UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section
14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
☑ | Filed by the Registrant | ☐ | Filed by a Party other than the Registrant |
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX: | ||
☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
☐ | Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |
☑ | Definitive Proxy Statement | |
☐ | Definitive Additional Materials | |
☐ | Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12 |
Campbell Soup Company
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its
Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy
Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
PAYMENT OF FILING FEE (CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX): | |||
☑ | No fee required. | ||
☐ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | ||
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: | |||
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: | |||
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☐ | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. | ||
1) Amount previously paid: | |||
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: | |||
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4) Date Filed: |
NOTICE OF 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
WHEN
November 29, 2018
8:00 a.m. Eastern Time
WHERE
Aloft Hotel Mount Laurel
558 Fellowship Road
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
1. |
Elect the 12 director nominees recommended by the Board for a one-year term. |
2. |
Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2019. |
3. |
Vote on an advisory resolution to approve the fiscal 2018 compensation of our named executive officers, commonly referred to as a “Say on Pay” vote. |
4. |
Transact any other business properly brought before the meeting. |
RECORD DATE
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 9, 2018 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
PROXY VOTING
Your vote is extremely important. Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting in person, we request that you vote your shares by signing and dating the enclosed GOLD proxy card and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope or by voting via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions provided on the enclosed GOLD proxy card.
Using the Internet and voting at the website listed on the GOLD proxy card or GOLD voting instruction form; | |
| |
Using the toll-free phone number listed on the GOLD proxy card or GOLD voting instruction form; or | |
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Signing, dating and mailing the enclosed GOLD proxy card or GOLD voting instruction form in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. |
THE BOARD DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY OF THIRD POINTS DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE DIRECTORS NOMINATED BY THE BOARD. THE BOARD STRONGLY URGES YOU NOT TO SIGN OR RETURN ANY PROXY CARD SENT TO YOU BY THIRD POINT. IF YOU PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED A PROXY CARD SENT TO YOU BY THIRD POINT, YOU CAN REVOKE IT AND VOTE FOR THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD BY USING THE ENCLOSED GOLD PROXY CARD. ONLY THE LATEST VALIDLY EXECUTED PROXY THAT YOU SUBMIT WILL BE COUNTED AND ANY PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE AT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING. |
Your vote is extremely important. Whether or not you plan to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting, we urge you to sign, date and return the enclosed GOLD proxy card promptly in the postage-paid return envelope that is provided or call the toll free number provided on the enclosed GOLD proxy card or vote on the Internet.
If you have any questions, please contact Innisfree M&A Incorporated, our proxy solicitor assisting us in connection with the 2018 Annual Meeting. Shareholders may call toll free at (877) 687-1866. Banks and brokers may call collect at (212) 750-5833.
Thank you for your continued support, interest and investment in Campbell Soup Company.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Charles A. Brawley, III
Vice President, Corporate Secretary and
Associate General Counsel
October 5, 2018
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 01
WHERE TO OBTAIN FURTHER
INFORMATION
Shareholders may receive a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended July 29, 2018 (2018 Form 10-K), and copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance
Standards, and the charters of the four standing committees of the Board of Directors, without charge, by:
(1) | writing to Investor Relations, Campbell Soup Company, 1 Campbell Place, Camden, NJ 08103; | |
(2) | calling 1-800-840-2865; or | |
(3) | e-mailing the Company’s Investor Relations Department at investorrelations@campbellsoup.com. |
These documents are or will be available on our corporate website at www.campbellsoupcompany.com.
Shareholders may elect to receive future distributions of annual reports and proxy statements by electronic delivery and vote Campbell shares online. To take advantage of this service you will need an e-mail account and access to an Internet browser. To enroll, go to the Investor Center on www.campbellsoupcompany.com and click on “E-Delivery of Materials.”
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 03
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Campbell Soup Company (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “Campbell”) is furnishing this proxy statement and soliciting proxies in connection with the proposals to be voted on at the Campbell Soup Company 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2018 Annual Meeting”) and any postponements or adjournments thereof. This summary highlights certain information contained in this proxy statement, but does not contain all of the information you should consider when voting your shares. Please read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting.
2018 Annual Meeting Information |
Meeting agenda | |||
Date | November 29, 2018 |
Proposals | ||
Time | 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time |
●Election of 12 Board-recommended director nominees to the Board of Directors for a one-year term
●Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2019
●“Say on Pay” advisory vote on fiscal 2018 executive compensation
●Transact other business that may properly come before the meeting | ||
Location | Aloft Mount Laurel 558 Fellowship Road Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 |
|||
Record Date | October 9, 2018 | |||
Admission | To attend the 2018 Annual Meeting in person, you will need proof of ownership and government-issued photographic identification. | |||
Stock Symbol | CPB | |||
Stock | New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) | |||
Exchange | ||||
Corporate | www.campbellsoupcompany.com | |||
Website |
VOTING MATTERS AND VOTE RECOMMENDATIONS
Item | Board Recommendation |
Vote Standard | Reasons for Recommendation |
More Information | |||||
1. | Election of 12 Board-recommended director nominees to the Board of Directors for a one-year term | FOR EACH NOMINEE RECOMMENDED BY YOUR BOARD |
Plurality - 12 nominees who receive the greatest number of votes cast | The Board and the Governance Committee believe the individuals recommended by the Board possess the skills, experience and qualifications to effectively monitor performance, provide oversight and support management’s execution of Campbell’s long-term strategy. | Page 13 | ||||
2. | Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2019 | FOR | Majority of the votes cast | The Audit Committee believes that the re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is in the best interests of Campbell and our shareholders. | Page 33 | ||||
3. | “Say on Pay” advisory vote on fiscal 2018 executive compensation | FOR | Majority of the votes cast | The Board and the Compensation and Organization Committee believe our executive compensation program incorporates a number of compensation governance best practices and aligns to performance. | Page 36 |
04 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
Vote in Advance of the Meeting | Vote in Person | |||||
Internet | Telephone | |||||
Using the Internet and voting at the website listed on the GOLD proxy card. |
Using the toll-free phone number listed on the GOLD proxy card/voting instruction form. |
Signing, dating and mailing the GOLD proxy card in the enclosed postage paid envelope. |
See page 12 for details on how to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting. |
YOUR VOTE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
Whether or not you plan to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting, we urge you to sign, date and return the enclosed GOLD proxy card promptly in the postage-paid return envelope that is provided or call the toll free number provided on the enclosed GOLD proxy card or vote on the Internet. If you have already voted using a white proxy card sent to you by Third Point, you can revoke it by using the enclosed GOLD proxy card. Only the latest validly executed proxy that you submit will be counted and any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the 2018 Annual Meeting. If you attend the meeting and desire to vote in person, your proxy will not be used.
OUR STRATEGY
During fiscal 2018, we engaged in a Board-led strategy and portfolio review. On August 30, 2018, we announced the significant actions we are taking as a part of this review to improve performance and drive shareholder value. The actions include:
1. | Focusing on two distinct businesses, Campbell Snacks and Campbell Meals and Beverages, in our core North American market; |
2. | Pursuing the divestitures of non-core businesses to focus and improve our portfolio, with proceeds being used to significantly reduce debt; and |
3. | Increasing our cost savings target to $945 million by fiscal 2022, which includes the expected Snyder’s-Lance savings. |
Guided by our purpose – Real food that matters for life’s moments - our vision is to be a leading snacks and simple meals company, with a portfolio of best-in-class products and brands in our core North American market that we believe will generate sustainable value for our shareholders, customers and consumers.
FISCAL 2018 PERFORMANCE
In fiscal 2018, Campbell delivered the following results:
Financial Results | Total Returned to Shareholders | |
■ | We encourage you to review our Annual Report to Shareholders that will accompany this proxy statement for more complete financial information. |
* | Please see Appendix B for a reconciliation of the measures not shown in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), to their most comparable GAAP measures. |
In fiscal 2018, we returned approximately $426 million to shareholders through the payment of dividends. Since fiscal 2016, we have returned over $1.2 billion to our shareholders through the payment of dividends.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 05
ITEM 1 |
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
Your Board recommends a vote FOR all of the nominees listed below:
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You are being asked to vote on the election of the 12 director nominees listed below. Additional information about each nominee’s background and experience can be found beginning on page 18.
Your vote is extremely important. Your Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of the 12 nominees listed below. The Board does not endorse any of the Third Point nominees and urges you NOT to sign or return the white proxy card sent to you by Third Point.
Board Committee Composition | |||||||
Name | Director Since |
Independent | Primary Position | Audit | Comp. & Org. |
Finance & Corp. Dev. |
Governance |
Fabiola R. Arredondo | 2017 | ✓ | Managing Partner | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Siempre Holdings | |||||||
Howard M. Averill | 2017 | ✓ | Former Chief Financial | ✓ | ✓ | ||
(Audit Committee | Officer, Time Warner Inc. | ||||||
Financial Expert) | |||||||
Bennett Dorrance | 1989 | ✓ | Managing Director, DMB | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Associates | |||||||
Maria Teresa Hilado (Audit Committee Financial Expert) |
2018 | ✓ | Former Chief Financial Officer, Allergan plc |
✓ | ✓ | ||
Randall W. Larrimore | 2002 | ✓ | Former President/CEO, | ✓ | ✓ (C) | ||
United Stationers Inc. | |||||||
Marc B. Lautenbach | 2014 | ✓ | CEO, Pitney Bowes Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Mary Alice D. Malone | 1990 | ✓ | President, Iron Spring | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Farm, Inc. | |||||||
Sara Mathew | 2005 | ✓ | Former CEO/Chairman, | ✓ (C) | ✓ | ||
(Audit Committee | The Dun & Bradstreet | ||||||
Financial Expert) | Corporation | ||||||
Keith R. McLoughlin | 2016 | Interim President/CEO, Campbell Soup Company |
|||||
Nick Shreiber | 2009 | ✓ | Former President/CEO, | ✓ (C) | ✓ | ||
Tetra Pak Group | |||||||
Archbold D. van Beuren | 2009 | ✓ | Former Senior Vice | ✓ | ✓ (C) | ||
President, Campbell Soup | |||||||
Company | |||||||
Les C. Vinney | 2003 | ✓ | Former President/CEO, | ||||
Chairman of the Board | STERIS Corporation |
Committee composition is as of the date of this proxy statement. Current committee assignments are indicated by a (✓), and committee chairs are indicated by (C).
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 07
COMPOSITION OF THE CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY BOARD
Gender Diversity | Independence | Tenure of Director Nominees | Age of Directors | |||
We have a diverse, independent Board. 4 of our 12 Director nominees are women, and 11 of our 12 Director nominees are independent, including our Chairman. All members of the Audit, Compensation and Organization, Finance and Corporate Development and Governance Committees are independent.
The Board is composed of Directors who bring a mix of fresh perspectives and deeper experience, and includes three long-term, significant shareholders who are descendants of our founder. The average tenure of our director nominees is approximately 10.7 years. All Directors are committed to the Company’s long-term success and creating value for all shareholders.
Skills and Experience
As a group, our Directors possess a broad range of experience and skills including:
See Director biographies beginning on page 18 for further detail. |
08 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
Corporate Governance Highlights | ||
Director and Committee Independence |
■11 of 12 director nominees are independent
■4 fully independent Board committees: Audit, Compensation and Organization, Finance and Corporate Development and Governance | |
Board Accountability |
■Annual election of directors
■Simple majority voting standard in uncontested elections
■Shareholder ability to act by written consent and call special meeting | |
Board Leadership |
■Independent Board Chairman | |
Board Evaluation and Effectiveness |
■Annual Board and Committee self-assessments
■Annual director evaluations
■Annual independent director evaluation of the Chairman of the Board and the CEO | |
Board Refreshment and Diversity |
■Balance of new and experienced directors, with tenure of current directors averaging 10.7 years
■Added 4 new directors since 2016
■4 of 12 directors are women
■Average age of directors is 62.6 years | |
Director Engagement |
■Directors attended at least 87% of Board and Committee meetings in fiscal 2018
■Corporate Governance Standards limit director membership on other public company boards
■Shareholder ability to contact directors (as described on page 28) | |
Director Access |
■Significant interaction with senior business leaders through regular business reviews and board presentations
■Directors have access to senior management and other employees
■Directors have the ability to hire outside experts and consultants as they deem necessary | |
Clawback and Anti- Hedging Policies |
■Clawback policy permits the Company to recoup incentive compensation upon a material financial restatement resulting from fraud or intentional misconduct
■Insider Trading Policy prohibits directors and executive officers from engaging in any short sales or hedging investments involving Campbell stock | |
Share Ownership |
■Robust stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers | |
○CEO required to hold shares equivalent to 6x salary
○Other named executive officers are required to hold shares equivalent to 3.5x salary
○Directors required to hold shares equivalent to 5x the cash portion of their annual retainer within five years of first joining the Board |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 09
ITEM 2 |
RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS |
Based on the Audit Committee’s assessment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s performance, qualifications and independence, it believes their re-appointment for fiscal 2019 is in the best interests of Campbell and our shareholders. Shareholder ratification of the appointment is not required under the laws of the State of New Jersey or our Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, but as a matter of good corporate governance, the Board is submitting this proposal to shareholders. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may select a different audit firm at any time during the year if it determines that this would be in the best interests of Campbell and our shareholders. |
ITEM 3 |
ADVISORY VOTE ON FISCAL 2018 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
We offer a total compensation package that is designed to attract, motivate and retain talent of the caliber needed to deliver successful business performance in absolute terms and relative to competition. Our compensation program is designed to link pay to Company, division and individual performance. The objectives of our executive compensation program are to: |
Align the financial interests of our named executive officers (“NEOs”) with those of our shareholders, in both the short and long term | Provide incentives for achieving and exceeding our short- and long-term goals | ||||
Attract, motivate and retain key executives by providing total compensation that is competitive with compensation paid at other companies in the food, beverage and consumer products industries | Differentiate the level of compensation based on individual and business unit performance, leadership potential and level of responsibility within the organization | ||||
Our executive compensation program reflects the following best practices:
WE DO | WE DO NOT | |
✓Maintain a strong alignment between corporate performance and compensation |
✗Have an employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer | |
✓Annually review the risk profile of our compensation programs and maintain risk mitigators |
✗Pay dividends or dividend equivalents to NEOs on unearned equity awards | |
✓Use an independent compensation consultant retained directly by the Compensation and Organization Committee |
✗Reprice stock options without the approval of Campbell shareholders | |
✓Use “double-trigger” change in control provisions in all change in control agreements |
✗Provide tax-gross ups in any change in control agreement entered into after January 1, 2011 | |
✓Have a policy that allows for the clawback of incentive compensation upon a material financial restatement resulting from fraud or intentional misconduct |
✗Allow executive officers to hedge or pledge Campbell common stock | |
✓Maintain robust stock ownership guidelines for all executive officers |
||
Our compensation program is designed to link pay to Company, division and individual performance. In fiscal 2018, the Company’s performance fell well short of expectations. As a result, we did not make any cash awards under our Annual Incentive Plan for fiscal 2018 performance, and the TSR performance-restricted share units with a performance period that ended in fiscal 2018 did not vest. | ||
Please see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, beginning on page 37, for a more detailed discussion of our executive compensation program. | ||
10 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
2018 ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION
2018 Proxy Materials |
Why am I receiving these proxy materials?
You received printed versions of these materials because you owned shares of Campbell common stock on October 9, 2018, the record date, and that entitles you to notice of, and to vote at, the 2018 Annual Meeting. This proxy statement describes the matters to be voted on at the meeting and provides information on those matters. The proxy materials (which include our annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2018) provide certain information about the Company that we must disclose to you when the Board of Directors solicits your proxy.
What should I do if I receive a proxy card from Third Point?
The Board strongly urges you NOT to sign or return any proxy card sent to you by Third Point. If you previously submitted a proxy card sent to you by Third Point, you can revoke it and vote “FOR” the director nominees recommended by the Board by using the enclosed GOLD proxy card. Only the latest validly executed proxy that you submit will be counted and any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the 2018 Annual Meeting. If you attend the meeting and desire to vote in person, your proxy will not be used.
Voting Procedures |
Who may vote at the 2018 Annual Meeting?
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on October 9, 2018, the record date for the meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2018 Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
We are commencing our solicitation of proxies on or about October 5, 2018, which is before the record date. We will continue to solicit proxies until the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting. Each shareholder of record on October 9, 2018 who has not yet received a proxy statement prior to that date will receive a proxy statement and have the opportunity to vote on the matters described in the proxy statement. Proxies delivered prior to the record date will be valid and effective so long as the shareholder providing the proxy is a shareholder on the record date. If you are not a holder of record on the record date, any proxy you deliver will not be counted. If you deliver a proxy prior to the record date and remain a holder on the record date, you do not need to deliver another proxy after the record date. If you deliver a proxy prior to the record date and do not revoke that proxy, your proxy will be deemed to cover the number of shares you own on the record date even if that number is different from the number of shares you owned when you executed and delivered your proxy.
How do I vote?
Whether you are a shareholder of record or a beneficial owner whose shares are held in street name, you can vote any one of four ways:
● | Via the Internet. You may vote by visiting the website and entering the control number found in the Notice, GOLD proxy card or voting instruction form. |
● | By Telephone. You may vote by calling the toll-free number found in the Notice, GOLD proxy card or voting instruction form. |
● | By Mail. You may vote by mail by filling out the enclosed GOLD proxy card (if you are a shareholder of record) or GOLD voting instruction form (if you are a beneficial owner) and sending it back in the postage-paid envelope provided. |
● | In Person. If you are a shareholder of record and you plan to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting, you are encouraged to vote beforehand by Internet, telephone or mail. You also may vote in person at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Bring your printed GOLD proxy card if you received one by mail. Otherwise, the Company will give shareholders of record a ballot at the 2018 Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner, you must obtain a legal proxy from the organization that holds your shares if you wish to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting and vote in person. |
What constitutes a quorum at the 2018 Annual Meeting?
A majority of all outstanding shares entitled to vote at the 2018 Annual Meeting will constitute a quorum, which is the minimum number of shares that must be present or represented by proxy at the meeting to transact business. Votes “for” and “against” and “abstentions” will all be counted as present to determine whether a quorum has been established.
Given that we anticipate this will be a contested election, the rules of the NYSE governing brokers’ discretionary authority - which apply to brokers’ authority with respect to companies listed on the NYSE such as the Company - do not permit brokers licensed by the NYSE to exercise discretionary authority regarding any proposals to be voted on at the 2018 Annual Meeting, whether “routine” or not. As a result, we do not expect there to be any broker non-votes at the 2018 Annual Meeting, and thus broker non-votes will not be used to establish the presence of a quorum.
Once a share is counted as present at the meeting, it will be deemed present for quorum purposes for the entire meeting and for any adjournments of the meeting unless a new record date is set.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 11
What is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?
Plurality voting will apply to Item 1, because Third Point plans to nominate alternative directors for election to the Board, and there will be more nominees than available positions. The 12 nominees who receive the most votes of all votes cast for directors will be elected.
Assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast is required to approve Item 2 and Item 3.
Can I revoke my proxy or change my vote after I vote by proxy?
Yes, you may revoke your proxy or change your vote at any time prior to the 2018 Annual Meeting by:
● | voting again via the Internet or by telephone, |
● | completing, signing, dating and returning a new proxy card or voting instruction card with a later date, or |
● | notifying the Office of the Corporate Secretary in writing that you are revoking your vote and attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. |
You have the power to revoke a previously submitted proxy at any time before the polls close, even if you already submitted the white proxy card sent to you by Third Point, by submitting our GOLD proxy card. Thus, the Board urges you to submit the enclosed GOLD proxy card and vote “FOR” the Board’s director nominees.
How do abstentions, unmarked proxy cards and broker non-votes affect the voting results?
Abstentions: Abstentions will not count as votes cast “for” or “against” a matter, and therefore will not affect the voting results.
Unmarked proxy cards: If you sign and return a proxy card or voting instruction card but do not mark how your shares are to be voted, the individuals named as proxies will vote your shares, if permitted, in accordance with the Board’s recommendations.
Broker Non-Votes: If you are the beneficial owner of shares held for you by a broker, your broker must vote those shares in accordance with your instructions. If you do not provide your broker with instructions as to how to vote such shares, your broker will only be able to vote your shares at its discretion on certain “routine” matters as permitted by NYSE rules. As explained under “What constitutes a quorum at the 2018 Annual Meeting” on page 11, we do not expect there to be any broker non-votes at the 2018 Annual Meeting given the contested nature of the election.
Please instruct your bank, broker or other holder of record how to vote your shares using the voting instruction form provided by your bank, broker or other holder of record by returning the completed GOLD proxy card or voting instruction form to your bank, broker or other holder of record or following the instructions provided by your bank, broker or other holder of record for voting your shares over the Internet or telephonically.
