UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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CROWN HOLDINGS, INC.
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
(Name of person(s) filing proxy statement, if other than the registrant)
 

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Crown Holdings, Inc.

770 Township Line RoadHidden River Corporate Center Two

Yardley, Pennsylvania 1906714025 Riveredge Drive, Suite 300

Tampa, Florida 33637

________________________

NOTICE OF 20212024 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

________________________

Date: May 2, 2024

Time: 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time

Place: The Westin Tampa Waterside

725 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602

Agenda: · Election of Directors

Date:·April 22,2021
Time:Online check-in begins:9:15 a.m. Eastern Time
Online Meeting begins:9:30 a.m. Eastern Time

Place:Meeting via the Internet – please visit: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CCK2021
Purposes:·Elect Directors
·Ratify theRatification of appointment of independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021

December 31, 2024

··VoteAdvisory vote on an advisorya resolution to approve executive compensation for the

Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement

·Proposal to amend Articles of Incorporation to reduce minimum and maximum size of the Board of Directors
·If properly presented, consideration of a Shareholder proposal regarding transparency in this Proxy Statementpolitical spending
··Conduct suchSuch other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting

AllOnly Shareholders are cordially invited to attend our virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders, conducted via the Internet. Due to the ongoing public health impactCommon Stock of the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel and public gathering restrictions that have been imposed throughout Pennsylvania as a result thereof, the Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format to support the health and well-being of the Company’s Shareholders, employees and their families. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person this year.

Only Shareholdersrecord as of the close of business on March 2, 2021, the record date for the Annual Meeting, may participate and vote at the meeting. During the virtual Meeting, you may submit questions and will be able to vote your shares electronically. To participate, you will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form. We encourage you to allow ample time for online check-in, which will begin at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time on April 22, 2021.

This Proxy Statement, the Proxy Card relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Annual Report to Shareholders are available electronically at: www.crowncork.com/investors/proxy-online.

By Order of the Board of Directors
ADAM J. DICKSTEIN
Corporate Secretary
Yardley, Pennsylvania
March 15, 2021

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2021 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING

Attendance and Participation

Only Shareholders as of the close of business on March 2, 2021, which is12, 2024, the record date for the Annual Meeting, will be entitled to participate online, vote their shares electronically and submit questions duringvote.

By Order of the Board of Directors
ADAM J. DICKSTEIN
Corporate Secretary

Tampa, Florida

March 25, 2024

Important Notice Regarding the Annual Meeting. You willAvailability of Proxy Materials for the
Shareholder Meeting to
be able to access the meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CCK2021 using your 16-digit control number.

If your shares are registered directly in your name with EQ Shareowner Services, the Company’s stock transfer agent, and you received proxy materials by mail, your 16-digit control number will be containedHeld on your proxy card. If you are a participant in the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan or any other applicable Company employee benefit plan, your 16-digit control number will be contained on your proxy card.

If your shares are held in a bank or brokerage account, your 16-digit control number will be contained on the voting instruction form provided by your bank or broker. If you do not receive a voting instruction form with this control number, please contact your bank or broker.

We encourage you to access the virtual Annual Meeting before the start time of 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time, on April 22, 2021. Please allow ample time for online check-in, which will begin at 9:15 a.m., Eastern Time, on April 22, 2021. The decision to have a virtual Annual Meeting again this year due to the ongoing public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic does not represent a change in our Shareholder engagement philosophy. The Company expects to return to an in person meeting next year.

May 2, 2024:

The virtual Annual Meeting platform is fully supported across browsers (Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, ChromeProxy Statement and Safari) and devices (desktops, laptops, tablets and cell phones) running the most updated version of applicable software and plugins. Participants should ensure they have a strong Internet connection wherever they intend to participate in the Annual Meeting. Participants should also allow plenty of time to log in and ensure that they can hear streaming audio prior to the start of the Annual Meeting.

Shareholder Lists

A list of the Shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be open to examination by any Shareholder during the meeting.

Questions

Shareholders may submit questions during the Annual Meeting. If you wish to submit a question, you may do so by logging into the virtual meeting platform at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CCK2021, typing your question into the “Ask a Question” field, and clicking “Submit.” Questions pertinentProxy Card relating to the Annual Meeting will be answered duringof Shareholders

and the Annual Meeting, subjectReport to time constraints.Shareholders are available at

Technical Support

If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual Annual Meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call 844-986-0822 (Toll Free) or 303-562-9302 for assistance. Technical support will be available beginning at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time on April 22, 2021 through the conclusion of the Annual Meeting.

WWW.CROWNCORK.COM/INVESTORS/GOVERNANCE/PROXY-ONLINE

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

20212024 Proxy Statement Summary1
  
Questions & Answers about the 20202024 Annual Meeting1114
  
Proposal 1:  Election of Directors1720
  
Director Compensation2124
  
Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Executive Officers2326
  
Corporate Governance2528
  
Compensation Discussion and Analysis3134
  
20202023 Say-On-Pay Vote Results3134
At-Risk Compensation3235
Pay-for-Performance Alignment - Performance-Based Shares-Performance-Based Compensation3336
Role of the Compensation Committee3336
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives3336
Committee Process3437
Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions3538
Executive Compensation Consultant3538
Use of Benchmarking3538
Peer Group Composition3538
Compensation Strategy for CEO3639
Compensation Strategy for NEOs other than the CEO3740
Components of Compensation3741
Base Salary3741
Annual Incentive Bonus3841
Long-Term Equity Incentives4144
Retirement Benefits4548
Perquisites46Perquisites49
Severance46Severance50
Tax Deductibility of Executive Compensation4650
  
Compensation Committee Report4750
  
Executive Compensation49
Executive Compensation52
Summary Compensation Table4952
Grants of Plan-Based Awards5154
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End5356
Option Exercises and Stock Vested5558
Pension Benefits5659
Employment Agreements and Potential Payments upon Termination5760
Pay Ratio Disclosure6063
Pay Versus Performance Disclosure63
  
Principal Accountant Fees and Services6170
  
Audit Committee Report6271
  
Proposal 2:  Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors6372
  
Proposal 3:  Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation6473
  
Proposal 4:  Proposal to Amend Articles of Incorporation to Reduce Minimum and Maximum Size of the Board of Directors74
Proposal 5:  Consideration of a Shareholder Proposal Regarding Transparency in Political Spending75
Other Matters6578
Appendix AA-1

 

 

20212024 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

This is a summary only and does not contain all the information that you should consider. We urge you to carefully read the entire Proxy Statement before voting.

 

Crown Holdings, Inc. - 2021 Virtual2024 Annual Meeting

 

 

Time and Date:Date:

9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, April 22, 2021May 2, 2024

Place:

 
Place:Meeting via the Internet – www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CCK2021

The Westin Tampa Waterside

725 South Harbour Island Boulevard

Tampa, Florida 33602

Record Date:

 
Record Date:

March 2, 2021.12, 2024. Only Shareholders of record of the Company’s Common Stock at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

20212024 Annual Meeting Proposals

 

 

 

Agenda ItemBoard RecommendationPage
1.  Election of DirectorsFOR EACH DIRECTOR NOMINEE1720
2.  Ratification of appointment of Independent AuditorsFOR6372
3.  Advisory vote to approve executive compensationFOR6473
4.  Proposal to amend Articles of Incorporation to reduce the minimum and maximum size of the Board of DirectorsFOR74
5.  Consideration of a Shareholder proposal regarding transparency in political spendingAGAINST75

How to Cast Your Vote

 

You can vote by any of the following methods:

    
InternetPhoneMailDuring MeetingIn Person
    




www.proxyvote.comwww.proxypush.com/cck

Deadline for voting online is 11:59 p.m. (ET) on April 21, 2021.May 1, 2024.

1-800-690-69031-866-883-3382

Deadline for voting by phone is 11:59 p.m. (ET) on April 21, 2021.May 1, 2024.

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.  Your proxy card must be received before the Annual Meeting.

You may vote online duringFor instructions on attending

the Annual Meeting, at www.virtualshareholderplease

meeting.com/CCK2021see “Questions and Answers

about the 2024 Annual Meeting” on page 14.

 

Proposal 1:1 - Election of Directors

 

There are thirteenten nominees for election to the Board of Directors. This year’s BoardAll of the nominees include one new Director – Dwayne Wilson.currently serve on the Board. Six of the Company’s current independent Directors have joined the Board in the last five years as a result of a Board refreshment process where Director candidates were identified during that period through Board, Shareholder and third-party search firm input.[1] Half of our nominees are or have been Chairs of U.S. public company Boards of Directors. Our Board refreshment strategy has further strengthened and diversified the skills and experiences of the Board. Each Director nominee is listed below, and you can find additional information about each nominee under Proposal 1: Election of Directors, beginning on page 17.20.

    Name and Primary Occupation Age 

Director

Since

 

 

Independent

 

Committee Memberships

A C E NCG

Timothy J. Donahue

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company

 61 2015 No       

Richard H. Fearon

Former Vice Chairman and Chief Financial and Planning Officer of Eaton Corporation

 67 2019 Yes      

Andrea J. Funk

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

of EnerSys

 54 2017 Yes      

Stephen J. Hagge

Former President and Chief Executive Officer of AptarGroup

 72 2019 Yes   Chair  

James H. Miller

Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PPL Corporation 

 75 2010 Yes     Chair

B. Craig Owens

Former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Campbell Soup Company

 69 2019 Yes Chair     

Angela M. Snyder

President of Fulton Financial Corporation and Fulton Bank

 59 2022 Yes      

Caesar F. Sweitzer

Former Senior Advisor and Managing Director of Citigroup Global Markets

 73 2014 Yes     

Marsha C. Williams

Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Orbitz Worldwide

 72 2022 Yes       

Dwayne A. Wilson

Former Senior Vice President of Fluor Corporation

 65 2020 Yes       

DirectorCommittee Memberships
Name and Primary OccupationAgeSinceIndependentACNCGE

John W. Conway

Chairman of the Board of the Company

 75 1997 Yes       Chair

Timothy J. Donahue

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company

 58 2015 No       

Richard H. Fearon

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial and Planning Officer of Eaton Corporation[1]

 64 2019 Yes        

Andrea J. Funk

VP Finance, Americas of EnerSys

 51 2017 Yes      

Stephen J. Hagge

Former President and Chief Executive Officer of AptarGroup

 69 2019 Yes       

Rose Lee

President of DuPont Water & Protection 

 55 2016 Yes       

James H. Miller

Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PPL Corporation 

 72 2010 Yes    Chair 

Josef M. Müller

Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé in the Greater China Region

 73 2011 Yes      

B. Craig Owens

Former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Campbell Soup Company

 66 2019 Yes       

Caesar F. Sweitzer

Former Senior Advisor and Managing Director of Citigroup Global Markets

 70 2014 Yes Chair    

Jim L. Turner

Chief Executive Officer of JLT Beverages; former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group

 75 2005 Yes   Chair  

William S. Urkiel

Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IKON Office Solutions

 75 2004 Yes      

Dwayne A. Wilson

Former Senior Vice President of Fluor Corporation

 62 2020 Yes       

A: Audit Committee   C: Compensation Committee    E:Executive Committee NCG: Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee   E:Executive Committee


1Mr. Fearon will retire as Two additional Directors were appointed in 2022 pursuant to an officer of Eaton Corporation on March 21, 2021.

agreement with a Shareholder and resigned in November 2023.

 

The Board elected Mr. Timothy Donahue as its Chairman following the 2022 Annual Meeting. Mr. James Miller is the Board’s Independent Lead Director. See the section below titled “Corporate Governance: Board Leadership and Risk Oversight” for a summary of the duties of our Independent Lead Director.

