8-KShareholder Matters

DOVER Corp 8-K Report, Shareholder Vote Results (May 9, 2017)

Filed May 9, 2017For Securities:DOV

Summary

Dover Corporation (DOV) filed an 8-K on May 9, 2017, detailing the outcomes of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 5, 2017. The meeting saw the successful election of all twelve directors and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditor for 2017. Shareholder approval was also granted, on an advisory basis, for named executive officer compensation and the frequency of such advisory votes (annually). Additionally, performance goals for both the 2012 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan (LTIP) and the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) were reapproved. A significant outcome was the shareholder vote on proposals to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate super-majority voting requirements. While these proposals received strong support (approximately 79.1%-79.2% of outstanding shares), they narrowly failed to pass, as passage required an 80% affirmative vote. This indicates a shareholder desire for simpler voting thresholds, though the existing super-majority provisions remain in place.

Key Highlights

  • 1All twelve director nominees were successfully elected by shareholders.
  • 2PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was ratified as Dover's independent registered public accounting firm for 2017.
  • 3Shareholders approved executive compensation on an advisory (non-binding) basis.
  • 4The frequency of advisory votes on executive compensation was approved to be held annually.
  • 5Performance goals for both the LTIP and AIP were reapproved by shareholders.
  • 6Proposals to eliminate super-majority voting requirements in the company's charter narrowly failed to pass, falling just short of the required 80% affirmative vote.

Frequently Asked Questions

The meeting resulted in the election of all twelve director nominees, ratification of the independent auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP), advisory approval of executive compensation, and annual advisory votes on compensation. Performance goals for incentive plans were also reapproved. However, proposals to remove super-majority voting requirements narrowly failed.

No, the proposals to amend Articles 15 and 16 of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate super-majority voting requirements did not pass. They required an affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding shares but received approximately 79.1% and 79.2%, respectively.

Shareholders approved executive compensation on an advisory (non-binding) basis with a significant majority. They also approved holding these advisory votes on executive compensation annually.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was ratified by shareholders as Dover Corporation's independent registered public accounting firm for 2017.