8-KLeadership Changes

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (May 17, 2018)

Filed May 17, 2018For Securities:APD

Summary

This 8-K filing from Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (APD) announces the departure of Executive Vice President, Industrial Gases, Corning F. Painter, effective July 31, 2018. Mr. Painter is leaving to pursue other opportunities. The company has entered into a Transition and Separation Agreement with Mr. Painter, detailing the terms of his exit and compensation. This agreement includes a significant cash severance payment and potential bonus, alongside provisions for his outstanding equity awards and continued benefits. Investors should note the financial implications of this executive departure, including the severance package and the treatment of equity. The specific terms of the Separation Agreement are outlined, ensuring clarity on compensation and benefits Mr. Painter will receive. The filing also notes Mr. Painter's ongoing obligations, such as confidentiality and non-solicitation, while the company waives certain non-competition covenants. The departure does not appear to be performance-related and is framed as Mr. Painter pursuing other opportunities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Corning F. Painter, Executive Vice President of Industrial Gases, will depart Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. on July 31, 2018.
  • 2Mr. Painter is leaving to pursue external opportunities.
  • 3A Transition and Separation Agreement has been executed with Mr. Painter.
  • 4Mr. Painter will receive a lump sum cash severance of $2,582,005.
  • 5An additional $1,000,000 cash bonus is contingent on a business development project completion by December 31, 2019.
  • 6Outstanding equity awards (stock options, performance shares, restricted stock) have specific terms for treatment upon departure, with some remaining exercisable, some paid pro-rata based on performance, and others vesting immediately.
  • 7The agreement includes 12 months of subsidized medical/dental continuation, outplacement assistance, and legal fees for Mr. Painter.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary financial impact disclosed is the severance package, which includes a $2,582,005 lump sum cash payment and a potential $1,000,000 bonus. Additional costs may arise from continued benefits and outplacement services. The treatment of equity awards will also affect the company's outstanding share count and potential future dilution.

Outstanding stock options will remain exercisable for their original term. Unearned performance shares will be paid out on a pro-rata basis according to company performance for the applicable award cycle. All restrictions on restricted shares will lapse, and unvested restricted stock units will vest immediately upon his separation date.

Yes, Mr. Painter is obligated to sign a release of claims against the company and adhere to confidentiality, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement covenants. In return, the company is waiving Mr. Painter's compliance with existing non-competition covenants and will provide a subsequent release of claims against him.

The filing states that Mr. Painter is departing to 'pursue other opportunities,' indicating that his departure is voluntary and not due to any performance issues or termination by the company.