Director Tenure
Less than 6 years 6 – 10 years More than 10 years
   

  

Ongoing Board Refreshment –

sixeight new directorsDirectors in five years1

  

 

Board Independence and Diversity

Board CompositionDiversity

·       TwoThree female directorsDirectors

·One African American director

·       One Asian American director

·       One non-U.S. citizen directorDirector

 

 

The thirteenten Director nominees standing for reelection to the Board have diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences. We believe their varied backgrounds contribute to an effective and well-balanced Board that is able to provide valuable insight to, and effective oversight of, our senior executive team.


1 Two additional Directors appointed pursuant to an agreement with a Shareholder served from December 2022 to November 2023.

 

 

Governance Best Practices

 

The Board of Directors is committed to implementing and maintaining strong corporate governance practices. The Board continually adopts emerging best practices in governance that enhance the effectiveness of the Board and our management and that serve the best interests of the Company’s Shareholders. The Corporate Governance section beginning on page 2528 describes our governance framework. We call your attention to the following best practices.

ü

Annual election of all Directors

ü

Resignation policy applicable to Directors who do not receive a majority of votes cast in uncontested elections

ü

Mandatory retirement policy for Directors

ü

Proxy access

ü

Active outreach and engagement with Shareholders throughout the year

ü

Overboarding limits

ü

Robust Board refreshment with sixeight new independent Directors joining the Board in the last five years
1

ü

129 of 1310 Directors independent – all key committees consisting solely of independent Directors

ü

Independent Lead Director with broad authority

ü

Executive sessions of independent Directors held regularly

ü

Annual review of Committee charters and Corporate Governance Guidelines

ü

Robust stock ownership guidelines for Directors and Named Executive Officers

ü

Prohibition on all pledging and hedging of the Company’s stock by Directors, Officers and other insiders

ü

Annual advisorySay-on-Pay vote on executive compensation

ü

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to Directors and employees

ü

No supermajority voting requirement to amend By-Laws

ü

Shareholder right to call special meetings

üNo poison pill

ü

OversightReview of sustainability/environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) policy matters assigned to Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
and review of the Company’s ESG disclosures and reporting assigned to Audit Committee

ü

Integration of Diversity and Inclusion in the Company’s Sustainability program, overseen by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

ü

Board oversight of cybersecurityinformation security

üAnnual update from Management to the Board on the Company’s political contributions

Shareholder Engagement

The Company has developed a multi-platform Shareholder engagement program that results in active dialogue with both current and prospective Shareholders all over the world.investors globally.  Major elements of the program include individual or group investor meetings, scheduled teleconferences, participation in sponsored institutional investor conferences and investor visits to Company manufacturing, research and development or administrative facilities.  Subjects of discussion at these events include long-term strategy, financial information, recent and pending acquisitions


1 Two Directors joined the Board in 2022 pursuant to an agreement with a Shareholder and resigned in November 2023.

and divestitures, major trends and issues affecting the Company’s businesses, industry dynamics, executive compensation, sustainability and corporate governance, among other matters.  Every few years, as appropriate, the Company hosts investor day events, which may also include facility tours. In addition, since2023, the November 2019 announcementCompany released a comprehensive and updated investor presentation. The Company also cultivates relationships with the stewardship teams of its index-based Shareholders.  In discussions with current and prospective Shareholders, our ongoing Board-led review of our portfolio and capital allocation/return and our continuing Board refreshment process, our Shareholder engagement has included the receipt ofincludes eliciting Shareholder perspectives on our businesses andlong-term strategy, financial performance, capital allocation as well as our Board composition.policies and business portfolio, among other matters.  During last year’s engagement cycle, we estimate that we had personal contact with investors owning well over 50%60% of the Company’s outstanding shares. On June 2, 2023, the Company was included into the S&P MidCap 400 Index.

 

Sustainability – Environmental and Social Responsibility

 

Sustainability is integral toa core driver and priority within the Company’s business strategy. The Company’sCompany's strategic approach. Under the general direction of the Board and in accordance with its charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has oversightregularly reviews and assesses the Company's sustainability programs, policies and practices. Similarly, the Audit Committee reviews Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures, reports and audits, as well as management’s assessment and measurement of the Company’s progress towards achieving its ESG goals and objectives. Robust governance frameworks govern all facets of the business, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. In addition to the responsibilities of the Board Committees described above, the Company monitors its sustainability efforts pursuantthrough a Global Executive Sustainability Committee, comprising senior Company executives.

In 2020, Crown established its comprehensive Twentyby30TM program, setting 20 measurable goals that the Company would attempt to its Committee charter. We managereach by 2030 or sooner. These objectives encompass multiple aspects of sustainability and reflect areas which may be material to the Company’s business as well as areas where it believes it can create notable impact. Structured within five core program pillars of: Climate Action, Resource Efficiency, Optimum Circularity, Working Together and Never Compromise, these initiatives include efforts such as making operational improvements in energy, water and waste and elevating our business with ESG as an important operational consideration and with a relentless focus on safety, innovationmaterial use efficiency, recycling, responsible and efficiency – both in our manufacturing processesethical sourcing and our use of resources. That discipline has enabled us to reduce our overall energy consumptionfood contact and greenhouse gas emissions, even as demand for our metal packaging products has continued to increase and we have grown our global footprint to support our regional and international customers. In 2020, we expanded our conservation efforts to water usage. Our focus on sustainability is aided by the strong recyclability credentials ofsafety.

The Company’s main raw material inputs, aluminum and steel, our primary rawoffer unparalleled sustainability credentials for packaging not only due to their superior recycling rates and recycled content, but also because both materials for metal packaging thatare infinitely recyclable, meaning they can be infinitely recycled repeatedly with no loss of physical properties. These natural elements maintain their properties forever, making metal a key contributor to the circular economy. or quality. This constant reuse into new containers or other metal products saves raw materials, and energy and reduces CO2 emissions. Most of the products made by ourthe Company’s Transit Packaging Division use a high-degreehigh degree of recycled content, and many useare made from 100% recycled content. In fact, our plastic strapping business unitthe group recycles hundreds of millions of pounds of PET bottles to make strapping.

The Company issuedplastic every year for use in its most recent biennial Sustainability Report in February 2020. products. The report uses the Global Reporting Initiative’s G4 guidelines and is available in full at sustainability.crowncork.com. The Company’s next Sustainability Report will be a supplement report published in the Spring of 2021 to close out our 2020 goals and transition to our Twentyby30 program.

Some highlights from our recent sustainability results are as follows:1

·We participate in the climate change program of CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) to further increase transparency with customers and other important stakeholders. Our last three annual submissions have received high rankings, placing us in the “Leadership” and “Management” tiers. Crown consistently scores as one of the highest companies in the packaging sector.
·For 2020 Crown achieved a top score for CDP Supplier Engagement, scoring in the top 7% of all 8,033 companies reporting to CDP. The supplier engagement score provides a rating for how effectively companies engage their suppliers on climate change.
·The Company expects to report under the SASB methodology in its next Sustainability Report, which will be published in the Spring of 2021.

·We established a goal to reduce energy consumption by 5% per billion standard units of production (our unit of measure for metal packaging defined in the report) from 2015 levels by the end of 2020. As of December 31, 2019, we exceeded this goal, reducing energy consumption by 5.1% per billion standard units for metal packaging.

1 We continue actively working to integrate our new Transit Packaging Division also produces reusable top frames, which hascontribute to a much more diverse set of product offerings and manufacturing formats than our metal packaging business, into our sustainability measurement methodology. The data above do not include Transit Packaging. Nevertheless, we note that a large percentage of the products sold by the Transit Packaging Division are made from recycled materials and that the Transit Packaging Division recycles millions of pounds of material to manufacture its products. We expect that our Transit Packaging Division will be integrated into all future Sustainability Reports.lower carbon footprint.

 

·We established a goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 10% per billion standard units of production from 2015 levels by the end of 2020. As of December 31, 2019, we exceeded this goal, with greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 10.8% per billion standard units. Absolute emissions have decreased by 1.1% even as production has increased by 13.9%.
·During the reporting period, the Company won numerous awards in multiple U.S. states and in all three of our global geographic divisions in areas such as safety, recycling, pollution prevention and green manufacturing.

Crown acknowledges that its sustainability efforts rely on collaboration throughout the value chain. The Company has taken many additional stepsworks to positively influence its upstream value chain by communicating its comprehensive environmental supplier standards. These standards grant the Company oversight of and visibility into the environmental practices of our suppliers, and the Company expects all suppliers to comply with them. Third-party risk assessments and audits further reinforce the Company’s commitment to sustainability in our sustainability efforts, including the following:

·We signed one of the largest non-investment grade “sustainability-linked loans” in history. The interest rate on the Company’s revolving credit facility will increase or decrease, in part, based on the annual environmental, social and governance scores received by the Company from one of the major third-party sustainability ratings agencies.

·We announced plans to reduce water usage in our global operations by 20% from 2019 levels by the end of 2025. These efforts will decrease the Company’s water usage by over 500 million gallons annually.

·We joined RE100, pledging a total transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2050, with interim targets of 60% by 2030, and 90% by 2040.

·We committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”), which requires the Company to set specific goals for reducing GHG emissions. These targets, which have been accepted by the SBTi, align with global temperature increase limits of 1.5° C set by the Paris Agreement of 2015. The Company established a Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction goal of 50% by 2030. Additionally, the Company established a Scope 3 goal of 16% emissions reduction by 2030.

·In July 2020, the Company introduced its next phase of Sustainability with the launch of its Twentyby30 program. This ambitious and aggressive program commits to twenty measurable goals to be achieved by 2030 or sooner and is available at www.crowncork.com/sustainability/twentyby30-overview.

·We launched our new Supplier Code of Conduct, available at www.crowncork.com/investors/corporate-governance/supplier-code-conduct, to align supplier conduct with the Company’s core values.

·In the past year, we have issued public policy statements on Environmental Sustainability, Human Rights, Responsible and Ethical Sourcing, Tax Strategy and Conflict Minerals, all of which are available at www.crowncork.com.

its raw material supply chains.

 

The Company issued its most recent complete Sustainability Report in June 2023. The report uses the Global Reporting Initiative’s 2021 guidelines and is available in full at https://www.crowncork.com/news/crowns-new-sustainability-report-underscores-continued-progress-toward-achieving-twentyby30tm.

This report details progress within the Company’s Twentyby30 program throughout 2022, which includes the following:

·Climate Action
·Resource Efficiency
·Optimum Circularity – Crown reduced the overall global average standard (12oz or 330ml) can weight of its beverage cans by 6.44%, which is over 60% of the way toward the Company's goal of a 10% reduction by 2030.
·Working Together – Across its global businesses, 44% of Crown's new hires in executive roles were female – a 38% increase from 2019.
·Never Compromise

In 2023, the Company received recognition of its sustainability efforts from several sources, including:

·“World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek and Statista: The Company was ranked as the top packaging company within the Transport, Logistics & Packaging category, based on evaluations of customer, investor and employee trust.

·“America’s Most Responsible Companies” by Newsweek and Statista: The Company was featured among 500 honorees, based on evaluations of CSR and sustainability KPIs and public perception of the Company’s reputation.

·“America’s Climate Leaders” by USA TODAY and Statista: The Company was ranked as one of the top performing companies for emissions reduction among 2,000 U.S.-based organizations.
·EPA’s Top 30 Green Power Partners from the Fortune 500 List: The Company was featured within the top 30 companies for the third year in a row.
·“Top Companies for Women” by Forbes: The Company was awarded #4 in our industry category and #77 overall out of 400 honorees.
·Sustainalytics: The Company was awarded the #1 spot within the "Containers and Packaging" industry category for 2023, marking the 4th year in a row that we placed in the top 3% of our category.

