UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DCD.C. 20549



SCHEDULE 14A


(Rule 14a-101)

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.       )

Filed by the Registrantþ [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registranto
[   ]
Check the appropriate box:
o    [  ]Preliminary Proxy Statement
o    [  ]Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ    [X]Definitive Proxy Statement
o[  ]Definitive Additional Materials
[  ]Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

Pitney Bowes Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
oSoliciting Materials Pursuant to §240.14a-12 

Pitney Bowes Inc.
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other ThanFee (Check the Registrant)appropriate box):

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ[X]No fee required.
 
o    [  ]Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: [inert]

 (2)

 2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: [inert]

 (3)

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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11

(Set (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 (4)

 4)

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o
[  ]Fee previously paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
o[  ]Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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Date Filed:





NOTICE OF THE 2015
ANNUAL MEETING
AND
PROXY STATEMENT


 

3001 Summer Street
Stamford, Connecticut 06926

Notice of the 2018
Annual Meeting and
Proxy Statement

 

To the Stockholders:

 

We will hold our 20152018 annual meeting of stockholders at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 20157, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870. The Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy card describe in detail the matters to be acted upon at the meeting.

 

It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend, please submit a proxy through one of the three convenient methods described in this proxy statement in order for your shares to be voted at the meeting. Your vote is important so please act at your first opportunity.

 

We have elected to furnish proxy materials and the Annual Report to Stockholders, including the Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20142017, to many of our stockholders via the Internet pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission rules. We urge you to review those materials as well as our proxy statement for information on our financial results and business operations over the past year. The Internet availability of our proxy materials affords us an opportunity to reduce costs while providing stockholders the information they need. On or about March 27, 2015,23, 2018, we started mailing to many of our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our proxy statement and annual report and how to submit a proxy online along with instructions on how to receive a printed copy of the proxy statement and annual report. We provided a copy of the annual meeting materials to all other stockholders by mail or through electronic delivery.

 

If you receive your annual meeting materials by mail, the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement, Annual Report to Stockholders, including the Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20142017 and proxy card are enclosed. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting in person, please mark, sign, date and return your proxy card in the enclosed prepaid envelope, or submit your proxy via telephone or the Internet, as soon as possible in order for your shares to be voted at the meeting. If you received your annual meeting materials via e-mail, the e-mail contains voting instructions and links to the proxy statement and annual report on the Internet, which are also available atwww.proxyvote.com. If you decide to attend the annual meeting and wish to change your vote, you may do so by submitting a later dated proxy or by voting in person at the annual meeting. If you received your annual meeting materials via e-mail, the e-mail contains voting instructions and links to the proxy statement and annual report on the Internet, which are also available atwww.proxyvote.com.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

 

Michael I. Roth


Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

 

Stamford, Connecticut
March 27, 201523, 2018

 

Notice of Meeting:

 

The annual meeting of stockholders of Pitney Bowes Inc. will be held on Monday, May 11, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders Meeting to be held on May 11, 2015:

Pitney Bowes’ 2015 Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders, including the Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, are available atwww.proxyvote.com.

The items of business at the annual meeting are:

1.Election of 10 directors named in the proxy statement.
2.Ratification of the Audit Committee’s Appointment of the Independent Accountants for 2015.
3.Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation.

Stockholders also will act on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting, including any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

March 13, 2015 is the record date for the meeting.

This proxy statement and accompanying proxy card are first being distributed or made available via the Internet beginning on or about March 27, 2015.

Amy C. Corn
Corporate Secretary

��

NOTICE: Your vote is important. Brokers arenot permitted to vote on our proposals regarding the election of directors, executive compensation and other matters to be considered at the meeting (except on ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of the Independent Accountants for 2015) without instructions from the beneficial owner. Therefore, if your shares are held through a broker, please instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares. For your vote to be counted with respect to proposals 1 or 3, you will need to communicate your voting decisions to your broker, bank, financial institution or other nominee.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
Proxy Summary5
Annual Meeting Information10
The Annual Meeting and Voting10
Annual Meeting Admission10
Who is entitled to vote?10
How do I vote?10
May I revoke my proxy or change my vote?10
What constitutes a quorum?10
What vote is required for a proposal to pass?10
How are votes counted?11
How do Dividend Reinvestment Plan participants or employees with shares  in the 401(k) plans vote by proxy?11
Who will count the votes?11
Want more copies of the proxy statement? Getting too many copies?11
Want Electronic Delivery of the Annual Report and Proxy Statement?11
Stockholder Proposals and Other Business for the 2016 Annual Meeting12
Corporate Governance12
Board of Directors13
Leadership Structure13
Management Succession Planning13
Board Composition and Succession Planning13
Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight13
Director Independence14
Communications with the Board of Directors14
Board Committees and Meeting Attendance14
Audit Committee15
Executive Committee15
Executive Compensation Committee15
Finance Committee16
Governance Committee16
Directors’ Compensation16
Relationships and Related-Person Transactions20
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation20
Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers21
Beneficial Ownership22
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance22
Proposal 1: Election of Directors23
Director Qualifications23
Nominees for Election24
Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors24
Nominees24
3
Page
Report of the Audit Committee27
Proposal 2: Ratification of the Audit Committee’s Appointment of the
Independent Accountants for 2015
28
Principal Accountant Fees and Services28
Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors28
Proposal 3: Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation29
Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors31
Equity Compensation Plan Information31
Report of the Executive Compensation Committee31
Compensation Discussion and Analysis32
Executive Compensation Tables and Related Narrative57
Additional Information71
Solicitation of Proxies71
Other Matters71
4

 

Proxy Summary

In this summary we highlight certain information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This is only a summary and does not contain all the information you should consider before you submit your proxy or vote. Please read the complete proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K before you submit your proxy or vote.

Annual Meeting Information

 

Time and Date:Monday, May 11, 20157, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
Place:Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870
Requirements for
Attending the Meeting:
Admission ticket, which is attached to your proxy card, or Notice of Internet AvailabilityofAvailability of Proxy Materials, together with a form of valid, government-issued photoidentification,photo identification, such as a driver’s license. If your shares are held in the name of a bank,broker or nominee, you must present proof of your ownership as of the record date(suchdate (such as bank or brokerage account statement).
Record Date:March 13, 20159, 2018
Voting:Registered stockholders as of the record date (March 13, 2015)9, 2018) are entitled to submitproxies by Internet atwww.proxyvote.com; www.proxyvote.com; telephone at 1-800-690-6903; or completingyour proxy card; or you may vote in person at the annual meeting. If you hold yoursharesyour shares through a broker, bank, trustee or other nominee, you are a beneficial ownerandowner and should refer to instructions provided by that entity on voting methods.

 

Governance Structure and Leadership RolesImportant Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders Meeting to be held on May 7, 2018:

 

The board reappointed Michael Roth, an independent member of the board of directors,Pitney Bowes’ 2018 Proxy Statement and Annual Report to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board in May 2014. A description of the Chairman role appears in the Board of Directors Governance Principles, which can be found on the company’s website atwww.pitneybowes.com under the caption “Our Company—Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance.”

2014 Summary of Business Performance

In 2014, Pitney Bowes achieved significant progress against its three strategic initiatives to transform the company and unlock shareholder value by 1) stabilizing the mail business, 2) driving operational excellence, and 3) growing its business through expansion in digital commerce. During the year, the company continued its implementation of a new go-to-market strategy, divested certain business operations, and initiated a global effort to streamline the company’s back-office systems. All aspects of the company’s Digital Commerce Solutions segment grew revenue in 2014,Stockholders, including the introduction of outbound eCommerce services from the United Kingdom.

In addition, the company continued to deliver innovative physical and digital products and solutions and made significant investments in marketing in support of the transformation of our brand. One of the main goals of the re-branding effort is to update the market’s perception of the company. This is the first brand refresh since 1971 and only the third in the company’s 95 year history.

From a financial perspective:

The company returned $152 million to shareholders in dividend payments on Pitney Bowes common stock and repurchased $50 million in shares.
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) for 2014 was 7.63%, and two-year TSR calculated as a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was 58.23%, which places the company at the very top of its peer group. When compared to S&P 500 companies this two-year performance places the company in the 96th percentile.
The company had its first full year of reported revenue growth since 2008, with an increase of 1% on both a constant currency and reported basis.
The 2014 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.90, compared to $1.81 in 2013.
Earnings before interest and taxes were $731 million in 2014 compared to $688 million in 2013.
Free cash flow was $571 million in 2014 compared to $635 million in 2013. This nevertheless was a strong result when factoring in the capital expenditures invested into the business.
5

PROXY SUMMARY

The company reduced debt by $100 million and took additional actions with its debt portfolio to create further financial flexibility.
The company reduced sales, general and administrative expenses by $42 million.

In short, 2014 was a year of significant progress for Pitney Bowes. We continue to see positive trends in our businesses and are making material progress toward unlocking the long-term value embedded in our company. For additional detail on the calculation of the financial metrics described above please refer to page 55 “Non-GAAP Measures” and corresponding table.

2014 Summary of Compensation Payouts

Based on the 2014 financial results summarized above when compared against the pre-determined financial goals as shown in the table below, the annual incentive payout multiplier for the named executive officers (NEOs) was 125.1% and the long-term 2012-2014 cash incentive unit award payout was $1.33 per unit.

Funding of the 2014 Annual Incentive Pool and Payout Multiplier
 
The sum of the metrics may not exactly equal the total due to rounding.
For additional detail on the calculation of the financial metrics shown in this chart please refer to the table on page 55 “Non-GAAP Measures.”

Funding of the 2014 Cash Incentive Unit Pool and Payout Value
 
The amounts above include the impact of the Modifier for total shareholder return (TSR). The sum of the metrics may not exactly equal the total due to rounding.
The amounts shown in the charts above are based on non-GAAP measures. For additional detail on the calculation of the financial metrics shown in this chart please refer to the table on page 55 “Non-GAAP Measures.”

We urge stockholders to read our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 20, 2015, which describes our business and 2014 financial results in more detail.

6

PROXY SUMMARY

2014 Summary of Executive Compensation Changes2017, are available atwww.proxyvote.com.

 

AtThe items of business at the annual meeting in 2014, stockholders voted in favor of our executive compensation (Say-on-Pay) by over 95% of votes cast. The vote reflected stockholder approval of our compensation philosophy and pay actions as approved by the Committee in 2014 and prior years. In 2014, these actions included:are:

 

 1.ImplementationElection of a new LTI design mix for 2014 awards, making 100% of11 directors named in the long-term awards stock based, with an allocation of 70% Performance Stock Units (PSUs) and 30% Restricted Stock Units (RSUs);proxy statement.
   
 2.Roll outRatification of a new executive stock ownership policy to: (i) include more senior executives, and (ii) restrict the shares that will count towardAudit Committee’s Appointment of the stock holding requirement to only vested shares; andIndependent Accountants for 2018.
   
 3.Institution of a deferral programNon-binding Advisory Vote to facilitate a quicker path to executive stock ownership.

The 2014 changes noted above were in addition to the significant changes made to the executive compensation program during the last two years, including the following:

Increase in the weighting of financial objectives to 100% for the annual incentive program;Approve Executive Compensation.
   
 4.Reduction in duplicative metrics across award types;
Enhancement of disclosure of performance targets;
Revision of our peer group in lightApproval of the company’s evolving strategic direction with increased emphasis in software and technology;
Reduction of severance benefits payable on account of a Change in Control from three to two times annual salary and average annual incentive; and
Elimination of the excise tax gross-up.Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan.

 

2014 CEO Compensation ActionsStockholders also will act on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting, including any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

 

The following are highlights of 2014 compensation actions takenMarch 9, 2018 is the record date for the meeting.

This proxy statement and accompanying proxy card are first being distributed or made available via the Internet beginning on or about March 23, 2018.

Daniel J. Goldstein

Executive Vice President, and CEO as approved byChief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

NOTICE: Your vote is important. Brokers are not permitted to vote on any proposals to be considered at the boardmeeting except on proposal 2, ratification of directors:the Audit Committee’s appointment of the Independent Accountants for 2018, without instructions from the beneficial owner. Therefore, if your shares are held through a broker, please instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares. For your vote to be counted with respect to proposals 1, 3 or 4, you will need to communicate your voting decisions to your broker, bank, financial institution or other nominee.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 Base salary increased to $900,000 (from $850,000 in 2013) to bring Mr. Lautenbach closer to the market(1)and the peer group median;Page
   
Proxy Summary5
Annual incentive target increasedMeeting Information6
The Annual Meeting and Voting6
Annual Meeting Admission6
Outstanding Shares and Vote Entitlement6
How do I vote?6
May I revoke my proxy or change my vote?6
What constitutes a quorum?6
What vote is required for a proposal to 135% (from 130%pass?7
How are votes counted?7
Proposal 4: Approval of the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan7
Who will count the votes?7
Want more copies of the proxy statement? Getting too many copies?7
Want Electronic Delivery of the Annual Report and Proxy Statement?8
Stockholder Proposals and Other Business for the 2019 Annual Meeting8
Corporate Governance8
Board of Directors9
Leadership Structure9
Management Succession Planning10
Board Composition, Skills and Experience Review, and Board Succession Planning10
Role of the Board of Directors in 2013), moving Mr. Lautenbach’s total target cash compensation closer toRisk Oversight10
Director Independence11
Communications with the market(1)Board of Directors11
Board Committees and peer group median, resulting in a payoutMeeting Attendance12
Audit Committee12
Executive Committee12
Executive Compensation Committee13
Finance Committee13
Governance Committee13
Directors’ Compensation14
Relationships and Related-Person Transactions16
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation17
Security Ownership of $1,519,965 (after applyingDirectors and Executive Officers17
Beneficial Ownership18
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance18
Proposal 1: Election Of Directors19
Director Qualifications19
Nominees for Election20
Vote Required; Recommendation of the Committee-approved 2014 annual incentive multiplier (see pages 43 to 45 for details);Board of Directors20
Nominees20
3
Page
   
Long-term incentive target increased to $4,500,000 (from $4,000,000 in 2013) moving Mr. Lautenbach’s total target direct compensation closer to the market(1)and peer group median, with the February 2014 grant consisting of 70% PSUs and 30% RSUs.

(1)Market median is the averageReport of the median CEO pay as reported inAudit Committee25
Proposal 2: Ratification of the Towers Watson RegressedAudit Committee’s Appointment of theIndependent Accountants for 201826
Principal Accountant Fees and Services26
Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board Of Directors26
Proposal 3: Non-Binding Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation27
Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board Of Directors29
Proposal 4: Approval of the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan30
Equity Compensation Plan Information38
Report of the Executive Compensation Committee38
Compensation Discussion and the Radford High Tech Industry Survey.Analysis39
Executive Compensation Tables and Related Narrative62
Additional Information75
Solicitation of Proxies75
Other Matters75
Annex A: Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan76

Direct Compensation Components and Mix

The overwhelming majority, 86%, of our CEO’s target total direct compensation, and 71% of target total direct compensation for the other executive officers, is variable, and is subject to financial performance metrics. In addition, more than two-thirds of the total compensation paid to our CEO, and half of the total compensation paid to the NEOs, is equity-based and aligned with shareholder interests.

 

The percentages in the above illustrations are based on target compensation.

74

PROXY SUMMARY

Meeting Agenda Items

 

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

 

You are being asked to elect 10 directors.eleven directors, which constitute the entire board. Each of the director nominees is standing for election to a one-year term ending at the next annual meeting of stockholders in 20162019 and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified.

 

All current directors attended overat least 75% of the meetings of the board and board committees on which they served in 2014.2017.

 

Summary Information about our Director NomineesThe board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the election of all the director nominees.

 

Director
Nominee
 Age Director
Since
 Occupation Independent  Committees Other Public
Boards
Linda G. Alvarado 63 1992 President and
CEO, Alvarado

Construction, Inc.
 X  Finance
Governance
 3M Company
              
Anne M. Busquet 65 2007 Principal, AMB
Advisors, LLC
 X  Executive
  Compensation
Governance
 Medical
Transcription
Billing Corp.,
InterContinental
Hotels Group PLC
              
Roger Fradin 61 2012 Vice Chairman,
Honeywell
International Inc.
 X  Audit
Finance
 MSC Industrial
Direct Co., Inc.
              
Anne Sutherland
Fuchs
 67 2005 Consultant to
private equity firms
 X  Audit
Executive
  Compensation
 Gartner, Inc.
              
S. Douglas
Hutcheson
 58 2012 CEO, Laser, Inc. X  Audit
Finance
 InterDigital, Inc.
              
Marc B. Lautenbach 53 2012 President and CEO,
Pitney Bowes Inc.
 X  Executive   Campbell Soup
Company
              
Eduardo R. Menascé 69 2001 Co-Chairman,
The Taylor Companies
   Executive
Executive
  Compensation**
Governance
 John Wiley & Sons
Inc., Hill-Rom
Holdings, Inc.,
Hillenbrand, Inc.
              
Michael I. Roth* 69 1995 Chairman and CEO,
The Interpublic Group
of Companies, Inc.
 X  Audit
Executive**
Finance**
 Ryman Hospitality
Properties Inc.,
The Interpublic
Group of
Companies, Inc.
              
David L. Shedlarz 66 2001 Retired Vice
Chairman, Pfizer Inc.
 X  Audit**
Executive
Finance
 Teachers
Insurance and
Annuity
Association,
The
Hershey Company
              
David B. Snow, Jr. 60 2006 Chairman and CEO,
Cedar Gate

Technologies, Inc.
 X  Executive
Executive
  Compensation
Governance**
 

 *Non-Executive Chairman, Pitney Bowes Inc.
 **Committee Chair
8

PROXY SUMMARY

Proposal 2: Ratification of the Audit Committee’s Appointment of the Independent Accountants for 20152018

 

The board is asking stockholders to ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent accountants for 2015.2018.

The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent accountants for 2018.

 

Proposal 3: Non-binding Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

 

The board is asking stockholders to approve, on ana non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. The board has determined to hold this advisory vote on an annual basis. The next advisory vote will beis expected to take place at the 20162019 annual meeting of stockholders.

The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval of executive compensation on an advisory basis.

Proposal 4: Approval of the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan

The board is asking stockholders to approve the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan (the “2018 Stock Plan”). The 2018 Stock Plan will govern grants of stock-based awards to employees and authorize a maximum of 14,000,000 shares, in addition to any shares associated with outstanding awards under prior plans that cease to be subject to such awards. Any shares authorized but not awarded under our current 2013 Stock Plan will be extinguished under the 2013 Stock Plan upon approval of the 2018 Stock Plan.

The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan.

95

 

 

Annual Meeting Information

 

The Annual Meeting and Voting

 

Our board of directors is soliciting proxies to be used at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 11, 2015,7, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870, and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. This proxy statement contains information about the items being voted on at the annual meeting.

 

Annual Meeting Admission

 

An admission ticket, which is required for entry into the annual meeting, is attached to your proxy card if you hold shares directly in your name as a registered stockholder. If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please submit your proxy but keep the admission ticket and bring it to the annual meeting.

 

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or nominee and you plan to attend the meeting, you must present proof of your ownership of Pitney Bowes stock as of the record date (such as a bank or brokerage account statement) to be admitted to the meeting.

 

If you have received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (a “Notice”), your Notice is your admission ticket. If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please submit your proxy, but keep the Notice and bring it to the annual meeting.

 

Stockholders also must present a form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, in order to be admitted to the annual meeting.No cameras, recording equipment, large bags, or packages will be permitted in the annual meeting. Many cellular phones have built-inbuiltin cameras, and, while these phones may be brought into the annual meeting, neither the camera functionnor the recording functions may not be used at any time.

 

Each stockholder may appoint only one proxy holder or representativeFor directions to attend the meeting, on his or her behalf.you may contact our Investor Relations, Pitney Bowes Inc., 3001 Summer Street, Stamford, Connecticut 06926.

 

Who is entitled to vote?Outstanding Shares and Vote Entitlement

 

Record stockholdersEach share of Pitney Bowes common stock has one vote. In addition, we have two classes of preferred stock issued and outstanding: the 4% Preferred Stock and the $2.12 convertible preferencePreference Stock. The 4% Preferred Stock can be converted into 24.24 shares of common stock in certain events but does not carry any voting rights. As of March 9, 2018 (the record date), there were twelve shares of the 4% Preference Stock outstanding. The $2.12 Preference Stock can be converted into 16.53 shares of common stock in certain events and each share of the $2.12 Preference Stock carries with it 16.53 votes. Record holders of the common stock and the Preference Stock at the close of business on the record date of March 13, 2015 (the record date)9, 2018 can vote at the meeting. As of the record date, 201,666,157187,103,143 shares of Pitney Bowes common stock, and 20,056

15,590 shares of the $2.12 convertible preference stockPreference Stock were issued and outstanding. Each stockholder has one vote for each shareIf converted into common stock, the twelve shares of 4% preferred stock would be converted into 290 shares of common stock owned as of the record date, and 16.53 votes for each sharestock. The 15,590 shares of $2.12 convertible preference stock owned asPreference Stock can be converted into 257,702 shares of the record date.common stock.

 

How do I vote?

 

If you are a registered stockholder which means you hold shares in your name, you may choose one of three methods to grantsubmit your proxy to have your shares voted:

you may submit your proxy on-line via the Internet by accessing the following website and following the instructions provided: www.proxyvote.com;

you may grant your proxy on-line via the Internet by accessing the following website and following the instructions provided:www.proxyvote.com;
you may grant your proxy by telephone (1-800-690-6903); or
if you received your annual meeting material by mail, you also may choose to grant your proxy by completing and mailing the proxy card.
you may submit your proxy by telephone (1-800-690-6903); or

if you received your annual meeting material by mail, you also may choose to grant your proxy by completing and mailing the proxy card.

 

Alternatively, you may attend the meeting and vote in person.

 

If you hold your shares through a broker, bank, trustee or other nominee, you are a beneficial owner and should refer to instructions provided by that entity on voting methods. Please note that if you are a beneficial owner and you wish to vote in person at the meeting, you must first obtain a legal proxy issued in your name from the broker, bank, trustee or other nominee that holds your shares.

 

May I revoke my proxy or change my vote?

 

If you are a registered stockholder, you may revoke your proxy or change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the meeting by any of the following methods:

 

you may send in a revised proxy dated later than the first proxy;
you may vote in person at the meeting; or
you may notify the corporate secretary in writing prior to the meeting that you have revoked your proxy.
you may send in a revised proxy dated later than the first proxy;

you may vote in person at the meeting; or

you may notify the Corporate Secretary in writing prior to the meeting that you have revoked your proxy.

 

Attendance at the meeting alone will not revoke your proxy.

 

If you hold your shares through a broker, bank, trustee or other nominee, you are a beneficial owner and should refer to instructions provided by that entity on how to revoke your proxy or change your vote.

 

What constitutes a quorum?

 

The holders of shares representing a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the annual meeting constitutes a quorum. If you submit your proxy by Internet, telephone or proxy card, you will be considered part of the quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes are included in the count to determine a quorum.


6

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

What vote is required for a proposal to pass?

 

If a quorum is present, director candidates receiving the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast will be elected. Proposals 2, 3 and 34 will be approved if a quorum is present and a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders are voted for the proposal.


10

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

How are votes counted?

You may vote “for”, “against” or “abstain” with respect to each of the proposals presented. A vote “for” will be counted in favor of the proposal or respective director nominee and a vote “against” will be counted against each proposal or respective nominee.

 

Your broker is not permitted to vote on your behalf on any proposals to be considered at the meeting including the election of directors and the advisory vote to approve executive compensation, except on proposal 2, the ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent accountants for 2015,2018, unless you provide specific instructions by completing and returning the voting instruction form or following the instructions provided to you to vote your stock via telephone or the Internet. If you do not own your shares of record, for your vote to be counted with respect to proposals 1, 3 or 3,4, you will need to communicate your voting decisions to your broker, bank, financial institution or other nominee.

 

Under New York Stock Exchange rules, if your broker holds your shares in its “street” name, the broker may vote your shares in its discretion on proposal 2 if it does not receive instructions from you.

 

If your brokerdoes nothave discretionary voting authority and you do not provide voting instructions, or if you abstain on one or more agenda items, the effect would be as follows:

 

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

 

Broker non-votes and abstentions would not be votes cast and therefore would not be counted either for or against. As a result, broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect in the election of directors.

 

Proposal 2: Ratification of Audit Committee’s Appointment of the Independent Accountants for 20152018

 

If you choose to abstain in the ratification of the Audit Committee’s selection of the independent accountants for 2015,2018, the abstention will have no effect.effect on the ratification of the Audit Committee’s selection of the independent accountants for 2018.

 

Proposal 3: Non-binding Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

 

The vote to approve executive compensation is an advisory vote and the results will not be binding on the board of directors or the company.Company. The board of directors will review the results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation. Broker non-votes and abstentions wouldare not beconsidered votes cast and therefore wouldwill not be counted either for or against. As a result, broker non-votes and

abstentions will have no effect on the advisory vote to approve executive compensation.

 

Proposal 4: Approval of the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan

Broker non-votes are not considered votes cast and therefore will not be counted either for or against this proposal. With respect to abstentions, for purposes of approval under our By-laws, abstentions are not considered votes cast and therefore will not be counted either for or against; however, for purposes of approval under New York Stock Exchange rules, abstentions are treated as votes cast, and, therefore, will have the same effect as an “against” vote.

How do Dividend Reinvestment Plan participants or employees with shares in the 401(k) plans vote by proxy?

 

If you are a registered stockholder and participate in our Dividend Reinvestment Plan, or our employee 401(k) plans, your proxy includes the number of shares acquired through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and/or credited to your 401(k) plan account.

 

Shares held in our 401(k) plans are voted by the plan trustee in accordance with voting instructions received from plan participants. The plans direct the trustee to vote shares for which no instructions are received in the same proportion (for, against or abstain) indicated by the voting instructions given by participants in the plans.

Who will count the votes?

 

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge) will tabulate the votes and act as Inspector of Election.

 

Want more copies of the proxy statement? Getting too many copies?

 

Only one Notice or, if paper copies are requested, only one proxy statement and annual report to stockholders including the report on Form 10-K are delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless one or more of the stockholders giveprovide contrary instructions to us contrary instructions. or, if applicable, to your bank or broker. This process is commonly referred to as “householding”.

You may request to receive a separate copy of these materials, either now or in the future, and we will promptly deliver the requested materials.

 

Similarly, any stockholder currently sharing an address with another stockholder but nonethelessyou may request to receive a separate copy of these materials in the future, or if you are receiving separatemultiple copies, of the materialsyou may request delivery of a single copy in the future.

 

Requests can be made to:

 

Broadridge Householding Department by phone at 1-800-542-10611-866-540-7095 or by mail to:

 

Broadridge Householding Department
51 Mercedes Way
Edgewood, New York 11717.

 

If you own shares of stock through a bank, broker trustee or other nominee, please notify that entity if you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to


7

GENERAL INFORMATION

receive more than onea separate copy of thethese materials, please contact that entityor if you are receiving duplicate copies of these materials and wish to eliminate duplicate mailings.have householding apply.

 

Additional copies of our annual report to stockholders, including the report on Form 10-K or the proxy statement will be sent to stockholders free of charge upon written request to:

 

Investor Relations, Pitney Bowes Inc.

3001 Summer Street

Stamford, CT 06926-0700.

 

Want Electronic Delivery of the Annual Report and Proxy Statement?

 

We want to communicate with you in the way you prefer. You may receive:

 

a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or a full set of printed materials, including the proxy statement, annual report and proxy card; or
an email with instructions for how to view the annual meeting materials and vote online.

GENERAL INFORMATION

a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or a full set of printed materials, including the proxy statement, annual report and proxy card; or

an email with instructions for how to view the annual meeting materials and vote online.

 

If you received the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or a full set of annual meeting materials by mail, you may choose to receive future annual meeting materials electronically by following the instructions when you vote online or by telephone. With electronic delivery, you will receive an e-mail for future meetings listing the website locations of these documents and your choice to receive annual meeting materials electronically will remain in effect until you notify us that you wish to resume mail delivery of these documents. If you hold your Pitney Bowes stock through a bank, broker, trustee or other nominee, you should refer to the information provided by that entity for instructions on how to elect this option. This proxy statement and our 20142017 annual report may be viewed online atwww.proxyvote.comwww.pitneybowes.com.


11

GENERAL INFORMATION

Stockholder Proposals and Other Business for the 20162019 Annual Meeting

 

If a stockholder wants to submit a proposal for inclusion in our proxy material for the 20162019 annual meeting, which is scheduled to be held on Monday, May 9, 2016,6, 2019, it must be received by the corporate secretaryCorporate Secretary by the close of business on November 28, 2015.23, 2018. Also, under our By-laws, a stockholder can present other business at an annual meeting, including the nomination of candidates for director, only if written notice of the business or candidates is received by the corporate secretaryCorporate Secretary no earlier than the close of business on January 12, 20167, 2019 and no later than the close of business on February 11, 2016.6, 2019. However, in the event that the date of the 20162019 annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary of our 20152018 annual meeting, then the stockholder’s notice must be delivered no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the meeting and no later than the close of business

on the later of the 90th day prior to the meeting or, if the first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of such meeting, the 10th day after the first public announcement of the meeting date. There are other procedural requirements in the By-laws pertaining to stockholder proposals and director nominations. The By-laws are posted on our Corporate Governance website atwww.pitneybowes.comunder the caption “Our Company—Our Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance.” If notice of a matter is not received within the applicable deadlines or does not comply with the By-laws, the chairman of the meeting may refuse to introduce such matter. If a stockholder does not meet these deadlines, or does not satisfy the requirements of Rule 14a-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the persons named as proxies will be allowed to use their discretionary voting authority when and if the matter is raised at the annual meeting.


 

Corporate Governance

 

We encourage stockholders to visit our Corporate Governance website atwww.pitneybowes.comunder the caption “Our Company—Our Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance” for information concerning governance practices, including the Governance Principles of the Boardboard of Directors,directors, charters of the committees of the board, and the directors’ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Our Business Practices Guidelines, which is the Code of Ethics for employees, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer,our named executive officers (NEOs), is also available on our Leadershipat “Our Company—Corporate Responsibility—Values & Governance website.Ethics.” We intend to disclose any future amendments or waivers to certain provisions of the directors’ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or the Business Practices Guidelines on our website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.

 

Investor Outreach.It is our practice to contact many of our stockholders over the course of the year to discuss governance issues, and to seek their views on various governance topics and executive

compensation matters. In the spring of 2014,2017, we reached out to holders ofstockholders representing approximately 43%49% of outstanding company shares, and in late 2014,the fall 2017, we reached out to holders ofstockholders representing approximately 46%51% of outstanding company shares. We value the feedback we receive concerning the board’s leadership structure, governance practices, the company’s proxy statement, executive compensation, and emerging governance trends.and executive compensation. With those stockholders who responded to our invitation in the fall of 2017, we discussed corporate governance practices, executive compensation policies and our approach to the board’s role in risk mitigation oversight, including its oversight of our cybersecurity efforts. Our investors generally have provided positive feedback on these topics, and this year our investors suggested that we continue to review our compensation and rewards programs to attract and retain top talent. Refer to section Stockholder Engagement—Executive Compensation on page 46 for further details regarding Investor Outreach.


8

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Key Corporate Governance Practices Enhancing the Board’s Independent
Leadership, Accountability and Oversight

 

Separate Chairman and CEOCEO.. Our Governance Principles include well-defined responsibilities, qualifications and selection criteria with respect to the Chairman role. The board has appointed Michael I. Roth, an independent director, as Non-Executive Chairman. In addition to chairing the Executive and Finance Committees, Mr. Roth is a member of the Audit Committee and attends most of the other board committee meetings as well.

Independent CommitteesCommittees.. The board of directors has determined that all board committees, other than the Executive Committee, should consist entirely of independent directors.

Executive SessionsSessions.. At each regular board meeting, our independent directors meet without the CEO or other members of management present to discuss issues, including matters concerning management. The Non-Executive Chairman presides at these executive sessions.

Majority Voting in Director ElectionsElections.. Our By-LawsBy-laws provide that in uncontested elections, director nominees must be elected by a majority of the votes cast.

Annual Election of DirectorsDirectors.. Our By-LawsBy-laws provide that our stockholders elect all directors annually.

Stock Holding RequirementsRequirements.. EachWithin five years of becoming a director, each board member is requiredexpected to achieveaccumulate and hold company common stock having a minimum share ownership with aaggregate market value equal toof five times the annual base cash retainer for Board service. The minimum ownership requirement must be achieved within the first five years of service on the board.retainer.

No Hedging or PledgingPledging.. Directors may not pledge or transfer for value Pitney Bowes securities, engage in short-term speculative (“in and out”) trading in Pitney Bowes securities, or participate in hedging and other derivative transactions, including short sales, “put” or “call” options, swaps, collars or similar derivative transactions, with respect to Pitney Bowes securities.

 

12Annual Assessments.Every year, the full board, as well as each board committee, conducts a self-assessment to evaluate all aspects of the board or board committee, including the members of the board and the board’s leadership. Each committee as well as the full board reviews and discusses the self-assessments and implements any appropriate action. In some years, the board engages a third party advisor for assistance in the self-assessment, as it did in 2016. The third-party advisor provides feedback in separate discussions with the full board and the Governance Committee as well as in individual discussions with the Chairman and with the Chair of the Governance Committee.

Board of Directors

 

Leadership Structure

 

Effective December, 2012, theThe board of directors has separated the roles of Chairman and CEO. The board appointed Michael I. Roth, an independent director, asis our Non-Executive Chairman of the board of directors andlast reappointed him to this roleby the board for an additional one-year term in May 2014 for a term of one year.2017. The board of directors believes it should have the flexibility to establish a leadership structure that works best for the company at a particular time, and it reviews that structure from time to time, including in the context of a change in leadership. The board believes that its current leadership structure best serves the objective of effective board oversight of management at this time and allows our CEO to focus primarily on the operations and management of the company, while leveraging the experience of the Non-Executive Chairman to lead the board.

In 2012,addition to his responsibilities in chairing the meetings of the board decided that, since the responsibilitiesand of the Lead Director, which wasFinance and Executive Committees, Mr. Roth’s role prior to his appointment

as Non-Executive Chairman, were similar in most respects to those ofRoth is a Non-Executive Chairman, the electionmember of the new CEO wasAudit Committee and attends most of the meetings of the two committees on which he is not a member. Mr. Roth is also actively involved as an appropriate timeadvisor to separate the roles ofChief Executive Officer through frequent conversations, bringing to bear his experiences as a CEO and Chairman.his experiences from his service on other boards.

 

The board of directors has established well-defined responsibilities, qualifications and selection criteria with respect to the Chairman role. This information is set forth in detail in the Governance Principles of the Board of Directors, which can be found on our website atwww.pitneybowes.comunder the caption “Our Company—Our Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance.”


9

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Management Succession Planning

 

Among the board’s most important responsibilities is to oversee short and long-term succession planning and leadership development. As part of this process, the Governance Committee oversees long-term and short-term plans for CEO succession. The board of directors is responsible for evaluating the performance of the CEO and for selection of successors to that position. The criteria used when assessing the qualifications of potential CEO successors include, among others, strategic vision and leadership, operational excellence, financial management, executive officer leadership development, ability to motivate employees, and an ability to develop an effective working relationship with the board. The Governance Principles of the Board of Directors, which are posted on the company’s website atwww.pitneybowes.comunder the caption “Our

“Our Company—Our Leadership &

Governance—Corporate Governance,” include additional information about succession planning.

In late 2012, the board used the succession planning process described above to plan for the succession from our former CEO to the hiring of our new President and CEO, Mr. Lautenbach, and to the appointment of a new Non-Executive Chairman of the board, Michael I. Roth.

 

Periodically, but not less than annually, the board of directors considers management’s recommendations concerning succession planning for senior management roles other than the role of CEO. As part of this process, the board reviews development plans to strengthen and supplement the skills and qualifications of internal succession candidates.

As a result of these processes, the company announced several senior management changes in 2017. These are discussed in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis (CD&A) section beginning on page 39.


 

Board Composition, Skills and Experience Review, and Board Succession Planning

 

The Governance Committee periodically updates and reviews the skills and types of experience that should be represented on the board of directors in light of the company’s current business needs and future strategy. The Committeecommittee then compares these desired skills and experiences to those which current board members possess to determine whether all the identified skills and experience are sufficiently represented on the board. Based upon its review, and on its discussion with the chief executive officer,CEO, the Committeecommittee may recommend to the board that additional expertise is advisable. The Committeecommittee would then develop for the board’s consideration a skillskills and experience profile to be used in identifying additional board candidates as appropriate.

Directors are elected to terms of one year. It is the board’s policy that a director may not serve on the board later than the date of the Annual Stockholders Meeting following his or her attainment of age 72.

The board believes that, in planning for board succession, it is advisable to maintain a board that includes both experienced directors with extensive knowledge of the company’s businesses, as well as newer directors who can refresh the board’s collective experience and expertise as business needs require. The board, as well as each of its committees, circulates to its members on an annual basis, a performance assessment questionnaire. The results of the assessment are reviewed by the respective committees, with a view toward taking action to address issues presented. The Governance Committee assesses the contributions of each director annually, and determines the skill set required for new members joining the board. The average tenure of our board members is approximately 12 years.

Pitney Bowes’ Governance Principles provide for directors to retire from the board at the annual meeting fol-

lowing reaching the age of 72. Both Eduardo Menascé and Michael Roth are 72. The Governance Committee (other than Mr. Menascé) and then all of the independent directors of the board (other than Mr. Menascé) have asked Mr. Menascé, the chair of the Compensation Committee, to serve on the board for one additional year at which point Mr. Menascé will retire from the board. The other independent directors reached this conclusion in light of the company’s ongoing transformation and the need to consider whether any changes in the compensation plans are appropriate during this transformation. The other independent directors thus deemed it in the best interest of the company to ask Mr. Menascé to stay on the board and remain chair of the Compensation Committee for one additional year. In addition, the Governance Committee and then all of the independent directors (other than Mr. Roth) asked Mr. Roth to continue to serve on the board and as Non-Executive Chairman of the board. The other independent members of the board reached this conclusion based upon their view that Mr. Roth is a strong and effective leader for the board. This view has been consistently articulated in the outside assessment done for the board in 2016 and the self-assessment the board conducted in the middle of 2017. Given the company’s ongoing, significant transformation efforts, the other independent board members concluded that it is in the best interest of the company to maintain continuity in the chairmanship role. Going forward, the Governance Committee and the other independent board members will evaluate on an annual basis whether it remains in the best interest of the company for Mr. Roth to continue to serve on the board.


 

Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight

 

The board of directors is responsible for oversight of the risk assessment and risk management process. Management is responsible for risk management, including identification and mitigation planning. The company established an enterprise risk management process to identify, assess, monitor and address risks across the entire company and its business operations. The description, assessments, mitigation plan and status for

each enterprise risk are developed and monitored by management, including management “risk owners” and an oversight management risk committee.

 

TheBoth the Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing and reviewingthe entire board review on an ongoing basis the structure of the company’s enterprise risk management program, including the overall process by which management identifies and


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

manages risks. As part of this review, the board regularly provides feedback to management on its view of ways to continually improve the program. Upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, the board of directors assigns oversight responsibility for each of the enterprise-wide risks to either a specific committee of the board, or to the full board. The board and each committee, with the exception of the Executive Committee, are responsible for oversight of one or more risks. The assignments are generally made based upon the type of enterprise risk and the linkage of the subject matter to the responsibilities of the committee as described in its charter or the nature of the enterprise risk warranting review by the full board. For example, the Finance Committee oversees risks relating to liquidity, and the Audit Committee over-

seesoversees risks relating to cybersecurity. internal controls and the Executive Compensation Committee reviews risk analyses relating to the company’s compensation programs. With respect to cybersecurity, members of management from multiple disciplines in the company, including Information Technology, Research and Development, Legal and Privacy, and Internal Audit provide a detailed overview to the full board of the company’s cybersecurity efforts. Under its Charter, the Audit Com-

mittee has oversight of the enterprise risks relating to Information Technology function generally, and cybersecurity in particular.

Each enterprise risk and its related mitigation plan is reviewed by either the board of directors or the designated board committee on an annual basis. On an annual basis, the board of directors receives a report on the status of all enterprise risks and their related mitigation plans.

 

Management monitors the risks and determines, from time to time, whether new risks should be considered either due to changes in the external environment, changes in the company’s business, or for other reasons. Management also determines whether previously identified risks should be combined with new or emerging risks.

In addition to the formal components of the enterprise risk management program, management explicitly discusses risks with the board within the context of other topics, such as the company’s and individual unit strategies and specific aspects of the company’s current transformation efforts.


 

Director Independence

 

The board of directors conducts an annual review of the independence of each director under the New York Stock Exchange listing standards and our standards of independence, which are set forth in the Governance Principles of the Board of Directors available on our website atwww.pitneybowes.com under the caption “Our Company—Our Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance.” In making these determinations, the board of directors considers, among other things, whether any director hasor the director’s immediate family members have had any direct or indirect material relationship with Pitney Bowes or its management, including

current or past employment with Pitney Bowes

or its independent accountants by the director or the director’s immediate family members.accountants.

 

Based upon its review, the board of directors has concluded in its business judgment that the following directors are independent: Linda G. Alvarado, Anne M. Busquet, Roger Fradin, Anne Sutherland Fuchs, S. Douglas Hutcheson, Eduardo R. Menascé, Michael I. Roth, Linda S. Sanford, David L. Shedlarz, and David B. Snow, Jr.

 

Marc B. Lautenbach is not independent because he is a Pitney Bowes executive officer.


 

Communications with the Board of Directors

 

Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with the Non-Executive Chairman of the board via e-mail at boardchairman@pb.com, the Audit Committee chair via e-mail at audit.chair@pb.com or they may write to one or more directors, care of the Corporate Secretary, Pitney Bowes Inc., 3001 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06926-0700.

 

The board of directors has instructed the corporate secretaryCorporate Secretary to assist the Non-Executive Chairman, Audit Committee chair and the board in reviewing all electronic and written communications, as described above, as follows:

 

(i)Customer, vendor or employee complaints or concerns are investigated by management and copies are forwarded to the Chairman;

(ii)If any complaints or similar communications regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters are received, they will be forwarded by
the corporate secretaryCorporate Secretary to the General Auditor and
to the Audit Committee chair for review and copies will be forwarded to the Chairman. Any such matter will be investigated in accordance with the procedures established by the Audit Committee; and
  
(iii)Other communications raising matters that require investigation will be shared with appropriate members of management in order to permit the gathering of information relevant to the directors’ review, and will be forwarded to the director or directors to whom the communication was addressed.

 

Except as provided above, the corporate secretaryCorporate Secretary will forward written communications, as appropriate to the full board of directors, or to any individual director or directors to whom the communication is directed unless the communication is threatening, illegal or similarly inappropriate.directors. Advertisements, solicitations for periodical or other subscriptions, and other similar communications generally will not be forwarded to the directors.


11

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Board Committees and Meeting Attendance

 

During 2014,2017, each director attended at least 75% of the total number of board meetings and meetings held by the board committees on which he or she served. The board of directors met eightten times in 2014,2017, and the independent directors met in executive session, without any member of management in attendance, sevennine times. MembersEach member of the board of directors serveserves on one or more of the five standing committees described below. As the need arises, the board may establish ad hoc committees of the board to consider specific issues. Mr. Lautenbach is a member of the Executive Committee.

The members of all other board committees are independent directors pursuant to New York Stock Exchange independence standards. Each committee of the board operates in accordance with a charter. The members of each of the board committees, and the number of meetings for each committee in 2017, are set forth in the following chart.chart below.

 

It is the longstanding practice and the policy of the board of directors that the directors attend the annual meeting of stockholders. All directors then serving on the board attended the May 20142017 annual meeting.


14

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Name Audit Executive Executive
Compensation
 Finance Governance
            
 Linda G. Alvarado       X X
 Anne M. Busquet     X   X
 Roger Fradin X     X  
 Anne Sutherland Fuchs X   X    
 S. Douglas Hutcheson X     X  
 Marc B. Lautenbach   X      
 Eduardo R. Menascé   X Chair   X
 Michael I. Roth X Chair   Chair  
 David L. Shedlarz Chair X   X  
 David B. Snow, Jr.   X X   Chair
 Number of meetings in 2014 6 0 6 5 3
       Executive    
Name Audit Executive Compensation Finance Governance
 Linda G. Alvarado       X X
 Anne M. Busquet     X   X
 Roger Fradin X     X  
 Anne Sutherland Fuchs     X   X
 S. Douglas Hutcheson X     X  
 Marc B. Lautenbach   X      
 Eduardo R. Menascé   X Chair   X
 Michael I. Roth X Chair   Chair  
 Linda S. Sanford X   X    
 David L. Shedlarz Chair X   X  
 David B. Snow, Jr.   X X   Chair
 Number of meetings in 2017 7 0 7 4 4

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee monitors our financial reporting standards and practices and our internal financial controls to confirm compliance with the policies and objectives established by the board of directors and oversees our ethics and compliance programs. The committee appoints independent accountants to conduct the annual audits, and discusses with our independent accountants the scope of their examinations, with particular attention to areas where either the committee or the independent accountants believe special emphasis should be directed. The committee reviews the annual financial statements and independent accountant’s report, invites the independent accountant’s recommendations on internal controls and on other matters, and reviews the evaluation given and corrective action taken by management. It reviews the independence of the independent accountants and approves their fees. It

also reviews our internal accounting controls and the scope and results of our internal auditing activities, and

submits reports and proposals on these matters to the board. The committee is also responsible for overseeing the process by which management identifies and manages the company’s risks. The committee meets in executive session with the independent accountants and internal auditor at each committee meeting.

