8-KLeadership ChangesShareholder MattersExhibits & Filings

EMERSON ELECTRIC CO 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Feb 8, 2013)

Filed February 8, 2013For Securities:EMR

Summary

This SEC Form 8-K filing for Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) on February 8, 2013, primarily reports on changes in the Board of Directors and executive compensation arrangements. Walter J. Galvin retired as Vice Chairman and a Board member, entering into a consulting agreement and receiving benefits, including accelerated vesting of stock options. R. L. Ridgway also retired from the Board due to age limits. The filing also details the outcomes of the company's Annual Stockholder Meeting held on February 5, 2013. Key resolutions approved by stockholders include the election of directors, advisory approval of executive compensation, and ratification of KPMG LLP as the independent auditor for fiscal 2013. However, a proposal to declassify the Board of Directors and a stockholder proposal for a sustainability report did not receive sufficient approval.

Key Highlights

  • 1Walter J. Galvin retired as Vice Chairman and Director, with an accompanying consulting agreement and accelerated stock option vesting.
  • 2R. L. Ridgway retired from the Board of Directors due to the company's bylaws regarding director age limits.
  • 3All five nominated directors were successfully elected by stockholders.
  • 4Stockholders provided non-binding advisory approval for the company's executive compensation.
  • 5KPMG LLP was ratified as Emerson Electric's independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2013.
  • 6A proposal to declassify the Board of Directors did not pass, requiring 85% of outstanding shares for approval.
  • 7A stockholder proposal requesting a sustainability report was also not approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mr. Galvin will receive a monthly consulting fee of $41,667 for one year, plus reimbursement for related expenses. His remaining unvested stock options have vested and can be exercised over five years. The company will also continue to pay for his leased automobile, financial planning, and club dues during the consulting term, though these payments can be terminated. Additionally, Emerson will make a $500,000 charitable contribution in the names of the company and Mr. Galvin over five years.

Ms. Ridgway retired from the Board of Directors in accordance with the company's Bylaws, which stipulate that an individual may not stand for election or re-election as a Director after the age of 72. She did not stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting.

Stockholders elected all nominated directors, provided advisory approval for executive compensation, and ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent auditor. However, proposals to declassify the Board of Directors and issue a sustainability report were not approved.

Yes, Mr. Galvin agreed to non-competition and non-solicitation provisions during the one-year consulting term and for two years thereafter. He also reaffirmed his obligations under existing non-competition agreements and remains subject to the company's Clawback Policy.