8-KLeadership Changes

ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Aug 6, 2018)

Filed August 6, 2018For Securities:AMD

Summary

This 8-K filing from Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) details significant long-term incentive awards approved for its named executive officers, including CEO Dr. Lisa T. Su. The awards, granted on August 9, 2018, are structured as a mix of performance-based restricted stock units (PRSUs), time-based stock options, and time-based restricted stock units (RSUs), reflecting a strategic alignment of executive compensation with company performance and shareholder value. The PRSUs are particularly noteworthy, as their payout is contingent upon achieving specific performance metrics over a three-year period. These metrics include the company's stock price return relative to the S&P 500, as well as non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (EPS) growth from fiscal year 2018 to 2020. This structure aims to incentivize executives to drive both stock appreciation and operational profitability, with potential payouts ranging from 0% to 250% of the target award, subject to certain conditions and caps. The total value of these awards underscores the company's commitment to retaining and motivating its key leadership.

Key Highlights

  • 1Named executive officers, including CEO Dr. Lisa T. Su, received substantial long-term incentive awards.
  • 2Awards are composed of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs), Time-Based Stock Options, and Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
  • 3The CEO, Dr. Lisa T. Su, received the largest target award value of $9,000,000.
  • 4PRSU payouts are tied to a three-year performance period (August 9, 2018 - August 9, 2021), contingent on stock price performance relative to the S&P 500 and non-GAAP EPS growth.
  • 5PRSU payouts can range from 0% to 250% of the target number, with specific conditions and caps.
  • 6Time-based stock options and RSUs vest in equal one-third increments over three years.
  • 7The PRSU calculation is capped at 250% of the target value and can be reduced by 50% if stock price return over the performance period is negative.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of these equity awards is to incentivize and retain key named executive officers by aligning their compensation with the company's long-term performance and shareholder value creation. The performance-based component, in particular, ties a significant portion of their potential earnings to the company's stock price appreciation and EPS growth.

PRSUs are earned based on two main criteria over the performance period (August 9, 2018, to August 9, 2021): 1) the company's stock price return relative to the S&P 500 (earning 0-200% of target PRSUs), and 2) the company's non-GAAP EPS growth from fiscal 2018 to 2020 (earning an additional 0-50% of target PRSUs based on the first criterion). The total earned PRSUs are capped at 250% of the target number and can be reduced by 50% if stock performance is negative.

The time-based stock options and RSUs will vest in one-third increments on August 9, 2019, August 9, 2020, and August 9, 2021. Earned PRSUs are generally subject to continued employment through August 9, 2021, and will be settled on August 16, 2021. Vesting and settlement timelines can be affected by a change of control.

The 'Conversion Price' is used to determine the number of PRSUs and RSUs granted, and to calculate the exercise price for stock options. It is based on the average closing price of AMD's stock over the 30 trading days ending on the Grant Date (August 9, 2018), with a floor of $8.00. This price is crucial for translating the target award values into the actual number of shares or options awarded.