 

The Audit Committee also has oversight over the information technology function, cybersecurity risks as well as compliance generally. The Audit Committee regularly discusses cybersecurity with leaders of the technology, information security, privacy and audit functions.

The board of directors has determined that the following members of the Audit Committee are “audit committee financial experts,” as that term is defined by the SEC: S. Douglas Hutcheson, Michael I. Roth and David L. Shedlarz. All Audit Committee members are independent as independence for audit committee members is defined inunder the New York Stock Exchange standards.and SEC standards for Audit Committee independence.


 

Executive Committee

 

The Executive Committee can act, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and its By-laws, on matters concerning management of the business which may arise between scheduled board of directors meetings and as described in the committee’s charter. The committee meets on an ad hoc basis when circumstances necessitate.

12

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Executive Compensation Committee

 

The Executive Compensation Committee (“Committee”) is responsible for our executive compensation policies and programs. The committeeCommittee chair frequently consults with, and the committeeCommittee meets in executive session with, Pay Governance LLC, its independent compensation consultant. The committeeCommittee recommends to all of the independent directors for final approval policies, programs and specific actions regarding the compensation of the CEO and the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and approves the

same for all of our other executive offi-

cers.officers. The committeeCommittee also recommends the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for inclusion in our proxy statement, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, and reviews and approves stock grants and other stock-based compensation awards. All Executive Compensation Committee members are independent as independence for compensation committee members is defined in theunder New York Stock Exchange and SEC standards.


15

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Finance Committee

 

The Finance Committee reviews our financial condition and capital structure, and evaluates significant financial policies and activities, oversees our major retirement programs, advises management and recommends financial action to the board of directors. The committee’s duties include monitoring our current and projected financial condition, reviewing and recommending for board

approval quarterly dividends, share repurchases,

and other major investment decisions including financing, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and overseeing the financial operations of our retirement plans. The committee recommends for approval by the board of directors the establishment of new retirement and post-retirement benefit plans and any amendments that materially affect cost, benefit coverages, or liabilities of the plans.


 

Governance Committee

 

The Governance Committee recommends nominees for election to the board of directors, recommends membership in, and functions of, the board committees, reviews and recommends to the board of directors the amount and form of compensation to non-employee members of the board, and oversees CEO and senior management succession planning. The Governance Principles of the Board of Directors, which are posted on our website atwww.pitneybowes.com under the caption “Our Company—Our Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance,” include additional information about succession planning. The committee reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of board administration and its governing documents, and reviews and monitors company programs and policies relating to directors. The committee reviews related-person transactions in accordance with company policy.

 

The Governance Committee generally identifies qualified candidates for nomination for election to the board of directors from a variety of sources, including other board members, management and stockholders. The committee also may retain a third-party search firm to assist the committee members in identifying and evaluating potential nominees to the board of directors.

 

Stockholders wishing to recommend a candidate for consideration by the Governance Committee may do so by writing to: c/o Corporate Secretary, Pitney Bowes Inc., 3001 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06926-0700. Recommendations submitted for consideration by the committee must contain the following information: (i) the name and address of the stockholder; (ii) the name and address of the person to be nominated; (iii) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of our stock entitled to vote at the meeting; (iv) a statement in support of the stockholder’s recommendation, including a

description of the candidate’s qualifications; (v) information regard-

ingregarding the candidate as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed in accordance with the rules of the SEC; and (vi) the candidate’s written, signed consent to serve if elected.

 

The Governance Committee evaluates candidates stockholders recommend based on the same criteria it uses to evaluate candidates from other sources. The Governance Principles of the Board of Directors, which are posted on our Corporate Governance website atwww.pitneybowes.com under the caption “Our Company—Our Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance,” include a description of director qualifications. A discussion of the specific experience and qualifications the committee identified for directors and nominees may be found under “Director Qualifications” on page 2319 of this proxy statement.

 

If the Governance Committee believes that a potential candidate may be appropriate for recommendation to the board of directors, there is generally a mutual exploration process, during which the committee seeks to learn more about the candidate’s qualifications, background and interest in serving on the board of directors, and the candidate has the opportunity to learn more about the company, the board, and its governance practices. The final selection of the board’s nominees is within the sole discretion of the board of directors.

 

Alternatively, as referenced on page 128 of this proxy statement, stockholders intending to nominate a candidate for election by the stockholders at the meeting must comply with the procedures in Article I, Section 5 of the company’s By-laws. The By-laws are posted on our Corporate Governance website atwww.pitneybowes.com under the caption “Our Company—Our Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance.”


13

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Governance Committee assesses the contributions of each director annually, and determines the skill set for any new board members. Each committee also conducts an annual self-assessment of its performance.

The board also periodically hires an outside advisor to conduct an independent review of board effectiveness, as it did so in 2016.


 

Directors’ Compensation

 

Role of Governance Committee in Determining Director Compensation

 

In accordance with the Governance Principles of the Board,board, the Governance Committee reviews and recommends to the board of directors the amount and form of compensation to non-employee members of the board of directors. The Governance Committee reviews the director compensation policy periodically and may consult from time to time with a compensation consultant, to be selected and retained by the committee, as to the competitiveness of the program.

The non-employee directors’ compensation program, including the amended and restated Directors’ Stock

Plan, was last revised and approved by the stockholders effective in May 2014. The compensation for the board of directors had last been modified in 2007. In 2013,At that time, the Governance Committee retained an independent compensation consultant with no other company business, Farient Advisors, to assist in its review of the director compensation program. Farient provides no other consulting services to the company.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Farient presented a recommendation to the Governance Committee for changes to the board of directors compensation program, based upon an extensive analysis of comparative data, including director compensation at companies in the peer group used for executive compensation purposes. Farient concluded that the company’s director compensation was below market, particularly in the equity component of the program, when compared with the peer group and the broader benchmark of comparably sized companies.

 

Based upon its review, including the information Farient provided, the Governance Committee recommended that the board of directors approve changes to the direc-

tor compensation program. The Governance Committee recommended that thetargets director compensation levelto be set at aboutapproximately the 50th percentile of the total compensation in the peer and broader benchmark groups. The board of directors approved the changes to the compensation program, subject to approval by our stockholders of an amendedgroups and restated Directors’ Stock Plan atused that benchmark in establishing the 2014 Annual Meeting. No new shares were requested or authorized to satisfy awards under the amended and restated Directors’ Stock Plan. The revised board compensation program became effective on May 12, 2014, when the company’s stockholders approved the amended and restated Directors’ Stock Plan.levels.


 

Highlights of the 2014 Changes to the Directors’ Compensation Program are:Program:

 

Cash component paid as an annual retainer rather than as a combination of a retainer and meeting attendance fees
Leadership premiums paid to Committee Chairmen rather than as a higher meeting attendance fee
Increase in leadership premium for Chairman of the Board
Annual equity grant in the form of restricted stock units, the number of which is calculated by dividing $100,000 by the fair market value of a share of the company’s common stock as of the award date
The stock ownership requirement, to be attained over a five-year period, is the number of shares having a market value of five times the annual cash retainer, or $375,000
Cash component paid as an annual retainer
Leadership premiums paid to Committee Chairmen
Leadership premium paid to Chairman of the board
Annual equity grant in the form of restricted stock units, the number of which is calculated by dividing $100,000 by the fair market value of a share of the company’s common stock as of the award date
Each non-employee director is subject to a stock ownership requirement equal to five times the annual cash retainer, $375,000, to be attained over a five-year period

Directors’ Fees

Each non-employee director receives an annual retainer of $75,000 for board service and an additional retainer for service on the committees to which he or she is assigned. The Non-Executive Chairman of the Board receives an additional retainer of $100,000 commensurate with the additional responsibilities required of the chairman role.

Annual retainers for committee service are: $12,000 for service on the Audit Committee (with the Committee Chairman receiving an additional annual retainer of $12,000); $10,500 for service on the Executive Compensation Committee (with the Committee Chairman receiving an additional annual retainer of $10,500);

$9,000 for service on the Governance Committee (with the Committee Chairman receiving an additional annual retainer of $9,000); and $9,000 for service on the Finance Committee (with the Committee Chairman receiving an additional annual retainer of $9,000).

 

A meeting attendance fee of $2,000 is paid with respect to meetings of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee did not meet in 2014.

Directors’ Fees

As noted above, beginning May 12, 2014, meeting attendance fees were discontinued. Instead, the annual retainer for board service was increased to $75,000 and each non-employee director also receives an additional retainer for service on the committees to which he or she is assigned. The annual retainers for board and committee service were prorated from the effective date of the new program to the end of the calendar year. The non-executive chairman of the board receives an additional retainer of $100,000 commensurate with the additional responsibilities required of the chairman role.

Annual retainers for committee service under the revised compensation program are: $12,000 for service on the Audit Committee (with the committee chairman receiving an additional annual retainer of $12,000); $10,500 for service on the Executive Compensation Committee (with the committee chairman receiving an additional annual retainer of $10,500); $9,000 for service on the Governance Committee (with the committee chairman receiving an additional annual retainer of $9,000); and $9,000 for service on the Finance Committee (with the

committee chairman receiving an additional annual retainer of $9,000).

For 2014 service prior May 12, 2014, non-employees were compensated under the previous director compensation program. For that period, each director who was not an employee received an annual retainer of $65,000 and a meeting fee of $1,500 for each board and committee meeting attended. Committee chairs (except for the Audit Committee chair) received an additional $1,500 for each committee meeting that they chaired, and the Audit Committee chair received an additional $2,000 for each Audit Committee meeting chaired. The Non-Executive Chairman received an additional annual retainer of $50,000. All cash retainers paid in 2014 under the previous compensation program were prorated for the portion of the calendar year covered by the previous program.2017.

 

All directors are reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending board and committee meetings.


 

Stock under the Revised DirectorDirector’s Compensation Program

 

Under the amended and restated Directors’ Stock Plan, each non-employee director who was not an employee of the company received an award of restricted stock units with a fair market value of $100,000 on the date of grant, which are fully vested one year after the date of grant. (Directors appointed by the board to fill a vacancy during the year receive a prorated grant of restricted stock units as

described in the Directors’ Stock Plan.) The units have no voting rights until they are converted to shares of common stock. Each non-employee director receives a quarterly cash payment equal to the amount that would have been paid

as a dividend with respect to shares represented by the restricted stock units held as of the


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

record date for the payment of the common stock dividend. Non-employee directors may elect to defer the conversion of restricted stock units to shares until the date of termination of service as a director.

Shares shown in the table on page 2117 of this proxy statement disclosing security ownership of directors and executive officers include shares granted to the directors under the Directors’ Stock Plan.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Director Stock Ownership Requirement

 

The board of directors maintains directors’ stock ownership guidelines, requiring, among other things, that each director accumulate and retain a minimum of Companycompany common stock with a market value of five times the base retainer, or $375,000, within five years of becoming a director of Pitney Bowes. All members of the board

of directors are in compliance with these guidelines. The directors’

stock ownership guidelines are available within the Governance Principles on our Corporate Governance website atwww.pitneybowes.com under the caption “Our Company—Our Leadership & Governance—Corporate Governance.”


A comparison of the revised directors’ compensation program and the previous program is shown in the table below.

COMPARISON OF REVISED AND PREVIOUS DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

            Incremental Leadership  
    Board Member      Premiums      
                   
 Compensation Element  Revised   Previous   Revised   Previous  
 Board service        (Board Chairman)      
 Cash retainer  $75,000   $65,000   $100,000   $50,000  
 Meeting fee  $0   $1,500   $0   $0  
 Equity Award  $100,000              
  value-based grant 2,200 shares          
 Annual Equity Grant                 
 Committee service              Committee  
 Cash retainer              Chairmen  
 • Audit  $12,000   $0   $12,000   $0  
 • Executive Compensation  $10,500   $0   $10,500   $0  
 • Governance  $9,000   $0   $9,000   $0  
 • Finance  $9,000   $0   $9,000   $0  
 Meeting Fee                 
 • Audit  $0   $1,500   $0   $2,000  
 • Executive Compensation  $0   $1,500   $0   $1,500  
 • All Other Committees  $0   $1,500   $0   $1,500  
 Total Compensation  @$195,000   @$125,000          
 Ownership Guidelines5 times cash retainer; 7,500 shares;          
  5 years to reach 5 years to reach          
  compliance  compliance          
                

 

Directors’ Deferred Incentive Savings Plan

 

We maintain a Directors’ Deferred Incentive Savings Plan under which directors may defer all or part of the cash portion of their compensation. Deferred amounts will be notionally “invested” in any combination of severalsev-

eral institutional investment funds. The investment choices available to directors under this plan are the same as those offered to employees under the company’s 401(k) plan.


Directors’ Equity Deferral Plan

Directors may elect to defer all of their equity portion of their compensation on an annual basis. Deferral of restricted stock units (RSU) defers settlement of the RSUs into company common stock until termination from board service. RSU awards, whether deferred or not, vest on the first anniversary of the award. Deferred

RSUs continue to receive dividend equivalents. Deferred RSUs do not have any voting rights until converted into common stock. Deferred RSUs are converted into company common stock upon the expiration of 90 days following termination of board service.


 

Directors’ Retirement Plan

 

The board discontinued the Directors’ Retirement Plan, with all benefits previously earned by directors frozen as of May 12, 1997.

 

Linda G. Alvarado is the only current director who is eligible to receive a retirement benefit under the plan

after termination of service on the board of directors. As of

the date the plan was frozen, she had completed five years of service as a director, the minimum years of service required to receive an annual retirement benefit of 50% of her retainer as of May 12, 1997. Therefore, she will receive an annual benefit of $15,000.$15,000 after termination from board service.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 20142017

 

       Change in      
       Pension Value      
       and Nonqualified      
   Fees Earned or Stock Deferred All Other    
   Paid in Cash Awards Compensation Compensation    
 Name ($)(1) ($)(2) Earnings ($)(3) ($)(4)(5) Total ($)  
 Linda G. Alvarado 91,500  100,000  32,780  7,147  231,427  
 Anne M. Busquet 92,437  100,000  0  7,147  199,584  
 Roger Fradin 90,375  100,000  0  7,147  197,522  
 Anne Sutherland Fuchs 95,812  100,000  0  7,147  202,959  
 S. Douglas Hutcheson 93,375  100,000  0  2,147  195,522  
 Eduardo R. Menascé 102,000  100,000  0  2,147  204,147  
 Michael I. Roth 184,750  100,000  0  7,147  291,897  
 David L. Shedlarz 106,875  100,000  0  7,147  214,022  
 David B. Snow, Jr. 101,063  100,000  0  2,147  203,210  
      Change in    
      Pension Value    
      and Nonqualified    
  Fees Earned or Stock Deferred All Other  
  Paid in Cash Awards Compensation Compensation  
Name ($)(1) ($)(2) Earnings ($)(3) ($)(4) Total ($)
Linda G. Alvarado  93,000  100,000  15,590   10,965      219,555
Anne M. Busquet  94,500  100,000  0   10,965  205,465
Roger Fradin  96,000  100,000  0   4,577  200,577
Anne Sutherland Fuchs  94,500  100,000  0   4,577  199,077
S. Douglas Hutcheson  96,000  100,000  0   13,827  209,827
Eduardo R. Menascé  105,000  100,000  0   13,827  218,827
Michael I. Roth  205,000  100,000  0   7,077  312,077
Linda S. Sanford  97,500  100,000  0   4,577  202,077
David L. Shedlarz  108,000  100,000  0   7,880  215,880
David B. Snow, Jr.  103,500  100,000  0   10,525  214,025
(1)Prior to May 12, 2014 each non-employee director received an annual retainer of $65,000 ($16,250 per quarter) and a meeting fee of $1,500 for each board and committee meeting attended. Committee chairs (except for the Audit Committee chair) received an additional $1,500 for each committee meeting that they chaired and the Audit Committee chair received an additional $2,000 for each Audit Committee meeting chaired. Effective January 1, 2013, the Non-Executive Chairman received an additional annual retainer of $50,000.
Effective May 12, 2014, eachEach non-employee director receives an annual retainer of $75,000 ($18,750 per quarter). The non-executive chairman receives an additional annual retainer of $100,000 ($25,000 per quarter). Each committee member receives the following annual retainer: $12,000 for Audit, $10,500 for Executive Compensation and $9,000 each for Finance and Governance. The committee chairmen receive an additional retainer of equal amounts for their respective committees.
(2)Represents the grant date fair value of 3,8166,309 restricted stock units granted on May 12, 2014.8, 2017. The number of restricted stock units was derived by dividing $100,000 by $26.21,$15.85, the closing price on May 12, 20148, 2017 on the New York Stock Exchange. Neither restricted stock nor stock options were awarded to non-employee directors during 2014.2017. See Note 21 “Stock-Based Compensation” in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for the valuation assumptions used in determining the fair value of equity grants. Since the Company does not issue fractional shares, total shares issued to non-employee directors are determined by dividing $100,000 by the closing share price on May 8, 2017 and rounding to the nearest whole number.
(3)Ms. Alvarado is the only non-employee director who served on the board of directors during 20142017 eligible to receive payments from the discontinued Directors’ Retirement Plan. Ms. Alvarado is eligible to receive payments upon her retirement from the board of directors. In 2017, Ms. Alvarado experienced an increase of $15,590 in her pension value. The increase in present value in 2017 is primarily driven by the decrease in discount rate (from 4.20% at December 31, 2016 to 3.70% at December 31, 2017) and the one year decrease in the deferral period.
(4)Mmes. Alvarado, Busquet, and Fuchs, and Messrs. Fradin, Roth and Shedlarz utilized the Pitney Bowes Non-Employee Director Matching Gift Program during 2014. The company matches individual contributions by non-employee directors, dollar for dollar to a maximum of $5,000 per board member per calendar year.
(5)During 2014,2017, dividend equivalents were paid quarterly in cash to non-employee directors with respect to (a) the first quarter on the award of the 3,8165,485 restricted stock units granted in May 2016 and (b) the second, third and fourth quarter on the 6,309 restricted stock units granted in the same amount as dividendsMay 2017. In addition, with respect to Mmes. Alvarado and Busquet and Messrs. Hutcheson, Menascé, Shedlarz, and Snow, dividend equivalents were paid with respect to the commonvested restricted stock (June, September and December) representingunits previously deferred. Mr. Roth utilized the Pitney Bowes Non-Employee Director Matching Gift Program during 2017. The company matches individual contributions by non-employee directors, dollar for dollar up to a totalmaximum of $2,147$5,000 per non-employee director.
board member per calendar year. For Mr. Roth, the amount shown in this column includes a company match of $2,500 made in 2017.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Relationships and Related-Person Transactions

 

The board of directors has a written “Policy on Approval and Ratification of Related-Person Transactions” which states that the Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving any related person transactions between Pitney Bowes and its directors, nominees for director, executive officers, beneficial owners of more than five percent of any class of Pitney Bowes voting stock and their “immediate family members” as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC (related persons).

 

Under the related-person transaction approval policy, any newly proposed transaction between Pitney Bowes and a related person must be submitted to the Governance Committee for approval if the amount involved in the transaction or series of transactions is greater than $120,000. Any related-person transactions that have not been pre-approved by the Governance Committee must be submitted for ratification as soon as they are identified. Ongoing related-person transactions are reviewed on an annual basis. The material facts of the transaction and the related person’s interest in the transaction must be disclosed to the Governance Committee. It is the

expectation and policy of the board of directors that any related-person transactions will be at arms’ length and on terms that are fair to the company.

 

If the proposed transaction involves a related person who is a Pitney Bowes director or an immediate family member of a director, that director may not participate in the deliberations or vote regarding approval or ratification of the transaction but may be counted for the purposes of determining a quorum.

 

The following related-person transactions do not require approval by the Governance Committee:

 

1.Any transaction with another company with which a related person’s only relationship is as an employee
or beneficial owner of less than ten percent of that company’s shares, if the aggregate amount invested does not exceed the greater of $1 million or two percent of that company’s consolidated gross revenues;
  
2.A relationship with a firm, corporation or other entity that engages in a transaction with Pitney Bowes where the related person’s interest in the transaction


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

arises only from his or her position as a director or limited partner of the other entity that is party to the transaction;

3.Any charitable contribution by Pitney Bowes to a charitable organization where a related person is an officer, director or trustee, if the aggregate amount involved does not exceed the greater of $1 million or two percent of the charitable organization’s consolidated gross revenues;

4.Any transaction involving a related person where the rates or charges involved are determined by competitive bids; and

5.Any transaction with a related person involving services as a bank depositary of funds, transfer agent,
registrar, trustee under a trust indenture, or similar services.

 

The Governance Committee may delegate authority to approve related-person transactions to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any approval or ratification decisions to the Governance Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

During 2014, no transactions were submitted toStanley J. Sutula, III, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is an executive officer of the Governance Committee for review.company. His brother, Troy Sutula, holds the position of Vice President, Parcel Services—Presort Services. The value of Troy Sutula’s annual compensation is approximately $255,450.


 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

During 2014,2017, there were no compensation committeeExecutive Compensation Committee interlocks and no insider participation in Executive Compensation Committee decisions that were required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

20

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

     Shares Options   
 Title of   Deemed to Exercisable   
 Class of   be Beneficially Within   
 Stock Name of Beneficial Owner Owned(1)(2)(3)(4) 60 Days(4) % of Class 
 Common Linda G. Alvarado 37,428  0  * 
 Common Anne M. Busquet 15,882  0  *  
 Common Roger Fradin 9,997  0  *  
 Common Anne Sutherland Fuchs 18,763  0  *  
 Common S. Douglas Hutcheson 9,256  0  *  
 Common Eduardo R. Menascé 24,092  0  *  
 Common Michael I. Roth 39,170  0  *  
 Common David L. Shedlarz 25,892  0  *  
 Common David B. Snow, Jr. 17,800  0  *  
 Common Marc B. Lautenbach 615,827  500,000  *  
 Common Michael Monahan 735,249  635,052  *  
 Common Mark L. Shearer 25,334  0  *  
 Common Daniel J. Goldstein 74,344  39,855  *  
 Common Abby F. Kohnstamm 28,414  0  *  
 Common All executive officers and directors as a group (17) 2,091,272  1,474,946  1.03% 
     Shares Options   
 Title of   Deemed to Exercisable   
 Class of   be Benefically Within   
 Stock Name of Beneficial Owner Owned(1)(2)(3)(4) 60 days(4) % of Class 
 Common Linda G. Alvarado  51,633   9,888   *  
 Common Anne M. Busquet  30,087   9,888   *  
 Common Roger Fradin  24,863   0   *  
 Common Anne Sutherland Fuchs  33,629   0   *  
 Common S. Douglas Hutcheson  27,960   13,704   *  
 Common Eduardo R. Menascé  37,796   13,704   *  
 Common Michael I. Roth  54,480   0   *  
 Common Linda S. Sanford  25,387   0   *  
 Common David L. Shedlarz  40,341   4,403   *  
 Common David B. Snow, Jr.  31,920   9,301   *  
 Common Marc B. Lautenbach  1,816,519   1,575,344   *  
 Common Michael Monahan  1,230,345   1,040,317   *  
 Common Roger Pilc  108,795   68,380   *  
 Common Mark L. Shearer  150,097   61,248   *  
 Common Stanley J. Sutula III  187,881   187,881   *  
 Common All executive officers and directors as a group (22)  4,777,626   3,685,778   2.50% 
 
*Less than 1% of Pitney Bowes Inc. common stock.
 (1)These shares represent common stock beneficially owned as of March 1, 20152018 and shares for which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days thereafter. To our knowledge, none of these shares are pledged as security. There were 201,622,583187,103,143 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 1, 2015.2018. No director or executive officer owns shares of $2.12 convertible preference stock.
 (2)Other than with respect to ownership by family members, the reporting persons have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed.
 (3)Includes shares that are held indirectly through the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plan.
 (4)The director or executive officer has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of this number of shares within 60 days of March 1, 20152018 by exercising outstanding stock options.options or through the conversion of restricted stock units into securities. Amounts in this column are also included in the column “Shares Deemed to be Beneficially Owned.”
(5)Mr. Lautenbach’s total includes three open market purchases of company stock using his personal funds: (i) 4,739 shares (approximately $70,015) made in November 2016 (ii) 12,007 shares (approximately $250,000) made in October 2015 and (iii) 66,000 shares (approximately $1,000,000) made in May 2013.
2117

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Beneficial Ownership

 

The only persons or groups known to the company to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent of any class of the company’s voting securities are reflected in the chart below. The following information is based solely upon Schedules 13G and amendments thereto filed by the entities shown with the SEC as of the date appearing below.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
of Common Stock
 Percent of
Common Stock(1)
Iridian Asset Management LLCBlackRock, Inc.
David L. Cohen, Harold J. Levy55 East 52nd Street
276 Post Road West
Westport, CT 06880-4704New York, NY 10055
 20,786,15220,516,241(2) 10.3%11.0%
The Vanguard Group, Inc.
100 Vanguard Blvd
Malvern, PA 19355
 20,103,58116,117,328(3) 10.0%
BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
13,545,767(4)6.7%
8.63%
(1)There were 201,622,583187,103,143 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 1, 2015.2018.
(2)As of February 28, 2015, Iridian Asset Management LLC, David L. Cohen and Harold J. LevyDecember 31, 2017 BlackRock, Inc. disclosed shared investment power and sharedsole voting power with respect to 20,786,15219,784,568 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 20,516,241 shares. The Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person was 20,516,241 shares. The foregoing information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on March 4, 2015.January 19, 2018.
(3)((3)As of JanuaryDecember 31, 2015,2017, The Vanguard Group, Inc. disclosed sole investmentvoting power with respect to 19,831,563of 97,968 shares, shared investmentvoting power with respect to 272,018of 22,429 shares, sole dispositive power of 16,011,359 shares and sole votingshared dispositive power with respect to 289,518of 105,969 shares. The foregoing information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2015.
(4)As of December 31, 2014, BlackRock, Inc. disclosed sole investment power with respect to 13,545,767 shares and sole voting power with respect to 12,280,499aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person was 16,117,328 shares. The foregoing information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2015.2018.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Directors and persons who are considered “officers” of the company for purposes of Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and greater than ten percent stockholders (“Reporting Persons”) are required to file reports with the SEC showing their holdings of and transactions in the company’s securities. It is generally the practice of the company to file the forms on behalf of its Reporting Persons who are directors or officers. Based solely on a review of such forms and amendments furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all such forms have been timely filed for 2014.2017.

2218

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

 

Director Qualifications

 

The board of directors believes that, as a whole, the board should include individuals with a diverse range of experience to give the board depth and breadth in the mix of skills represented for the board to oversee management on behalf of our stockholders. In addition, the board of directors believes that there are certain attributes that each director should possess, as described below. Therefore, the board of directors and the Governance Committee consider the qualifications of directors and nominees both individually and in the context of the overall composition of the board of directors.

 

The board of directors, with the assistance of the Governance Committee, is responsible for assembling appropriate experience and capabilities within its membership as a whole, including financial literacy and expertise needed for the Audit Committee as required by applicable law and New York Stock Exchange listing standards. The Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing and revising, as needed, criteria for the selection of directors. It also reviews and updates, from time to time, the board candidate profile used in the context of a director search, in light of the current and anticipated needs of the company and the experience and talent then represented on the board of directors. The Governance Committee reviews the qualifications of director candidates in light of the criteria approved by the board of directors and recommends candidates to the board for election by the stockholders at the annual stockholders meeting.

 

The Governance Committee seeks to include individuals with a variety of occupational and personal backgrounds on the board of directors in order to obtain a range of viewpoints and perspectives and to enhance the diversity of the board of directors in such areas as experience and geography, as well as race, gender, ethnicity and age.

 

Among other things, the board of directors has determined that it is important that the board should include members with the following skills and experiences:

Financial acumenfor evaluation of financial statements and capital structure.
International experience and experience with emerging marketsto evaluate our global operations.
Software and technology acumen, coupled with in-depth understanding of our business and markets, to provide counsel and oversight with regard to our strategy.
Operating experience, providing specific insight into developing, implementing and assessing our operating plan and business strategy.
Human resources experience, including executive compensation experienceto help us attract, motivate and retain world-class talent.
Corporate governance experienceat publicly traded companies to support the goals of greater transparency, accountability for management and the board, and protection of stockholder interests.
Understanding of customer communications and marketing channelsto support our client focus and customer communications and marketing strategy.
Turnaround experienceto help us assess opportunities to reposition certain of our businesses.
Leadershipto motivate others and identify and develop leadership qualities in others.

Additionally, theThe board believes all directors should demonstrate integrity and ethics, business acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to commit sufficient time and attention to the activities of the board of directors, as well as the absence of any conflicts with our interests.

 

TheAmong other things, the board of directors has determined that it is important that the board should include members with the following skills and experiences:

Financial acumenfor evaluation of financial statements and capital structure.
International experience and experience with emerging marketsto evaluate our global operations.
Software and technology acumen, coupled with in-depth understanding of our business and markets, to provide counsel and oversight with regard to our strategy.
Operating experience, providing specific insight into developing, implementing and assessing our operating plan and business strategy.
Human resources experience, including executive compensation experienceto help us attract, motivate and retain world-class talent.
Corporate governance experienceat publicly traded companies to support the goals of transparency, accountability for management and the board, and protection of stockholder interests.
Understanding of customer communications and marketing channelsto support our client focus and customer communications and marketing strategy.
Turnaround experienceto help us assess opportunities to reposition certain of our businesses.
Leadershipto motivate others and identify and develop leadership qualities in others.

When evaluating and recommending new candidates, the Governance Committee assesses the effectiveness of its criteria when evaluating and recommending new candidates.considers whether there are any skill gaps that should be addressed.

The board conducts a self-assessment of its effectiveness as well as each of its members annually. Each committee also conducts a self-assessment of its performance annually. The board also periodically hires an outside advisor to conduct an independent review of how the board functions and to provide feedback based on that review, as it did in 2016.

 

Each director brings experience and skills that complement those of the other directors. The board of directors believes that all the directors nominated for election are highly qualified, and have the attributes, skills and experience required for service on the board of directors. Additional information about each director, is included withincluding biographical information, for each appearing below.appears on the following pages.


2319

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Nominees for Election

 

Directors are elected to terms of one year. The board of directors has teneleven members whose terms expire in 2015.2018. Upon determining to fill an open board position, the board considers candidates submitted by outside independent recruiters, directors, members of management and others. Each of the nominees for election at the 20152018 annual meeting of stockholders is a current board member and was selected by the board of directors as a nominee in accordance with the recommendation of the Governance Committee. If elected at the 20152018 annual meeting of stockholders, each of the nominees would serve until the 20162019 annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected

and has qualified, or until such director’s death, resignation or removal.

Information about each nominee for director including the nominee’s age, as of March 1, 2015,2018, is set forth below.

 

Should any nominee become unable to accept nomination or election as a director (which is not now anticipated), the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote for such substitute nominee as may be selected by the board of directors, unless the size of the board is reduced. At the annual meeting, proxies cannot be voted for more than the teneleven director nominees.


 

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors

 

In accordance with our By-laws, in an uncontested election, a majority of the votes cast is required for the election of directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be votes cast and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of the vote. The Board of Directors Governance Principles provide that any nominee for director in this election who fails to receive a majority of votes cast in the affirmative must tender his or her resignation for consideration by the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee will recommend to the board of directors the action to be taken with respect to such offer of resignation. The board of directors will act on the Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision within 90 days from the date of the certification of the election results.

 

The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the election of all the director nominees.

 

Nominees

 

Director since:1992

Committees: Finance; Governance

Linda G. Alvarado63, president

President and chief executive officer ofChief Executive Officer, Alvarado Construction, Inc.,a commercial general contractor, development, design/build, and construction management and development company in the United States and internationally, since 1978. Ms. Alvarado is also co-owneran owner of the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball Club and President of Palo Alto, Inc. and the Alvarado Restaurant Entities which owns and operates YUM! Brands restaurants in multiple states. Pitney Bowes director since 1992. (Also(Formerly a director of 3M Company. Formerly a director ofCompany, Lennox International Inc., The Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. and Qwest Communications International Inc.)

 

As a principal of several diverse businesses, Ms. Alvarado, 66, brings to the board of directors her significant operational experience as a principal of several diverse business enterprises, as well as an understanding of marketing, finance, shipping, transportation and product delivery, workforce and human resources issues. HerMs. Alvarado’s experience as a member of other public company boards of directors contributes to her understanding of global public company issues, including those relating to international markets and government affairs.

20

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Director since:2007

Committees: Executive Compensation; Governance

     

Anne M. Busquet65, principal of

Principal, AMB Advisors, LLC,an independent consulting firm, since 2006; former chief executive officer, IAC Local & Media Services, a division of IAC/Interactive Corp., an Internet commerce conglomerate, 2004 – 2006. Pitney Bowes director since 2007. (Also a director of Medical Transcription Billing Corp. and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.PLC and Elior Group. Formerly a director of Meetic S.A. and Blyth, Inc.)

 

Ms. Busquet, 68, has experience as a senior public company executive, including as American Express Company Division President, leading global interactive services initiatives. As former chief executive officer of the Local and Media Services unit of InterActiveCorp, she has experience in electronic media, communications and marketing. In addition, Ms. Busquet brings to the board of directors her substantial operational experience, including in international markets, marketing channels, emerging technologies and services, and product development.

24

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Director since:2012

Committees:Audit; Finance

Roger Fradin61, vice chairman, since April 2014,

Retired, Vice Chairman, Honeywell International Inc.,a diversified technology and manufacturing company.company, since February, 2017. Formerly president and chief executive officer of Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions, a division of Honeywell. Pitney Bowes director since 2012.Currently, Operating Executive with The Carlyle Group, one of the largest global Private Equity firms. (Also a director of Harris Corporation and MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.)

 

AsMr. Fradin, 64, as a retired senior executive of a major diversified technology and manufacturing company, with substantial experience as the chief executive officer of its $17 billion Automation and Control Solutions division, Mr. Fradin brings to the board significant operational experience, financial expertise, and experience in capital markets, product development, and marketing, including in international markets. He possesses a strong entrepreneurial background, with experience in driving robust growth for businesses under his leadership, and has deep experience in entering new markets, both organically and through acquisition.

  

Director since:2005

Committees: Executive Compensation; Governance

Anne Sutherland Fuchs67, consultant

Consultant to private equity firms.Formerly group president, Growth Brands Division, Digital Ventures, a division of J. C. Penney Company, Inc., a retailer, November 2010 – April 2012; former Chair of the Commission on Women’s Issues for New York City, 2002 – 2013. Pitney Bowes director since 2005. (Also a director of Gartner, Inc.)

 

Ms. Fuchs, 70, has experience as a senior executive with operational responsibility within the media and marketing industries, as well as experience as global chief executive officer of a unit of LMVH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Her experience in the publishing industry includes senior level operational roles at Hearst, Conde Nast, Hachette and CBS. She possesses experience in product development, marketing and branding, international operations, as well as in human resources and executive compensation. Her experience in managing a number of well-known magazines contributes to her knowledge and understanding of businesses closely tied to the mailing industry. Her work for the City of New York has further informed her understanding of government operations and government partnerships with the private sector.

21

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Director since:2012

Committees:Audit; Finance

     

S. Douglas Hutcheson58, chief executive officer, since March 2014,

Senior Advisor of Laser, Inc., a privately held technology company. Since January 2015, senior advisor of technology, mediaTechnology, Media and telecomTelecom for Searchlight Capital,a global private investment firm. Formerly chief executive officer,Chief Executive Officer of Laser, Inc., a private held technology company (March 2014 – May 2017) and also former Chief Executive Officer of Leap Wireless International, Inc., a provider of wireless services and devices through its subsidiary, Cricket Communications, Inc. (February 2005 – March 2013); president and chief executive officer, February 2005 – November 2012. Pitney Bowes director since 2012.2014). (Also a director of InterDigital, Inc. Formerly a director of Leap Wireless International, Inc.)

 

Mr. Hutcheson, 61, brings to the board of directors significant operational and financial expertise as an experienced former chief executive officer of a wireless communications company. His broad business background includes strategic planning and product and business development and marketing. His expertise in developing and executing successful wireless strategies is an asset to Pitney Bowes as more products and services are transitioned to the cloud. In addition, his experience as a public company chief executive contributes to his knowledge of corporate governance and public company matters.

  

Director since:2012

Committees:Executive

Marc B. Lautenbach53, president

President and chief executive officerChief Executive Officer of Pitney Bowes Inc.since December 3, 2012. Formerly, Managing Partner, North America, Global Business Services, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), a global technology services company, 2010 – 2012, and General Manager, IBM North America, 2005 – 2010. Pitney Bowes director since December 3, 2012. (Also a director of Campbell Soup Company.)

 

AsMr. Lautenbach, 56, as a former senior operating executive at a global technology services company, Mr. Lautenbach possesses substantial operational experience, including in technology services, software solutions, application development, and infrastructure management, as well as marketing, sales and product development. Mr. Lautenbach has extensive experience working with a breadth of client segments, including in the small and medium sized business segment and public and enterprise markets. He also has significant international experience.

25

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Director since:2001

Committees:Chair, Executive Compensation; Executive

Eduardo R. Menascé,69, co-chairman, since April 2014,

Co-chairman, The Taylor Companies,a privately held organization that provides advisory services in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.divestitures, since April 2014. Retired president, Enterprise Solutions Group, Verizon Communications Inc., a leading provider of wireline and wireless communications, since 2006. Pitney Bowes(Also a director since 2001. (Alsoof Hillenbrand, Inc. Formerly a director of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., KeyCorp. and Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Hillenbrand, Inc. Formerly a director of KeyCorp.)Holdings)

 

Mr. Menascé, 72, has broad experience as a former senior executive responsible for a significant international operation of a public company, as well as experience in senior leadership positions with a number of European and Latin American businesses, including business operations, finance and capital markets, international and emerging markets, technology, customer communications and marketing channels, and executive compensation. His experience on other public company boards contributes to his knowledge of public company matters.

22

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Director since:1995

Committees:Chair, Executive; Chair, Finance; Audit

     

Michael I. Roth69, chairman

Chairman and chief executive officer,Chief Executive Officer, The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.,a global marketing communications and marketing services company, since 2005. Pitney Bowes director since 1995. (Also a director of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. and The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.)

 

Mr. Roth, 72, has broad experience as the chief executive officer of a public company and as a member of other public company boards of directors, as well as previous experience as a certified public accountant and attorney. In addition to his experience as chief executive officer of The Interpublic Group of Companies, his experience includes service as the chief executive officer of The MONY Group Inc. prior to its acquisition by AXA Financial, Inc. He brings to the board of directors his deep financial expertise, and experience in business operations, capital markets, international markets, emerging technologies and services, marketing channels, corporate governance, and executive compensation.

  

Director since:2015

Committees: Audit; Executive Compensation

Linda S. Sanford

Retired Senior Vice President, Enterprise Transformation, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM),a global technology and services company, since December 31, 2014. Prior to her leadership role as senior vice president, enterprise transformation, which she held from January 2003 to December 31, 2014, Ms. Sanford was senior vice president & group executive, IBM Storage Systems Group. Ms. Sanford joined IBM in 1975. (Also a director of RELX Group and Consolidated Edison, Inc.)

Ms. Sanford, 65, with extensive experience as a senior executive in a public global technology company, possesses a broad range of experience, including in technology, innovation and global operations. Ms. Sanford has significant expertise in business transformation, information technology infrastructure, and global process integration.

Director since:2001

Committees:Chair, Audit; Executive; Finance

David L. Shedlarz66, retired vice chairman

Retired Vice Chairman of Pfizer Inc.,a pharmaceutical consumer and animal products health company. Formerly vice chairman of Pfizer Inc., 2005 – 2007; executive vice president and chief financial officer, 1999 – 2005, Pfizer Inc. Pitney Bowes director since 2001. (Also a director of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, Teladoc, Inc., and The Hershey Company.)

 

Mr. Shedlarz, 69, has broad experience as a former senior executive of a public company, experience as a former chief financial officer and as a member of other public company boards of directors. He possesses financial expertise, knowledge of business operations and capital markets, international markets, emerging technologies and services, customer communications and marketing channels, human resources and executive compensation, regulatory and government affairs, product development, and corporate governance.

23

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Director since:2006

Committees:Chair, Governance; Executive; Executive Compensation

     

David B. Snow, Jr.,60, chairman

Chairman and chief executive officer,Chief Executive Officer, Cedar Gate Technologies, Inc.,a provider of analytic and information technology services to doctor, hospital, and self-insured employer organizations entering risk-based reimbursement arrangements, since February 2014. Mr. Snow is chairman of Teladoc, Inc., one of the largest telemedicine companies in the United States, since July 2015. Until April 2012, chairman and chief executive officer of Medco Health Solutions, Inc., a leading pharmacy benefit manager. Pitney Bowes(Also a director since 2006. (Formerlyof Teladoc, Inc. Formerly a director of Medco Health Solutions, Inc.)

 

InMr. Snow, 63, in addition to his experience as the chief executive officer of a public company, Mr. Snow has a strong background in operations, having served in senior leadership positions at several companies including WellChoice (Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield) and Oxford Health Plans. Mr. Snow also brings to the board of directors a broad range of experience, including finance and capital markets, emerging technologies, customer communications and marketing channels, human resources and executive compensation, regulatory and government affairs, corporate governance, and product development.

2624

Report of the Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee functions pursuant to a charter that is reviewed annually and was last amended in September 2013.November 2016. The committee represents and assists the board of directors in overseeing the financial reporting process and the integrity of the company’s financial statements. The committeeCommittee is responsible for retainingthe appointment, compensation and retention of the independent accountants, and pre-approving the services they will perform, selecting the lead engagement partner, and for reviewing the performance of the independent accountants and the company’s internal audit function. The board of directors, in its business judgment, has determined that all five of the members of the committee are “independent,” as required by applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. Three of the five members of the committee have the requisite experience to be designated as an Audit Committee financial expert as defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

In the performance of its responsibilities, the committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management and the independent accountants. The committee has also discussed with the independent accountants the matters required to be discussed under the rules adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). Finally, the committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountants required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committeeAudit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent accountants their independence.

 

In determining whether to recommend that the stockholders ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PricewaterhouseCoopers”) as Pitney Bowes’ independent auditoraccountants for 2015,2018, management and the committee, as they have done in prior years, engaged in a review of PricewaterhouseCoopers. In that review, the committee considers the continued independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers, its geographic presence compared to that of Pitney Bowes, its industry knowledge, the quality of the audit and its services, the audit approach and supporting technology, any Securities and Exchange Commission actions and other legal issues as well as PCAOB inspection reports. Pitney Bowes management prepares an annual assessment that includes an analysis of (1) the above criteria for PricewaterhouseCoopers and the other “Big Four” accounting firms; (2) an assessment of whether firms outside of the “Big Four” should be considered; and (3) a detailed analysis of the PricewaterhouseCoopers’ fees. In addition, PricewaterhouseCoopers reviews with the committee its analysis of its independence. Based on the results of this review this year, the committee concluded that PricewaterhouseCoopers is independent and that it is in the best interests of Pitney Bowes and its investors to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers, who have been independent accountants of the company since 1934, to serve as Pitney Bowes’ independent registered accounting firm for 2015.2018.

 

Based upon the review of information received and discussions as described in this report, the committee recommended to the board of directors that the audited financial statements be included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20142017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2015.22, 2018.

 

By the Audit Committee of the board of directors,

 

David L. Shedlarz, Chair
Roger Fradin
Anne Sutherland Fuchs
S. Douglas Hutcheson
Michael I. Roth
Linda S. Sanford

2725

Proposal 2: Ratification of the Audit Committee’s Appointment of the Independent Accountants for 20152018

 

The Audit Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PricewaterhouseCoopers”) as the independent accountants for Pitney Bowes for 2015.2018. Although not required by law, this matter is being submitted to the stockholders for ratification, as a matter of good corporate governance. If this proposal is not ratified at the annual meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, the Audit Committee intends

to recon-

siderreconsider its appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as its independent accountants. PricewaterhouseCoopers has no direct or indirect financial interest in Pitney Bowes or any of its subsidiaries. A representative from PricewaterhouseCoopers is expected to attend the annual meeting and to be available to respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so.


 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the company by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, were (in millions):

 

 2014 2013 2017  2016 
Audit $6.9   $8.8  $5.9  $5.7 
Audit-Related  .3   .3   4.2   1.5 
Tax  .8   .6   .5   .5 
All Other      
Total $8.0  $9.7  $10.6  $7.7 

 

Audit fees:The Audit fees for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 were for services rendered for the audits of the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting of the company and selected subsidiaries, statutory audits, issuance of comfort letters, consents, income tax provision procedures, and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC. The Audit fees decreased in 2014 compared with 2013 due to the additional audit services required in connection with the divestiture of Pitney Bowes Management Services in 2013.

