behalf of Nucor) that (i) is the same as, or is in competition with, any portion of the Business, and (ii) is a business activity in which Executive was involved or engaged during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(j)    “Confidential Information” includes all confidential and proprietary information of Nucor, including, without limitation, any of the following information to the extent not generally known to third persons: financial and budgetary information and strategies; plant design, specifications, and layouts; equipment design, specifications, and layouts; product design and specifications; manufacturing processes, procedures, and specifications; data processing or other computer programs; research and development projects; marketing information and strategies; customer lists; vendor lists; supplier lists; information about customer preferences and buying patterns; information about supplier or vendor preferences and patterns; information about prospective customers, vendors, suppliers or business opportunities; proprietary information with respect to any Nucor employees; proprietary information of any customers, suppliers or vendors of Nucor; information about Nucor’s costs and the pricing structure used in sales to customers or purchases from suppliers or vendors; information about Nucor’s overall corporate business strategy; and technological innovations used in Nucor’s business, to the extent that such information does not fall within the definition of Secret Information.

 

3


(k)    “Customer or Supplier” means the following alternatives:

(i)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports had significant contact or with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive had significant contact or with whom Executive directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor about whom Executive had obtained Secret Information or Confidential Information by virtue of Executive’s employment with Nucor at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

provided, however, that the term “Customer or Supplier” shall not include any business or entity that no longer does business with Nucor without any direct or indirect interference by Executive or violation of this Agreement by Executive, and that ceased doing business with Nucor prior to any direct or indirect communication or contact by Executive.

(l)    “Date of Termination” means the date of Executive’s separation from service with Nucor. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

(m)    “Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

(n)    “General Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 4.

(o)    “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i)    a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary;

(ii)    a material reduction in Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible from the Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(iii)    a material reduction in the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


(iv)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to Executive in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(v)    a change in Executive’s principal work location to a work location that is more than 50 miles from the location where Executive was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi)    the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by Nucor Corporation which results in any diminution in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by Executive shall be conclusive and binding on Nucor Corporation.

(p)    “LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(q)    “Month’s Base Pay” means Executive’s Base Salary divided by 12.

(r)    “Nucor” means Nucor Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in existence or planned during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(s)    “Prospective Customer or Supplier” means any person or entity who does not currently or has not yet purchased the products or services of Nucor or provided products or services to Nucor, but who, at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, has been targeted by Nucor as a potential user of the products or services of Nucor or supplier or vendor of products or services to Nucor, and whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports participated in the solicitation of on behalf of Nucor.

(t)    “Restrictive Period” means a period of time commencing upon the Date of Termination and expiring 24 months thereafter.

(u)    “Restricted Territory” means Executive’s geographic area of responsibility at Nucor which Executive acknowledges extends to the full scope of Nucor operations throughout the world. “Restricted Territory” therefore consists of the following alternatives reasonably necessary to protect Nucor’s legitimate business interests:

(i)    Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, Central America and North America, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    The United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

 

5


(iii)    The United States, Canada and Mexico, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iv)    The contiguous United States, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business.

(v)    “Secret Information” means Nucor’s proprietary and confidential information (i) that is not generally known in the Business, which would be difficult for others to acquire or duplicate without improper means, (ii) that Nucor strives to keep secret, and (iii) from which Nucor derives substantial commercial benefit because of the fact that it is not generally known. As used in this Agreement, Secret Information includes, without limitation: (w) Nucor’s process of developing and producing raw material, and designing and manufacturing steel and iron products; (x) Nucor’s process for treating, processing or fabricating steel and iron products; (y) Nucor’s customer, supplier and vendor lists, non-public financial data, strategic business plans, competitor analysis, sales and marketing data, and proprietary margin, pricing, and cost data; and (z) any other information or data which meets the definition of Trade Secrets.

(w)    “Solicit” means to initiate contact for the purpose of promoting, marketing, selling, brokering, procuring or obtaining products or services similar to those Nucor offered or required during the tenure of Executive’s employment with Nucor or to accept business from Customers or Suppliers or Prospective Customers or Suppliers.

(x)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than Nucor Corporation), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with Nucor Corporation in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

(y)    “Trade Secrets” means any information or data meeting the definition for such term under either the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

(z)    “Year of Service” shall mean each continuous 12 month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with Nucor Corporation and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by Nucor Corporation provides otherwise or Nucor Corporation otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service.

2.    Employment. Nucor agrees to continue to employ Executive in the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation, and Executive agrees to continued employment in this position, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which Executive acknowledges were discussed in detail prior to and made an express condition of Executive’s continued service as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation.

 

6


3.    Compensation and Benefits During Employment. Nucor will provide the following compensation and benefits to Executive:

(a)    Nucor will pay Executive a Base Salary of $1,000,000 per year, paid not less frequently than monthly in accordance with Nucor’s normal payroll practices, subject to withholding by Nucor and other deductions as required by law. Executive’s base salary is subject to adjustment up or down by the Board at its sole discretion and without notice to Executive.

(b)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be a participant in and eligible to receive awards of incentive and equity-based compensation under and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the AIP, the LTIP, and the Equity Award Plan, each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

(c)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be eligible for all other employee benefits that are generally made available by Nucor Corporation to its executive officers, including the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”), each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

4.    General Non-Compete Benefits Following Termination.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive General Non-Compete Benefits from Nucor Corporation as provided in Section 4(b) if (i) on the Date of Termination, Executive is an executive officer of Nucor Corporation (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason (other than due to the Executive’s death), including due to the Executive’s disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to General Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 4(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive General Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 6 Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of Executive’s Years of Service through the Date of Termination; provided that, if Executive is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Date of Termination, of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the LTIP and Executive’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Non-Compete Benefits payable to Executive who is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination shall not include the value of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to Executive under the Equity Award Plan). Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under

 

7


applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Subject to the provisions of Section 26, General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4(c).

(c)    Subject to the provisions of Section 26, if Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason other than Executive’s death, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid to Executive in 24 equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Date of Termination, provided, however, if Executive dies during the first 12 months following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor, then Nucor will pay Executive’s estate the monthly installments due pursuant to this Section 4(c) through the end of the 12th month following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor. If Executive dies 12 or more months after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, then Nucor’s obligations to make any installment payments under this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate without the necessity of Nucor providing notice, written or otherwise. If Executive is employed by Nucor at the time of Executive’s death, Nucor’s obligations to make any payments of the monthly installments pursuant to this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate and Executive’s estate and executors will have no rights to any such payments.