How do I vote my 401(k) Plan shares?
To vote your Campbell Soup Company 401(k) Retirement Plan shares, you must sign and return the proxy card or vote via the Internet or telephone as instructed in the proxy materials. If you do not provide voting instructions by November 26, 2018, the trustee will vote your shares in the same proportion as the shares of other participants for which the trustee has received proper voting instructions.
Where can I find the voting results of the 2018 Annual Meeting?
We expect to announce preliminary voting results at the 2018 Annual Meeting. We will also disclose the voting results on a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on or before December 5, 2018.
How are proxies solicited and what is the cost?
This solicitation of proxies is authorized by, and made on behalf of, our Board of Directors, and we will bear the cost.
Proxy solicitation material will be distributed to shareholders, and our directors, officers and employees may communicate with shareholders to solicit their proxies. They will not receive any additional compensation for these activities. Brokers, banks and others holding stock in their names, or in names of nominees, may request and forward proxy solicitation material to beneficial owners and seek authority for execution of proxies, and we will reimburse them for their expenses in so doing at the rates approved by the NYSE.
As a result of the potential proxy solicitation by Third Point, we will incur additional costs in connection with our solicitation of proxies. We have hired Innisfree M&A Incorporated, a proxy solicitation firm, to assist us in soliciting proxies for a fee not to exceed $1,000,000. Innisfree expects that approximately 125 of its employees will assist in the solicitation. The total amount to be spent for the Company’s solicitation of proxies from shareholders for the 2018 Annual Meeting is estimated to be approximately $7,000,000, approximately $500,000 of which has been incurred to date.
Attending the 2018 Annual Meeting |
How can I attend the 2018 Annual Meeting in person?
The 2018 Annual Meeting will be held at Aloft Hotel Mount Laurel, 558 Fellowship Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 on November 29, 2018. Doors to the meeting room will open at approximately 7:45 a.m.
Attendance at the 2018 Annual Meeting is limited to shareholders (or their authorized representatives) as of October 9, 2018, and members of their immediate family. All attendees must present proof of share ownership and a valid, government-issued photographic identification to enter the meeting. Cameras, audio and video recorders and similar electronic recording devices will not be allowed in the meeting room. We will also request that all cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, pagers and laptops be turned off.
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ITEM 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Board has general oversight responsibility for the Company’s affairs pursuant to the New Jersey Business Corporation Act and the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws. In exercising its fiduciary duties, the Board represents and acts on behalf of the Company’s shareholders and is committed to strong corporate governance, as reflected through its policies and practices. The Board is deeply involved in the Company’s strategic planning process, leadership development, succession planning, and oversight of risk management.
The Campbell By-Laws give the Board the authority to determine the number of directors. Our Board is currently comprised of 12 directors. All directors stand for election annually. Upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, the Board has nominated the 12 incumbent directors identified on pages 18 to 23 for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Directors are to be elected to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.
We have received notice pursuant to Article II of our Bylaws that Third Point intends to nominate its own slate of nominees for election to the Board at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Third Point has indicated its intent to furnish a proxy statement to shareholders of the Company, together with a proxy card. We believe based on Third Point’s notice that the election of directors at the 2018 Annual Meeting will be a contested election. Our Bylaws provide that in a contested election, all directors are to be elected under a plurality voting standard. Under the plurality voting standard, the 12 persons who receive the greatest number of votes cast are the persons elected to the Board. “Withhold” votes will be counted as present for purposes of this vote but are not counted as votes cast. Abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on this proposal.
Your Board does not endorse any of the Third Point nominees and unanimously recommends that you disregard any proxy card or soliciting materials that may be sent to you by Third Point. Your Board affirmatively determined that each of its 12 nominees qualifies for election to the Board under the criteria for director candidates described under “Director Qualifications and Board Composition” on page 15, and unanimously recommends that you vote on the GOLD proxy card and voting instruction form FOR the election of each of our nominees listed below. Please note that voting to “Withhold” with respect to the Third Point nominees on Third Point’s proxy card is NOT the same as voting for our Board’s nominees because a vote to “Withhold” with respect to any of the Third Point nominees on Third Point’s proxy card will revoke any proxy you previously submitted. If you have already voted using Third Point’s proxy card, you have every right to change your vote by voting via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on the GOLD proxy card, or by completing and mailing the enclosed GOLD proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Only the latest validly executed proxy that you submit will be counted—any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the 2018 Annual Meeting. |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 13
BACKGROUND ON THE THIRD POINT SOLICITATION
Following a review, which took place prior to the release of the Company’s third-quarter results, the Board initiated a dialogue with Denise M. Morrison, the then-President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, expressing its dissatisfaction with the performance and execution of the business. After further discussion with the Board, Ms. Morrison agreed with the Board that she would retire, effective as of May 18, 2018. On May 18, 2018, the Company announced Ms. Morrison’s retirement on its third-quarter earnings call and also announced that it would undertake a comprehensive strategic review of the Company. The Company also announced that Keith McLoughlin had been named Interim President and Chief Executive Officer to facilitate an orderly transition in management.
On June 29, 2018, pursuant to applicable U.S. antitrust laws, Third Point provided a letter to the Board stating its intention to file notifications under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the HSR Act), to enable certain funds affiliated with Third Point to acquire voting securities of the Company. On July 30, 2018, the waiting periods applicable under the HSR Act with respect to those notifications expired.
On July 6, 2018, Daniel Loeb, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Third Point, and Munib Islam, Partner and the Head of Equities at Third Point, called Mr. McLoughlin and Adam G. Ciongoli, the Companys Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Loeb identified Third Point as a shareholder and expressed his views of the Boards and the Companys performance. Mr. Loeb asked about the Companys chief executive officer search as well as the Companys strategy and portfolio review.
On July 9, 2018, Mr. Loeb called Mr. McLoughlin to suggest that Mr. McLoughlin make another public statement about the Companys strategic review reiterating that all options were on the table and that the Company set up a data room and sign non-disclosure agreements with potential acquirers.
On August 9, 2018, Third Point filed a Schedule 13D disclosing beneficial ownership of 17,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock by certain of its funds, representing beneficial ownership of 5.65% of the outstanding shares of the Companys common stock. On the same date, George Strawbridge, Jr. filed a Schedule 13D disclosing beneficial ownership of 8,323,669 shares of the Companys common stock, representing beneficial ownership of 2.8% of the outstanding shares of the Companys common stock. Third Point and Mr. Strawbridge also disclosed that they had entered into an agreement to act together as a group (as defined under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) to pursue change at the Company.
On August 22, 2018, Mr. Loeb sent a letter to the Chairman of the Board expressing his view that the Company should be merged or sold.
On August 30, 2018, the Company announced the results of its strategic review process to maximize shareholder value. The Company stated it would refocus its portfolio on core brands in its North American market. The Company also announced it would pursue the divestitures of certain non-core businesses and use the proceeds to reduce debt. The Company’s announcement also noted that the Board had concluded that this was the best path forward at the time, and that the Board remained open and committed to evaluating all strategic options to enhance value in the future.
On September 2, 2018, Mr. McLoughlin reached out to Mr. Loeb and offered to discuss the results of the Companys strategic review in the event Third Point had any questions.
On September 3, 2018, Mr. Loeb responded to Mr. McLoughlins offer, stating that he would get back to Mr. McLoughlin in the coming weeks.
On September 5, 2018, representatives of the Company, including Mr. McLoughlin and Anthony P. DiSilvestro, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, met with a stock analyst from Third Point at the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference to discuss the Companys recently released fourth-quarter and full-year earnings, fiscal 2019 guidance and strategy and portfolio review.
On September 7, 2018, the Chairman of the Board received correspondence from Third Point nominating 12 candidates Franci Blassberg, Matthew Cohen, Sarah Hofstetter, Munib Islam, Lawrence Karlson, Bozoma Saint John, Kurt Schmidt, Raymond Silcock, David Silverman, Michael Silverstein, Mr. Strawbridge and William Toler for election to the Board at the 2018 Annual Meeting.
Also on September 7, 2018, Third Point and Mr. Strawbridge each filed amendments to their respective Schedule 13Ds disclosing Third Points director nominations.
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DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BOARD COMPOSITION
The Governance Committee is responsible for investigating, reviewing and evaluating the qualifications of candidates for membership on the Board and for assessing the contributions and performance of directors eligible for re-election. It is also responsible for recommending director nominees for approval by the Board and nomination for election by shareholders.
Campbell is a manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, branded food and beverage products. A company of our size must have strong governance, as well as leaders who understand our diverse consumers and business needs. The Governance Committee strives to maintain an engaged, independent Board with broad and diverse experience and judgment that is committed to representing the long-term interests of our shareholders. The Governance Committee works with the Board to determine the composition of the Board as a whole, and believes that the current composition of the Board reflects an appropriate mix of skill sets, experience, and qualifications that are relevant to the business and governance of the Company.
The Governance Committee believes that all directors should be persons of the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values who abide by exemplary standards of business and professional conduct and demonstrate commitment to representing the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders. Directors should bring an inquisitive and objective perspective, practical wisdom and mature judgment to the Board and be committed to devoting the time and attention necessary to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. In furtherance of these objectives, the Governance Committee considers a wide range of factors when nominating candidates for election to the Board, including:
■Skills, leadership experience and professional expertise. The Governance Committee is committed to ensuring we have an experienced, qualified Board that has the collective skills, leadership experience and professional expertise gained through work experience and service on other boards, in areas relevant to Campbell, such as: ○Senior Leadership – Is or has been the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or other C-suite officer of a large public or private corporation. ○Rationale: Directors with significant leadership experience over an extended period, including current and former C-suite executives, provide the Company with special insights. These individuals possess exceptional leadership qualities and demonstrate a practical understanding of how large organizations operate, including the importance of talent management and how employee and executive compensation are set. They understand strategy and risk management, and how these factors impact the Company’s operations and controls. They possess recognized leadership qualities and are able to identify and develop leadership qualities in others. ○Industry - Has experience in the food or consumer products industry, or other complementary field, such as retail. ○Rationale: Directors with experience in dealing with consumers, particularly in the areas of producing and selling products or services to consumers, provide valuable insights to the Company. These directors have experience with consumer engagement and can provide valuable market and consumer insights, as well as contribute a broad understanding of industry trends. They understand consumer needs, recognize products that might resonate with consumers, and identify potential changes in consumer trends and buying habits. Directors with experience in complementary industries, such as the retail industry, also bring important perspectives and knowledge to the Board, including insights with respect to customers and new models of commerce. Given the continuously evolving retail landscape, directors with consumer and retail experience are essential. ○Marketing – Has experience in marketing, brand management, or marketing strategy. ○Rationale: Directors with experience identifying, developing and marketing new products, as well as identifying new areas for existing products, can positively impact the Company’s operational results, including by helping the Company understand and anticipate evolving marketing practices. ○Strategic Transactions; Mergers & Acquisitions – Has experience with complex strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as the successful integration of acquired businesses. ○Rationale: Our strategy calls for Campbell to be a leading snacks and simple meals company, focused on our core North American market. To achieve this, we recently announced our plans to pursue the divestiture of our Campbell Fresh and Campbell International businesses. Our strategy is also highly dependent on our ability to successfully integrate Snyder’s-Lance and Pacific Foods. Directors who have experience leading organizations through significant strategic transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures and integration, will provide guidance and oversight as the Company implements its strategy. Also, as the Board is committed to evaluating all strategic options to enhance shareholder value, directors |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 15
with strategic transaction experience will provide valuable leadership to the Board’s consideration of these matters. ○Capital Allocation – Has experience allocating capital resources across a large enterprise. ○Rationale: Directors with experience allocating capital for large enterprises will provide valuable insights as the Company continues to reduce costs, optimize its manufacturing network and efficiently allocate capital among its brands in accordance with each brand’s assigned portfolio role. Having directors who can advise on appropriate areas for capital investment is important to achieving our strategic and financial objectives. ○Financial Expertise – Has experience in and an understanding of financial reporting and accounting processes and complex financial transactions. ○Rationale: Directors with an understanding of financial reporting and accounting processes, particularly in large, global businesses, provide an important oversight role. The Company employs a number of financial targets to measure its performance, and accurate financial reporting is critical to the Company’s legal compliance and overall success. Directors with financial experience are essential for ensuring effective oversight of the Company’s financial measures and processes. ○Information Technologies – Has experience with information technology and security, digital marketing or e-commerce. ○Rationale: The Company is focused on driving growth in e-commerce and using digital marketing as a way of reaching today’s consumers. Directors with experience in those fields are therefore able to provide insights that help the Company advance its strategies in the rapidly changing digital and e-commerce landscapes. In addition, directors with expertise in information technology and security provide helpful oversight with respect to cybersecurity matters and the use of technology to enhance efficiency of operations. ○Long-Term, Significant Shareholder – Has the perspective of an investor who is interested in the long-term prospects of the Company. ○Rationale: A director who is also a long-term, significant shareholder of the Company is aligned with our shareholders by being focused on the long-term health and vitality of the Company, and establishing a solid foundation for future growth and profitability. ○Corporate Governance Experience – Has experience in the corporate governance of sophisticated public or private entities. ○Rationale: Good corporate governance accompanies and greatly aids the Company’s long-term business success and furthers the goals of greater transparency and accountability. ○Public Company Board Experience – Has sufficient applicable experience to understand fully the legal and other responsibilities of an independent director of a U.S.-based public company. ○Rationale: Having directors with experience serving as directors of other U.S. public companies helps ensure the Board deeply understands its duties. ■Enhancing the Board’s diversity. Although the Board does not have a specific diversity policy, the Governance Committee takes into account a nominees ability to contribute to the diversity of skills, backgrounds and experience of the Board. It considers the race, ethnicity, gender, age, cultural background and professional experience of each nominee and of the Board as a whole. For this years election, the Board has nominated 12 individuals who bring valuable diversity to the Board. Their collective experience covers a wide range of countries, geographies and industries. We have a number of directors who have lived, worked and been educated outside of the United States. The Boards 12 director nominees range in age from 51 to 72. Four of these director nominees, or 33% of our current Board, are women. ■Ensuring a balanced mix of tenures. The Governance Committee believes it is important to maintain a mix of experienced directors with a deep understanding of our business and others who bring a fresh perspective. We expect our average director tenure to continue to evolve over the next several years as current directors approach retirement and new members are recruited. We have added four new directors to our Board since 2016. The average tenure of our director nominees is approximately 10.7 years. ■Complying with applicable independence standards and policies on conflicts. The Governance Committee considers potential competitive restrictions, other positions the director has held or holds (including other board memberships) and director independence. It believes that any nominee for election to the Board should be willing and able to devote the proper time and attention to fulfill the responsibilities of a director and have no conflicts of interest arising from other relationships or obligations. |
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The Board has carefully considered whether the slate of director nominees, taken as a whole, fulfills the objectives for Board composition noted above. The director nominees collectively have a mix of various skills and qualifications, as set forth in the skills matrix below. These collective attributes enable the Board to provide insightful leadership as it strives to advance our strategies and deliver returns to shareholders.
See Director biographies beginning on page 18 for further detail. |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD
The Board has nominated the 12 individuals appearing below for election by shareholders at the 2018 Annual Meeting. All director nominees listed in this proxy statement, other than Maria Teresa Hilado, were also nominated by the Board and elected by the shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Ms. Hilado was unanimously elected by the directors to the Board on March 21, 2018. Ms. Hilado was identified and presented to the Governance Committee for consideration by a third-party search firm. See page 25 for more information on the director nomination process.
Each year, prior to recommending a slate of directors to the Board for nomination, the Governance Committee conducts an assessment of incumbent directors to review their qualifications and contributions to the Board. In fiscal 2018, the director review process was strengthened by having an independent third-party corporate governance consulting firm conduct an individual review of each incumbent director. The third-party firm provided the results of its review to the Governance Committee, and also provided feedback directly to each incumbent director on how he or she could better contribute to our Board. After reviewing the qualifications and performance of each director, the Governance Committee recommended each incumbent director as a nominee for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting.
As described in our Corporate Governance Standards, it is the policy of the Board that no person may stand for election to the Board after reaching age 72. However, upon recommendation of the Governance Committee, the Board may waive this policy if it determines that because of the individual’s unique capabilities and/or due to special circumstances, such re-nomination is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. This year, when conducting its annual assessment of incumbent directors in advance of its recommendation of a slate of nominees for approval by the Board, the Governance Committee took into account that Bennett Dorrance had reached age 72. The Governance Committee determined that Mr. Dorrance’s status as a descendent of the Company’s founder and a significant shareholder give Mr. Dorrance unique capabilities as a director. As a result, the Governance Committee recommended to the Board that it waive the retirement age policy to permit Mr. Dorrance to stand for re-election at the 2018 Annual Meeting. The Board concurred with the Governance Committee’s recommendation, and all members of the Board approved Mr. Dorrance’s re-nomination. Mr. Dorrance and Ms. Malone recused themselves from all Committee and Board discussions of the waiver, and abstained from both votes. Mr. Dorrance also stepped down as Co-Chair of the Governance Committee.
All of the nominees are independent directors, except Mr. McLoughlin. If a nominee becomes unable or unwilling to serve, proxies will be voted for the election of such person as shall be designated by the Board to replace such nominee, or, in lieu thereof, the Board may reduce its size. The Board knows of no reason why any nominee would be unable or unwilling to serve. Except as otherwise specified on your proxy card, proxies will be voted for election of the nominees named on pages 18 through 23.
Biographical information, including the specific experience, qualifications and skills of each of the director nominees is included below.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 17
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Independent Director
Since: 2017 Age: 51 Committee Memberships:
●Compensation and
Organization ●Governance |
FABIOLA R. ARREDONDO Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 2017 Age: 55 Committee Memberships:
●Audit
●Finance and Corporate Development |
HOWARD M. AVERILL Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 1989 Age: 72 Committee Memberships:
●Compensation and
Organization ●Governance |
BENNETT DORRANCE Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 2018 Age: 54 Committee Memberships:
●Audit
●Finance and Corporate Development |
MARIA TERESA (TESSA) HILADO Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 19
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Independent Director
Since: 2002 Age: 71 Committee Memberships:
●Compensation and
Organization ●Governance (Chair) |
RANDALL W. LARRIMORE Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 2014 Age: 57 Committee Memberships:
●Audit
●Compensation and Organization |
MARC B. LAUTENBACH Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 1990 Age: 68 Committee Memberships:
●Finance and Corporate
Development ●Governance |
MARY ALICE DORRANCE MALONE Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 2005 Age: 63 Committee Memberships:
●Audit (Chair)
●Finance and Corporate Development |
SARA MATHEW Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 21
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Director Since: 2016
Age: 62 |
KEITH R. MCLOUGHLIN Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 2009 Age: 69 Committee Memberships:
●Compensation and Organization (Chair)
●Governance |
NICK SHREIBER Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 2009 Age: 61 Committee Memberships:
●Audit
●Finance and Corporate Development (Chair) |
ARCHBOLD D. VAN BEUREN Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
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Independent Director
Since: 2003 Age: 68 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD |
LES C. VINNEY Biography |
Skills and Qualifications | |
Other Public Company Boards |
In addition to the information above, Appendix A sets forth information relating to our directors, nominees for director, and certain of our executive officers and employees who may be considered “participants” in our solicitation under the applicable SEC rules by reason of their position as directors of the Company or as nominees for director or because they may be soliciting proxies on our behalf.
Your vote is extremely important. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of the above 12 director nominees. The Board does not endorse any of the Third Point nominees and urges you NOT to sign or return the white proxy card sent to you by Third Point.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 23
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICIES AND PRACTICES
The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing our business, and the competence and integrity of our management, to serve the long-term interests of our shareholders. The Board believes that sound corporate governance is essential to effective fulfillment of its oversight responsibilities. The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Standards, which are reviewed at least annually and updated as needed. The Corporate Governance Standards provide a framework for effective corporate governance of the Company. You can find a copy of our Corporate Governance Standards, along with the charters of the four standing Board committees, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, and our Policy Concerning Transactions with Related Persons, in the corporate governance section of our website at www.campbellsoupcompany.com. Some highlights of our corporate governance include:
■ |
Eleven (11) out of twelve (12) directors are independent |
■ |
Annual election of directors |
■ |
Majority voting standard in uncontested elections with resignation policy (plurality standard applies in contested elections) |
■ |
Independent Board Chairman |
■ |
Independent directors regularly meet in executive session |
■ |
Audit, Compensation and Organization, Finance and Corporate Development and Governance Committees composed entirely of independent directors |
■ |
“Overboarding” limits |
■ |
Diverse Board in terms of gender, ethnicity, and specific skills and qualifications |
■ |
Robust stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers |
■ |
Clawback policy for incentive compensation |
■ |
Shareholder ability to act by written consent and call a special meeting |
■ |
Annual shareholder ratification of independent auditors |
■ |
Board orientation and director education program |
■ |
Annual Board and committee self-evaluations, and individual director evaluations |
■ |
Policy against hedging and pledging (subject to grandfathering) applicable to all directors and executive officers |
■ |
No shareholder rights plan or “poison pill” |
We have a long-standing tradition of separating the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Board continues to believe that this is the most appropriate leadership structure for us. The principal responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer is to manage the business. The principal responsibilities of the Chairman of the Board are to manage the operations of the Board of Directors and its committees and provide counsel to the Chief Executive Officer on behalf of the Board.
