8-KLeadership ChangesCorporate ChangesExhibits & Filings

AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING INC 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Nov 13, 2007)

Filed November 13, 2007For Securities:ADP

Summary

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) filed an 8-K on November 13, 2007, primarily announcing key changes in its Board of Directors and amendments to its bylaws. Arthur F. Weinbach retired as non-executive chairman, and Leslie A. Brun was appointed to this role. Mr. Brun will receive a $200,000 annual retainer, with a significant portion payable in deferred stock units, indicating a focus on aligning executive compensation with shareholder interests. Additionally, the company amended its bylaws to facilitate participation in a Direct Registration System. This system allows for the electronic registration of securities, eliminating the need for physical stock certificates, which can streamline the stockholding process for investors and potentially reduce administrative costs for the company. These changes reflect an ongoing effort by ADP to modernize its corporate governance and shareholder services.

Key Highlights

  • 1Retirement of Arthur F. Weinbach as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
  • 2Appointment of Leslie A. Brun as the new Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, effective November 13, 2007.
  • 3Leslie A. Brun to receive an annual retainer of $200,000, with $65,000 in deferred stock units and the remainder in stock units or cash.
  • 4ADP's Board of Directors adopted amendments to the Company's Bylaws on November 13, 2007.
  • 5Bylaw amendments enable participation in the Direct Registration System, allowing for uncertificated securities.
  • 6The Direct Registration System aims to allow investors to hold securities without physical certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Leslie A. Brun's appointment as Non-Executive Chairman signifies a leadership transition on ADP's Board. His compensation structure, with a substantial portion in deferred stock units, aligns his incentives with long-term shareholder value.

The Direct Registration System (DRS) is an electronic method for holding securities where investors' ownership is recorded electronically with the company or its transfer agent, without issuing physical stock certificates. ADP is adopting this to modernize its shareholder services, potentially reducing costs associated with physical stock certificates and offering investors a more convenient way to manage their holdings.

While this filing announces a change in board leadership, it does not provide details on any immediate strategic shifts. Investors should monitor future communications from ADP for any potential changes in strategy stemming from this leadership transition.

The amendment to the bylaws enabling participation in the Direct Registration System is primarily a procedural change that will facilitate future shareholder services. Current shareholders who hold stock in certificate form will have the option to convert to electronic registration, but there is no immediate mandate for this conversion.