5.    Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits from the Company as provided in this Section 5, in lieu of General Non-Compete Benefits under Section 4, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and Executive’s employment with the Nucor is involuntarily terminated by Nucor or is voluntarily terminated by Executive for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination. Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall not be payable if Executive terminates employment with the Company due to Executive’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that Executive may be entitled to the General Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 4.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 5(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 26, within 10 days of the Date of Termination, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the product of (A) 3 multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary and (2) the greater of (x) 150% of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) the average performance award under the AIP (including any deferred portion thereof but excluding the related “Deferral Incentive” (as defined in the AIP)) for the 3 fiscal years prior to Executive’s Date of Termination, provided for purposes of calculating such average, the performance award under the AIP for any year in such 3 fiscal year period Executive did not hold Executive’s current position shall be equal to the performance award under the AIP for such year for Executive’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary; and

 

8


(ii)    if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award Executive would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if Executive’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(c)    Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law.

(d)    If Executive is entitled to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 5(a), Executive shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior to the Date of Termination, or if more favorable to Executive, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Period with the same contribution rate for which Executive would have been responsible if Executive had remained employed through the Change in Control Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether Executive actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

(e)    Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of Nucor Corporation to pay and provide the Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits described in this Section 5 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Nucor may have against Executive. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5(d).

(f)    In exchange for Nucor Corporation’s agreement to make Executive eligible for the compensation, payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

6.    Duties and Responsibilities; Best Efforts. While employed by Nucor, Executive shall perform such duties for and on behalf of Nucor as may be determined and assigned to Executive from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation or the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full time and best efforts to the business and affairs of Nucor. During the term of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive will not undertake other paid employment or engage in any other business activity without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

9


7.    Employment at Will. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create employment for a definite term and that Executive’s employment with Nucor is at will and terminable by Nucor or Executive at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, unless otherwise expressly set forth in a separate written agreement executed by Executive and Nucor after the Effective Date.

8.    Change in Executive’s Position. In the event that Nucor transfers, demotes, promotes, or otherwise changes Executive’s compensation or position with Nucor, the restrictions and post-termination obligations set forth in Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits and opportunities being provided to Executive under this Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s compliance with these obligations.

9.    Recognition of Nucor’s Legitimate Interests. Executive understands and acknowledges that Nucor competes in North America and throughout the world in Business. As part of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive acknowledges Executive will continue to have access to and gain knowledge of significant secret, confidential and proprietary information of the full range of operations of Nucor. In addition, Executive will continue to have access to and contact with vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers of Nucor, in which capacity Executive is expected to develop good relationships with such vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers, and will gain intimate knowledge regarding the products and services of Nucor. Executive recognizes and agrees that Nucor has spent and will continue to spend substantial effort, time and money in developing relationships with its customers, suppliers and vendors, that many customers, suppliers and vendors are long term customers, suppliers and vendors of Nucor, and that all customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts that Executive may deal with during Executive’s employment with Nucor, including any customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts acquired for Nucor by Executive, are the customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts of Nucor. Executive acknowledges that Nucor’s competitors, customers, suppliers and vendors would obtain an unfair advantage if Executive disclosed Secret Information or Confidential Information to a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor, used it on a competitor’s, customer’s, supplier’s or vendor’s behalf (except for the benefit of Nucor), or if Executive were able to exploit the relationships Executive develops as an employee of Nucor to Solicit or direct business on behalf of a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor.

10.    Covenant Regarding Nucor’s Secret Information.

(a)    Executive recognizes and agrees that Executive will have continued access to Secret Information. Executive agrees that unless Executive is expressly authorized by Nucor in writing, Executive will not use or disclose or allow to be used or disclosed Secret Information. This covenant shall survive until the Secret Information is generally known in the industry through no act or omission of the Executive or until Nucor knowingly authorizes the disclosure of or discloses the Secret Information, without any limitations on use or confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that Executive did not have knowledge of Secret Information prior to Executive’s employment with Nucor and that the Secret Information does not include Executive’s general skills and know-how.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual will be immune from criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for (i) the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a

 

10


suspected violation of law; or (ii) a disclosure that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the Trade Secret to the attorney of the individual and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.

11.    Agreement to Maintain Confidentiality; Non-Disparagement.

(a)    During Executive’s employment with Nucor and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, (i) Executive covenants and agrees to treat as confidential all Confidential Information submitted to Executive or received, compiled, developed, designed, produced, accessed, or otherwise discovered by the Executive from time to time while employed by Nucor, and (ii) Executive will not disclose or divulge the Confidential Information to any person, entity, firm or company whatsoever or use the Confidential Information for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any person, entity, firm or company other than Nucor. This restriction will apply throughout the world; provided, however, that if the restrictions of this Section 11(a) when applied to any specific piece of Confidential Information would prevent Executive from using Executive’s general knowledge or skills in competition with Nucor or would otherwise substantially restrict the Executive’s ability to fairly compete with Nucor, then as to that piece of Confidential Information only, the scope of this restriction will apply only for the Restrictive Period (as defined below).

(b)    Executive specifically acknowledges that the Confidential Information, whether reduced to writing or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive, and whether compiled or created by Executive, Nucor, or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Confidential Information. Executive also acknowledges that reasonable efforts have been put forth by Nucor to maintain the secrecy of the Confidential Information, that the Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of Nucor or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, as the case may be, and that any retention and/or use of Confidential Information during or after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor (except in the regular course of performing Executive’s duties hereunder) will constitute a misappropriation of the Confidential Information belonging to Nucor. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if Executive (i) accesses Confidential Information on any Nucor computer system within 30 days prior to the effective date of Executive’s voluntary resignation of employment with Nucor and (ii) transmits, copies or reproduces in any manner such Confidential Information to or for herself or any person or entity not authorized by Nucor to receive such Confidential Information, or deletes any such Confidential Information, Executive is exceeding Executive’s authorized access to such computer system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, this Agreement shall not be construed to restrict Executive from communications or disclosures that are protected under federal law or regulation.

(c)    Executive agrees not to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices, or conduct of Nucor, or any of Nucor’s directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this prohibition extends to

 

11


statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to the general public, the news media, investors, potential investors, any board of directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, customers or Nucor employees, agents or representatives (past and present), however, nothing set forth in this Section 11(c) prohibits Executive from communicating, without notice to or approval by Nucor Corporation, with any United States Federal Government agency about a potential violation of a United States Federal law or regulation.