The Company’s next Sustainability Report will be issued in 2024 and will use the Global Reporting Initiative’s 2021 guidelines, which are effective for reports or other materials published on or after January 1, 2023. This next Sustainability Report will include alignment to recommendations of the Task Force on Climate Disclosure (“TCFD”). As with any material risk to the Company, Crown closely manages risks and opportunities that climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy could create for the Company.

Information Security

The Company places a high priority on securing its confidential business information, as well as the confidential business information and personal information that we receive from and store about our business partners and employees.

The Company has systems in place to securely receive and store information and to detect, contain, and respond to data security incidents. The Company has information security compliance procedures in place to manage information security risk and conducts frequent security awareness training for all Company employees. This program provides training and testing at least annually on information security. To respond to the threat of security breaches and cyberattacks, the Company maintains a program, overseen by the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer, that is designed to protect and preserve the confidentiality, integrity and continued availability of all information owned or controlled by the Company. This program also includes a cyber incident response plan that provides controls and procedures for timely and accurate reporting of any material information security incident. The Company undergoes annual third-party security testing to gain an independent view of the strength of our information security defenses and audits its information technology and security compliance procedures annually in order to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. Auditors engaged by the Company for this purpose are best-in-class industry leaders in the information security industry that use standard cyber security frameworks such as NIST Cyber Security Framework and ISO 27001 standards. The Company also maintains an information security risk insurance policy.

The Board, the Audit Committee and Company management share top-level responsibility for management of information security risk. Day-to-day oversight rests with the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer, who reports to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The Audit Committee, which is tasked with oversight of certain risk issues, including information security risk, receives two to four reports annually from the Company’s senior leadership, including the Chief Information Security Officer, that includes an information security dashboard and discussion of emerging risks and trends. The Audit Committee then briefs the Board on these matters. The full Board receives a presentation, usually annually, from the Company’s senior leadership on information security matters. The Company has conducted training programs for Board members to enhance our Directors’ literacy on information security issues.

Proposal 2 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors

 

As a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking youthe Company asks its Shareholders to ratify the selection by the Audit Committee of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as ourthe Company’s independent auditors for 2021.2024. The following table summarizes the fees PwC billed to the Company for 2020.2023.

Audit FeesAudit-Related FeesTax Compliance FeesTax Advisory Services FeesAll Other FeesAudit-Related FeesTax-Related FeesAll Other Fees
$9,408,000$6,315,000$320,000$1,148,000$21,000
$9,289,000$1,350,000$1,482,000$10,000

Additional information in the section titled “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” and the Audit Committee Report may be found on pages 6170 and 62.71.

Proposal 3 – Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

At the 20202023 Annual Meeting, the say-on-paySay-on-Pay resolution with respect to Named Executive Officer (“NEO”) compensation received a favorable vote of over 96%92%. Accordingly, the general approach to the compensation of our NEOs, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), remained largely unchanged. Since 2022, a sustainability criterion has been part of the Board’s annual evaluation of the CEO. See the Compensation and Discussion Analysis (“CD&A”) section that begins on page 31.34. Below is a summary of the CEO’s compensation for 2018, 20192021, 2022 and 2020.2023. Compensation offor Mr. Donahue and the other NEOs is more fully described in the Summary Compensation Table on page 49.52.

Name and PositionYearSalary

Grant Date Projected Value of Unvested Restricted

Stock Awards

Non-Equity Incentive Plan CompensationChange in Pension ValueAll Other CompensationTotal Compensation

Timothy Donahue

President and Chief Executive Officer

2023$1,370,000$7,671,945$2,820,488$0  $65,790$11,928,223
20221,315,0007,364,000599,969021,1679,300,136
20211,260,0006,368,7703,024,0001,106,979       55,31611,815,065

Name and PositionYearSalary

Grant Date Projected Value of Unvested Restricted

Stock Awards

Non-Equity Incentive Plan CompensationChange in Pension ValueAll Other CompensationTotal Compensation

Total

Compensation Net of Certain Retirement-Related Benefits

Timothy Donahue

President and Chief Executive Officer

2020$1,200,000$6,239,951$2,880,000$5,714,297$1,486,791$17,521,039$10,324,226
20191,155,0006,005,9701,711,7104,056,9571,081,05314,010,6908,876,880
20181,100,0005,720,0551,735,8001,183,618 77,268 9,816,7418,566,727

The last column above shows Total Compensation net of certain retirement-related benefits (i.e., the Change in Pension Value column and certain retirement-related elements of All Other Compensation). The lump-sum present value calculations required to be included for all of our NEOs in this Proxy Statement for certain components of Total Compensation continue to be inflated(e.g., Changes in Pension Value) are affected strongly by historically-low interest rates. NotFuture changes in interest rates could cause significant changes in the lump-sum value of such benefits. See page 59, footnote 4, for more information about interest rate sensitivity. Note also that not all of the pension benefits payable to our NEOs will be paid in a lump sum.Future increases in interest rates could cause a significant reduction in the lump-sum value of such benefits. See page 56, footnote 4, for more information about interest rate sensitivity.

79 
 

Pay-for-Performance Alignment – Performance-Based SharesCompensation

 

The Company has developed an executive compensation program that is ownership-oriented and that rewards the attainment of specific annual and long-term goals that will result in improvement in Shareholdershareholder value. Two-thirdsApproximately two-thirds of our NEOs’ share awards are performance-based. Beginning with 2017 grants, which vested in early 2020, vestingVesting is based on two performance metrics: the Company’s relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) against a peer grouppublished index of company peers (the Dow Jones U.S. Containers & Packaging Index) and the Company’s return on invested capital (“ROIC”). Annual incentive bonuses are also based on two performance metrics: the Company’s modified operating cash flow (“MOCF”) and its economic profit.

 

Based on the Company’s performance for the measurement period related to the vesting of performance-based shares in 2020,2024, the Company’s NEOs, including the CEO, received TSR-based awards that were 21.3%54.4% below target and ROIC-based awards that were 100% above the target grants established in 2017. However, due totarget. For 2023, based on the Company’s over-performance on the MOCF component and under-performance on the economic profit component of the annual incentive bonus, corporate-level NEOs (including the CEO) received bonuses that were 52.5% above target. The Company’s corporate-level NEOs received annual incentive bonuses for the measurement periods related to the performance-based shares vesting in 20182022 that were 63.5% below target level and 2019, the NEOs have forfeited 100% of their performance share vestings for two years out of the performance-based shares granted in 2015 and 2016. Such additional awards and forfeitures display a clear and direct correlation between pay-for-performance and our executives’ compensation. This performance-based vesting history illustrates a strong pay-for-performance alignment.

last ten. The Committee views these outcomes as demonstrative of the Company’s “pay-for-performance” philosophy.

810 
 

Elements of Total Direct Compensation

The allocation of 20202023 total direct compensation for our CEO and for our other NEOs among the various components of compensation is set forth in the following charts that highlight the Company’s emphasis on “at risk” and equity-based compensation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

911 
 

Executive Compensation Best Practices

WHAT WE DO

ü

Maintain a Compensation Committee comprised entirely of independent Directors

üBenchmark our NEOs’ total direct compensation at the 50th percentile of our peer group

ü

Review pay and performance alignment annually

ü

ProvideTarget and provide a majority of the direct compensation paid to our NEOs in performance-based compensation

ü

Allocate approximately two-thirds of compensation under the Company’s long-term incentive plan to performance-based share awards and approximately one-third to time-based share awards

ü

Vest performance-based shares on the basis of two metrics (total(relative total shareholder return and return on invested capital)

ü

Require both a change in control and a qualifying employment termination for vesting of stock compensation (i.e., double-trigger vesting)

üBase payouts under the Company’s Annual Incentive Bonus Plan on the achievement of specified levels of economic profit and modified operating cash flow

ü

Maintain stock ownership and holding period requirements for our NEOs

ü

“Clawback”Pursuant to our new compensation recovery policy (the “Compensation Recovery Policy”) for incentive compensation paid or awarded on or after October 2, 2023, we may recover from certain current or former executive officers, including our NEOs, the amount of any erroneously awarded cash- or equity-based compensation paid on the basis of the achievement of financial performance measures in the event of an accounting restatement, without regard to whether the NEO engaged in intentional misconduct or fraud. The Compensation Recovery Policy applies in addition to any other rights of recovery under any similar policy, including under the Company’s general clawback policy pursuant to which the Company may recoup non-equity incentive bonus payments and performance-based equity awards from NEOs in the event of certain acts of misconduct
misconduct.

ü

Engage an independent compensation consultant for our Compensation Committee

ü

Annually review the independence of the compensation consultant retained by the Compensation Committee

ü

Utilize tally sheets to review, for each NEO, total compensation, compensation mix, internal pay equity, total value of Company stock held by the NEO, payouts under certain potential termination scenarios and the aggregate value of retirement benefits and interest rate sensitivity onof retirement benefits

ü

Hold annual Say-on-Pay votes

üInclude a sustainability criterion for the Board’s annual evaluation of the CEO

WHAT WE DON’T DO

û

Allow carry-forward or banking of economic profit or modified operating cash flow achievement in the Company’s Annual Incentive Bonus Plan

û

Enter into any new employment, severance or separation agreement, or establish any new severance plan or policy covering any NEO that provides for cash severance benefits exceeding 2.99 times the sum of the NEO’s base salary plus target bonus, without seeking Shareholder ratification of such agreement, plan or policy.

ûUse subjective individual qualitative factors in determining executives’ annual bonuses

for our NEOs

û

Include any tax gross-up provisions in any new or revisedour executive employment agreements

û

Provide excessive perquisites

û

Permit any form of hedging or pledging of Company stock

ûCount unexercised stock options or unearned performance shares toward the achievement of ownership guidelines

Please read the CD&A, beginning on page 31,34, for a more detailed description of the Company’s executive compensation program.

12 

Proposal 4 – Proposal to Amend Articles of Incorporation to Reduce the Minimum and Maximum Size of Board of Directors

 

The Board believes that the proposed amendment will align the Company’s Board structure with current practice at U.S. public companies while continuing to allow for a Board with diverse talents and perspectives, as well as demonstrated experience and expertise. The proposed amendment to the Articles will result in a size range for the Board that the Board believes will support the culture of critical thinking and thoughtful discussion in the boardroom.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR Proposal 4.

Proposal 5 – Consideration of Shareholder Proposal Regarding Transparency in Political Spending

Mr. John Chevedden has advised he intends to present a Shareholder proposal regarding transparency in political spending.

The Board has carefully considered this Shareholder proposal and recommends that you vote AGAINST Proposal 5.

1013 
 

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT THE 20212024 ANNUAL MEETING

 

 

Why am I receiving these materials?

 

The Company is providing you this Proxy Statement, the accompanying Proxy Card and a copy of our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2020,2023, containing audited financial statements, in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. The Meeting will be conducted via the Internetheld on April 22, 2021May 2, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. All ShareholdersTime at The Westin Tampa Waterside located at 725 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Tampa, Florida. As a Shareholder of the Company, you are cordially invited to attend our virtualthe Annual Meeting and are entitled and requestedencouraged to exercise your right to vote on the matters described in this Proxy Statement. The accompanying Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company. We are mailing this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy Card and Annual Report to our Shareholders on or about March 15, 2021.25, 2024.

What is a Proxy?

A Proxy is your legal designation of another person to vote the shares that you own in accordance with your instructions. The person you appoint to vote your shares is called a Proxy Holder. On the Proxy Card you will find the names of the persons designated by the Company to act as Proxy Holders to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting. The Board is asking you to allow any of the persons named as Proxy Holders on the Proxy Card (all of whom are Officers of the Company) to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting. The Proxy Holders must vote your shares in the manner you instruct.

Who is entitled to vote?

Only Shareholders as of the close of business on March 2, 202112, 2024 (“Record Date”) are entitled to receive notice of, to attend and to vote at the Annual

Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting. Each Shareholder has one vote per share on all matters to be voted on. As of the Record Date, there were 134,912,097xxx,xxx,xxx shares of Common Stock outstanding.