 

Audit-Related Fees:fees:The Audit-Related fees for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 were for audits of selected subsidiaries not included in “audit” above, the Newgistics acquisition, assurance and related services related to employee benefit plan audits, procedures performed for SSAE 1618 reports, attestation services pertaining to financial reporting that are not required by statute or regulation

and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.standards and for assessing and advising in the pre-implementation of the new ERP system. The 2017 increase was primarily due to the Newgistics acquisition and audits of selected subsidiaries not included in “audit” above.

 

Tax Fees:fees:The Tax fees for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 were for services related to tax compliance,com-

pliance, including the preparation and/or review of tax returns and claims for refunds.

 

The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures to pre-approve all services to be performed by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Specifically the committee’sCommittee’s policy requires pre-approval of the use of PricewaterhouseCoopers for audit services as well as detailed, specific types of services within the following categories of audit-related and non-audit services: merger and acquisition due diligence and audit services; employee benefit plan audits; tax services; procedures required to meet certain regulatory requirements; assessment of and making recommendations for improvement in internal accounting controls and selected related consultingadvisory services. The committeeAudit Committee delegates to its Chairman the authority to address requests for pre-approval services between Audit Committee meetings, if it is deemed necessary to commence the service before the next scheduled meeting of the Audit Committee. Such pre-approval decisions are discussed at the next scheduled meeting. The Committee will not approve any service prohibited by regulation.regulation or for services which, in their opinion, may impair PricewaterhouseCoopers’ independence. In each case, the committee’sCommittee’s policy is to pre-approve a specific annual budget by category for such audit, audit-related and tax services which the company anticipates obtaining from PricewaterhouseCoopers, and has required management to report the actual fees (versus budgeted fees) to the committeeCommittee on a periodic basis throughout the year. In addition, any new, unbudgeted engagement for audit services or within one of the other pre-approved categories described above must be pre-approved by the committeeCommittee or its chair.


 

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors

 

Ratification of the appointment of Pitney Bowes’ independent accountants requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be votes cast and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

 

The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent accountants for 2015.2018.

2826

Proposal 3: Non-binding Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

 

In accordance with SEC rules, stockholders are being asked to approve, on an advisory or non-binding basis, the compensation of our named executive officers (NEOs) as disclosed in this proxy statement.

 

This proposal, commonly known as a “Say-On-Pay” proposal, provides our stockholders with the opportunity to express their views, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, on our executive compensation for our NEOs for fiscal year 20142017 as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” or (CD&A) beginning on page 3239 of this proxy statement, as well as the “Summary Compensation Table” and other related compensation tables and narratives, on pages 5762 through 71 of this proxy statement.

 

The stockholders have approved the board of directors’ recommendation to hold advisory votes onto approve executive compensation annually. At the company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2014,2017, stockholders voted in favor of the company’s executive compensation by over 95%97.5% of the votes cast.

 

The Executive Compensation Committee (Committee) and the board of directors believe that the compensation program described in the CD&A establishes effective incentives for the sustainable achievement of positive results without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk-taking. Our compensation program appropriately aligns pay and performance incentives with stockholder

interests and enables the company to attract and retain talented executives. The company and the Committee have reached out to stockholders to solicit their views on the company’s executive compensation structure.

Based on the company’s financial results when compared against the pre-determined financial goals  established by the Committee  for 2014(1) and after the application of the strategic modifier, the annual incentive payout multiplier for the NEOs was 125.1% and the 2012-2014 long-term cash incentive units award payout was $1.33 per unit.

 

As discussed in the CD&A, the Committee has structured our executive compensation program based on the following central principles:

 (1)Compensation should be tied to performance and long-term stockholder return and performance-based compensation should be a greater part of total compensation for more senior positions;
 (2)Compensation should reflect leadership position and responsibility;
 (3)Incentive compensation should reward both short-term and long-term performance;
 (4)Compensation levels should be sufficiently competitive to attract and retain talent; and
 (5)Executives should own meaningful amounts of Pitney Bowes stock to align their interests with Pitney Bowes stockholders.

 

We believe our executive compensation program demonstrates a strong link between pay and performance in its design and exhibits strong pay governance practices.

(1)See detailed discussion of the 2014 pre-determined financial goals beginning on page 43.


2927

PROPOSAL 3: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

ExistingStrong Pay for Performance and Strong Pay Governance Practices

 

Strong Pay-for-Performance Practices:
86%88% of our CEO’s target total direct compensation, and 71%76% of target total direct compensation for the other named executive officers, is variable, and is subject to financial performance metrics.
More than two-thirds of the total compensation paid to our CEO, and half of the total compensation paid to the NEOs, is equity-based and aligned with shareholder interests.interests;
100% of the 20142017 long-term incentive mix is equity-based;
100% of the annual incentive and long-term incentive program is based on financial objectives; and
The long-term incentive program includes a three-year cumulative TSR modifier.
Strong Pay Governance Practices:
No employment agreements with our executive officers;
No tax gross-ups on Change-of-Control payments;
No special arrangements whereby extra years of prior service are credited under our pension plans;
No perquisites other than limited financial counseling and an executive physical examination benefit;
“Double-trigger” vesting provisions in our Change-of-Control arrangements;
A “clawback” policy that permits the company to recover bonusesincentives from senior executives whose fraud or misconduct resulted in a significant restatement of financial results;
Prohibitions against pledging and hedging of our stock;
Executive stock ownership policy that aligns executives’ and directors’ interests with those of stockholders, recently expanded to: (i) include more senior executives, and (ii) count only vested shares toward stock holding requirement.requirement;
Other Strong Pay Practices:
Separate roles of CEO and chairman of the board of directors;
An annual risk assessment of our pay practices;
An annual stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation;
A direct line of communication between our stockholders and the board of directors;
Use of tally sheets to review each component of executive officer compensation;
Use of two independent third-party compensation surveys (Radford Global Technology Survey High-Tech Industry and Willis Towers Watson Regressed Compensation Report) in determining the competitiveness of executive compensation;
Use of an independent compensation consultant that advises the Committee directly on the company’s compensation structure and actions and performs no other services for the company; and
Enhanced disclosure of performance targets.targets; and
Investor outreach regarding governance and executive compensation in spring and fall of each year.

 

We have for the past several years regularly contacted many of our stockholders to give them an opportunity to share their views about our executive compensation program. In the 2014spring of 2017, we reached out to holdersstockholders representing approximately 49% of outstanding company shares, and in the fall of 2017, we reached out to stockholders representing approximately 43%51% of our outstanding company shares to answer questions concerning the 20142017 proxy statement, including the executive compensation program. Over the past few years, the Committee has implemented features in the executive compensation program that directly related to comments received from the stockholders. We also invite our largest stockholders to provide input on executive compensation matters during the month prior to our annual meeting.

 

We urge stockholders to read theThe CD&A beginning on page 3239 of this proxy statement which describes in more detail how our executive compensation policies and procedures operate and are designed to achieve our compensation objectives, as well as the “Summary Compensation Table” and other related compensation tables and narratives on pages 5762 through 71, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our NEOs.

 

We also invite stockholders to read our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission

on February 20, 2015,22, 2018, which describes our business and 20142017 financial results in more detail.

 

In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, and as a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking stockholders to indicate their support for our NEO compensation by voting FOR this advisory resolution at the 20152018 Annual Meeting:

 

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Pitney Bowes Inc. approve on ana non-binding advisory basis the compensation of the company’s named executive officers disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the related compensation tables, notes and narratives in this proxy statement for the company’s 20152018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

This advisory resolution, commonly referred to as a “Say-On-Pay” resolution, is non-binding on the board of directors. Although non-binding, our board of directors and the Committee will carefully review and consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding our executive compensation program. The next “Say-on-Pay” advisory vote will occur at the 20162019 annual meeting.meeting based on the recommended advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.


3028

PROPOSAL 3: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors

 

The vote onto approve executive compensation is an advisory vote. The affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast will constitute the stockholders’ non-binding approval with respect to our executive compensation programs. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be votes cast and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

 

The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval of our executive compensation on an advisory basis.

29

Proposal 4: Approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation.Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan

 

The board of directors recommends that stockholders approve the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan (the 2018 Stock Plan). Based upon the recommendation of the Executive Compensation Committee (“Committee”), the board unanimously approved the 2018 Stock Plan in February, 2018 and approved the maximum shares to be provided under the 2018 Stock Plan. The 2018 Stock Plan will become effective May 7, 2018 subject to stockholder approval at our annual meeting. The 2018

Stock Plan would govern grants of stock-based awards to employees, which is an important component of our compensation program encouraging the alignment of executive compensation with stockholder interests. The complete text of the 2018 Stock Plan approved by the board of directors is attached as Annex A to this Proxy Statement. The following discussion is qualified in all respects by reference to Annex A.


Why we believe you should approve the 2018 Stock Plan

The 2018 Stock Plan is designed to align the interest of employees with those of the stockholders and support the company’s long-term business objectives through the ownership of stock in the company and to attract, motivate and retain experienced and highly qualified employees who will contribute to the company’s long-term success. Awards can be made in the form of performance stock units (PSUs), restricted stock units (RSUs), options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock and other stock-based awards granted under the 2018 Stock Plan, any of which may be subject to the achievement of performance conditions.

Equity compensation is an essential part of our compensation program to help us attract and retain talent in order to deliver our strategy and create stockholder value. We believe our future success depends on our ability to attract, motivate and retain high quality employees and approval of the 2018 Stock Plan is critical to achieving this success.

The use of our stock as part of our compensation program is also important because it fosters a pay-for-per-

formance culture, which is an essential element of our overall compensation program. We believe that equity compensation motivates employees to create stockholder value because the value employees realize from equity compensation is based on our stock performance.

Finally, we believe that we have demonstrated our commitment to sound equity compensation practices. We recognize that equity compensation awards dilute stockholder equity and, therefore, we have carefully managed our equity incentive compensation. Our equity compensation practices are targeted to be consistent with the market median, and we believe our historical share usage has been responsible and mindful of stockholder interests, as described further below.

The board believes that continuing to offer employees equity-based incentive compensation is consistent with the company’s compensation philosophy. If approved, the 2018 Stock Plan will replace our 2013 Stock Plan with respect to future awards.


2018 Stock Plan Highlights

While the 2018 Stock Plan is an “omnibus” stock plan that provides for a variety of equity award vehicles to maintain flexibility, currently awards largely consist of PSUs, RSUs and nonqualified stock options.

Provisions Designed to Protect Stockholder Interests

The 2018 Stock Plan has several provisions designed to protect stockholder interests and promote effective corporate governance including:

Limit on grants of full-value awards;
Prohibition on share recycling or “Liberal Share Counting” practices;
No re-pricing of stock options or SARs without prior stockholder approval;
Stock options and SARs cannot be granted below 100% of fair market value;
Maximum term for stock options and SARs is 10 years;
Generally, a minimum three-year vesting for time-based full-value awards and stock options;
Minimum one-year performance period for performance-based awards;
Change-in-Control definition that requires either a 30% acquisition or a consummation of a transaction;
“Double-trigger” requirement under a Change-in-Control;
No “evergreen” provision to automatically increase the number of shares issuable under the 2018 Stock Plan; and
Clawback policy applicable to awards under the 2018 Stock Plan.

Determination of the Shares Available and Award Limits under the 2018 Stock Plan

In order to decide upon a number of the 2018 Stock Plan features, the Committee consulted Pay Governance LLC, its independent compensation advisor. Pay Governance examined a number of factors, including stockholder dilution, burn rate, and overhang. The Committee considered Pay Governance’s analysis and advice in reaching its decision on the total number of shares to authorize under the 2018 Stock Plan.


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PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE PITNEY BOWES INC. 2018 STOCK PLAN

A maximum of 14,000,000 shares (subject to adjustment as described below) will be available for issuance under the 2018 Stock Plan for PSUs, RSUs, stock options, SARs, restricted stock and any other type stock-based awards issued under the 2018 Stock Plan. In addition to the number of shares described in the preceding sentence, any shares associated with outstanding awards under the Prior Plans as of May 6, 2018 that on or after such date cease for any reason to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the awards to the extent they are exercised for or settled in vested and non-forfeitable shares) will also be available for issuance under the 2018 Stock Plan. Any shares authorized but not awarded under the current 2013 Stock Plan will be extinguished under that plan upon approval of the 2018 Stock Plan. “Prior Plans” means the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2007 Stock Plan and the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2013 Stock Plan.

Of the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the 2018 Stock Plan, no more than 7,000,000 shares in the aggregate may be issued pursuant to grants other than options or SARs during the term of the 2018 Stock Plan. An employee may receive multiple awards under the 2018 Stock Plan.

A maximum of 1.5 million shares that are the subject of awards (other than tandem SARs) may be granted under the Plan to any individual during any calendar year.

Shares delivered under the 2018 Stock Plan will be authorized but unissued shares of Pitney Bowes common stock, treasury shares or shares purchased in the open market or otherwise. To the extent that any award payable in shares is forfeited, cancelled, returned to the company for failure to satisfy vesting requirements or upon the occurrence of other forfeiture events, or otherwise terminates without payment being made in shares, the shares covered thereby will no longer be charged against the maximum share limitation and may again be made subject to awards under the 2018 Stock Plan. Any awards settled in cash will not be counted against the maximum share reserve under the 2018 Stock Plan. However, any shares exchanged by an employee or withheld from an employee as full or partial payment to the company of the exercise price or the tax withholding upon exercise or settlement of an award, unissued shares resulting from the settlement of SARs in stock or net settlement of a stock option, and shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise will not be returned to the number of shares available for issuance under the 2018 Stock Plan.

The board believes that 14,000,000 shares, 7,000,000 of which are reserved for full value share awards, represents a reasonable amount of potential equity dilution (7.0% of our common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017) and provides a meaningful incentive for employees to increase the value of the company for all stockholders. Based on our past experience, we believe the 14,000,000 shares will provide us an opportunity to grant equity awards for approximately two years before we would need to seek stockholder approval of more shares. In order to determine the number of shares to

be authorized under the 2018 Stock Plan, the Committee and the board considered the need for the shares and the potential dilution that awarding the requested shares may have on current stockholders.

Equity Overhang

After the February 2018 grant, which utilized approximately 4,109,318 shares, there is a balance of 13,369,229 available for issuance under the Prior Plans, which will be extinguished upon approval of the 2018 Plan to the extent not issued prior to May 7, 2018. If approved, the 14,000,000 shares available under the 2018 Stock Plan would represent approximately 7.5% of 186,603,738 common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017. No further grants would be made under the 2013 Stock Plan upon the approval of the 2018 Stock Plan. Assuming the approval of the 2018 Stock Plan and the extinguishment of shares from Prior Plans as described above, the potential equity overhang from all stock incentives granted and available to employees and directors would be approximately 13.8%. The equity overhang under the Prior Plans as of December 31, 2017 was 13.9%.

In considering the cumulative dilutive impact of the equity program, the Committee considered the overhang impact of previously issued awards. Included in the equity overhang calculation are options with exercise prices greater than the current share price. “Overhang” is defined as:

outstanding stock options, plus
outstanding full value awards, such as RSUs, plus
the number of shares available for future grants under our 2014 Directors’ Plan and the proposed 2018 Stock Plan (disregarding the remaining unissued 2013 Stock Option Plan shares because no future grants would be made if the 2018 Stock Plan is approved),
collectively divided by:
187,103,143 (the total outstanding shares of common stock as of March 2, 2018) plus
all shares in the numerator.

As of December 31, 2017, there were 14,291,116 shares outstanding under the Prior Plans (of which 3,796,077 are subject to awards of stock units and shares of restricted stock, and 10,495,039 are subject to awards of stock options). As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average exercise price of outstanding stock options was $21.67 and the weighted average remaining term of outstanding stock options was 4.9 years.

As of March 2, 2018 and inclusive of the February 2018 grant, there are approximately 15,893,080 shares outstanding under Prior Plans (of which 5,191,436 are full value shares and 10,701,644 are stock options). The total common shares outstanding is 187,103,143 as of March 2, 2018. The weighted average exercise price of outstanding stock options and the weighted average remaining term of outstanding stock options are estimated at approximately $18.10 and 5.8 years.


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PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE PITNEY BOWES INC. 2018 STOCK PLAN

Burn Rate

The Committee also considered the burn rate with respect to the equity awards. The burn rate is the total equity awards we granted in a fiscal year plus units earned all divided by the total weighted average common shares outstanding at the end of the year. Our three-year average burn rate for the time period from

2015 to 2017 is approximately 2.5%, which is generally consistent with burn rate practices of the Equilar 500 (source: 2017 Equilar Equity Compensation Trends report). We will continue to monitor our equity use in future years to ensure our burn rate is maintained within competitive market norms. The Committee was satisfied that the burn rate over the past three years was at an acceptable level. See table below for additional detail.


Estimated 2015–2017 Burn Rate

Fiscal Year Stock
Options
granted
 RSUs granted PSUs (Earned) Total Shares
Granted /
Earned(1)
 Wtd. Avg. CSO
(Common Shares
Outstanding)
 Burn Rate
2015 200,000  809,436    2,223,590  199,835,000  1.11%
2016 1,758,760  826,546    3,825,125  187,945,000  2.04%
2017 2,553,510  1,995,473  258,685  8,188,905  186,332,010  4.39%
        3-Year Average Burn Rate (2015 – 2017) 2.51%

(1)Uses a multiplier of 2.5 consistent with ISS calculation of 1 full value shares of PBI stock to 2.5 options.

2018 Stock Plan Terms and Conditions

2018 Stock Plan Administration

The 2018 Stock Plan is administered by the Executive Compensation Committee or any other committee designated by the board of directors to administer the 2018 Stock Plan. The board of directors and the Committee have the authority to delegate their duties under the 2018 Stock Plan to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The Committee may delegate certain administrative tasks to an internal administrative employee benefits committee. Any power of the Committee may also be exercised by the board of directors. In the event that an action taken by the board of directors conflicts with action taken by the Committee, the board of directors’ action will control. The Committee is authorized to designate employees under the 2018

Stock Plan, determine the number of shares and type(s) of awards granted to employees, determine the terms and conditions of awards, interpret and administer the 2018 Stock Plan, establish, amend, suspend, rescind or reconcile rules and regulations under the 2018 Stock Plan, and generally make any other determination and take any other action the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2018 Stock Plan. The board determines all awards made to the CEO and COO. The Committee has delegated certain of its responsibilities under the 2018 Stock Plan, including the authority to make awards to employees below the executive officer level, to the chief executive officer as consistent with Delaware law.


Eligibility and Participation

Approximately 14,000 employees of the company and its affiliates are eligible to participate in the 2018 Stock Plan (Newgistics employees are not yet eligible), and approximately 650 employees (including the executive officers of the company) currently receive long-term

incentive awards in a given year. These numbers may vary from year to year. From time to time, the Committee will determine who will be granted awards, the number of shares subject to such grants and all other terms of awards.


Types of Plan Awards

The 2018 Stock Plan, like our prior equity plans, provides for a variety of equity instruments to preserve flexibility. The types of awards that may be issued under the 2018 Stock Plan are described below. Since 2015, the company has utilized PSUs, RSUs and nonqualified stock options in making awards under its long-term incentive program.

Performance Stock Units

PSUs provide the employee the right to receive Pitney Bowes common stock at the conclusion of a specified performance period (generally three years) based upon certain pre-established performance criteria. Based on how the company performs against the pre-established financial criteria, the award can pay out in common


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PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE PITNEY BOWES INC. 2018 STOCK PLAN

stock anywhere between zero to two times the PSUs awarded. Target payout is one common share per PSU awarded. Dividend equivalent rights are payments equivalent to dividends declared on the company’s common stock before a stock unit vests and is converted into common stock. Although it has not been the company’s past practice to grant dividend equivalents, PSUs may be granted together with related dividend equivalent rights. If granted, dividend equivalents are prohibited from being paid until the underlying award has vested.

Restricted Stock and Stock Units

A restricted stock award represents shares of Pitney Bowes common stock that are issued subject to restrictions on transfer and vesting requirements as determined by the Committee. On the other hand, a Restricted Stock Unit provides the employee the right to receive a payment in common stock or cash based on the value of a share of Pitney Bowes common stock. Both restricted stock and stock units may be subject to such vesting requirements, restrictions and conditions to payment as the Committee determines are appropriate. Generally, we issue performance-based, time-vested restricted stock and RSU awards which vest pro-rata over a period of approximately three years. Vesting requirements may be based on the continued service of the employee for specified time periods and/or on the attainment of specified business performance goals established by the Committee. Restricted stock will pay dividends earned only after the restricted stock vests. Although it has not been the company’s past practice to grant dividend equivalents, RSUs may be granted together with related dividend equivalent rights. If granted, dividend equivalents are prohibited from being paid until the underlying award has been vested.

Stock Options

Stock options granted under the 2018 Stock Plan may be either non-qualified stock options (NSOs) or incentive stock options (ISOs) under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code). Stock options entitle the employee to purchase a share of Pitney Bowes common stock at an exercise price specified in the Award Agreement (including through net settlement or a cashless exercise through a broker facility, to the extent permitted by the Committee). The exercise price of any stock option granted, other than substitute awards or tandem SARs, may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Pitney Bowes common stock on the date of grant. The 2018 Stock Plan defines the fair market value as the closing price of Pitney Bowes common stock on the date of grant as reported by the New York Stock Exchange. The option

exercise price is payable in cash, shares of Pitney Bowes common stock, through a broker-assisted cashless exercise through share withholding or as otherwise permitted by the Committee.

The Committee determines the terms of each stock option grant at the time of the grant. Generally, all options have a ten-year term from the date of the grant. The Committee specifies, at the time each option is granted, the time or times at which, and in what proportions, an option becomes vested and exercisable. Vesting may be based on the continued service of the employees for specified time periods or on the attainment of specified business performance goals established by the Committee or both. Generally vesting of stock options occurs pro-rata over a three-year period. Under certain circumstances, the Committee may accelerate the vesting of options.

With certain exceptions, a vested stock option expires three months after termination of employment.

Stock Appreciation Rights

SARs entitle the employee, upon settlement, to receive a payment based on the excess of the fair market value of a share of Pitney Bowes common stock on the date of settlement over the base price of the right, multiplied by the applicable number of SARs of Pitney Bowes common stock. SARs may be granted on a stand-alone basis or in tandem with a related stock option. The base price may not be less than the fair market value of a share of Pitney Bowes common stock on the date of grant. The Committee will determine the vesting requirements, form of payment and other terms of a SAR, including the effect of termination of service of an employee. Vesting may be based on the continued service of the employee for specified time periods or on the attainment of specified business performance goals established by the Committee or both. Under certain circumstances, the Committee may accelerate the vesting of SARs. Generally, all SARs have a ten-year term from the date of the grant. SARs may be payable in cash or in shares of Pitney Bowes common stock or in a combination of both.

The company does not currently have any SARs outstanding.

Other Stock Based Awards

The Committee may grant employees such other awards denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, shares of Pitney Bowes common stock (including without limitation securities convertible into such shares), as are deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the 2018 Stock Plan.


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PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE PITNEY BOWES INC. 2018 STOCK PLAN

Performance-Based Awards

Subject to the other terms of the 2018 Stock Plan, the Committee may condition the grant, retention, issuance, payment, release, vesting or exercisability of any award, in whole or in part, upon the achievement of performance criteria during one or more specified performance periods. The performance criteria may be measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous year’s results or to a designated comparison group, in each case established by the Committee.

Performance criteria may include any one or more of the following either individually, alternatively or in any combination, applied to either the company as a whole or to a business unit, subsidiary, division or department:

(i) achievement of cost control, (ii) earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), (iv) earnings per share, (v) economic value added, (vi) free cash flow, (vii) gross profit, (viii) growth of book or market value of capital stock, (ix) income from continuing operations, (x) net income, (xi) operating income, (xii) operating profit, (xiii) organic revenue growth, (xiv) return on investment (including return on invested capital), (xv) return on operating assets, (xvi) return on stockholder equity, (xvii) revenue, (xviii) revenue growth (xix) stock price, (xx) total

earnings, (xxi) total stockholder return, or (xxii) any other performance criteria established by the Committee.

The Committee will appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a performance goal to eliminate the effects of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items and all items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or related to the disposal of a segment or a business or related to a change in accounting principle all as determined in accordance with standards established by the Accounting Principles Board if any or other applicable accounting provisions, as well as the cumulative effect of accounting changes, in each case as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or identified in the company’s financial statements, including the notes thereto. In addition there may be appropriate adjustments made to any evaluation of performance under a performance goal to exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: asset write-downs, litigation, claims, judgments or settlements, the effect of changes in tax law or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs and accruals of any amounts for payment under the 2018 Stock Plan or any other compensation arrangement maintained by the company.


Forfeiture of Awards (Clawback)

The 2018 Stock Plan provides that the Committee may forfeit awards in the event that 1) an employee engages in gross misconduct (as defined in the 2018 Stock Plan), 2) an employee violates the terms of the Proprietary Interest Protection Agreement (a non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreement) or similar

agreement, or 3) in the case of Executive Officers, it is necessary to restate the company’s financial statements due to the company’s material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws. Award payments may be recouped in the event that any of the above apply.


Effect of Change of Control

Upon termination of employment which is on account of and within two years of a Change of Control (as defined in the 2018 Stock Plan): (1) all unvested RSUs vest and are immediately converted into company common stock, (2) unvested PSUs vest at the target performance level and are immediately converted into common stock and (3) unvested NSOs vest and become fully exercisable for the remainder of the option term. If there is no termination of employment following a Change of Control: (1) all unvested RSUs vest but are not converted into common stock until the earlier of Termination of Employment (as defined in the 2018 Stock Plan) or the normal vesting dates of the award, (2) all unvested PSUs will vest at target but will not be converted into common stock until the earlier of Termination of Employment or the conclusion of the three-year performance

period, and (3) NSOs shall vest on the Change of Control and become fully exercisable on the earlier of Termination of Employment or the normal award vesting date and remain exercisable for the balance of the option term. If the acquiring company does not assume the company’s Stock Plan or any of its outstanding equity awards, RSUs and NSOs will vest upon the Change of Control, and in the case of PSUs will vest as if target performance for the entire performance period has been achieved, be valued at the common stock price as of the Change of Control and converted into cash payable upon the earlier of termination from employment or the normal award vesting date. Holders of vested RSUs and PSUs will be entitled to dividends payable upon the earlier of termination from employment or the normal award vesting date.


Limited Transferability

All RSUs, PSUs, NSOs and other stock-based awards granted under the 2018 Stock Plan are non-transferable except upon death, either by the employee’s will

or the laws of descent and distribution or through a beneficiary designation, or as otherwise provided by the Committee.


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PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE PITNEY BOWES INC. 2018 STOCK PLAN

Adjustments for Corporate Changes

In the event of recapitalizations, reclassifications or other specified events affecting the company or the outstanding shares of Pitney Bowes common stock, equitable adjustments will be made to the number and kind of shares of Pitney Bowes common stock available for

grant, as well as to other maximum limitations under the 2018 Stock Plan, and the number and kind of shares of Pitney Bowes common stock or other rights and prices of outstanding awards.


2018 Stock Plan Term, Amendment and Termination

The 2018 Stock Plan will have a term of ten years expiring on May 6, 2028, unless terminated earlier by the board of directors. Unless prohibited by applicable law or otherwise expressly provided in an award agreement or in the 2018 Stock Plan, the board may at any time and from time to time and in any respect amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the 2018 Stock Plan. The board may seek the approval of any amendment or modification by the company’s stockholders to the extent it deems necessary or advisable in its sole discretion for compliance purposes, including the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange or another exchange or securities market or for any other purpose. No amendment or modification of the 2018

Stock Plan will adversely affect any outstanding award without the consent of the employee or the permitted transferee of the award. Any amendment to the 2018 Stock Plan that would (a) increase the total number of shares available for awards; (b) reduce the price at which NSOs/SARs may be granted below the exercise price; (c) reduce the exercise price of outstanding NSOs/SARs; (d) extend the term of the 2018 Stock Plan; (e) change the class of persons eligible to be employees; (f) otherwise amend the 2018 Stock Plan in any manner requiring stockholder approval by law or under the New York Stock Exchange listing requirements; or (g) increase the individual maximum limits would require stockholder approval.


2018 Stock Plan Benefits

Because benefits under the 2018 Stock Plan will depend on the Committee’s actions (including a determination of who will receive future awards and the terms of those awards) and the fair market value of common shares at various future dates, it is not possible to determine the benefits that will be received by executive officers and other employees if the 2018 Stock Plan is approved by the stockholders.

On February 5, 2018, the date of the 2018 award grants, the closing price of our common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange was $12.64 per share and as of March 9th, 2018 (the record date) the closing price of our common stock was $12.87 per share.


U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following discussion summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to the company and the participating employees in connection with the 2018 Stock Plan under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and the accompanying regulations. The discussion is general in nature and does not address issues relating to the income tax circumstances of any individual employee. The discussion is based on federal income tax laws in effect on the date of this proxy statement and is, therefore, subject to possible future changes in the law. The discussion does not address the consequences of state, local or foreign tax laws.

Federal Income Tax Consequences to the Company

Generally, to the extent that a recipient recognizes ordinary income, the company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction provided that, among other things, the income meets the test of reasonableness, is an ordinary and necessary business expense, is not an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G and, together with other compensation paid certain “covered employees,” is below the $1,000,000 deduction limitation imposed by IRC Section 162(m). Generally a “covered employee” is an executive who is or was a

named executive officer beginning with the named executive officers listed in this proxy statement and future proxy statements. Compensation paid to a covered employee whether performance-based or not, will not be deductible to the extent such amounts exceed $1 million in any one year, unless grandfathered under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act).

On December 22, 2017, the Congress enacted tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Among other things, the Tax Act substantially amended IRC Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. IRC 162(m) imposes a $1 million cap on the company’s tax deduction on compensation paid to its highest five paid executives (Named Executive Officers). Prior to 2018, qualified performance-based compensation meeting the process requirements of Section 162(m) was exempt from the $1 million cap. The Tax Act repealed the qualified performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and expanded the group of covered employees potentially subject to the $1 million deductibility cap. The Tax Act grandfathered arrangements entered into on or before November 2, 2017.


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PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE PITNEY BOWES INC. 2018 STOCK PLAN

As a result of the Tax Act changes to Section 162(m), we expect that equity awards or other compensation, whether or not performance based, granted or provided under arrangements entered into or modified after November 2, 2017 to any person who is or was a Named Executive Officer will not be deductible to the extent such amounts exceed $1 million in any one year.

Section 409A

Code Section 409A may apply to awards under the 2018 Stock Plan that are deemed to be deferred compensation. If the requirements of Section 409A are not met, the recipient may be required to include deferred compensation in taxable income and additional taxes and interest may be assessed on such amounts. To the extent Section 409A is applicable to an award made under the 2018 Stock Plan, it is the company’s intent to have such award comply with the rules promulgated under Section 409A.

Tax Withholding

To the extent required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, an employee will be required to satisfy, in a manner satisfactory to the company, any withholding tax obligations that arise by reason of the award.

Taxation of the Various 2018 Stock Plan Awards

Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units.Employees granted RSUs and PSUs do not recognize income at the time of the grant. Rather they recognize ordinary income, and subject to IRC 162(m), the company receives a corresponding tax deduction, in an amount equal to the fair market value of the units when the award vests and is converted into common stock or paid in cash. Certain employees who receive PSUs or RSUs may defer the conversion of the PSUs or RSUs beyond the award vesting date.

Nonqualified Stock Options.An employee will not recognize income and the company will not be entitled to a deduction upon receipt of a nonqualified stock option award. Ordinary income will be realized by the employee, and subject to IRC 162(m), a tax deduction will be recognized by the company at the time the non-qualified stock option is exercised and the shares are transferred to the employee. The amount of such taxable income and deduction upon the exercise of an Option, is the difference between the exercise or option price and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise.

Incentive Stock Options.ISOs will not result in taxable income to the employee, nor a taxable deduction for the company. However, the difference between the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and the option exercise price is a tax preference item that may subject the employee to the alternative minimum tax. If the employee holds the ISO shares for two years from the date the option was granted and for one year after the shares were transferred to him upon the exercise of the option, the employee will recognize long-term capital

gain on the portion of the gain on the sale of the shares equal to the difference between the sales price and the option exercise price and the company will not be entitled to a deduction either at the time the employee exercises the ISO or subsequently sells the ISO shares. If the employee sells the ISO shares within two years after the date the ISO is granted or within one year after the date the ISO is exercised, then the sale is considered a disqualifying sale, and the difference between the grant price and the exercise price will be taxed as ordinary income. The balance of the gain will be treated as long- or short-term capital gain depending on the length of time the employee held the stock. If the shares decline in value after the date of exercise, the compensation income will be limited to the difference between the sale price and the amount paid for the shares. The tax will be imposed in the year the disqualifying sale is made. Subject to 162(m), the company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the ordinary income recognized by the employee.

With respect to both nonqualified stock options and ISOs, special rules apply if an employee uses shares already held by the employee to pay the exercise price or if the shares received upon exercise of the option are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture by the employee.

Stock Appreciation Rights.An employee will recognize taxable income upon the exercise of a SAR in the amount of the aggregate cash received. In either case, subject to 162(m) the company will be entitled to an income tax deduction in the amount of such income recognized by the employee.

Restricted Stock.Employees receiving restricted stock will not recognize any income upon receipt of the restricted stock. Ordinary income will be realized by the holder at the time that the restrictions on transfer are removed or have expired and the stock vests. The amount of ordinary income will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date that the restrictions on transfer are removed or have expired. Subject to 162(m), the company will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the ordinary income the employee realizes. An employee may elect to recognize taxable ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time the award is received if the employee makes an election no later than 30 days after an employee receives the restricted stock. If a timely election is made, the employee will not recognize any additional income when the restrictions on the shares lapse. If the employee forfeits the shares to the company, the employee may not claim a deduction with respect to the income recognized as a result of the election.

Generally, when an employee disposes of shares acquired under the 2018 Stock Plan, the difference between the sales price and his or her basis in such shares will be treated as long- or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the holding period for the shares.


36

PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF THE PITNEY BOWES INC. 2018 STOCK PLAN

Registration with the SEC

If the 2018 Plan is approved by shareholders, the company will file a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the SEC with respect to the shares of Pitney Bowes common stock to be registered pursuant to the 2018 Plan, as soon as reasonably practicable following shareholder approval.

Tax Treatment of Awards to Employees Outside the United States

The grant and exercise of options and awards under the 2018 Stock Plan to employees outside the United States may be taxed on a different basis.


Vote Required; Recommendation of the Board of Directors

Approval of the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast. Broker non-votes are not considered votes cast and therefore will not be counted either for or against this proposal. With respect to abstentions, for purposes of approval under our By-laws, abstentions are not considered votes cast and therefore will not be counted either for or against; however, for purposes of approval under New York Stock Exchange rules, abstentions are treated as votes cast, and, therefore, will have the same effect as an “against” vote.

The board of directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan.

37

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 20142017 regarding the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans.

 

Plan Category (a)
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 (b)
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 (c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans
excluding securities
reflected in column (a)
 (a)
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 (b)
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 (c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans
excluding securities
reflected in column (a)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  13,323,075  $31.14   19,715,336   10,495,039   $21.67   15,725,806 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders           —     —     —   
Total  13,323,075   $31.14   19,715,336(1)  10,495,039   $21.67   15,725,806(1)

 

(1)These shares are available for stock awards made under both the Stock Plan of 2013 and the Directors’ Stock Plan.2013. As of December 31, 2014,2017, of the total 19,715,33615,725,806 shares remaining and available for future issuance, 10,527,6546,324,469 are available for full value share awards.

 

Report of the Executive Compensation Committee

 

The Executive Compensation Committee (Committee)(“Committee”) of the board of directors (1) has reviewed and discussed with management the section included below in this proxy statementbeginning on page 39 entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (CD&A) and (2) based on that review and discussion, the Committee has recommended to the board of directors that the CD&A be included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20142017 and this proxy statement.

 

By the Executive Compensation Committee of the board of directors,

 

Eduardo R. Menascé, Chairman

Anne M. Busquet

Anne Sutherland Fuchs

Linda S. Sanford

David B. Snow, Jr.

3138

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

The following discussion and analysis contains statements regarding company performance targets and goals. These targets and goals are disclosed in the limited context of our compensation programs and should not be understood to be statements of management’s expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. Investors should not apply these statements to other contexts.

 

Executive Summary

 

Overview

 

This CD&A section explains our compensation philosophy, summarizes the material components of our compensation programs and reviews compensation decisions made by the Committee and the independent board members. The Committee, comprised of only independent directors, makes all compensation decisions regarding the executivesexecutive officers including those identified as Named Executive Officersnamed executive officers (NEOs) in the Summary Compensation Table below,on page 62, other than the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The independent board members, based on recommendations by the Committee, determine compensation actions impacting the CEO.CEO and the COO.

 

2014 Named Executive Officers

2017 Named Executive Officers
 Marc B. Lautenbach, President and Chief Executive Officer
 Michael Monahan,Stanley J. Sutula III, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (effective February 9, 2015, Mr.
Michael Monahan, was also appointed to the newly created role ofExecutive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer)Officer
 Mark L. Shearer, Executive Vice President and President, Pitney Bowes SMB Mailing Solutions
 Abby F. Kohnstamm,Roger Pilc, Executive Vice President and Chief MarketingInnovation Officer
Daniel J. Goldstein, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal & Compliance Officer

 

Since December 3, 2012, Pitney Bowes has bifurcated the roleroles of President and CEO and chairman of the board of directors. Marc B. Lautenbach is President and CEO and Michael I. Roth is non-executive chairman of the board of directors.

 

SummaryEffective February 1, 2017, Stanley J. Sutula III was appointed to the role of 2014 Business ResultsExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer succeeding Michael Monahan. Mr. Monahan continues to serve in the role of Executive Vice President and COO.

 

In 2014, Pitney Bowes achieved significant progress against its three strategic initiatives to transform the company and unlock shareholder value by 1) stabilizing the mail business, 2) driving operational excellence, and 3) growing its business through expansion in digital commerce. During the year, we continued our implementation of a new go-to-market strategy, divested certain business operations, and initiated a global effort to streamline the company’s back-office systems. All aspects of our Digital Commerce Solutions segment grew revenue in 2014, including the introduction of outbound services from the United Kingdom.Mark Shearer has announced his retirement effective March 1, 2018.

In addition, we continued to deliver innovative physical and digital products and solutions and made significant investments in marketing in support of the transformation of our brand. One of the main goals of the re-branding effort is to update the market’s perception of the company. This is the first brand refresh since 1971 and only the third in our 95 year history. The new brand strategy clarifies the company’s role in the changing world of commerce, emphasizing the interplay between physical and digital communications by spotlighting both our traditional strengths in mailing solutions for the small, medium and large enterprises, as well as our emerging strength in newer technology areas such as location intelligence, customer information management and cross-border commerce. The new branding launched in early January 2015.

From a financial perspective:

We returned $152 million to shareholders in dividend payments on Pitney Bowes Common Stock and repurchased $50 million of its own shares.
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) for 2014 was 7.63%, and its two-year TSR calculated as a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was 58.23%, placing us at the very top of our peer group. When compared to S&P 500 companies this two-year performance places us in the 96th percentile.
We had our first full year of reported revenue growth since 2008, with an increase of 1% on both a constant currency and reported basis.
The 2014 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.90, compared to $1.81 in 2013.
Earnings before interest and taxes were $731 million in 2014 compared to $688 million in 2013.
3239

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

2017 Summary of Business Performance

Over the last five years, the company moved its portfolio to positive growth. We achieved this significant change in several ways. First, we made changes in our portfolio of businesses to reflect the evolution of our strategy and to position our business to participate in higher growth markets, particularly in high growth Ecommerce shipping markets. Second, we made significant investments in our technology, our brand, and our internal systems to enable us to better serve our clients and run our business more efficiently. As a result, in 2017, when we include the revenue in the fourth quarter from the acquisition of Newgistics, Inc., we achieved our highest revenue growth rate since 2007. Also, excluding the acquisition of Newgistics, revenue grew for the first time since 2014. We were able to achieve this growth while reducing expenses by roughly $300 million (with an additional $200 million in spend reduction planned), decreasing our overall debt position, and improving working capital.

Specifically in 2017, the company had revenue growth in four of our six segments, and our total organic revenue showed positive growth. This growth is the result of our ongoing efforts to reposition the portfolio to growth markets. The most significant change to our portfolio of businesses was the acquisition of Newgistics, Inc., which we completed at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Newgistics provides parcel delivery, returns, fulfillment, and digital commerce solutions for retailers and Ecommerce brands. The acquisition accelerates our expansion into the United States domestic Ecommerce business and complements our existing, and rapidly growing, cross-border Ecommerce business.

In our Small and Medium Business group, we introduced a new, innovative product, the SendPro C-Series. This introduction was a key milestone in reinventing our mailing business. SendPro is a digitally connected product based on an open platform that enables mailing, shipping and other third party applications. In addition, we expanded our offerings of on-line shipping and mailing solutions.

We saw continued growth in our Digital Commerce group in 2017, primarily through growth in our Ecommerce business, through bringing more retailers on as clients and further developing our API shipping applications for United States domestic shipping at scale. Our software business grew slightly in 2017, as we saw continued progress in building out our partner-based sales channel.

Finally, our commitment to operational excellence efforts remained a key focus for the company. In November 2017, we announced a new set of initiatives to eliminate an additional $200 million of expenses on top of the nearly $300 million of expense we have already reduced over the last five years.

Exiting 2017, Pitney Bowes is a different company today than when we began this transformation five years ago. With both portfolio changes like the acquisition of Newgistics and continuing product innovations like the Send Pro C-Series and fully digital shipping applications, the company is positioned to grow.

As with any transformation, change for us is not in a straight line and our financial results in 2017 reflected that fact. From a financial perspective, in 2017, the company:

 Free cash flow was $571 million in 2014 compared to $635 million in 2013. This nevertheless was a strong result when factoring in the capital expenditures invested into the business.Generated revenue of $3.5 billion
   
 We reduced debt by $100Delivered free cash flow of $384 million and took additional actions with our debt portfolio to create further financial flexibility.
   
 We reduced sales, generalReturned $139 million in dividends to its stockholders
Made capital expenditures totaling $171 million
Held at year-end over $1 billion in cash and administrative expensesshort-term investments on the balance sheet
Reported adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.41
Increased debt by $42 million.$465 million, which was attributable to the funding of the Newgistics acquisition

In short, 2014 was a year of significant progress for Pitney Bowes. We continue to see positive trends in our businesses and are making material progress toward unlocking the long-term value embedded in our company. Going forward we remain confident about our multi-year journey to transform the company and deliver sustained value for our clients, shareholders and employees.

 

Some of the amounts in the CD&A portion of this proxy statement are shown on a non-GAAP basis. For a reconciliation and additional detail on the calculation of the financial results reported in this proxy statement, including those described above, please refer to page 5560 “Non-GAAP measures.Measures.We urge stockholders to read ourOur Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015, which22, 2018 describes our business and 20142017 financial results in more detail.

40

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Snapshot of 2017 Pay for Performance Actions

 

Both our short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs are strongly aligned with company performance. In 2017, our short-term incentive plan paid a zero bonus because we did not achieve our incentive goals in 2016. In 2018, our short-term incentive plan paid 32.3% of target reflecting the company’s performance against 2017 goals. Over the same two year-period, the performance stock units portion of our long-term plan paid 56% and 14% of target in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The company divides its performance-based compensation into an annual performance component and a three-year performance component. It does so to incent management to strike an appropriate balance between the short and long term growth of the company. The 2017 compensation short and long-term incentive plans reflect this balance and, in 2017, worked as designed to reflect the company’s performance.

Short Term Incentive Plan.The company made substantial progress toward important strategic initiatives. In 2017, the company achieved above target for the revenue growth financial objective, however, it fell short of threshold for both Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Taxes and Adjusted Free Cash Flow. Consequently, an annual incentive of 32.3% was paid.
Long Term Incentive Plan.Throughout the three-year period, the company continued to invest in its future long-term success, including its enterprise resource planning system, rebranding and marketing efforts, the overhaul of the company’s go-to-market structure, and major investments in Digital Commerce. Although the first year of the three-year period reflected solid company performance, the last two years of the cycle were challenging and had a significant impact on the ultimate vested percentage. Consequently, based on financial metrics, including the relative total shareholder return (TSR) modifier, established by the Committee, the 2015-2017 PSUs vested at 14% of target. In addition, the market value of the award fluctuated with the stock price during the performance period.

See the Performance Stock Unit waterfall chart on page 42 of this proxy statement.