A statement of standards that the Board has adopted to assist it in evaluating the independence of the Campbell Board appears in the Corporate Governance Standards, which can be found in the corporate governance section of our website at www.campbellsoupcompany.com. The Standards for the Determination of Director Independence (the “Independence Standards”) describe various types of relationships that could potentially exist between a director and Campbell, and define the thresholds at which such relationships would be deemed material under the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Corporate Governance Standards. The Board will deem a director to be independent if (i) no relationship exists that would disqualify the director under the guidelines set forth in the Independence Standards, and (ii) the Board has determined, based on all relevant facts and circumstances, that any other relationship between the director and Campbell, not covered by the Independence Standards, is not material. In any case in which the Board makes the latter determination, the relationship will be disclosed in the proxy statement, along with the basis for the Board’s conclusion that it is not material.
The Board has determined that each director and director nominee, other than Mr. McLoughlin, is independent under the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and the Independence Standards.
Each member of the Audit, Compensation and Organization, Finance and Corporate Development, and Governance Committees is an independent director pursuant to all applicable NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and the Independence Standards. In addition, each member of the Audit Committee also meets the additional independence standards for audit committee members established by the SEC, and each member of the Compensation and Organization Committee also qualifies as a “Non-Employee Director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), and as an “outside director” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC”).
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We have a majority vote standard in uncontested director elections. Under our By-Laws, in an uncontested election, each director shall be elected by an affirmative majority of the votes cast to hold office until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and has qualified. In contested elections, including the election of directors at our 2018 Annual Meeting, a plurality vote standard shall apply. Shareholders may vote “for” or “against” each nominee, or they may “abstain” from voting on a nominee; however, abstentions will have no effect in determining whether the required majority vote has been obtained.
In the event an incumbent director fails to receive an affirmative majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election, the Corporate Governance Standards provide that the director shall tender his or her resignation. The Governance Committee and the Board will then consider and take appropriate action on such offer of resignation in accordance with the Corporate Governance Standards. The resignation policy set forth in the Corporate Governance Standards does not apply to contested elections.
PROCESS FOR NOMINATION AND EVALUATION OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
The Governance Committee is responsible for evaluating the qualifications of director candidates and recommending director nominees for approval by the Board and nomination for election at the annual meeting of shareholders.
Re-Nomination of Incumbent Directors. Our Corporate Governance Standards require the Governance Committee to assess the performance of each director eligible for re-election at the annual meeting. The Governance Committee conducts its assessment annually in advance of its recommendation of a slate of director nominees for approval by the Board. In fiscal 2018, each incumbent director was evaluated in light of the criteria in the Corporate Governance Standards and the factors described on pages 15 and 16 with respect to the qualification of directors and the composition of the Board. In fiscal 2018, the director review process was strengthened by having an independent third-party corporate governance consulting firm conduct an individual review of each incumbent director. The third-party firm then provided feedback directly to each incumbent director on how he or she could better contribute to the Board. In addition, the Governance Committee solicited an assessment of each director from the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer.
Evaluation of New Nominees. When identifying potential director candidates — whether to replace a director who has retired or resigned or to expand the Board to gain additional capabilities — the Governance Committee determines the skills, experience and other characteristics that a potential nominee should possess in light of the composition and needs of the Board and its committees. The Governance Committee also considers whether or not the nominee would be considered independent under the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and the Independence Standards.
All candidates considered by the Governance Committee for recommendation to the Board as director nominees are evaluated in light of the criteria in the Corporate Governance Standards and the factors and objectives described on pages 15 and 16. The Governance Committee will also consider the assessment of any search firm it has retained and the background information such firm provides on any person it recommends for consideration. The Chairman of the Board, the Chair of the Governance Committee and the Chief Executive Officer customarily interview leading candidates. Other directors may also interview these candidates.
The Governance Committee has engaged a search firm to provide and to help vet candidates for vacant Board seats, as well as to develop an ongoing list of potential candidates.
Although not required to do so, the Committee may consider candidates proposed by our directors or our management and may also retain an outside firm to help identify and evaluate potential nominees. The Committee will also consider nominations from shareholders. The nominee evaluation process is the same whether the nomination comes from a Board member, management, a search firm or a shareholder. If the Committee recommends a candidate to the Board, the Board may – as with any nominee – either accept or reject the recommendation.
Shareholder Recommendations. Shareholders who wish to recommend candidates for nomination for election to the Board may do so by writing to the Corporate Secretary of Campbell Soup Company at 1 Campbell Place, Camden, New Jersey 08103. The recommendation must include the following information:
1. | The candidate’s name and business address; |
2. | A resume or curriculum vitae, which describes the candidate’s background and demonstrates that he or she meets the qualifications set forth on pages 15 and 16; |
3. | A letter from the candidate stating that he or she is willing to serve on the Board if elected, and identifying any legal or regulatory proceedings in which he or she has been involved during the last ten years; and |
4. | A statement from the shareholder recommending the candidate, indicating that he or she is the registered owner of Campbell shares, or a written statement from the “record holder” of Campbell shares indicating that the shareholder is the beneficial owner of such shares. |
Shareholders who wish to propose a director nominee at an annual meeting must follow the advance notice procedures contained in our By-Laws, which include notifying the Corporate Secretary at least 60 but not more than 90 days before the first anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting. Based on this year’s annual meeting date of November 29, 2018, a notice will be considered timely for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders if our Corporate Secretary receives it no earlier than August 31, 2019, and no later than September 30, 2019. Please see “Submission of Shareholder Proposals for 2019 Annual Meeting” on page 74 for additional information.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 25
EVALUATIONS OF BOARD PERFORMANCE
The Governance Committee leads annual evaluations of Board and committee performance. The evaluation process is designed to facilitate ongoing, systematic examination of the Boards effectiveness and accountability, and to identify opportunities for improving its operations and procedures.
In fiscal 2018, the Governance Committee engaged an independent third-party corporate governance consulting firm to conduct an assessment of the Board as a whole, as well as each individual director as discussed above. The third partys evaluation process included reviewing public filings, board and committee materials and processes and prior board evaluations, as well as engaging each Board member with tailored written questions and oral interviews. The results of the Board evaluation were provided to, and discussed with, the full Board. Individual director feedback was discussed in detail with each director by the third-party firm. Also in fiscal 2018, each standing committee conducted a separate evaluation of its own performance and of the adequacy of its charter, and reported on the results of its evaluation to the Board.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
Under our written Policy Concerning Transactions with Related Persons (the Related Persons Policy), the Governance Committee is required to review and, in appropriate circumstances, approve or ratify any transaction in which Campbell was or is to be a participant, the amount involved exceeded or is expected to exceed $120,000 and any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, as well as any material amendment to or modification of such a transaction, unless the transaction falls into one of the categories deemed to have been approved in advance.
In determining whether to approve or ratify a transaction, the Governance Committee is directed to consider, among other factors it may deem appropriate, whether the transaction was or will be on terms no less favorable than those generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances. No director may participate in the discussion or approval of a transaction in which he or she, or a member of his or her immediate family, has a direct or indirect interest. The Chair of the Governance Committee (or, if a transaction involves the Governance Committee Chair, the Chairman of the Board) may approve or ratify a related person transaction in which the aggregate amount involved is less than $1 million. Any transaction approved or ratified by the Governance Committee Chair or the Chairman is to be reported to the Governance Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
During the period from July 31, 2017 through the date of this proxy statement, the transactions described below, in which Campbell was a participant, the amount involved exceeded $120,000, and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, occurred.
In fiscal 2018, the Company entered into a severance agreement with Bethmara Kessler, former Senior Vice President Integrated Global Services. The agreement provides for 104 weeks of base salary and certain other benefits under the Campbell Soup Company Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees, as further described on page 49. In addition, Ms. Kessler received an additional 22 weeks of salary and benefits, with a value of $221,949.
BOARD OVERSIGHT OF ENTERPRISE RISK
Enterprise risk management (ERM) is an integral part of our business processes. Senior management is primarily responsible for establishing policies and procedures designed to identify, assess and manage the Companys significant risks. We have an ERM steering committee, comprised of the members of our Campbell Leadership Team and supported by other executives with subject-matter expertise, that provides oversight of enterprise risks and our processes to identify, measure, monitor and manage these risks.
The Board oversees the ERM process, including reviews of the most significant risks the Company faces and the manner in which our executives manage these risks. In accordance with NYSE Corporate Governance Standards, the Audit Committee charter assigns to that committee the responsibility to review our policies and procedures with respect to risk assessment and risk management. At the Audit Committees recommendation, the Board adopted a framework pursuant to which it delegated oversight for certain categories of enterprise risks to each of its standing committees, as shown below. Each committee provides periodic reports to the Board regarding its oversight of these enterprise risks. This structure enables the Board and its Committees to coordinate the risk oversight role. We believe that the separation of the Chairman and CEO roles further supports the Boards risk oversight role.
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Responsibility for Risk Oversight – Campbell Board and Committees
Full Board | Audit Committee |
Compensation and Organization Committee |
Finance and Corporate Development Committee |
Governance Committee |
●Strategy |
●ERM policies and procedures |
●Compensation policies and practices |
●Capital management and structure |
●Governance risks |
●Operations |
●Financial statements and financial reporting processes |
●Executive incentive compensation and stock ownership |
●Liquidity and credit matters |
●Director compensation |
●Market dynamics, including competition and consumer/customer trends |
●Accounting and audit matters |
●Executive retention and succession planning |
●Investment policies, strategies and guidelines |
●Review of transactions with related persons |
●Significant portfolio transactions (e.g., acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, joint ventures) |
●Information technology and security |
●Risk assessment of incentive compensation programs |
●Financial plan |
|
●Regulatory |
●Legal and compliance matters |
At Campbell, we are guided by our purpose – Real food that matters for life’s moments. Our consumers trust us to govern ourselves in a way that is conscious of our impact on the planet, our people and society as a whole. For this reason, we put corporate responsibility and sustainability at the heart of our purpose and core business strategies. At Campbell, we define corporate responsibility and sustainability around four key pillars of grown, sourced, produced and shared, which reflect our efforts across our value chain, from the farm to the family. This work is focused on protecting natural resources on farms, ensuring an ethical and traceable supply chain, promoting stewardship of natural resources in our own operations and advancing nutrition and well-being globally. We publish an annual report that describes our corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives and our progress in these areas.
At Campbell, our governance structure helps us to successfully integrate corporate responsibility and sustainability into our everyday operations. This structure begins with the support of our executive team and oversight by the Board of Directors. Annual updates on corporate responsibility and sustainability are provided to the Audit Committee, and progress against defined corporate responsibility metrics is a component of our annual incentive compensation program.
Learn More About Corporate Responsibility at Campbell | |
We invite you to view our 2018 Corporate Responsibility Report at www.campbellcsr.com |
THE BOARD’S ROLE IN TALENT DEVELOPMENT
The Board believes that effective talent development and human capital management are important to Campbell’s continued success. The Board is involved in leadership development and oversees succession planning. The Board appointed Mr. McLoughlin Interim President and Chief Executive Officer effective May 18, 2018, and the Board is undertaking a thorough process to identify, evaluate and select a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer to execute Campbell’s strategy.
The Board conducts at least one meeting each year at which the Board reviews the Company’s talent strategies, leadership pipeline and succession plans for key executive positions. The Compensation and Organization Committee oversees the process of succession planning and implements programs to retain and motivate key talent.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 27
DIRECTOR ORIENTATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
All new directors participate in the Company’s director orientation program. This orientation program is designed to familiarize new directors, through a review of background material, meetings with senior management and plant and facility tours. The orientation allows new directors to become familiar with the Company’s business and strategic plans; significant financial matters; core values, including ethics, compliance programs and corporate governance practices; and other key policies and practices.
We maintain a formal program of continuing education for directors. The Governance Committee is responsible for the administration of the program, which expects each Director to complete a total of 16 hours of director continuing education over the course of two years. Directors may meet this expectation through a combination of Company-sponsored courses or events, in-person or online director education programs sponsored by outside parties, online training courses offered as part of our compliance training program for employees, and certain other educational experiences as may be approved by the Governance Committee from time to time.
DIRECTOR SERVICE ON OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS
The Board recognizes that service on other public company boards provides valuable governance and leadership experience that benefits Campbell. The Board also believes, however, that it is critical that directors dedicate sufficient time to their service on the Company’s Board. Directors are expected to advise the Chair of the Governance Committee in advance of accepting an invitation to serve on another board of directors or become affiliated with another entity. The Governance Committee or its designee shall evaluate and advise the Board whether, by reason of conflicts in regular meeting schedules or business or competitive considerations, simultaneous service on another board or affiliation with another entity may impede the director’s ability to fulfill his or her responsibilities to Campbell.
Our Corporate Governance Standards provide that:
● | A director who also serves as a CEO or equivalent position may not serve on more than one other public company board; |
● | Other directors may not serve on more than four other public company boards; and |
● | No member of the Audit Committee shall simultaneously serve on the audit committees of more than two other public companies. |
All directors are in compliance with this policy.
The Company has a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (“Code”) for its directors, officers, and employees. The Code is reviewed regularly for appropriate updates, and employees, officers, and directors are asked to annually certify their understanding of, and compliance with, its requirements. Only the Board may grant a waiver of any provision for a director or executive officer, and any such waiver, or any amendment to the manual, will be promptly disclosed as required at www.campbellsoupcompany.com. The Code can be found on the Company’s website at www.campbellsoupcompany.com.
Interested persons may communicate with the full Board of Directors or the non-management directors by writing to the Chairman of the Board or to the non-management directors as a group in care of the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s headquarters, or by email to directors@campbellsoup.com. Concerns communicated to the Board will be addressed through the Company’s regular procedures for addressing such matters. Our Corporate Secretary receives and processes all communications and will refer relevant and appropriate communications to the Chairman. Depending upon the nature of the concern, it may be referred to the Company’s Corporate Audit Department, Legal Department or Finance Department, or other appropriate departments.
Any concerns about Campbell’s governance, corporate conduct, business ethics or financial practices may also be communicated to the Board by calling the following toll-free Hotline telephone number in the U.S. and Canada: 1-800-210-2173. To place toll-free calls from other countries where we have operations, please see the instructions listed in the corporate governance section of our website at www.campbellsoupcompany.com. Any concern relating to accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters will be referred both to the Chairman and to the Chair of the Audit Committee.
As they deem necessary or appropriate, the Chairman of the Board or the Chair of the Audit Committee may direct that certain concerns communicated to them be presented to the Audit Committee or the full Board, or that they receive special treatment, including the retention of outside counsel or other outside advisors.
Campbell policy prohibits the Company and any of our employees from retaliating in any manner, or taking any adverse action, against anyone who raises a concern or helps to investigate or resolve it.
28 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
Director Attendance |
Directors meet their responsibilities by preparing for and attending Board and committee meetings, and through communication with the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer and other members of management on matters affecting the Company. During fiscal 2018, the Board of Directors held six regular meetings and four special meetings. All directors attended at least 87% of scheduled Board meetings and meetings held by committees of which they were members.
All incumbent directors are expected to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting. All of the directors who were standing for re-election attended the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Board Committee Structure |
The Board has established four standing committees as of the record date: the Audit Committee; the Compensation and Organization Committee; the Finance and Corporate Development Committee; and the Governance Committee. Each of the standing committees has a charter that is reviewed annually by that committee. Proposed changes to the charter of any standing committee are approved by the Board. The committee charters are available in the corporate governance section of the Company’s website at www.campbellsoupcompany.com. Actions taken by any of the standing committees are reported to the Board. All members of the Board receive copies of the minutes of all committee meetings and copies of the materials distributed in advance of the meetings for all of the committees.
Information regarding membership in the standing committees as of the date of this proxy, the number of meetings held by each committee in fiscal 2018, the principal responsibilities of the standing committees, and other relevant information are described in the tables that follow.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Meetings Committee Members: |
Primary Responsibilities ●Evaluates the performance of and appoints the independent registered public accounting firm;
●Reviews the scope and results of the audit plans of the independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors;
●Reviews the effectiveness of the Company’s systems of internal control over financial reporting;
●Reviews the performance and resources of the internal audit function, which reports directly to the Audit Committee;
●Reviews the Company’s policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management;
●Reviews any material breaches of information technology security;
●Reviews the financial reporting and accounting principles and standards and the audited financial statements to be included in the annual report;
●Reviews the quarterly financial results and related disclosures;
●Approves all permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm and all relationships that the independent registered public accounting firm has with Campbell; and
●Reviews the legal compliance and ethics program and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Financial Expertise and Financial Literacy The Board has determined that Sara Mathew, Howard Averill and Maria Teresa Hilado are audit committee financial experts, as defined by the SEC rules, and that all members of the Audit Committee are financially literate within the meaning of the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards. Report The Audit Committee report begins on page 34 of this proxy statement. |
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Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 29
COMPENSATION
AND ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE Meetings Committee Members: |
Primary Responsibilities ●Reviews and approves the short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs, including the performance goals;
●Reviews and approves the salaries and incentive compensation for senior executives, including the Chief Executive Officer, and total incentive compensation to be allocated annually to employees;
●Reviews the executive salary structure and the apportionment of compensation among salary and short-term and long-term incentive compensation;
●Conducts an annual performance evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer by all independent directors;
●Reviews major organizational changes and executive organization and principal programs for executive development;
●Reviews and recommends to the Board significant changes in the design of employee benefit plans; and
●Conducts an annual assessment of the independence of any outside advisor it chooses to retain.
Compensation and Organization Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation There are no Compensation and Organization Committee interlocks. No member of the Committee has ever been an officer or employee of Campbell, and none of the members has any relationship required to be disclosed under this caption under the rules of the SEC. In addition, no executive officer of Campbell served on the compensation committee or board of directors of a company for which any of our directors serves as an executive officer. Report The Compensation and Organization Committee report is on page 51 of this proxy statement. |
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FINANCE AND
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Meetings Committee Members: |
Primary Responsibilities ●Reviews and recommends to the Board all issuances, sales or repurchases of equity and long-term debt;
●Reviews and recommends changes to our capital structure;
●Reviews and recommends the financing plan, dividend policy and capital budget;
●Reviews and recommends acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, partnerships or combinations of business interests; and
●Reviews financial risks and the principal policies, procedures and controls with respect to investment and derivatives, foreign exchanges and hedging transactions. |
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30 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Meetings Committee Members: |
Primary Responsibilities Review and make recommendations to the Board regarding: ●The organization and structure of the Board;
●Qualifications for director candidates;
●Candidates for election to the Board;
●Committee chairs and Board Committee assignments;
●Candidates for the position of Chairman of the Board;
●Evaluation of the Chairman’s performance; and
●Amount and design of compensation for non-employee directors, including stock ownership guidelines.
The Governance Committee oversees the annual Board, committee and individual director evaluation processes and administers the director education program. The Committee also reviews any transaction with a related person in accordance with the Board’s policy concerning such transactions, as further described on page 26. |
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We strive to recruit and retain highly qualified non-employee directors who will best represent our shareholders’ interests. Each year, the Governance Committee reviews the amount and design of the compensation program for non-employee directors to ensure that the compensation we offer supports our objectives and is consistent with non-employee director compensation within our Compensation Peer Group.
In fiscal 2018, the Governance Committee benchmarked our non-employee director compensation against our Compensation Peer Group and other large, public companies and assessed the appropriateness of the form and amount of our non-employee director compensation. Based on this review, the Governance Committee recommended to the Board and the Board approved holding the 2018 retainers at the 2017 levels. The Board concluded that maintaining the retainers was appropriate to support its director recruitment and retention objectives, while recognizing the Company’s ongoing cost-cutting efforts. The Board believes that continuing to pay a larger proportion of the annual retainer in Company stock serves to further align director compensation and shareholders’ interests.
Additionally, our 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was approved by our shareholders at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, caps the maximum aggregate dollar value of equity awards that can be made to any individual non-employee director in a calendar year at $500,000. All stock grants made in fiscal 2018 to non-employee directors were significantly below this amount. See the “2018 Director Compensation” table below for specific values.