12.    Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, within the Restricted Territory:

(a)    engage in any Competing Business Activity, whether as an owner, partner, shareholder, member, lender, employee, consultant, agent, co-venturer or in any other capacity;

(b)    commence, establish, own (in whole or in part) or provide financing for any business that engages in any Competing Business Activity, whether (i) by establishing a sole proprietorship, (ii) as a partner of a partnership, (iii) as a member of a limited liability company, (iv) as a shareholder of a corporation (except to the extent Executive is the holder of not more than 2% of any class of the outstanding stock of any company listed on a national securities exchange so long as Executive does not actively participate in the management or business of any such entity) or (v) as the owner of any equity interest in any such entity;

(c)    provide any public endorsement of, or otherwise lend Executive’s name for use by, any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business Activity; or

(d)    engage in work, whether for a competitor, customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to call on Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to reveal, rely upon, or otherwise use Confidential Information or Secret Information.

13.    Nonsolicitation. Executive hereby agrees for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise:

(a)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to limit, curtail, cancel, or terminate any business it transacts with, or products or services it receives from or provides to Nucor;

(b)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to terminate any business negotiations it is having with Nucor, or to otherwise not do business with Nucor;

(c)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Customer or Supplier; or

 

12


(d)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Prospective Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Prospective Customer or Supplier.

14.    Antipiracy.

(a)    Executive agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or through or by any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, solicit, encourage, contact, or attempt to induce any employees of Nucor (i) with whom Executive had regular contact with at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, and (ii) who are employed by Nucor at the time of the encouragement, contact or attempted inducement, to end their employment relationship with Nucor.

(b)    Executive further agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period not to hire, or to assist any other person or entity to hire, any employees described in Section 14(a) of this Agreement.

15.    Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.

(a)    Executive hereby assigns to Nucor Corporation Executive’s entire right, title and interest, including copyrights and patents, in any idea, invention, design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), work product and any other work of authorship (collectively the “Developments”), made or conceived solely or jointly by Executive at any time during Executive’s employment by Nucor (whether prior or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement), or created wholly or in part by Executive, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, where the Developments: (i) were developed, invented, or conceived within the scope of Executive’s employment with Nucor; (ii) relate to Nucor’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive on Nucor’s behalf. Executive shall disclose any Developments to Nucor’s management within 30 days following Executive’s development, making or conception thereof.

(b)    The assignment requirement in Section 15(a) shall not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using Nucor’s equipment, supplies, facilities or Secret Information or Confidential Information except for those inventions that (i) relate to Nucor’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by Executive for Nucor.

(c)    Executive will, within 3 business days following Nucor’s request, execute a specific assignment of title to any Developments to Nucor Corporation or its designee, and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Nucor Corporation or its designee to secure a patent, copyright, or other form of protection for any Developments in the United States and in any other applicable country.

(d)    Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to waive, or shall be construed as waiving, any assignment of any Developments to Nucor implied by law.

 

13


16.    Severability. It is the intention of the parties to restrict the activities of Executive only to the extent reasonably necessary for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests. The parties specifically covenant and agree that should any of the provisions in this Agreement be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction too broad for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests, the parties authorize the court to narrow, limit or modify the restrictions herein to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish such purpose. In the event such limiting construction is impossible, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

17.    Enforcement. Executive understands and agrees that any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement, and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nucor shall be entitled to pursue any and all of its remedies under law or in equity arising out of such breach. If Nucor pursues either a temporary restraining order or temporary injunctive relief, then Executive agrees to expedited discovery with respect thereto and waives any requirement that Nucor post a bond. Executive further agrees that in the event of Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement, unless otherwise prohibited by law:

(a)    Nucor shall be entitled to (i) cancel any unexercised stock options granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan from and after the Effective Date (the “Post-Agreement Date Option Grants”), (ii) cease payment of any General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan) otherwise due hereunder, (iii) seek other appropriate relief, including, without limitation, repayment by Executive of General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan); and

(b)    Executive shall (i) forfeit any (A) unexercised Post-Agreement Date Option Grants and (B) any shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan that vested during the 6 month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (the “Vested Stock”) and (ii) forfeit and immediately return upon demand by Nucor any profit realized by Executive from the exercise of any Post-Agreement Date Option Grants or sale or exchange of any Vested Stock during the 6 month period preceding Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

Executive agrees that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 will cause Nucor irreparable harm which cannot be remedied through monetary damages and the alternative relief set forth in Sections 17(a) and (b) shall not be considered an adequate remedy for the harm Nucor would incur. Executive further agrees that such remedies in Sections 17(a) and (b) will not preclude injunctive relief.

If Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of Sections 12, 13 or 14 of this Agreement and Nucor obtains an injunction, preliminary or otherwise, ordering Executive to adhere to the Restrictive Period required by the applicable Section, then the applicable Restrictive Period will be extended by the number of days that Nucor has alleged that Executive has been in breach of any of these provisions.

Executive further agrees, unless otherwise prohibited by law, to pay Nucor’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing its rights pursuant to this Section 17, or in defending against any action

 

14


brought by Executive or on Executive’s behalf in violation of or under this Section 17 in which Nucor prevails. Executive agrees that Nucor’s actions pursuant to this Section 17, including, without limitation, filing a legal action, are permissible and are not and will not be considered by Executive to be retaliatory. Executive further represents and acknowledges that in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment and that enforcement of this Agreement by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.

18.    Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Nucor under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate competition which would otherwise be unfair to Nucor, do not interfere with Executive’s exercise of Executive’s inherent skill and experience, are reasonably required to protect the legitimate interests of Nucor, and do not confer a benefit upon Nucor disproportionate to the detriment to Executive. Executive certifies that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with such legal advisors as Executive chooses and that Executive understands its provisions and has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

19.    Applicable Law. Executive’s primary place of employment is Nucor’s corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Accordingly, this Agreement is made in, and shall be interpreted, construed and governed according to the laws of, the State of North Carolina, regardless of choice of law principles of any jurisdiction to the contrary. Each party, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the North Carolina state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and (b) waives any objection to any such action based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, Executive hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court or similar body within the Restricted Territory for enforcement of any judgment entered in a court or similar body pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement is intended, among other things, to supplement the provisions of the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, each as amended from time to time, and the duties Executive owes to Nucor under North Carolina common law, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties owed by Executive to Nucor.

20.    Executive to Return Property. Executive agrees that upon (a) the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor and within 3 business days thereof, whether by Executive or Nucor for any reason (with or without cause), or (b) the written request of Nucor, Executive (or in the event of the death or disability of Executive, Executive’s heirs, successors, assigns and legal representatives) shall return to Nucor any and all property of Nucor regardless of the medium in which such property is stored or kept, including but not limited to all Secret Information, Confidential Information, notes, data, tapes, computers, lists, customer lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, names of customers, suppliers or vendors, reference items, phones, documents, sketches, drawings, software, product samples, rolodex cards, forms, manuals, keys, pass or access cards and equipment, without retaining any copies or summaries of such property. Executive further agrees that to the extent Secret Information or Confidential Information are in electronic format and in Executive’s possession, custody or control, Executive will provide all such copies to Nucor and will not keep copies in such format but, upon Nucor’s request, will confirm the permanent deletion or other destruction thereof.