The following tables compare the actual payouts in 2017 and 2016:

Annual Incentive 2017 Actual Payout
Factor as a % of Target
 2016 Actual Payout
Factor as a % of Target
 Percentage Point Change
2017 vs. 2016
Financial Objectives  27.5%  0.0%    
Strategic Modifier(1)  4.8%  —       
Total Payout Factor  32.3%  0.0%  32.3%
             
Long-Term Incentive 2017 Actual Unit Multiplier
Value (2015 – 2017
PSU cycle)
 2016 Actual Unit Multiplier
Value (2014 – 2016
PSU cycle)
 Percentage Point Change
2017 vs. 2016
Adjusted Earnings per Share  0.13   0.46     
Adjusted Free Cash Flow  0.05   0.29     
TSR Modifier(2)  (0.04)  (0.19)    
Total Multiplier/Payout Value  0.14   0.56   (42%)

(1)The strategic modifier objectives in 2017 included (i) Voice of the Client, measured as an overall satisfaction score (NSAT) and (ii) High Performance Culture, measured from an annual employee survey (iii) responsiveness to client issues and (iv) increasing client use of Digital channels.
(2)The TSR Modifier is a cumulative three-year modifier, which modifies the final payout by up to +/- 25% based on the company’s TSR as compared to the company’s peer group (see page 52). The relative TSR modifier for the 2014 – 2016 and 2015 – 2017 PSU cycle was -25% and -20% respectively.
41

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2015-2017 Performance Stock Unit Vesting Multiplier(1)

(1)The amounts above include the impact of the TSR Modifier. The sum of the metrics may not exactly equal the total due to rounding.

For additional detail on the calculation of the financial metrics described above, please refer to page 60 “Non-GAAP Measures” and corresponding table. Also see “2017 Compensation” beginning on page 49 of this proxy statement for a discussion of each of the compensation components and the respective payouts.

42

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CEO 20142017 Compensation

 

The board did not increase the CEO’s compensation package for 2017. Mr. Lautenbach’s base salary remained at $950,000, annual incentive target at 135%, and long-term incentive target of $5,500,000. The CEO’s long-term incentive mix includes 60% Performance Stock Units (PSUs), 20% Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and 20% Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs), strongly aligning his compensation to shareholder interests.

The target compensation package of our President and CEO reflects Pitney Bowes’ enhanced performance-linked pay philosophy and is competitive when compared to our peer group and two third-party compensation survey reports (see description on competitive benchmarking of compensation on pages 5055 to 51)57).

The following are characteristics of Mr. Lautenbach’s compensation compared against our peer group and the average of the Willis Towers Watson Regressed Compensation Report and the Radford High Tech IndustryGlobal Technology Survey (Survey Reports);:

 Percentage of medianPercentage of median
 Peer Group CEOsSurvey Reports CEOs
Base Compensation*91%88%
Total Cash Compensation*93%90%
Total Direct Compensation*96%98%

 

*Pitney Bowes CEO Compensation vs. Benchmarks
See page 40
In the above illustration, because the peer median and the average median data of the Survey Reports is reported at target, Mr. Lautenbach’s compensation elements are also illustrated at target for definitions of compensation terms.comparison purposes.

Pitney Bowes CEO % of Pay

 

3343

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

CEO Realized Compensation.The previous chart illustrated that 88% of the CEO’s pay is at risk based on company performance. The chart below demonstrates how our compensation structure is strongly linked to company performance and shows that based on the company’s performance in 2017, compared to the target value, only 31% of the CEO’s total potential compensation was realized as of February, 2018. For this purpose, realized compensation includes base pay, annual incentive, value of RSUs vested, and value of PSUs earned.

 

In the above illustration, because the peer median and the average median data of the Survey Reports is reported at target, Mr. Lautenbach’s compensation elements are also illustrated at target for comparison purposes.CEO Realizable Compensation

 

Mr. Lautenbach’s long-term incentive amount includes the value of his one-time sign-on grant of premium-priced stock options, which are amortized over the vesting period of the options.

Pitney Bowes CEO

The following highlights 2014 compensation actions for the President and CEO approved by the board of directors: 

 

Base salary increased to $900,000 (from $850,000 in 2013) to bring Mr. Lautenbach closer to market median(1);Target Realizable Compensation represents 2017 base salary, 2017 target annual incentive paid in February, 2018, and: (i) the prorated grant date target value of the RSU awards which vested in February, 2018 (ii) the grant date target value of the 2015-2017 PSU award which vested in February, 2018, and (iii) the prorated grant date target value of the 2016 and 2017 option awards which vested in February, 2018.
(2)
Annual incentive target increased to 135% (from 130% in 2013), moving Mr. Lautenbach’s total target cash compensation closer to market median(1), resulting in a payout of $1,519,965 (after applying the Committee-approved 2014Actual Realized Compensation represents 2017 base salary, 2017 actual annual incentive multiplier (see pages 43 to 45 for details));
Long-term incentive target increased to $4,500,000 (from $4,000,000paid in 2013) moving Mr. Lautenbach’s total target direct compensation closer to market median(1), withFebruary, 2018, and: (i) the value realized upon vesting of the RSU awards in February, 2014 grant consisting2018, (ii) the value of 70% Performance Stock Units (PSUs) and 30% Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).

(1)Market median is calculatedthe 2015-2017 PSU award based upon a comparison toon the Towers Watson Regressed Compensation Report, the Radford High Tech Industry Surveyfinal performance factor of 0.14 and the company’s peer group.closing stock price as of December 31, 2017 and (iii) the value of the prorated vesting of the option award in February, 2018.
34

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Snapshot of 2014 Pay for Performance Actions

In making its 2014 compensation decisions and recommendations, the Committee considered the following, among other things:

our financial results;
the achievement of the compensation objectives (see discussion beginning on page 43);
our relative and absolute Total Shareholder Return (TSR); and
stockholder feedback.

Our 2014 TSR was a solid 7.63%, which followed a 2013 TSR of 132%, resulting in a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 58.23% over two calendar years. Pitney Bowes’ two-year CAGR placed it first among its peer group. This illustrates the significant improvement occurring in our businesses over the last two years. Including 2012, the year preceding both Mr. Lautenbach’s tenure as CEO and the initiation of the current three-year strategic plan, our three-year cumulative TSR is 16.99% and places us at the 33rd percentile of our peer group.

Based on 2014 financial results, the Committee and independent board members approved an annual incentive payout of 125.1% of target, after application of the Strategic Modifier. For the 2012 – 2014 Cash Incentive Units (CIUs), part of the company’s long-term incentive award, the Committee approved a CIU payout of $1.33 per unit, after application of the TSR Modifier.

The following tables compare the actual payouts in 2014 and 2013:

  2014 Actual Payout 2013 Actual Payout Percentage change
Annual Incentive Factor as a % of Target Factor as a % of Target 2014 vs. 2013
Financial Objectives  115.7%  100.5%    
Strategic Modifier(1)  9.4%  9.0%    
Subtotal  125.1%  109.5%    
Total Payout Factor  125.1%  109.5%  14.2%

  2014 Actual Unit Payout 2013 Actual Unit Payout Percentage change
Long-Term Incentive Value (2012 – 2014 cycle) Value (2011 – 2013 cycle) 2014 vs. 2013
Adjusted Earnings per Share  $0.85   $0.83     
Adjusted Free Cash Flow  $0.71   $0.77     
TSR Modifier(2)  ($0.23)  ($0.10)    
Subtotal  $1.33   $1.50     
Total Payout Value  $1.33   $1.50   (11.3%)

(1)The strategic modifier in 2014 included employee engagement, sustainable engagement, client focus and team metrics measured from employee survey results. See page 44 for additional details.
(2)The TSR Modifier for the 2012 – 2014 cycle is a cumulative three-year modifier. The 2011 – 2013 CIU cycle is an annual modifier aggregated each year over the three year cycle. The TSR Modifier modifies the final payout by up to +/– 25% based on the company’s TSR as compared to a comparator group. In the 2012-2014 cycle, the comparator group consisted of the company’s peer group. In the 2011-2013 cycle, the comparator group was the S&P 500. The relative TSR modifier for the 2011 – 2013 cycle and 2012 – 2014 cycle was –6% and –15%, respectively.

For additional detail on the calculation of the financial metrics described above please refer to page 55 “Non-GAAP Measures” and corresponding table. Also see “2014 Compensation” beginning on page 42 of this proxy statement for a discussion of each of the compensation components and the respective payouts.

35

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Funding of the 2014 Annual Incentive Pool and Payout Multiplier

The sum of the metrics may not exactly equal the total due to rounding.

For additional detail on the calculation of the financial metrics shown in this chart please refer to the table on page 55 “Non-GAAP Measures.”

Funding of the 2014 Cash Incentive Unit Pool and Payout Value

The amounts above include the impact of the Modifier for total shareholder return (TSR). The sum of the metrics may not exactly equal the total due to rounding.

The amounts shown in the charts above are based on non-GAAP measures. For additional detail on the calculation of the financial metrics shown in this chart please refer to the table on page 55 “Non-GAAP Measures.”

36

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Summary of 2014 Executive Compensation Changes

At the company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2014, stockholders voted in favor of our executive compensation by over 95% of votes cast. Management and the Committee maintain a commitment to obtaining and considering stockholder feedback on the company’s compensation program by soliciting feedback over the course of the year. Most of the changes in 2013 were made as a result of stockholder outreach and the 2012 Say-On-Pay vote. The following highlights the changes that were made to the program in 2014 and in 2013.

KEY

COMPENSATION

ACTIONS

2014

Implemented new LTI design mix for 2014 awards,

making 100% of the long-term awards stock based, with an
allocation of 70% PSUs and 30% RSUs;

Rolled out a new executive stock ownership policy to: (i) include
more senior executives, and (ii) restrict the shares that will count
toward stock holding requirement to only vested shares; and

Instituted a deferral program to facilitate a quicker path to
executive stock ownership.

2013

Increased the weighting of financial objectives to 100% for the annual incentive program;

Enhanced disclosure of performance targets;

Revised our peer group in light of the company’s evolving strategic direction with increased
emphasis in software and technology;

Reduced severance benefits payable on account of a Change-of-Control from three to two times
annual salary and average annual incentive; and

Eliminated the excise tax gross-up.

These highlights will be discussed in more detail in the section titled “2014 Compensation” beginning on page 42 of this proxy statement.

37

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Executive Compensation Program Structure

 

Compensation Philosophy

 

We link executive compensation to the performance of the company as a whole. We believe executives with higher levels of responsibility and a greater ability to influence enterprise results should receive a greater percentage of their compensation as performance-based compensation. Compensation for our NEOs varies from year to year primarily based on achievement of enterprise-wide objectives and in some instances individual performance. We emphasize enterprise-wide performance to break down any internal barriers that can arise in organizations that emphasize individual performance. We believe our compensation structure encourages reasonable risk-taking but discourages taking excessive risks.

 

Our executive compensation program is designed to recognize and reward outstanding achievement and to attract, retain and motivate our leaders. We solicit feedback from our major stockholders regarding our executive compensation program, and management speaks individually to stockholders who wish to provide input.

The Committee considers stockholder feedback to determine whether changes to At the company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2017, stockholders voted in favor of the company’s executive compensation programs are required. The Committee continually reviewsby 97.5% of the executive compensation programs to ensure proper alignment with stockholder interests.votes cast.

 

Below is an overview of key aspects of our pay philosophy.

 

Overall ObjectivesCompensation levels should be sufficiently competitive to attract and retain talent;
 
Compensation should reflect leadership position and responsibility;
 Executive compensation should be linked to the performance of the company as a whole;
 
Compensation should motivate our executives to deliver our short and long-term business objectives and strategy; and
Compensation packages should be designed to preserve tax deductibility; however, this should not be the sole objective.strategy.
Pay Mix PrinciplesCompensation should be tied to short-term performance and creation of long-term stockholder value and return;
 Performance-based compensation should be a significant portion of total compensation for executives with higher levels of responsibility and a greater ability to influence enterprise results; and
 
Executives should own meaningful amounts of Pitney Bowes stock to align their interests with Pitney BowesBowes’ stockholders.
Pay for
Performance
Incentive compensation should reward both short-term and long-term performance;
A significant portion of our compensation should be variable based on performance; and
 The annual and long-term incentive components should be linked to operational outcomes, financial results or stock price performance:
ºAnnual incentive compensation is earned only if pre-determined financial objectives are met;
ºPerformance stock units (PSUs) are earned only if certain financial objectives are met and units earned are modified based on relative performance of the company compared with our peer group over a cumulative three-year period; and
ºPerformance-based restricted stock units and PSUs are earned only if a threshold financial target is met.performance.
3845

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Stockholder Engagement — Executive Compensation

It is our practice to conduct stockholder outreach calls and meetings twice a year in the spring and fall. We contact stockholders holding approximately 50% of our outstanding shares and actively seek their views on various governance topics and executive compensation matters. We also periodically engage proxy advisory firms for their viewpoints. If requested, we offer various board members to discuss these matters with our investors. In 2017, our Chair of the Executive Compensation Committee joined in a stockholder outreach discussion.

Here’s What We Heard

üOverall our investors provided positive feedback on the structure of our executive compensation programs, our dedication to stockholder outreach and in particular our making board members available for discussion if requested
üOur investors approved the alignment of our compensation programs with company’s performance and in particular our compensation best practices
üOur investors were specifically pleased about the multiple triggers in vesting, the way we benchmark against two independent surveys as well as company peers and our clawback policy
üOur investors asked us to streamline the proxy where possible, simplify explanations, and provide graphic displays to make it easier to read
üOur investors questioned why we had eliminated a relative total shareholder return metric from our 2016 long-term incentive PSU award
üOur investors suggested that we ensure that our compensation and rewards programs attract and retain top talent and contain the appropriate performance metrics to achieve strategic goals

Here’s What We’ve Done

üWe’ve tried to simplify and streamline certain sections of the proxy presentation to avoid duplication of material where possible
üWe include graphics where possible to assist in the presentation of the material
üWe have provided explanations as to why certain actions were taken by the Committee with respect to compensation
üWe provided a chart which shows total target realizable pay compared to actual realizable pay indicating a clear alignment between pay and performance
üWe reintroduced a relative total shareholder return modifier in our 2017 long-term incentive PSU award
üThe Committee will continue to review the compensation structure, base salary, short-term incentive, and long-term incentive to attract and retain talent


46

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Strong Compensation and Pay Governance Practices

 

We believe our executive compensation program demonstrates a strong link between pay and performance in its design and exhibits strong governance pay practices. The following lists the principal pay for performance and governance practices adopted by the board.

 

wIndependent Chairman of board of directors

wIndependent Compensation Consultant
performing no other services for the company

wAnnual stockholder advisory vote on executive
compensation

w100% of annual incentive and long-term
incentive tied to financial metrics,

w100% of long-term incentive is equity-based

w3-year cumulative growth in our share price, relative TSR modifier

wNo employment agreements with our executive officers

wNo special arrangement crediting extra years of
prior service for our pension plans

Strong
Pay Governance
Practices
shareholder value, and/or business performance metrics
  



wAnnual risk-assessment

100% of pay practices

wDirect line of communication between board of
directors and stockholders

wProhibition against hedging and pledging of stock

wEnhanced disclosure of performance targets

long-term incentive is equity based


wNo tax gross-ups in change-of-control payments

wDouble-trigger

Double trigger vesting provisions in our change-of-control arrangements

wchange of control provisions

Significant stock ownership guidelines for senior executives and directors

w“Clawback” policy

Enhanced disclosure of performance targets
Independent compensation consultant performing no other services for senior executives

the company
Clawback provisions in event of financial restatement
Annual stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation
Significant CEO pay at risk (88%)
Independent Chairman of board of directors
Annual risk-assessment of pay practices
Semi-annual stockholder outreach with direct line of communication with board of directors

Focus on Variable Pay

The chart below shows the 2014 targeted compensation mix for the CEO and other NEOs compared with the targeted average compensation of our peer group as reported in their 2014 proxy statements. As illustrated in the chart, our compensation is (i) well aligned to the compensation mix of our peer group and (ii) predominantly variable. The specific proportion of each compensation element below may change with changes in market practices or performance considerations.

Design Mix of Compensation Elements

This chart does not include special stock option and stock grants made to the CEO and other NEOs upon hire.

39No individual supplemental executive retirement plans
No special arrangement crediting extra years of service in our benefit plans
No tax gross-up in change of control payments
No hedging, pledging or short-term speculative trading of company stock
No employment agreements with our executive officers
No stock option repricing, reloads or exchanges
No transferability of restricted securities
No dividends on unvested stock awards


47

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

We design the mix of short and long-term incentives to reward and motivate short-term performance, while at the same time providing significant incentives to keep our executives focused on longer-term corporate goals that drive stockholder value. In addition, we believe this balance of short-term and long-term incentive compensation and mix of performance criteria helps to discourage executives from taking excessive risk that may have the potential to harm the company in the long-term. We review the compensation structure annually to make sure that it does not encourage excessive risk taking and report our findings to the Committee.

In determining our executive’s grant levels, we take into consideration the following:

market competitive compensation rates for similar positions;
individual performance compared to established financial, strategic, unit or individual objectives;
level of experience and skill;
the need to attract and retain executive talent during this period of transition; and
internal pay equity;

Due to the qualitative nature of these considerations, we do not assign specific weightings or numerical goals to them.

 

Overview of Compensation Components

 

The Committee is responsible for determining the compensation for all NEOs, other than the CEO and COO, and for recommending to the independent members of the board of directors (as a whole) each specific element of compensation for the CEO.CEO and COO. The Committee considers recommendations from the CEO regarding the compensation of other NEOs. The independent board members are responsible for determining the CEO’s and COO’s compensation. No member of the management team, including the CEO, has a role in determining his or her own compensation.

 

For each NEO, the Committee sets, as a guideline, target total direct compensation (base salary plus annual incentive plus long-term incentive) levels so the base salary, total cash compensation (base salary plus annual incentive), and total direct compensation is at +/- 20% of the median of the competitive data based on the Willis Towers Watson Regressed Compensation Report, as regressed for companies approximatelywith our approximate revenue size, and the Radford High-Tech IndustryGlobal Technology Survey focusing on companies with revenue scopes similar to ours for each position. We describe these two reports in more detail under “Assessing Competitive Practice” beginning on page 5055 of this proxy statement. In order to attract or retain specific talent, the general +/– 20% of the median guideline +/- 20% may be exceeded.

 

For 2014,2017, the total target cash compensation (base salary plus annual incentive) and total target direct compensation (base salary plus annual incentive plus long-term incentive) for Mr. Lautenbach were 90%98% and 98%106%, respectively, of the market median(1)median(1) for CEOs. For the NEOs, as a group, the average total target cash compensation and total direct compensation were 105% and 110%112%, respectively, of the market median(1).median.

 

(1)Market median is the average of the median pay for all NEOs, including the CEO, pay as reported in the Willis Towers Watson Regressed Compensation Report and the Radford High Tech IndustryGlobal Technology Survey. For NEO pay, market median is the average of the Towers Watson Regressed Compensation Report and the Radford High Tech Industry Survey average median of NEO pay.
40

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

The following table outlines the components of direct compensation for our NEOs and how they align with our compensation principles.

 

How it AlignsPay Element Fixed orKey Characteristics Cash or
What it Rewards
With Our PrinciplesShort-term Compensation
Base Salary 

Performance-BasedFixed cash compensation

Increases influenced by an executive’sindividual performance rating and/orcompetitiveness to the market

 Equity
Base Salary

  Performance of daily job duties

  Highly developed skills and abilities criticalabilitiescritical to the success of the company

Annual Incentive 

  CompetitivePerformance-based cash compensationprimarily measured on achievement ofenterprise-wide metrics

Individual performance may beconsidered in the marketsestablishing anexecutive’s annual incentiveopportunity

Achievement of pre-determinedshort-term objectives established in which we operate enabling us to attract and retain executive talent

thefirst quarter of each year
Long-term Incentives
Performance Stock Units (PSUs)•  Performance-based equitycompensation measured onenterprise-wide metrics 

  Fixed compensationAchievement of pre-determined financialobjectives:

  Increases influenced by executive’s individual performance rating

 Cash
Annual Incentive

 Achievement of pre- determined short-term objectives establishedEstablished in the first quarter of each yeareachyear within the three-year cycle forawards

Modified by a Total Shareholder Return(TSR) compared to our peer group

Performance-Based RestrictedStock Units (RSUs)Performance-based equitycompensation measured on athreshold financial target   

  Competitive incentive targets enable us to attract and retain executive talentAchievement of a pre-determinedperformance objective established attime of grant

  Payout dependent on achievement of objectives aligning pay to performance

Company stock value Subject to a “clawback” (See “Clawback Policy” on page 53 of this proxy statement)

Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs) Performance-based compensation primarily measured on achievement of enterprise-wide metrics

 Individual performance may be considered in establishing executives’ annual incentive opportunity

 Up to a maximum of $4,000,000 per NEO granted under the Key Employees Incentive Plan (KEIP)

   Cash
Long-term Incentives
Cash Incentive Units (CIUs) (60% in 2013; eliminated after 2013(1))

 Achievement of pre- determined long-term objectives and annual objectives established in the first quarter of the first year and the first quarter of each year, respectively, of the three year cycle

 Change in company’s stock price versus the company’s peer group for the 2012-2014 CIU award payout

 Payout dependent on achievement of long-term objectives aligning pay to long-term performance

 The resulting unit value is modified by up to +/–25% based on a 3-year cumulative TSR as compared to a 3-year cumulative TSR of our peer group. The application of the TSR Modifier links the CIU payout to stockholder return versus the comparator group of companies. TSR Modifier cannot result in a positive adjustment if there is a negative TSR over the three-year cycle

 3-year performance period cycle promotes retention

Performance-based equitycompensation measured on enterprise-wide metrics

bycompany stock value Up to a maximum in any one year of $8,000,000 per NEO granted under the KEIP

   CashCompany stock value must increase foroptionees to realize any benefit
(1)There is one more CIU award outstanding, for the 2013-2015 cycle, which will be paid out in 2016.Periodic Off-cycle Long-term Awards
Performance Stock Units (PSUs) (70% in 2014)

 Achievement of pre- determined long-term objectives and annual objectives established in the first quarter of each year, in the three year cycle

 Change in company’s stock price compared to peer group

 Shares vested depend on achievement of long-term objectives aligning pay to performance

 The number of shares vested is modified by up to +/–25% based on a 3-year cumulative TSR as compared to a 3-year cumulative TSR of our peer group, further linking compensation to stockholder return. TSR Modifier cannot result in a positive adjustment if there is a negative TSR over the three-year cycle

 3-year performance period cycle promotes retention

 Performance-based compensation measured on enterprise-wide metrics

 Up to a maximum of 1,200,000 shares including RSUs per NEO in any plan year granted under the 2013 Stock Plan

   Equity
41

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

How it AlignsFixed orCash or
What it RewardsWith Our PrinciplesPerformance-BasedEquity
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (30% in 2014)

 AchievementDepends on type of a pre- determined performance objective established at time of grant

award granted Company stock value

 Vesting dependent on achievement of pre- determined performance objective aligning pay to performance

 3-year pro-rata vesting promotes retention for executives

 Award value linked to company’s stock price

 Performance-based compensation measured on a threshold financial target

 Up to a maximum of 1,200,000 shares including PSUs per NEO, in any plan year granted under the 2013 Stock Plan

  Equity
Market Stock Units (MSUs) (granted only in 2012)

 Achievement of pre- determined performance objective established at time of grant

 Company stock value

 Vesting dependent on achievement of a pre- determined performance objective aligning pay to performance and on formula based on TSR over the three-year cycle

 3-year cliff vesting promotes retention

 Award value linked to company’s stock price

 Performance-based compensation measured on a threshold financial metric

 Up to a maximum number of shares per NEO (600,000 in 2012), including grants of RSUs, in any plan year granted under the 2007 Stock Plan

 Equity
Periodic Off-cycle Long-term Awards

The Committee may also grant otherlong-term incentive awards in unique circumstances where needed for attracting,retaining or motivating executive talent

talent. All long-term incentives are subject to a “clawback” (See “Clawback Policy” on page 53 of this proxy statement)

 Depends on award granted Cash or Equity

 

We also provide certain other benefits for our NEOs, including retirement benefits and deferred compensation plans. For additional information, please see “Other Indirect Compensation” on page 4853 of this proxy statement.

48

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

20142017 Compensation

 

Overview

In 2014, the Committee implemented changes to the compensation program emphasizing further alignment of executive compensation with the company’s stockholders. We increased the percentage of equity awards in the company’s long-term compensation plan, implemented changes to executive stock ownership requirements, and instituted a deferral program to facilitate a quicker path to executive stock ownership.

In addition the company used a net promoter score (a universal metric for client satisfaction) as part of its strategic modifier to the annual incentive program. The strategic modifier can increase the annual incentive pay-out by up to ten percentage points.2017 Highlights

 

The changes made in 2014 built oncompany’s compensation program emphasizes the significant changes the company made to its compensation programs in 2013.creation of short and long-term value.

Annual and long-term incentives are based 100% on financial targets such as Earnings Per Share, Revenue Growth, Adjusted EBIT, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow but may be modified by up to 10% based on strategic objectives
Long-term incentives are 100% equity based and consist of PSUs, RSUs, and NSOs
PSU awards for the 2017-2019 cycle utilize pre-established annual financial objectives aggregated over a three-year period and modified by a three-year cumulative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) compared to peer companies.
Performance RSUs must meet a financial target based on income from continuing operations (IFCO) before they can vest.
NSO awards align NEOs’ compensation with shareholder interests.


 

Base Salary

 

In February 2014, based onMr. Lautenbach’s annual salary did not increase for 2017. Except for Mr. Pilc, the business results for 2013, the Committee and the independent directors increased the CEO’sother NEOs had an average base salary by 6%, bringingincrease in 2017 of 1.0%. Mr. Pilc received an increase of $48,700 to more closely align his

base salary closer to total compensation with the market median based on competitive benchmarks. NEOs, excluding CEO, base salary increases averaged 2.8%.


42

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISreference point for his role.

 

Annual Incentives

Based on performance against the pre-established financial objectives, an annual incentive payout of 32.3% was awarded to the NEOs for FY2017.

 

NEOs are eligible for annual incentives under the KEIPKey Employees Incentive Plan primarily for achieving challenging enterprise-wide financial objectives established at the beginning of each year. Individual performance and its impact on financial, strategic, unit or individual objectives may be considered.

 

2014 Annual Incentive Objectives and MetricsIncentives

 

In 2014,The annual incentive plan is based 100% ofon the company’s financial performance, demonstrating our commitment to place rigor and objectivity in establishing and meeting our compensation goals. The following lists the financial objectives used under the annual incentive was based on financial objectivesplan, along with the reasoning for each, which are shown in the chart below. The chart also shows the threshold, target, and maximum ranges.

Financial ObjectivesWeightingThresholdTargetMaximum
Adjusted Earnings Before
Interest and Taxes(1)
35%$672 million$718 million$775 million
Adjusted Revenue Growth(1)25%–1.0%0.5%2.0%
Adjusted Free Cash Flow(1)40%$400 million$440 million$500 million

(1)Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted revenue growth and adjusted free cash flow are non-GAAP measures. For a reconciliation and additional information, please see “Non-GAAP Measures” on page 55 of this proxy statement.
Threshold, target and maximum amounts have been restated to reflect the sale of the Canada DIS business.

Wewe believe that together these financial objectives effectively measure how well our business is performing on a short-term basis and represent appropriate metrics upon which to base annual incentive awards. We limited the number of duplicative metrics across annual and long-term incentives. The 2014 annual incentive program includes the following metrics and the reasons why they are important to company performance.

basis:

Adjusted free cash flow (Adjusted FCF). The ability to generate free cash flow on a short-term basis is extremely important as it allows the company to manage its current financial needs.
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes.taxes (Adjusted EBIT). This is an appropriate measure for annual incentive compensation because it directly reflects current profitability and performance.
Adjusted revenue growth. This is an appropriate measure because it indicates whether our business is expanding, after excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and the disposal of certain business operations.
Adjusted free cash flow. This is an appropriate measure of the company’s ability to pursue discretionary opportunities that enhance stockholder value.

Each of these metrics excludes the impact of certain special items, both positive and negative, which could mask the underlying trend or performance within a business. The adjustments for special items are made consistently year-to-year and are explained on page 5560 in “Non-GAAP Measures.”

 

Adjusted free cash flow is the only metric that we use in both our annual and long-term incentive program. We believe that the ability to generate free cash flow allows the company to manage its current financial needs and is central to the company’s future health and ability to take advantageapply a Strategic Modifier of growth opportunities as they are presented. Free cash flow is also a strong contributor to long-term stockholder value.

We set the targets for the adjusted earnings before interest and taxes and adjusted free cash flow financial objectives close to the midpoint of guidance provided to stockholders and the financial community at the beginning of 2014. The only revision to targets during the course of the year reflected the revision to guidance announced as a result of the sale of the Canada Document Imaging Solutions (DIS) business. We believe that the 2014 financial objectives at each level (threshold, target and maximum) accurately balance the difficulty of attainment of the level with the related payout. The 2014 annual incentive plan design includes 100% financial metrics, demonstrating our commitment to place more rigor and objectivity in establishing and meeting our compensation goals. Strategic metrics (Strategic Modifier) are applied as a modifier to compensation payouts by up to ten percentage points.points in determining final compensation payouts. The Strategic Modifier is based on the achievement of enterprise strategic goals. Strategic goals are targets that are important to the successful operation of the enterprise above and beyond financial goals. The strategic goals for 2014 included2017 were (i) employee engagementVoice of the Client, measured as an overall satisfaction score (NSAT) and (ii) High Performance Culture, measured from an annual employee survey (iii) responsiveness to client satisfaction. Employee engagement is meant to measure, through employee surveys, the company’s progress toward implementing a high-performance client-oriented culture. Client satisfaction is measured by the implementationissues and progress made against a net promoter score, a universal metric utilized to measure(iv) increasing client satisfaction.use of digital channels. These important strategic goals are the foundation for our future business success and essential for positive financial results.


49

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

The table below shows the weighting of the metrics as well as the various levels of achievement relating to the 2017 annual incentive:

Financial Objectives(1)  Target
Weighting
 Threshold Target Maximum Actual
Result
 Actual Payout as
a % of Target
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Taxes(2)  35% $618 million $654 million $675 million $524 million 0%
Adjusted Revenue Growth(2)  25% -2.5% -0.5% 1.5% 0.1% 27.5%
Adjusted Free Cash Flow(2)  40% $335 million $375 million $405 million $247 million 0%

(1)We set the targets for the Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted revenue growth and Adjusted FCF financial objectives relative to overall guidance provided to stockholders and the financial community at the beginning of 2017. We believe that the 2017 financial objectives at each level (threshold, target and maximum) accurately balance the difficulty of attainment of the level with the related payout.
(2)For compensation purposes, (a) Adjusted EBIT is translated at 2017 budget rates and presented on a continuing operations basis excluding any nonrecurring items; and (b) Adjusted revenue growth is presented on a continuing operations and constant currency basis. Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted revenue growth and Adjusted FCF are non-GAAP measures. For a reconciliation and additional information, please see “Non-GAAP Measures” on page 60 of this proxy statement.

Funding of the Annual Incentive Pool and 20142017 Actual Payout

 

Funding of the annual incentive pool begins with the sum of the annual incentive targets of eligible Pitney Bowes Incentive Plan (PBIP) participants. For more information on setting the target see “Assessing Competitive Practice” on page 50. After the close of the


43

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS55.

 

calendar year, the Committee determines the company’s achievement of the overall financial results against each metric (see above) and approves a multiplier to be applied to the sum of the annual incentive targets. For NEOs, executive officers, unit presidents and staff vice presidents, the 2017 annual incentive is only paid ifwas contingent on the company achievesachieving its IRCSection 162(m) threshold targetgoal of $256,583,000$222,181,000 in income from continuingcontin-

uing operations, as restated excluding certain special events. (See “Treatment of Special Events” beginning on page 5560 of this proxy statement.) This target was establishedintended to allow payments under the 2017 annual incentive program to qualify

as performance-based compensation for purposes of IRCCode Section 162(m). as in effect at the time the goal was established. Actual 2014 adjusted2017 income from continuing operations, excluding all special events, was $387,414,000. The initial threshold of adjusted income from continuing operations was adjusted to exclude the sale of the Canada DIS business. The adjustment was made according to predetermined definitions when the target was originally established and is also reflected in actual results.

The chart below shows actual financial results and the payout as compared to target.


ObjectivesTarget WeightingActual ResultActual Payout as a % of Target
Financial Objectives:   
Adjusted Earnings Before
Interest and Taxes(1)
35%$731 million37.8%
Adjusted Revenue Growth(1)25%1.6%31.4%
Adjusted Free Cash Flow(1)40%$467 million46.4%
Total100%n/a115.7%

(1)For compensation purposes, (a) adjusted earnings before interest and taxes excludes the impact of foreign currency translation; (b) adjusted revenue growth excludes the impact of foreign currency translation and the disposal of certain business operations; and (c) adjusted free cash flow excludes reserve account deposits and changes in finance receivables. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted revenue growth and adjusted free cash flow are non-GAAP measures. For a reconciliation and additional information, please see “Non-GAAP Measures” on page 55 of this proxy statement.

The Committee compared the 2014 performance against the financial targets and approved a 2014 annual incentive multiplier of 115.7%. Next the Committee assessed the predetermined strategic goals for 2014 which included improving client satisfaction and implementing employee engagement and culture change throughout the organization.

With respect to the client satisfaction goal, the Committee noted that the company successfully implemented the Net Promoter Score (NPS), a universal client satisfaction metric, across business units globally. The client satisfaction threshold, target, and maximum objectives were to achieve a 5%, 20% or 30% closure in reducing the gap to goal. NPS is measured on a scale of -100 to +100. Our goal was to achieve an NPS placing us in the top quartile. Our threshold, target and maximum objectives reflect realistic and stretch percentage increases in closing the gap between our baseline score and top quartile results. The company ultimately achieved a 28% gap closure among business units globally, which was slightly below the maximum achievement of 30% gap closure.
In 2014 the employee engagement and culture metrics included the following survey dimensions: Employee Engagement, Sustainable Engagement, Client Focus and Team. These metrics are measured from employee survey results. Each category is assigned a series of specific questions in the employee survey as developed in conjunction with the company’s outside consultant, Towers Watson. Employee Engagement is a Pitney Bowes-developed metric which measures employees’ commitment to the company. Sustainable
Engagement is a Towers Watson benchmark metric that measures both the employee commitment and ability to execute on behalf of the company. Sustainable Engagement, along with the other Towers Watson developed metrics of Client Focus and Team, allow us to compare ourselves to high performing companies. The Committee noted that the company reached or exceeded the maximum objective for all except one metric.

MetricMaximumActual
Employee
Engagement
6% point
improvement
11% point
improvement
Sustainable
Engagement
4% point
improvement
5% point
improvement
Client Focus5% point
improvement
5% point
improvement
Team6% point
improvement
5% point
improvement

The goals above represent a 15% closure in gap to goal of 100%.

Noting the significant progress achieved in both strategic metrics above, the Committee, and independent board members with respect to the CEO, added a 9.4% Strategic Modifier resulting in a final annual incentive multiplier of 125.1%.$264,769,000.

 

Based on the above analysis, Mr. Lautenbach made recommendations to the Committee for his direct reports. The Committee considered those recommendations and the actualfinancial performance against objectives as shown resulting inabove, the annual incentive awards to our NEOs as follows:pool was funded for 2017 at 32.3%, which includes the strategic modifier of 4.8%


44

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ExecutiveTarget AwardPayoutPayout Percent to Target
Marc B. Lautenbach$1,215,000$1,519,965125.1%
Michael Monahan$485,856$607,806125.1%
Abby F. Kohnstamm$448,000$560,448125.1%
Mark L. Shearer$457,320$572,107125.1%
Daniel J. Goldstein$295,033$369,087125.1%

 

Long-term Incentives

 

Long-term incentives link the NEOs’ rewards to the company’s long-term financial performance and stock price. We also pay long-term incentives in order to be competitive in the markets in which we operate and in order to attract and retain high-performing executives.

 

In 2014, in order to tie executive rewards closerLong-term incentive awards are linked to changes in shareholder value and continue to be 100% equity based. In 2017, the Committee changed the designaward mix for the 2014 LTI awards to 100% equity (70%NEOs consisted of 60% PSUs, 20% performance-based RSUs and 30% performance-based RSUs) to further align long-term incentives with long-term stockholder interests. As a result, all of the long-term executive compensation structure will be impacted20% NSOs. Stock denominated grants, by changes in company stock price.their nature, convey market-based standards over time.

Performance Stock Units (PSUs)

 

PSUs which the Committee decided will be granted in place of CIUs beginning in 2014, have many of the same features as the previously granted CIUs, except that the PSUs are based on and settled in stock instead of cash. The new LTI mix of 100% equity further aligns the LTI program with market best practices. In addition, the vesting period for the RSUs was changed from four years to three years to better align with the company’s strategic plan.

As a result of the way equity-based PSUs and cash-based CIUs are reported on the Summary Compensation Table, beginning in 2014, you will see a “bunching” of award values. The outstanding and previously granted cash-based CIU awards will continue to be reflected as required under SEC rules when paid, but the equity denominated PSUs are required to be reported when granted. Although it may appear from a review of the Summary Compensation Table that the total value of LTI has increased, in fact, it only reflects the different timing of when cash versus equity is reported in accordance with SEC requirements. Since outstanding and previously awarded CIUs will continue to vest through 2016, this “bunching” effect also will continue through 2016.

Cash Incentive Units (CIUs)

CIUs are long-term cashequity awards granted annually priorconstituting 60% of a NEO’s long-term incentive award. In recognition of the challenges inherent in establishing cumulative three-year financial targets during the company’s transformation period, in February 2017 the Committee approved a return to 2014 withthe PSU design last utilized for the 2015-2017 award cycle. This design includes annual financial targets (AEPS and AFCF) set at the beginning of each calendar year within the three year cycle, which results are aggregated at the end of the three-year performance period. Additionally, final results would be modified by a cumulative three-year total shareholder return (TSR) modifier of up to plus or minus 25% based on relative performance compared

with the proxy peer group. The TSR modifier cannot result in a positive adjustment if there is a negative TSR over the three-year cycle.

The purpose of this change was to focus on succeeding at each step of the three-year performance period while meeting the company’s long-term financial goals. Our long-term incentives consisting of PSUs, RSUs, and vesting cycles.NSOs demonstrate a strong commitment to long-term growth from a stockholder perspective as the value of these awards increase as company stock price increases.

PSUs vest at the end of the three-year performance period when the Committee determines their value based on performance against the pre-established financial metrics. At any given time there will be three PSU cycles outstanding. The vesting of pre-2018 long-term incentive awards are generally subject to achieving an average income from continuing operations (IFCO) financial performance threshold target over the cycle period, established in part for purposes of IRCCode Section 162(m). At any given as in effect at the time there are three cycles outstanding. NEOs are awarded CIUs with payoutsthose awards were granted. If the average IFCO target is not met, then the entire award is forfeited. In addition, vesting of PSUs is based on achieving various challenging enterprise-wide financial objectives established at the beginning of each year of the three-year cycle. If the threshold level of performance for the enterprise-wide financial objectives are not met for a calendar year, one-third of the award value will be forfeited. Beginning with the 2014 – 2016 cycle, we have eliminated this component of LTI compensation and replaced it with PSUs, discussed below. As a result, the last remaining CIU award cycle will end in 2015 and is payable in 2016.objectives.

 

The enterprise-wide financial objectives set by the Committee include adjusted earnings per share and adjusted free cash flow. We believe both of these financial factors are important indicators of the company’s long-term viability and performance and thus are appropriate metrics upon which to base long-term incentive awards. Adjusted earnings per share is an appropriate measure of long-term profitability, and strong adjusted free cash flow provides us with needed resources to reposition and pursue new growth opportunities.

The Committee generally sets the financial targets close to the midpoint of the guidance we provide to stockholders and the financial community at the beginning of each year. Subsequent revisions of guidance during the course of the year do not affect the targets set at the beginning of a year. Before finalizing payouts, the Committee ranks the company’s cumulative three-year TSR against the cumulative three-year TSR of each company in the peer group. The Committee believes it set the 2014 objectives as it relates to previously awarded CIUs with the appropriate level of difficulty and stretch for each target.


45

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

CIU Objectives and Metrics

The 2012 – 2014 financial objectives, each weighted at 50%, are stated below:

2012 – 2014 LTI Adjusted Earnings Per Share(1)ThresholdTargetMaximum
2012$1.72$2.15$2.22
2013$1.53$1.71$1.88
2014$1.60$1.76$1.95

2012 – 2014 LTI Adjusted Free Cash Flow(1)ThresholdTargetMaximum
2012$684$760$790
2013$573$623$673
2014$400$440$500

(1)Adjusted earnings per share and adjusted free cash flow (in millions) are non-GAAP measures. For a reconciliation and additional information on the adjustments, please see “Non-GAAP Measures” beginning on page 55 of this proxy statement.

2014 Funding of the Cash Incentive Unit Pool and Actual Payout

For the 2012 – 2014 CIU cycle, the unit value at target is $1.00. The CIU value range is between $0 and $2.00 based upon the achievement of the pre-determined financial objectives described above, each weighted at 50%. The Committee modifies the resulting unit value by up to +/– 25% based on our cumulative three-year TSR as ranked against the cumulative three-year TSR of companies within our peer group linking payout to our relative TSR.

For NEOs, executive officers, unit presidents and staff vice presidents the 2012 – 2014 CIU cycle is only paid if the company achieves the restated IRC 162(m)

threshold target of average income from continuing operations over the cycle of $339,706,000, excluding certain special events. (See “Treatment of Special Events” beginning on page 55 of this proxy statement.) Average annual income from continuing operations for the 2012 – 2014 CIU cycle was $377,264,000, which exceeded the performance threshold. The IRC 162(m) threshold for adjusted income from continuing operations for 2012 – 2014 was restated to eliminate the impact of disposal of certain business operations, in accordance with predetermined definitions of income from continuing operations. The chart below shows actual results as compared to target before and after applying the TSR Modifier for the 2012 - 2014 cycle.


ObjectivesActual ResultMetric
Payout Value
TSR ModifierFinal
Payout Value
2012 – 2014 LTI Adjusted
Earnings Per Share(1)
    
2012$2.16$0.19  
2013$1.88$0.33  
2014$1.95$0.33  
2012 – 2014 LTI Adjusted
Free Cash Flow(1)
    
2012$767 million$0.20  
2013$655 million$0.27  
2014$467 million$0.24  
Total $1.56(15%)$1.33

(1)For compensation purposes, (a) adjusted earnings per share includes the benefit received from the company’s divestiture of a partnership investment; and (b) adjusted free cash flow excludes reserve account deposits and changes in finance receivables. Adjusted EPS and adjusted free cash flow are non-GAAP measures. For a reconciliation and additional information, please see “Non-GAAP Measures” on page 55 of this proxy statement.
4650

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

The TSR Modifier in aggregate decreased the CIU pay-out level for the 2012 – 2014 cycle by -15%.

The CIU payout in February 2015, for the 2012 – 2014 cycle, was $1.33 per unit. This compares to the 2011 – 2013 cycle pay-out which was $1.50 per unit.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units

An annual grant of performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) is made during the first quarter of the year.

For NEOs, executive officers, unit presidents and staff vice presidents, no RSUs will vest unless the company achieves at least the IRC 162(m) threshold target of $256,583,000 income from continuing operations, as restated excluding certain special events. (See “Treatment of Special Events” beginning on page 55 of this proxy statement.) Actual 2014 income from continuing operations, excluding all special events, was $387,414,000, which exceeded the target. The IRC 162(m) threshold targets for income from continuing operations and actual 2014 income from continuing operations were adjusted to eliminate the impact of the disposal of certain business operations in accordance with the predetermined definition of income from continuing operations.

In 2014, the percentage of the long-term incentive award made up by RSUs was reduced from 40% to 30%. The 2014 award vests in three equal installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date if the executive is still employed on the vesting date. If the initial income from continuing operations target had not been achieved, the RSUs granted in 2014 would have been forfeited.

Performance Stock Units (PSUs)

Beginning in 2014, PSUs replaced CIUs, making the company’s long-term incentive mix entirely equity based. PSUs are long-term equity awards granted annually with three year performance and vesting cycles. At any given time after three years of PSU awards there will be three PSU cycles outstanding. The vesting of long-term incentive awards are generally subject to achieving an average IFCO financial threshold target established for purposes of IRC 162(m). If the average IFCO target is not met, then the entire award is forfeited. In addition, vesting of PSUs are based on achieving various challenging enterprise-wide financial objectives established at the beginning of each year of the three-year cycle. If the enterprise-wide financial objectives are not met for a calendar year, one-third of the award will be forfeited.

The enterprise-wide financial objectives set by the Committee include adjusted earnings per share and adjusted free cash flow. We believe both of these financial factors are important indicators of the company’s long-term viability and performance and align with the company’s long-term growth strategy, and thus are appropriate metrics upon which to base long-term incentive awards. Adjusted earnings per share is an appropriate measure of long-term profitability, and strong adjusted free cash flow provides us with needed resources to reposition and pursue new growth opportunities.