The table below sets forth the components of non-employee director compensation for 2018:
Annual Cash Retainer: | $119,000 | |
Annual Stock Retainer: | $129,000 | |
Committee Chair Retainers: | $25,000 for Audit Committee | |
$20,000 for Compensation and Organization Committee | ||
$15,000 for Finance and Corporate Development Committee | ||
$15,000 for Governance Committee | ||
Audit Committee Member Retainer: | $7,500 | |
Chairman’s Annual Retainer: | $350,000 |
All non-employee director compensation is paid in January. The retainers for Committee chairs, Audit Committee members and the Chairman of the Board are in addition to the annual cash and stock retainers paid to all non-employee directors. These additional retainers are delivered 50% in cash and 50% in shares of Campbell stock. Directors may elect to receive shares of Campbell stock in lieu of their cash retainers. There were no changes to these additional retainers in fiscal 2018.
We typically do not pay a Company employee who also serves as a director any additional compensation for serving as a director. Currently, Keith R. McLoughlin is the only director who is also a Company employee. Mr. McLoughlin received his full 2018 non-employee director compensation in January 2018, prior to becoming Interim President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2018. The amounts paid to Mr. McLoughlin as director compensation are included in the Summary Compensation Table, which appears on page 52. As long as Mr. McLoughlin is serving as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, he will not receive any additional compensation for serving as a director.
Directors do not receive individual meeting fees. We pay for, provide or reimburse directors for expenses incurred to attend Board and Committee meetings and director education programs. Directors do not have a retirement plan or receive any benefits such as life or medical insurance. Directors do receive business travel and accident insurance coverage.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 31
Stock Ownership Guidelines |
Under our Corporate Governance Standards, each director is expected, within five years of first joining the Board, to own Campbell stock or hold deferred stock units that have a value equal to five times the annual cash retainer. As of the date of this proxy statement, each of our directors has met or is on track to meet this guideline.
Policy on Pledging |
In September 2013, the Board adopted a policy that prohibits any director or executive officer from pledging any shares of Campbell common stock that he or she owns or controls, directly or indirectly, as security under any obligation on a prospective basis. Directors who had pledged shares as of September 25, 2013 are expected to reduce the number of shares pledged in a reasonable manner over time. See the footnotes following the Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers table on page 72 for additional information regarding shares subject to pledge obligations and reductions in the number of shares pledged.
Deferred Compensation Plans for Non-Employee Directors |
Under our Supplemental Retirement Plan, a non-employee director may elect to defer payment of all or a portion of his or her fees until termination of his or her directorship. Directors participate in the same plans as executives. See page 63 for a description of the material terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan.
2018 Director Compensation |
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Stock Awards(1) ($) |
Total ($) | |||||||
Fabiola R. Arredondo | $ | 119,000 | $ | 129,000 | $ | 248,000 | ||||
Howard M. Averill | $ | 122,750 | $ | 132,750 | (2) | $ | 255,500 | |||
Bennett Dorrance | $ | 126,500 | $ | 136,500 | (2) | $ | 263,000 | |||
Maria Teresa Hilado | $ | 92,063 | $ | 99,563 | $ | 191,626 | ||||
Randall W. Larrimore | $ | 126,500 | $ | 136,500 | (2) | $ | 263,000 | |||
Marc B. Lautenbach | $ | 122,750 | $ | 132,750 | (2) | $ | 255,500 | |||
Mary Alice D. Malone | $ | 119,000 | $ | 129,000 | $ | 248,000 | ||||
Sara Mathew | $ | 131,500 | $ | 141,500 | (2) | $ | 273,000 | |||
Nick Shreiber | $ | 129,000 | $ | 139,000 | $ | 268,000 | ||||
Archbold D. van Beuren | $ | 130,250 | $ | 140,250 | $ | 270,500 | ||||
Les C. Vinney | $ | 294,000 | $ | 304,000 | $ | 598,000 |
(1) |
Amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value of shares issued to each director during fiscal 2018, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are included in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2018 Form 10-K. Directors are fully vested in stock awards at the time of grant, therefore, there were no unvested stock awards at July 29, 2018. |
(2) |
In 2018, Messrs. Averill, Dorrance, Larrimore and Lautenbach and Ms. Mathew elected to defer the value of their stock awards. This amount was credited to each individual’s notional account in the Supplemental Retirement Plan and invested in the Campbell Stock Fund, which is indexed to Campbell common stock. |
The aggregate perquisites to any individual non-employee director did not exceed the SEC reporting threshold amount of $10,000.
32 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
ITEM 2 — RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm. The names of the directors serving on the Audit Committee appear on page 35, immediately below the Audit Committee Report.
The Audit Committee has re-appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2019. PwC or one of its predecessor firms has been retained as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm continuously since we went public in 1954. Representatives of PwC will be at the 2018 Annual Meeting to make a statement if they desire to do so and to answer appropriate questions from shareholders.
The Audit Committee evaluated PwC’s performance, qualifications and independence in making its determination to re-appoint PwC. The factors considered in the evaluation included:
■ |
PwC’s performance during fiscal 2018 and in previous fiscal years, including the results of a management survey measuring (i) the quality of PwC’s services, (ii) the sufficiency of PwC’s resources, (iii) PwC’s communication skills and (iv) PwC’s independence and objectivity; |
■ |
PwC’s global reach, expertise and experience in the consumer packaged goods industry; |
■ |
The experience, professional qualifications and education of the PwC engagement team; |
■ |
A review of PwC’s independence program and the processes it uses to maintain independence; |
■ |
The scope of PwC’s internal quality control program and the results of its most recent quality control reviews, including reviews by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and PwC’s peers; and |
■ |
The appropriateness of PwC’s fees for its professional services. |
The Audit Committee has the sole authority to approve all engagement fees to be paid to PwC. The Audit Committee regularly meets with the lead audit partner without members of management present, and in executive session with only Audit Committee members present, which provides the opportunity for continuous assessment of the firm’s effectiveness and independence and for consideration of rotating audit firms. In accordance with SEC rules and PwC policies, the firm’s lead engagement partner rotates at least every five years. The Audit Committee and its Chair are involved in the selection of PwC’s lead engagement partner.
The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the continued retention of PwC to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2019 is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Shareholder ratification of the appointment is not required under the laws of the State of New Jersey or our Articles or By-Laws, but as a matter of good corporate governance, the Board is submitting this proposal to shareholders. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting is required for ratification. Abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on this proposal. If the appointment is not ratified, the Audit Committee will consider whether it is appropriate to select another audit firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may select a different audit firm at any time during the year if it determines that this would be in the best interests of Campbell and its shareholders.
Your Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “For” This Proposal |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 33
Audit Firm Fees and Services |
The aggregate fees, including expenses, billed by PwC, for professional services in fiscal 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
Services Rendered | Fiscal 2018 | Fiscal 2017 | |||
Audit Fees | $ | 6,639,000 | $ | 4,489,000 | |
Audit-Related Fees | $ | 26,000 | $ | 22,000 | |
Tax Fees | $ | 620,000 | $ | 1,353,000 | |
All Other Fees | $ | 5,000 | $ | 4,000 |
The audit fees for the years ended July 29, 2018 and July 30, 2017 include fees for professional services rendered for the audits of our consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, quarterly reviews, statutory audits, SEC filings, and accounting consultations. Audit fees for fiscal 2018 also include the impact of the Snyder’s-Lance and Pacific Foods acquisitions and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts of 2017.
The audit-related fees for the years ended July 29, 2018 and July 30, 2017 include fees for services related to a pension plan audit.
Tax fees for the years ended July 29, 2018 and July 30, 2017 include fees for services related to tax compliance, including the preparation of tax returns, tax assistance with tax audits, transfer pricing, and tax consulting.
Other fees for the years ended July 29, 2018 and July 30, 2017 include fees associated with the use of accounting, disclosure and technical research software.
All audit, audit-related, tax and other fees described above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with its pre-approval policy.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy |
Our Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accountants. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other permissible non-audit services. The pre-approval authority details the particular service or category of service that the independent registered public accountants will perform. Management reports to the Audit Committee on the actual fees charged by the independent registered public accountants for each category of service.
During the year, circumstances may arise when it becomes necessary to engage the independent registered public accountants for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval authority. In those instances, the Audit Committee approves the services before we engage the independent registered public accountants. In case approval is needed before a scheduled Audit Committee meeting, the Audit Committee has authority to delegate pre-approval authority to one of its members who must report on such pre-approval decisions at the Audit Committee’s next regular meeting. During fiscal 2018, the Audit Committee delegated authority to its Chair to pre-approve additional audit and non-audit services in an amount not to exceed $200,000.
Auditor Independence |
PwC has advised us that neither it nor any member of its firm has any financial interest, direct or indirect, in any capacity in us or our subsidiaries. We have made similar inquiries of our directors and executive officers, and we have identified no such direct or indirect interest in PwC.
Audit Committee Report |
Management has primary responsibility for Campbell’s financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal control over financial reporting. Our role as the Audit Committee of Board of Directors is to oversee Campbell’s accounting and financial reporting processes, including the systems of internal control over financial reporting, and audits of its financial statements.
Our duties include overseeing Campbell’s management, internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm in their performance of the following functions for which they are responsible:
Management
● |
Preparing Campbell’s financial statements in accordance with GAAP; |
● |
Establishing and assessing effective financial reporting systems and internal controls and procedures; and |
● |
Reporting on the effectiveness of Campbell’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Internal Auditors
● |
Independently assessing management’s system of internal controls and procedures; and |
● |
Reporting on the effectiveness of that system. |
34 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
Independent Auditors
● |
Auditing Campbell’s financial statements; |
● |
Issuing an opinion about the financial statements’ conformity with U.S. GAAP; and |
● |
Annually auditing the effectiveness of Campbell’s internal control over financial reporting. |
The Audit Committee discussed with the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee reviewed with the internal auditors and independent registered public accounting firm, with and without members of management present, the results of their audits, their assessment of Campbell’s internal control over financial reporting and the overall quality of Campbell’s financial reporting.
Prior to Campbell’s filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2018 with the SEC, the Audit Committee also during the year:
● |
Reviewed and discussed with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the audited financial statements; |
● |
Reviewed and discussed with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the assessment by management and the independent registered public accounting firm of the adequacy and effectiveness of Campbell’s internal control over financial reporting; |
● |
Discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accountants’ communications with the Audit Committee; |
● |
Received from the independent registered public accounting firm a written report stating that they are not aware of any relationships between the registered public accounting firm and Campbell that, in their professional judgment, may reasonably be thought to bear on their independence, as required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communication with the audit committee concerning independence; |
● |
Discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the firm’s objectivity and independence; and |
● |
Considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm to Campbell for the most recent fiscal year and the fees and costs billed and expected to be billed by the independent registered public accounting firm for those services are compatible with maintaining its independence. |
Based on the review and discussions described in this report, and subject to the limitations of the Audit Committee’s role and responsibilities outlined in this report, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that Campbell’s audited consolidated financial statements be included in Campbell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2018 for filing with the SEC.
Audit Committee
Sara Mathew, Chair
Howard M. Averill
Maria Teresa Hilado
Marc B. Lautenbach
Archbold D. van Beuren
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 35
ITEM 3 — ADVISORY VOTE ON FISCAL 2018 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Section 14A of the Exchange Act requires that shareholders be given the opportunity to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote on executive compensation. This vote, commonly known as a “Say on Pay” vote, gives shareholders the opportunity to vote for or against named executive officer (“NEO”) compensation during a given fiscal year. Shareholders’ votes are not intended to address any specific item of the compensation program, but rather to address our overall approach to executive compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules.
As described in detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 37, our compensation program is designed to link pay to Company, division and individual performance, and reward achievements in those areas accordingly. The objectives of the executive compensation program are to:
■ |
Align the financial interests of our NEOs with those of our shareholders, in both the short and long term; |
■ |
Provide incentives for achieving and exceeding our short- and long-term goals; |
■ |
Attract, motivate and retain key executives by providing total compensation opportunities that are competitive with opportunities offered by other companies in the food, beverage and consumer products industries; and |
■ |
Differentiate the level of compensation based on individual and business unit performance, leadership potential and level of responsibility within the organization. |
The Compensation and Organization Committee (“Committee”) of the Board of Directors annually reviews our compensation structure, including the apportionment of pay between fixed and at-risk compensation elements and the design of the incentive compensation programs, and reviews and approves the applicable performance metrics by which such at-risk compensation is paid. The Committee believes that our executive compensation program effectively implements our compensation principles and policies, achieves our compensation objectives and aligns the interests of the NEOs and shareholders. Please read the entire Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 37 for additional details about our executive compensation programs, including detailed information about fiscal year 2018 compensation of the NEOs.
The Board of Directors is asking shareholders to support our fiscal 2018 executive compensation program, as disclosed in this proxy statement. The vote required for approval of this proposal is a majority of the votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast on this proposal. This vote on executive compensation is advisory, and therefore, will not be binding on Campbell Soup Company, the Committee or the Board of Directors, and it will not be construed as overruling any decision by the Company or the Board of Directors or creating or implying any change to, or additional fiduciary duties for, the Company or the Board of Directors.
Your Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “For” This Proposal and “For” the Following Resolution: |
“RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Campbell Soup Company approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to Campbell Soup Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the 2018 Proxy Statement pursuant to the Security and Exchange Commission’s compensation disclosure rules, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the 2018 executive compensation tables and related narrative discussion.”
36 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (“CD&A”)
This CD&A describes our executive compensation program for the Interim Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the former Chief Executive Officer (“former CEO”), the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), the three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at fiscal year end (July 29, 2018), and one former executive officer who would have been one of the three most highly compensation executive officers at fiscal year end if he had been serving as an executive officer at fiscal year end (collectively with the CEO, former CEO and CFO, “named executive officers” or “NEOs”). The Compensation and Organization Committee (“Committee”) of the Board of Directors oversees all aspects of NEO compensation, including annual incentive compensation under our Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) and other applicable plans, and long-term incentive compensation under our Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTI Program”). The fiscal 2018 NEOs are:
■ Keith R. McLoughlin | Interim President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
■ Denise M. Morrison | Former President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
■ Anthony P. DiSilvestro | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
■ Mark R. Alexander | Former President, Americas Simple Meals and Beverages | ||
■ Adam G. Ciongoli | Senior Vice President and General Counsel | ||
■ Luca Mignini | Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | ||
■ Robert W. Morrissey | Former Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 37
WHAT HAPPENED IN 2018? |
2018 Financial Results |
Our fiscal 2018 financial results included:
● | Net sales of $8.685 billion, reflecting the benefit of the recent acquisitions of Snyder’s-Lance and Pacific Foods |
● | Earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) of $469 million |
● | Adjusted EBIT of $1.408 billion |
● | Earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.86 |
● | Adjusted EPS of $2.87 |
● | Cash flows from operations of $1.305 billion |
In fiscal 2018, we completed the largest acquisition in Campbell’s history with the acquisition of Snyder’s-Lance, and also acquired Pacific Foods, a leader in organic broth and soup. Through fiscal 2018, we have achieved $455 million of the expected $945 million in cost savings that we expect to achieve by the end of fiscal 2022 under our previously-announced multi-year cost-savings initiatives.
More information on our business performance in fiscal 2018 is available in our 2018 Form 10-K, which is included in the 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders that accompanies this proxy statement. Information on items impacting comparability is available in Appendix B, which also provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBIT and adjusted EPS, which are non-GAAP measures, to their most comparable GAAP measures.
2018 Executive Compensation Highlights |
● | As a result of our disappointing net sales, EBIT and EPS performance, and our failure to achieve the other fiscal 2018 AIP scorecard goals described on page 45, the Committee funded the AIP pool at 0%. No payments were made to any NEO under the AIP for fiscal 2018. |
● | TSR performance-restricted share units for the three-year performance period ending in fiscal 2018 vested at 0% of target based on our TSR performance relative to peers. See page 48 for additional information. |
CEO Transition |
In conjunction with the release of our third-quarter earnings, Denise M. Morrison, who had served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since 2011, retired effective May 18, 2018. Our Board appointed Keith R. McLoughlin as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. It is anticipated that Mr. McLoughlin will serve in such position until the appointment by the Board of a permanent president and chief executive officer.
As discussed further below, Mr. McLoughlin’s compensation is not structured in the same manner as Ms. Morrison’s or the other NEO’s compensation, but is tailored for the interim nature of his role. The Committee recommended Mr. McLoughlin’s compensation to the Board after benchmarking with its independent consultant, FW Cook. Mr. McLoughlin will not receive any compensation as a director during his tenure as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer.
In connection with her departure, Ms. Morrison and the Company entered into a retirement agreement (the “Agreement”), which provides Ms. Morrison will receive, in addition to any accrued but unpaid benefits or obligations: (i) two years continued payment of base salary; (ii) two years of continued insurance benefits (life and medical) at active employee rates, or until Ms. Morrison is eligible for coverage from another employer; and (iii) reimbursement for up to $30,000 of certain legal fees. The benefits received by Ms. Morrison under the Agreement are consistent with the benefits provided under the Campbell Soup Company Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees, which is further described on page 49. The Agreement contains confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement provisions, as well as a release by Ms. Morrison of certain employment claims against the Company. The Agreement was filed as an exhibit to our 2018 Form 10-K.
The compensation arrangements for Mr. McLoughlin and Ms. Morrison are further described throughout this CD&A.
WHAT ARE OUR COMPENSATION PRACTICES? |
Compensation Objectives |
The objectives of our executive compensation program are to:
● | Align the financial interests of the NEOs with those of our shareholders, in both the short and long term; |
● | Provide incentives for achieving and exceeding our short-term and long-term goals; |
● | Attract, motivate and retain our key executives by providing total compensation opportunities that are competitive with opportunities offered by other companies in the food, beverage and consumer products industries; and |
38 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
● | Differentiate the level of compensation based on individual and business unit performance, leadership potential and level of responsibility within the organization. Individual performance is rated based upon demonstrated leadership skills, accomplishment of objectives, business unit or functional accountabilities and personal contributions. |
Compensation Principles and Policies |
The Committee annually reviews and recommends, and the Board approves, the principles and policies for executive compensation. The principles and policies are:
● | Campbell offers a total compensation package that is designed to link pay to Company, business unit and individual performance and attract, motivate and retain talent of the caliber needed to deliver successful business performance in absolute terms and relative to competition; |
● | Compensation levels are set after comparing Campbell’s pay levels and practices to the practices of the Compensation Peer Group (see page 41), which is reviewed annually by the Committee; |
● | Campbell targets total annual cash compensation to the median of the Compensation Peer Group. Long-term incentives are targeted above the median. Total compensation, consisting of salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives, is targeted at 5% to 10% above the median, in the aggregate, in order to enable the Company to recruit and retain executive talent. A regression analysis is performed to adjust the compensation data for the top executive positions to take into account differences in the total revenue of various peer companies compared to our total revenue. Our competitive position is reviewed annually by the Committee; |
● | Annual incentive payments are based on our performance compared to the goals established at the beginning of the fiscal year in designated measurement areas relating to our financial and enterprise priorities for that year. The Committee evaluates performance compared to the annual goals and uses its discretion to determine the funding percentage for the AIP pool; |
● | Long-term incentive grants are delivered in a combination of performance-restricted share units, time-lapse restricted share units and stock options, with the mix varying by level of responsibility within the organization; and |
● | Senior executives have a substantial portion of their compensation at risk, based upon the achievement of the performance goals for annual incentive payments and the performance goals for long-term incentives. To further align the interests of our senior executives with those of shareholders, a higher proportion of the incentive compensation delivered to senior executives is through performance-based long-term incentives that are paid out depending upon our financial performance (see pages 45 through 47 for a description of the LTI Program). |
Compensation Governance |
Our executive compensation program reflects the following best practices:
WE DO | WE DO NOT | |
✓Maintain a strong alignment between corporate performance and compensation |
✗Have an employment agreement with our CEO | |
✓Annually review the risk profile of our compensation programs and maintain risk mitigators |
✗Pay dividends or dividend equivalents to NEOs on unearned equity awards | |
✓Use an independent compensation consultant retained directly by the Compensation and Organization Committee |
✗Reprice stock options without the approval of Campbell shareholders | |
✓Use “double-trigger” change in control provisions in all change in control agreements |
✗Provide
tax gross ups in any change in control agreement entered into after January 1, 2011 | |
✓Have a policy that allows for the clawback of incentive compensation upon a material financial restatement resulting from fraud or intentional misconduct |
✗Allow executive officers to hedge or pledge Campbell common stock | |
✓Maintain robust stock ownership guidelines for all executive officers |
Results of 2017 Say on Pay Vote |
At the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we held our annual shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation, or “Say on Pay” vote. Approximately ninety-six percent (96%) of the votes cast were in favor of the “Say on Pay” proposal.