21.    Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes, discharges and cancels all previous agreements regarding Executive’s employment with Nucor, including without limitation that certain Executive Employment Agreement by and between Nucor Corporation and Executive effective as of May 14, 2017, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject

 

15


matter hereof. No agreements, representations, or statements of any party not contained herein shall be binding on either party. Further, no amendment or variation of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

22.    Assignability. This Agreement and the rights and duties created hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Nucor may, at its option and without consent of Executive, assign or delegate its rights and duties hereunder, in whole or in part, to any successor entity or transferee of Nucor Corporation’s assets.

23.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Nucor and Executive and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

24.    No Waiver. No failure or delay by any party to this Agreement to enforce any right specified in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, nor will any single or partial exercise of a right preclude any further or later enforcement of the right within the period of the applicable statute of limitations. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless such waiver is set forth in a written instrument executed by the party waiving compliance.

25.    Cooperation. Executive agrees that both during and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, at Nucor’s request, render all assistance and perform all lawful acts that Nucor considers necessary or advisable in connection with any litigation involving Nucor or any of its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, representatives, consultants, clients, customers, suppliers or vendors. Executive understands and agrees that Nucor will reimburse Executive for any reasonable documented expense Executive incurs related to this cooperation and assistance, but will not be obligated to pay Executive any additional amounts.

26.    Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of Code as of the Date of Termination and (b) any amount or benefit that Nucor determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the payment, distribution or benefit is payable or provided over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation or benefit that would otherwise be payable or provided during the 6 month period immediately following the Date of Termination will be accumulated, and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount or benefit will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination and paid or provided on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments, distributions or benefits will commence.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations, and Executive shall be a “specified employee” during the 12 month period beginning April 1 each year if Executive met the requirements of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) at any time during the 12 month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the Date of Termination.

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Nucor Corporation have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Leon J. Topalian

Leon J. Topalian
NUCOR CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ James D. Frias

Its:  

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President

Exhibit 10.10

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into to be effective as of February 17, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), between NUCOR CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Charlotte, North Carolina (“Nucor Corporation”), and D. CHAD UTERMARK (“Executive”), a resident of North Carolina.

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined it is in the best interests of Nucor Corporation to amend certain entitlements and retirement and benefit plans applicable to executives of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, Nucor Corporation desires to continue to employ Executive as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, which terms and conditions reflect the aforementioned amendments to executive entitlements and retirement and benefit plans;

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Date, Executive and Nucor Corporation discussed the requirements of the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement as a condition to Executive’s continued service as an Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation;

WHEREAS, the terms of this Agreement provide Executive with the opportunity to earn benefit entitlements not previously available to Executive;

WHEREAS, Executive agrees and acknowledges that in Executive’s position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, Executive will continue to have access to and knowledge of Nucor’s (as hereinafter defined) trade secrets and confidential information; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish for Nucor Corporation to employ Executive under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

1.    Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    “AIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Annual Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(b)    “Base Salary” means the amount Executive is entitled to receive from Nucor in cash as wages or salary on an annualized basis in consideration for Executive’s services, (i) including any such amounts which have been deferred and (ii) excluding all other elements of compensation such as, without limitation, any bonuses, commissions, overtime, health benefits, perquisites and incentive compensation. For the purpose of determining an Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits, “Base Salary” shall mean, with respect to Executive, the greater of (i) Executive’s highest Base Salary during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change in Control and (ii) Executive’s highest Base Salary in effect at any time thereafter.


(c)    “Business” means the research, manufacture, marketing, trading, sale, fabrication, placement and/or distribution of steel or steel products (including but not limited to flat-rolled steel, special quality and merchant quality steel bar and shapes, concrete reinforcement bars, structural steel, hollow structural section tubing, conduit tubing, steel plate, steel joists and girders, steel deck, steel fasteners, steel pilings, metal building systems, wire rod, welded-wire reinforcement rolls and sheets, cold finished steel bars and wire, guard rail, and structural welded-wire reinforcement) or steel or steel product inputs (including but not limited to scrap metal and direct reduced iron).

(d)    “Change in Control” means and includes the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)    individuals who, at the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of Nucor Corporation in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of Nucor Corporation as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the Board (“Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be an Incumbent Director;

(ii)    any person becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Nucor Corporation representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of Nucor Corporation’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Nucor Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the event described in this clause (ii) shall not be a Change in Control if it is the result of any of the following acquisitions: (A) an acquisition directly by or from Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary; (B) an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Nucor Corporation or any Subsidiary, (C) an acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) an acquisition pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in clause (iii) of this definition); or

(iii)    the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving Nucor Corporation that requires the approval of Nucor Corporation’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Reorganization”), or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Nucor Corporation’s assets (a “Sale”), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of Nucor Corporation (in either case, the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation

 

2


that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Nucor Corporation Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which Nucor Corporation Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Nucor Corporation Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than (x) Nucor Corporation, (y) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation, or (z) a person who immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale was the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Nucor Corporation Voting Securities) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation), and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the foregoing criteria, a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”).

(e)    “Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 5.

(f)    “Change in Control Period” means 24 months.

(g)    “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “Committee” means the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board.

(i)    “Competing Business Activity” means any business activity (other than business activities engaged in for or on behalf of Nucor) that (i) is the same as, or is in competition with, any portion of the Business, and (ii) is a business activity in which Executive was involved or engaged during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(j)    “Confidential Information” includes all confidential and proprietary information of Nucor, including, without limitation, any of the following information to the extent not generally known to third persons: financial and budgetary information and strategies; plant design, specifications, and layouts; equipment design, specifications, and layouts; product design and specifications; manufacturing processes, procedures, and specifications; data processing or other computer programs; research and development projects; marketing information and strategies; customer lists; vendor lists; supplier lists; information about customer preferences and buying patterns; information about supplier or vendor preferences and patterns; information about prospective customers, vendors, suppliers or business opportunities; proprietary information with respect to any Nucor employees; proprietary information of any customers, suppliers or vendors of Nucor; information about Nucor’s costs and the pricing structure used in sales to customers or purchases from suppliers or vendors; information about Nucor’s overall corporate business strategy; and technological innovations used in Nucor’s business, to the extent that such information does not fall within the definition of Secret Information.