Adjusted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS) is an appropriate measure of long-term profitability.
Adjusted FCF provides us with needed resources to reposition and pursue new growth opportunities. While we recognize that this metric is also utilized in our short-term one-year goal, we believe Adjusted FCF is important as well to the company’s long-term success, measured over a three-year period.

The Committee generally sets the financial targets close to the midpoint ofconsidering the guidance we provide to stockholders and

the financial community at the beginning of each year.investment community. Subsequent revisions of guidance during the course of the year do not affect the targets set at the beginning of a year. Before finalizing payouts, the Committee ranks the company’s cumulative three-year TSR against the cumulative three-year TSROur long-term financial targets take into account budgeted levels of each Company in the peer group and can adjust the final payout by plus or minus 25%. The TSR modifier cannot result in a positive adjustment if there is a negative TSR over the three-year cycle.share repurchases. The Committee believes it setsets the 2014 objectives with the appropriate level of difficulty and stretch for each target.grant.

 

The number of PSUs granted at target isin 2017 was determined using Monte-Carlo simulation modelling. Monte-Carlo simulation modelling is a generally accepted statistical technique used, in this instance, to simulate a rangeby dividing the target dollar amount set for each NEO by the closing price of possible future prices for Pitney Bowes commoncompany stock based on various inputs, including stock volatility, dividend yield, expected term, and risk-free rates.the date of grant.

 

The number of shares vesting at the end of the cycle can range from 0 to 200% of the initial number granted based on achievement of the Committee approvedpre-established financial goals and application of the cumulative three-year TSR modifier.goals. The Committee also can employ negative discretion in determining the vesting percentage to reducereflect more accurately the payout even if the financial goals are achieved based oncompany’s overall company performance.


 

Performance-Based MarketPerformance Stock Units

Performance-based market stock units (MSUs) were granted to executive officers, including NEOs, in February 2012 (PSUs) Objectives and Metrics for the first and only time. In 2013, the Committee determined that MSUs would no longer be a part of the company’s executive compensation structure. The number of MSUs that can vest is capped at 200% of the number of MSUs originally granted. A minimum number of shares, comprising 50% of the award, will vest at the end of the three-year performance period.completed 2015-2017 grant cycle

 

The numbertable below shows the financial metrics, each weighted at 50%, and various levels of performance-based MSUs that will vest is based on (i) the company’s TSR over the vesting period and (ii) the executives’ continued employment until the vesting date. The number of units which will vest is determined by multiplying the number of units awarded by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Pitney Bowes ending stock price, $24.01(1), plus cumulative dividends paid on outstanding company stock during the vesting period, $3.19, and the denominator, of which is the Pitney Bowes beginning stock price, $19.26(2). Vesting of the MSU awards was also based on the company’s achievement of an IFCO target, $383,665,000, in the initial year of the award, which was met. Based on the company’s TSR over the award period, a multiplier of 1.41 was appliedrelating to the target number of 2012 MSU awards.2015-2017 PSUs:

 

2015 – 2017
Adjusted Earnings Per Share(1)
  Threshold Target Maximum Actual
Result
 Metric
Payout
Value
 TSR
Modifier
 Final
Performance
Multiplier
2015  $1.65 $1.85 $2.00 $1.79 0.13    
2016  $1.75 $1.90 $2.05 $1.68 0.00    
2017  $1.65 $1.78 $1.85 $1.41 0.00    
                
2015 – 2017
Adjusted Free Cash Flow(1)
  Threshold Target Maximum Actual
Result
 Metric
Payout
Value
    
2015  $380 million $405 million $455 million $384 million 0.05    
2016  $385 million $435 million $485 million $317 million 0.00    
2017  $335 million $375 million $405 million $247 million 0.00    
Total          0.18 -20% 0.14

 

(1)Pitney Bowes ending stock price is the averageAdjusted EPS and adjusted free cash flow are non-GAAP measures. For a reconciliation and additional information, please see “Non-GAAP Measures” on page 60 of the closing price of company stock for the 20 trading days ending on the last day of the month prior to the vesting date.
(2)Pitney Bowes beginning stock price is the average of the closing price of company stock for the 20 trading days ending with the grant date.this proxy statement.


For the 2015 – 2017 PSU cycle, the unit multiplier at target is 100%. The PSU multiplier range is between 0% and 200% based upon the achievement of the pre-determined financial objectives described above, each weighted at 50%. The Committee modifies the resulting unit value by up to +/- 25% based on our cumulative three-year TSR as ranked against the cumulative three-year TSR of companies within our peer group linking pay-out to our relative TSR. If TSR is negative for the cumulative three-year period, there is no positive application of the TSR modifier. Based on relative performance versus our peer group over the cumulative three-year period, the TSR modifier is applied as shown on page 52.

4751

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

PBI rank vs. Peer GroupModifier
Above 75th %ile+25%
70th to 75th %ile+20%
65th to 70th %ile+15%
60th to 65th %ile+10%
55th to 60th %ile+5%
45th to 55th %ile+0%
40th to 45th %ile–5%
35th to 40th %ile–10%
30th to 35th %ile–15%
25th to 30th %ile–20%
Below 25th %ile–25%

For NEOs, executive officers, unit presidents and staff vice presidents, the 2015-2017 PSU cycle is only vested if the company achieves average income from continuing operations over the cycle of $271,190,000, excluding certain special events. (See “Treatment of Special Events” beginning on page 60 of this proxy statement.) Average annual adjusted income from continuing operations for the 2015-2017 PSU cycle was $311,299,000 which exceeded the performance threshold.

Based on the 2015-2017 PSU performance multiplier of 0.14 per unit, the NEOs each vested in the following number of PSUs in February 2018:

Executive  Target PSUs Awarded Performance Multiplier Units Vested
Marc B. Lautenbach  164,551 .14 23,037
Stanley J. Sutula III  N/A N/A N/A
Michael Monahan  65,820 .14 9,215
Mark L. Shearer  42,783 .14 5,990
Roger Pilc  19,746 .14 2,764

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units

An annual grant of performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) is made during the first quarter of the year. While RSUs continue to support the executives’ long-term outlook, they also act as a significant retention tool.

For NEOs, executive officers, unit presidents and staff vice presidents, no 2017 RSUs will vest unless the company achieves a Section 162(m) threshold target of $222,181,000 income from continuing operations, excluding certain special events in 2017. (See “Treatment of Special Events” beginning on page 60 of this proxy statement.) Actual 2017 income from continuing operations, excluding certain special events, was $264,769,000 which exceeded the target.

In 2017 performance-based RSUs comprised 20% of a NEO’s long-term incentive award. The 2017 award vests in three equal installments if the executive is still employed on the installment vesting date. If the income from continuing operations target had not been achieved, the RSUs granted in 2017 would have been forfeited.

Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs)

An annual grant of stock options is made during the first quarter of the year constituting 20% of a NEO’s long-term incentive award.

On February 6, 2017, the named executive officers were awarded an annual grant of stock options to purchase common stock of the company under the 2013 Stock Plan at an exercise price of $13.16 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the day of grant. These stock options have a ten-year exercise period and will vest and become exercisable in equal installments over three years commencing on the first anniversary after the date of grant, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.

Periodic Off-Cycle Long-Term Awards

 

In special circumstances, the Committee, or in the case of the CEO and COO, the independent members of the board members,of directors, may determine that it is appropriate to make additional long-term award grants to executives and new hires during the course of the year. In some cases, these awards are part of the long-term incentive awards made to hires during the course of a calendar year, and in other cases, theseThese awards are in addition to the annual long-term incentive awards made in any given year.awards.

 

InMr. Sutula joined Pitney Bowes on February 2014,1, 2017 as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at which time he received a special award grant to make up for awards forfeited from his prior employment. Mr. Pilc received a special retention award due to the Committee awarded anstrategic nature of his work during this transformation period. For additional tranche of RSUs to Ms. Kohnstamm that was promisedinformation, please see the Summary Compensation Table on page 62.


52

in connection with her hiring in 2013. The additional tranche is subject to an adjusted income from continuing operations performance metric with a one-year vesting provision.COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

See details of the grants to Ms. Kohnstamm in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014” table on page 59 of this proxy statement.

In June 2014, Ms. Kohnstamm was awarded the second half of her cash sign-on award in connection with her hiring.


Other Indirect Compensation

 

Retirement Compensation

 

In the United States, retirement benefits include:

Qualified and nonqualified restoration pension plans for employees hired prior to January 1, 2005.
Qualified and nonqualified restoration 401(k) plans with company matching contributions up to 4% of eligible compensation and 2% company core contribution for those not eligible for the Pension Plan. Participants become eligible for the company matching and company core contributions after one year of employment with the company.
Qualified and nonqualified restoration 401(k) plans with company matching contributions up to 4% of eligible compensation and 2% company core contributions. Participants become eligible for the company matching and company core contributions after one year of employment with the company.
Qualified and nonqualified restoration pension plans for employees hired prior to January 1, 2005. Accruals under these plans were frozen at the end of 2014. Mr. Monahan is the only NEO who qualifies for this benefit.

 

Nonqualified plans are unfunded obligations of the company subject to claims by our creditors. Nonqualified restoration plans (pension and 401(k)) are based on the same formulas as are used under the broad-based qualified plans and make up for benefits that would have been provided under the qualified planplans except for limitations set forth underimposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (IRC).amended. Restoration plans are available to a select group of management or highly compensated employees, including the NEOs.

 

Nonqualified plans are unfunded obligations of the company subject to claims by our creditors. An individual account under the 401(k) Restoration Plan:

is adjusted on the basis of notional investment returns of publicly-available mutual fund investments; and
does not receive any above-market earnings.
is adjusted on the basis of notional investment returns of publicly-available mutual fund investments offered under the qualified 401(k) plan; and
does not receive any above-market earnings.

 

The Pension Restoration Plan applies the same standard actuarial rules as are applied under the qualified Pension Plan.

Effective December 31, 2014, the board of directors approved the freezing of all future Pension Plan benefit accruals for all employees.

Similar amendments were adopted with respect to the Pension Restoration Plan. At the same time, the board of directors amended the 401(k) Plan and the 401(k) Restoration Plan, effective January 1, 2015, to provide eligibility to participate in the 2% employer core contri-

bution to those employees who will no longer accrue benefits under the Pension Plan. The 2% employer core contribution has been in effect since 2005 when the Pension Plan was closed to new employees hired after December 31, 2004.

For additional information, please see the narrative accompanying the “Pension Benefits as of December 31, 2014”2017” table on page 6468 and the narrative accompanying the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2014”2017” table beginning on pages 65 to 66page 69 of this proxy statement.

 

Other Benefits

 

Other benefits include:

Nonqualified Deferred Incentive Savings Plan:Plan (DISP) which provides certain executives the ability to voluntarily defer in a tax efficient manner pay-outs of annual cash incentives and base pay into a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
ºProvides a savings vehicle in a tax efficient manner
ºProvides certain executives the ability to voluntarily defer payouts of annual cash incentives, CIUs and base pay into a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
Effective February 2015, certain executives with RSUs and PSUs who are subject to the executive stock ownership policy, may voluntarily elect to defer settlement of RSUs and PSUs until termination or retirement. Executives who choose deferral receive dividend equivalents after the award vests which are also deferred.
Limited additional benefits, including, financial counseling to assist with tax law compliance and to provide guidance in managing complex investment, tax, legal and estate matters; up to a maximum of $7,500 per year
Relocation assistance for executives asked to move to a new work location facilitates the placement of the right person in the job and aids in developing talent
Executive physical
Spousal travel
Certain executives with RSUs and PSUs who are subject to the executive stock ownership policy, may voluntarily elect to defer settlement of RSUs and PSUs until termination or retirement. Executives who choose deferral receive dividend equivalents after the award vests which are also deferred.
Relocation assistance for executives asked to move to a new work location facilitates the placement of the right person in the job and aids in developing talent
Limited perquisites, including financial counseling (to assist with tax compliance, investments, legal and estate matters), executive physicals and spousal travel.


48

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Process for Determining Named Executive Officer Compensation

 

Committee

 

The Committee is responsible for reviewing the performance of and approving compensation awarded to our executive officers, other than the CEO.CEO and COO. The independent board members, with the input of the Committee, annually(i) set the CEO’s individual target compensation and performance targets annually for the CEO and COO, (ii) review histheir performance, and(iii) determine histheir compensation pay-out in the context ofpay-outs by comparing actual performance

against the established objectives and approve the actual

performance against those objectives and the TSR.TSR modifier. In addition, the Committee, and the independent board members with respect to the CEO and COO, may exercise negative discretion in its sole determination. The Committee works closely with its independent consultant, Pay Governance LLC, and management to examine various pay and performance matters throughout the year.


 

Independent Compensation Consultant

 

The Committee retains Pay Governance as its independent compensation consultant and considers advice and information provided by Pay Governance in determining the compensation paid to NEOs and making its recommendation to the board for the CEO and the other NEOs.COO pay. The consultant regularly attends the Committee meetings and advises on a range of matters, including peer group composition, plan design, and competitive pay practices. The consultant does not perform other services for the company. We incurred $46,077$89,614 in fees for Pay Governance

for services performed for the Committee during 2014.2017. The Committee considered the following six factors and determined there was no conflict in the engagement of Pay Governance and that Pay Governance is independent: (i) the provision of other services to the company by Pay Governance; (ii) the amount of fees received from the company by Pay

Governance, as a percentage of the total revenue of Pay Governance; (iii) the policies and procedures of Pay Governance that are designed to prevent conflicts of interest; (iv) any business or personal


53

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

relationship of the Pay Governance consultant with a member of the Committee; (v) any company stock owned by the Pay Governance consultants; and (vi) any business or personal relationship of the Pay Governance consultant or Pay Governance with any of the company’s executive officers. The Committee has the sole authority to hire and terminate its consultant.

The Committee also reviews independence factors applicable to other consultants, including, outside law firms and Willis Towers Watson, management’s compensation consultant.


 

Determining Compensation—The Decision Process

 

 

 

At the beginning of each year our CEO, on behalf of senior management, recommends to the Committee financial objectives for the annual and long-term incentive plans based on the financial objectives set by the board of directors.directors in light of guidance provided to the investment community. The Committee and the independent directors review the recommendations of management particularly with respect to the appropriateness and rigor of the objectives and approve the final annual and long term objectives.

 

After reviewing benchmarking data presented by external consultants, our CEO and Executive Vice President

and Chief Human Resources Officer recommend compensation target levels for base, annual, long-term incentive, as well as total direct compensation as well asin the annual and long-term incentive compensationaggregate for executive officers, including the NEOs, other than the CEO.CEO and COO. The Committee reviews management’s recommendations and determines the appropriate financial objectives, base salary and the target levels of annual and long-term incentive compensation. The Committee also recommends for approval by the independent board members the CEO’s base salary and annual and long-term incentive target levels.levels for the CEO and COO. Generally at this time,


49

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

the Committee also approves any changes to the compensation program for the coming year.

 

At the end of each year, each NEO completes a written self-assessment of his or her performance against his or her objectives. The CEO evaluates the performance of his executive officer direct reports and recommends incentive compensation actions other than for himself and the COO to the Committee. The Committee recommends to the independent board members an individual

rating for the CEO.CEO and COO. The Committee reviews the financial accomplishments of the company, taking into account predetermined objectives for the preceding year, and determines actual base salary increases as well as the annual and long-term incentive compensation for the NEOs and recommends for approval by the independent board members the CEO’s compensation.compensation for the CEO and COO. The actual payout levels for annual incentive compensation are based upon the company’s performance against the predetermined financial objectives and other criteria, as discussed in further detail under “Annual Incentives” beginning on page 43. For49. With respect to long-term incentive compensation, the recommendation to the Committee fordetermines payout levels is based on pre-determined financial objectives, and to the extent applicable, a relative TSR Modifier,modifier, as discussed in further detail under “Long-term Incentives” beginning on page 4550 of this proxy statement.

 

To assist in this process, the Committee also reviews tally sheets prepared by the Human Resources depart-

mentdepartment to evaluate the individual components and the total mix of compensation. The tally sheets show the dollar amount of each of the components of each executive officer’s compensation, summarizing the total compensation opportunity, including the executive’s fixedcurrent and variable compensation, perquisites and potential payments upon termination or Change of Control. In addition, the tally sheets include a summary of historical compensation. These tally sheets aid the Committee in analyzing the individual compensation components as well as the compensation mix and weighting of the components within the total compensation package.

 

To evaluate whether each NEO’s compensation package is competitive with the marketplace, the Committee, and with respect to the CEO and COO, the independent board members, also review each executive’s total direct compensation against market data during the benchmarking process as more fully described in “Assessing Competitive Practice” below. Based on the


54

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

structure of our current management team, the Committee and the board strive to ensure that the relationship between the compensation paid to the CEO and the second highest paid NEO are within acceptable market norms, subject to considerations such as performance,per-

formance, the market median compensation of the respective positions, contributions to the company and experience that may lead to deviations from market relationships.


 

Assessing Competitive Practice

 

To evaluate whether Pitney Bowes’ executive compensation is competitive in the marketplace, the Committee annually compares each executive’s total direct compensation (base salary, annual incentive and long-term incentives) against two independent reports, the Willis Towers Watson Regressed Compensation Report (Willis Towers Watson Report) and the Radford Global Technology Survey Report (Radford Report) with a view towards determining the optimal mix and level of compensation, the Towers Watson Regressed Compensation Report (Towers Watson Report) and the Radford High-Tech Industry Survey Report (Radford Report). Wecompensation. The Committee then reviewreviews the targets and actual payouts against publicly available data from our peer group to evaluate ongoing compensation opportunity and competitiveness. Finally, the Committee’s independent compensation consultant reviews the data presented to the Committee, before the Committee establishes the target total direct compensation structure. The Committee sets compensation targets assuming achievement of specific incentive award performance objectives at target.

 

The Willis Towers Watson data is regressed for corporate revenue of approximately $4.0 billion for corporate leaders and actual regressed revenue for business unit leaders. The Willis Towers Watson Report is a sub-section of the 20142017 US Compensation Data Bank (CDB) General Industry Executive Database. The Radford Report is regressed for corporate revenue of approximately $3.0 - $5.0 billion for corporate leaders and bases its analysis on applicable revenue ranges as they pertain to various roles. The Radford Report is derived from a database of survey results from high-tech companies. The Committee believes using the Willis Towers Watson Report regressed revenue scope and Radford Reports assist the revenue rangesCommittee in the Radford Report more accurately reflect

determining market competitiveness of executive officer compensation against outside companies. However, the exact number of companies included in the data for each executive position may vary depending on the structure of the applicable company and whether the company submitted the relevant data.external benchmarks.

 

This market data provides important reference points for the Committee but is not the sole basis for determining appropriate compensation design, compensation targets, or individual pay levels. Use of comparative industry data and outside surveys only serves to indicate to the Committee whether those decisions are in line with industry in general and our peer group in particular. The Committee believes that the comparative industry data used from the Willis Towers Watson Report, the Radford Report and the peer group are consistent with our compensation philosophy. In addition, compensation targets

and individual pay levels may vary from the median for various reasons, including:

 

the value of the total rewards package;
program design and strategic considerations;
affordability;
changing competitive conditions;
program transition considerations;
the definition and scope of the executive’s role;
the executive’s individual contributions to the company; or
succession or retention considerations.


50
program design and strategic considerations;

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

affordability;
changing competitive conditions;
program transition considerations;
the definition and scope of the executive’s role;
the executive’s individual contributions to the company; and
succession or retention considerations.

 

In making its determination that the Pitney Bowes compensation package is appropriate and competitive, the Committee takes the following actions.

 

The Committee first identifies for each NEO the median of the data presented in the Willis Towers Watson and Radford Reports in determining target base salary, target total cash compensation and target total direct compensation. In making its final determination on any one position, the Committee will also take into account unique skill sets presented by the employee.

In addition, as a supplement to the Towers Watson and Radford Reports, the Committee asks Pay Governance to perform its analysisanalyze the appropriateness of the company’s short and provide its opinion on the specificlong-term compensation program design. The Committee and the board also consider the burn rate with respect to the equity awards when deciding how much of the total direct compensation package should be composed of equity-based awards. Burn rate is the total equity awarded in a fiscal year divided by the total weighted average common stockshares outstanding at the beginning offor the year. Our three-year average burn rate for the time period from 20122015 to 20142017 is 0.86% (down from 1.00% based on the prior year three-year average)approximately 2.5%, andwhich is well below the mediangenerally consistent with burn rate of 1.60% for S&P 1500 companies in fiscal year 2013practices among our peers and the Equilar 500 (source: 2017 Equilar 2014 Equity Compensation Trends Report)report).

 

Next, the Committee annually reviews our relative performance, compensation targets and actual payouts against the relative performance and compensation of the peer group listed below.

 

Based on this rigorous review, the Committee has determined that the Pitney Bowes total compensation package for 20142017 is appropriate and competitive considering all the factors outlined above.


55

PEER GROUPCOMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Although wePeer Group

In 2016, the Committee reviewed the composition of the peer group and approved changes effective as of January 1, 2017 for the purposes of benchmarking NEO peer median pay levels, conducting pay practice reviews, and measuring TSR if included in future award designs. We made these changes as a result of some changes occurring in the businesses of our peers as well as the ongoing transformation of the company. We do not have a single completely overlapping competitor due to the unique mix of our business, however, we use a peer group of companies similar in size and complexitycomplex-

ity to benchmark our executive compensation. In 2014,Our peer group consists of companies with revenues between $1.9 billion and $10.3 billion, and market capitalization between $0.4 billion and $31.4 billion. Xerox and Fidelity National Information Services remain in our peer group despite the revenue size difference because the Committee reviewedconsiders them close peers.

Effective January 1, 2017 the composition offollowing companies were removed or added to the peer group.


Peer Company RemovedReason
Lexmark International Inc.Became private in 2016
Harris CorporationSpun-off printing business and became highly concentrated on defense
Iron Mountain Inc.Became a REIT
DST Systems Inc.Sold its print and electronic communications business
Peer Company AddedReason
Deluxe CorporationPrimary focus on Small and Medium Business (SMB) and providing custom packaging and logistics
Teradata CorporationAligns strongly with our data analytics portfolio
NetApp Inc.Represents a balanced equipment and software comparator with exposure to the Ecommerce market

The peer group as amended effective 2017 was implemented with respect to the 2015-2017 PSU cycle and TSR calculation, except that the three companies added to the peer group effective 2017 (Deluxe Corp., Teradata Corp., and decided that no changesNetApp Inc.) were necessary. excluded because they were not in the peer group for the entire performance cycle.

Pay Governance and the Committee designed our peer group so the Committee could analyze compensation packages, including compensation mix and other benefits, within the competitive market to attract and retain the talent and skill required to lead our business. This peer group consists of services, industrial and technology companies. When evaluating the appropriateness of the peer group, the Committee considered factors such as revenue, net income, market capitalization, number of employees, and complexity of the business to ensure a reasonable balance in terms of company size and an adequate number of peers. The Committee also considered any feedback received from stockholders. Our peer group consists of companies with revenues between $2.7 billion and $21.1 billion, and market capitalization between $1.5 billion and $18.3 billion.

The Committee decided to continue to include Xerox in our peer group despite the revenue size difference because the Committee considers it our closest direct peer in the office equipment space and it also is undergoing a similar transformation in its core business.


5156

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Peer Group as of December 31, 2017(1)

 

 Fiscal 2017 12/31/2017      
 RevenueMarket CapitalizationTotal Stockholder Return
Company Name Fiscal 2014
Revenue
($ millions)
 12/31/2014
Market Capitalization
($ millions)
 1-Year Total Stockholder Return
3-Year
 5-Year  ($ millions) ($ millions) 1-Year 3-Year 5-Year
Alliance Data Systems Corporation $4,958  $18,313   9%  40%  35%  $7,719  $14,004   12%  -4%  12%
Deluxe Corporation $1,966  $3,698   9%  9%  21%
Diebold, Incorporated $3,001  $2,239   8%  8%  8%  $4,609  $1,235   -34%  -20%  -9%
DST Systems Inc. $2,710  $3,583   5%  29%  18% 
EchoStar Corp. $3,410  $4,811   5%  35%  21%  $1,886  $5,736   17%  4%  12%
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. $6,305  $17,649   18%  35%  23%  $9,123  $31,414   26%  16%  24%
Fiserv, Inc. $5,013  $17,314   20%  34%  24%  $5,696  $27,327   23%  23%  27%
Harris Corporation $4,976  $7,512   5%  29%  11% 
Iron Mountain Inc. $3,109  $8,098   49%  21%  20% 
Lexmark International Inc. $3,694  $2,530   20%  12%  12% 
NCR Corp. $6,493  $4,907   –14%  21%  21%  $6,516  $4,140   -16%  5%  6%
NetApp Inc. $5,519  $14,759   60%  13%  13%
Pitney Bowes Inc. $3,822  $4,898   8%  17%  8%  $3,550  $2,565   -22%  -19%  6%
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company $11,289  $3,358   –12%  14%  1%  $6,940  $652   -40%  -23%  0%
Rockwell Automation Inc. $6,557  $15,083   –4%  17%  21%  $6,311  $25,210   49%  24%  21%
Teradata Corporation $2,156  $4,654   42%  -4%  -9%
Unisys Corporation $3,447  $1,472   –12%  14%  –5%  $2,744  $411   -45%  -35%  -14%
The Western Union Company $5,619  $9,360   7%  2%  1%  $5,524  $8,731   -9%  5%  10%
Xerox Corporation $21,142  $15,678   16%  23%  13%  $10,265  $7,421   31%  -4%  13%
                   
25th Percentile  $3,428   $3,470   3%  14%  8%  $3,210  $3,808   -14%  -4%  1%
Median  $4,976   $7,512   7%  21%  16%  $5,610  $6,579   14%  5%  12%
75th Percentile  $6,399  $15,381   17%  31%  21%  $6,834  $14,570   30%  12%  19%
                                     
Pitney Bowes Inc.  $3,822   $4,898   8%  17%  8%  $3,550  $2,565   -22%  -19%  6%
PBI Percent Rank  40%   40%  53%  33%  27% 
Source: Capital I.Q.                   
PBI Percentile Rank  26%   20%   21%  16%  30%
Source: S&P Capital I.Q.                  

 

(1)Peer group as of December 31, 2017 used for benchmarking NEO peer median pay levels and conducting pay practice reviews. The calculation of the 2015-2017 TSR modifier excludes Deluxe Corp., Teradata Corp., and NetApp Inc.
5257

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Other Policies and Guidelines

 

Clawback Policy

 

The company’s executive compensation programs include a “clawback” feature, allowing the board of directors to adjust, recoup or require the forfeiture of any awards made or paid under any stock planthe Stock Plan or the Key Employees Incentive Plan (KEIP) under the following circumstances:

 

to any executive officer, including NEOs, in the event of any financial restatement due to a misrepresentation of the financial statements of the company. This applies to vesting or to payments made or paid during the 36-month period prior to the financial restatement; or
to any employee, including NEOs, whom the board of directors reasonably believes engaged in gross misconduct or breached any provisions in their Proprietary Interest Protection Agreement, which generally provides for confidentiality, and non-competition and non-solicitation of employees and customers for one year following termination of employment.
to any executive officer, including NEOs, in the event of any financial restatement due to a misrepresentation of the financial statements of the company. This applies to vesting or to payments made or paid during the 36-month period prior to the financial restatement; or
to any employee, including NEOs, whom the board of directors reasonably believes engaged in gross misconduct or breached any provisions in their Proprietary Interest Protection Agreement, which generally provides for confidentiality, and non-competition and non-solicitation of employees and customers for one year following termination of employment.

 

No Agreements with Executives

 

We have not entered into fixed term employment agreements with any of our NEOs, including the CEO. Therefore, such officers are “at will” employees.

 

No Pledging, Hedging and Other Short-term Speculative Trading

 

We have policies prohibiting both the pledging and hedging of our stock. Neither the board of directors nor management-level employees may pledge or transfer for value Pitney Bowes securities, engage in short-term speculative (“in and out”) trading in Pitney Bowes securities, or participate in hedging and other derivative transactions, including short sales, “put” or “call” options, swaps, collars or similar derivative transactions, with respect to Pitney Bowes securities (other than transactions in employee stock options).

 

Executive Stock Ownership Policy

 

We maintain an executive stock ownership policy that encourages executives to think as owners and to own substantial amounts of company stock to more closely align our key executives’ interests with the long-term interests of our stockholders.

 

The Committee reviewschart below illustrates the executive stockpolicy ownership policy annually to make sure it is in line with the policy’s objectives.requirements:

 

Stock Ownership as a
TitleMultiple of Base Salary
Chief Executive Officer5X
Chief Operating Officer3X
Other Executive Officers2X
Unit Presidents and Staff Vice Presidents1X

Under the executive stock ownership policy the multiple of base salary ownership requirement for the CEO and other executive officers is 5X and 2X, respectively. Unit presidents and staff vice presidents are required to own 1X multiple of base salary. The policy was amended in 2014 to no longer count unvested RSUs, MSUs, PSUs and all option awards. Only shares owned outright, shares held in a trust and shares owned under a deferred compensation arrangement are counted toward the ownership requirement. Unvested shares and unexercised options do not count toward the ownership requirement.

 

Beginning with RSU and PSU awards made in February 2015, executives who are required to own certain levels of company stock under the executive stock ownership policy may elect to defer the settlement of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting until the executives terminate employment or retire. Executives who choose to defer in this manner receive dividend equivalents once the awards vest, which are also deferred as vested RSUs.

 

TitleStock Ownership as a
Multiple of Base Salary
Chief Executive Officer5X
Other Executive Officers2X
Unit Presidents and Staff Vice Presidents1X

We calculate the number of shares targeted for retention by multiplying an executive’s annual base salary times the multiple of salary required and dividing by the average closing price of our common stock on the last trading day of each of the prior two calendar years.

The guidelines provide that the CEO and otherCommittee reviews executive officers have five years to achieve the required ownership levels from the date of the first award following the time they become covered by this policy or covered by an increased holding requirement. Until the CEO and other executive officers meet the required ownership levels, that executive is required to hold at least 75% of their “net profit shares” in the first five years, and 100% of the “net profit shares” thereafter.

Unit Presidents and Staff Vice Presidents must hold at least 50% of their “net profit shares” until the multiple is met. With respect to stock options, net profit shares are the shares remaining after the option is exercised, and, with respect to RSUs, PSUs and restricted stock, net profit shares are the shares remaining after vesting and payment of taxes. As long as the multiple of salary requirement is met, an executive may sell shares acquired previously in the market as well as shares acquired through the exercise of stock options or the vesting of equity awards, subject to normal trading restrictions. The company’s Stock Plan of 2013 allows executives subject to the stock ownership policyannually to defer settlement of RSUs and PSUs after vesting so that executives may achieve required ownership levels faster.make sure it is in line with the policy’s objectives.


53

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Change of Control

 

We believe that the cash payments and benefit levels provided to our executives following a Change of Control transaction are consistent with current market practice for companies of our size. Our Change of Control arrangements are intended to encourage those executives most closely connected to a potential Change of Control to act more objectively, and therefore, in the best interests of our stockholders, despite the fact that such a transaction could result in the executives’ termination. Our Change of Control protections also encourage executives to remain with the company until the completion of the transaction to enable a successful transition. Accelerated vestingPayments of equity awards and Change of

Control severance payments occur only when an employee is terminated without cause or when an employee voluntarily terminates for good reason (such as a reduction in position, pay or other constructive termination event) within two years following a Change of Control (a “double trigger” payment mechanism). The Change of Control, by itself, does not cause severance payments or accelerated vesting of equity awards.

 

The company does not gross up its executives for any excise tax imposed on Change of Control payments.

 

Under the Senior Executive Severance Policy (SESP), NEOs are entitled to severance equal to two times the

sum of the participant’s current annual salary and the participant’s average annual incentive award in the preceding three calendar years in the event their employment is terminated on account of a Change of Control period.

A Change of Control is defined as (i) an acquisition of 30% or more of our common stock, or 30% or more of


58

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

the combined voting power of our voting securities by an individual, entity or group, (ii) replacement of a majority of the board of directors other than as approved by the incumbent board, (iii) as a result of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale, more than 50% of our common stock and voting power changes hands, or (iv) approval by stockholders of a liquidation or dissolution of the company.

 

Our Change of Control arrangements fit into our overall compensation objectives because they are aligned with

our goal of providing a compensation package sufficiently competitive to attract and retain talent and aligned with stockholder interests. With the double trigger payment mechanism applicable to both equity vesting and cash payoutsawards and the lack of any gross-up, we believe the Change of Control arrangements are market leading from a corporate governance perspective. See discussion on Change of Control Arrangements on page 74.


 

Tax and Accounting

 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act). Among other things, the Tax Act substantially amended IRC Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. IRC 162(m) imposes a $1 million cap on the company’s tax deduction on compensation paid to its highest five paid executives (Named Executive Officers). Prior to 2018, qualified performance-based compensation meeting the process requirements of Section 162(m) was exempt from the $1 million cap. The Tax Act repealed the qualified performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and expanded the group of covered employees potentially subject to the $1 million deductibility cap. The Tax Act grandfathered arrangements entered into on or before November 2, 2017.

As a result of the Tax Act changes to Section 162(m), we expect that equity awards or other compensation, whether or not performance based, granted or provided under arrangements entered into or modified after November 2, 2017 to any person who is or was a Named Executive Officer will not be deductible to the extent such amounts exceed $1 million in any one year. With respect to compensation arrangements that were entered into prior to November 2, 2017, we will continue to follow the processes in IRC 162(m) as necessary to preserve their continued tax deductibility under the grandfathering provisions of the Tax Act. However, because there are and have been uncertainties regarding the application of Section 162(m) of the Code, it is possible that awards intended to qualify for deductions under Section 162(m) may be challenged or disallowed.

We do not expect any of these tax law changes to cause us to change our underlying compensation; namely, that executive compensation should be linked to company

performance with criteria that incentivize behavior driving future company success. Our compensation programs are generallyprogram was designed with the intentintention that compensation paid in various forms may be eligible to satisfyqualify for deductibility under Section 162(m). However, since corporate objectives may not always be consistent with the requirements for full deductibility, we have always reserved the ability, when appropriate, to enter into compensation arrangements under IRC 162(m). IRC 162(m) denies the company a tax deduction for certain compensation in excess of $1 million paid to “covered employees” unless the compensation is qualified performance-based compensation. We generally structure our incentive compensation programs with the intentionwhich payments are not anticipated to be IRC 162(m) compliant. However, the Committee weighs the benefits of compliance with IRC 162(m) against the potential limitations of such compliance, and may award compensation that may not be fully deductible if it determines that it is in the company’s best interest to do so. The rules and regulations promulgated under IRC 162(m) are complicated and subject to change from time to time, sometimes with retroactive effect. In addition, a number of requirements must be met in order for particular compensation to qualify. As such, there can be no assurance that any compensation awarded or paid by the company will be fully deductible under all circumstances.Section 162(m).

 

Stock options are not currently granted as part of the mix of long-term incentives, however, special awards of stock options may be granted. In those cases weWe value stock options based upon the Black-Scholes valuation method, consistent with the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (ASC 718). Key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include:

 

the volatility of our stock price;
the risk-free interest rate;
expected term; and
our dividend yield.
the volatility of our stock price;
the risk-free interest rate;
expected term; and
our dividend yield.

 

We also usevalue PSU awards using a Monte-Carlo simulation, which is a generally accepted statistical technique, to value MSUs and PSUs. The technique simulates a range of possible future stock prices for the company. Key assumptions used to estimate the value of MSUs and PSUs include:

the volatility of our stock price;
the risk-free interest rate;
expected term; and
our dividend yield.

The Monte-Carlo simulation uses generally the same metrics as Black-Scholes, but calculates its ultimate result using an iterative method that generates many possible future stock price paths. We believe that the valuation techniques and the approaches utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in estimating the fair value of our stock option, PSU and MSU grants. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by the company under ASC 718.

 

In determining the number of PSUs to be awarded in the mix of long-term incentives, we value PSUs based upon the Monte-Carlo simulated value on the date of grant. In reporting the value of PSU grants in the Summary Compensation Table, the value of PSUs shown represents the full value of the award based on a targeted number of shares multiplied by the Monte-Carlo value on the date of the award. The Monte-Carlo value also takes into


54

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

account the non-payment of dividends during the vesting period.

In determining the number ofand RSUs to be awarded in the mix of long-term incentives for 2017, we value RSUsthese awards based upon the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. In reporting the value of RSUs in the Summary Compensation Table, we discount the value of the RSUs

for non-payment of dividends during the vesting period as required by accounting guidance under ASC 718.

 

For additional information on the accounting treatment for stock-based awards, see note 20Note 1 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.2017.


59

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Treatment of Special Events

 

In determining performance goals and evaluating enterprise performance results, the Committee may use its discretion and judgment to ensure that management’s rewards for business performance are commensurate with their contributions to that performance while still holding management accountable for the overall results of the business. The Committee believes that the metrics for incentive compensation plans should be specific and objective. However, in exercising its negative discretion, the Committee recognizes that interpretation of the application of pre-determined metrics to results may be necessary from time to time to better reflect the operating performance of the company’s business segments and take into account certain one-time events. In adopting its philosophy in establishing metrics and compensating the management team for its actual performance, the Committee believes it to be a fairer measure to remove the impact of certain events that may distort, either positively or negatively, the actual performance of management. The chart below explains the types of events that the Committee has taken into consideration in this regard.

 

Non-GAAP Measures

The Company’s financial results are reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); however, in setting and measuring compensation targets, we use certain non-GAAP measures, such as adjusted income from continuing operations, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted revenue growth, free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow.

Adjusted income from continuing operations, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes and adjusted earnings per share exclude the impact of special items like restructuring charges, tax adjustments, goodwill and asset write-downs, and costs related to dispositions and acquisitions. While these are actual company expenses, they can mask underlying trends associated with its business. Such items are often inconsistent in amount and frequency and as such, the adjustments provide greater insight into the current underlying operating trends of the business.

Adjusted revenue growth is presented on a constant currency basis to exclude the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates since the prior period under comparison and the impact of disposals of certain business operations. This comparison provides better insight into the underlying revenue performance of the business and true operational performance from a comparable basis to prior period.

Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow provides insight into the amount of cash that management could have available for other discretionary uses. Free cash flow adjusts GAAP cash flow provided by operating activities for capital expenditures, restructuring payments, unusual tax settlements or payments, special pension plan contributions and other special items. Adjusted free cash flow excludes the impact of reserve account deposits and finance receivables.

 

Non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an alternative to our reported results determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).GAAP. Further, our definitions of these non-GAAP measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. We use measures such as adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow, adjusted income from continuing operations and adjusted earnings before interest and taxes to exclude the impact of special items like restructuring charges, asset impairments and tax adjustments, because, while these are actual income or expenses of ours, they can mask underlying trends associated with our business. Such items are often inconsistent in amount and frequency and, as such, the adjustments allow greater insight into the current underlying operating trends of the business.

Adjusted earnings per share and adjusted income from continuing operations provide greater insight into the current underlying operating trends of the business by excluding special items such as restructuring charges, asset impairments and tax adjustments.

Free cash flow provides insight into the amount of cash that management could have available for other discretionary uses. It adjusts GAAP cash flow provided by operating activities for capital expenditures, as well as the cash impact of special items such as restructuring charges, unusual tax settlements or payments and special pension contributions.

Management uses earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to measure profitability and performance. EBIT is determined by deducting from revenue the related costs and expenses attributable to the segment. EBIT excludes interest and taxes, as well as special items such as restructuring charges and goodwill and asset impairments.

Revenue growth is presented on a constant currency basis and excludes the impact of disposals of certain business operations. Revenue growth is intended to provide a better understanding of the underlying operational performance of the business over the period.

5560

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Pitney Bowes Inc.

Reconciliation of Reported Consolidated Results to Adjusted Measures for Compensation
(Unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  2014   2013(1)  2012(1)
GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, as reported $1.47  $1.42  $1.88 
Restructuring charges and asset impairments  0.29   0.29   0.06 
Extinguishment of debt  0.19   0.10    
Investment divestiture  (0.05)      
Sale of leveraged lease assets        (0.06)
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(2)  1.90   1.81   1.88 
Adjustment for businesses sold(1)     0.07   0.28 
Investment divestiture  0.05       
Adjusted earnings per share(2) $1.95  $1.88  $2.16 
GAAP net cash provided by operating activities, as reported $655,526  $624,824  $660,188 
Capital expenditures  (180,556)  (137,512)  (176,586)
Reserve account deposits  (15,666)  (20,104)  1,636 
Restructuring payments  56,162   59,520   74,718 
Extinguishment of debt  61,657   32,639    
Net receipts related to investment divestiture  (5,737)      
Tax and other payments on sale of businesses and leveraged lease assets     75,545   114,128 
Pension contribution        95,000 
Free cash flow  571,386   634,912   769,084 
Reserve account deposits  15,666   20,104   (1,636)
Net finance receivables(3)  (119,668)      
Adjusted free cash flow $467,384  $655,016  $767,448 
GAAP income from continuing operations after income taxes, as reported $300,006  $287,612  $379,107 
Restructuring charges and asset impairments, after tax  59,349   59,024   11,610 
Extinguishment of debt, after tax.  37,833   19,911    
Investment divestiture, after tax.  (9,774)      
Sale of leveraged lease assets, after tax        (12,886)
Income from continuing operations, as adjusted  387,414   366,547   377,831 
Adjustment for businesses sold(1)     14,121   57,446 
Adjusted income from continuing operations. $387,414  $380,668  $435,277 
GAAP income from continuing operations before income taxes, as reported $431,196  $383,954  $511,770 
Interest expense, net, before tax  169,450   186,987   184,675 
Restructuring charges and asset impairments, before tax.  84,560   84,344   17,176 
Extinguishment of debt, before tax  61,657   32,639    
Investment divestiture, before tax  (15,919)      
Sale of leveraged lease assets, before tax        3,817 
Earnings before interest and taxes  730,944   687,924   717,438 
Impacts of foreign currency compared to budget(4)  417   3,210    
Adjustment for businesses sold(1)     22,600   26,253 
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes. $731,361  $713,734  $743,691 
Reported revenue growth  0.8%  (0.8%)  (5.1%)
Impacts of foreign currency  0.4%  0.3%  1.1%
Disposal of certain business operations(5)  0.4%  0.0%  0.0%
Revenue growth.  1.6%  (0.5%)  (4.0%)
Adjustment for businesses sold(1)  0.0%  (0.3%)  0.6%
Adjusted revenue growth  1.6%  (0.8%)  (3.4%)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015
GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $1.39  $0.51  $2.00 
Restructuring charges and asset impairments  0.21   0.22   0.09 
Tax legislation  (0.21)      
Goodwill impairment     0.89    
Impact of divestiture transactions     0.02   (0.42)
Transaction costs  0.03      0.06 
Sale of technology  (0.03)      
Extinguishment of debt  0.01       
Preferred stock redemption     0.03    
Acquisition related compensation expense        0.04 
Legal settlement        0.02 
Investment divestiture        (0.04)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations  1.41   1.68   1.75 
Investment divestiture        0.04 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) $1.41  $1.68  $1.79 
GAAP net cash provided by operating activities(2) $495,813  $496,122  $522,989 
Capital expenditures  (170,990)  (160,831)  (166,746)
Restructuring payments  40,804   64,930   62,086 
Pension contribution     36,731    
Reserve account deposits  10,954   (2,183)  (24,202)
Payments related to investment divestiture        20,602 
Acquisition/disposition related expenses        10,483 
Tax payment related to sale of Imagitas        21,224 
Cash transaction fees  7,396   335   17,971 
Free cash flow  383,977   435,104   464,407 
Reserve account deposits  (10,954)  2,183   24,202 
Net finance receivables  (125,991)  (119,883)  (95,341)
Adjusted free cash flow $247,032  $317,404  $393,268 
GAAP net income $261,340  $111,850  $426,318 
Less: Preferred stock dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests     19,045   18,375 
Net income attributable to PBI  261,340   92,805   407,943 
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax     2,701   (5,271)
GAAP net income from continuing operations  261,340   95,506   402,672 
Restructuring charges and asset impairments  39,671   42,343   18,089 
Tax legislation  (38,774)      
Goodwill impairment     169,024    
Impact of divestiture transactions     3,893   (84,250)
Transaction costs  5,762   206   11,475 
Sale of technology  (5,605)      
Extinguishment of debt  2,375       
Preferred stock redemption     6,430    
Acquisition related compensation expense        7,246 
Legal settlement        4,250 
Investment divestiture        (7,756)
Adjusted income from continuing operations  264,769   317,402   351,726 
Preferred stock dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests, as adjusted     15,415   18,375 
Provision for income taxes, as adjusted  84,586   154,062   186,651 
Interest expense, net  164,162   144,211   159,374 
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes  513,517   631,090   716,126 
Impacts of foreign currency compared to budget(3)  10,200   7,010   22,353 
Alignment of management to shareholders(4)        (21,639)
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes for compensation purposes $523,717  $638,100  $716,840 
Reported revenue growth  4.2%  (4.8%)  (6.4%)
Impact of 2017 acquisition(5)  (4.1%)  0.0%   0.0% 
Impacts of foreign currency  0.0%   1.0%   3.5% 
Disposal of non-core businesses(6)  0.0%   0.5%   0.0% 
Adjusted revenue growth  0.1%   (3.2%)  (2.9%)

 

(1)2013 and 2012 have been restated for discontinued operations that occurred subsequent to the reported fiscal year. During 2014, we sold our Canadian Document Imaging Solutions business. During 2013, we sold our Pitney Bowes Management Services operations, our Nordic furniture business and our International Mail Services operations.
(2)The sum of the earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals above due to rounding.
(2)Prior year amounts have been recast for new accounting standard adopted January 1, 2017.
(3)Adjusted free cash flow excludes the impact of finance receivables in 2014.
(4)For 2014 and 2013, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes, as adjusted is translated at 2014 and 2013 budget rates, respectively.rates.
(4)Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes excludes the impact of adjustments to performance-based accruals.
(5)Adjusted revenue growth excludes the growth in revenue attributed to the acquisition of Newgistics in October 2017.
(6)Adjusted revenue growth excludes the impact of the disposal of certain business operations in 2014.non-core businesses.
5661

Executive Compensation Tables and Related Narrative

 

The following “Summary Compensation Table” shows all compensation earned by or paid to Messrs. Lautenbach, Sutula, Monahan, Shearer, Goldstein, and Ms. Kohnstamm.Pilc. The compensation shown below was paid for services performed during or with respect to 2014, 2013,2017, 2016, and 2012.2015. The “Summary Compensation Table” includes amounts earned and deferred during the periods covered under the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan.