As the Committee evaluated our compensation principles and policies during fiscal 2018, it was mindful of this favorable outcome and our shareholders’ strong support of our compensation objectives and compensation programs. The Committee has maintained its general approach to executive compensation, and made no material changes in fiscal 2018 to the compensation principles and policies or the objectives of our compensation program. See “Item 3 – Advisory Vote on Fiscal 2018 Executive Compensation” on page 36 for additional information on the 2018 “Say on Pay” vote.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 39
HOW ARE COMPENSATION DECISIONS MADE? |
Role of the Compensation and Organization Committee |
The Committee has overall responsibility for our executive compensation program. The Committee annually reviews compensation strategy, principles and policies, including the apportionment of pay between fixed compensation and incentive compensation elements, and the design of incentive compensation programs. The Committee approves all compensation and benefits for our executive officers (7 individuals, including current executive officers who are NEOs), authorizes the aggregate amount of annual incentive awards for all eligible participants under the AIP and the LTI Program, and authorizes the CEO to allocate awards to other participants under the AIP and the LTI Program, up to an aggregate amount. Pursuant to the terms of its charter, the Committee is authorized to delegate any of its responsibilities to subcommittees as it deems appropriate, subject to the requirements of applicable laws, regulations and shareholder approved plans. The Committee has delegated to the Chair of the Committee the authority to approve compensation actions for executive officers between Committee meetings when necessary for business continuity purposes. The Chair of the Committee and the Chairman of the Board of Directors must jointly approve any equity grants made to executive officers between meetings.
Following the completion of the fiscal year, the Committee reviews the performance of the NEOs and approves each executive’s annual incentive payment for the just-completed fiscal year and certifies the vesting of long-term incentive awards for performance periods ending as of the just-completed fiscal year. The Committee also reviews and approves the base salary, annual incentive target and long-term incentive grant for the current fiscal year. This review of all major elements of executive compensation at one time provides the Committee with a comprehensive analysis of the target dollar amount of compensation that would be delivered by each element of compensation, assuming that the required performance goals are attained.
The Committee also reviews major organizational changes and reviews our succession planning and leadership development processes.
Role of Management |
It is our customary practice for the CEO and the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer to provide recommendations to the Committee on compensation actions for our executive officers (except for actions related to his or her own compensation) and on potential changes in the design of executive compensation programs, which the Committee then reviews with its independent compensation consultant. In September 2017, the CEO and the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer recommended to the Committee compensation actions for the NEOs (other than their own positions), including AIP awards for fiscal 2017 and base salaries and LTI grants for fiscal 2018.
The Vice President and Corporate Secretary and the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer work with the Committee to develop the annual list of agenda items and the annual schedule of meetings for the Committee, which are initially set prior to each fiscal year and updated as necessary. The list of agenda items is approved by the Committee.
Role of Independent Compensation Consultant |
Pursuant to its charter, the Committee is authorized to engage an outside advisor to assist in the design and evaluation of our executive compensation program, as well as to approve the fees paid to such advisor and other terms of the engagement. Prior to the retention of an outside advisor, the Committee assesses the prospective advisor’s independence, taking into consideration all relevant factors, including those factors specified in the NYSE listing standards.
In fiscal 2018, the Committee engaged FW Cook as its compensation consultant. FW Cook does not provide us with any services other than advising the Committee on executive compensation and advising the Governance Committee on non-employee director compensation. The Committee did not engage any other advisor in fiscal 2018. At the direction of the Committee, FW Cook provided advice on CEO and former CEO compensation, compensation trends, governance issues and other matters of interest to the Committee during fiscal 2018. The Committee assessed FW Cook’s independence, taking into account a number of factors such as: (1) the provision of other services to Campbell by FW Cook; (2) the amount of fees received from Campbell by FW Cook as a percentage of the total revenue of FW Cook; (3) FW Cook’s policies and procedures to prevent conflicts of interest; (4) any business or personal relationship between FW Cook and the members of the Committee; (5) any ownership of Campbell stock by the individuals at FW Cook performing consulting services for the Committee; and (6) any business or personal relationship between FW Cook and any Campbell executive officer. FW Cook provided the Committee with appropriate assurances regarding its independence. Based on this analysis, the Committee has concluded that FW Cook has been independent throughout its service to the Committee and that there are no conflicts of interest.
40 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
Peer Groups |
The Committee identifies both a Compensation Peer Group and a Performance Peer Group (which is a subset of the Compensation Peer Group) in designing and determining executive compensation. The Committee uses the Compensation Peer Group to evaluate the competitiveness of executive compensation and uses the Performance Peer Group to measure our relative TSR performance.
The Compensation Peer Group consists of companies in the food, beverage and consumer products industries with whom we primarily compete for executive talent. The Performance Peer Group consists of the companies in the Standard & Poor’s Packaged Foods Group, which are independently selected by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) based upon the similarities of the companies’ businesses in the packaged foods industry.
The composition of the Compensation Peer Group is approved by the Committee each fiscal year after obtaining advice from its independent compensation consultant. In fiscal 2018, the Committee compared our target total compensation levels with levels at the companies in the Compensation Peer Group identified in the table below. Given our relatively small size in relation to many of the companies in the Compensation Peer Group, a regression analysis was performed to adjust the compensation data for the top positions for differences in the total revenues of the various companies compared to our total revenue. The Committee believes that use of the Compensation Peer Group is the most effective method to evaluate and set the compensation needed to attract, motivate and retain the executive talent needed to manage our businesses and operations successfully, because these are the primary companies with which we compete for senior executives. Use of this peer group also provides a broad database that allows Campbell to obtain accurate, representative survey information for a majority of its positions.
The Committee also reviewed the Performance Peer Group in fiscal 2018 and continues to believe that it is the appropriate group in Campbell’s industry against which to measure our TSR performance. TSR performance of the companies in the Compensation Peer Group that are not in the packaged foods industry is more likely to be affected by economic developments that do not affect the packaged foods industry. Companies that are added to and deleted from the S&P Packaged Foods Group are automatically added to, or deleted from, the Performance Peer Group. The companies currently in the S&P Packaged Foods Group are noted in the table below; this list is also readily available through S&P.
Fiscal 2018 Compensation Peer Group & Performance Peer Group
■ |
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. |
■ |
The Clorox Company |
■ |
The Coca-Cola Company |
■ |
Colgate-Palmolive Company |
■ |
ConAgra Foods, Inc.(1) |
■ |
Dean Foods Company |
■ |
Diageo North America, Inc. |
■ |
Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. |
■ |
General Mills, Inc.(1) |
■ |
The Hershey Company(1) |
■ |
Hormel, Inc.(1) |
■ |
Johnson & Johnson Company |
■ |
The J.M. Smucker Company(1) |
■ |
Kellogg Company(1) |
■ |
Kimberly-Clark Corporation |
■ |
The Kraft Heinz Company(1) |
■ |
Mars, Inc. |
■ |
McCormick & Company, Inc.(1) |
■ |
Mondelez International, Inc.(1) |
■ |
Nestle USA, Inc. |
■ |
PepsiCo, Inc. |
■ |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
■ |
Reynolds American Inc.(2) |
■ |
S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. |
■ |
Tyson Foods, Inc.(1) |
■ |
Unilever United States, Inc. |
(1) | These companies, plus Campbell, constitute the entire S&P Packaged Foods Group, the Performance Peer Group used to measure TSR performance for calculation of the payout of TSR performance-restricted share units under the LTI Program. |
(2) | Reynolds American Inc. was part of the Compensation Peer Group for purposes of determining fiscal 2018 compensation. As of July 2017, Reynolds American became a wholly-owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco. As a result of the acquisition, the Committee removed Reynolds American from the Compensation Peer Group for fiscal 2019. |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 41
HOW DO WE COMPENSATE OUR NEOs? |
Compensation Elements |
The primary components of our executive compensation and benefits programs are summarized in the following table:
Element | Purpose/Objective | Additional Info | ||||
Fixed | Base Salary | ● | Provide a base level of compensation that is competitive in relation to the responsibilities of each executive’s position to attract the talent needed to successfully manage our business and execute our strategies | Page 43 | ||
At Risk | Annual Cash Incentive | ● | Motivate and reward the achievement of annual operating plan goals | Pages 43-45 | ||
● | Recognize individual contribution, measured by the impact on the performance of the Company, division, function or team | |||||
Long-Term Equity Incentive | ● | Motivate and reward executives based upon our success in delivering value to our shareholders | Pages 45-47 | |||
● | Retain the executive talent necessary to successfully manage our business and execute our strategies | |||||
● | Align pay with performance metrics that impact long-term value creation | |||||
Benefits | Retirement Programs | ● | Provide retirement benefits at competitive levels consistent with programs for our broad-based employee population | Pages 48-49 | ||
Post-Termination Compensation and Benefits | ● | Provide market-competitive benefits to attract the talent needed to successfully manage our business and execute our strategies | Pages 49-50 | |||
● | Provide a reasonable measure of financial stability in the event of involuntary termination or change in control | |||||
Benefits and Perquisites | ● | Provide market-competitive benefits and perquisites to attract the talent needed to successfully manage our business and execute our strategies | Page 49 |
■ |
put more compensation at risk based upon Company or business unit and individual performance for NEOs, whose performance is more likely to influence the results of the executive’s business unit or function, or the results of the Company as a whole; |
■ |
align NEO compensation with shareholder value creation through long-term incentives based on relative stock performance and share price appreciation; |
■ |
provide consistency over time in the proportion of compensation opportunity among the elements, while varying actual pay based upon Company, business unit and individual performance; and |
■ |
be competitive with the practices of the Compensation Peer Group in order to attract, motivate and retain key executives. |
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Base Salary |
The Committee considers a number of factors in determining individual base salaries for the NEOs, including the scope of an individual’s job responsibilities, his or her individual contributions and experience, business performance, job market conditions, the salary budget guidelines, and the individual’s current base salary as compared with those of persons in similar positions at other companies in the Compensation Peer Group, as well as within the Company. Targets for annual incentive payments and long-term incentive grants are a percentage of base salary.
Individual salaries for NEOs are reviewed each September by the Committee when it conducts its annual review of executive performance. Merit increases are generally based on the CEO’s (for executives other than the CEO) and the Committee’s assessment of individual performance.
In September 2017, the Committee reviewed Ms. Morrison’s base salary compared to other CEOs in the Compensation Peer Group and increased her base salary to $1,152,000, an increase of 1.5%, effective October 1, 2017. The Committee provided this increase in recognition of Ms. Morrison’s individual performance and her leadership of initiatives around real food. The Committee also provided base salary merit increases for Messrs. Alexander, Ciongoli, DiSilvestro, Mignini and Morrissey of 1.5%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 2.0% and 4.0%, respectively. These merit increases were based on the recommendation of the CEO, took into account each individual’s performance and, in the cases of Messrs. Alexander, Ciongoli, DiSilvestro and Mignini, were less than or generally consistent with the average 2.8% base salary merit increases awarded to the general employee population. In the case of Mr. Morrissey, the additional merit increase was intended to better align Mr. Morrissey’s base salary to that of other executives with a comparable position within the Compensation Peer Group.
In April 2018, the Committee increased Mr. Mignini’s base salary to $800,000 in connection with his promotion to Chief Operating Officer. In May 2018, the Committee recommended and the Board approved a base salary of $1,100,000 for Mr. McLoughlin. In setting Mr. McLoughlin’s base salary, the Committee considered Mr. McLoughlin’s experience as a CEO and the strategic and portfolio review that he was being asked to lead.
The base salaries paid to NEOs in fiscal 2018 are presented in the 2018 Summary Compensation Table on page 52.
Annual Incentive Compensation |
In fiscal 2018, all NEOs were eligible to receive an annual incentive under the Campbell Soup Company Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”), other than Mr. McLoughlin. Awards to NEOs under the AIP are determined based on Company and/or division performance and individual performance, as illustrated in the table below. A narrative discussion of each component follows.
Annual Incentive Target | X | Total Company Performance Score* |
Individual Award Determination |
Final Award | ||||||
The Committee sets a target percentage for each NEO based on competitive market data. The appropriate target percentage is applied to individual base salaries to calculate a target AIP award pool. |
The score is determined by the Committee based on an assessment of the Company’s balanced scorecard results. The full range of possible scores is 0-175%. | This is determined by the Committee, in the case of the CEO, and the Committee with input from the CEO for the other NEOs | ||||||||
Together, these determine the total approved AIP Pool | This determines an individual NEO’s “share” of the approved pool | Capped at 200% of an individual’s AIP target |
* AIP awards for NEOs who are division leaders are generally determined using a score that is weighted 60% on the assessment of total Company performance and 40% on the assessment of the division’s performance.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 43
Annual Incentive Target
At or prior to the beginning of fiscal 2018, the Committee established a competitive annual incentive target under the AIP, expressed as a percentage of base salary, for each NEO, other than Mr. McLoughlin. These percentages are at or near the size-adjusted median for similar executive positions at companies in the Compensation Peer Group. The sum of the individual incentive targets for all AIP participants (approximately 2,109 executives, managers and professionals) comprises the target AIP award pool. The Committee maintained the same AIP targets for fiscal 2018 that it used in fiscal 2017 for all NEOs other than Mr. Mignini. The Committee increased Mr. Mignini’s target from 80% to 125% in connection with his promotion to Chief Operating Officer in April 2018; Mr. Mignini’s fiscal 2018 target shown below is based on the portion of the fiscal year he spent in each role. The fiscal 2018 annual incentive targets for the NEOs were:
Name | Fiscal 2018 Annual Incentive Target (% of Base Salary) |
Fiscal 2018 Annual Incentive Target ($) | ||||
Keith R. McLoughlin* | NA | NA | ||||
Denise M. Morrison | 150 | % | $ | 1,728,000 | ||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro | 90 | % | $ | 632,700 | ||
Mark R. Alexander | 90 | % | $ | 658,620 | ||
Adam G. Ciongoli | 80 | % | $ | 579,760 | ||
Luca Mignini | 96 | % | $ | 766,247 | ||
Robert W. Morrissey | 70 | % | $ | 356,160 |
* Mr. McLoughlin was not a participant in the AIP for fiscal 2018. See additional disclosure below.
Total Company Performance Score
In fiscal 2018, the Committee used a balanced scorecard approach for the AIP in which a number of quantitative and qualitative goals were established at the beginning of the fiscal year. These goals required effective execution of business plans and were designed to be challenging to attain. The goals set forth in the scorecard fell within four quadrants:
After the fiscal year has ended, the Committee assesses total Company performance in light of the scorecard goals for that year, and exercises its collective judgment in determining the total Company “score,” or percentage at which the AIP award pool will be funded that year. The AIP intentionally provides an opportunity for the Committee to exercise judgment and discretion in determining the overall Company score in order to enable the Committee to holistically consider various internal and external factors, including financial performance compared to peers. Extraordinary items, such as major restructuring and accounting changes (whether positive or negative), are considered by the Committee in determining the approved total AIP pool. The Committee’s determination of the funding of the AIP pool may range from 0% to 175%. For fiscal 2018, performance against the financial quadrant was the predominant factor in the Committee’s overall assessment, and net sales performance was the most important metric within the financial quadrant.
Fiscal 2018 AIP Scorecard, Company Performance Score and Payouts to the Former CEO and Other NEOs
The AIP scorecard for fiscal 2018 focused on performance goals related to the delivery of financial objectives, the achievement of various marketplace and operational objectives and the advancement of our strategic imperatives, and the Committee assessed our fiscal 2018 performance using this context. The table below summarizes the fiscal 2018 AIP scorecard and the performance goals included in each quadrant.
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Financial | Operational | Marketplace | Strategic Imperatives | |||||||
Financial objectives | Operational objectives | Marketplace objectives | Strategic Imperatives | |||||||
relating to financial performance in the following areas:
●Net sales
●Adjusted EBIT
●Adjusted EPS
|
relating to:
●Innovation
●Customer performance
●Cost management and working capital
●Product quality and food safety
|
relating to consumer purchases of our products in core categories
|
relating to:
●Real food, transparency and sustainability
●New distribution models, including digital and e-commerce
●Health
and well-being and snacking
●Culture, talent and capabilities
|
Based on the Company’s disappointing fiscal 2018 financial results, performance against the other balanced scorecard objectives and its qualitative assessment of various aspects of our performance, the Committee determined that the total Company performance score should be 0, resulting in the AIP pool being funded at 0%. The Committee believed this score was appropriate in light of the current business conditions and our fiscal 2018 operating performance and is consistent with its pay for performance philosophy. None of the NEOs who participated in the fiscal 2018 AIP, including the former CEO, received any payout.
Annual Incentive Compensation for Mr. McLoughlin
Mr. McLoughlin did not participate in the fiscal 2018 AIP. Mr. McLoughlin has a target annual bonus of up to 200% of his base salary, payable at the discretion of the Board and subject to achievement of certain individual goals and objectives including: progress stabilizing the Company’s soup and shelf-stable beverage businesses; identifying an appropriate portfolio structure and preparing for appropriate divestitures; and creation of a path for a successor CEO. No amounts were paid to Mr. McLoughlin pursuant to this bonus arrangement during, or with respect to services performed during, fiscal 2018. Any payments pursuant to this bonus arrangement will be made following the designation of a successor CEO. Mr. McLoughlin’s compensation package was tailored for an interim CEO and does not include the typical incentives that were part of Ms. Morrison’s compensation or the compensation of the other NEOs. The Committee believes Mr. McLoughlin’s compensation is appropriate to incent him to accomplish the objectives established for him by the Board.
Special Cash Incentives for the Snyder’s-Lance Acquisition |
On March 26, 2018, Campbell completed the acquisition of Snyder’s-Lance. Snyder’s-Lance represented a strategic and transformative acquisition for Campbell, and strengthened the Company’s position in the faster-growing snacks category. The $6.1 billion acquisition of Snyder’s-Lance was the largest acquisition in Campbell’s history and required a significant effort on the part of the management team, including certain of the NEOs. In recognition of their extraordinary efforts to successfully close this transformative acquisition, the Committee approved special one-time cash awards to a number of Campbell employees, including Messrs. Ciongoli, DiSilvestro and Mignini. Each of these individuals received a $50,000 discretionary cash award. The Committee believed this amount was appropriate in light of each individual’s contributions and leadership throughout the acquisition process, including the following:
● | Mr. Ciongoli led the legal review of the acquisition, including all aspects of legal and regulatory due diligence. Mr. Ciongoli was also instrumental in negotiating the merger agreement and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. |
● | Mr. DiSilvestro led the financial review of the acquisition, including the valuation and cost synergy work. Mr. DiSilvestro also secured $5.3 billion of funding though a public debt offering to finance the acquisition. |
● | Mr. Mignini led the business review of the acquisition, including the analysis of the Snyder’s-Lance brands, categories and market positions and review of Snyder’s-Lance’s manufacturing operations. Mr. Mignini was also instrumental in developing the integration plan for Snyder’s-Lance. |
Long-Term Incentive Compensation |
Long-term incentives are typically equity awards, although cash-based awards may be made in limited circumstances. Equity grants are typically approved by the Committee each September, which is near the beginning of our fiscal year. Individual grants are based on the executive’s level of responsibility, possession of critical skills, individual performance and future leadership potential as assessed in our human resources organization planning process. The components of the LTI Program have evolved over time and are modified periodically to further the goals of the program. All shares paid out under our LTI Program are shares that were previously issued and outstanding or were reacquired by the Company.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 45
Fiscal 2018 Long-Term Incentive Program |
Each NEO, other than Mr. McLoughlin, has a long-term incentive target that is expressed as a percentage of his or her base salary or a dollar amount. These targets are designed to deliver total direct compensation at 5% to 10% above the size-adjusted median of the Compensation Peer Group, in accordance with our Compensation Principles and Policies. The Committee reviews the LTI targets for each NEO annually. The Committee did not make any changes to the fiscal 2018 LTI targets for any of the NEOs. In April 2018, Mr. Mignini’s fiscal 2019 LTI target was increased from 220% to 400% in connection with his promotion to Chief Operating Officer. The fiscal 2018 long-term incentive targets for our NEOs are set forth in the table below:
Name | Fiscal 2018 LTI Target* (% of Base Salary) |
Fiscal 2018 LTI Target* ($) | ||||
Keith R. McLoughlin** | NA | NA | ||||
Denise M. Morrison | 550 | % | $ | 6,242,500 | ||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro | 250 | % | $ | 1,757,500 | ||
Mark R. Alexander | 250 | % | $ | 1,829,500 | ||
Adam G. Ciongoli | 220 | % | $ | 1,594,340 | ||
Luca Mignini | 220 | % | $ | 1,594,340 | ||
Robert W. Morrissey | 195 | % | $ | 992,160 |
* Target applicable to grants that were made on October 1, 2017, based on NEO base salaries as of August 1, 2017.