 

3


(k)    “Customer or Supplier” means the following alternatives:

(i)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports had significant contact or with whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor with whom Executive had significant contact or with whom Executive directly dealt on behalf of Nucor at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, but if such definition is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iii)    any customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor about whom Executive had obtained Secret Information or Confidential Information by virtue of Executive’s employment with Nucor at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to the Date of Termination;

provided, however, that the term “Customer or Supplier” shall not include any business or entity that no longer does business with Nucor without any direct or indirect interference by Executive or violation of this Agreement by Executive, and that ceased doing business with Nucor prior to any direct or indirect communication or contact by Executive.

(l)    “Date of Termination” means the date of Executive’s separation from service with Nucor. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations.

(m)    “Equity Award Plan” means the Nucor Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and any successor plan and the award methodology adopted by the Committee and in effect thereunder from time to time.

(n)    “General Non-Compete Benefits” means the payments and benefits provided under Section 4.

(o)    “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i)    a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary;

(ii)    a material reduction in Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible from the Executive’s annual or long-term incentive compensation opportunity under the AIP, the LTIP or other annual or long-term incentive plan for which Executive is eligible immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(iii)    a material reduction in the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan from the value of Executive’s target equity incentive award under the Equity Award Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control;

 

4


(iv)    a material reduction in the aggregate level of employee benefits offered to Executive in comparison to the employee benefit programs and arrangements enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(v)    a change in Executive’s principal work location to a work location that is more than 50 miles from the location where Executive was based immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi)    the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the public announcement of the Change in Control (including offices, titles, reporting requirements and relationships and status) or any other action by Nucor Corporation which results in any diminution in Executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities.

Any good faith determination of Good Reason made by Executive shall be conclusive and binding on Nucor Corporation.

(p)    “LTIP” means the Nucor Corporation Senior Officers Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor plan.

(q)    “Month’s Base Pay” means Executive’s Base Salary divided by 12.

(r)    “Nucor” means Nucor Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in existence or planned during the course of Executive’s employment with Nucor.

(s)    “Prospective Customer or Supplier” means any person or entity who does not currently or has not yet purchased the products or services of Nucor or provided products or services to Nucor, but who, at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, has been targeted by Nucor as a potential user of the products or services of Nucor or supplier or vendor of products or services to Nucor, and whom Executive or Executive’s direct reports participated in the solicitation of on behalf of Nucor.

(t)    “Restrictive Period” means a period of time commencing upon the Date of Termination and expiring 24 months thereafter.

(u)    “Restricted Territory” means Executive’s geographic area of responsibility at Nucor which Executive acknowledges extends to the full scope of Nucor operations throughout the world. “Restricted Territory” therefore consists of the following alternatives reasonably necessary to protect Nucor’s legitimate business interests:

(i)    Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, Central America and North America, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(ii)    The United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

 

5


(iii)    The United States, Canada and Mexico, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business, but if such territory is deemed overbroad by a court of law, then;

(iv)    The contiguous United States, where Executive acknowledges Nucor engages in the Business.

(v)    “Secret Information” means Nucor’s proprietary and confidential information (i) that is not generally known in the Business, which would be difficult for others to acquire or duplicate without improper means, (ii) that Nucor strives to keep secret, and (iii) from which Nucor derives substantial commercial benefit because of the fact that it is not generally known. As used in this Agreement, Secret Information includes, without limitation: (w) Nucor’s process of developing and producing raw material, and designing and manufacturing steel and iron products; (x) Nucor’s process for treating, processing or fabricating steel and iron products; (y) Nucor’s customer, supplier and vendor lists, non-public financial data, strategic business plans, competitor analysis, sales and marketing data, and proprietary margin, pricing, and cost data; and (z) any other information or data which meets the definition of Trade Secrets.

(w)    “Solicit” means to initiate contact for the purpose of promoting, marketing, selling, brokering, procuring or obtaining products or services similar to those Nucor offered or required during the tenure of Executive’s employment with Nucor or to accept business from Customers or Suppliers or Prospective Customers or Suppliers.

(x)    “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than Nucor Corporation), limited liability company, or other business organization in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with Nucor Corporation in which each of such entities other than the last one in the unbroken chain owns stock, units, or other interests possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock, units, or other interests in one of the other entities in that chain.

(y)    “Trade Secrets” means any information or data meeting the definition for such term under either the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

(z)    “Year of Service” shall mean each continuous 12 month period of employment, including fractional portions thereof and periods of authorized vacation, authorized leave of absence and short-term disability leave, with Nucor Corporation and its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. Employment with an entity prior to the date it became a Subsidiary shall not be considered for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service unless the agreement pursuant to which the Subsidiary was acquired by Nucor Corporation provides otherwise or Nucor Corporation otherwise agrees in writing to consider such employment for purposes of determining Executive’s Years of Service.

2.    Employment. Nucor agrees to continue to employ Executive in the position of Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation, and Executive agrees to continued employment in this position, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which Executive acknowledges were discussed in detail prior to and made an express condition of Executive’s continued service as Executive Vice President of Nucor Corporation.

 

6


3.    Compensation and Benefits During Employment. Nucor will provide the following compensation and benefits to Executive:

(a)    Nucor will pay Executive a Base Salary of $550,000 per year, paid not less frequently than monthly in accordance with Nucor’s normal payroll practices, subject to withholding by Nucor and other deductions as required by law. Executive’s base salary is subject to adjustment up or down by the Board at its sole discretion and without notice to Executive.

(b)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be a participant in and eligible to receive awards of incentive and equity-based compensation under and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of the AIP, the LTIP, and the Equity Award Plan, each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

(c)    Provided Executive remains in the position of an executive officer of Nucor Corporation, Executive will be eligible for all other employee benefits that are generally made available by Nucor Corporation to its executive officers, including the Nucor Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers (the “Supplemental Retirement Plan”), each as modified from time to time by, and in the sole discretion of, the Committee or the Board.

4.    General Non-Compete Benefits Following Termination.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive General Non-Compete Benefits from Nucor Corporation as provided in Section 4(b) if (i) on the Date of Termination, Executive is an executive officer of Nucor Corporation (as determined in the Committee’s sole discretion), (ii) Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason (other than due to the Executive’s death), including due to the Executive’s disability, voluntary retirement, involuntary termination or resignation, and (iii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to General Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 4(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive General Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 6 Month’s Base Pay or (ii) the product of (A) one Month’s Base Pay and (B) the number of Executive’s Years of Service through the Date of Termination; provided that, if Executive is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall not be less than the sum of the value, as of the Date of Termination, of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the LTIP and Executive’s forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded under the LTIP. (For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum amount of General Non-Compete Benefits payable to Executive who is under age 55 as of the Date of Termination shall not include the value of Executive’s forfeitable deferred common stock units credited to Executive’s deferral account under the AIP or the value of any forfeitable restricted stock units or forfeitable shares of restricted stock awarded to Executive under the Equity Award Plan). Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under

 

7


applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law. Subject to the provisions of Section 26, General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid at the time and in the form described in Section 4(c).

