8-KLeadership Changes

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC /DE/ 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Mar 20, 2009)

Filed March 20, 2009For Securities:CHD

Summary

This 8-K filing from Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD), dated March 20, 2009, primarily reports on the approval of the criteria for the 2009 annual incentive plan for executive officers. The plan outlines how annual incentive compensation will be determined based on a combination of corporate, divisional, and individual performance metrics. This information is crucial for investors as it directly relates to executive compensation and the performance targets that management is incentivized to achieve. The key takeaway for investors is that the company is reinforcing performance-based compensation. The structure of the plan emphasizes a significant portion tied to corporate financial health (net sales, gross margin, operating margin, free cash flow) and divisional success, with a smaller component for individual contributions. This approach suggests a management focus on driving overall company profitability and growth, with specific accountability at the divisional level. The filing also details adjustments for specific events, such as facility consolidations, indicating a forward-looking approach to operational efficiency.

Key Highlights

  • 1Approval of 2009 Annual Incentive Plan criteria for executive officers.
  • 2Incentive compensation split between corporate, divisional, and individual performance.
  • 3Corporate performance metrics include consolidated net sales, gross margin, operating margin, and free cash flow.
  • 4Division-specific performance metrics vary and include targets like net sales, margins, and cash flow-related items.
  • 5Individual performance adjustment is capped at 20% of total incentive compensation.
  • 6Performance targets include minimum achievement levels for payouts and maximum levels for maximum awards.
  • 7The plan allows for adjustments based on specific events, such as facility consolidation costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this filing is to report on the approved criteria for Church & Dwight's 2009 annual incentive plan for its executive officers. It details how their bonuses will be calculated based on company and divisional performance.

Incentive compensation is structured with a significant portion tied to corporate performance (net sales, gross margin, operating margin, free cash flow), a portion to divisional performance (specific to each division), and a smaller portion (up to 20%) adjusted based on individual performance.

The corporate performance metrics are consolidated net sales, gross margin, operating margin, and free cash flow. Each of these metrics accounts for 25% of the target award for corporate performance.

Yes, the plan notes that certain metrics are subject to adjustment based on specified events, such as costs related to the construction of a new facility and the closing of an existing one.