** Mr. McLoughlin was not a participant in the LTI Program for fiscal 2018. See additional disclosure below.
Awards granted under our long-term incentive program in fiscal 2018 to our NEOs consisted of a combination of performance-restricted share units and non-qualified stock options, as follows:
● | TSR performance-restricted share units, which are earned based upon our TSR performance over the performance period compared to the TSRs of the other companies in the Performance Peer Group; |
● | EPS performance-restricted share units, which are designed to meet the performance-based compensation definition under IRC Section 162(m) and earned based on the achievement of a threshold level of EPS during the performance period; and |
● | Non-qualified stock options, which vest ratably over three years and have a ten-year exercise life from the date of the grant. |
In fiscal 2018, each NEO who participated in the LTI Program received 50% of their performance-based long-term incentive opportunity in TSR performance-restricted share units, 25% in EPS performance-restricted share units, and 25% in non-qualified stock options. There is no payment of dividends on restricted share units during the restriction period; instead, accumulated dividend equivalents will be paid in cash at the end of the restriction period on the units that ultimately vest. The performance-based long-term incentive awards that were granted to our NEOs during fiscal 2018 appear in the table below, and a description of each component that was granted in fiscal 2018 or that vested in whole or in part based on our fiscal 2018 performance appears in the narrative discussion following the table.
Name | TSR Performance- Restricted Share Units |
EPS Performance- Restricted Share Units |
Non- Qualified Stock Options |
LTI Grant Value at October 1, 2017* |
LTI Grant as % of Target | |||||||
Denise M. Morrison | 59,294 | 29,647 | 207,468 | $ | 6,242,500 | 100 | % | |||||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro | 17,017 | 8,509 | 59,542 | $ | 1,791,563 | 105 | % | |||||
Mark R. Alexander | 17,977 | 8,989 | 62,901 | $ | 1,892,625 | 105 | % | |||||
Adam G. Ciongoli | 15,368 | 7,684 | 53,771 | $ | 1,617,924 | 103 | % | |||||
Luca Mignini | 15,589 | 7,795 | 54,547 | $ | 1,641,255 | 105 | % | |||||
Robert W. Morrissey | 9,508 | 4,754 | 33,268 | $ | 1,001,000 | 105 | % |
* | Value is based on a stock price of $52.64 for the TSR and EPS performance-restricted share units, which was the average closing price of Campbell common stock over the final 20 trading days in August 2017, and approximately $7.52 for stock options, which is 1/7 of $52.64 (stock options were granted at a 7:1 ratio, compared to share units). The grant date fair value of share units and stock option awards, as shown in the 2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 55, is different than the value in the table above because the grant date fair value is based on a Monte Carlo valuation in the case of the TSR performance-restricted share units, the share price on the date of the grant for EPS performance-restricted share units and the Black-Scholes value in the case of the stock options. |
The fiscal 2018 long-term incentive award to Ms. Morrison was granted at target. Messrs. Alexander, Ciongoli, DiSilvestro, Mignini and Morrissey were granted awards in excess of their target amounts based on the Committee’s evaluation of each individual’s performance and potential.
46 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
TSR Performance-Restricted Share Units
In fiscal 2018, the Committee granted 50% of the long-term incentive awards to the NEOs in the form of TSR performance-restricted share units. The Committee believed that it was appropriate to include an element that compared our performance to an external peer group, and that linking a significant portion of long-term compensation to our TSR performance aligns the interests of NEOs with those of our shareholders. TSR performance-restricted share units are paid out based upon our TSR performance over a three-year period compared to the TSRs of the other companies in the Performance Peer Group over the same three-year period. At the time of payment, the Committee can exercise negative discretion in determining our ranking under the TSR performance-restricted share unit portion of the program in the event of extraordinary circumstances.
The grants made in fiscal 2018 have a fiscal 2018-2020 performance period. Based on the current composition of the Performance Peer Group, which has 11 companies, including Campbell, the percentage of target TSR units granted in fiscal 2018 that will be paid out at the end of the performance period based upon our TSR performance ranking is illustrated in the chart below:
Campbell’s TSR Performance Rank |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Percentage Payout | 200% | 200% | 175% | 150% | 125% | 100% | 75% | 50% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
EPS Performance-Restricted Share Units
In fiscal 2018, the Committee granted 25% of the long-term incentive awards to the NEOs in the form of EPS performance-restricted share units. These units are granted to executive officers in lieu of time-lapse restricted share units and are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under IRC Section 162(m). EPS performance-restricted share units are paid out two months following the end of each fiscal year in the three-year vesting period, provided that the adjusted EPS goal established at the time of grant is achieved. The payout of EPS performance-restricted share units is either 0 or 100%.
The EPS performance-restricted share units granted in fiscal 2018 vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, provided that fiscal 2018 adjusted EPS was at least $1.55, or 50% of the adjusted EPS goal approved by the Committee for the fiscal 2018 AIP and the holder meets the applicable service requirements. The EPS hurdle was applied to these share units to qualify them as performance-based compensation under IRC Section 162(m). Fiscal 2018 adjusted EPS was $2.87, which was greater than 50% of the goal; therefore, the performance goal for all of the EPS performance-restricted units that were granted in fiscal 2018 has been met. These units will vest and will be paid out to the NEOs in three equal installments; one-third of the shares vested and were paid out at the end of September 2018, and the other two-thirds will vest and be paid out in two equal installments following the end of fiscal 2019 and 2020, provided that the executive remains employed by the Company on the date of vesting (or otherwise as provided under the terms and conditions of the grant). Please see Appendix B for a reconciliation of adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP measure, to its most comparable GAAP measure.
Non-Qualified Stock Options
In fiscal 2018, the Committee granted 25% of the long-term incentive awards to the NEOs in the form of non-qualified stock options. The Committee believes that having stock options as a component of our LTI Program further links NEO compensation with shareholder interests and provides a compensation vehicle for NEOs that is linked to absolute share price performance. The stock options that were granted to NEO’s in fiscal 2018 will vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, and have a 10-year exercise period. For more information on the stock options granted in fiscal 2018, see the 2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 55.
Time-Lapse Restricted Share Units
Time-lapse restricted share units are units that vest based on continued employment over the restriction period, which typically ranges from one to three years. The Committee grants time-lapse restricted share units to NEOs in limited circumstances, typically (1) at the start of their employment with us in recognition of their forfeiture of long-term incentive grants from their prior employer, (2) as additional compensation when an NEO is promoted into a new role or given additional responsibilities, or (3) as an additional retention tool.
Grant to Mr. Mignini
In fiscal 2018, Mr. Mignini was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and given expanded responsibilities for our Americas Simple Meals and Beverages segment and our Global Biscuits and Snacks segment. In recognition of his expanded responsibilities, the Committee granted 17,381 time-lapse restricted share units to Mr. Mignini. These units will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. For more information on this award, see the 2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 55.
Grant to Mr. McLoughlin
In connection with his appointment as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, on May 21, 2018, Mr. McLoughlin received a grant of 88,287 time-lapse restricted share units, which will vest in full upon the earlier of 12 months from the grant date or when a successor president and chief executive officer is appointed. The purpose of this grant was to further align Mr. McLoughlin’s interests with those of shareholders, and retain his services through the vesting period. Mr. McLoughlin did not receive a grant under our 2018 LTI Program. For more information on this award, see the 2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 55.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 47
Awards with Performance Periods Ending in Fiscal 2018 |
TSR Performance-Restricted Share Units
TSR Performance-Restricted Share Units were granted in October 2015 as part of the fiscal 2016 LTI Program. These units had a fiscal 2016-2018 performance period. For the fiscal 2016-2018 performance period, the percentage of target TSR performance-restricted share units that were paid out was based upon our TSR performance ranking as illustrated in the chart below.
Campbell’s TSR Performance Rank |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Percentage Payout |
200% | 200% | 175% | 150% | 125% | 100% | 75% | 50% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
● | Our cumulative three-year TSR of -8.1% ranked 9th versus the peer group. |
● | Based on the above criteria and our TSR performance ranking, the payout for TSR performance-restricted share units for the fiscal 2016-2018 performance period was 0% of the target amount. |
EPS Performance-Restricted Share Units
The fiscal 2018 LTI Program included EPS performance-restricted share units with a performance period that ended in fiscal 2018. The performance condition for these units was met based on fiscal 2018 EPS performance, and these units will vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, provided that the holder meets the applicable service requirements. See page 47 for additional information on the fiscal 2018 EPS performance-restricted share units.
Retirement Plans and Other Benefits |
Pension Plans
Eligible NEOs participate in two defined benefit plans: (1) the Campbell Soup Company Retirement and Pension Plan (“Qualified Plan”); and (2) the Campbell Soup Company Mid-Career Hire Pension Plan (“MCHP”). The Qualified Plan provides funded, tax-qualified benefits up to applicable annual limits allowed under the IRC for full-time U.S. employees who commenced employment with us prior to January 1, 2011. The MCHP provides unfunded, nonqualified benefits to certain U.S.-based senior executives who were hired in the middle of their careers that attempt to replicate the pension benefits earned by similarly situated employees who instead worked their entire career at Campbell. In this regard, such executives typically forfeited future pension benefits that they would have earned if they remained with their prior employers. The MCHP also provides benefits in excess of the annual IRC limits applicable to the Qualified Plan. MCHP benefits are offset by benefits paid under the Qualified Plan and the plans prohibit duplication of benefits. Both plans were closed to new participants, effective December 31, 2010. The eligible NEOs in fiscal 2018 were Ms. Morrison and Messrs. DiSilvestro, Alexander and Morrissey.
Although closed to new participants, we maintain the Qualified Plan and the MCHP as a means to retain eligible employees and to provide them with a competitive level of pension benefits. The retirement plans provide eligible employees, including the eligible NEOs, the opportunity to plan for future financial needs during retirement. Under the Qualified Plan, the actual pension benefit is calculated on the same basis for all participants, and is based upon the eligible NEO’s:
● | length of service; |
● | covered compensation (for example, base salary and annual incentive payments under the AIP); and |
● | age at retirement. |
Time-lapse restricted share units, performance-restricted share units and stock options, as well as any extraordinary remuneration, are not included in the calculation of the pension benefit under the Qualified Plan. For a more detailed discussion of the retirement plans and the accumulated benefits under these plans, see the 2018 Pension Benefits table and the accompanying narrative beginning on page 59.
NEOs who are not eligible to participate in the MCHP because they were hired or promoted into an eligible salary grade on or after January 1, 2011, may be eligible to receive an Executive Retirement Contribution. Messrs. McLoughlin, Ciongoli, and Mignini are eligible for the Executive Retirement Contribution. The Executive Retirement Contribution is a credit to the participant’s Supplemental Retirement Plan account. The amount of the Executive Retirement Contribution is calculated on the same basis for all participants using covered compensation (for example, base salary and annual incentive payments under the AIP) and is subject to vesting criteria. The Executive Retirement Contribution is consistent with our objective to attract and retain experienced senior executives to execute our strategies, and was adopted as a means to provide a competitive level of retirement benefits to executives hired following the closure of the MCHP to new participants. For a more detailed discussion of the Executive Retirement Contribution, see the narrative on page 61 following the 2018 Pension Benefits table and the 2018 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table and accompanying narrative beginning on page 63.
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Deferred Compensation Plans
The Campbell Soup Company Deferred Compensation Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan provide an opportunity for eligible U.S.-based participants, including the NEOs, to save for future financial needs. For a more detailed discussion of the deferred compensation arrangements relating to the NEOs, see the 2018 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table and accompanying narrative beginning on page 63.
Perquisites
Our Personal Choice Program provides quarterly cash payments to certain NEOs in lieu of reimbursements for items such as tax or estate planning services or financial planning services. The Committee believes that these payments are appropriate to reimburse executives for financial and tax planning services or other purposes so that the executives are not distracted from devoting their time and energy to their responsibilities to the Company. We provide long-term disability protection to the NEOs that is in addition to the standard long-term disability coverage provided for other employees.
We also provided transportation benefits to our CEO and our former CEO, including use of a Company-owned vehicle and limited use of an aircraft leased by the Company through an arrangement with NetJets, Inc. (“NetJets”) for commuting and/or personal travel. With respect to Ms. Morrison, the Committee believed this was appropriate because of security concerns, to enhance productivity for both the CEO and the Company, and to allow the CEO a more convenient way to integrate work and life responsibilities. Mr. McLoughlin’s permanent residence is outside of the Camden, NJ area. Given the interim nature of his role, the Committee believed it was appropriate to pay for temporary housing, and allow Mr. McLoughlin the personal use of a Company-owned vehicle and the use of the Company’s NetJets arrangement to commute to and from his permanent residence.
We do not provide tax gross-ups on any perquisites provided to our NEOs. For additional information on all perquisites provided to the NEOs in fiscal 2018, please see the 2018 Summary Compensation Table and accompanying footnotes, which begin on page 52.
Severance Plans
Our NEOs are covered by the Campbell Soup Company Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees, under which payments are based on level of responsibility and length of service. For the NEOs, the maximum payment under the plan is two times base salary. The payment and benefit levels defined in our severance plan for eligible U.S.-based salaried employees have been determined primarily by reference to the amount of time customarily required for employees who are involuntarily terminated without cause to find other employment. We believe that, due to the relative scarcity of senior executive roles, employees at higher levels in the organization generally need more time to locate comparable positions elsewhere than employees at lower levels. Assurance of a reasonable measure of financial security in the event of involuntary termination is important to candidates for executive positions, and the extent of the severance benefits offered by Campbell in comparison with those available at other companies is sometimes a significant factor in their evaluations of the attractiveness of opportunities at Campbell.
Messrs. Alexander and Morrissey will receive severance benefits under the Campbell Soup Company Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees. Ms. Morrison has received and will continue to receive post-employment benefits under the terms of the Agreement. For a more detailed discussion of these severance and post-employment arrangements, see Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control beginning on page 64.
Change in Control Benefits
We have entered into “double-trigger” Change in Control Severance Protection Agreements (“CIC Agreements”) with each of the NEOs, other than Mr. McLoughlin. The CIC Agreements provide for severance pay and continuation of certain benefits should an applicable termination of employment occur in connection with and within two years following a change in control. The Committee believes that the CIC Agreements are necessary in order to retain stability in the senior executive team in the event there is a threatened or actual change in control.
The CIC Agreements’ double-trigger provisions require the occurrence of the following two events in order for an executive to receive payments and benefits: (1) a change in control; and (2) the executive’s employment must be terminated involuntarily and without cause (or terminated voluntarily for good reason) within two years following a change in control.
In March 2010, the Committee determined that provisions for “gross-up” payments to cover any federal excise taxes owed on change in control-related severance payments and benefits (“Gross-Up Payments”) would be eliminated in any CIC Agreement entered into after January 1, 2011. The CIC Agreements with Messrs. Ciongoli and Mignini were entered into after January 1, 2011 and do not provide for such Gross-Up Payments; however, Mr. DiSilvestro entered into a CIC Agreement prior to January 1, 2011 that provides a Gross-Up Payment. The CIC Agreements with Ms. Morrison and Messrs. Alexander and Morrissey expired when these individuals ceased to be employed by the Company.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 49
The Gross-Up Payment is provided if the NEO’s aggregate amount of applicable change in control-related severance payments and benefits (“CIC Payments”) is equal to, or more than, 3.10 times the amount of the NEO’s applicable “base amount” under IRC Section 280G. However, if the NEO’s aggregate amount of CIC Payments is less than 3.10 times the amount of the NEO’s applicable “base amount” under IRC Section 280G, the NEO will not receive Gross-Up Payments and the CIC Payments will be reduced, if the reduction would result in the NEO retaining a greater net after-tax value of such CIC Payments. For a more detailed discussion of these CIC Agreements, see Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control, beginning on page 64.
We also have change in control provisions in our AIP, our long-term incentive plans and our U.S. retirement plans, and these provisions apply equally to all participants in the plans, including the NEOs.
HOW DO WE MANAGE RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAM? |
Risk Assessment — Incentive Compensation Programs |
Each year, the Committee reviews the risk profile of our compensation programs. Management completes, for review by the Committee, an assessment of our compensation programs on a global basis, with a focus on incentive compensation programs. The Committee believes that our compensation programs do not create risks that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Committee’s assessment was based on several factors, including:
● | the compensation governance process that we have established; |
● | the relative size of the potential payouts in the aggregate and for any individual; |
● | the inclusion of a “cap” on the maximum payouts to any individual; and |
● | the use of multiple metrics in the respective incentive programs. |
Executive Stock Ownership |
We require NEOs to own shares to further align their interests with those of shareholders. It is our policy that NEOs achieve an ownership stake that represents a significant multiple of their base salaries. Until the ownership level is achieved, NEOs must retain at least half of the after-tax value of each equity award in shares of Campbell stock upon the vesting of restricted share units or exercise of options. Due to the interim nature of his role, Mr. McLoughlin is not subject to our executive stock ownership requirements, but is subject to our director stock ownership requirements described on page 32. All other NEOs that are currently employed by the Company are compliant with the retention requirements, and all have either met or are making meaningful progress toward their respective ownership standard. Progress toward a designated ownership standard is measured annually.
The share ownership requirements for NEOs are listed below. The ownership standard is expressed as a multiple of salary that is determined based on organization level or salary grade. Establishing ownership standards as a multiple of base salary links the program with pay actions (i.e., base salary increases), and ensures that ownership objectives remain competitive. The ownership multiples have been set at market median.
Stock Ownership Requirement as Multiple of Base Salary
Executives may count toward these requirements the value of shares beneficially owned and shares and share units that are deferred and fully vested in the 401(k) plan and other deferred compensation programs. Unvested restricted share units and unexercised stock options are not counted in calculating ownership.
Tax Implications |
Until Congress amended IRC Section 162(m) under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”), IRC Section 162(m) limited the deductibility of the compensation paid to an NEO (excluding the CFO) to $1 million, except to the extent the compensation was qualified performance-based compensation. It was the Committee’s policy to structure compensation such that it would be deductible under IRC Section 162(m), except where the Committee determined that it would not be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. For example, a tax deduction was not available under IRC Section 162(m) for the incremental amount of the base salary of an NEO (other than the CFO) that exceeds $1 million. In general, the Committee established performance goals for the AIP and LTI Program that were designed to qualify the annual and long-term incentives awarded to our NEOs as deductible under IRC Section 162(m).
Effective January 1, 2018, the TCJA made significant changes to IRC Section 162(m). IRC Section 162(m), as amended, limits our compensation deduction to $1.0 million annually for each NEO, regardless of whether the compensation qualifies as
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performance-based. Further, the deduction limit now extends to include our CFO regardless of compensation and applies to any individual who (1) was an NEO beginning January 1, 2017, and (2) whose compensation was once subject to IRC Section 162(m). As a result, compensation we pay to NEOs in excess of $1.0 million will not be deductible unless it qualifies for transition relief applicable to compensation pursuant to certain arrangements in place as of November 2, 2017 that are not materially modified after that date.
We believe that the EPS performance-restricted share units awarded to NEOs as part of the fiscal 2018 LTI Program will qualify for such transition relief. The EPS performance-restricted share units will be paid out based upon our adjusted EPS performance during the fiscal 2018 performance period. However, there can be no guarantee that these awards will qualify for transition relief under the TCJA.
Now that the performance-based compensation exception is no longer available, the Company anticipates that it will no longer include IRC Section 162(m)-related limitations or provisions or request shareholder approval for this purpose and may not generally attempt to meet the requirements previously included in our plans related to the exception, however the Company intends to continue its pay for performance philosophy and will continue to provide that a significant portion of compensation paid to our NEOs is subject to performance criteria. Further, based on the changes to IRC Section 162(m) effective January 1, 2018, we anticipate that the after-tax cost of compensating our NEOs will increase.
Policies Prohibiting Hedging or Pledging Company Securities |
Our policies prohibit directors and executive officers from hedging the economic risk associated with fully owned shares, restricted share units and unexercised stock options. We also have a policy that prohibits pledging of shares by directors and executive officers, with an exception for pledge arrangements that were established prior to September 25, 2013. No executive officers have any existing pledge agreements.
Incentive Compensation Clawback Policy |
In September 2017, the Board approved the Campbell Soup Company Incentive Compensation Clawback Policy (“Clawback Policy”) to better align our compensation practices with our shareholders’ interests and ensure that incentive compensation is based upon accurate financial information. Our Clawback Policy, which covers all executive officers (including the NEOs), allows for recovery of cash and equity incentive compensation in the event the Company is required to prepare a material financial restatement due to fraud or intentional misconduct.