(c)    Subject to the provisions of Section 26, if Executive’s employment with Nucor is terminated for any reason other than Executive’s death, Executive’s General Non-Compete Benefits shall be paid to Executive in 24 equal monthly installments, without interest or other increment thereon, commencing with the first month following the Date of Termination, provided, however, if Executive dies during the first 12 months following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor, then Nucor will pay Executive’s estate the monthly installments due pursuant to this Section 4(c) through the end of the 12th month following Executive’s termination from employment with Nucor. If Executive dies 12 or more months after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, then Nucor’s obligations to make any installment payments under this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate without the necessity of Nucor providing notice, written or otherwise. If Executive is employed by Nucor at the time of Executive’s death, Nucor’s obligations to make any payments of the monthly installments pursuant to this Section 4(c) will automatically terminate and Executive’s estate and executors will have no rights to any such payments.

5.    Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits.

(a)    Executive shall be entitled to receive Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits from the Company as provided in this Section 5, in lieu of General Non-Compete Benefits under Section 4, if (i) a Change in Control has occurred and Executive’s employment with the Nucor is involuntarily terminated by Nucor or is voluntarily terminated by Executive for Good Reason, provided that, (x) such termination occurs after such Change in Control and on or before the second anniversary thereof, or (y) the termination occurs before such Change in Control but Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination or the event or action causing Good Reason to occur, as applicable, occurred at the request of a third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, and (ii) on or before the Date of Termination, Executive executes a separation and release agreement in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Committee releasing any and all claims Executive has or may have against Nucor as of the Date of Termination. Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall not be payable if Executive terminates employment with the Company due to Executive’s death, disability, voluntary retirement or resignation without Good Reason, provided that Executive may be entitled to the General Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 4.

(b)    If Executive’s employment is terminated in circumstances entitling Executive to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits as provided in Section 5(a), Nucor Corporation shall pay Executive, in a single lump sum payment in cash, and subject to Section 26, within 10 days of the Date of Termination, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits in an amount equal to the sum of:

(i)    the product of (A) 2 multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary and (2) the greater of (x) 150% of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) the average performance award under the AIP (including any deferred portion thereof but excluding the related “Deferral Incentive” (as defined in the AIP)) for the 3 fiscal years prior to Executive’s Date of Termination, provided for purposes of calculating such average, the performance award under the AIP for any year in such 3 fiscal year period Executive did not hold Executive’s current position shall be equal to the performance award under the AIP for such year for Executive’s position as a percentage of base salary multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary; and

 

8


(ii)    if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs prior to the annual grant date under the Equity Award Plan (which date is currently June 1) for the year in which such Date of Termination occurs, an amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of the base equity award and the performance-based equity award Executive would have become entitled to receive under the Equity Award Plan for such year if Executive’s employment had continued to the annual grant date.

(c)    Executive’s Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits shall be reduced and offset, but not below zero, by any severance pay or pay in lieu of notice required to be paid to Executive under applicable law, including, without limitation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local law.

(d)    If Executive is entitled to Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits pursuant to Section 5(a), Executive shall continue to be provided with medical, dental, and prescription drug benefits comparable to the benefits provided to Executive immediately prior to the Date of Termination, or if more favorable to Executive, the Change in Control, for the duration of the Change in Control Period with the same contribution rate for which Executive would have been responsible if Executive had remained employed through the Change in Control Period. Any benefits so provided shall not be considered a continuation of coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; provided that, if Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical, dental or prescription drug insurance coverage under another employer-provided plan (regardless of whether Executive actually enrolls under such coverage), then the medical, dental or prescription drug insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.

(e)    Upon a Change in Control, the obligations of Nucor Corporation to pay and provide the Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits described in this Section 5 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which Nucor may have against Executive. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another employer, except with respect to the continued welfare benefits provided under Section 5(d).

(f)    In exchange for Nucor Corporation’s agreement to make Executive eligible for the compensation, payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

6.    Duties and Responsibilities; Best Efforts. While employed by Nucor, Executive shall perform such duties for and on behalf of Nucor as may be determined and assigned to Executive from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation or the Board. Executive shall devote Executive’s full time and best efforts to the business and affairs of Nucor. During the term of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive will not undertake other paid employment or engage in any other business activity without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

9


7.    Employment at Will. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not create employment for a definite term and that Executive’s employment with Nucor is at will and terminable by Nucor or Executive at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, unless otherwise expressly set forth in a separate written agreement executed by Executive and Nucor after the Effective Date.

8.    Change in Executive’s Position. In the event that Nucor transfers, demotes, promotes, or otherwise changes Executive’s compensation or position with Nucor, the restrictions and post-termination obligations set forth in Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits and opportunities being provided to Executive under this Agreement are sufficient consideration for Executive’s compliance with these obligations.

9.    Recognition of Nucor’s Legitimate Interests. Executive understands and acknowledges that Nucor competes in North America and throughout the world in Business. As part of Executive’s employment with Nucor, Executive acknowledges Executive will continue to have access to and gain knowledge of significant secret, confidential and proprietary information of the full range of operations of Nucor. In addition, Executive will continue to have access to and contact with vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers of Nucor, in which capacity Executive is expected to develop good relationships with such vendors, suppliers, customers and prospective vendors, suppliers and customers, and will gain intimate knowledge regarding the products and services of Nucor. Executive recognizes and agrees that Nucor has spent and will continue to spend substantial effort, time and money in developing relationships with its customers, suppliers and vendors, that many customers, suppliers and vendors are long term customers, suppliers and vendors of Nucor, and that all customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts that Executive may deal with during Executive’s employment with Nucor, including any customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts acquired for Nucor by Executive, are the customers, suppliers, vendors and accounts of Nucor. Executive acknowledges that Nucor’s competitors, customers, suppliers and vendors would obtain an unfair advantage if Executive disclosed Secret Information or Confidential Information to a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor, used it on a competitor’s, customer’s, supplier’s or vendor’s behalf (except for the benefit of Nucor), or if Executive were able to exploit the relationships Executive develops as an employee of Nucor to Solicit or direct business on behalf of a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor.

10.    Covenant Regarding Nucor’s Secret Information.

(a)    Executive recognizes and agrees that Executive will have continued access to Secret Information. Executive agrees that unless Executive is expressly authorized by Nucor in writing, Executive will not use or disclose or allow to be used or disclosed Secret Information. This covenant shall survive until the Secret Information is generally known in the industry through no act or omission of the Executive or until Nucor knowingly authorizes the disclosure of or discloses the Secret Information, without any limitations on use or confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that Executive did not have knowledge of Secret Information prior to Executive’s employment with Nucor and that the Secret Information does not include Executive’s general skills and know-how.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual will be immune from criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for (i) the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a

 

10


suspected violation of law; or (ii) a disclosure that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the Trade Secret to the attorney of the individual and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.

