8-KLeadership Changes

TE Connectivity plc 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Nov 17, 2016)

Filed November 17, 2016For Securities:TEL

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from TE Connectivity Ltd. (TEL) on November 17, 2016, primarily details the annual equity awards granted to key executives, Terrence Curtin and Thomas Lynch. These awards are in anticipation of Mr. Curtin's upcoming role as CEO, succeeding Mr. Lynch, who will transition to Executive Chairman. The grants include stock options and performance stock units (PSUs) designed to incentivize long-term performance and align executive compensation with shareholder value creation. The PSUs have a three-year performance cycle tied to relative Earnings Per Share (EPS) growth compared to a peer index, with tiered payout structures based on performance percentiles. This structure aims to reward executives for achieving significant growth above certain benchmarks, with a minimum threshold for any payout and a maximum payout for exceptional performance. Investors should note these awards are a standard part of executive compensation and signal continued commitment to leadership transition and performance-driven incentives.

Key Highlights

  • 1Grant of stock options and performance stock units (PSUs) to incoming CEO Terrence Curtin and current CEO/future Executive Chairman Thomas Lynch.
  • 2Awards are part of the company's annual equity award program and governed by the 2007 Stock and Incentive Plan.
  • 3Stock options vest over four years, starting one year from the grant date, and expire ten years from the grant date.
  • 4PSUs are tied to the company's three-year EPS growth relative to the S&P 500 Non-Financial Companies Index.
  • 5PSU payout is contingent on achieving a minimum 25th percentile EPS growth; target payout at the 50th percentile and maximum 200% payout at the 75th percentile.
  • 6This filing follows the October 3, 2016 announcement of the CEO transition, effective March 9, 2017.
  • 7The equity awards are intended to incentivize executives and align their interests with long-term shareholder value.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K primarily reports on the annual equity awards granted to executives Terrence Curtin and Thomas Lynch, which are part of their compensation package and tied to the upcoming CEO transition.

The PSUs are designed to reward relative Earnings Per Share (EPS) growth over a three-year period ending in Fiscal Year 2019. Payouts are determined by comparing TE Connectivity's EPS growth to the S&P 500 Non-Financial Companies Index. A minimum threshold of 25th percentile growth is required for any payout, with target payout at the 50th percentile and a maximum of 200% for achieving the 75th percentile.

These grants signal TE Connectivity's commitment to retaining and incentivizing key leadership through performance-based compensation. The structure of the PSUs specifically aligns executive rewards with measurable improvements in EPS growth relative to a broad market index, which is generally viewed positively by investors as it links executive pay to company performance and shareholder value.

The stock options granted have an exercise price of $66.74 and vest in equal installments over four years, commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date.