8-KLeadership ChangesCorporate ChangesExhibits & Filings

TJX COMPANIES INC /DE/ 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Feb 5, 2018)

Filed February 5, 2018For Securities:TJX

Summary

This 8-K filing from The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) on February 5, 2018, primarily announces updates to executive employment agreements and amendments to the company's bylaws. New employment agreements were established for Senior Executive Vice Presidents Scott Goldenberg (CFO) and Richard Sherr, effective February 4, 2018. These agreements extend through January 30, 2021, and outline base salaries, incentive plan participation, and severance benefits, including provisions for involuntary termination without cause, death, disability, and change of control scenarios. Notably, the severance packages do not include a tax gross-up for "golden parachute" payments, and there are provisions for reducing payments if more favorable on an after-tax basis. The filing also details significant amendments to TJX's bylaws, adopted by the Board of Directors on February 2, 2018. Key changes include modifications to advance notice requirements for shareholder nominations and business proposals, the implementation of proxy access allowing significant shareholders to nominate directors, and the allowance for electronic transmission of meeting notices. These bylaw amendments aim to streamline corporate governance and provide shareholders with enhanced participation rights.

Key Highlights

  • 1New employment agreements for CFO Scott Goldenberg and EVP Richard Sherr are effective February 4, 2018, running until January 30, 2021.
  • 2The new agreements include a minimum annual base salary of $900,000 for Mr. Goldenberg and $1,050,000 for Mr. Sherr.
  • 3Severance provisions are detailed for various termination scenarios including involuntary termination without cause, death, disability, and change of control, with benefits typically extending for 24 months.
  • 4Executives are entitled to participate in the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan (SIP), Long Range Performance Incentive Plan (LRPIP), and Management Incentive Plan (MIP).
  • 5Severance packages do not include tax gross-up payments for potential 'golden parachute' excise taxes, with provisions for after-tax benefit optimization.
  • 6TJX's bylaws were amended to modify shareholder advance notice requirements for director nominations and proposals.
  • 7The bylaws now include 'proxy access,' allowing a group of stockholders meeting specific ownership thresholds to nominate directors for inclusion in the company's proxy materials.
  • 8Amendments permit electronic transmission of notices for stockholder and Board meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The new employment agreements for Scott Goldenberg (CFO) and Richard Sherr (EVP) aim to secure their continued service through January 30, 2021, by outlining their compensation structure, incentive participation, and defining severance benefits in various termination scenarios. This provides clarity and stability for key leadership roles.

The bylaw amendments introduce significant changes to corporate governance. They modify advance notice requirements for shareholder actions, implement proxy access which allows larger shareholders to nominate directors, and permit electronic delivery of notices for meetings. These changes generally enhance shareholder rights and participation in corporate governance.

In the event of a change of control, the executives are entitled to specific benefits. This includes a lump sum payment equal to two times their base salary plus target incentive awards and automobile allowance, continued health/life insurance for two years, and other benefits. Importantly, these packages do not include a 'golden parachute' tax gross-up, and the total payout may be reduced if it results in a more favorable after-tax outcome for the executive.

Yes, the new employment agreements include post-employment undertakings for 24 months regarding non-solicitation and non-competition. Compliance with these covenants is a condition for receiving severance and other benefits. However, these post-employment covenants are waived upon a change of control.