11.    Agreement to Maintain Confidentiality; Non-Disparagement.

(a)    During Executive’s employment with Nucor and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor, (i) Executive covenants and agrees to treat as confidential all Confidential Information submitted to Executive or received, compiled, developed, designed, produced, accessed, or otherwise discovered by the Executive from time to time while employed by Nucor, and (ii) Executive will not disclose or divulge the Confidential Information to any person, entity, firm or company whatsoever or use the Confidential Information for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of any person, entity, firm or company other than Nucor. This restriction will apply throughout the world; provided, however, that if the restrictions of this Section 11(a) when applied to any specific piece of Confidential Information would prevent Executive from using Executive’s general knowledge or skills in competition with Nucor or would otherwise substantially restrict the Executive’s ability to fairly compete with Nucor, then as to that piece of Confidential Information only, the scope of this restriction will apply only for the Restrictive Period (as defined below).

(b)    Executive specifically acknowledges that the Confidential Information, whether reduced to writing or maintained in the mind or memory of Executive, and whether compiled or created by Executive, Nucor, or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or ascertainable by proper means by others who could obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of the Confidential Information. Executive also acknowledges that reasonable efforts have been put forth by Nucor to maintain the secrecy of the Confidential Information, that the Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of Nucor or any of its customers, suppliers or vendors or prospective customers, suppliers or vendors, as the case may be, and that any retention and/or use of Confidential Information during or after the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor (except in the regular course of performing Executive’s duties hereunder) will constitute a misappropriation of the Confidential Information belonging to Nucor. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if Executive (i) accesses Confidential Information on any Nucor computer system within 30 days prior to the effective date of Executive’s voluntary resignation of employment with Nucor and (ii) transmits, copies or reproduces in any manner such Confidential Information to or for herself or any person or entity not authorized by Nucor to receive such Confidential Information, or deletes any such Confidential Information, Executive is exceeding Executive’s authorized access to such computer system. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, this Agreement shall not be construed to restrict Executive from communications or disclosures that are protected under federal law or regulation.

(c)    Executive agrees not to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, or cause or encourage others to make any statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal or business reputation, practices, or conduct of Nucor, or any of Nucor’s directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or representatives. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this prohibition extends to

 

11


statements, written (including electronically) or verbal, made to anyone, including but not limited to the general public, the news media, investors, potential investors, any board of directors, industry analysts, competitors, strategic partners, vendors, customers or Nucor employees, agents or representatives (past and present), however, nothing set forth in this Section 11(c) prohibits Executive from communicating, without notice to or approval by Nucor Corporation, with any United States Federal Government agency about a potential violation of a United States Federal law or regulation.

12.    Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, within the Restricted Territory:

(a)    engage in any Competing Business Activity, whether as an owner, partner, shareholder, member, lender, employee, consultant, agent, co-venturer or in any other capacity;

(b)    commence, establish, own (in whole or in part) or provide financing for any business that engages in any Competing Business Activity, whether (i) by establishing a sole proprietorship, (ii) as a partner of a partnership, (iii) as a member of a limited liability company, (iv) as a shareholder of a corporation (except to the extent Executive is the holder of not more than 2% of any class of the outstanding stock of any company listed on a national securities exchange so long as Executive does not actively participate in the management or business of any such entity) or (v) as the owner of any equity interest in any such entity;

(c)    provide any public endorsement of, or otherwise lend Executive’s name for use by, any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business Activity; or

(d)    engage in work, whether for a competitor, customer, vendor or supplier of Nucor or otherwise, that could reasonably be expected to call on Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to reveal, rely upon, or otherwise use Confidential Information or Secret Information.

13.    Nonsolicitation. Executive hereby agrees for the duration of Executive’s employment with Nucor and for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, either individually or by or through any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise:

(a)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to limit, curtail, cancel, or terminate any business it transacts with, or products or services it receives from or provides to Nucor;

(b)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to terminate any business negotiations it is having with Nucor, or to otherwise not do business with Nucor;

(c)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Customer or Supplier; or

 

12


(d)    Solicit or attempt to influence any Prospective Customer or Supplier to purchase products or services from an entity other than Nucor or to provide products or services to an entity other than Nucor, which are the same or substantially similar to, or otherwise in competition with, those offered to the Prospective Customer or Supplier by Nucor or those offered to Nucor by the Prospective Customer or Supplier.

14.    Antipiracy.

(a)    Executive agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period, Executive will not, either individually or through or by any agent, representative, entity, employee or otherwise, solicit, encourage, contact, or attempt to induce any employees of Nucor (i) with whom Executive had regular contact with at the time of, or at any time during the 12 month period immediately prior to, the Date of Termination, and (ii) who are employed by Nucor at the time of the encouragement, contact or attempted inducement, to end their employment relationship with Nucor.

(b)    Executive further agrees for the duration of the Restrictive Period not to hire, or to assist any other person or entity to hire, any employees described in Section 14(a) of this Agreement.

15.    Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.

(a)    Executive hereby assigns to Nucor Corporation Executive’s entire right, title and interest, including copyrights and patents, in any idea, invention, design of a useful article (whether the design is ornamental or otherwise), work product and any other work of authorship (collectively the “Developments”), made or conceived solely or jointly by Executive at any time during Executive’s employment by Nucor (whether prior or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement), or created wholly or in part by Executive, whether or not such Developments are patentable, copyrightable or susceptible to other forms of protection, where the Developments: (i) were developed, invented, or conceived within the scope of Executive’s employment with Nucor; (ii) relate to Nucor’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive on Nucor’s behalf. Executive shall disclose any Developments to Nucor’s management within 30 days following Executive’s development, making or conception thereof.

(b)    The assignment requirement in Section 15(a) shall not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using Nucor’s equipment, supplies, facilities or Secret Information or Confidential Information except for those inventions that (i) relate to Nucor’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) result from any work performed by Executive for Nucor.

(c)    Executive will, within 3 business days following Nucor’s request, execute a specific assignment of title to any Developments to Nucor Corporation or its designee, and do anything else reasonably necessary to enable Nucor Corporation or its designee to secure a patent, copyright, or other form of protection for any Developments in the United States and in any other applicable country.

(d)    Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to waive, or shall be construed as waiving, any assignment of any Developments to Nucor implied by law.