What is the difference between a “record owner” and a “beneficial owner”?

Record Owners: If your shares are registered directly in your name with EQ Shareowner Services, the Company’s stock transfer agent, you are considered the “Shareholder of record” or “record owner” with respect to those shares. You vote your shares directly and may attend the Annual Meeting. You also may participate in and vote online directly duringat the Annual Meeting with no prior authorizations required.

Beneficial Owners: If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank or trust as custodian on your behalf, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares. Your shares are registered on the Company’s books in the name of the brokerage firm, bank or trust, or its nominee. Shares held in this manner are commonly referred to as being held in “street name.” As the beneficial owner of the shares, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or trustee how to vote your shares by using the voting instruction form sent to you along with this Proxy Statement. You also are invited to attend the virtual Annual Meeting andMeeting. However, because a beneficial owner is not the Shareholder of record, you may not vote online duringthese shares in person at the Annual Meeting, by followingor participate in the instructions provided by yourAnnual Meeting, unless you obtain a legal proxy from the broker, bank or trust with your voting instruction form.

who is the Shareholder of record, or holds a legal proxy from the Shareholder of record, giving you the right to vote the shares at the Annual Meeting.

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What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?

Shareholders will vote on threefive proposals at the Annual Meeting:

·the election of Directors
·the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20212024
·the “Say-on-Pay” vote
·an advisory resolutionamendment to approveArticles of Incorporation to reduce the compensationminimum and maximum size of the Named Executive Officers as disclosedBoard of Directors
·if properly presented, a Shareholder proposal regarding transparency in this Proxy Statement (the “Say-on-Pay” vote)political spending

The Company also will consider any other business that properly comes before the Annual Meeting in accordance with Pennsylvania law and the Company’s By-Laws.

How does the Board of Directors recommend that I vote?

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares:

··FOR”each of the nominees for election to the Board
··“FOR”the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for 20212024
··“FOR”the advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement
·“FOR” the amendment to Articles of Incorporation to reduce the minimum and maximum size of the Board of Directors
·“AGAINST” the Shareholder proposal regarding transparency in political spending

What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting?

Other than the items of business described in this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a Proxy to the Proxy Holders named on the Proxy Card, they will have the discretion to vote your
shares in their best judgment with respect to any additional matters properly brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance with Pennsylvania law and the Company’s By-Laws. Also, if for any reason any of our nominees are not available as candidates for Director, the Proxy Holders will vote the Proxies for any other candidate or candidates who may be nominated by the Board.

How do I vote my shares?

You may vote your shares by Proxy or during the virtual meeting. in person.

You may vote by Proxy:

··by the Internet, at the web address provided on page 1 of this Proxy Statement or on your Proxy Card or voting instruction form; or
··by telephone, using the toll-free number listed on page 1 of this Proxy Statement or on your Proxy Card or voting instruction form; or
··by mail, by marking, signing, dating and mailing your Proxy Card or voting instruction form and returning it in the envelope provided. If you return your signed Proxy Card or voting instruction form but do not mark the boxes showing how you wish to vote, your shares will be voted FOR Proposals 1 through 3; or4 and AGAINST Proposal 5.

15 

You may vote in person:

··during the Meeting, by using the unique 16-digit control number which appears on the proxy card, with no prior authorization, if you are a record owner; owner;
·with a legal proxy from the brokerage firm, bank or trust that holds your shares in street name, if you are a beneficial owner, your 16-digit control number will be contained on the voting instruction form provided by your bank or broker..

The deadline for voting by telephone or electronically through the Internet is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, April 21, 2021.May 1, 2024.

12 

Will my shares be voted if I do not provide my Proxy?

It depends on whether you are a record owner or beneficial owner. If you are a record owner, your shares will NOT be voted unless you provide a Proxy or attend and vote onlinein person at the Annual Meeting. For beneficial owners who hold shares in street name through brokerage firms, those firms generally have the authority to vote their clients’ unvoted shares in their discretion on certain routine matters. For example, if you are a beneficial owner and you do not provide voting instructions, your brokerage firm may vote your shares with respect to the ratification of the appointment of independent auditors (Proposal 2), as this matter is considered routine under the applicable New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules. All other matters to be voted on at this year’s Annual Meeting are not considered routine, and your broker cannot vote your shares on those non-routine matters without your instruction (“broker non-votes”).

Beneficial Owners: The Company urges you to instruct your broker, bank or trust on how to vote your shares.

What constitutes a quorum?

The presence, by attendance at the virtual Annual Meetingin person or by Proxy, of Shareholders entitled to cast a majority of votes will be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. WITHHOLD votes with respect to Director nominees and abstain votes
on the other proposals
will be counted in determining the presence of a quorum, as well aswill shares subject to broker non-votes if the broker votes the shares on a routine matter, such as the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent auditors (Proposal 2).

Under Pennsylvania law and the Company’s By-Laws, ABSTAIN votes and broker non-votes are not considered to be “votes cast” and, therefore, although they will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum, they will not be given effect either as FOR or WITHHOLD / AGAINST votes.

What vote is needed for the election of Directors, and what is the policy with respect to the resignation of Directors who do not receive a majority of the votes?

With regard to Proposal 1, Shareholders may vote FOR or WITHHOLD with respect to the election of Directors. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast, by those in attendance at the virtual Annual Meetingperson or by Proxy, subject to the Company’s By-Law provision described below. The Company’s By-Laws set forth the procedures if a Director nominee does not receive at least a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election of Directors where a quorum is present. In an uncontested election, an incumbent Director nominee who receives the support of less than a majority of the votes cast at an Annual Meeting, although deemed to have been elected to the Board by plurality vote, must promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board. In an uncontested election, if a nominee who is not an incumbent does not receive the vote of at least a majority of the votes cast, the nominee will be deemed to have been elected to the Board by plurality vote and to have immediately resigned.

 

For this purpose, “majority of votes cast” means the number of shares voted FOR a Director’s election exceeds 50% of the total number of votes cast with respect to the Director’s election. “Votes cast” includes only FOR and WITHHOLD votes. Under Pennsylvania law and the Company’s By-Laws, broker non-votes are not considered to be “votes” and, therefore, will not be given effect either as FOR or WITHHOLD votes in the context of Proposal 1.

 

1316 
 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate the tendered resignation of an incumbent Director who does not receive a majority vote in an uncontested election and make a recommendation to the Board as to whether the resignation should be accepted. The Board will act on the tendered resignation and publicly disclose its decision within 90 days from the date of certification of election results. If the Board does not accept the incumbent’s resignation, such Director will continue to serve until the next Annual Meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until such Director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. If the Board accepts the Director’s resignation, the Board may fill the resulting vacancy or decrease the size of the Board pursuant to the Company’s By-Laws. To be eligible to stand for election, each nominee who agrees to be nominated must agree in writing to be bound by the By-Law resignation provisions in the event the nominee does not receive a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.

What vote is needed to approve all other proposals?

Proposals 2, 3, 4 and 35 require a FOR vote of a majority of the votes cast, by those in attendance at the virtual Annual Meeting orperson and by Proxy, in order to be approved.

ABSTAIN votes and broker non-votes will not be considered as votes cast and will have no effect on the outcome of the votes on these proposals.

 

Can I change or revoke my vote after I have delivered my Proxy?

Yes. If you are a record owner, prior to the Annual Meeting you may change your vote by submitting a later-dated Proxy in one of the manners authorized and described in this Proxy Statement (by Proxy Card, via the Internet or by telephone). You also may give a written notice of revocation to the Company’s Corporate Secretary, so long as it is delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s principal executive offices prior to the beginning of the Annual Meeting, or given to the Corporate Secretary at the Annual Meeting prior to the time your Proxy is voted
at the Annual
Meeting. You also may revoke any Proxy given pursuant to this solicitation by voting your shares electronically duringattending the Annual Meeting.Meeting and voting in person by ballot. If you are a beneficial owner, please follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or trust withas to how you may change your voting instruction formvote or obtain a legal proxy to vote your shares if you wish to cast your vote electronicallyin person at the Annual Meeting.

Who can attend the Annual Meeting?

Our virtual Annual Meeting will be conducted onOnly Company employees and Shareholders as of the Internet via webcast. Shareholders of record on March 2, 2021 will be able to participate online, vote their shares electronically and submit questions during12, 2024 Record Date may attend the Annual Meeting by visiting:

www.virtualshareholdingmeeting.com/CCK2021

To participate inMeeting. Record owners may attend without any prior authorization. If you are a beneficial owner, to be admitted to the Annual Meeting you will need proof of beneficial ownership satisfactory to the 16-digit control number included on yourCompany in the form of a statement from the brokerage firm, bank or trust or a legal proxy cardfrom that institution showing you as a beneficial owner of Company shares or your voting instruction form. Theas the sole legal proxy of a beneficial owner. All Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. We encourage youattendees may be asked to accesspresent valid, government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before entering the Annual Meeting priorMeeting. Attendees will be subject to security inspections and will be required to comply with other security and procedural measures in place at the start time. Online accessAnnual Meeting. Please arrive early enough to allow yourself adequate time to clear security. You will begin at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time.

The virtual Annual Meeting platform is fully supported across browsers (Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) andnot be allowed to use video or audio recording devices (desktops, laptops, tablets and cell phones) running the most updated version of applicable software and plugins. Participants should ensure they have a strong Internet connection wherever they intend to participate in the Annual Meeting. Participants also should allow plentyRepresentatives of time to log in and ensure that they can hear streaming audio priorthe Company will be at the entrance to the startAnnual Meeting, and these representatives will be authorized on the Company’s behalf to determine whether the admission policies and procedures are being followed and whether you will be granted admission to the Annual Meeting.

Health Protocols:

For the health and safety of our Shareholders and employees, we ask that you follow all applicable health orders in place at the time of the Annual Meeting.

As the state of applicable health orders are subject to change following the date of this Proxy Statement, we encourage Shareholders may submit questions during the Annual Meeting. If you wishwho plan to submit a question, you may do so by logging into the virtual meeting platform at

www.virtualshareholdingmeeting.com/CCK2021

and typing your question into the “Ask a Question” field, and clicking “Submit.” Questions pertinent toattend the Annual Meeting will be answered duringin person to review the Annual Meeting, subject to time constraints.latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control

1417 
 

If you encounter any difficulties accessingand Prevention and the virtual Annual Meeting duringFlorida Department of Health, as well as the check-in or meeting time, please call 844-986-0822 (Toll Free) or 303-562-9302 for assistance. Technical support will be available beginning at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time on April 22, 2021 through the conclusion of the Annual Meeting.Company’s website at:

Additional information regarding matters addressing technical and logistical issues, including technical support duringwww.crowncork.com/investors/governance/proxy-online

prior to attending. Individuals experiencing cold/flu-like symptoms should not attend the Annual Meeting will be available atin person but are encouraged to vote prior to the meeting using one of the other methods described under “How do I vote my shares?” above.

www.virtualshareholdingmeeting.com/CCK2021

Where can I find voting results of the Annual Meeting?

The Company will announce the preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and publish the final results in a Form 8-K or Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within four business days after the date of the Annual Meeting.

Who conducts the Proxy solicitation, and how much will it cost?

The Company has engaged D.F. King to assist in the solicitation of Proxies for a fee of $10,000 plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses and certain additional fees for services rendered in connection with such solicitation. Certain Officers and employees of the Company may also solicit Proxies by mail, telephone, Internet or facsimile or in person without any extra compensation. The Company bears the cost of soliciting Proxies.

What is the deadline for proposals for consideration or for nominations of individuals to serve as Directors at the 20222025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders?