The Committee has sole discretion to determine whether and how to apply the Clawback Policy. In determining whether to recover compensation, the Committee will consider whether the executive officer received incentive compensation based on the original financial results that was in excess of the incentive compensation that should have been received based on the restated financial results. The Committee will also consider the accountability of the individual executive officer for the restatement, including whether the individual engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct.
COMPENSATION AND ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation and Organization Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management, and based on such reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
Compensation and Organization Committee
Nick Shreiber, Chair
Fabiola R. Arredondo
Bennett Dorrance
Randall W. Larrimore
Marc B. Lautenbach
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 51
2018 Summary Compensation Table |
The following Summary Compensation Table provides information concerning the fiscal 2018 compensation of our Interim Chief Executive Officer, former Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, the three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at fiscal year end (July 29, 2018), and one former executive officer who would have been one of the three most highly compensation executive officers at fiscal year end if he had been serving as an executive officer at fiscal year end (“named executive officers” or “NEOs”). Information is only included for Messrs. McLoughlin and Morrissey for those years within the last three fiscal years in which the individual was an NEO. For a complete understanding of the table, please read the footnotes and narrative disclosures that follow the table.
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus(1) ($) |
Stock Awards(2) ($) |
Option Awards(3) ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation(4) ($) |
Change In Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings(5) ($) |
All Other Compensation(6) ($) |
Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||
Keith R. McLoughlin Interim President and Chief Executive Officer |
2018 | $ | 216,986 | $ | 0 | $ | 2,964,677 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 408,630 | $ | 3,590,293 | |||||||||
Denise M. Morrison Former President and Chief Executive Officer |
2018 | $ | 915,603 | $ | 0 | $ | 3,723,456 | $ | 1,384,081 | $ | 0 | $ | 307,740 | $ | 636,206 | $ | 6,967,086 | |||||||||
2017 | $ | 1,129,167 | $ | 0 | $ | 3,321,712 | $ | 1,305,812 | $ | 1,106,625 | $ | 1,634,018 | $ | 426,427 | $ | 8,923,761 | ||||||||||
2016 | $ | 1,100,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 5,367,165 | $ | 1,683,813 | $ | 1,980,000 | $ | 2,380,998 | $ | 420,205 | $ | 12,932,181 | ||||||||||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
2018 | $ | 699,583 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 1,068,631 | $ | 397,223 | $ | 0 | $ | 267,938 | $ | 81,268 | $ | 2,564,643 | |||||||||
2017 | $ | 677,083 | $ | 0 | $ | 981,157 | $ | 385,702 | $ | 399,263 | $ | 805,609 | $ | 92,465 | $ | 3,341,279 | ||||||||||
2016 | $ | 642,500 | $ | 0 | $ | 1,481,533 | $ | 464,786 | $ | 702,000 | $ | 1,396,933 | $ | 84,510 | $ | 4,772,262 | ||||||||||
Mark R. Alexander Former President, Americas Simple Meals and Beverages |
2018 | $ | 730,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 1,128,916 | $ | 419,631 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 182,310 | $ | 2,460,857 | |||||||||
2017 | $ | 717,500 | $ | 0 | $ | 1,056,909 | $ | 415,482 | $ | 457,026 | $ | 354,314 | $ | 95,873 | $ | 3,097,104 | ||||||||||
2016 | $ | 696,667 | $ | 0 | $ | 1,774,267 | $ | 556,630 | $ | 774,900 | $ | 1,024,862 | $ | 82,421 | $ | 4,909,747 | ||||||||||
Adam G. Ciongoli Senior Vice President and General Counsel |
2018 | $ | 722,917 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 965,057 | $ | 358,722 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 221,643 | $ | 2,318,339 | |||||||||
2017 | $ | 711,667 | $ | 0 | $ | 1,468,889 | $ | 332,386 | $ | 371,280 | $ | 0 | $ | 269,307 | $ | 3,153,529 | ||||||||||
2016 | $ | 700,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 1,366,206 | $ | 428,605 | $ | 672,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 148,645 | $ | 3,915,456 | ||||||||||
Luca Mignini Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
2018 | $ | 747,433 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 1,731,729 | $ | 363,899 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 228,655 | $ | 3,121,716 | |||||||||
2017 | $ | 708,167 | $ | 0 | $ | 883,411 | $ | 347,280 | $ | 386,512 | $ | 0 | $ | 270,002 | $ | 2,595,372 | ||||||||||
2016 | $ | 693,125 | $ | 0 | $ | 1,454,884 | $ | 456,439 | $ | 666,900 | $ | 0 | $ | 268,463 | $ | 3,539,811 | ||||||||||
Robert W. Morrissey Former Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer |
2018 | $ | 505,542 | $ | 0 | $ | 597,069 | $ | 221,941 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 124,973 | $ | 1,449,525 | |||||||||
(1) |
The amounts reported in this column for fiscal 2018 for Messrs. DiSilvestro, Ciongoli and Mignini represent a special one-time cash incentives that were paid following the successful closing of the Snyder’s-Lance acquisition. Please see the discussion on page 45 of the CD&A for additional information. The amount reported in this column for Mr. Ciongoli for fiscal 2016 represents a one-time cash payment in recognition of his forfeiture of equity awards and other income from Mr. Ciongoli’s prior employment. |
| |
(2) |
The amounts reported in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of all stock awards granted to each NEO, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, for the listed fiscal year. The assumptions we used in calculating these amounts are included in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2018 Form 10-K. The amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the performance-based awards assume a future payout at the target level and may not represent the amounts that the NEOs will actually realize from the awards. Whether and to what extent, an NEO realizes value with respect to these performance-based awards will depend on our actual operating and TSR performance and the NEO’s continued employment. If our performance results in a future payout at the maximum level (200% of target), the aggregate grant date fair value of the performance-based stock awards granted in fiscal 2018 would have been as follows: Ms. Morrison, $6,058,839; Mr. DiSilvestro, $1,738,871; Mr. Alexander, $1,836,967; Mr. Ciongoli, $1,570,348; Mr. Mignini, $1,592,954 and Mr. Morrissey, $971,556. A portion of the performance-based awards shown above for Ms. Morrison and Messrs. Alexander and Morrissey will be eligible to vest based on the length of time each |
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executive was employed during the applicable performance period. The remaining portions of each award will be forfeited due to each executive’s failure to meet the service-based vesting conditions. The aggregate grant date fair value of the performance based-awards that will be forfeited by each executive, and the aggregate grant date fair value of the performance based-awards that will be eligible to vest is set forth in the table below. Whether and to what extent the awards partially vest will ultimately depend on our operating and TSR performance. |
Name | Fiscal Year Granted |
Grant Date Fair Value of Forfeited Awards |
Grant Date Fair Value of Awards Eligible to Vest | |||||
Denise M. Morrison | 2018 | $ | 1,816,427 | $ | 1,907,029 | |||
2017 | $ | 872,605 | $ | 2,449,107 | ||||
2016 | $ | 425,806 | $ | 4,941,359 | ||||
Mark R. Alexander | 2018 | $ | 635,730 | $ | 493,186 | |||
2017 | $ | 256,255 | $ | 800,654 | ||||
2016 | $ | 0 | $ | 1,774,267 | ||||
Robert W. Morrissey | 2018 | $ | 249,671 | $ | 347,398 |
The amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table for time-lapse stock awards assume the service conditions will be met and the awards will vest. Whether, and to what extent an NEO realizes value with respect to these time-lapse awards will depend on the NEO’s continued employment. For additional information on grant date fair value and estimated future payouts of stock awards, see the 2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 55, and to see the value of stock awards actually realized by the NEOs in fiscal 2018, see the 2018 Option Exercises and Stock Vested table on page 58. |
|
| |
(3) |
The amounts reported in this column represent the grant date fair value of the option awards, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, for the listed fiscal year. The assumptions we used in calculating these amounts are included in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2018 Form 10-K. For additional information on grant date fair value of option awards, see the 2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 55. Mr. Alexander’s unvested option awards shown above will be forfeited on October 1, 2018. Ms. Morrison and Mr. Morrissey qualified for retirement treatment under the terms of their option awards. Their option awards shown above will continue to vest on their original schedule. |
| |
(4) |
The amounts reported in this column for each NEO reflect the amounts earned and paid under the AIP. Payments under the AIP were determined as described in the CD&A beginning on page 43. |
| |
(5) |
The change in pension amounts reported for fiscal 2018 are comprised of changes between July 31, 2017 and July 29, 2018 in the actuarial present value of the accumulated pension benefits for each eligible NEO. Eligible NEOs receive pension benefits under the same formula applied to all eligible U.S.-based salaried employees, except for benefits accrued under the MCHP. The assumptions used in calculating the change in pension value are described on page 62. The values reported in this column are theoretical, as those amounts are calculated pursuant to SEC requirements and are based on assumptions used in preparing our consolidated audited financial statements for the years ended July 30, 2017 and July 29, 2018. The Qualified Plan and MCHP utilize different methods of calculating actuarial present value for the purpose of determining a lump-sum payment, if any, to be paid under each pension plan. The change in pension value from year to year as reported in the table is subject to market volatility and may not represent the value that an NEO will actually accrue under the Qualified Plan and/or MCHP, as applicable, during any given year. Messrs. McLoughlin, Ciongoli and Mignini are not eligible to participate in either the Qualified Plan or MCHP. The material provisions of our pension plans and deferred compensation plans are described beginning on page 59 and on page 63. No NEO received above-market earnings (as this term is defined by the SEC) on their nonqualified deferred compensation accounts during fiscal 2018. |
| |
(6) |
The amounts reported in this column reflect, for each NEO, the sum of (i) the incremental cost to Campbell of all perquisites and other personal benefits; (ii) any amounts contributed by Campbell to the applicable 401(k) plan and any 401(k) supplemental program, which are part of our deferred compensation plans; (iii) Executive Retirement Contributions; (iv) any premiums paid by Campbell for executive long-term disability benefits; (v) any post-employment payments made or accrued during fiscal 2018; and (vi) any other amounts received by the NEO. See footnote (c) to the table below for further detail about additional post-employment payments to be paid that are subject to certain conditions. |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 53
The following table outlines those (i) perquisites and other personal benefits and (ii) all other additional compensation required by the SEC rules to be separately quantified:
Name | 401(k) Company Contribution |
401(k) Supplemental Company Contribution(a) |
Executive Retirement Contribution(b) |
Long-Term Disability |
Post-Employment Payments(c) |
Perquisites(d) | Other(g) | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Keith R. McLoughlin | $ | 12,608 | $ | 0 | $ | 19,462 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 128,560 | (e) | $ | 248,000 | $ | 408,630 | ||||||||
Denise M. Morrison | $ | 11,000 | $ | 71,239 | $ | 0 | $ | 4,645 | $ | 307,708 | $ | 241,614 | (f) | $ | 0 | $ | 636,206 | ||||||||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro | $ | 11,000 | $ | 32,933 | $ | 0 | $ | 5,335 | $ | 0 | $ | 32,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 81,268 | |||||||||
Mark R. Alexander | $ | 11,000 | $ | 36,470 | $ | 0 | $ | 4,199 | $ | 98,641 | $ | 32,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 182,310 | |||||||||
Adam G. Ciongoli | $ | 19,250 | $ | 57,325 | $ | 109,392 | $ | 3,676 | $ | 0 | $ | 32,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 221,643 | |||||||||
Luca Mignini | $ | 19,250 | $ | 60,067 | $ | 113,310 | $ | 4,028 | $ | 0 | $ | 32,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 228,655 | |||||||||
Robert W. Morrissey | $ | 11,000 | $ | 18,106 | $ | 0 | $ | 3,440 | $ | 60,427 | $ | 32,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 124,973 |
(a) | See page 63 for a description of the supplemental 401(k) program. |
(b) |
This amount is unvested and is subject to forfeiture if the vesting criteria are not met. See page 61 for a description of the Executive Retirement Contribution. |
(c) |
The amounts in this column represent the amounts paid pursuant to post-employment arrangements with the respective NEOs. For Ms. Morrison, the amount includes salary continuation payments, reimbursement of legal fees and the payout of accrued, unused vacation time pursuant to her Agreement during the period from May 18, 2018 through July 29, 2018. For Mr. Alexander, the amount includes salary, benefits and the fees associated with an executive coach, paid pursuant to his severance agreement with the Company that are in addition to the amounts to which he is entitled under the Campbell Soup Company Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees. For Mr. Morrissey, the amount includes salary and benefits paid pursuant to his severance agreement with the Company during the period from August 1, 2018 through September 3, 2018 that are in addition to the amounts to which he is entitled under the Campbell Soup Company Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees. In addition, the aforementioned NEOs are entitled to payments in fiscal 2019 and beyond that are subject to certain conditions that were not satisfied as of July 29, 2018 and are not reflected above. For Ms. Morrison, the amount is $2,106,453, and includes continued payment of base salary and continued insurance benefits (life and medical) at active employee rates through May, 2020. For Mr. Alexander, the amount is $1,504,475 and includes continued payment of base salary and continued insurance benefits (life and medical) at active employee rates through October, 2020. For Mr. Morrissey, the amount is $1,073,319 and includes continued payment of base salary and continued insurance benefits (life and medical) at active employee rates through October, 2020, and the cost of an executive coach. The salary and benefit amounts will be paid through the Company’s normal bi-weekly payroll process; the amounts for executive coaching will be paid as the services are used. |
| |
(d) |
The amounts in this column represent the perquisites provided to each NEO, including $48,000 of personal benefits paid to Ms. Morrison under our Personal Choice program, and $32,000 of personal benefits paid to each of Messrs. DiSilvestro, Alexander, Ciongoli, Mignini and Morrissey under our Personal Choice program. See page 49 for a description of the Personal Choice program. |
| |
(e) |
The amount disclosed for Mr. McLoughlin includes: $109,667 of expenses associated with commuting use of an aircraft leased through NetJets at the applicable hourly rate charged to the Company by NetJets, $18,735 of expenses associated with Company-provided housing, and $158 of expenses associated with use of the Company’s EZ-Pass account for commuting purposes. |
| |
(f) |
The amount disclosed for Ms. Morrison includes: the $48,000 Personal Choice payment described above, $177,602 of expenses associated with personal use of an aircraft leased through NetJets at the applicable hourly rate charged to the Company by NetJets, and $16,012 of expenses associated with personal use of a Company-owned vehicle which was calculated based on total compensation paid by the Company to the driver plus total vehicle costs incurred by the Company (including fuel, tolls, maintenance and depreciation) multiplied by the percentage of time Ms. Morrison utilized the vehicle for personal or commuting purposes. |
| |
(g) |
The amount disclosed for Mr. McLoughlin consists of the $248,000 he received in January 2018, under the 2018 non-employee director compensation program (see pages 31 and 32 for a full description of the 2018 non-employee director compensation program). |
54 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards |
The table below shows the awards granted to our NEOs during fiscal 2018 under the AIP and LTI Program.
Name | Award Type | Grant Date |
Committee Approval Date |
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2) |
All Other Stock Awards: # of Stock Units (#) |
All Other Option Awards: # of Securities Underlying Options(3) (#) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/sh)(4) |
Closing Price on Grant Date ($/sh)(5) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards(6) ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Keith R. McLoughlin |
Time-Lapse | 5/21/2018 | 5/17/2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 88,287 | — | — | $ | 2,964,677 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Grant | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Denise M. Morrison |
AIP | — | — | $ | 0 | $ | 1,728,000 | $ | 3,456,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
TSR Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 29,647 | 59,294 | 118,588 | — | — | — | $ | 2,335,383 | |||||||||||||||||||||
EPS Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 29,647 | 29,647 | 29,647 | — | — | — | $ | 1,388,073 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Option | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 207,468 | $ | 47.185 | $ | 46.82 | $ | 1,384,081 | ||||||||||||||||||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro |
AIP | — | — | $ | 0 | $ | 632,700 | $ | 1,265,400 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
TSR Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 8,508 | 17,017 | 34,034 | — | — | — | $ | 670,240 | |||||||||||||||||||||
EPS Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 8,509 | 8,509 | 8,509 | — | — | — | $ | 398,391 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Option | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 59,542 | $ | 47.185 | $ | 46.82 | $ | 397,223 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mark R. Alexander |
AIP | — | — | $ | 0 | $ | 658,620 | $ | 1,317,240 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
TSR Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 8,988 | 17,977 | 35,954 | — | — | — | $ | 708,051 | |||||||||||||||||||||
EPS Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 8,989 | 8,989 | 8,989 | — | — | — | $ | 420,865 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Option | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 62,901 | $ | 47.185 | $ | 46.82 | $ | 419,631 | ||||||||||||||||||
Adam G. Ciongoli |
AIP | — | — | $ | 0 | $ | 579,760 | $ | 1,159,520 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
TSR Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 7,684 | 15,368 | 30,736 | — | — | — | $ | 605,292 | |||||||||||||||||||||
EPS Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 7,684 | 7,684 | 7,684 | — | — | — | $ | 359,765 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Option | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 53,771 | $ | 47.185 | $ | 46.82 | $ | 358,722 | ||||||||||||||||||
AIP | — | — | $ | 0 | $ | 766,247 | $ | 1,532,494 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Luca Mignini |
TSR Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 7,794 | 15,589 | 31,178 | — | — | — | $ | 613,996 | ||||||||||||||||||||
EPS Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 7,795 | 7,795 | 7,795 | — | — | — | $ | 364,962 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Option | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 54,547 | $ | 47.185 | $ | 46.82 | $ | 363,899 | ||||||||||||||||||
Time-Lapse | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grant | 4/1/2018 | 3/21/2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 17,381 | — | — | $ | 752,771 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Robert W. Morrissey |
AIP | — | — | $ | 0 | $ | 356,160 | $ | 712,320 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
TSR Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 4,754 | 9,508 | 19,016 | — | — | — | $ | 374,487 | |||||||||||||||||||||
EPS Grant | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | 4,754 | 4,754 | 4,754 | — | — | — | $ | 222,582 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Option | 10/1/2017 | 9/27/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 33,268 | $ | 47.185 | $ | 46.82 | $ | 221,941 |
(1) | The amounts listed under the Estimated Possible Payments under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards columns represent the minimum, target and maximum payouts for each executive for fiscal 2018 under the applicable annual incentive plan. |
(2) |
The Committee sets dollar targets for grants to NEOs under the LTI Program. The dollar targets may be expressed as a percentage of salary or as some other amount and converted to units based upon Campbell’s average closing stock price during the last 20 trading days in the month of August prior to the grant date, which was $52.64 for the fiscal 2018 grants. The performance period for TSR performance-based grants made during fiscal 2018 is fiscal years 2018-2020, and these grants represent 50% of each NEO’s fiscal 2018 LTI award. The performance period for EPS performance-based grants made during fiscal 2018 is fiscal year 2018, and these grants represent 25% of NEO’s fiscal 2018 LTI award. The target units are credited to the NEOs on the grant date. For units granted in fiscal 2018, dividend equivalents will not be paid on the units during the performance period. Instead, accumulated dividend equivalents will be paid in cash on the restricted share units that vest at the end of the performance period when the grants are paid out. The Committee certifies the attainment of performance goals, and any earned shares are distributed to participants following the end of the applicable performance period. See the description in the CD&A beginning on page 46 for information about targets, performance goals and payment of shares. The grants have specific rules related to the treatment of the units in the event of termination for cause, voluntary resignation, retirement, involuntary termination and change in control. These provisions are described under Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control beginning on page 64. |
| |
(3) |
The stock options have 10-year terms and vest ratably over a three-year period, with one-third vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The option awards represent 25% of each NEO’s fiscal 2018 LTI award, assuming one restricted stock unit has equivalent grant value to seven stock options. |
| |
(4) |
The exercise price shown in this column for the options granted on October 1, 2017 is based on the average of the high and low trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE on September 29, 2017, the trading day closest to the grant date. |
| |
(5) |
The closing price shown in this column for the options granted on October 1, 2017 is the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE on September 29, 2017, the trading day closest to the grant date. |
| |
(6) |
The amounts reported in this column represent the grant date fair value of the stock and option awards granted in fiscal 2018, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions we used in calculating these amounts are included in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2018 Form 10-K. |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 55
2018 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End |
The following table provides information on the holdings of stock options and restricted share units by each of the NEOs at fiscal year-end. This table includes exercisable and unexercisable stock options, unvested time-lapse restricted share units, unvested performance-restricted share units and unvested equity incentive plan awards. Each equity grant is shown separately for each NEO. The market value of stock awards is based on the closing market price of our common stock on July 27, 2018, which was $40.94. The performance-restricted share units, which were initially granted on October 1, 2015, October 1, 2016 and October 1, 2017, are subject to specific goals during the applicable performance period as explained in the CD&A beginning on page 46. The footnotes below the table describe the vesting schedules.