 

The “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014”2017” table on page 5964 provides additional information regarding grants made during 20142017 to the NEOs.

 

The “Stock Awards” and “Total” columns in the Summary Compensation Table (SCT) appear greater than historical amounts because of the company’s decision in 2014 to make its long-term incentive (LTI) plan 100% equity based. Last February, the Committee replaced cash incentive units (CIUs), payable in cash, with performance stock units (PSUs), settled in common stock. The new structure consists of 70% PSUs and 30% performance-based restricted stock units. Stock awards are reported in the SCT when granted, while cash awards are reported in the SCT under “Non-Equity Incentive Compensation” when paid. This creates a “bunching effect” making it appear as though the 2014 Stock Award and Total Amounts has comparatively increased from prior years, while in fact it only reflects the disparate manner in which equity and cash is required to be reported. This effect will continue through 2016 when all outstanding CIUs will be fully paid. See discussion on “bunching” in “Cash Incentive Units” on page 45 for additional details.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

             Change in    
             Pension Value    
             and    
           Non-Equity Nonqualified    
           Incentive Deferred    
       Stock Option Plan Compensation All Other  
   Salary Bonus Awards Awards Compensation Earnings Compensation  
Name and Principal Position Year Salary
($)
 Bonus
($)(1)
 Stock
Awards
($)(2)
 Option
Awards
($)(3)
 Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)(4)
 Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(5)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(6),(7)
 Total ($) Year ($) ($) ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) ($)(4) ($)(5) Total ($)
Marc B. Lautenbach 2014 891,667   4,420,297   1,519,965    134,431  6,966,360 2017 950,000  3,799,012 1,100,000 414,248  78,108 6,341,368
President and Chief 2013 850,000   1,172,558 148,800  1,209,975    14,704  3,396,037 2016 950,000  3,876,808 1,100,001 0  115,240 6,042,049
Executive Officer 2012 70,833    289,300        360,133 2015 941,667  4,902,597  4,787,025  166,424 10,797,713
Michael Monahan(8) 2014 602,500   1,276,978   1,472,306  162,214  30,761  3,544,759
                  
Stanley J. Sutula III(6) 2017 547,727 50,000 4,494,301 600,000 155,040  13,214 5,860,283
Executive Vice President 2013 578,400   381,082 554,560  1,481,678  199,451  42,940  3,238,111                  
and Chief Financial Officer 2012 575,600   582,644   1,840,141  161,052  26,164  3,185,601                  
                  
Michael Monahan 2017 648,685  1,381,459 400,000 189,191 15,927 53,060 2,688,323
Executive Vice President, 2016 635,966  1,409,752 400,001 0 70,529 71,502 2,587,750
Chief Operating Officer 2015 622,503  1,961,039  1,639,102 81,973 89,184 4,393,801
                  
Mark L. Shearer 2014 568,875   1,276,978   572,107    33,593  2,451,553 2017 583,083  897,948 260,000 150,669  44,086 1,935,786
Executive Vice President                   2016 583,083  916,336 260,001 0  62,312 1,821,731
and President, Pitney Bowes                  
SMB Mailing Solutions                  
Abby F. Kohnstamm 2014 560,000 400,000  879,173   560,448    15,289  2,414,910
 2015 581,178  1,274,669  1,584,086  83,236 3,523,169
                  
Roger Pilc(7) 2017 531,884  1,071,543 170,000 104,652  45,955 1,924,033
Executive Vice President 2013 303,333 400,000  379,947   264,768    200,240  1,548,288 2016 488,583  599,143 170,001 0  41,930 1,299,657
and Chief Marketing Officer                  
Daniel J. Goldstein 2014 489,335   638,476   801,337  40,038  34,014  2,003,200
Executive Vice President 2013 477,400   190,546   726,152    55,282  1,449,380
and Chief Legal &                  
Compliance Officer                  
and Chief Innovation Officer                  

 

(1)On June 15, 2014, Ms. Kohnstamm was awarded the second half of her cash sign-on award in the amount of $400,000, in connection with her hiring as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer in 2013.
(2)This column includes the value of stock awarded to NEOs during 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 based upon its grant date fair value, as determined under SEC guidance. Performance stock unitsStock Units (PSUs) and performance-based RSUsRestricted Stock Units (RSUs) were granted to the NEOs in 2014.2017. Details regarding the grants of PSUs and performance-based RSUs can be found in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014”2017” table and details regarding outstanding stock awards can be found in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at 20142017 Fiscal Year-End” table. See page 47pages 50-52 in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for additional information on RSUsPSUs and PSUs.RSUs. The value of the PSUs shown in 2017 represents the full value of the award based on a targeted number of shares multiplied by the Monte-Carlo value on the date of the award. If performance conditions allow for PSUs granted in 20142017 to reach the 200% maximum number of shares, based on the Monte-Carlo simulated grant date value, the total value of stock awarded in 20142017 inclusive of RSUs and PSUs would be $7,570,296$6,532,295 for Mr. Lautenbach; $2,186,989$5,985,182 for Mr. Sutula; $2,375,380 for Mr. Monahan; $1,229,181 for Ms. Kohnstamm; $2,186,989$1,543,997 for Mr. Shearer; and $1,093,469$1,493,959 for Mr. Goldstein. MSUs granted in 2012 were valued in February 2015 at a multiplier of 1.41. In 2014, CIUs, reported when paid, were replaced by PSUs, reported when awarded, under SEC guidance. This creates a “bunching” effect which makes it appear as though the LTI award value increased significantly in 2014, when in fact, it is only the disparate manner in which equity and cash is reported under SEC rules. The “bunching” effect resulted in the disclosure of additional 2014 compensation for Mr. Monahan in the amount of $910,012, and for Mr. Goldstein in the amount of $454,993, even though their long-term award values did not change.Pilc.
57

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

(3)(2)This column includes the value of stock options awarded to NEOs during 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 based upon its grant date fair value, as determined in accordance withunder SEC guidance. Nonqualified Stock options awardedOptions (NSOs) were granted to Mr. Lautenbachthe NEOs in 2013 and 2012, and Mr. Monahan in 2013, are premium-priced options.2017. Details regarding the grants of NSOs can be found in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2017” table and details regarding outstanding stock option awards can be found in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at 20142017 Fiscal Year-End” table. See page 52 in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for additional information on NSOs. Refer to our Annual Report 10-K for more information on valuation assumptions.
(3)
(4)This column includes annual incentive compensation earned in 2017, 2016 and 2015, and Cash Incentive Unit (CIU) payouts earned over the 2013-2015 award cycles, if applicable. The 2013-2015 CIU payout represented the final cycle, as the award was replaced with PSUs beginning in 2014. When considering all elements of the table above, the majority of compensation for the NEOs is at-risk and is earned based on company and executive performance against pre-determined financial objectives. This column includesThe 2016 annual incentive compensation earned in 2014, 2013 and 2012, and CIU payouts earned over the following award cycles: 2010-2012, 2011-2013 and 2012-2014. For Mr. Monahan, this also includes a payout in 2012 of his performance award made in 2010 in connection with achievement of annualized benefits from Strategic Transformation and a 2011 IRC 162(m) objective. As a result of being hired in December 2012, Mr. Lautenbach was not eligibleamount is zero for a 2012 annual incentive award. The 2014 annual incentive and CIU award payout amounts in this column are as follows: for Mr. Lautenbach, annual incentive of $1,519,965; for Mr. Monahan, annual incentive of $607,806, CIU of $864,500; for Mr. Shearer, annual incentive of $572,107; for Ms. Kohnstamm, annual incentive of $560,448; for Mr. Goldstein, annual incentive of $369,087, CIU of $432,250. The 2014 amounts in this column include payments that were deferred at the election of the NEOs under the terms of the Pitney Bowes Deferred Incentive Savings Plan, as follows: annual incentive deferral by Mr. Lautenbach of 5% equal to $75,998; CIU award payout deferral of $25,000 by Mr. Monahan; annual incentive deferral by Mr. Shearer of 5% equal to $28,605; annual incentive deferral of $50,000 and a CIU award payout deferral of $50,000 by Mr. Goldstein.each NEO.
(5)(4)This column shows the change in the actuarial present value of the accumulated pension benefit applicable to all eligible employees during 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012.2015. Mr. Lautenbach, Mr. Shearer,Monahan is the only pension eligible NEO and Ms. Kohnstamm do not participateis fully vested in his pension benefit. Both the qualified Pension Plan or the Pension Restoration Plan. Mr. Goldstein’s pension benefit decreased in 2013 compared to year-end 2012 as a result of the impact of rising interest rates on his frozen pension benefit when he terminated employment in August 2008 resulting in a negative value of ($28,201), which is excluded from the sum total in accordance with SEC standards. Mr. Goldstein was not eligible to rejoin the pension plan when he was rehired in October 2010. The Pension Plan is a broad-based plan in which all employees hired prior to 2005, with certain exceptions, participate. The Pension Plan and nonqualified Pension Restoration Plan were frozen to all participants on December 31, 2014.
(6)(5)Amounts shown for 20142017 include all other compensation received by the NEOs that is not reported elsewhere.
For 2014, this includes the following: for Mr. Lautenbach, the company’s actual cost for financial counseling, group term life insurance premium for coverage provided by the2017 includes: company in excessmatch of $50,000, company match$10,800 and 2% core contribution of $5,400 to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plan, and company match of $73,666$21,300 and 2% core contribution of $36,833$13,600 to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan earned in 2014; for Mr. Monahan,2017, financial counseling of $13,885, and the company’s actual cost for financial counseling,of spousal travel and group term life insurance premium for coverage provided by the company in excess of $50,000,$50,000.
For Mr. Sutula, 2017 includes: Financial counseling of $12,706 and the company’s actual cost of group term life insurance provided by the company in excess of $50,000. Mr. Sutula was not eligible for the company match or the 2% core contribution under either the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plan or the Pitney Bowes Restoration plan in 2017.
62

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

For Mr. Monahan, 2017 includes: company match of $10,800 and 2% core contribution of $5,400 to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plan, and company match of $12,600 and 2% core contribution of $7,574 to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan earned in 2014; for Mr. Shearer,2017, financial counseling of $13,885, and the company’s actual cost for financial counseling,of group term life insurance premium for coverage provided by the company in excess of $50,000, and$50,000.
For Mr. Shearer, 2017 includes: company match of $10,800 and 2% core contribution of $5,400 to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plan, company match of $7,200 and 2% core contribution of $6,262 to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan earned in 2014; for Ms. Kohnstamm,2017, financial counseling of $13,885, and the company’s actual cost of group term life insurance premium for coverage provided by the company in excess of $50,000, and$50,000.
For Mr. Pilc, 2017 includes: company match of $10,800 and 2% core contribution of $5,400 to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plan, company match of $10,475 and 2% core contribution of $5,238 to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan earned in 2014; for Mr. Goldstein,2017, and financial counseling of $13,543 and the cost of group term life insurance premium for coverage provided by the company in excess of $50,000, company match and 2% core contribution to the$50,000.
(6)Mr. Sutula joined Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plan, and company match and 2% core contribution to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan earned in 2014. As a result of being hired in December 2012, Mr. Lautenbach did not have any other compensation reportable in this column for 2012.
(7)For Mr. Monahan, the 2012 amount is amended to reflect company match to the 401(k) Restoration Plan during the year earned rather than the year credited.
(8)Mr. Monahan was appointed to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, effectiveon February 9, 2015. He will continue his role1, 2017 as Chief Financial Officer, and his new title is Executive Vice President, Chief OperatingFinancial Officer at which time he was paid a $50,000 cash sign-on bonus, a special award consisting of 60% PSUs (68,389 units), 20% RSUs (22,796 units) and Chief Financial Officer.20% NSOs (150,000 options) and a RSU grant (189,970 units) to make up for awards Mr. Sutula forfeited from his prior employment. Mr. Sutula also received his normal annual long-term incentive award of $1.5 million in February of 2017. The Summary Compensation Table reflects compensation paidchart above shows these awards at their grant date fair value. Refer to Mr. Monahan as Chief Financial Officer.our Annual Report 10-K for more information on valuation assumptions.
(7)Roger Pilc received a special retention award consisting of RSUs (37,994 units) due to the strategic nature of his work during this transformation period in addition to his annual long-term incentive award in February 2017. The chart above shows these awards at their grant date fair value. Refer to our Annual Report 10-K for more information on valuation assumptions.
5863

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN 20142017

         
    Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 Grant
Date Fair
Name Grant
Date
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum(1)
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
 Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards(2)
Marc B. Lautenbach                       
(Annual Incentive)(3)   212,625  1,215,000  4,000,000             
(Performance Stock Units)(4) 2/10/2014          3,105  125,448  250,896  3,149,999 
(Performance-based RSUs)(5) 2/10/2014             53,849     1,270,298 
Michael Monahan                       
(Annual Incentive)(3)   85,025  485,856  4,000,000             
(Performance Stock Units)(4) 2/10/2014          897  36,241  72,482  910,012 
(Performance-based RSUs)(5) 2/10/2014             15,556     366,966 
Mark L. Shearer                       
(Annual Incentive)(3)   80,031  457,320  4,000,000             
(Performance Stock Units)(4) 2/10/2014          897  36,241  72,482  910,012 
(Performance-based RSUs)(5) 2/10/2014             15,556     366,966 
Abby F. Kohnstamm                       
(Annual Incentive)(3)   78,400  448,000  4,000,000             
(Performance Stock Units)(4) 2/10/2014          345  13,939  27,878  350,008 
(Performance-based RSUs)(5) 2/10/2014             5,983     141,139 
(Performance-based RSUs)(6) 2/10/2014             15,955     388,026 
Daniel J. Goldstein                       
(Annual Incentive)(3)   51,631  295,033  4,000,000             
(Performance Stock Units)(4) 2/10/2014          448  18,120  36,240  454,993 
(Performance-based RSUs)(5) 2/10/2014             7,778     183,483 
    Estimated Future
Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
 Estimated Future
Payouts Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
 All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
 All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
 Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
 Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
 
Name Grant
Date
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
 Stock or
Units(#)
 Underlying
Options(#)
 Awards
($/Sh)
 Awards(1)
($)
 
Marc B. Lautenbach                       
(Annual Incentive)(2)   224,438 1,282,500 4,000,000               
(Performance Stock Units)(3) 2/6/2017       8,275 250,760 501,520       2,733,283 
(Performance-based RSUs)(4) 2/6/2017         83,587         1,065,729 
(Nonqualified Stock Options)(5) 2/6/2017               550,000 13.16 1,100,000 
Stanley J. Sutula III                       
(Annual Incentive)(2)   84,000 480,000 4,000,000               
(Performance Stock Units)(3) 2/6/2017       2,257 68,389 136,778       745,441 
(Performance-based RSUs)(4) 2/6/2017   ��     22,796         290,653 
(Nonqualified Stock Options)(5) 2/6/2017               150,000 13.16 300,000 
(Special Performance Stock Units)(6) 2/6/2017       2,257 68,389 136,778       745,441 
(Special Performance-based RSUs)(6) 2/6/2017         212,766         2,712,766 
(Special Nonqualified Stock Options)(6) 2/6/2017               150,000 13.16 300,000 
Michael Monahan                       
(Annual Incentive)(2)   102,503 585,731 4,000,000               
(Performance Stock Units)(3) 2/6/2017       3,009 91,185 182,370       993,921 
(Performance-based RSUs)(4) 2/6/2017         30,395         387,538 
(Nonqualified Stock Options)(5) 2/6/2017               200,000 13.16 400,000 
Mark L. Shearer                       
(Annual Incentive)(2)   81,632 466,466 4,000,000               
(Performance Stock Units)(3) 2/6/2017       1,956 59,271 118,541       646,049 
(Performance-based RSUs)(4) 2/6/2017         19,757         251,900 
(Nonqualified Stock Options)(5) 2/6/2017               130,000 13.16 260,000 
Roger Pilc                       
(Annual Incentive)(2)   56,700 324,000 4,000,000               
(Performance Stock Units)(3) 2/6/2017       1,279 38,754 77,508       422,416 
(Performance-based RSUs)(4) 2/6/2017         12,918         164,704 
(Nonqualified Stock Options)(5) 2/6/2017               85,000 13.16 170,000 
(Special Performance-based RSUs)(7) 2/6/2017         37,994         484,422 

 

The Grants of Plan-Based awards table captures the potential threshold, target and maximum award payouts for annual incentive, performance stock units (PSUs), performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance-based RSUs.nonqualified stock options (NSOs).

 

(1)The values shown in this column represent the maximum annual incentive payout for IRC 162(m) purposes. The maximum annual incentive payout level allows the Committee to use negative discretion in making actual annual incentive payouts reflecting actual company performance. Actual payouts have been well below IRC 162(m) maximums and more in line with threshold and target values for annual incentive awards set by the Committee at the beginning of each year.
(2)The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair values of PSU, RSU and PSUNSO awards. The fair values are calculated in accordance with SEC guidance and reflect an adjustment for the exclusion of dividend equivalents during the vesting period. PSUs, which cliff vest after three years, have a grant date fair value of $10.90 and are calculated based on the Monte-Carlo simulation methodology. RSUs thatand NSOs, which vest pro-rata over three years, have a fair value of $23.59; RSUs that cliff vest after one year have a fair value of $24.32. PSUs have a grant date fair value of $25.11,$12.75 and are calculated based on the Monte-Carlo simulation methodology.$2.00, respectively.
(3)(2)Values in this row represent the range in payoutspayout for the 20142017 annual incentive award. IRC 162(m) requires that we state the maximum payouts a NEOnamed executive officer could receive for annual incentive awards under the KEIP,Key Employee Incentive Plan, which is $4,000,000. The Committee applies negative discretion to reduce the annual awards such that individual payments are in line with financial enterprise, business unit and/or individual performance.
(4)(3)PSUs were granted based on the Monte-Carlo simulation methodology valueactual closing price of $25.11.$13.16 on the February 6, 2017 grant date. PSUs represent a right to Pitney Bowes stock on the vesting date, with the number of shares determined after a specified performance period. This award is subject to achievement of the pre-determined annual performance metrics, a three-year cumulative total shareholder return modifier, and a three-year cumulative average income from continuing operations objective. The Committee may apply negative discretion to reduce long-term awards such that payments are in line with financial enterprise performance. SeePlease see page 4750 in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”“Performance Stock Units” for additional information on this performance award.
(5)(4)Performance-based RSUs were granted based on the actual closing price of $13.16 on the February 10, 20146, 2017 grant datedate. The closing price is utilized to determine the number of $25.07.RSUs to be awarded to NEOs. The performance metric tied to income from continuing operations was met as of December 31, 2014,2017, however, the awards remainaward remains subject to forfeiture over the remaining vesting period. This award will vest on a pro-rata basis over a three-year period ending February 7, 2017.11, 2020.
(5)
(6)Performance-based RSUs grantedThese options have an exercise price of $13.16, equal to Ms. Kohnstamm were based on the actual closing price of the company’s common stock on the February 10, 20146, 2017 grant date. The Black-Scholes value for each option granted on February 6, 2017 grant date of $25.07. The performance metric tiedwas $2.00, based on assumptions detailed in Note 18 to income from continuing operations was met as ofour financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, however,2017 as filed with the award remains subject to forfeiture over the remaining vesting period. This award has a one-year cliff vesting feature which vests in fullSEC on February 3, 2015.

Stock Awards

The “Stock Awards” column in the “Summary Compensation Table” represents the value of RSUs, PSUs and MSUs awarded during 2014, 2013, and 2012 based upon the fair value for RSU awards and Monte Carlo simulation value for PSU and MSU awards. The full value of RSUs, MSUs and PSUs are disclosed in the year of the award, based on targeted number of shares.22, 2018.
(6)These awards are one-time special awards made to Mr. Sutula upon his joining Pitney Bowes on February 1, 2017 in order to make up for awards Mr. Sutula forfeited from his prior employment. For additional detail refer to footnote 6 on the Summary Compensation Table.
(7)In 2014, CIUs, reported when paid, were replaced by PSUs, reported when awarded under SEC guidance. This createsis a “bunching” effect which makes it appear as though the LTIspecial award value increased significantlymade to Mr. Pilc in 2014, when in fact, it is only the disparate manner in which equity and cash is reported under SEC rules.
It is our policy that the number of stock awards2017. For additional detail refer to be granted is determined basedfootnote 7 on the market price of the stock on the date of grant. The Stock Plan of 2013, approved by stockholders on May 13, 2013, defines market price as the closing price for Pitney Bowes stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant.
The “Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards” column in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014” table shows the estimated number of PSUs that can vest based on varying levels ofSummary Compensation Table.
59

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

performance during the three-year performance period and the estimated number of performance based RSUs that may vest based on performance. For performance based RSUs granted to all NEOs, a performance metric tied to adjusted income from continuing operations was met as of December 31, 2014. The awards remain subject to forfeiture over the remaining vesting period. The vesting of the PSUs is subject to achievement of the predetermined annual performance metrics, a three-year cumulative total shareholder return modifier, and a three-year cumulative average income from continuing operations objective. The Committee may apply negative discretion to reduce long-term awards such that payments are in line with financial enterprise performance. See page 59 (“Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014”).

Option Awards

The “Option Awards” column in the “Summary Compensation Table” represents the value of options awarded during 2014, 2013, and 2012 based upon their grant date fair value, as determined in accordance with the share-based payment accounting guidance.
It is our policy that stock options are granted only at an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the stock on the date of grant with a ten-year exercise period. The Stock Plan of 2013, approved by stockholders on May 13, 2013, defines market price as the closing price for Pitney Bowes stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. In connection with Mr. Lautenbach’s employment, premium-priced stock options were awarded in December 2012 and February 2013. A special one-time premium-priced stock option award was made to Mr. Monahan on July 1, 2013 as a retention vehicle.

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation

The values shown in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column in the “Summary Compensation Table” include the annual incentive payments earned for 2014, 2013, and 2012, as well as the CIUs that were earned over the three-year periods ending December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
The “Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards” column in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014” table show the range of estimated possible future payouts for the 2014 annual incentive payment at varying levels of performance.

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

The “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column in the “Summary Compensation Table” reflects the change in pension value for each of the years shown.
The change in pension value reflects the aggregate change for both the Pension Plan and the Pitney Bowes Pension Restoration Plan.
There were no above-market deferred compensation earnings credited to the Pension Restoration Plan.
The Pitney Bowes Pension Restoration Plan provides benefits that would otherwise be provided under the qualified Pension Plan but for IRS limitations applicable to the qualified Pension Plan.

All Other Compensation

The “All Other Compensation” column in the “Summary Compensation Table” consists of other amounts earned or paid to each NEO, including the qualified 401(k) Plan and the non-qualified 401(k) Restoration Plan. There were no above-market deferred compensation earnings credited to the 401(k) Restoration Plan. Many of the benefits described in this column are available to employees other than the NEOs.

Equity Awards

The next table is provided to present an overview of Pitney Bowes equity awards held as of December 31, 2014 by each NEO. It discloses compensation in the form of equity that has previously been awarded, remains outstanding, and is unexercised or unvested.
6064

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 20142017 FISCAL YEAR-END

 

The following table provides information on the current holdings of stock option and stock awards by the NEOs. This table includes unexercised or unvested option awards, unvested RSUs PSUs and MSUs.PSUs. Each equity grant is shown separately for each NEO. The vesting schedule for each outstanding award is shown following this table(1). For additional information about the stock option and stock awards, see the description of equity incentive compensation in “Compensationthe Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginningAnalysis on page 32.50.

 

  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Grant Date Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 Market Value
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)(2)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)(2)
Marc B. Lautenbach 12/3/2012  100,000   0   13.3860  12/3/2022            
   Option Awards Stock Awards 12/3/2012  200,000   0   15.1320  12/3/2022            
         Equity 12/3/2012  300,000   0   16.8780  12/3/2022            
        Equity Incentive 2/11/2013  400,000   0   22.1600  12/2/2022            
        Incentive Plan Awards: 2/9/2015            22,085   246,910       
        Plan Awards: Market or 2/9/2015                  23,037   257,555 
      Number Market Value Number Payout Value 2/8/2016  129,564   259,129   16.8200  2/7/2026            
Name Grant Date Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Unrealized
Appreciation
($)(2)
 of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)(3)
 of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
 of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)(3)
Marc B. Lautenbach 12/3/2012 50,000  50,000  13.3860  12/3/2022 1,098,400         
 2/8/2016            43,599   487,437       
 2/8/2016                  13,734   153,542 
 2/6/2017     550,000   13.1600  2/5/2027            
 2/6/2017            83,587   934,503       
 2/6/2017                  132,903   1,485,853 
Stanley J. Sutula III 2/6/2017     150,000   13.1600  2/5/2027            
 12/3/2012 100,000  100,000  15.1320  12/3/2022 1,847,600          2/6/2017     150,000   13.1600  2/5/2027            
 12/3/2012 150,000  150,000  16.8780  12/3/2022 2,247,600          2/6/2017            22,796   254,859       
 2/11/2013 200,000  200,000  22.1600  12/2/2022 884,000          2/6/2017            22,796   254,859       
 2/11/2013          86,642  2,111,466      2/6/2017            189,970   2,123,865       
 2/10/2014          53,849  1,312,300      2/6/2017                  36,246   405,232 
 2/10/2014              237,097  5,778,047  2/6/2017                  36,246   405,232 
Michael Monahan 2/14/2005 26,000  0  46.9300  2/13/2015 0          2/11/2008  153,846   0   36.9600  2/10/2018            
 2/13/2006 28,050  0  42.6200  2/12/2016 0          2/9/2009  90,461   0   24.7500  2/8/2019            
 2/12/2007 28,777  0  48.0300  2/11/2017 0          2/8/2010  106,383   0   22.0900  2/7/2020            
 2/11/2008 153,846  0  36.9600  2/10/2018 0          2/14/2011  94,203   0   26.0700  2/13/2021            
 2/9/2009 90,461  0  24.7500  2/8/2019 0          7/1/2013  40,000   0   17.2000  6/30/2023            
 2/8/2010 106,383  0  22.0900  2/7/2020 242,553          7/1/2013  80,000   0   19.4500  6/30/2023            
 2/14/2011 94,203  0  26.0700  2/13/2021 0          7/1/2013  120,000   0   21.6900  6/30/2023            
 2/14/2011          3,116  75,937      7/1/2013  160,000   0   23.9400  6/30/2023            
 2/13/2012          8,793  214,285      2/9/2015            8,834   98,764       
 2/13/2012              18,146  442,218  2/9/2015                  9,215   103,021 
 2/11/2013          28,159  686,235      2/8/2016  47,114   94,229   16.8200  2/7/2026            
 7/1/2013   40,000  17.2000  6/30/2023 286,800          2/8/2016            15,854   177,248       
 7/1/2013   80,000  19.4500  6/30/2023 393,600          2/8/2016                  4,994   55,834 
 7/1/2013   120,000  21.6900  6/30/2023 321,600          2/6/2017     200,000   13.1600  2/5/2027            
 7/1/2013   160,000  23.9400  6/30/2023 68,800          2/6/2017            30,395   339,816       
 2/10/2014          15,556  379,100      2/6/2017                  48,328   540,308 
 2/10/2014              68,495  1,669,235 
Mark L. Shearer 5/1/2013          27,311  665,569      2/9/2015            5,742   64,196       
 2/10/2014          15,556  379,100     
 2/10/2014              68,495  1,669,235 
Abby F. Kohnstamm 2/10/2014          5,983  145,806     
 2/10/2014          15,955  388,823     
 2/10/2014              26,345  642,021 
Daniel J. Goldstein 2/14/2011 39,855    26.0700  2/13/2021 0         
 2/14/2011          1,318  32,120      2/9/2015                  5,990   66,964 
 2/13/2012          4,396  107,131      2/8/2016  30,624   61,249   16.8200  2/7/2026            
 2/13/2012              9,073  221,109  2/8/2016            10,306   115,221       
 2/11/2013          14,080  343,130      2/8/2016                  3,246   36,292 
 2/10/2014          7,778  189,550      2/6/2017     130,000   13.1600  2/5/2027            
 2/10/2014              34,247  834,595  2/6/2017            19,757   220,883       
(Table continued on next page)                     
 2/6/2017                  31,414   351,204 
Roger Pilc 2/9/2015            2,651   29,638       
 2/9/2015                  2,764   30,906 
 2/8/2016  20,023   40,048   16.8200  2/7/2026            
 2/8/2016            6,738   75,331       
 2/8/2016                  2,122   23,729 
 2/6/2017     85,000   13.1600  2/5/2027            
 2/6/2017            12,918   144,423       
 2/6/2017            37,994   424,773       
 2/6/2017                  20,540   229,633 

(Table continued on next page)

6165

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

(1)Option and Stock Awards Vesting Schedule

Grant Date Award Type Name of Executive Vesting Schedule
2/14/2011RSUMonahan, GoldsteinFour year vesting; 25% remains unvested; 25% vested on February 3, 9/2015
2/13/2012RSUMonahan, GoldsteinFour year vesting; 50% remains unvested; 25% vested on February 3, 2015 and 25% vests on February 2, 2016
2/13/2012MSUMonahan, Goldstein100% vested on February 3, 2015
12/3/2012NQSOLautenbachFour year vesting; 50% remains unvested; 25% vests on December 3, 2015 and 25% vests on December 3, 2016
2/11/2013NQSOLautenbachFour year vesting; 50% remains unvested; 25% vests on December 3, 2015 and 25% vests on December 3, 2016
2/11/2013RSULautenbach, Monahan, GoldsteinFour year vesting; 75% remains unvested; 25% vested on February 3, 2015, 25% vests on February 2, 2016 and 25% vests on February 7, 2017
5/1/2013RSUShearerFour year vesting; 75% remains unvested; 25% vested on February 3, 2015, 25% vests on February 2, 2016 and 25% vests on February 7, 2017
7/1/2013NQSOMonahanThree year vesting; 100% remains unvested; 33% vested on February 3, 2015, 33% vests on February 2, 2016 and 33% vests on February 7, 2017
2/10/2014 PSU Lautenbach, Monahan, Shearer,
Kohnstamm, Goldstein Pilc
 Three year cliff vesting; 100% vests on February 7, 201713, 2018
2/10/20149/2015 RSU Lautenbach, Monahan, Shearer,
Kohnstamm, Goldstein Pilc
Three year vesting; 33% remains unvested; 33% vests on February 13, 2018
2/8/2016NQSOLautenbach, Monahan, Shearer, PilcThree year vesting; 66% remains unvested; 33% vests on February 13, 2018 and 33% vests on February 12, 2019
2/8/2016RSULautenbach, Monahan, Shearer, PilcThree year vesting; 66% remains unvested; 33% vests on February 13, 2018 and 33% vests on February 12, 2019
2/8/2016PSULautenbach, Monahan, Shearer, PilcThree year cliff vesting; 100% vests on February 12, 2019
2/6/2017NQSOLautenbach, Sutula, Monahan, Shearer, Pilc Three year vesting; 100% remains unvested; 33% vestedvests on February 3, 2015,13, 2018; 33% vests on February 2, 201612, 2019 and 33% vests on February 7, 201711, 2020
2/10/20146/2017 RSU KohnstammLautenbach, Sutula, Monahan, Shearer, Pilc OneThree year vesting; 100% vestedremains unvested; 33% vests on February 3, 201513, 2018; 33% vests on February 12, 2019 and 33% vests on February 11, 2020
2/6/2017RSUSutulaSpecial Performance-based RSUs of 189,970 units vest 40% on February 13, 2018, 40% on February 12, 2019, and 20% on February 11, 2020
2/6/2017RSUPilcSpecial Performance-based RSUs of 37,994 units cliff vest on February 11, 2020
2/6/2017PSULautenbach, Sutula, Monahan, Shearer, PilcThree year cliff vesting; 100% vests on February 11, 2020
  
(1)Option and Stock Awards Vesting Schedule
(2)This column represents the difference between the exercise price on the date of grant and the closing price of the company stock on December 31, 2014 for outstanding exercisable and unexercisable options which have not yet been realized.
(3)These amounts were calculated based on the closing price of the company’s common stock of $24.37$11.18 per share onas of December 31, 2014. MSU values are calculated using the target number of shares granted. The total number of MSUs that can vest is capped at 200% of the target number of MSUs granted. A minimum number of MSUs, 50% of the target award, will vest at the end of the three-year performance period. PSU values2017. Values shown for PSUs granted in 2015 are calculated as follows: (i) the target number of shares awarded, multiplied by (ii) the maximum estimatedfinal performance factor for the 2014-20162015-2017 cycle, 1.89,0.18, based on 2014financial results, further multiplied by (iii) a 0%-20% TSR adjustment based on 2014 target2015-2017 relative performance versus the company’s peer group, and (iv) further multiplied by $24.37.$11.18, the closing stock price as of December 31, 2017. Values shown for PSUs granted in 2016 are calculated as follows: (i) the target number of shares awarded, multiplied by (ii) the estimated performance factor for the 2016-2018 cycle, 0.07, based on 2016 and 2017 results and estimated 2018 results, further multiplied by (iii) $11.18, the closing stock price as of December 31, 2017. Values shown for PSUs granted in 2017 are calculated as follows: (i) the target number of shares awarded, multiplied by (ii) the estimated performance factor for the 2017-2019 cycle, 0.66, based on financial results in 2017 and estimated results for 2018 and 2019, further multiplied by (iii) a -20% TSR adjustment based on 2016-2017 relative performance versus the company peer group, (iv) further multiplied by $11.18, the closing stock price as of December 31, 2017. The total number of PSUs that can vest is capped at 200% (subject to annual individual grant limitations under the stock plan) of the number of PSUs granted.
6266

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED DURING 20142017 FISCAL YEAR(1)

 Option Awards Stock Awards
 Number of  Number of  
 Shares Acquired Value Realized Shares Acquired Value RealizedOption AwardsStock Awards
Name on Exercise (#) on Exercise ($) on Vesting (#)(1) on Vesting ($)Number of
Shares Acquired
on Exercise (#)
Value Realized
On Exercise ($)
Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting (#)
Value Realized
on Vesting ($)(1)
Marc B. Lautenbach 0  0  28,881  714,516(2)00160,967(2) 2,126,957 
Stanley J. Sutula III000(2) 0 
Michael Monahan 0  0  20,295  502,098(2)0051,628(2) 682,623 
Mark L. Shearer 0  0  9,104  225,233(2)0045,479(2) 600,701 
Abby F. Kohnstamm 0  0  26,738  736,365(3)
Daniel J. Goldstein 0  0  12,849  317,884(2)
Roger Pilc0019,280(2) 254,881 
  
(1)Performance-based RSUs granted on February 8, 2010, October 18, 2010, February 14, 2011, February 13, 2012, February 11, 2013 and May 1, 2013 had a pro-rata vesting on February 4, 2014; Performance-based RSUs granted on July 1, 2013 vested on July 1, 2014.
(2)These values were determined based on the average of the high and low trading price of $13.17 on the February 4, 20147, 2017 vesting date of $24.74.and $13.33 on the February 14, 2017 vesting date
(2)
(3)This value was determinedPerformance-based RSUs granted in 2013 and 2014 had a pro-rata vesting on February 7, 2017 and grants made in 2015 and 2016 had a pro-rata vesting on February 14, 2017. Performance based PSUs granted in 2014 vested on February 7, 2017. The figures reported for Mr. Lautenbach also includes 21,321 deferred RSUs from the average2015 grant and 21,046 deferred RSUs from the 2016 grant, the receipt of which has been deferred until six months following termination or retirement from the high and low trading price on the July 1, 2014company. Figures reported include shares withheld to cover taxes. Mr. Sutula has not yet achieved vesting date of $27.54.requirements.

 

Pension Benefits

 

The following table provides information regarding pension payments to the NEOs. It includes data regarding the Pitney Bowes Pension Plan and the Pension Restoration Plan. U.S. NEOs hired prior to January 1, 2005 are eligible to participate in the Pitney Bowes Pension Plan which is a broad-based tax-qualified plan under which employees generally are eligible to retire with unreduced benefits at age 65. U.S. NEOs who participate in the Pitney Bowes Pension Plan are also eligible to participate in the Pension Restoration Plan, a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, which provides benefits based on the same formula used under the qualified plan to eligible employees with compensation greater than the $260,000 IRC compensation limit for 2014 and to those employees who defer portions of their compensation under the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan.

The Pension Restoration Plan is offered to approximately 175 of our current active employees. Benefits under the Pension Restoration Plan are substantially equal to the difference between the amount that would have been payable under our qualified Pension Plan, absent IRS limits on compensation and benefits, and the amount actually paid under our qualified Pension Plan. Payments under the nonqualified Pension Restoration Plan are made out of the company’s general assets. The Pension Restoration Plan does not provide above-market interest rates on deferred compensation.

All of the eligible NEOs are fully vested in their pension benefit.

As previously approved by the board of directors, the qualified Pension Plan and nonqualified Pension Restoration Plan were frozen for all participants, effective December 31, 2014. There will beare no further accruals under the qualified Pension Plan or the nonqualified Pension Restoration Plan, except as required by law. (See discussion under “Other Indirect Compensation” on page 4853 of this proxy statement.) Mr. Monahan is the only pension eligible NEO and is fully vested in his pension benefit.

The following table provides information regarding the present value of accumulative pension benefits. It includes data regarding the Pitney Bowes Pension Plan and the Pension Restoration Plan. The Pitney Bowes Pension Plan which is a broad-based tax-qualified plan under which employees hired prior to January 1, 2005 are generally eligible to retire with unreduced benefits at age 65. The Pension Restoration Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, which provides benefits to employees with compensation greater than the $270,000 IRC compensation limit for 2017 who participate in the qualified Pension Plan, and to those employees who defer portions of their compensation under the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan. The Pension Restoration Plan mirrors the formula in the qualified Pension Plan and does not provide above-market interest rates on deferred compensation.

 

The amounts reported in the table below equal the present value of the accumulated benefit on December 31, 2014, for the NEOs2017 under the Pitney Bowes pension plans determined based on years of service and covered earnings (as described below). The present value has been calculated based on benefits payable commencing upon the executive attaining age 65, and in an amount consistent with the assumptions as described in note 13Note 12 to the financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, as filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015.22, 2018.

6367

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

PENSION BENEFITS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 20142017(1)

   Number of Years Present Value of
Name Plan Name Credited Service (#) Accumulated Benefit ($)(2) Plan Name Number of Years
Credited Service (#)
 Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit ($)(2)
Michael Monahan Pitney Bowes Pension Plan 26.6  368,113  Pitney Bowes Pension Plan  26.6   407,917 
Michael Monahan Pitney Bowes Pension Restoration Plan 26.6  1,432,248 
Daniel J. Goldstein Pitney Bowes Pension Plan 8.9  112,687 
Daniel J. Goldstein Pitney Bowes Pension Restoration Plan 8.9  78,846 
 Pitney Bowes Pension Restoration Plan  26.6   1,560,874 
  
(1)Mr. Lautenbach, Mr. ShearerMonahan is the only pension eligible NEO and Ms. Kohnstamm are omitted from this table since they are notis fully vested in his pension plan participants. Mr. Goldstein has a prior accumulated benefit under the plans. Active employees who do not participate in the pension plan are eligible for a 2% core contribution in the 401(k) Plan. See “Deferred Compensation” section below.benefit.
(2)Material assumptions used to calculate the present value of accumulated benefits under the Pitney Bowes Pension Plan for Messrs. Monahan and Goldstein are detailed in note 13Note 12 to the financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.2017. These lump sum values are expressed as the greater of the Pension Equity Account and the Present Value of the Age 65 Accrued benefit using the PPA 417(e)(3) mortality Unisex Mortality table.

 

The material terms of the Pitney Bowes Pension Plan and Pension Restoration Plan are as follows:

 OnlyThe Pitney Bowes Pension and Pension Restoration Plans apply only to U.S. employees hired prior to January 1, 2005 are eligible to participate.
and were frozen for all participants effective December 31, 2014.
 Normal retirement age is 65 with at least three years of service, while early retirement is allowed at age 55 with at least ten years of service.
 
The vesting period is three years.
 
For purposes of determining pension benefits, “earnings” are defined as the average of the five highest consecutive calendar year pay amounts. Earnings include base salary, vacation, severance, before-tax plan contributions, annual incentives (paid and deferred), and certain bonuses. Earnings do not include CIU payments, stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, PSUs, MSUs, hiring bonuses, company contributions to benefits, and expense reimbursements.
 
The formula to determine benefits is generally based on age, years of service, and final average of the five highest consecutive five-yearcalendar year earnings. Employees receive annual percentages of earnings based on their age plus service. The annual percentages range from 2% to 10% of final average earnings up to the Social Security Wage Base, plus 2% to 6% of such earnings in excess of the Social Security Wage Base. In addition, Pitney Bowes Pension Plan participants whose age plus service totaled more than 50 as of September 1, 1997 receive “transition credits” to make up for some of the differences between old and new retirement plan formulas. Mr. Monahan is among those Pitney Bowes Pension Plan participants who earned “transition credits.”
 The maximum benefit accrual under the Pitney Bowes Pension Restoration Plan is an amount equal to 16.5% multiplied by the participant’s final average earnings and further multiplied by the participant’s credited service.
 
Upon retirement, benefits are payable in a lump-sum or various annuity forms, including life annuity and 50% joint and survivor annuity.
 The distribution options under the Pitney Bowes Pension Restoration Plan are designed to comply with the requirements of IRC 409A of the Code.
 
The company has not providedNo extra years of credited service to any ofare provided and no above-market earnings are credited under the NEOs.
The Pitney Bowes Pension Plan and Pension Restoration Plan were frozen for all participants effective December 31, 2014.plan.

 

Deferred Compensation

 

Information included in the following table below includes contributions, earnings, withdrawals, and balances with respect to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan, (aa nonqualified deferred compensation plan restoring benefits that would have otherwise been made in the qualified 401(k) Plan but for IRC limitations)limitations, and the Pitney Bowes Deferred Incentive Savings Plan (a(DISP), a nonqualified deferred compensation plan where certain employees may defer their incentives and base salary).salaries. The Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan and Deferred Incentive Savings Plan, which we refer to as the DISP are unfunded plans established for a select group of management or highly compensated employees under ERISA. All payments pursuant to the plans are made from the general assets of the company and are subject to the company’s creditors. Participants do not own any interest in the assets of the company as a result of participating in the plans. The company reserves the right to fund a grantor trust to assist in accumulating funds to pay the company’s obligations under the plans. Any assets of the grantor trusts are subject to the claims of the company’s creditors.

 

Beginning with RSU and PSU awards made in February 2015, executivesExecutives who are required to own certain levels of company stock under the executive stock ownership policy may elect to defer the settlement of RSUs and PSUs upon vesting until the executives terminate employment or retire. Executives who choose to defer in this manner receive dividend equivalents once the award vests, which are also deferred as RSUs. Deferred RSUs and PSUs are unfunded deferred compensation subject to the company’s general creditors.