Proposals to be Considered for Inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Materials:

 

In order to be considered for inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 20222025 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders, any Shareholder proposal intended to be presented at that meeting, in addition to meeting the shareholder eligibility and other requirements of the SEC rules governing such proposals, must be received in writing, via Certified Mail – Return Receipt Requested, by the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Crown Holdings, Inc., 770 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067Hidden River Corporate Center Two, 14025 Riveredge Drive, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33637 not later than November 15, 2021.
25, 2024.

 

Director Nominations for Inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Materials (Proxy Access):

 

Under certain circumstances, Shareholders may submit nominations for Directors for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials by complying with the proxy access requirements in the Company’s By-Laws, which require nominations to be submitted in writing, via Certified Mail – Return Receipt Requested, and received at the above address not before October 16, 202126, 2024 nor after November 15, 2021.25, 2024.

 

Other Business and Director Nominations to Be Brought Before the 20222025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders:

 

The Company’s By-Laws currently provide that a Shareholder of record at the time that notice is given to the Company and who is entitled to vote at an annual meeting may bring business before the meeting or nominate a person for election to the Board of Directors if the Shareholder gives timely notice of such business or nomination. To be timely, and subject to certain exceptions, notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary must be delivered or mailed, via Certified Mail – Return Receipt Requested, and received at the above address not before October 16, 202126, 2024 nor after November 15, 2021.25, 2024. The notice must describe various matters regarding the nominee or proposed business. Any Shareholder desiring a copy of the Company’s By-Laws will be furnished one copy without charge upon written request to the Corporate Secretary.

1518 
 

How can I access the Proxy materials on the Internet?

The Company has made available copies of the following materials at the Company’s website at:

https://www.crowncork.com/investors/governance/proxy-online

·this Proxy Statement
·the Proxy Card relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
·the Annual Report to Shareholders

Information included on the Company’s website, other than this Proxy Statement, the Proxy Card and the Annual Report to Shareholders, is not part of the Proxy soliciting materials.

Whom should I contact to obtain a copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K?

The Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202023 with the SEC on February 26, 2021.27, 2024. A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K was included as part of the Annual Report to Shareholders that you received along with the proxy materials. Any Shareholder can obtain a copy of the Annual Report, including the financial statements and schedules thereto and a list describing all the exhibits not contained therein, without charge. Requests for copies of the Annual Report should be sent to: Investor Relations Department, Crown Holdings, Inc., 770 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067Hidden River Corporate Center Two, 14025 Riveredge Drive, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33637 or you may call toll free 888-400-7789. Copies in electronic format of the Company’s Annual Report and filings with the SEC are available at the Company’s website at www.crowncork.comwww.crowncork.com/investors/reports-filings in the “For Investors” section.

1619 
 

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Proxy Holders shall vote the shares with respect to the nominees listed below, all of whom are now Directors of the Company, to serve as Directors for the ensuing year or until their successors shall be elected. None of the persons named as a nominee for Director has indicated that he or she will be unable or will decline to serve. In the event that any of the nominees are unable or decline to serve, which the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors does not believe will happen, the Proxy Holders will vote with respect to the remaining nominees and others who may be nominated by the Board of Directors.

 

Mr. Josef Müller, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since 2011, is retiring as a Director pursuant to our mandatory retirement policy and is not standing for re-election to the Company’s Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. Messrs. Jesse Lynn and Andrew Teno resigned from the Board on November 20, 2023. Their resignations were delivered pursuant to the Director Appointment and Nomination Agreement, dated December 12, 2022, by and among the Company, Carl C. Icahn and the persons and entities listed therein, and were not due to any disagreement with the Company.

The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company provide for a Board of Directors consisting of between 10 and 18 Directors, as determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has fixed the number of Directors at 13.10. It is intended that the Proxies will be voted for the election of the 1310 nominees named below as Directors, and no more than 1310 will be nominated by the Board. If all 13 director10 Director nominees are elected, 9 of the Board of Directors, will consist of 13 Directors, 12 of whom, representing 92%90% of the Board, will be “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards.

The Board is committed to regular review of its composition to ensure that the Board continues to have the right mix of skills, background and tenure. This year’s Board nominees include one new Director – Dwayne Wilson. Six of the Company’s independent Directors nominated for re-election have joined the Board in the last five years as a result of a Board refreshment process during the period where Director candidates were identified through Board, Shareholder and third-party search firm input.1 Our ongoing Board refreshment strategy has further strengthened and diversified the skills and experiences of the Board. The Board believes that the collective combination of backgrounds, skills and experiences of its members has produced a Board that is well-equipped to exercise oversight responsibilities for the Company’s Shareholders and to help guide the Company to achieve its long-term strategic objectives.

Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, no Director will commence a term of Board service if the Director is over 75 years old unless the Board determines that an additional term of Board service would be in the best interests of the Company.

The names of thethis year’s nominees and information concerning them and their associations as of March 2, 2021,12, 2024, as furnished by the nominees, follow. The principal occupations and the directorships stated include the nominees’ occupations and directorships with any U.S. publicly traded companies or registered investment companies during the last five years.

 

The Board of Directors Recommends that Shareholders Vote FOR Election

of Each of the Nominees Named Below.

 


1 Two additional Directors (Messrs. Lynn and Teno) joined the Board in 2022 pursuant to an agreement with a Shareholder and resigned in November 2023.

NameAgePrincipal OccupationYear Became
Director

Timothy J. Donahue

(e)

61Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company2015

Richard H. Fearon

(a) (ncg)

67Former Vice Chairman and Chief Financial and Planning Officer and Director of Eaton Corporation; also Chairman of Avient Corporation and a Director of Waters Corporation and CRH plc2019

Andrea J. Funk

(a) (c)

54Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of EnerSys; former Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge-Lee Industries; former Director of Destination Maternity Corporation2017

Stephen J. Hagge

(c) (e) (ncg)

72Former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of AptarGroup; also Chairman of CF Industries Holdings2019

James H. Miller

(c) (e) (ncg)

75Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PPL Corporation; former Director of AES Corporation2010

B. Craig Owens

(a) (e)

69Former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Campbell Soup Company; also a Director of AptarGroup; former Director of J C Penney Company2019

Angela M. Snyder

(a) (c)

59President of Fulton Financial Corporation and Fulton Bank; also a Director of Fulton Bank2022

Caesar F. Sweitzer

(a) (e) (ncg)

73Former Senior Advisor and Managing Director of Citigroup Global Markets2014

Marsha C. Williams

(c)

72Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Orbitz Worldwide; also Chairperson of Modine Manufacturing Company and a Director of Fifth Third Bancorp2022

Dwayne A. Wilson

(a)

65Former Senior Vice President of Fluor Corporation; also a Director of Sterling Construction Company, Ingredion Incorporated and DT Midstream; former Director of AK Steel Holding Corporation2020
(a) Member of the Audit Committee(c) Member of the Compensation Committee
(e) Member of the Executive Committee(ncg) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
     
17 

NameAgePrincipal OccupationYear Became
Director

John W. Conway

(a)

75

 

Chairman of the Board and former Chief Executive Officer of the Company; also a Director of PPL Corporation1997

Timothy J. Donahue

(a)

58President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company2015

Richard H. Fearon

 

64Vice Chairman and Chief Financial and Planning Officer and Director of Eaton Corporation[1]; also a Director of Avient Corporation and CRH plc2019

Andrea J. Funk

(b) (c)

51VP Finance, Americas of EnerSys; former Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge-Lee Industries; former Director of Destination Maternity Corporation2017

Stephen J. Hagge

(c)

69Former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of AptarGroup; also a Director of CF Industries Holdings2019

Rose Lee

(d)

55President of DuPont Water & Protection2016

James H. Miller

(a) (c) (d)

72Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PPL Corporation; also a Director of AES Corporation2010

Josef M. Müller

(b) (c)

73Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé in the Greater China Region2011

B. Craig Owens

(b)

66Former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Campbell Soup Company; also a Director of AptarGroup; former Director of J.C. Penney Company2019

Caesar F. Sweitzer

(a) (b) (d)

70Former Senior Advisor and Managing Director of Citigroup Global Markets2014

Jim L. Turner

(a) (c) (d)

75Chief Executive Officer of JLT Beverages; former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group; also a Director of Comstock Resources2005

William S. Urkiel

(b) (d)

75Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IKON Office Solutions; former Director of Roadrunner Transportation Systems2004

Dwayne A. Wilson

(b)

62Former Senior Vice President of Fluor Corporation; Director of Sterling Construction Company and Ingredion Incorporated; former Director of AK Steel Holding Corporation2020
(a) Member of the Executive Committee(c) Member of the Compensation Committee
(b) Member of the Audit Committee(d) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
     


[1] Mr. Fearon will retire as a director and officer of Eaton Corporation on March 31, 2021.

1821 
 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for leading the search for individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and recommending candidates to the Board as Director nominees. The Board desires a diverse membership, including with respect to race, gender, nationality and ethnicity as well as professional background and geographic and industry experience. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee assesses each potential nominee’s overall mix of experiences, qualifications, perspectives, talents, education and skills as well as each potential nominee’s ability to contribute to the Board and to enhance the Board’s decision-making process.processes. Independence is a key factor when considering the Director nominees, as are critical thinking skills, practical wisdom and mature judgment in the decision-making process. For a description of the identifying and evaluating procedures of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, see “Corporate Governance – Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.” The Board believes that each of the nominees listed above has the sound character, integrity, judgment and record of achievement necessary to be a member of the Board and is independent of the influence of any particular Shareholder or group of Shareholders whose interests may diverge from the interests of the Company’s Shareholders as a whole.Board. In addition, each of the nominees has exhibited the ability to operate constructively with the other members of the Board and to challenge and question management in a productive way.

The Board believes, moreover, that each nominee brings a strong and unique background and skill set to the Board, giving the Board, as a whole, competence and experience in diverse areas. These areas include organizational leadership; public company board service; manufacturing; finance; management in the packaging, food and beverage sectors and other relevant industries; and international business and markets.markets; and information security. Half of the nominees are or have been Chairs of U.S. public company Boards of Directors. The Board believes that the following specific experiences, qualifications and skills, together with the aforementioned attributes, qualify each of the nominees listed above to serve as a Director.

John Conway. Mr. Conway, the Company’s independent non-executive Chairman of the Board, served as the CEO of the Company for over 15 years until his retirement at year-end 2015, as a member of the Board since 1997 and in other positions, both domestic and international, with the Company and its predecessors for over 40 years. He gives the Board seasoned leadership and an in-depth knowledge of the Company, especially its international business. Mr. Conway also serves as Lead Director of another NYSE-listed company.

Timothy Donahue. Mr. Donahue was elected Chairman by the Board following the 2022 Annual Meeting and assumed the position of CEO of the Company in 2016. He has served as a member of the Board since 2015 and in other executive positions with the Company for over 3033 years. He gives the Board seasoned leadership and an in-depth knowledge of the Company, especially its international business. He also brings to the Board an intimate understanding of the operations and finances of the Company from his prior experience as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Richard Fearon. Mr. Fearon’s experience as aFearon, the former Vice Chairman and CFO of an NYSE-listed global, diversified manufacturing company, brings to the Board comprehensive knowledge of financial accounting and extensive experience in financial reporting, corporate finance and capital markets, corporate development, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, risk management and investor relations. He also oversaw his company’s information security program for more than 10 years and chaired its senior management committee on information security. Mr. Fearon’s experience qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations. In addition, his service as a Lead DirectorChairman of an NYSE-listed global provider of specialized polymers also provides significant governance experience. Mr. Fearon also serves as a director of another publicly-listed company. Mr. Fearon will retire as a director and officer of Eaton Corporation on March 31, 2021.two other NYSE-listed companies.

