8-KLeadership ChangesExhibits & Filings

ADOBE INC. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jan 27, 2022)

Filed January 27, 2022For Securities:ADBE

Summary

Adobe Inc. (ADBE) filed an 8-K on January 26, 2022, disclosing details regarding its 2022 executive compensation programs. The company has implemented a new 2022 Performance Share Program and updated its 2022 Executive Annual Incentive Plan. These programs are designed to align executive interests with stockholder value creation, drive performance, and aid in talent retention over a multi-year horizon. The Performance Share Program ties awards to a combination of relative Total Stockholder Return (TSR) compared to the NASDAQ 100 Index and Net New Sales goals over a three-year period (2022-2024). The Incentive Plan focuses on achieving specific GAAP revenue and non-GAAP EPS targets for fiscal year 2022, with potential bonuses up to 200% of base salary for top executives.

Key Highlights

  • 1Adobe has established a 2022 Performance Share Program for key executives, focusing on a three-year performance period (2022-2024).
  • 2Awards under the Performance Share Program are contingent on achieving both a relative Total Stockholder Return (TSR) goal against the NASDAQ 100 and Net New Sales goals, each weighted at 50%.
  • 3The TSR goal measures Adobe's stock performance against NASDAQ 100 companies, with a minimum threshold of 25th percentile ranking required for any award, and a cap if absolute TSR is negative.
  • 4Net New Sales goals are assessed annually and include metrics for Digital Media (ARR) and Digital Experience (subscription revenue growth).
  • 5The 2022 Executive Annual Incentive Plan requires minimum performance thresholds of 90% of both GAAP revenue and non-GAAP EPS targets for fiscal year 2022 to trigger bonus eligibility.
  • 6Participants in the Incentive Plan can earn bonuses up to 200% of their base salary (as a Target Award), with potential for up to 400% for the CEO, based on corporate and individual performance.
  • 7Both programs include clawback provisions, allowing Adobe to recoup awards under certain circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

The program ties awards to two main goals, each weighted 50%: 1) Relative Total Stockholder Return (TSR) compared to the NASDAQ 100 Index over a three-year period (2022-2024), and 2) Net New Sales goals, assessed annually for Digital Media (ARR) and Digital Experience (subscription revenue growth) over the same three-year period.

To be eligible for any incentive bonus, Adobe must achieve at least 90% of its approved GAAP revenue target and 90% of its approved non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (EPS) target for fiscal year 2022, as set forth in the FY22 Operating Plan.

The 'Actual Award' is calculated by multiplying the participant's Target Award (a percentage of base salary) by a Corporate Performance Result (based on GAAP revenue and non-GAAP EPS achievement, potentially adjusted) and an Individual Performance Result (based on the Committee's assessment of individual goals). The Corporate Performance Result can range from 0% to 155%, and the Individual Performance Result can range from 0% to 150%.

Yes, the Performance Share Program has specific conditions, such as requiring Adobe's TSR to rank at or above the 25th percentile of the NASDAQ 100 companies for any award under the TSR goal. Additionally, if Adobe's absolute TSR is negative over the performance period, the TSR goal payout is capped at 100% of the target award. Both programs also feature clawback policies that allow the company to recoup awards under certain conditions.