6468

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION FOR 2014(1)2017

   Executive Registrant Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate 
   Contributions Contributions Earnings/(Loss) Withdrawals/ Balance at 
 Name in Last FY ($)(2) in Last FY ($)(3) in Last FY ($)(4) Distributions ($) Last FYE ($)(5)
 Marc B. Lautenbach               
 401(k) Restoration Plan   3,705  156  0  3,861 
 Deferred Incentive Savings Plan 60,499    (2,428) 0  58,071 
 Michael Monahan               
 401(k) Restoration Plan   24,782  10,800  0  229,217 
 Deferred Incentive Savings Plan     54,486  0  1,219,220 
 Mark L. Shearer               
 401(k) Restoration Plan       0   
 Deferred Incentive Savings Plan 24,309    935  0  25,244 
 Abby F. Kohnstamm               
 401(k) Restoration Plan       0   
 Deferred Incentive Savings Plan       0   
 Daniel J. Goldstein               
 401(k) Restoration Plan   24,343  4,063  0  80,378 
 Deferred Incentive Savings Plan     7,128  0  129,133 
Name Executive
Contributions
in Last FY ($)(1)
 Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY ($)(2)
 Aggregate
Earnings/(Loss)
in Last FY ($)(3)
 Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions ($)
 Aggregate
Balance at
Last FYE ($)(4)
Marc B. Lautenbach                                                  
401(k) Restoration Plan     84,962   55,625   0   400,214 
Deferred Incentive Savings Plan        21,472   0   181,450 
Stanley J. Sutula III(5)                    
401(k) Restoration Plan           0    
Deferred Incentive Savings Plan           0    
Michael Monahan                    
401(k) Restoration Plan     41,512   (13,917)  0   291,762 
Deferred Incentive Savings Plan        203,756   0   1,608,592 
Mark L. Shearer                    
401(k) Restoration Plan     32,374   16,391   0   131,881 
Deferred Incentive Savings Plan        11,257   0   82,790 
Roger Pilc                    
401(k) Restoration Plan     24,097   9,059   0   64,127 
Deferred Incentive Savings Plan           0    
  
(1)Ms. Kohnstamm did not incur activity in the nonqualified deferred compensation plans in 2014.
(2)Amounts in this column represent the portion of the annual incentives earned in 20132016 and paid in 20142017 deferred under the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan.
(3)(2)Amounts shown are company contributions to the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan earned in 20132016 and credited under the 401(k) Restoration Plan in 2014.2017. For Mr.Messrs. Lautenbach, Mr. Monahan, Shearer, and Mr. Goldstein,Pilc these amounts are also included in the 20132017 All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.
(4)(3)Amounts shown are the respective earnings or losses in the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan and the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan. These earnings or losses are not included in the Summary Compensation Table.
(5)(4)Amounts shown are the respective balances in the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan and the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan. For Mr. Monahan, the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan amount reflects an additional $87 in dividends relating to 2013 investment activity that were applied to the beginning balance in 2014. The aggregate balance for the 401(k) Restoration Plan includes amounts previously reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table as follows: $3,705$330,963 for Mr. Lautenbach, $152,559$263,377 for Mr. Monahan, and $24,343$111,235 for Mr. Goldstein.Shearer and $48,384 for Mr. Pilc. The aggregate balance for the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan includes amounts previously reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table as follows: $60,499$180,359 for Mr. Lautenbach, and $289,800$364,800 for Mr. Monahan.Monahan and $41,810 for Mr. Shearer.
(5)Mr. Sutula did not incur activity in the nonqualified deferred compensation plans in 2017.

 

The material terms of the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan are as follows:

 

 The goal of this plan is generally to restore benefits that would have been provided under the qualified 401(k) Plan but for certain IRC limitations placed on tax-qualified 401(k) plans.
 
For purposes of determining benefits under the 401(k) Restoration Plan, earnings are defined in the same manner as the qualified 401(k) Plan. Earnings include base salary, vacation, annual incentives (paid and deferred), and certain bonuses. Earningsbonuses, but do not include CIU payments, stock options, restricted stock, performance-based RSUs, performance stock units, severance,PSUs, hiring bonuses, company contributions to benefits, and expense reimbursements.
Participants need to contribute the allowable maximum pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) Plan to be eligible for any company match in the 401(k) Restoration Plan. Once the pre-tax maximum is contributed by the participant into the qualified 401(k) Plan, the company will match the same percentage of eligible compensation that the Participant defers under the 401(k) Plan and the DISP up to a maximum 4% of eligible compensation.
 
In addition, employees not participating in the Pension Plan are eligible to receive a 2% company core contribution into the qualified 401(k) Plan. To the extent the participant has eligible earnings in excess of the IRC compensation limitation, the 2% core contribution is made into the 401(k) Restoration Plan. The board of directors approved, effective January 1, 2015, that those employees who will no longer accrue benefits under the Pension Plan because of the Pension Plan freeze, will participate in the 2% employer core contribution to the 401(k) Plan. See discussion under “Other Indirect Compensation” on page 4853 of this proxy statement.
 
Employees must have one year of service to participate, and the vesting is the same as under the qualified 401(k) Plan. Except for Mr. Lautenbach, Ms. Kohnstamm and Mr. Shearer, the remainingAll NEOs are fully vested in their accounts.accounts, except that Mr. Sutula is not yet eligible to participate in the 401K restoration plan.
 No above-market earnings are credited under the plan.
 Distributions payable in a lump-sum or installments may occur upon termination of employmentfrom the 401(k) Restoration Plan are made based on elections submitted by NEOs and will follow guidelines underare compliant with IRC 409A.

 

The material terms of the Deferred Incentive Savings Plan (DISP) are as follows:

 

The DISP allows deferral of up to 100% of annual incentives and long-term cash incentives. Base salary deferral is permissible only for certain key employees.
The DISP allows “highly-compensated employees” to defer up to 100% of annual incentives and long-term cash incentives. Base salary deferral is permissible only for certain key employees.
No above-market earnings are credited under the plan.
Distributions from the DISP are made based on elections submitted by NEOs and are compliant with IRC 409A.
6569

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

Employees must be “highly-compensated employees” as defined in the DISP in order to participate in this plan.
Distributions from the DISP can occur for various reasons and will be in compliance with guidelines established under IRC 409A
Termination/Death/Disability – a lump sum payment is made one month after termination including termination for disability and within 90 days after death
Retirement – payment is made in accordance with the payment election in effect for the account beginning after termination
Change of Control – payment is made in a lump sum in the event of a termination within two years following a Change of Control
Unforeseeable Emergency – plan permits withdrawals with appropriate verification
In-Service Payments – payments are made immediately after the deferral dates selected.

 

Investment options for both the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan and the DISP are comparable to those inoffered under the qualified Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plan. These investment options provide participants with an opportunity to invest inPlan including a variety of publicly available bond funds, money market funds, equity funds, and blended funds, includingand Pitney Bowes stock. Each employee notionally selects his or her investment options and can change these at any time by accessing his or her account on the web site of the third party administrator. These investments are tracked in “phantom” accounts. All investment gains and losses in a participant’s account under the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Restoration Plan and the DISP are entirely based upon the notional investment selections made by the participant.

 

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control

Other Post-Termination Payments

 

The following table reflects the amount of compensation that would become payable to each of the NEOs under existing arrangements if the hypothetical termination of employment events described had occurred on December 31, 2014,2017, given the NEO’s compensation and service levels as of such date and, if applicable, based on the company’s closing stock price on that date.

 

For purposes of valuing stock options in the “Post-Termination Payments” tables, we assume that upon a Change of Control, all vested outstanding stock options will be cashed out using the difference between the stock option exercise price and $24.37,$11.18, the closing price of our common stock onas of December 31, 2014.2017.

 

All payments are payable by the company in a lump-sum unless otherwise noted. The actual amounts that would be paid upon a NEO’s termination of employment can be determined only at the time of such executive’s separation from the company. Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any benefits provided upon the events discussed below, any actual amounts paid or distributed may be higher or lower than reported in the tables below. Factors that could affect these amounts include the timing during the year of any such event, our company’s stock price and the executive’s age.

 

In the event of termination of employment, the NEOs are entitled to receive the vested portion of their deferred compensation account. The account balances continue to be credited with increases or decreases reflecting changes in the value of the investment funds that are tracked until the valuation date as provided under the plan, and therefore amounts received by the NEOs will differ from those shown in the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2014”2017” table on page 65.69. See the narrative accompanying that table for information on available types of distributions under the plans.

 

The benefits described in the following table are in addition to benefits available regardless of the occurrence of such an event, such as currently exercisable stock options, and benefits generally available to salaried employees, such as distributions under the company’s 401(k) Plan, subsidized retiree medical benefits, disability benefits, and accrued vacation pay. In addition, in connection with any actual termination of employment, the Committee, or in the case of Messrs. Lautenbach and Monahan, the independent board members, may determine to enter into an agreement or to establish an arrangement providing additional benefits or amounts, or altering the terms of benefits described in the tables below, as appropriate. Additional information regarding the Committee determines appropriate orconsequences of retiree status is discussed in the casefollowing “Estimated Post-Termination Payments and Benefits” table and the footnotes in discussion related to the table.

In light of Mr. Lautenbach,Shearer’s announced intention to retire from the independentcompany (see Form 8-K filed October 5, 2017), the board members.authorized the CEO to confer retiree status on Mr. Shearer with respect to his long-term incentive awards upon his retirement on March 1, 2018 and to provide Mr. Shearer with a prorated 2018 annual incentive.

6670

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

Estimated Post-Termination Payments and Benefits(1)

          Change of       
          Control with       
    Retirement  Involuntary Not for  Termination       
Name Type of Payment or Benefit Eligible ($)  Cause Termination ($)(2)  (CIC) ($)  Death ($)  Disability ($) 
Marc B. Lautenbach Severance     34,615 - 3,172,500(3)  4,230,000(4)      
  Annual Incentive     0 - 1,215,000(5)  1,215,000(6)  1,519,965(7)  1,519,965(7)
  CIUs                    
  2013 – 2015 cycle     0 - 1,600,000(8)  2,400,000(9)  1,600,000(8)  1,600,000(8)
  Stock Options Accelerated(10)       0 - 3,038,800   3,038,800   3,038,800   3,038,800 
  Performance-based RSUs Accelerated(11)     0 - 1,407,636   3,423,766   3,423,766   3,423,766 
  Performance Stock Units                    
  2014 – 2016 cycle     0(12)  3,057,168(13)  1,019,056(12)  1,019,056(12)  
  Financial Counseling(14)       0 - 11,250          
  Medical & other benefits(15)          78,298         
  Total  0   34,615 - 10,445,186   17,443,032   10,601,587   10,601,587 
Michael Monahan Severance     23,358 - 1,639,764(3)  2,043,382(4)      
  Annual Incentive     485,856(5)  485,856(6)  607,806(7)  607,806(7)
  CIUs                    
  2012 – 2014 cycle     864,500(16)  864,500(9)  864,500(16)  864,500(16)
  2013 – 2015 cycle     520,000(8)  780,000(9)  520,000(8)  520,000(8)
  Stock Options Accelerated(10)       713,860   1,070,800   1,070,800   1,070,800 
  Performance-based RSUs Accelerated(11)     976,457   1,355,557   1,355,557   1,355,557 
  Performance-based MSUs Accelerated(11)     442,218   442,218   442,218   442,218 
  Performance Stock Units                    
  2014 – 2016 cycle     294,398(12)  883,193(13)  294,398(12)  294,398(12)
  Incremental Pension Benefit     0(17)  0(17)      
  Financial Counseling(14)       11,250          
  Medical & other benefits(15)          79,340       
  Total  0   4,331,897 - 5,948,303   8,004,846   5,155,279   5,155,279 
Mark L. Shearer Severance     21,987 - 1,543,455(3)  2,115,660(4)      
  Annual Incentive     0 - 457,320(5)  457,320(6)  572,107(7)  572,107(7)
  CIUs                    
  2013 – 2015 cycle     0 - 520,000(8)  780,000(9)  520,000(8)  520,000(8)
  Performance-based RSUs Accelerated(11)     0 - 443,705   1,044,669   1,044,669   1,044,669 
  Performance Stock Units                    
  2014 – 2016 cycle     0(12)  883,193(13)  294,398(12)  294,398(12)
  Financial Counseling(14)       0 - 11,250          
  Medical & other benefits(15)       0   61,040       
  Total  0   21,987 - 2,975,730   5,341,882   2,431,174   2,431,174 
Abby F. Kohnstamm Severance     21,538 - 1,512,000(3)  2,102,644(4)      
  Annual Incentive     0 - 448,000(5)  448,000(6)  560,448(7)  560,448(7)
  Performance-based RSUs Accelerated(11)     0   534,629   534,629   534,629 
  Performance Stock Units                    
  2014 – 2016 cycle     0(12)  339,693(13)  113,231(12)  113,231(12)
  Financial Counseling(14)       0 - 11,250          
  Medical & other benefits(15)          50,888       
  Total  0   21,538 - 1,971,250   3,475,854   1,208,308   1,208,308 
Daniel J. Goldstein Severance     18,912 - 1,180,133(3)  1,131,177(4)      
  Annual Incentive     295,033(5)  295,033(6)  369,087(7)  369,087(7)
  CIUs                    
  2012 – 2014 cycle     432,250(16)  432,250(9)  432,250(16)  432,250(16)
  2013 – 2015 cycle     260,000(8)  390,000(9)  260,000(8)  260,000(8)
  Stock Options Accelerated(10)       0   0   0   0 
  Performance-based RSUs Accelerated(11)     368,011   671,930   671,930   671,930 
  Performance-based MSUs Accelerated(11)     221,109   221,109   221,109   221,109 
  Performance Stock Units                    
  2014 – 2016 cycle     147,195(12)  441,584(13)  147,195(12)  147,195(12)
  Incremental Pension Benefit     7,348(17)  0(17)      
  Financial Counseling(14)       11,250          
  Medical & other benefits(15)          50,988       
  Total  0   1,761,109 - 2,922,329   3,634,071   2,101,571   2,101,571 

Name Type of Payment or Benefit Retirement
Eligible ($)
  Involuntary Not for
Cause Termination ($)(8)
 Change of
Control with
Termination
(CIC) ($)
 Death ($) Disability ($)
Marc B. Lautenbach Severance    36,538 - 3,348,750  4,465,000       
  Annual Incentive    0 - 414,248  1,282,500   414,248   414,248 
  Stock Options Accelerated(2)    0 - 0  0   0   0 
  Performance-based RSUs Accelerated(3)    0 - 734,347  1,668,850   1,668,850   1,668,850 
  Performance Stock Units(4)                 
  2015 – 2017 cycle    0 - 257,555  1,839,680   257,555   257,555 
  2016 – 2018 cycle    0 - 102,361  2,193,460   102,361   102,361 
  2017 – 2019 cycle    0  2,803,497   495,284   495,284 
  Financial Counseling(6)    0 - 20,828         
  Medical & other benefits(7)      80,717       
  Total  0  36,538 - 4,878,089  14,333,704   2,938,298   2,938,298 
Stanley J. Sutula III Severance    23,077 - 1,620,000  2,160,000       
  Annual Incentive    0 - 155,040  480,000   155,040   155,040 
  Stock Options Accelerated(2)    0 - 0  0   0   0 
  Performance-based RSUs Accelerated(3)    0 - 0  2,633,583   2,633,583   2,633,583 
  Performance Stock Units(4)                 
  2015 – 2017 cycle    0 - 0  0   0   0 
  2016 – 2018 cycle    0 - 0  0   0   0 
  2017 – 2019 cycle    0  1,529,178   270,155   270,155 
  Financial Counseling(6)    0 - 20,828         
  Medical & other benefits(7)      79,584       
  Total  0  23,077 - 1,795,868  6,882,345   3,058,778   3,058,778 
Michael Monahan Severance    25,031 - 1,854,814  2,473,086       
  Annual Incentive  189,191  189,191 - 189,191  585,731   189,191   189,191 
  Stock Options Accelerated(2)  0  0 - 0  0   0   0 
  Performance-based RSUsAccelerated(3)  276,012  276,012 - 276,012  615,828   615,828   615,828 
  Performance Stock Units(4)                  
  2015 – 2017 cycle  103,021  103,021 - 103,021  735,868   103,021   103,021 
  2016 – 2018 cycle  37,223  37,223 - 37,223  797,626   37,223   37,223 
  2017 – 2019 cycle  180,103  180,103 - 180,103  1,019,448   180,103   180,103 
  Incremental Pension Benefit(5)    0 - 160,104  160,104       
  Financial Counseling(6)    0 - 20,828         
  Medical & other benefits(7)    — - —  72,386       
  Total  785,549  630,478 - 2,821,295  6,460,076   1,125,366   1,125,366 
Mark L. Shearer Severance    22,426 - 1,574,324  2,099,099       
  Annual Incentive  150,669  150,669 - 150,669  466,466   150,669   150,669 
  Stock Options Accelerated(2)    0 - 0  0   0   0 
  Performance-based RSUsAccelerated(3)  179,417  179,417 - 179,417  400,300   400,300   400,300 
  Performance Stock Units(4)                  
  2015 – 2017 cycle  66,964  66,964 - 66,964  478,314   66,964   66,964 
  2016 – 2018 cycle  24,195  24,195 - 24,195  518,450   24,195   24,195 
  2017 – 2019 cycle  117,068  117,068 - 117,068  662,650   117,068   117,068 
  Financial Counseling(6)    0 - 20,828         
  Medical & other benefits(7)    — - —  62,207       
  Total  538,313  443,671 - 2,133,464  4,687,486   759,196   759,196 
Roger Pilc Severance    20,769 - 1,296,000  1,728,000       
  Annual Incentive    0 - 104,652  324,000   104,652   104,652 
  Stock Options Accelerated(2)    0 - 0  0   0   0 
  Performance-based RSUs Accelerated(3)    0 - 104,969  674,165   674,165   674,165 
  Performance Stock Units(4)                 
  2015 – 2017 cycle    0 - 30,906  220,760   30,906   30,906 
  2016 – 2018 cycle    0 - 15,819  338,989   15,819   15,819 
  2017 – 2019 cycle    0  433,270   76,544   76,544 
  Financial Counseling(6)    0 - 20,828         
  Medical & other benefits(7)      80,042       
  Total  0  20,769 - 1,573,174  3,799,226   902,087   902,087 
(1)All data is shown assuming termination on December 31, 2014.
(2)Ranges represent variance between the NEOs basic severance plan and enhanced severance payment as2017. All amounts are further explained in the section entitled “Explanation of Benefits Payable Uponupon Various Termination Events” on page 6973 of this Proxy Statement.statement.
(2)Stock options are valued at zero because as of December 31, 2017 the company stock price was below the stock option exercise price.
(3)If terminationPerformance based RSUs are valued at the closing price on December 31, 2017 and vesting rules are applied as described in section entitled “Explanation of employment falls within the termsBenefits Payable upon Various Termination Events” on page 73 of the Pitney Bowes Severance Pay Plan, the named executive officers would receive a minimum of 2 weeks of base salary if they were terminated involuntarily and not for cause. Under our enhanced severance policy, the NEOs could receive up to 78 weeks of base salary (inclusive of the 2 weeks) plus target bonus contingent upon signing a waiver and release.this Proxy statement.
6771

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

(4)The company does not apply a tax gross-up on any Change of Control payments. The “best-net” approach is applied to Change of Control payments. Under this approach, the amount paid is either (i) the full value of the payment equal to two times the sum of the participant's current annual salaryFor retirement, involuntary termination, and the participant's average annual incentive award in the preceding three years, or (ii) the value of the payment that is capped at the 280G limit, depending on which provides the higher after-tax benefit to the executive. Since Mr. Lautenbach, Mr. Shearer, and Ms. Kohnstamm were hired in 2013, their average annual incentive used in calculating their Change of Control benefit is based on target instead of actual incentive payouts.
(5)A prorated annual incentive is paid at the lower of target or current bonus accrual as additional severance at termination contingent upon signing a waiver and release. If a waiver and release is not signed, no severance is paid in excess of two weeks.
(6)Annual incentive is valued at the targeted amount and is paid upon termination following a change of control.
(7)A prorated annual incentive is paid at the actual amount earned for 2014 at the time of the normal distribution of annual incentives.
(8)CIUs for the 2013 – 2015 cycle are estimated at the targeted amount which is $1.00 per unit. Payment is prorated based upon time worked through the end of each cycle. However, payment is not made until the end of the performance period and will be paid based on actual results. The 2013 – 2015 cycle payment is subject to signing a waiver and release.
(9)CIUs for 2012 – 2014 cycles are valued at $1.33 per unit and paid in February 2015 under the normal distribution of CIUs. CIUs for the 2013 –2015 cycle are valued at the targeted amount which is $1.00 per unit.
(10)In the case of retirement, options outstanding for at least one year will immediately vest and remain exercisable for the balance of the option term. In the case of involuntary not for cause termination, options outstanding for at least one year will continue to vest and remain exercisable for 24 months following termination of employment contingent upon signing a waiver and release. In the case of retirement or involuntary not for cause termination, options outstanding for less than one year forfeit. In the cases of change of control, death and disability all outstanding options will immediately vest and remain exercisable for the balance of the option term.
(11)In the case of involuntary not for cause termination accompanied by a separation agreement including a waiver and release, all performance-based RSUs and MSUs outstanding for one year at the date of termination will continue to vest up to 24 months following termination, except if the executive has attained retirement eligibility or is bridgeable to early retirement, then all performance-based RSUs outstanding for one year will eventually vest. For Mr. Monahan and Mr. Goldstein, in the case of change of control followed by termination of employment, all performance-based MSUs vest immediately with shares issued immediately at target. All restrictions on performance-based RSUs and MSUs lapse immediately upon death, disability, or change of control followed by termination of employment.
(12)purposes: PSUs for the 2014 – 20162015-2017 cycle are estimated based on the target numbervested at 0.14 per unit (inclusive of shares granted. Vesting is prorated based upon time worked through the end of each cycle. However, payment does not occur until the end of the performance period and will be based on actual results. In the case of involuntary not for cause termination, no vesting occurs for the 2014 – 2016 PSU cycle until the award has been outstanding for more than one year, except if the executive has attained early retirement eligibility or is bridgeable to early retirement, then vesting is prorated based upon time worked through the end of the cycle.
(13)PSUs for the 2014 – 2016 cycle are valued based on the target number of shares granted.
(14)Amount shown is the value of the company's cost to provide financial counseling through the severance period, during which executive officers may receive up to a maximum of 78 weeks of financial counseling.
(15)Amount shown is the present value of the company's cost to continue medical and other health and welfare plans for three years plus the company's cost for outplacement services.
(16)CIUs for the 2012 – 2014 cycle are valued at $1.33 per unitTSR modifier) based upon actual achievement of performance metrics for the 2012 – 2014 cycle. In the case2015-2017 cycle; PSUs for 2016-2018 are being accrued at 0.07 per unit; PSUs for 2017-2019 cycle are estimated at 0.53 per unit (inclusive of involuntary not for cause termination, paymentTSR modifier). For Change of Control purposes PSUs are valued at target. See explanation in section entitled “Explanation of Benefits Payable upon Various Termination Events” on page 73 of this amount is subject to signing a waiver and release. If the executive has attained early retirement eligibility or is bridgeable to early retirement, then vesting is prorated based upon time worked through the end of the cycle. This amount was paid in February 2015 under the normal distribution of CIUs.Proxy statement.
(17)(5)Mr. Monahan is the only pension eligible NEO and is fully vested in his pension benefit. Amount shown is the increase in lump-sum actuarial equivalent of the pension age, service and earnings credits for the associated severance period. Mr. Lautenbach, Ms. Kohnstamm and Mr. Shearer are not pension plan participants. Mr. Goldstein is not currently participating in the pension plan, but has a prior accumulated benefit under the plans. In the case of a Change of Control with termination amount shownand involuntary not for cause termination is the increase in lump-sum actuarial equivalent of the pension age and service and earnings credits for the associated severance period.
(6)Amount shown is the value of the company’s cost to provide financial counseling through the severance period, which executive officers may receive for up to a maximum of 78 weeks.
(7)Amount shown is the present value of the company’s cost to continue medical and other health & welfare plans for two years plus the company’s cost for outplacement services.
(8)Ranges under the involuntary not for cause termination column represent variance between the named executive officer’s basic severance plan and conditional severance payment as explained in the section entitled “Involuntary/Not for Cause Termination - Severance Pay Plan” on page 73 of this Proxy Statement. Ranges also include applicability of retiree treatment where relevant.
6872

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

Explanation of Benefits Payable upon Various Termination Events

 

The benefits described below apply to the NEOs.

 

Resignation

 

A voluntary termination would not provide any compensation, benefits or special treatment under equity plans for any of the NEOs.

 

Early and Normal Retirement

 

The U.S. Pitney Bowes Pension Plan allows for early retirement at age 55 with at least ten years of service, and normal retirement at age 65 with at least three years of service. The early and normal retirement rules established under the Pension Plan are also utilized under the long-term incentive plan and stock plan for special vesting purposes. NEOs meeting the requirements specified for early or normal retirement are entitled to the following upon termination:

 

 A prorated annual incentive award;
 Prorated PSU vesting atbased on full months of active service during the end of each three-year cycle;
Prorated CIU paymentsperformance cycle, vested and paid at the end of each three-year cycle;
 Stock option awards and RSUs that have been outstanding for at least one year will fully vest upon retirement and stock options will remain exercisable for the duration of the term;
MSUs that have beenterm. Awards outstanding for at leastless than one year will fully vest with units converted into stock at the end of the three-year vesting period based on TSR.forfeit.

The board authorized the CEO to grant Mr. Shearer retiree status with respect to his outstanding equity awards and to provide Mr. Shearer with a prorated 2018 annual incentive upon his retirement in March, 2018.

 

Involuntary/Not for Cause Termination – Severance Pay Plan

 

We maintain a severance pay plan that provides for the payment of severanceseparation pay to full-time employees based in the United States whose employment is terminated under certain business circumstances (other than a Change of Control).circumstances. The Pitney Bowes Severance Pay Plan provides a continuation of compensation upon involuntary termination by the company without cause as summarized below. In order to obtain an appropriate waiver and release from the employee, we may offer conditional severance payments. Where an employee is involuntarily terminated after becoming eligible for early retirement, the employee is eligible for benefits afforded early retirees or involuntarily terminated employees, whichever is greater. Executives who are within two years of meeting retirement eligibility (age and service) are bridged to retirement eligibility, as described in the section above.

 

The Severance Pay Plan provides for one week of salary continuation benefits per year of service.service with a two-week minimum benefit (Basic Severance). Salary continuation benefits in excess of two weeks of salary require a signed agreement containing a waiver and release. There is a two week minimum benefit under the Severance Pay Plan.release (Conditional Severance).

 

We may offer additional severanceAdditional Severance benefits to employees, including NEOs, upon termination of employment, conditioned upon signing a waiver and release. Additional severanceSeverance could include the following payments:

 

 Additional Severance pay isthat may be offered are based on years of service and level within the company. All NEOs aremay be eligible for up to 78 weeks of pay including current base salarypay plus current target annual incentive;incentive, inclusive of severance payable under the Severance Pay Plan;
 A prorated annual incentive award to the date of termination of employment;
 PSUs outstanding for one year from the date of grant are prorated and vesting occurs atbased on service during the end of each three-year cycle;
CIUs outstanding for one year from the date of grant are prorated and payments are calculatedperformance cycle, vested and paid at the end of each three-year cycle;
 For NEOs, stock options RSUs and MSUsRSUs outstanding for one year at the date of termination will continue to vest up to 24 months following termination and will expire at the end of this period;
 The board of directors has the discretion to accelerate vesting of restricted stock, RSUs PSUs and MSUsPSUs that would otherwise be forfeited;
Pension benefit calculation includes service credit and earnings during the severance period;
 Financial counseling through the severance period; and
 Outplacement services.
69

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

Termination for Cause

 

Termination for cause would not provide any additional compensation, severance, benefits or special treatment under equity plans to any of the NEOs. “Cause” is defined as willful failure to perform duties or engaging in illegal conduct or gross misconduct harmful to the company.

73

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

 

Death

 

The NEO’s beneficiary would be entitled to the following upon the executive’s death:

 

 A prorated annual incentive award;
 PSUs are prorated through the date of death and vested, valued and converted into stock at the end of each three-year cycle;
 CIU payments are prorated through the date of death and vested, valued and paid at the end of each three-year cycle;
All stock options will vest upon death. The NEO’s beneficiary can exercise stock options during the remaining term of the grant;
 Restrictions on outstanding shares of restricted stock andAny unvested RSUs will be removed;
MSUs are vested, valued and converted into stock upon death.vest;

 

Disability

 

Disability vesting occurs after the completion of two years of long-term disability or on the date of termination of employment due to disability, whichever is earlier. The NEOs would be entitled to the following upon termination for disability:

 

 A prorated annual incentive award;
 PSU are prorated through the date of disability and vested, valued and converted into stock at the end of each three-year cycle;
 CIU payments are prorated through the date of disability and vested, valued and paid at the end of each three-year cycle;
All stock options and RSUs will vest upon disability vesting date (two years after the onset of LTD). Stock options can be exercised during the remaining term of the grant;
MSUs are vested, valued and converted into stock upon termination for disability.

 

Change of Control Arrangements

 

Set forth below is a summary of our Change of Control arrangements. Under our Change of Control arrangements as provided in the company’s Senior Executive Severance Policy applicable to senior executives, including NEOs, a “Change of Control” is defined as:

 

 an acquisition of 30% or more of our common stock or 30% or more of the combined voting power of our voting securities by an individual, entity or group;
 the replacement of a majority of the board of directors other than by approval of the incumbent board;
 the consummation of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation where greater than 50% of our common stock and voting power changes hands; or
 the approval by stockholders of the liquidation or dissolution of the company.

 

Pitney Bowes does not gross-upIn the excise tax applicable to changeevent of control payments. Upona Change of Control, followed by a termination from employment without cause or for good reason (defined as a diminution in position, authority, duties, responsibilities, earnings or benefits, or relocation) within two years of a Change of Control, eachNEOs will receive the following severance benefits (assumes termination date of the NEOs receive payments calculated based on a “best-net” approach as it relates to the benefits described below.December 31, 2017):

 

 Either (i)Two times the full value of the payment equal toNEO’s annual base salary plus two times the sum of the participant’s currenttarget annual salary and the participant’s average annual incentive award in the preceding three years, or (ii) the value of the payment that is capped at the 280G limit, depending on which provides the higher after-tax benefit.
 A prorated annualtarget incentive award based onfor the participant’s current annual incentive target;
PSU vesting based on the totalcalendar year of the outstanding grants for eachchange of the open cycles at target number of shares at the end of the cycle, or upon termination, if earlier;
CIU payments based on the total of the outstanding grants for each of the open cycles paid at target value at the end of the cycle, or upon termination, if earlier;
All stock options, restricted stock, RSUs and MSUs granted under the Stock Plan will vest upon the employee’s termination and stock options can be exercised during their remaining term;
70

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

Only age and service credits are included in the pension calculation for the associated severance period; effective with the freezing of the Pension Plan on December 31, 2014, no further age and service credits are included in Change of Control severance.control
 Health and welfare benefits for the executive and his or her dependents will be provided for a two-year period; and Outplacement services.
 Outplacement services.PSUs are vested and converted into either common stock or cash based on target performance, on a NEOs termination upon a change of control. If the NEO is not terminated upon a change of control or the acquirer does not assume the company’s Stock Plan or awards, PSUs will vest upon the Change of Control and are converted into either common stock or cash based on target performance at the earlier of the NEOs termination of employment within 2 years of the change of control or the end of the award’s three-year performance cycle;
RSUs and NSOs are vested on a NEO’s termination upon a Change of Control with RSUs being converted into common stock or cash, and NSOs remain exercisable for the balance of the award term. If a NEO is not terminated upon a change of control or the acquirer does not assume the company’s Stock Plan or awards, (1) RSUs vest upon a Change of Control and will be converted into common stock or cash upon the earlier of the NEO’s termination of employment within two years of the change of control or the normal award vesting dates; (2) options will either be cashed out upon the change of control or will vest and become exercisable upon the earlier of the NEOs termination of employment within 2 years of the Change of Control or the normal vesting dates for the balance of the term;
The company does not apply a tax gross-up on any Change of Control payments. In paying Change of Control Severance benefits the company utilizes a “best net” approach. Under this approach a determination is made as to whether paying the full change of control benefits or the value of a payment that is capped at the 280G limit provides the NEO with the higher net after-tax benefit.
74

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES AND RELATED NARRATIVE

CEO Pay Ratio

Our CEO Pay Ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with the requirements set forth in Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K based on our payroll and employment records and the methodology described below.

To identify the median employee, we identified our employee population as of October 1, 2017(1)and used annual base salary determined as of October 1, 2017 as our consistently applied compensation measure across our global employee population excluding our CEO. For the majority of our employee population, base salary is the primary or sole compensation component and provides an accurate depiction of total earnings for the purpose of identifying our median employee.

Mr. Lautenbach has 2017 annual total compensation of $6,341,368 as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table in this proxy statement. The 2017 annual total compensation for our median employee, was $44,571. As a result, Mr. Lautenbach’s annual total compensation was 142 times that of our median employee in 2017.

(1)During the fiscal year 2017, Pitney Bowes Inc. purchased Newgistics, Inc. Newgistics, Inc. employed approximately 840 employees who, pursuant to SEC rules were not included in this year’s calculation.

 

Internal Revenue Code Section 409A

 

Our benefits arrangements are intended to comply with IRC 409A. In that regard, “Key Employees” as defined in IRC 409A and IRC 416 may have certain payments delayed until six months after termination of employment.

 

Additional Information

 

Solicitation of Proxies

 

In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited by the directors, officers, and employees of the company without additional compensation by personal interview, by telephone, or by electronic transmission. Arrangements may also be made with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation material to the beneficial owners of Pitney Bowes common stock and $2.12 convertible preference stockPreference Stock held of record, and the company will reimburse such brokers, custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred. The company has retained Morrow & Co.,Sodali LLC to aid in the solicitation of proxies.

 

The anticipated fee of such firm is $10,000 plus out-of-pocket costs and expenses. The cost of solicitation will be borne entirely by Pitney Bowes.

Other Matters

 

Management knows of no other matters which may be presented for consideration at the meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the individuals named in the enclosed proxy to vote in accordance with their judgment.

 

By order of the board of directors.

 

Amy C. CornDaniel J. Goldstein
Executive Vice President,

Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary

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Annex A: Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan

Section 1.Purpose.

The purposes of the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan, effective as of May 7, 2018, (the “Plan”) are to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by aligning the interests of key employees of the Company and its Affiliates with the interests of Pitney Bowes shareholders, to afford an opportunity to key employees to acquire a proprietary interest in the growth and performance of the Company, to generate an increased incentive to contribute to the Company’s future financial success and prosperity and to enhance the ability of the Company and its Affiliates to attract and retain exceptionally qualified individuals whose efforts can affect the financial growth and profitability of the Company.

Section 2.Definitions.

As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a)“Affiliate” shall mean (i) any entity that, directly or through one or more intermediaries, is controlled by the Company or (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, as determined by the Committee. Aggregation rules set forth in Code Sections 409A and 414(b) and (c) generally will be used in determining Affiliate status, except that a 50% test, instead of an 80% test, shall be used to determine controlled group status, to the extent not inconsistent with rules of Code Section 409A.

(b)“Award” shall mean any Restricted Stock, Stock Unit, Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Other Stock-Based Award, Performance Award or Substitute Award, granted under the Plan.

(c)“Award Agreement” shall mean any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document (including electronic communication) specifying the terms and conditions of an Award granted under the Plan, as may from time to time be approved by the Company or the Board of Directors to evidence an Award granted under the Plan.

(d)“Board of Directors” or “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company as it may be composed from time to time.

(e)“Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Plan, if:

(i)there is an acquisition, in any one transaction or a series of transactions, other than from Pitney Bowes Inc., by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13(d)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 30% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of Pitney Bowes Inc. entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, but excluding, for this purpose, any such acquisition by Pitney Bowes Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Pitney Bowes Inc. or its subsidiaries, or any corporation with respect to which, following such acquisition, more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the common stock and voting securities of Pitney Bowes Inc. immediately prior to such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such acquisition, of the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of Pitney Bowes Inc. entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be; or

(ii)individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (as of such date, the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date, whose election, or nomination for election by Pitney Bowes’ shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of Pitney Bowes Inc. (as such terms are used in Rule 14(a)(11) or Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act); or

(iii)there occurs either (A) the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case, with respect to which the individuals and entities who were the respective beneficial owners of the common stock and voting securities of Pitney Bowes Inc. immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition do not, following such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock
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and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation, or sale or other disposition or (B) an approval by the shareholders of Pitney Bowes Inc. of a complete liquidation or dissolution of Pitney Bowes Inc. or of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Pitney Bowes Inc.

(f)“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time or any successor code thereto.

(g)“Committee” shall mean the Executive Compensation Committee comprised solely of independent directors or any other committee designated by the Board of Directors comprised solely of independent directors to administer the Plan pursuant to Section 3. The Board of Directors and the Committee shall each have the authority to delegate its duties under the Plan to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The Committee may also delegate certain administrative tasks under Section 3 to the Employee Benefits Committee.

(h)“Company” shall mean Pitney Bowes Inc. or any successor thereto.

(i)“Covered Award” means an Award, other than an Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right or other Award with an exercise price per Share not less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such Award, to a Covered Employee, if it is designated as such by the Committee at the time it is granted. Covered Awards are subject to the provisions of Section 15 of this Plan.

(j)“Disability” shall have the meaning established by the Committee or, in the absence of Committee determination, shall mean a Participant who is “disabled” for two years under the provisions and procedures of the Pitney Bowes Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan, irrespective of whether the Participant is eligible to receive benefits under the LTD Plan, or a Participant entitled to receive benefits for two years under state worker’s compensation laws.

(k)“Dividend Equivalent” shall mean an amount payable in cash, as determined by the Committee under Section 7(c) of the Plan, with respect to a Restricted Stock or Stock Unit award equal to what would have been received if the shares underlying the Award had been owned by the Participant.

(l)“Dividend Equivalent Shares” shall be Shares issued pursuant to the deemed reinvestment of dividends under Restricted Stock, Stock Units or other Awards, provided that such Shares shall be subject to the same vesting, risk of forfeiture, deferral or other conditions or restrictions as apply to the Restricted Stock, Stock Units or other Awards as to which they accrue, and to such further conditions or restrictions as the Committee may determine.

(m)“Employee” shall mean any employee of the Company or of any Affiliate.

(n)“Fair Market Value” shall mean, with respect to any property (including, without limitation, any Shares or other securities), the fair market value of such property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee. The Fair Market Value of a Share of Company common stock on the date of grant shall be the closing price of a Share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant as reported in the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions Table published in the Wall Street Journal. If the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is closed on the date of grant, then Fair Market Value shall be the closing price on the first trading day of the NYSE immediately following the grant date.

(o)“Incentive Stock Option” or “ISO” shall mean a Stock Option that is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision thereto.

(p)“Non-Qualified Stock Option” or “NSO” shall mean an Option that is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option.

(q)“Option” or “Stock Option” shall mean the right, granted under Section 7(a) of the Plan, to purchase a number of shares of common stock at such exercise price, at such times and on such terms and conditions as are specified by the Committee. An Option may be granted as an ISO or an NSO.

(r)“Other Stock-Based Award” shall mean any Award granted under Section 7(d) of the Plan.

(s)“Participant” shall mean an Employee who is granted an Award under the Plan.

(t)“Performance Award” shall mean any Award granted hereunder that complies with Section 6(d) of the Plan.

(u)“Performance Goals” means any Qualifying Performance Criteria or such other performance goals based on such corporate (including any subsidiary, division, department or unit), individual or other performance measure as the Committee may from time to time establish.

(v)“Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, or government or political subdivision thereof.
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(w)“Prior Plan” shall mean the Pitney Bowes Stock Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2002, the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2007 Stock Plan as amended and restated and the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2013 Stock Plan as amended and restated.

(x)“Qualifying Performance Criteria” means one or more of the following performance criteria, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, applied to either the Company as a whole or to a business unit, subsidiary, division or department, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous year’s results or to a designated comparison group, in each case established by the Committee: (i) achievement of cost control, (ii) earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”), (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), (iv) earnings per share, (v) economic value added, (vi) free cash flow, (vii) gross profit, (viii) growth of book or market value of capital stock, (ix) income from continuing operations, (x) net income, (xi) operating income, (xii) operating profit, (xiii) organic revenue growth, (xiv) return on investment, (xv) return on operating assets, (xvi) return on stockholder equity, (xvii) revenue, (xviii) revenue growth (xix) stock price, (xx) total earnings, or (xxi) total stockholder return.

The Committee (A) will appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a performance goal to eliminate the effects of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items and all items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or related to the disposal of a segment or a business or related to a change in accounting principle all as determined in accordance with standards established by opinion No. 30 of the Accounting Principles Board (APB Opinion No. 30) or other applicable or successor accounting provisions, as well as the cumulative effect of accounting changes, in each case and as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or identified in the Company’s financial statements, including the notes thereto, and (B) may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a performance goal to exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: (i) asset write-downs, (ii) litigation, claims, judgments or settlements, (iii) the effect of changes in tax law or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iv) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, and (v) accruals of any amounts for payment under the Plan or any other compensation arrangement maintained by the Company.

(y)“Released Securities” shall mean Shares issued or issuable under any Restricted Stock, Stock Unit or other Award as to which all conditions for the vesting and issuance of such Shares have expired, lapsed, or been waived.

(z)“Restricted Stock” shall mean any Share granted under Section 7(b) of the Plan where the grant, issuance, retention, vesting and/or transferability of which is subject during specified periods of time to such conditions (including continued employment or performance conditions) and terms as the Committee deems appropriate.

(aa)“Retirement” shall mean a Participant who has terminated employment on or after attainment of age 55 with at least 10 years of service with the Company or Affiliate. In certain jurisdictions outside the United States, as noted in the Award Agreement, “Retirement” shall mean eligibility to retire under the local pension plan or state retirement program with at least 10 years of service with the Company or Affiliate. In determining Retirement, the Committee may in its discretion use similar rules as used under the Company’s pension plans where available and helpful.

(bb)“Rule 16b-3” shall mean Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, or any successor rule and the regulation thereto.

(cc)“Section 13G Institutional Investor” means any individual, entity or group who or that is entitled to file, and files, a statement on Schedule 13G (or any comparable or successor report) pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the Effective Date, with respect to the Shares that are beneficially owned by such individual, entity or group; provided, however, that an individual, entity or group who or that was a Section 13G Institutional Investor shall no longer be a Section 13G Institutional Investor from and after the time that it first becomes subject to an obligation to file (regardless of the due date of such filing) a statement on Schedule 13D (or any comparable or successor report) pursuant to Rule 13d-1(a), Rule 13d-1(e), Rule 13d-1(f) or Rule 13d-1(g) under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the Effective Date, with respect to the Shares that are beneficially owned by such individual, entity or group, together with all Affiliates of such individual, entity or group.

(dd)“Share” or “Shares” shall mean share(s) of the common stock of the Company, $1 par value, and such other securities or property as may become the subject of Awards pursuant to the adjustment provisions of Section 4(c).

(ee)“Stock Appreciation Rights” or “SARs” shall mean a right granted under Section 7(a) of the Plan that entitles the Participant to receive, in cash or Shares or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee, value equal to or otherwise based on the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of a specified number of Shares at the time of exercise over (B) the exercise price of the right, as established pursuant to Section 7(a)(i).
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(ff)“Stock Unit” means an award denominated in units of common stock under which the issuance of shares of common stock (or cash payment in lieu thereof) is subject to such conditions (including continued employment or performance conditions) and terms as the Committee deems appropriate. Stock Unit includes a restricted stock unit subject only to time-based vesting restrictions and a performance stock unit subject to the achievement of Performance Goals which may be in addition to any other vesting restrictions that may apply.

(gg)“Substitute Award” shall mean an Award granted in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, an outstanding Award previously granted by a Company acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines.

(hh)“Termination of Employment” on Account of a Change of Control shall mean as follows:

(i)Upon or within two years after a Change of Control, either (A) a termination of a Participant’s employment by the Company other than as a result of (1) the willful and continued failure of the Participant to perform substantially the Participant’s duties with the Company or any of its affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness) or (2) the willful engaging by the Participant in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company, or (B) a termination of employment by the Participant for any one of the following Good Reasons (each of which constituting a “Good Reason”), subject to Section 2(hh)(iii) below:

1.The assignment following a Change of Control to a Participant of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the Participant’s position, authority, duties and responsibilities as existed on the day immediately prior to the Change of Control, or any other action by the Company which results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties, or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial, and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Participant;

2.Any failure by the Company following a Change of Control to continue to provide the Participant with annual salary, employee benefits, or other compensation equal to or greater than that to which such Participant was entitled immediately prior to the occurrence of the Change of Control, other than an isolated, insubstantial, and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Participant;

3.Any failure by the Company following a Change of Control to continue to provide the Participant with the opportunity to earn either cash-based annual incentives or stock-based long-term incentive compensation on a basis at least equal to that provided to the Participant prior to the occurrence of the Change of Control, taking into account the level of compensation that can be earned and the relative difficulty of any associated performance goals;

4.The Company’s requiring the Participant, after a Change of Control, to be based, at any office or location more than 35 miles farther from the Participant’s place of residence than the office or location at which the Participant is employed immediately prior to the occurrence of the Change of Control or the Company’s requiring the Participant to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately before the Change of Control;

5.Any failure by the Company, after a Change of Control, to require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) who acquired all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform the Company’s obligations under the Plan in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

Any good faith determination made by a Participant that a Good Reason described in subparagraphs 1 through 5 has occurred shall be conclusive, subject to Section 2(hh)(iii) below.