Andrea Funk. Ms. Funk’s experience as VP Finance of the Americas divisionSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of an NYSE-listed international manufacturing company and as former CEO and CFO of an international manufacturing and distribution business brings to the Board significant expertise in the areas of finance, operations and strategy. This, along with Ms. Funk’s prior experience in public accounting, enhances her contributions to the Audit Committee and qualifies her as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations.

19 

Stephen Hagge. Mr. Hagge brings to the Board substantial leadership and management experience in the packaging industry, public company governance, operations, international business, strategic initiatives and risk management from his roleroles as former CEO, CFO and COO of an NYSE-listed global packaging manufacturer. Mr. Hagge chairs the Compensation Committee and also serves as a directorChairman of another NYSE-listed company.

22 

Rose Lee. Ms. Lee brings senior management experience to the Board from her role as president of a global business segment of an NYSE-listed international manufacturing company. She also brings a deep knowledge of operations, engineering and technology matters that enhances her contribution to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s oversight of the Company’s sustainability efforts.

James Miller. Mr. Miller, the Company’s Independent Lead Director, brings to the Board substantial leadership and management experience, both domestic and international, from his role as former chairmanChairman and CEO of an NYSE-listed international energy and utility holding company. Mr. Miller also brings to the Board significant safety, environmental, governmental relations and regulatory agency experience by virtue of his responsibilities at this highly regulated utility company. Mr. Miller chairs the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and also serves as director of another NYSE-listed company.Committee.

Josef Müller. Mr. Müller, a European national, has over 35 years of senior management experience at a global food and beverage company, including as the CEO of that company’s greater China region. Mr. Müller brings to the Board significant emerging market business development and management experience.

B. Craig Owens. Mr. Owens’ extensive experience in the consumer food and beverage industries, including his former service as the CFO and Chief Administrative Officer of a leading NYSE-listed international consumer food company, brings to the Board significant financial expertise, including all aspects of financial reporting, accounting, corporate finance and capital markets, as well as significant experience in strategic planning, business integration and operations, and in managing supply chain organizations. In his roles as CFO for several companies, he had over 15 years of senior-level management responsibility for information security. He also recently completed a Director-level certification course in information security. Mr. Owens also has considerable knowledge of the retail industry having served as CFO of a leading international grocery retailer. His experience qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations, and he chairs the Audit Committee. Mr. Owens also serves as a director of another NYSE-listed company.

Angela Snyder. Ms. Snyder brings to the Board extensive experience in the banking sector, leadership and management, strategic planning, risk management and corporate governance. She serves as President and as a Director of a NASDAQ-listed financial holding company and as President of its banking subsidiary. She possesses more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Caesar Sweitzer. Mr. Sweitzer spent over 35 years in finance, primarily as an investment banker focusing on industrial companies. Mr. Sweitzer brings to the Board significant knowledge of the global packaging industry as well as finance and investment matters, such as acquisitions, dispositions and corporate finance. Mr. Sweitzer’s experience qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations, and he chairsregulations.

Marsha Williams. Ms. Williams brings to the Audit Committee.

Jim Turner. Mr. Turner’sBoard extensive experience in the soft drink industry, and in particular his experience as owner and CEO of the largest independent soft drink bottler in the U.S., gives the Board deep insight into the industry of many of the Company’s significant customers. Mr. Turner has valuable experience in business development,strategic planning, corporate finance, andoperations, mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Turner chairs the Compensation Committeeacquisitions, investor relations, information technology, liquidity management, risk management and corporate governance through her prior roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of companies in diverse industries. Ms. Williams also serves as Chairperson of one publicly-listed company and as a director of another NYSE-listed company.

William Urkiel. Mr. Urkiel’s experience as CFO of a NYSE-listed provider of innovative document management systems and services brings to the Board both leadership skills and comprehensivewith global operations. In these roles, Ms. Williams has accumulated extensive knowledge of accounting, finance and capital markets and corporate governance, matters. Mr. Urkiel’s accountingglobal finance, capital management, internal controls and financehuman resources, including significant experience qualify him as an “audit committeein the financial expert” withinmarkets in which the meaning of SEC regulations, and he serves on the Audit Committee.Company competes for financing.

Dwayne Wilson. Mr. Wilson brings to the Board over 36 years of senior management experience at a leading NYSE-listed construction and engineering company. Mr. Wilson has gained a broad range of experience and exposure to a number of diverse end markets, and the Company will benefitbenefits from his knowledge and perspective, particularly in the areas of manufacturing, technology, operational excellence and engineering. Mr. Wilson also serves as a director of twothree other publicly-listed companies.companies.

 

The educational backgrounds of each of the Company’s Directors can be found on our website at www.crowncork.com/investors/governance/board-directors.

2023 
 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The following table lists 20202023 Director compensation for all independent Directors who received compensation as Directors in 2020.2023. Compensation for Mr. Donahue, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, is reported in the Summary Compensation Table included in the Executive Compensation section below. Mr. Donahue does not earn additional compensation for his service as Director.Director or for his service as Chairman.

 

Name

Fees Earned or

Paid in Cash (1)

 

Stock Awards (2)

 

Total

John Conway$180,000$145,000$325,000
Richard Fearon100,000145,000245,000
Andrea Funk125,000145,000270,000
Stephen Hagge110,000145,000255,000
Rose Lee117,500145,000262,500
William Little (3)52,50072,500125,000
Hans Löliger (3)52,50072,500125,000
James Miller155,000145,000300,000
Josef Müller125,000145,000270,000
B. Craig Owens111,250145,000256,250
Caesar Sweitzer135,000145,000280,000
Jim Turner130,000145,000275,000
William Urkiel125,000145,000270,000

 

Name

Fees Earned or

Paid in Cash (1)

 

Stock Awards (2)

 

Total

Richard Fearon$125,000$160,000$285,000
Andrea Funk125,000160,000285,000
Stephen Hagge130,000160,000290,000
Jesse Lynn (3)110,000160,000270,000
James Miller155,000160,000315,000
Josef Müller (4)125,000160,000285,000
B. Craig Owens125,000160,000285,000
Angela Snyder115,000160,000275,000
Caesar Sweitzer125,000160,000285,000
Andrew Teno (3)125,000160,000285,000
Marsha Williams110,000160,000270,000
Dwayne Wilson115,000160,000275,000

(1)

Each Director may defer receipt of all, or any part, of his or her cash compensation until termination of service as a Director. At the election of the Director, deferred cash compensation amounts are paid in either a lump sum or quarterly installments over a period not to exceedof either 5 or 10 years after departure from the Board and are credited with interest at the prime rate until distributed.

(2)

The annual grant of Company Common Stock for 20202023 consisted of $145,000$160,000 of Company Common Stock under the Stock2022 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and was paid on a quarterly basis. The number of shares paid each quarter is determined based on the average of the closing market price of the Company’s Common Stock on each of the second through sixth business days following the date on which the Company publicly released its quarterly results.

Beginning in 2024, each Director may defer receipt of all, or any part, of his or her annual stock grant until termination of service as a Director. At the election of the Director, deferred stock compensation amounts are paid in cash in either a lump sum or quarterly installments over a period of either 5 or 10 years and are credited with dividends when paid.

(3)

Messrs. LittleLynn and Löliger retiredTeno resigned as Directors of the Company pursuant toin November 2023.

(4)

Mr. Müller will retire as a Director of the Company’s mandatory retirement rules and did not stand for re-electionCompany in April 2020.May 2024.

2124 
 

The Board periodically receives benchmarking data regarding director compensation from Pay Governance LLC, an executive compensation consulting firm, and uses the 50thpercentile of its peer group’s target total cash compensation and target total direct compensation as a market check in determining director compensation. For 2021,2024, Directors who are not employees of the Company will receive annual cash base fees, grants of Company Common Stock and cash committee fees in the amounts set forth as follows.

 

Cash Base Fee

$100,000
Equity Grant145,000160,000
Supplemental Cash Committee Fees: 

·Audit Committee - Chair

·Audit Committee - Other Members

·Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee - Chair

·Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee - Other Members

25,000

15,000

20,000

10,000

Non-Executive Board Chairman Fee 80,000
Independent Lead Director Fee25,000

 

Directors do not receive any additional fees for their service on the Executive Committee. There are no Board or committee meeting attendance fees. Directors are reimbursed by the Company for travel and related expenses they incur in connection with their service on the Board and its committees.

Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, after five years of service on the Board, independent Directors are expected to own Company Common Stock having a market value of at least five times the cash base annual Director’s fee. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, each independent Director with more than five years of service on the Board satisfies this requirement.

Non-employee Directors may participate in the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors which permits Directors to defer receipt of all, or any part, of their cash Director fees and/or (beginning in 2024) stock awards. Deferred amounts are recorded in a notional bookkeeping account for the benefit of each deferring Director. Cash deferred fees accrue interest quarterly at the prime interest rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal. Stock deferrals are credited with dividends when paid. When a Director ceases to be a member of the Board, the Director’s account will be paid in cash in either a lump sum or quarterly installments over five or ten years as elected by the Director. The right of any Director to receive payments under the plan is an unsecured claim against the general assets of the Company.

 

 

 

2225 
 

COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following table shows, as of March 2, 2021,12, 2024, the number of shares of Company Common Stock beneficially owned by each person or group that is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.

Name and Address

 

Amount of Common Stock of the Company

Owned Beneficially, Directly or Indirectly

Percentage of

Outstanding Shares (1)

 

The Vanguard Group (2)

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

11,968,5598.9%

JP Morgan Chase & Co. (3)

383 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10179

8,518,5566.3%

Janus Henderson Group plc (4)

201 Bishopsgate

EC2M 3AE

United Kingdom

7,323,3325.4%

BlackRock, Inc. (5)

55 East 52nd Street

New York, NY 10055

6,812,3945.0%

(1) Percentages are derived based upon 134,912,097 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 2, 2021.

(2) The Vanguard Group, an investment advisor, reported that it may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 11,968,559 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The Vanguard Group reported that it had sole dispositive power with respect to 11,745,103 shares, including 117,151 shares for which it had shared voting power, and shared dispositive power with respect to 223,456 shares.

(3) JP Morgan Chase & Co., a parent holding company, reported that it may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 8,518,556 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. JP Morgan Chase & Co. reported that it had sole dispositive power with respect to 8,487,669 shares, including 7,778,630 shares for which it had sole voting power and 28,950 shares for which it had shared voting power, and shared dispositive power with respect to 29 shares.

(4) Janus Henderson Group plc, a parent holding company, reported that it may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 7,323,332 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Janus Henderson Group plc reported that it had shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 7,323,332 shares.

(5) BlackRock, Inc., a parent holding company, reported that it may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 6,812,394 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. BlackRock, Inc. reported that it had sole dispositive power with respect to 6,812,394 shares, including 6,068,303 shares for which it had sole voting power.

Name and Address

 

Amount of Common Stock

of the Company Owned Beneficially, Directly or Indirectly

Percentage of

Outstanding Shares (1)

 

BlackRock, Inc. (2)

50 Hudson Yards

New York, NY 10001

 

11,917,5869.9%

The Vanguard Group (3)

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

11,825,7039.8%

(1)  Percentages are derived based upon xxx,xxx,xxx shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 12, 2024.

(2)  BlackRock, Inc., a parent holding company, reported that it may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 11,917,586 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. BlackRock, Inc. reported that it had sole dispositive power with respect to 11,917,586 shares, including 11,283,267 shares for which it had sole voting power.

(3)  The Vanguard Group, an investment advisor, reported that it may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 11,825,703 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The Vanguard Group reported that it had sole dispositive power with respect to 11,665,247 shares, including 62,205 shares for which it had shared voting power, and shared dispositive power with respect to 160,456 shares.

2326 
 

The following table shows, as of March 2, 2021,12, 2024, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each Director; the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the three other Executive Officers who were the highest paid during 2020;2023; and all Directors and Executive Officers as a group. The Directors and Executive Officers of the Company have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the securities of the Company listed in the table below.

