8-K/ALeadership ChangesExhibits & Filings

American Water Works Company, Inc. 8-K/A Report, Executive Changes (Jan 5, 2011)

Filed January 5, 2011For Securities:AWK

Summary

This Form 8-K/A filing from American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) serves as an amendment to a previous report and details the terms of the retirement agreement with John S. Young, a former officer. The primary focus is on the compensation and equity arrangements provided to Mr. Young upon his retirement, effective January 1, 2011. This includes details on his 2010 Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) award, accelerated vesting and extended termination dates for stock options, and the payout of performance stock units for prior grants. For investors, this filing primarily provides transparency regarding executive compensation and the financial implications of senior leadership transitions. While the amounts of Mr. Young's final compensation are tied to performance metrics and may not be fully determinable from this filing alone, the acceleration of equity vesting and guaranteed payout of performance units represent a commitment from the company to recognize his past contributions. The inclusion of non-compete and non-solicitation clauses also suggests efforts to protect the company's interests post-departure.

Key Highlights

  • 1Amendment to prior 8-K filing to provide details on John S. Young's retirement agreement.
  • 2John S. Young's retirement and cessation of employment effective January 1, 2011.
  • 3Mr. Young to receive his 2010 Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) award, calculated based on individual performance and a Corporate Multiplier, payable in March 2011.
  • 4Accelerated vesting of 29,260 shares of Company common stock options for Mr. Young.
  • 5Extended termination dates for Mr. Young's remaining stock options until December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
  • 6Mr. Young will receive 100% of his 2009 and 2010 performance stock unit awards.
  • 7Agreement includes confidentiality, non-disparagement, non-compete, and non-solicitation provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this Form 8-K/A filing is to amend previous reports and provide complete details regarding the retirement agreement between American Water Works Company, Inc. and its former officer, John S. Young, including his compensation and equity arrangements upon retirement.

Mr. Young will receive his 2010 AIP award based on performance metrics, his full 2009 and 2010 performance stock units, and has had his stock options vested early with extended expiration dates.

Yes, the agreement includes confidentiality provisions, and Mr. Young has agreed to non-disparagement, non-compete, and non-solicitation clauses, which are intended to protect the company's interests.

Mr. Young's 2010 AIP award will be paid in March 2011, at the same time that payments are made to other senior executives for the 2010 AIP.