8-KLeadership Changes

TJX COMPANIES INC /DE/ 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Feb 7, 2019)

Filed February 7, 2019For Securities:TJX

Summary

This 8-K filing from The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) announces the execution of new employment agreements for its Chief Executive Officer, Ernie Herrman, and Executive Chairman, Carol Meyrowitz, effective February 3, 2019. These agreements, set to run until January 29, 2022, outline base salaries, incentive plan participation, and various benefits, replacing their previous agreements. The new terms aim to ensure continued leadership stability and align executive compensation with long-term company performance and strategic objectives. Key aspects of the new agreements include specified minimum annual base salaries, participation in the Stock Incentive Plan (SIP), Long Range Performance Incentive Plan (LRPIP), and Management Incentive Plan (MIP) at levels commensurate with their roles. Both executives will also receive benefits like an automobile allowance and reimbursement for negotiation costs. The agreements detail severance provisions in the event of qualifying terminations, including changes of control scenarios, with specific provisions for Ms. Meyrowitz regarding annual stock awards and retirement benefits. These updated agreements provide a clear framework for executive compensation and retention over the next three years.

Key Highlights

  • 1New employment agreements signed for CEO Ernie Herrman and Executive Chairman Carol Meyrowitz, effective February 3, 2019, with a term through January 29, 2022.
  • 2Minimum annual base salaries set at $1,600,000 for Mr. Herrman and $1,040,000 for Ms. Meyrowitz.
  • 3Executives will participate in the Stock Incentive Plan (SIP), Long Range Performance Incentive Plan (LRPIP), and Management Incentive Plan (MIP) at levels appropriate for their positions.
  • 4Both executives are entitled to benefits including an automobile allowance and reimbursement for legal and financial advisor fees incurred during negotiation.
  • 5Mr. Herrman's agreement includes enhanced benefits under the Executive Savings Plan with an increased Company match.
  • 6Ms. Meyrowitz will receive new annual stock awards valued at $5 million, comprising performance share units and restricted stock units, and has specific terms for her Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) benefit.
  • 7The agreements detail severance benefits for qualifying terminations and enhanced provisions in the event of a change of control, including lump-sum payments and continued benefits, with specific terms for Ms. Meyrowitz and a provision for after-tax optimization of 'golden parachute' payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this filing is to disclose the new employment agreements entered into by The TJX Companies, Inc. with its Chief Executive Officer, Ernie Herrman, and Executive Chairman, Carol Meyrowitz. These agreements define their compensation, benefits, and severance terms for the upcoming years.

The new agreements establish minimum annual base salaries for Mr. Herrman at $1.6 million and Ms. Meyrowitz at $1.04 million. Both executives will continue to participate in various incentive plans (SIP, LRPIP, MIP) and receive benefits such as an automobile allowance. Ms. Meyrowitz will also receive annual stock awards totaling $5 million in grant date value.

In the event of a change of control, both executives are entitled to specific benefits. This includes a lump-sum settlement of outstanding incentive awards and other earned compensation. If their employment is terminated without cause or due to constructive termination within 24 months following a change of control, they would receive a payment equal to twice their annual base salary, target MIP award, and automobile allowance, plus continued health and life insurance benefits for two years, among other provisions. Importantly, they are not entitled to tax gross-up payments for 'golden parachute' excise taxes, and payments may be reduced to be more favorable on an after-tax basis.

Yes, the executives have agreed to post-employment undertakings including 24-month non-solicitation periods and confidentiality obligations. They remain subject to non-competition covenants under the existing Severance Plan. However, in the event of a change of control, the executives would no longer be subject to any post-employment non-compete covenants.