 

Name

Amount of Common Stock of the Company Owned Beneficially, Directly or Indirectly

Percentage of

Outstanding Shares (1)

John Conway1,031,933*
Timothy Donahue (2)637,682*
Richard Fearon (3)3,531*
Andrea Funk8,564*
Gerard Gifford161,896*
Stephen Hagge2,338*
Thomas Kelly (2)133,172*
Rose Lee10,134*
James Miller25,001*
Josef Müller24,314*
Djalma Novaes77,473*
B. Craig Owens2,338*
Didier Sourisseau91,760*
Caesar Sweitzer15,914*
Jim Turner92,725*
William Urkiel51,944*
Dwayne Wilson368*
Directors and Executive  
Officers as a Group of 202,499,0811.9%
 
* Less than 1%

(1) Percentages are derived based upon 134,912,097 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 2, 2021.

(2) Excludes 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock held in the Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. Master Retirement Trust on behalf of various Company pension plans (“Trust Shares”). Messrs. Donahue and Kelly are members of the Benefits Plan Investment Committee of the trust that has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the Trust Shares, but they disclaim beneficial ownership of the Trust Shares.

(3) Includes 16 shares of Common Stock held by the Fearon Family Trust, of which Mr. Fearon is a trustee and a beneficiary.

 

Name

Amount of Common Stock

of the Company Owned Beneficially, Directly or Indirectly

Percentage of

Outstanding Shares (1)

Kevin Clothier (2)44,117*
Timothy Donahue (2)639,440*
Richard Fearon (3)8,675*
Andrea Funk13,708*
Gerard Gifford139,077*
Stephen Hagge7,482*
Matthew Madeksza31,451*
James Miller21,334*
Josef Müller30,040*
Djalma Novaes103,210*
B. Craig Owens (4)9,611*
Angela Snyder2,986*
Caesar Sweitzer21,058*
Marsha Williams3,796*
Dwayne Wilson5,512*
Directors and Executive
Officers as a Group of 17xxx,xxx,xxxx.x%
* Less than 1%

(1)Percentages are derived based upon xxx,xxx,xxx shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 12, 2024.

(2)Excludes 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock held in the Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. Master Retirement Trust on behalf of various Company pension plans (“Trust Shares”). Messrs. Donahue and Clothier are members of the Benefits Plan Investment Committee of the trust that has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the Trust Shares, but they disclaim beneficial ownership of the Trust Shares.

(3)Includes 16 shares of Common Stock held by the Fearon Family Trust, of which Mr. Fearon is a trustee and a beneficiary.

(4)Includes 2,000 shares of Common Stock held by The B Craig Owens Rev Trust U/A 1/25/08, of which Mr. Owens is a trustee and a beneficiary.

2427 
 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

Meetings of the Board of Directors. In 2020,2023, there were sevenfive meetings of the Board of Directors. Each Director during his or her term of service attended at least 75% of the aggregate meetings of the Board and of the committees on which he or she served.

Attendance at the Annual Meeting. Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Directors are expected to attend the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. In 2020,2023, each of the Directors serving on the Board at the time attended the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Director Independence.The Board has determined that all Directors standing for election, with the exception of Timothy Donahue, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, are independent under the listing standards of the NYSE. The Board made this determination based on the absence of any of the express disqualifying criteria set forth in the listing standards that require a majority of the Board nominees to be independent Directors.

In making the foregoing determinations, the Board considered the Directors’ affiliations with the Company or third parties and Company payments to such parties. For Mr. Conway, the Board considered his status prior to 2016 as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. For Ms. Funk, the Board considered her role as an officer of EnerSys and ordinary course of business purchases by the Company of batteries and related accessories from EnerSys. The Board also considered her role as a director of Ecore International in relation to ordinary course of business purchases of rubber matting by the Company from Ecore. For Mr. Fearon, the Board considered his role as a DirectorChairman of Avient Corporation and ordinary course of business purchases of plastisol sealing compounds and lubricants by the Company from Avient. TheFor Ms. Funk, the Board also considered Mr. Fearon’sher role as a Director and officeran Officer of Eaton Corporation (from which he will retire on March 31, 2021) andEnerSys in relation to ordinary course of business purchases of energy management solutionsbatteries and related accessories by the Company from Eaton. Finally for Mr. Fearon, the Board considered his role as a Trustee of Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, Inc., a not for profit professional society, and the payment of membership dues for Crown employees by the Company to MAPI.EnerSys. For Mr. Hagge, who is a Director of Transcendia Topco Holdings, a privately-held company, the Board considered ordinary course of business purchases of high-density polyethylene and products purchased for re-sale by the Company from Transcendia. For Mr. Wilson, the Board considered his role as a Director of Ingredion Incorporated and ordinary course of business purchases of dry bag material for making adhesive used in corrugated paper and products purchased for re-sale by the Company from Ingredion. None of these relationships or transactions fell within the NYSE listing standards disqualifying criteria.

Board Leadership and Risk Oversight. Mr. Conway isDonahue has been the independent, non-executive Chairman of the Board. The non-executive Chairman of the Board since 2022 and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2016. Mr. Miller, as the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, serves as the Independent Lead Director of the Board and presides over meetings of the executive sessions of the independent Directors.

The Board has carefully considered its leadership structure and believes that the Company and its Shareholders are best served by having Mr. Donahue serve as both Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. This structure gives the Board and management unified leadership and direction, and is tailored to present a single, clear focus for the execution of the Company’s strategic initiatives and business plans. In addition, because Mr. Donahue manages the day-to-day operations of the Company and is responsible for executing the Company’s business strategy, the Board believes it is most functional and efficient that Mr. Donahue presides at the meetings of the Board. Moreover, the Board believes that its other structural features, including nine independent Directors among the slate of ten Directors standing for election at the Company’s Annual Meeting, regular meetings of independent Directors in executive session, key committees consisting wholly of independent Directors and an Independent Lead Director with a wide range of duties, including, among other things:provide for substantial independent oversight of the Company’s management.

·creating and maintaining an effective working relationship among the Chief Executive Officer and other members of management and the other members of the Board;
·providing the Chief Executive Officer ongoing direction as to Board needs, interests and opinions; and
·assuring that the Board agenda is appropriately directed to the matters of greater importance to the Company.
2528 
 

Mr. Miller serves as the Independent Lead Director of the Board. The Independent Lead Director is an independent Director designated by the other independent Directors of the Board and has a range of duties, including, among other things:

·presiding at all meetings of the Board in the Chairman’s absence;
·presiding at all executive sessions of the Board’s independent directors;Directors;
·serving as a liaison between the Chairman of the Board and the Board’s independent directors;Directors;
·providing the Chairman with input on and approving the agendas and schedules for meetings of the Board and its committees;
·advising the Chairman as to the quality, quantity and timeliness of the flow of information from senior management that is necessary for the independent Directors to effectively and responsibly perform their duties, including specifically requesting the inclusion of certain information in the materials provided for the Board by senior management when appropriate;
·calling executive sessions of the Board’s independent Directors when appropriate;
·being available for consultation with the Chief Executive OfficerChairman regarding the concerns of the other directors;Directors;
·being available for consultation with members of senior management regarding the concerns of any members of senior management;
·being available for consultation and direct communication with Shareholders and other interested parties when appropriate;
·interviewing Director candidates and making recommendations to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board;
·leading the Board’s evaluation of the Chairman of the Board; and
·serving a leading role in the Board’s annual self-assessment.

The Board’s current leadership structure includes Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees that are each chaired by and composed solely of independent Directors.

The roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are held by two different individuals. The independent Chairman of the Board, Mr. Conway, presides over meetings of the Board and acts as liaison between the Board and Mr. Donahue, the Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Company. Moreover, the Board believes that its other structural features, including twelve independent Directors among the slate of thirteen Directors standing for election at the Company’s Annual Meeting, regular meetings of independent Directors in executive session, key committees consisting wholly of independent Directors and an Independent Lead Director with a wide range of duties, provide for substantial independent oversight of the Company’s management.

The Board is responsible for providing oversight of the Company’s Executive Officers’ responsibilities to assess and manage the Company’s risk, including its credit risk, liquidity risk, reputational risk, climate risk, information security risk, and risk from adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates and commodity prices. The Board periodically meets in person with the Executive Officers regarding the Company’s risks and ways to mitigate such risks. In addition, the Audit Committee periodically reviews with management, internal audit and independent auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s policies for assessing and managing risk.

26 

Director Stock Ownership, Anti-Pledging and Anti-Hedging. Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, after five years of service on the Board, independent Directors are expected to own Company Common Stock having a market value of at least five times the cash base annual Director’s fee. As of March 2, 2021,12, 2024, each Director with five or more years of service on the Board owned the required minimum level of Common Stock. The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines prohibit Directors, Officers and other insiders from all forms of pledging or hedging transactions relating to Company Common Stock.

29 

Board Committees. The Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Executive Committee. The Board has approved written charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that can be found at www.crowncork.com/investors/corporate-governancegovernance. Each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee conducts a self-evaluation and review of its charter annually.

Audit Committee. In 2020,2023, the Audit Committee had teneight meetings. The Audit Committee provides assistance to the Board in discharging its responsibilities in connection with the oversight of the financial accounting practices and internal controls of the Company and represents the Board in connection with the services rendered by the Company’s independent auditors. The Audit Committee also has explicit responsibilities with respect to ESG and information security. The current members of the Audit Committee are Ms.Mss. Funk and Snyder and Messrs. Müller,Fearon, Owens, Sweitzer Urkiel and Wilson.Wilson1. Mr. SweitzerOwens serves as Chair of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that the Directors who serve on the Audit Committee are all independent under the listing standards of the NYSE and that Messrs. Sweitzer and Urkiel and Ms. Funk and Messrs. Fearon, Owens and Sweitzer are “audit committee financial experts” within the meaning of SEC regulations.

Compensation Committee. In 2020,2023, the Compensation Committee had sixfour meetings. The Compensation Committee is responsible for the review of the executive compensation program.program and carries out the responsibilities of the Board in its oversight of the Company’s human capital resources. The current members of the Compensation Committee are Ms.Mss. Funk, Snyder2 and Williams and Messrs. Hagge Miller, Müller and Turner,Miller, each of whom is independent under the listing standards of the NYSE. Mr. TurnerHagge serves as Chair of the Compensation Committee. For further discussion regarding the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for the consideration of executive compensation, see the CD&A beginning on page 31.34.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. There were fourtwo meetings of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in 2020.2023. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for leading the search for individuals qualified to become members of the Board and recommending to the Board individuals as Director nominees. The Committee also oversees the annual self-evaluation process of the Board and its committees, makes recommendations to the Board regarding the membership of the Board committees and performs other corporate governance functions, such as oversightstrategic review of the Company’s environmental, social and governanceESG policies, programs and practices. The current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Ms. LeeMessrs. Fearon, Hagge, Miller and Messrs. Miller, Sweitzer, Turner and Urkiel, each of whom is independent under the listing standards of the NYSE. Mr. Miller serves as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

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Consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks Director nominees committed to upholding the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and representing the interests of all Shareholders, not particular Shareholder constituencies. The Committee identifies nominees for Director by first evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. In addition, the Committee regularly assesses the appropriate size of the Board, whether any vacancies on the Board are expected because of retirement or otherwise and whether the Board needs Directors with particular skills or experience. To identify and evaluate potential candidates for the Board, the Committee solicits ideas for possible nominees from a number of sources, which may include current Board members, senior-level Company executives and professional search firms. The Committee also will also consider candidates properly submitted by Company Shareholders. Candidates for the Board are evaluated through a process that may include level Company executives and professional search firms. The Committee also will consider candidates properly submitted by Company Shareholders. Candidates for the Board are evaluated through a process that may include


1 Mr. Josef Müller left the Committee on February 22, 2024.

2 Ms. Snyder joined the Compensation Committee and Mr. Müller left the Committee on February 22, 2024.

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background and reference checks, personal interviews with members of the Committee and a review of each candidate’s qualifications and other relevant characteristics. The same identifying and evaluating procedures apply to all candidates for Director, whether submitted by Shareholders or otherwise. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board desire to maintain the Board’s diversity and consider factors such as race, gender, nationality and ethnicity, as well as professional backgrounds and geographic and industry experiences. The Committee does not intend to nominate representational Directors but instead considers diversity given the characteristics of the Board in its entirety.