 

13


16.    Severability. It is the intention of the parties to restrict the activities of Executive only to the extent reasonably necessary for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests. The parties specifically covenant and agree that should any of the provisions in this Agreement be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction too broad for the protection of Nucor’s legitimate interests, the parties authorize the court to narrow, limit or modify the restrictions herein to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish such purpose. In the event such limiting construction is impossible, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and every other provision of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

17.    Enforcement. Executive understands and agrees that any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement, and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nucor shall be entitled to pursue any and all of its remedies under law or in equity arising out of such breach. If Nucor pursues either a temporary restraining order or temporary injunctive relief, then Executive agrees to expedited discovery with respect thereto and waives any requirement that Nucor post a bond. Executive further agrees that in the event of Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement, unless otherwise prohibited by law:

(a)    Nucor shall be entitled to (i) cancel any unexercised stock options granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan from and after the Effective Date (the “Post-Agreement Date Option Grants”), (ii) cease payment of any General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan) otherwise due hereunder, (iii) seek other appropriate relief, including, without limitation, repayment by Executive of General Non-Compete Benefits, Change in Control Non-Compete Benefits and/or other similar payments (including those under the Supplemental Retirement Plan); and

(b)    Executive shall (i) forfeit any (A) unexercised Post-Agreement Date Option Grants and (B) any shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under any senior officer equity incentive compensation plan that vested during the 6 month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment (the “Vested Stock”) and (ii) forfeit and immediately return upon demand by Nucor any profit realized by Executive from the exercise of any Post-Agreement Date Option Grants or sale or exchange of any Vested Stock during the 6 month period preceding Executive’s breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 of this Agreement.

Executive agrees that any breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 10 through 15 will cause Nucor irreparable harm which cannot be remedied through monetary damages and the alternative relief set forth in Sections 17(a) and (b) shall not be considered an adequate remedy for the harm Nucor would incur. Executive further agrees that such remedies in Sections 17(a) and (b) will not preclude injunctive relief.

If Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of Sections 12, 13 or 14 of this Agreement and Nucor obtains an injunction, preliminary or otherwise, ordering Executive to adhere to the Restrictive Period required by the applicable Section, then the applicable Restrictive Period will be extended by the number of days that Nucor has alleged that Executive has been in breach of any of these provisions.

Executive further agrees, unless otherwise prohibited by law, to pay Nucor’s attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing its rights pursuant to this Section 17, or in defending against any action

 

14


brought by Executive or on Executive’s behalf in violation of or under this Section 17 in which Nucor prevails. Executive agrees that Nucor’s actions pursuant to this Section 17, including, without limitation, filing a legal action, are permissible and are not and will not be considered by Executive to be retaliatory. Executive further represents and acknowledges that in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment and that enforcement of this Agreement by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood.

18.    Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon Nucor under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable in time and territory, are designed to eliminate competition which would otherwise be unfair to Nucor, do not interfere with Executive’s exercise of Executive’s inherent skill and experience, are reasonably required to protect the legitimate interests of Nucor, and do not confer a benefit upon Nucor disproportionate to the detriment to Executive. Executive certifies that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with such legal advisors as Executive chooses and that Executive understands its provisions and has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

19.    Applicable Law. Executive’s primary place of employment is Nucor’s corporate headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Accordingly, this Agreement is made in, and shall be interpreted, construed and governed according to the laws of, the State of North Carolina, regardless of choice of law principles of any jurisdiction to the contrary. Each party, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the North Carolina state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and (b) waives any objection to any such action based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, Executive hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court or similar body within the Restricted Territory for enforcement of any judgment entered in a court or similar body pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement is intended, among other things, to supplement the provisions of the North Carolina Trade Secrets Protection Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, each as amended from time to time, and the duties Executive owes to Nucor under North Carolina common law, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties owed by Executive to Nucor.

20.    Executive to Return Property. Executive agrees that upon (a) the termination of Executive’s employment with Nucor and within 3 business days thereof, whether by Executive or Nucor for any reason (with or without cause), or (b) the written request of Nucor, Executive (or in the event of the death or disability of Executive, Executive’s heirs, successors, assigns and legal representatives) shall return to Nucor any and all property of Nucor regardless of the medium in which such property is stored or kept, including but not limited to all Secret Information, Confidential Information, notes, data, tapes, computers, lists, customer lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, names of customers, suppliers or vendors, reference items, phones, documents, sketches, drawings, software, product samples, rolodex cards, forms, manuals, keys, pass or access cards and equipment, without retaining any copies or summaries of such property. Executive further agrees that to the extent Secret Information or Confidential Information are in electronic format and in Executive’s possession, custody or control, Executive will provide all such copies to Nucor and will not keep copies in such format but, upon Nucor’s request, will confirm the permanent deletion or other destruction thereof.

21.    Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes, discharges and cancels all previous agreements regarding Executive’s employment with Nucor, including without limitation that certain Executive Employment Agreement by and between Nucor Corporation and Executive effective as of May 11, 2014, and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject

 

15


matter hereof. No agreements, representations, or statements of any party not contained herein shall be binding on either party. Further, no amendment or variation of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

22.    Assignability. This Agreement and the rights and duties created hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Nucor may, at its option and without consent of Executive, assign or delegate its rights and duties hereunder, in whole or in part, to any successor entity or transferee of Nucor Corporation’s assets.

23.    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Nucor and Executive and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

24.    No Waiver. No failure or delay by any party to this Agreement to enforce any right specified in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, nor will any single or partial exercise of a right preclude any further or later enforcement of the right within the period of the applicable statute of limitations. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless such waiver is set forth in a written instrument executed by the party waiving compliance.

25.    Cooperation. Executive agrees that both during and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, at Nucor’s request, render all assistance and perform all lawful acts that Nucor considers necessary or advisable in connection with any litigation involving Nucor or any of its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents, representatives, consultants, clients, customers, suppliers or vendors. Executive understands and agrees that Nucor will reimburse Executive for any reasonable documented expense Executive incurs related to this cooperation and assistance, but will not be obligated to pay Executive any additional amounts.

26.    Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) Executive is a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of Code as of the Date of Termination and (b) any amount or benefit that Nucor determines would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, then to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination, and (ii) if the payment, distribution or benefit is payable or provided over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation or benefit that would otherwise be payable or provided during the 6 month period immediately following the Date of Termination will be accumulated, and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount or benefit will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the 7th month following the Date of Termination and paid or provided on the earlier of such dates, without interest, and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments, distributions or benefits will commence.

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “separation from service” shall be defined as provided in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations, and Executive shall be a “specified employee” during the 12 month period beginning April 1 each year if Executive met the requirements of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) at any time during the 12 month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the Date of Termination.

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Nucor Corporation have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/ D. Chad Utermark

D. Chad Utermark

NUCOR CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Leon J. Topalian

Its:  

President and Chief Executive Officer