(ii)Any termination by the Company or by the Participant for reasons described above shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party. Any Notice of Termination shall be by written instrument which (A) indicates the specific termination provision above relied upon, (B) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Participant’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (C) if the Date of Termination is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which date shall not be more than 15 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by any Participant to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of entitlement to terminate under subparagraphs (1) through (5) above shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any right of such Participant or preclude such Participant from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights.

(iii)Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Termination of Employment for Good Reason shall not occur if, within 30 days after the date the Participant gives a Notice of Termination to the Company after a Change of Control, the Company corrects the action or failure to act that constitutes the grounds for termination for Good Rea-
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son and as set forth in the Participant’s Notice of Termination. If the Company does not correct the action or failure to act, the Participant must terminate his or her employment for Good Reason within 60 days after the end of the cure period, in order for the termination to be considered a Good Reason termination.

Section 3.Administration.

(a)Committee.The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Any power of the Committee may also be exercised by the Board of Directors, except to the extent that the grant or exercise of such authority would cause any Award or transaction to become subject to (or lose an exemption under) the short-swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Section 16(b)”), unless the Board of Directors expressly determines not to obtain compliance with the provisions of Section 16(b). To the extent that any permitted action taken by the Board of Directors conflicts with action taken by the Committee, the Board of Directors’ action shall control. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee shall have full power and authority to:

(i)designate Participants;

(ii)determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Participant under the Plan;

(iii)determine the number of Shares to be covered by (or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with) Awards;

(iv)determine the terms and conditions of any Award and of Award Agreements, and verify the extent of satisfaction of any performance goals or other conditions applicable to the grant, issuance, exercisability, vesting and/or ability to retain any Award;

(v)determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, or other property, or to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be canceled, forfeited, or suspended, and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended;

(vi)determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, other property, and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under the Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or of the Committee;

(vii)interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to the Plan, or any Award made under the Plan, including any Award Agreement;

(viii)correct any defect or error, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the administration of the Plan or in any Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to effectuate the purposes of the Plan and the related Award;

(ix)establish, amend, suspend, rescind or reconcile such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan;

(x)determine the extent to which adjustments are required as a result of a merger, acquisition, consolidation, Change of Control, reorganization, reclassification, combination of shares, stock split, reverse stock split, spin-off, dividend distribution of securities, property, cash or any other event or transaction affecting the number or kind of outstanding Shares or equity; and

(xi)make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.

(b)Committee Decisions.Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan, any Award, or any Award Agreement, shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee or the Board as the case may be, may be made at any time, and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all Persons, including the Company, any Affiliate, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award, and any Employee.

(c)Delegation.The Board or the Committee may, from time to time, authorize one or more officers of the Company to perform any or all things that the Committee is authorized and empowered to do or perform under the Plan consistent with Delaware and other applicable law. For all purposes under this Plan, such officer or officers authorized by the Committee shall be treated as the Committee; provided, however, that the resolution so authorizing such officer or officers shall specify the total number of Awards (if any) such officer or officers may award pursuant to such delegated authority and any such Award shall be subject to the form of Award Agreement theretofore approved by the Committee. No such officer shall designate himself or herself or any direct report as a recipient of any Awards granted under authority delegated to such officer. In addition, the Board or the
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Committee may delegate any or all aspects of the day-to-day administration of the Plan to one or more officers or employees of the Company or any subsidiary, and/or to one or more agents.

Section 4.Shares Available for Awards.

(a)Maximum Shares Available.The maximum number of Shares that may be issued to Participants pursuant to Awards under the Plan shall be 14,000,000 Shares plus any Shares subject to outstanding Awards under the Prior Plans as of May 6, 2018 that on or after such date cease for any reason to be subject to such Awards (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the Awards to the extent they are exercised for or settled in vested and nonforfeitable Shares) (collectively, the “Plan Maximum”), subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c) below. Only 7,000,000 Shares may be issued for Awards that are not Options or Stock Appreciation Rights. Pursuant to any Awards, the Company may in its discretion issue treasury Shares, authorized but previously unissued Shares or Shares purchased in the open market or otherwise pursuant to Awards hereunder. For the purpose of accounting for Shares available for Awards under the Plan, the following shall apply:

(i)Only Shares relating to Awards actually issued or granted hereunder shall be counted against the Plan Maximum. Shares corresponding to Awards that by their terms expired, or that are forfeited, canceled or surrendered to the Company without consideration paid therefore and Shares subject to Awards, that are settled in cash shall not be counted against the Plan Maximum.

(ii)Shares that are forfeited by a Participant after issuance, or that are reacquired by the Company after issuance without consideration paid therefore, shall be deemed to have never been issued under the Plan and accordingly shall not be counted against the Plan Maximum.

(iii)Dividend Equivalent Shares shall be counted against the Plan Maximum, and clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section shall not apply to such Awards.

(iv)Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Shares subject to an Award under the Plan may not again be made available for issuance under the Plan if such Shares are: (A) Shares that were subject to an Option or a stock-settled Stock Appreciation Right and were not issued upon the net settlement or net exercise of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, (B) Shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the exercise price of an Option or the withholding taxes related to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, or (C) Shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of an Option exercise.

(b)Code and Plan Limitations.Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c) below, the maximum number of Shares for which ISOs may be granted under the Plan shall not exceed the Plan Maximum as defined in Section 4(a) above, and the maximum number of Shares that may be the subject of Awards made to a single Participant in any one calendar year shall not exceed 1,500,000 not counting tandem SARs, which number is subject to adjustments as described in subsection (c) below.

(c)Adjustments to Avoid Dilution.Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) above, in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, split-up or combination of Shares, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or other change in the corporate structure or capitalization affecting the outstanding common stock of the Company, the Committee shall make equitable adjustments to (i) the number or kind of Shares subject to the Plan Maximum that remain subject to outstanding Awards or available for issuance under the Plan, subject to the Plan Maximum as adjusted pursuant to Section 4, (ii) the number and type of Shares subject to the limitations set forth in Section 4(b), (iii) the number and type of Shares subject to outstanding Awards, and (iv) the grant, purchase, or exercise price with respect to any Award. Such adjustment may include provision for cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award. Any adjustment to the limitations set forth in Section 4(b) shall be made in such manner as to preserve the ability to grant ISOs and Awards. Also, any other such adjustment (i) may be designed to comply with applicable provisions of the Code, including without limitation Section 409A, (ii) may be designed to treat the Shares available under the Plan and subject to Awards as if they were all outstanding on the record date for such event or transaction, or (iii) may be designed to increase the number of such Shares available under the Plan and subject to Awards to reflect a deemed reinvestment in Shares of the amount distributed to the Company’s security holders in connection with such event or transaction. The determination of the Committee as to the adjustments or payments, if any, to be made shall be conclusive.

(d)Substitute Awards.Substitute Awards shall not reduce the shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Plan or authorized for grant to a Participant in any calendar year. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company (“Subsidiary”), or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines, has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by shareholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used
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for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Plan; provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not employees of the Company or Subsidiary before such acquisition or combination.

Section 5.Eligibility.

Employees Eligible. An Employee of the Company or of any Affiliate shall be eligible to be a Participant as designated by the Committee.

Section 6.Awards.

(a)Terms Set Forth in Award Agreement.Awards may be granted at any time and from time to time prior to the termination of the Plan to an eligible Employee designated to be a Participant in the Plan as determined by the Committee. Awards may be granted for no cash consideration, or for such minimal cash consideration as the Committee may specify, or as may be required by applicable law. Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or, subject to Section 4, in substitution for any other Award or any award granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate. The terms and conditions of each Award shall be set forth in an Award Agreement in a form approved by the Committee for such Award, which Award Agreement may contain such terms and conditions as specified from time to time by the Committee, provided such terms and conditions do not conflict with the Plan. The Award Agreement for any Award (other than Restricted Stock awards) shall include the time or times at or within which and the consideration for which any shares of common stock may be acquired from the Company. The terms of Awards may vary among Participants, and the Plan does not impose upon the Committee any requirement to make Awards subject to uniform terms. The Participant shall be deemed to accept the Awards and the terms of the Awards unless the Participant affirmatively waives acceptance of the Award. If the Participant does not agree to all terms of the Award, the Award is deemed null and void.

(b)Separation from Service.Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall specify at or after the time of grant of an Award the provisions governing the effect(s) upon an Award of a Participant’s separation from service not on account of a Change of Control. Termination from Employment on account of a Change of Control is defined in Section 2.

(c)Rights of a Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to shares of common stock covered by an Award (including voting rights) until the date the Participant becomes the holder of record of such shares of common stock. No adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to such date, except as provided in Section 8 or as the Committee otherwise provides.

(d)Performance Awards.Subject to the other terms of this Plan, the Committee may condition the grant, retention, issuance, payment, release, vesting or exercisability of any Award, in whole or in part, upon the achievement of such performance criteria during a specified performance period(s).The performance criteria may include Qualifying Performance Criteria or other standards of financial performance and/or personal performance. The Committee shall determine in a timely manner after the performance period ends whether all or part of the conditions to payment of a Performance Award have been fulfilled and, if so, the amount, if any, of the payment to which the Participant is entitled.

(e)Forms of Payment of Awards.Subject to the terms of the Plan and of any applicable Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the Company or an Affiliate upon the grant, exercise, or payment of an Award may be made in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, or other property, or any combination thereof, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments, or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Committee. Such rules and procedures may include, without limitation, provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the grant or crediting of Dividend Equivalents in respect of installment or deferred payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the Committee expressly provides otherwise, with specific reference to this provision, the payment terms for any Award shall be implemented in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable.

(f)Share Certificates.All certificates for Shares or other securities delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which such Shares or other securities are then listed, and any applicable Federal or state securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. Unrestricted certificates representing
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Shares, evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall deem appropriate, which may include recording Shares on the stock records of the Company or by crediting Shares in an account established on the Participant’s behalf with a brokerage firm or other custodian, in each case as determined by the Company, shall be delivered to the holder of Restricted Stock, Stock Units or any other relevant Award after such restricted Shares shall become Released Securities, subject to any delay in order to provide the Company such time as it determined appropriate to address tax withholding and other administrative matters.

(g)Limits on Transfer of Awards. Awards made under this Plan shall be subject to the following limitations on transferability:

(i)Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, no Award and no right under any such Award shall be assignable, alienable, pledgeable, attachable, encumberable, saleable, or transferable by a Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (or, in the case of Awards that are forfeited or canceled, to the Company). No Award and no right under any such Award shall be the subject of short term speculative trading in Company securities, including hedging, short sales, “put” or “call” options, swaps, collars or any other derivative transactions. No Award and no right under any such Award can be transferred for value or consideration. Any purported assignment, sale or transfer thereof shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or Affiliate. If the Committee so indicates in writing to a Participant, he or she may designate one or more beneficiaries who may exercise the rights of the Participant and receive any property distributable with respect to any Award upon the death of the Participant. Each Award, and each right under any Award, shall be exercisable, during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

(ii)Exceptions:

(A)Gift Transfers.Notwithstanding Section 6(g)(i) above, the Committee may permit, subject to establishment of appropriate administrative procedures, a Participant to transfer by gift an unexercised Stock Option or SAR and/or other unvested or unearned Awards, provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(1)The donees of the gift transfer are limited to Family Members and Family Entities.

(2)The Award is not further transferable by gift or otherwise by such Family Member or Family Entity.

(3)All rights appurtenant to the Award, including any exercise rights, are irrevocably and unconditionally assigned to the donee.

(4)Transfers under this Section 6(g) must meet all of the requirements under applicable provisions of the Code to be considered “gift” transfers.

(5)The donor and the donee have executed such form of agreement as the Committee may require pursuant to which each agree to be subject to such terms and conditions with respect to the transferred Award as the Committee may specify.

(6)The Employee has met any stock holding requirement imposed on such Employee by the Company, unless the requirement is waived by the Company.

(7)Except to the extent specified otherwise in the agreement all vesting, exercisability and forfeiture provisions that are conditioned on the Participant’s continued employment or service shall continue to be determined with reference to the Participant’s employment or service (and not to the status of the transferee) after any transfer of an Award pursuant to this Section 6(g), and the responsibility to pay any taxes in connection with an Award shall remain with the Participant, notwithstanding any transfer other than by will or intestate succession.

(8)For purposes of the Plan, the following definitions shall apply:

(i)Family Member means the Participant’s natural or adopted child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, domestic partner, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece and any person sharing the Participant’s household (other than a tenant or employee); and

(ii)Family Entity means any trust in which the Participant has more than a 50% beneficial interest and any entity in which the Participant and/or a Family Member owns more than 50% of the voting interests.

(B)Estate Transfers. In the case of death, Awards made hereunder may be transferred to the executor or personal representative of the Participant’s estate or the Participant’s heirs by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
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(h)Registration.Any Shares granted under the Plan may be evidenced in such manner, as the Committee may deem appropriate, including without limitation, book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates. In the event any stock certificate is issued in respect of Stock granted under the Plan, such certificate shall be registered in the name of the Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Shares.

Section 7.Type of Awards.

(a)Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Options and Stock Appreciation Rights to Participants with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine:

(i)Exercise Price.The exercise price per Share under an Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that except in the case of Substitute Awards, no Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted hereunder may have an exercise price of less than 100% of Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.

(ii)Times and Method of Exercise.The Committee shall determine the time or times at which an Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised in whole or in part; in no event, however, shall the period for exercising an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right extend more than 10 years from the date of grant. The Committee shall also determine the method or methods by which Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised, and the form or forms (including without limitation, cash, Shares previously acquired and Shares otherwise issuable under the Option, other Awards, or other property, or any combination thereof, having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the relevant exercise price) in which payment of the exercise price of an Option may be made or deemed to have been made. The Committee may also allow cash and cashless exercise of an Option through a registered broker.

(iii)Incentive Stock Options.Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7(a), in the case of the grant of an Option intending to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option: (A) if the Participant owns stock possessing more than 10 percent of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (a “10% Stockholder”), the exercise price of such Incentive Stock Option must be at least 110 percent of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant and the Option must expire within a period of not more than five (5) years from the date of grant, and (B) “termination of employment” will occur when the person to whom an Award was granted ceases to be an employee (as determined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder) of the Company and its subsidiaries. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7(a) to the contrary, Options designated as Incentive Stock Options shall not be eligible for treatment under the Code as Incentive Stock Options (and instead will be deemed to be Non-Qualified Stock Options) to the extent that either (1) the aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares (determined as of the time of grant) with respect to which such Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, taking Options into account in the order in which they were granted, or (2) such Options otherwise remain exercisable but are not exercised within three months of termination of employment (or such other period of time provided in Section 422 of the Code).

(iv)Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs).Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to Participants from time to time either in tandem with or as a component of other Awards granted under the Plan (“tandem SARs”) or not in conjunction with other Awards (“freestanding SARs”) and may, but need not, relate to a specific Option granted under this Section 7(a). Any Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem with an Award may be granted at the same time such Award is granted or at any time thereafter before exercise or expiration of such Award. Upon exercise of a tandem SAR as to some or all of the shares covered by the grant, the related Option shall be canceled automatically to the extent of the number of shares covered by such exercise. Conversely, if the related Option is exercised as to some or all of the shares covered by the grant, the related tandem SAR, if any, shall be canceled automatically to the extent of the number of shares covered by the Option exercise. All freestanding SARs shall be granted subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to Options as set forth in this Section 7 and all tandem SARs shall have the same exercise price, vesting, exercisability, forfeiture and termination provisions as the Award to which they relate. Stock Appreciation Rights may be settled in cash or stock at the discretion of the Committee.

(v)No Repricing and Reload Without Stockholder Approval.Other than in connection with a change in the Company’s capitalization (as described in Section 4(c) of the Plan), the Company shall not, without stockholder approval, (i) reduce the exercise price of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, (ii) exchange an Option or Stock Appreciation Right with an exercise price in excess of Fair Market Value for cash, another Award or a new Option or Stock Appreciation Right with a lower exercise price or (iii) otherwise reprice any Option or Stock Appreciation Right. Options shall not be granted under the Plan in consideration for and
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shall not be conditioned upon the delivery of Shares to the Company in payment of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligation under any other employee stock option (No Reload).

(b)Restricted Stock and Stock Units. Subject to Section 4 hereof, the Committee is authorized to grant Awards of Restricted Stock and/or Stock Units to Participants with the following terms and conditions:

Restrictions.Restricted Stock and Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time prior to the termination of the Plan to Participants selected by the Committee. Restricted Stock is an Award or issuance of Shares of common stock the grant, issuance, retention, vesting and/or transferability of which is subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. Terms and conditions may include, without limitation, continued employment over a specified period or the attainment of specified performance criteria (including, but not limited to, one or more Qualifying Performance Criteria in accordance with Section 15). Conditions may lapse separately or concurrently at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise, as the Committee may deem appropriate. Stock Units are Awards denominated in units of common stock under which the issuance of Shares of common stock is subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. Terms and conditions may include, without limitation, continued employment over a specified period or the attainment of specified performance criteria (including, but not limited to, one or more Qualifying Performance Criteria in accordance with Section 15). Each grant of Restricted Stock and Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. A Stock Unit may be settled in cash or Shares as the Committee may determine from time to time.

(c)Dividend Equivalents.The Committee may, as a component of any other Award granted under the Plan, grant to Participants Dividend Equivalents under which the holders thereof shall be entitled to receive payments equivalent to dividends with respect to a number of Shares determined by the Committee, and the Committee may provide that such amounts shall be deemed to have been reinvested in Dividend Equivalent Shares or otherwise reinvested. Dividend equivalents may not be (i) granted in conjunction with options or SARs, or (ii) paid to a Participant on any unvested and unearned performance shares until the performance criteria has been met and the Award has vested.

(d)Other Stock-Based Awards.The Committee is hereby authorized to grant to Participants such other Awards that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to Shares (including without limitation securities convertible into Shares), as are deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan.

(i)If applicable, Shares or other securities delivered pursuant to a purchase right granted under this Section 7(d) shall be purchased for such consideration, which may be paid by such method or methods and in such form or forms, including without limitation cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or any combination thereof, as the Committee shall determine.

(iii)In granting any Other Stock-Based Award pursuant to this Section 7(d), the Committee shall also determine what effect the termination of employment of the Participant holding such Award shall have on the rights of the Participant pursuant to the Award.

Section 8.Vesting and Exercising.

(a)General.The Award Agreement shall designate the terms under which the Award vests and/or is exercisable according to terms and conditions authorized by the Committee and consistent with Plan provisions. Unless the Board provides otherwise, vesting of Stock Option and SAR awards shall be pro rata over a three-year period following the award date. For purposes of the Plan, any reference to the “vesting” of an Option or a SAR shall mean any events or conditions which, if satisfied, entitle a Participant to exercise an Option or a SAR with respect to all or a portion of the Shares covered by the Option or a SAR. Vesting of a Restricted Stock Award or a Stock Unit shall mean any events or conditions which, if satisfied, entitle the Participant to the underlying stock certificate without restrictions (or cash as the case may be). Any awards of Restricted Stock or Stock Units as to which the sole restriction relates to the passage of time and continued employment must have a restriction period of not less than three years, except that such Award may allow pro-rata vesting during the restriction period. Any Award, other than an Award described in the immediately preceding sentence, must provide for the lapse of restrictions based on performance criteria and level of achievement versus such criteria over a performance period of not less than one year, except in all cases, the Committee may provide for the satisfaction and/or lapse of all restrictions under any such Award in the event of the Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement or a Change of Control and other similar events. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company reserves the right to make Awards representing up to 5% of the total Shares issued under the Plan that are fully vested upon the making of the Award or that require vesting periods shorter than those described in this Section 8 (a). In addition, the Committee may in its sole discretion accelerate vesting of an Award made hereunder on account of a “Termination with Conditions Imposed” as described under Section 8(b)(iii) in cases such as death, Disability and Retirement or following a Change of Control as discussed in Section 10 herein.
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Except as otherwise permitted by Section 409A of the Code, an Award constituting nonqualified deferred compensation subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code shall not be accelerated.

(b)Termination of Employment.Unless the Committee specifies otherwise, either at the time of grant or thereafter, the following rules govern Awards upon a Participant’s termination of employment not on account of a Change of Control:

(i)Death, Disability and Retirement.Unvested outstanding Awards (including without limitation Stock Options, SARs, Restricted Stock or Stock Units), forfeit at death, Disability or Retirement unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, provides in the Award Agreement or otherwise for special vesting under those circumstances. With respect to Stock Options and SARS any special vesting provided by the Committee may also include an additional exercise period beyond the Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, however, that period may not be longer than the original term of the Award. The Committee may also waive in whole or in part any or all remaining restrictions and vest the Awards upon the Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement. In addition, the Committee in its sole discretion may set forth special vesting rules with respect to Dividend Equivalents and Other Stock-Based Awards and may determine that the Participant’s rights to Dividend Equivalents and Other Stock-Based Awards terminate at a date later than death, Disability and Retirement.

(ii)Sale of Business, Spin off Transactions.In the case of a sale of business or a spin off transaction that does not constitute a Change of Control, the Committee shall determine the treatment of all outstanding Awards, including without limitation, determining the vesting terms, conversion of Shares and continued exercisability. Unless otherwise provided for by the Committee, in the event the “business unit” (defined as a division, subsidiary, unit or other delineation that the Committee in its sole discretion may determine) for which the Participant performs substantially all of his or her services is spun off by the Company or an Affiliate in a transaction that qualifies as a tax-free distribution of stock under Section 355 of the Code, or is assigned, sold, outsourced or otherwise transferred, including an asset, stock or joint venture transaction, to an unrelated third party, such that after such transaction the Company owns or controls directly or indirectly less than 51% of the business unit, the affected Participant shall become: 100% vested in all outstanding Awards as of the date of the closing of such transaction, whether or not fully or partially vested, and such Participant shall be entitled to exercise such Options and Stock Appreciation Rights during the three (3) months following the closing of such transaction, unless the Committee has established an additional exercise period (but in any case not longer than the original option term). All Options and Stock Appreciation Rights which are unexercised at the end of such three (3) months or such additional exercise period shall be automatically forfeited.

(iii)Terminations with Conditions Imposed.Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions describing the additional exercise and vesting periods for Awards upon termination of employment, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, condition the right of a Participant to vest or exercise any portion of a partially vested or exercisable Award for which the Committee has established at the time of making the Award an additional vesting or exercise period on the Participant’s agreement to adhere to such conditions and stipulations which the Committee may impose, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the solicitation of employees or independent contractors, disclosure of confidential information, covenants not to compete, refraining from denigrating through adverse or disparaging communication, written or oral, whether or not true, the operations, business, management, products or services of the Company or its current or former employees and directors, including without limitation, the expression of personal views, opinions or judgments. The unvested Awards of any Participant for whom the Committee at the time of making the Award has given an additional vesting and exercise period subject to such conditions subsequent as set forth in this Section 8(b)(iii) shall be forfeited immediately upon a breach of such conditions and, if specified in an Award Agreement, any rights, payments or benefits with respect to an Award that became vested in connection with a termination of employment may be subject to recoupment upon a breach of such conditions.

(iv)Termination for Other Reasons.If a Participant terminates employment for reasons other than those enumerated above or in Section 10 below and the Committee has not created special rules surrounding the circumstances of the employment termination, the following rules shall apply.

(A)Options and SARs.Any vested, unexercised portion of an Option or SAR at the time of the termination shall be forfeited in its entirety if not exercised by the Participant within three (3) months of the date of termination of employment. Any portion of such partially vested Option or SAR that is not vested at the time of termination shall be forfeited. Any outstanding Option or SAR granted to a Participant terminating employment other than for death, Disability or Retirement, for which no vesting has occurred at the time of the termination shall be forfeited on the date of termination.

(B)Restricted Stock and Stock Units.All unvested Restricted Stock and Stock Units, or any unvested portion thereof, still subject to restrictions shall be forfeited upon termination of employment and reacquired by the Company.
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(C)Dividend Equivalents and Other Stock-Based Awards.Any Dividend Equivalents or unvested portion of Other Stock-Based Awards made hereunder shall be forfeited upon termination of employment.

(c)Forfeiture and Recoupment of Awards

(i)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if at any time (including after a notice of exercise has been delivered) the Committee, including any subcommittee or administrator authorized pursuant to Section 3(c) (any such person, an “Authorized Officer”), reasonably believes that a Participant has engaged in Gross Misconduct as defined in this Section, the Authorized Officer may suspend the Participant’s right to exercise any Stock Option or SAR or receive Shares under any other Award pending a determination of whether the Participant has engaged in Gross Misconduct. If the Committee or an Authorized Officer determines a Participant has engaged in Gross Misconduct, as defined herein, (including any Participant who may otherwise qualify for Disability or Retirement status), the Participant shall forfeit all outstanding Awards, whether vested or unvested, as of the date such Gross Misconduct occurs. In addition, the Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to recoupment upon the occurrence of Gross Misconduct. For purposes of the Plan, Gross Misconduct shall be defined to mean (1) the Participant’s conviction of a felony (or crime of similar magnitude in non-U.S. jurisdictions) in connection with the performance or nonperformance of the Participant’s duties or (2) the Participant’s willful act or failure to act in a way that results in material injury to the business or reputation of the Company or employees of the Company. “Material injury” for this purpose means substantial and not inconsequential as determined by the Committee, or its delegate. For this purpose there is no intended similarity between “Material Injury” and the accounting or securities standard of “materiality.”

(ii)The Committee, in its sole discretion, may forfeit any outstanding Award on account of a Participant’s violation of the terms of the Proprietary Interest Protection Agreement or similar agreement signed by the Participant which prohibits the Participant’s assignment of intellectual property, transmission of confidential information, competition or solicitation of employees or business. In addition, the Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to recoupment upon such a violation.

(iii)In the event of a restatement of the Company’s financial results which consists of a misrepresentation of the financial state of the Company for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Board, or its delegate, may, upon review of the facts and circumstances, take necessary and appropriate actions including adjusting, recouping or forfeiting any awards made or paid under this Plan to executive officers during the past 36 months where the payment or award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently subject of a restatement.

(d)Deferral of Taxation.The Committee may establish rules allowing employees receiving stock awards under this Plan to defer the incidence of taxation on the vesting of an award in accordance with the rules promulgated under the Code.

Section 9.Amendment and Termination of Awards.

Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in an Award Agreement or in the Plan, the following shall apply to all Awards.

(a)Amendments to Awards.Subject to Section 11, the Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Award heretofore granted without the consent of any relevant Participant or holder or beneficiary of an Award. No such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination may be made that would be adverse to the holder of such Award without such holder’s consent, provided that no such consent shall be required with respect to any amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination if the Committee determines in its sole discretion that such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination either (i) is required or advisable in order for the Company, the Plan or the Award to satisfy or conform to any law or regulation or to meet the requirements of any accounting standard, or (ii) is not reasonably likely to significantly diminish the benefits provided under such Award, or that any such diminishment has been adequately compensated. Subject to the foregoing, the Committee shall not waive any condition or rights under, amend any terms or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate any Award if such action would result in the imposition on the Award of the additional tax provided for under Section 409A of the Code.

(b)Adjustments of Awards Upon Certain Acquisitions.In the event the Company or an Affiliate shall issue Substitute Awards, the Committee may make such adjustments, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, in the terms of Awards as it shall deem appropriate in order to achieve reasonable comparability or other equitable relationship between the assumed Awards and the Substitute Awards granted under the Plan.
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(c)Amendments.No amendment, modification or termination shall accelerate the payment date of any Award constituting nonqualified deferred compensation subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, except to the extent permitted under Section 409A of the Code without the imposition of the additional tax provided for under Section 409A of the Code.

Section 10.Acceleration Upon a Change of Control.

In the event of a Change of Control, the following shall apply:

(a)Effect on Awards.If a Participant incurs a “Termination of Employment” on account of a Change of Control (as defined in Section 2 (hh), as amended from time to time) upon or within two years after a Change of Control, or if a Participant is terminated before a Change of Control at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change of Control and a Change of Control subsequently occurs, then upon the later to occur of such Termination of Employment or Change of Control (such later event, the “Triggering Event”):

(i)Options and SARs.All Options and SARs outstanding on the date of such Triggering Event shall become immediately and fully exercisable without regard to any vesting schedule provided for in the Option or SAR and, to the extent the award is assumed by the acquirer, shall remain exercisable until the expiration of the option term. If Termination of Employment occurs after the Change of Control, but within two years of the Change of Control, all Options and SARs are vested upon the Change of Control and will become exercisable upon the earlier of the normal vesting date or upon Termination of Employment and will remain exercisable for the balance of the award term. If outstanding Option or SAR awards are not assumed by the acquirer, then the Options and SARs are exercisable upon the Change of Control if the Fair Market Value exceeds the exercise price.

(ii)Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.On the date of such Triggering Event, all restrictions applicable to any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit shall terminate and be deemed to be fully satisfied for the entire stated restricted period of any such Award, and the total number of underlying Shares shall become Released Securities. If Termination of Employment occurs after the Change of Control, but within two years of the Change of Control, or if outstanding Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units are not assumed by the acquirer, they will vest upon the Change of Control and will be converted into common stock at the earlier of normal vesting dates or Termination of Employment.

(iii)Dividend Equivalents.On the date of such Triggering Event, the holder of any outstanding Dividend Equivalent shall be entitled to surrender such Award to the Company and to receive payment of an amount equal to the amount that would have been paid over the remaining term of the Dividend Equivalent, as determined by the Committee. If Termination of Employment occurs after the Change of Control, but within two years of the Change of Control, or if Dividend Equivalent Awards are not assumed by the acquirer, they will vest upon the Change of Control and will be paid at the earlier of normal vesting dates or Termination of Employment.

(iv)Other Stock-Based Awards.On the date of such Triggering Event, all outstanding Other Stock-Based Awards of whatever type shall become immediately vested and payable in an amount that assumes that the Awards were outstanding for the entire period stated therein, as determined by the Committee. If Termination of Employment occurs after the Change of Control, but within two years of the Change of Control, or if the Other Stock-Based Awards are not assumed by the acquirer, they will vest upon the Change of Control and will be paid at the earlier of normal vesting dates or Termination of Employment

(v)Performance Awards.On the date of such Triggering Event, Performance Awards conditioned on Performance Goals, including without limitation Stock Units, subject to achievement of performance goals for all performance periods, including those not yet completed, shall immediately become fully vested and shall be immediately payable or exercisable or released in common stock or cash, as the case may be, as if the Performance Goals had been fully achieved at target for the entire performance period. If Termination of Employment occurs after the Change of Control, but within two years of the Change of Control, or if the Performance Awards are not assumed by the acquirer, they will vest upon the Change of Control as if target performance for the entire performance period had been achieved and will be converted into common stock or paid in cash, as the case may be, at the earlier of normal vesting dates or Termination of Employment.

(vi)The Committee’s determination of amounts payable under this Section 10 shall be final. Except as otherwise provided in Section 10, any amounts due under this Section 10 shall be paid to Participants within 45 days after such Triggering Event.

(vii)The provisions of this Section 10 shall not be applicable to any Award granted to a Participant if the Change of Control results from such Participant’s beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of Shares or other Company common stock or Company voting securities as a Participant in a transaction described in (b) below.
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(viii)To the extent required to avoid any additional taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, in the event of a resignation of a Participant on account of Good Reason (as defined in Section 2(hh) above), if the period during which a payment or benefit may be made by the Company falls within more than one calendar year, such payment or benefit shall be provided to the Participant in the later calendar year.

(b)Change of Control Defined.A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred as described in Section 2(e) (as amended from time to time). However, that, as to any Award under the Plan that consists of deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, the definition of “Change of Control” shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A.

Section 11.Amendment or Termination of the Plan.

Except to the extent limited under Section 15 herein, prohibited by applicable law or otherwise expressly provided in an Award Agreement or in the Plan, the Board of Directors may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan, including without limitation any such action to correct any defect, supply any omission, clarify any ambiguity or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, without the consent of any stockholder, Participant, other holder or beneficiary of an Award, or Person; provided that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation, or termination that would impair the rights of any Participant, or any other holder or beneficiary of any Award heretofore granted shall not be effective without the approval of the affected Participant(s); and provided further, that, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made that would:

(a)increase the total number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan, except as provided in Section 4 hereof;

(b)reduce the price at which Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted below the price provided for in Section 7(a)(i);

(c)reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights;
(d)extend the term of this Plan;
(e)change the class of persons eligible to be Participants;

(f)otherwise amend the Plan in any manner requiring stockholder approval by law or under the New York Stock Exchange listing requirements; or

(g)increase the individual maximum limits in Section 4.

Section 12.General Provisions.

(a)Conditions and Restrictions Upon Securities Subject to Awards.The Committee may provide that the Shares issued upon exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or otherwise subject to or issued under an Award shall be subject to such further agreements, restrictions, conditions or limitations as the Committee in its discretion may specify prior to the exercise of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right or the grant, vesting or settlement of such Award, including without limitation, conditions on vesting or transferability, forfeiture or repurchase provisions and method of payment for the Shares issued upon exercise, vesting or settlement of such Award (including the actual or constructive surrender of Shares already owned by the Participant) or payment of taxes arising in connection with an Award. Without limiting the foregoing, such restrictions may address the timing and manner of any resales by the Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Shares issued under an Award, including without limitation, (i) restrictions under an insider trading policy or pursuant to applicable law, (ii) restrictions designed to delay and/or coordinate the timing and manner of sales by Participant and holders of other Company equity compensation arrangements, (iii) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers and (iv) provisions requiring Shares to be sold on the open market or to the Company in order to satisfy tax withholding or other obligations.

(b)Compliance with Laws and Regulations. This Plan, the grant, issuance, vesting, exercise and settlement of Awards thereunder, and the obligation of the Company to sell, issue or deliver Shares under such Awards, shall be subject to all applicable Federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations, stock exchange rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. The Company shall not be required to register in a Participant’s name or deliver any Shares prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of such shares under any Federal, state, local or foreign law or any ruling or regulation of any government body which the Committee shall determine to be necessary or advisable. To the extent the Company is unable to or the Committee deems it not appropriate or infeasible to obtain authorization from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authorization is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, or otherwise to satisfy the legal requirements in an applicable jurisdiction in a manner consistent with the intention of the Plan or any Award under the Plan, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall be relieved of any liability with respect to the failure to issue or sell such
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Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. No Option or stock-settled Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable and no Shares shall be issued and/or transferable under any other Award unless a registration statement with respect to the Shares underlying such Option or Stock Appreciation Rights is effective and current or the Company has determined that such registration is unnecessary.

(c)No Rights to Awards.No Employee, Participant or other Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Employees, Participants, or holders or beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

(d)No Limit on Other Compensation Agreements.Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Affiliate from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

(e)No Right to Employment.The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate. Further, the Company or an Affiliate may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement.

(f)Withholding.To the extent required by applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law, a Participant (including the Participant to whom an Award that has been transferred was originally granted) or in the case of the Participant’s death, the Participant’s estate or beneficiary, shall be required to satisfy, in a manner satisfactory to the Company, any withholding tax obligations that arise by reason of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right exercise, disposition of Shares issued under an Incentive Stock Option, the vesting of or settlement of an Award, an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code or otherwise with respect to an Award. The Company and its Affiliates shall not be required to issue Shares, make any payment or to recognize the transfer or disposition of Shares until such obligations are satisfied. The Company or any Affiliate may withhold from any Award granted or any payment due or transfer made under any Award or under the Plan the amount (in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, or other property) of withholding Federal, state or local taxes due in respect of an Award, but no more than the minimum tax withholding required to comply with such law, its exercise, or any payment or transfer under such Award or under the Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company or Affiliate to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes.

(g)Governing Law.The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and applicable Federal law.

(h)Severability.If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person, or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.

(i)No Trust or Fund Created.Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.

(j)No Fractional Shares.No fractional Share shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares, or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.

(k)Headings.Headings are given to the sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof.

Section 13.Effective Date of the Plan.

The Plan was approved by the Board of Directors on February 5, 2018 and shall have an effective date of May 7, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), subject to approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company at the May 2018 annual stockholders’ meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Plan provisions that contain an effective date other than May 7, 2018 shall be governed by such other effective date.

90

Section 14.Term of the Plan.

No Award shall be granted under the Plan after May 6, 2028. However, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award theretofore granted may extend beyond such date, and the authority of the Committee hereunder to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Award, or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Award, and the authority of the Board of Directors of the Company to amend, modify or terminate the Plan, shall extend beyond such date.

Section 15.Committee Discretion and Internal Revenue Code Compliance.

(a)The Committee may, in its sole discretion, reduce the number of Shares subject to Covered Awards or the amount which would otherwise be payable pursuant to Covered Awards; provided, however, that the provisions of Section 9 shall override any contrary provision of this Section 15.

(b)The Committee may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a Performance Goal to eliminate the effects of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items and all items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or related to the disposal of a segment or a business or related to a change in accounting principle all as determined in accordance with standards established by opinion No. 30 of the Accounting Principles Board (APB Opinion No. 30) or other applicable or successor accounting provisions, as well as the cumulative effect of accounting changes, in each case as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or identified in the Company’s financial statements, including the notes thereto, and (B) may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a Performance Goal to exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: (i) asset write-downs, (ii) litigation, claims, judgments or settlements, (iii) the effect of changes in tax law or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iv) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, and (v) accruals of any amounts for payment under this Plan or any other compensation arrangement maintained by the Company. The Committee shall certify the extent to which any Qualifying Performance Criteria has been satisfied, and the amount payable as a result thereof, prior to payment, settlement or vesting of any Award.

(c)Internal Revenue Code Compliance: The Committee intends to structure awards under this Plan to be deductible under the Internal Revenue Code wherever possible. However, since corporate objectives may not always be consistent with the requirements for full deductibility, the Committee reserves the right, when appropriate, to issue awards under this Plan which may not be deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, Awards under the Plan are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and all Awards shall be interpreted in accordance with such section and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the effective date of the Plan. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Committee determines that any Award may or does not comply with Section 409A of the Code, the Company may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the affected Award (without Participant consent) or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Committee determines are necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt any Award from the application of Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to such Award, or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The Committee may from time to time establish procedures pursuant to which Covered Employees will be permitted or required to defer receipt of amounts payable under Awards made under the Plan; provided, however, that any such deferral shall be implemented in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable.
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This proxy statement is printed entirely on recycled and recyclable paper.

 

 

PITNEY BOWES INC.
3001 SUMMER STREET
STAMFORD, CT 06926

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.


TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

 

M86862-P61236

PITNEY BOWES INC.
C/O BROADRIDGE CORPORATE ISSUER SOLUTIONS
P.O. BOX 1342
BRENTWOOD, NY 11717

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 6, 2018. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 6, 2018. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
E38688-P03444KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

 

PITNEY BOWES INC.
Company Proposals:
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR each of the nominees listed in proposal 1 below.
1.Election of DirectorsForAgainstAbstain
Nominees:
1a.Linda G. AlvaradooooThe Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR
proposals 2, 3 and 4.
ForAgainstAbstain
1b.Anne M. Busquetooo2.Ratification of the Audit Committee’s Appointment of the Independent Accountants for 2018.ooo
1c.Roger Fradinooo3.Non-binding Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation.ooo
1d.Anne Sutherland Fuchsooo4.Approval of the Pitney Bowes Inc. 2018 Stock Plan.ooo
1e.

1f.

1g.

1h.

1i.
S. Douglas Hutcheson

Marc B. Lautenbach

Eduardo R. Menascé

Michael I. Roth

Linda S. Sanford
o

o

o

o

o
o

o

o

o

o
o

o

o

o

o
NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
1j.David L. Shedlarzooo
1k.David B. Snow, Jr.ooo
            
                
                
 The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR
each of the nominees listed in proposal 1.
    Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting.oo  
            
1.Election of DirectorsForAgainstAbstain
Nominees:
1a.Linda G. Alvaradoooo
1b.Anne M. BusquetoooThe Board of Directors recommends you voteForAgainstAbstain
FOR proposals 2 and 3.
1c.Roger Fradinooo2.Ratification of the Audit Committee’s Appointment of theooo
Independent Accountants for 2015.
1d.Anne Sutherland Fuchsooo3.Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation.ooo
1e.S. Douglas Hutchesonooo
1f.Marc B. Lautenbachooo
1g.Eduardo R. Menascéooo
1h.Michael I. Rothooo
1i.David L. Shedlarzooo
1j.David B. Snow, Jr.ooo
Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting.oo
YesNo  
                
 Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary,please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

 

       
 
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]Date Signature (Joint Owners)Date 
 

 

20152018 Annual Meeting of
Pitney Bowes Stockholders
May 11, 20157, 2018, 9:00 a.m. Local Time
Hyatt Regency Hotel
1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT 06870

 

Upon arrival, please present this admission ticket and valid, government-issued
or acceptable photo identification at the registration desk.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to Be Held on May 11, 2015:
7, 2018:

The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders including the Report on Form 10-K
10-k are available atwww.proxyvote.com.

 

M86863-P61236E38689-P03444

Proxy Solicited on Behalf of Pitney Bowes Board of Directors
Annual Meeting of Stockholders May 11, 2015

Marc Lautenbach, Michael Monahan, Amy C. Corn, or any of them, with full power of substitution are hereby appointed proxies of the undersigned to vote all shares of common stock and $2.12 convertible preference stock of Pitney Bowes Inc. owned by the undersigned at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, on May 11, 2015, including any continuation of the meeting caused by any adjournment, or any postponement of the meeting, upon such business as may properly come before the meeting, including items as specified on the reverse side.

The undersigned, if a participant in any of the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plans (the “Plans”) for which T. Rowe Price Trust Company acts as directed Trustee (“Trustee”), hereby directs the Trustee to vote as indicated on the reverse side all Pitney Bowes common stock allocated to his or her account, as indicated on the reverse side, at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, on May 11, 2015.

Shown on this card are all shares of common stock and $2.12 convertible preference stock registered in your name, held for your benefit in the dividend reinvestment plan and/or held for your benefit in the Plans. The shares represented hereby will be voted in accordance with the directions given by the stockholder.If a properly signed proxy is returnedwithout choices marked, the shares represented by this proxy registered in your name and/or held for your benefit in the dividend reinvestment plan will be voted FOR Items 1 through 3. If no proxy card is received or a properly signed proxy card properly executed is returned without choices marked, the plan shares represented by the proxy card will be voted with respect to Items 1 through 3 in the same proportion indicated by the properly executed voting instructions given by participants in the Plan (unless otherwise directed by the employer).

In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote in accordance with their judgment on such other business as may properly come before the meeting, including any continuation of the meeting caused by any adjournment, or any postponement of the meeting.

Please mark, date, sign, and promptly return this proxy in the enclosed envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the U.S., or grant your proxy via telephone or Internet as described on the reverse side.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side

Proxy Solicited on Behalf of Pitney Bowes Board of Directors
Annual Meeting of Stockholders May 7, 2018
Marc Lautenbach, Michael Roth, Daniel Goldstein, or any of them, with full power of substitution are hereby appointed proxies of the undersigned to vote all shares of common stock and $2.12 convertible preference stock of Pitney Bowes Inc. owned by the undersigned at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, on May 7, 2018, including any continuation of the meeting caused by any adjournment, or any postponement of the meeting, upon such business as may properly come before the meeting, including items as specified on the reverse side.
The undersigned, if a participant in any of the Pitney Bowes 401(k) Plans (the “Plans”) for which T. Rowe Price Trust Company acts as directed Trustee (“Trustee”), hereby directs the Trustee to vote as indicated on the reverse side all Pitney Bowes common stock allocated to his or her account, as indicated on the reverse side, at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, on May 7, 2018.
Shown on this card are all shares of common stock and $2.12 convertible preference stock registered in your name, held for your benefit in the dividend reinvestment plan and/or held for your benefit in the Plans. The shares represented hereby will be voted in accordance with the directions given by the stockholder.If a properly signed proxy is returnedwithout choices marked, the shares represented by this proxy registered in your name and/or held for your benefit in the dividend reinvestment plan will be voted FOR each of the nominees listed in Proposal 1 and FOR Items 2, 3 and 4. If no proxy card is received or a properly signed proxy card properly executed is returned without choices marked, the Plan shares represented by the proxy card will be voted with respect to Items 1 through 4 in the same proportion indicated by the properly executed voting instructions given by participants in the Plan (unless otherwise directed by the employer).
In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote in accordance with their judgment on such other business as may properly come before the meeting, including any continuation of the meeting caused by any adjournment, or any postponement of the meeting (including, if applicable, on any matter which the Board of Directors did not know would be presented at the annual meeting of stockholders by a reasonable time before the proxy solicitation was made or for the election of a person to the Board of Directors if any nominee named in Proposal 1 becomes unable to serve or for good cause will not serve).
Please mark, date, sign, and promptly return this proxy in the enclosed envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the U.S., or grant your proxy via telephone or Internet as described on the reverse side.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side