For additional information about the awards, see the description of the LTI Program in the CD&A beginning on page 46.
Option Awards | Stock Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Grant Date for Options |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options(#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options(#) Unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Grant Date for Stock Units |
Number of Unvested Stock Units (#) |
Market Value of Unvested Stock Units ($) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unvested Unearned Stock Units (#) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market Value of Unvested Unearned Stock Units ($) | |||||||||||||||
Keith R. McLoughlin |
5/21/2018 | (6) | 88,287 | $ | 3,614,470 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Denise M. Morrison |
10/1/2017 | 207,468 | (1) | $ | 47.185 | 10/1/2027 | 10/1/2015 | (2) | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | 57,923 | 115,847 | (1) | $ | 54.65 | 10/1/2026 | 10/1/2015 | (3) | 10,229 | $ | 418,775 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2015 | 163,657 | 81,829 | (1) | $ | 50.205 | 10/1/2025 | 10/1/2016 | (3) | 16,555 | $ | 677,762 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (3) | 29,647 | $ | 1,213,748 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | (4) | 13,795 | $ | 564,767 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (5) | 6,588 | $ | 269,713 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro |
10/1/2017 | 59,542 | (1) | $ | 47.185 | 10/1/2027 | 10/1/2015 | (2) | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | 17,109 | 34,218 | (1) | $ | 54.65 | 10/1/2026 | 10/1/2015 | (3) | 2,824 | $ | 115,615 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2015 | 45,174 | 22,588 | (1) | $ | 50.205 | 10/1/2025 | 10/1/2016 | (3) | 4,890 | $ | 200,197 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (3) | 8,509 | $ | 348,358 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | (4) | 7,334 | $ | 300,254 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (5) | 8,508 | $ | 348,318 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mark R. Alexander |
10/1/2017 | 62,901 | (1) | $ | 47.185 | 10/1/2027 | 10/1/2015 | (2) | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | 18,430 | 36,860 | (1) | $ | 54.65 | 10/1/2026 | 10/1/2015 | (3) | 3,382 | $ | 138,459 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2015 | 54,101 | 27,051 | (1) | $ | 50.205 | 10/1/2025 | 10/1/2016 | (3) | 5,268 | $ | 215,672 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (3) | 8,989 | $ | 368,010 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | (4) | 7,901 | $ | 323,467 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (5) | 8,988 | $ | 367,969 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adam G. Ciongoli |
10/1/2017 | 53,771 | (1) | $ | 47.185 | 10/1/2027 | 10/1/2015 | (2) | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | 14,744 | 29,488 | (1) | $ | 54.65 | 10/1/2026 | 10/1/2015 | (3) | 2,604 | $ | 106,608 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2015 | 41,658 | 20,829 | (1) | $ | 50.205 | 10/1/2025 | 10/1/2016 | (3) | 4,214 | $ | 172,521 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (3) | 7,684 | $ | 314,583 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | (4) | 6,321 | $ | 258,782 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (5) | 7,684 | $ | 314,583 | |||||||||||||||||||||
12/1/2016 | (6) | 10,907 | $ | 446,533 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Luca Mignini |
10/1/2017 | 54,547 | (1) | $ | 47.185 | 10/1/2027 | 10/1/2015 | (2) | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | 15,404 | 30,810 | (1) | $ | 54.65 | 10/1/2026 | 10/1/2015 | (3) | 2,773 | $ | 113,527 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2015 | 44,363 | 22,182 | (1) | $ | 50.205 | 10/1/2025 | 10/1/2016 | (3) | 4,403 | $ | 180,259 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (3) | 7,795 | $ | 319,127 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | (4) | 6,604 | $ | 270,368 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (5) | 7,794 | $ | 319,086 | |||||||||||||||||||||
4/1/2018 | (6) | 17,381 | $ | 711,578 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Robert W. Morrissey |
10/1/2017 | 33,268 | (1) | $ | 47.185 | 10/1/2027 | 10/1/2015 | (2) | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | 8,868 | 17,736 | (1) | $ | 54.65 | 10/1/2026 | 10/1/2015 | (3) | 1,258 | $ | 51,503 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2015 | 20,126 | 10,063 | (1) | $ | 50.205 | 10/1/2025 | 10/1/2016 | (3) | 2,535 | $ | 103,783 | ||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (3) | 4,754 | $ | 194,629 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2016 | (4) | 3,801 | $ | 155,613 | |||||||||||||||||||||
10/1/2017 | (5) | 4,754 | $ | 194,629 |
(1) | These options were not exercisable at the end of fiscal 2018. The options vest ratably over a three-year period, with one-third vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. All of the remaining options granted on 10/1/2015 vested on September 30, 2018, and one-third of the options granted on 10/1/2016 and 10/1/2017 vested on September 30, 2018. |
56 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
(2) | These are TSR performance-restricted share units that were granted in fiscal 2016 with a fiscal 2016-2018 performance period. The awards are shown at 0% of target. The fiscal 2016-2018 performance period ended on July 27, 2018. The Committee met on August 20, 2018 to evaluate our TSR performance over the fiscal 2016-2018 performance period. Based on our TSR performance over the fiscal 2016-2018 performance period, the Committee certified the payout of the fiscal 2016 TSR performance-restricted share units at 0%. Please see page 48 of the CD&A for additional information on the fiscal 2016 TSR performance-restricted share units. |
(3) | These are EPS performance-restricted share units that were granted in fiscal 2016, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018. The awards are shown at 100% of target. The fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017 shares vested at 100%, based on EPS performance during fiscal 2016 or fiscal 2017, as applicable. The fiscal 2018 performance period ended on July 29, 2018. The Committee met on August 20, 2018 to evaluate our EPS performance for the fiscal 2018 performance period. Based on our EPS performance for fiscal 2018 compared to the target established at the beginning of the performance period, the Committee certified the payout of these EPS performance-restricted share units at 100% on September 30, 2018, the vesting date. Please see pages 47 and 48 of the CD&A for additional information on the EPS performance-restricted share units. |
(4) | These are TSR performance-restricted share units that were granted in fiscal 2017 with a fiscal 2017-2019 performance period. Because our TSR performance as of the end of fiscal 2018 failed to meet the performance measure required for payment at threshold, these awards are shown at threshold (50% of target). The extent to which these awards will vest and be paid out following the end of the fiscal 2017-2019 performance period will depend on our actual TSR performance over the full performance period. In addition, the grantee must remain employed through September 30, 2019 for the award to vest. |
(5) | These are TSR performance-restricted share units that were granted in fiscal 2018 with a fiscal 2018-2020 performance period. Because our TSR performance as of the end of fiscal 2018 failed to meet the performance measure required for payment at threshold, these awards are shown at threshold (50% of target). The extent to which these awards will vest and be paid out following the end of the fiscal 2018-2020 performance period will depend on our actual TSR performance over the full performance period. In addition, the grantee must remain employed through September 30, 2020 for the award to vest. |
(6) | These are time-lapse restricted shares which vest as follows: |
Name | Grant Date | Vesting Schedule | ||
Keith R. McLoughlin | 5/21/2018 | 100% will vest on the earlier of 5/21/2019 or the appointment of a successor president and chief executive officer | ||
Adam G. Ciongoli | 12/1/2016 | 1/3 will vest on 12/1/2018 and 2/3 will vest on 12/1/2019 | ||
Luca Mignini | 4/1/2018 | 100% will vest on 4/1/2021 |
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 57
2018 Option Exercises and Stock Vested |
The following table provides information on the number of shares acquired by each NEO upon the vesting of stock awards and the value realized, each before payment of any applicable withholding tax. No NEOs exercised stock options during fiscal 2018.
Stock Awards | |||||
Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) | |||
Keith R. McLoughlin(1) | 0 | $ | 0 | ||
Denise M. Morrison(2) | 136,064 | $ | 6,401,811 | ||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro(3) | 35,123 | $ | 1,652,537 | ||
Mark R. Alexander(4) | 42,710 | $ | 2,009,506 | ||
Adam G. Ciongoli(5) | 33,835 | $ | 1,760,273 | ||
Luca Mignini(6) | 36,080 | $ | 1,697,564 | ||
Robert W. Morrissey(7) | 18,028 | $ | 848,217 |
(1) | Mr. McLoughlin did not acquire any shares upon the vesting of stock awards during fiscal 2018. |
(2) | Ms. Morrison received an aggregate of 136,064 shares at a market price of $47.05 per share on September 30, 2017, upon the vesting of 102,797 TSR performance-restricted share units from the fiscal 2015-fiscal 2017 performance period, and 33,267 EPS performance-restricted share units. |
(3) | Mr. DiSilvestro received an aggregate of 35,123 shares at a market price of $47.05 per share on September 30, 2017, upon the vesting of 26,106 TSR performance-restricted share units fiscal 2015-fiscal 2017 performance period, and 9,017 EPS performance-restricted share units. |
(4) | Mr. Alexander received an aggregate of 42,710 shares at a market price of $47.05 per share on September 30, 2017, upon the vesting of 32,088 TSR performance-restricted share units fiscal 2015-fiscal 2017 performance period, and 10,622 EPS performance-restricted share units. |
(5) | Mr. Ciongoli received 29,124 shares at a market price of $52.83 per share on August 1, 2017, upon the vesting of time-lapse restricted share units. Mr. Ciongoli also received 4,711 shares at a market price of $47.05 per share on September 30, 2017, upon the vesting of EPS performance-restricted share units. |
(6) | Mr. Mignini received an aggregate of 36,080 shares at a market price of $47.05 per share on September 30, 2017, upon the vesting of 27,200 TSR performance-restricted share units fiscal 2015-fiscal 2017 performance period, and 8,880 EPS performance-restricted share units. |
(7) | Mr. Morrissey received an aggregate of 18,028 shares at a market price of $47.05 per share on September 30, 2017, upon the vesting of 13,556 TSR performance-restricted share units fiscal 2015-fiscal 2017 performance period, and 4,472 EPS performance-restricted share units. |
58 www.campbellsoupcompany.com
2018 Pension Benefits |
Eligible NEOs participate in two defined benefit plans: (1) the Retirement and Pension Plan (“Qualified Plan”) and (2) the Mid-Career Hire Pension Plan (“MCHP”). Messrs. McLoughlin, Ciongoli and Mignini are not eligible to participate in either plan, as both plans were closed to new participants in 2010, prior to the start of their respective employment with Campbell.
Name | Plan Name | Number of Years of Credited Service (#) |
Present |
|
Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($) | ||||||
Keith R. McLoughlin | Not applicable | 0 | $ | 0 | $0 | ||||||
Not applicable | 0 | $ | 0 | $0 | |||||||
Denise M. Morrison | Qualified Plan | 15.1 | (1) | $ | 404,500 | $0 | |||||
MCHP | 15.1 | (1) | $ | 12,359,148 | $0 | ||||||
Anthony P. DiSilvestro | Qualified Plan | 22.2 | $ | 771,632 | $0 | ||||||
MCHP | 22.2 | $ | 5,808,189 | $0 | |||||||
Mark R. Alexander | Qualified Plan | 28.3 | (2) | $ | 812,254 | (3) | $0 | ||||
MCHP | 28.3 | (2) | $ | 3,883,618 | (3) | $0 | |||||
Adam G. Ciongoli | Not applicable | 0 | $ | 0 | $0 | ||||||
Not applicable | 0 | $ | 0 | $0 | |||||||
Luca Mignini | Not applicable | 0 | $ | 0 | $0 | ||||||
Not applicable | 0 | $ | 0 | $0 | |||||||
Robert W. Morrissey | Qualified Plan | 15.6 | $ | 372,923 | $0 | ||||||
MCHP | 15.6 | $ | 3,828,445 | $0 |
(1) | Number of Years of Credited Service is as of May 18, 2018, the effective date of Ms. Morrison’s departure. |
(2) | Number of Years of Credited Service reflects all of Mr. Alexander’s years of service with Campbell, including service outside of the U.S. |
(3) | Present Value of Accumulated Benefit includes all amounts credited to Mr. Alexander in Campbell’s U.S. pension plans, with an actuarial offset for the value of Mr. Alexander’s accrued benefit in the Campbell Canada Pension Plan. |
The Qualified Plan
The Qualified Plan was established and designed to provide funded, tax-qualified pension benefits for eligible U.S.-based employees up to the applicable annual limits allowed under the IRC. The Qualified Plan became a cash balance pension plan on May 1, 1999. Participants who had an accrued benefit as of April 30, 1999 (including Mr. Alexander and Mr. DiSilvestro) are eligible to receive the greater of their pension benefit under the prior benefit formula, which is based on final average pay, or the cash balance benefit. Employees who became participants in the Qualified Plan on or after May 1, 1999 (including Ms. Morrison and Mr. Morrissey) are instead eligible only for the cash balance benefit. The pension benefits calculated under the prior benefit formula based on final average pay were frozen on April 30, 2014.
In January 2010, the Board took action to close the Qualified Plan to new participants, effective December 31, 2010, and, instead, offer eligible employees new enhancements to our 401(k) plan. This action is consistent with our efforts to move towards defined contribution plans as the vehicle for offering retirement benefits to its employees. As a result of this action, Messrs. Ciongoli and Mignini do not participate in the Qualified Plan. The Qualified Plan remains available to all active participants as of December 31, 2010, including Ms. Morrison and Messrs. Alexander, DiSilvestro and Morrissey.
Campbell Soup Company | 2018 Proxy Statement 59
A participant in the Qualified Plan receives a plan account consisting of an opening account balance, pay credits and interest credits.
● | Opening Account Balance: If an employee was an active participant on April 30, 1999, he or she received an opening account balance consisting of an age 65 benefit accrued under the Qualified Plan as of December 31, 1998, converted to a lump-sum cash value using an interest rate of 5.25% and the 1983 unisex Group Annuity Mortality table. If an employee became a participant on or after May 1, 1999, the opening account balance is zero. |
● |
Pay Credits: Pay credits equal a percentage of a participant’s eligible compensation, which is limited by the IRC and described in more detail below in this section. Pay credits are credited as of the last day of each calendar year and made based upon the following formula: |
Age as of December 31 of Prior Calendar Year |
Pay Credit Rate | ||
Less than 30 | 4.5 | % | |
30 but less than 40 | 5.5 | % | |
40 but less than 50 | 7.0 | % | |
50 but less than 60 | 8.0 | % | |
60 or more | 9.0 | % |
If a participant terminates employment before the end of a calendar year, he or she will be credited with pay credits as of the last day of the month in which employment ended.
● | Interest Credits: Interest is credited to a participant’s cash balance account as of the last day of each calendar year and is based on the average annual yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury securities for November of the prior calendar year. Interest credits will never be less than 2.5% or more than 10%. |
Eligible compensation includes non-deferred base pay and AIP payments, and deferred compensation attributable to pre-tax contributions to the Company’s applicable welfare cafeteria plan and 401(k) plan, respectively. Under the Qualified Plan, participating NEOs are not eligible for unreduced benefits before attaining the normal retirement age of 65. The exception is Mr. DiSilvestro, who will be eligible for an unreduced benefit after attaining age 62. In addition, we do not credit extra service beyond the actual years of an employee’s participation in the plan. Qualified Plan participants are 100% vested in their accrued benefit after attaining three years of service. Lump-sum payments are available as a form of distribution under the Qualified Plan.
The Present Value of Accumulated Benefit is the lump-sum present value of the annual pension benefit that was earned as of July 29, 2018 and that would be payable at age 65. The present value of accumulated benefits for the Qualified Plan was determined in this manner for Ms. Morrison, but not for Mr. Alexander and Mr. DiSilvestro. Because Mr. Alexander and Mr. DiSilvestro had an accrued benefit on April 30, 1999, their benefits are determined using the prior benefit formula of 1% of their Final Average Pay (up to the Social Security Covered Compensation amount) plus 1.5% of their Final Average Pay in excess of the Social Security Covered Compensation times their years of service. Final Average Pay is the average of eligible compensation earned in the highest five calendar years, whether or not consecutive, during the last ten years of employment. Social Security Covered Compensation is the un-indexed average of the taxable wage base in effect for each calendar year during the 35-year period ending with the last day of the calendar year in which the participant ceases to be employed by us. Under the prior benefit formula, if a participant continues to work for Campbell until at least age 55 with five years of service, the benefit is reduced 5% per year for each year that the benefit commences prior to age 62. If the participant terminates employment after attaining age 62, he or she is eligible for an unreduced benefit. The present value of Messrs. Alexander’s and DiSilvestro’s accumulated benefit is the lump-sum present value of the annual pension benefit that was earned as of July 29, 2018, and that would be payable at age 62.
The Mid-Career Hire Pension Plan
The MCHP was established as an unfunded, nonqualified plan for certain U.S.-based senior executives. It was intended to provide a participant who was hired in the middle of his or her career with pension benefits that attempt to replicate the pension benefits earned by a similarly situated employee who instead worked his or her entire career for Campbell. We established the MCHP to attract and retain more experienced executives who typically would have to forfeit future pension benefits from their prior employers if they joined our Company and thus, would otherwise be unable to accumulate a full pension benefit over an entire career with a single employer. The MCHP also provides benefits in excess of the annual IRC limits that are applicable to the Qualified Plan.
The benefit provided under the MCHP is payable as an annuity beginning on the first day of the seventh month following termination of employment. Depending on a participant’s age and years of service, he or she will be eligible to receive an MCHP benefit under either the income replacement formula, or the excess benefit formula. If a participant satisfies the eligibility criteria such that he or she is eligible for an MCHP benefit under both formulas, the formula resulting in the higher benefit will apply.
In May 2010, the Committee determined to close the MCHP to any new participants, effective December 31, 2010, and instead, offer eligible senior executives a new nonqualified defined contribution account, which is further described below under “Executive Retirement Contribution.” Like the closure of the Qualified Plan, this action is consistent with our efforts to move toward defined contribution plans as the vehicle for offering retirement benefits to our employees. The current MCHP design will be maintained for all active participants.
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Income Replacement Formula
A participant hired or promoted into an eligible salary grade on or before December 31, 2010 and who is age 55 with at least five years of employment is eligible for an MCHP benefit under the income replacement formula. If such a participant terminates employment on or after age 62, the MCHP benefit is calculated as an annual single life annuity equal to 37.5% of a participant’s Adjusted Final Pay reduced by the Qualified Plan benefit. If the participant terminates before age 62, the single life annuity will be reduced by 5% per year for each year that the benefit commences prior to age 62. Adjusted Final Pay is equal to the average of eligible compensation earned in the highest five calendar years, whether or not consecutive, during the last 10 years of a participant’s career as a covered employee. Participants are eligible for unreduced pensions under the income replacement formula beginning at age 62.
Excess Benefit Formula
A participant hired or promoted into an eligible salary grade on or before December 31, 2010 and who had at least three years of service is eligible for an MCHP benefit under the excess benefit formula. If such a participant terminates employment on or after three years of service, the benefit is calculated using the pension formula under the Qualified Plan described above but only on eligible compensation in excess of the annual IRC limit on compensation. Participants shall receive reduced pensions under the excess benefit formula if they begin to receive payments before normal retirement age, which is age 65.
The MCHP defines eligible compensation in the same manner as in the Qualified Plan. In addition, the MCHP provides benefit accruals on base pay or AIP payments that are deferred. Ms. Morrison and Mr. DiSilvestro are vested in the MCHP benefit using the income replacement formula as they have satisfied the age and service criteria. We do not grant extra years of service for the pension benefit portion of the MCHP benefit. The Present Value of Accumulated Benefit is the lump sum present value of the annual pension benefit that was earned as of July 29, 2018, and that would be payable under the MCHP at age 62. A lump-sum form of payment was used for purposes of completing the Pension Benefit Table, although a lump-sum form of payment is not available under the MCHP.
Executive Retirement Contribution
Following the closure of the MCHP to new participants, the Committee implemented an Executive Retirement Contribution for eligible U.S.-based senior executives who were hired on or after January 1, 2011. The Executive Retirement Contribution is intended to attract experienced executives and provide retirement benefits to these executives, who are not eligible to participate in the MCHP. Executive Retirement Contributions are subject to a vesting schedule, which is designed to balance attraction and retention objectives.
We will credit an eligible participant’s Supplemental Retirement Plan account with an Executive Retirement Contribution equal to 10% of the participant’s base salary and annual incentive. The Executive Retirement Contributions are subject to an age-graded vesting schedule and do not begin to vest until the participant has attained age 55 and completed at least five years of service with Campbell. The table below provides details on the vesting criteria:
Vesting Percentage | Criteria | |
50% | Age 55 and at least 5 years of service | |
60% |