The Company is committed to thoughtful board refreshment and ongoing board succession planning. SixEight new independent directorsDirectors recently have been added to the Company’s Board of Directors: Ms. Lee in 2016, Ms. Funk in 2017, Messrs. Fearon, Hagge and Owens in 2019, and Mr. Wilson in 2020. During the refreshment process, the2020 and Mss. Williams and Snyder and Messrs. Lynn and Teno in 2022.1 The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee wasis assisted by an independent search firm and has interviewed candidates and appointed new Directors identified through Director, Shareholder and independent search firm input.input in recent years.

Shareholders who wish to suggest qualified candidates may write, via Certified Mail – Return Receipt Requested, to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Crown Holdings, Inc., 770 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067Hidden River Corporate Center Two, 14025 Riveredge Drive, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33637 stating in detail the qualifications of the persons they recommend. Shareholders must include a letter from each person recommended affirming that he or she agrees to serve as a Director of the Company if elected by Shareholders. Each of these submissions should comply with the additional requirements of the Company’s By-Laws. However, through its own resources, the Committee expects to be able to identify an ample number of qualified candidates. See “Questions and Answers about the 20212024 Annual Meeting” for information on bringing nominations for the Board of Directors at the 20222025 Annual Meeting.

Executive Sessions of the Board. Pursuant to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the independent Directors of the Company meet periodically at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. There is at least one scheduled executive session each year where the Chairman is not present to allow the other Directors to evaluate his performance as Chair. The Independent Lead Director chairs such meetings.

Proxy Access. The Company’s proxy access By-Law permits Shareholders owning 3% or more of the Company’s Common Stock for a period of at least three years to nominate up to the greater of 20% of the Board of Directors or two Directors, and include these nominations in the Company’s proxy materials.materials, for election at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders, subject to the relevant requirements in the Company’s By-Laws. The number of Shareholders who may aggregate their shares to meet the 3% ownership threshold is limited to 20.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Company has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all Directors and employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.crowncork.com/investors/corporate-governance/policies/code-business-conduct-and-ethics., and is available in English and 16 other languages. The Company intends to disclose updates to, and waivers of, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on the Company’s website. All employees with Company e-mail addresses (which includes all of the Company’s salaried employees) are required to complete annual training on the Code. The Company also expects certain third parties, including suppliers, to abide by the principles of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in the manner set forth in the Company’s Supplier Code of Conduct, which is available on the Company’s website at www.crowncork.com/investors/policies/supplier-code-conduct in English and 20 other languages.


1 Messrs. Lynn and Teno resigned from the Board in November 2023.

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The Company also maintains a Business Ethics Line (“CBE Line”), which is accessible via telephone and a web-based portal, as a means of raising concerns or seeking advice related to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other policies. The CBE Line is available to all employees worldwide, as well as third parties, such as vendors, suppliers and customers. Persons who report potential violations through the CBE Line may choose to remain anonymous (unless prohibited by local law) and all such reports are kept confidential to the extent practicable in connection with the investigation. The CBE Line is administered by an independent third-party provider, Lighthouse Services. To access the CBE Line, visit www.lighthouse-services.com/crowncork.

Information Security. See “Information Security” on page 8 in the Proxy Statement Summary.

Human Rights Policy. The Company has a Human Rights Policy covering all employees, Directors and Officers of the Company and its affiliates worldwide that is overseen by the Board of Directors. The Human Rights Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.crowncork.com/investors/policies/human-rights-policy, and is available in English and 16 other languages.

Sustainability. See “Sustainability – Environmental and Social Responsibility” on page 56 in the Proxy Statement Summary.

Transactions with Related Persons. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is charged with reviewing and approving or ratifying all transactions with related persons by Directors and Executive Officers required to be disclosed under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Regulation S-K”). The written Company policy pertaining to related party transactions is included in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

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Human Capital Resources. The Company’s global workforce is the backbone of its sustainability and business success and is the focus of the Working Together pillar of the Company’s Twentyby30Twentyby30 sustainability program. The Company has built a Total Safety Culture that provides the framework for all health and safety initiatives across the Company and empowers employees to take a proactive role in their safety and that of their peers. For more information, see “Human Capital” on page 65 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2023.

Shareholder Engagement. See “Shareholder Engagement” on page 45 in the Proxy Statement Summary.

Communications with the Board of Directors. Shareholders and other interested parties who wish to send communications on any topic to the Chairman, the Independent Lead Director, the independent Directors or the Board as a whole may do so by writing c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary, Crown Holdings, Inc., 770 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067.Hidden River Corporate Center Two, 14025 Riveredge Drive, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33637. Communications will be forwarded to the Directors if they relate to substantive matters and include information, suggestions or comments that the Chairman or Independent Lead Director, with the assistance of the Corporate Secretary, deems appropriate for consideration by the Directors.

Company Website. The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Charters of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are available on the Company’s website at www.crowncork.com/investors/corporate-governancegovernance.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) provides an overview of the Company’s executive compensation program together with a description of the material factors underlying the decisions that resulted in the compensation provided for 20202023 to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, and the other three Executive Officers who were the highest paid during 20202023, (collectively, “Named Executive Officers” or “NEOs”). The names of the Company’s 20202023 NEOs and their titles at year-end are:

 

··Timothy J. Donahue – President and Chief Executive Officer
··Thomas A. KellyKevin C. Clothier – Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
··Gerard H. Gifford – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
··Didier Sourisseau Matthew R. Madeksza– President – EuropeanTransit Packaging Division
··Djalma Novaes, JrJr.. – President – Americas Division

 

The following discussion and analysis contains statements regarding individual and Company performance targets and goals. These targets and goals are disclosed in the limited context of the Company’s executive compensation programsprogram and should not be understood to be statements of management’s expectations or estimates of financial results or other guidance. The Company specifically cautions investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.

 

20202023 Say-on-Pay Vote Results. At our Annual Meeting of Shareholders held in April 2020,2023, we held an advisory Shareholder Say-on-Pay vote on the 20192022 compensation of our NEOs. Over 96%92% of the shares voted at last year’s Annual Meeting were voted FOR our Say-on-Pay resolution, approving the compensation of our NEOs. The Board’s Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) believes the results of the Say-on-Pay vote show strong support for the performance-based and ownership-oriented compensation philosophy that the Committee utilizes. Accordingly, the Committee did not change its general approach to executive compensation in 2020.2023. The Company added an evaluation criterion for sustainability for the annual Board evaluation of the CEO in 2022. Although the advisory Shareholder vote on executive compensation is non-binding, the Committee will continue to take the outcome of this annual vote into consideration when making compensation decisions for our NEOs.

 

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At-Risk Compensation. Our executive compensation program is based on our “pay-for-performance” philosophy, as outlined in the following table, with the majority of our NEOs’ total direct compensation “at risk” and tied to the accomplishment of performance objectives.

 

Compensation Element

 

Basis for Measurement

Alignment with Pay-for-Performance Philosophy

 

Annual Cash Compensation

 

 

Base Salary

 

Individual performance based on primary duties and responsibilities and market competitiveness.

 

 

Competitive compensation required to attract and retain highly qualified executives.

 

Annual Incentive Bonus

 

Economic profit and modified operating cash flow.

 

Use of economic profit and modified operating cash flow metrics drives long-term operating performance and long-term increase in Shareholdershareholder value.

 

 

Long-Term Equity Compensation

 

 

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards (approximately two-thirds of total long-term equity compensation)

 

Total shareholder return relative to a published index of industry peer grouppeers and return on invested capital versus a target, in each case over a three-year performance period.

 

 

 

Provides incentive to outperform and deliver superior Shareholdershareholder returns relative to peers and to efficiently utilize the Company’s capital. Aligns NEOs with interests of Shareholders and promotes commitment to the long-term performance of the Company.

 

Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards (approximately one-third of total long-term equity compensation)

 

Long-term stock price appreciation.

 

Aligns NEOs with interests of Shareholders and promotes commitment to the long-term performance of the Company.

 

The allocation of 20202023 target total direct compensation for our CEO and for our other NEOs among these various components is set forth in the materials on page 911 in the Proxy Statement Summary that highlight the Company’s emphasis on “at risk” and equity-based compensation.

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Pay-for-Performance Alignment – Performance-Based Shares.Compensation. The Company’sCompany has developed an executive compensation program that is designed to motivateownership-oriented and that rewards the attainment of specific annual and long-term goals that will result in improvement in shareholder value. Approximately two-thirds of our NEOs to create long-term value for our Shareholders and to efficiently useNEOs’ share awards are performance-based. Vesting is based on two performance metrics: the Company’s invested capital in order to grow our business. To achieve these objectives, our program emphasizes long-term performance-based equity incentives. Beginning with 2017 grants vesting in 2020, performance share grants have utilized two performance metrics:relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative toagainst a grouppublished index of industry peers and the Company’s return on invested capital (“ROIC”) versus a target. Grants made prior to 2017 vested solely. Annual incentive bonuses are also based on two performance metrics: the basis of TSR. Company’s modified operating cash flow (“MOCF”) and its economic profit.

Based on the Company’s performance for the measurement periodsperiod related to the vesting of performance-based shares in 2020 and 2021,2024, the Company’s NEOs, including the CEO, received TSR-based awards that were 21.3%54.4% below target and 48.5%ROIC-based awards that were 100% above the target grants established in 2017 and 2018. However, due totarget. For 2023, based on the Company’s over-performance on the MOCF component and under-performance on the economic profit component of the annual incentive bonus, corporate-level NEOs (including the CEO) received bonuses that were 52.5% above target. The Company’s corporate-level NEOs received annual incentive bonuses for the measurement periods related to the performance-based shares vesting in 20182022 that were 63.5% below target level and 2019, the NEOs have forfeited 100% of their performance share vestings for two years out of the performance-based shares granted in 2015 and 2016. Such forfeitures and additional awards display a clear and direct correlation between pay-for-performance and our executives’ compensation.last ten. The Committee views these outcomes as demonstrative of the Company’s “pay-for-performance” philosophy.

 

Role of the Compensation Committee. The Committee currently comprises five Directors, all of whom are independent under the NYSE listing standards. During 2020,2023, the Committee members were Andrea Funk, Stephen Hagge, Hans Löliger, James Miller, Josef Müller, Andrew Teno1, and Jim Turner. In February 2020, Mr. Löliger retired from the Committee and was replaced by Mr. Hagge.Marsha Williams. The Committee has responsibility for determining and implementing the Company’s philosophy with respect to executive compensation. To implement this philosophy, the Committee oversees the establishment and administration of the Company’s executive compensation program. The Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of this charter is available on the Company’s website at www.crowncork.com/investors/corporate-governance/governance/compensation-committee-charter.

 

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives. The Committee maintains a “pay-for-performance” philosophy toward executive compensation. One of the guiding principles of this “pay-for-performance” philosophy is that the executive compensation program should enable the Company to attract, retain and motivate a team of highly qualified executives who will create long-term value for the Shareholders. To achieve this objective, the Committee has developed an executive compensation program that is ownership-oriented and that rewards the attainment of specific annual and long-term goals that will result in improvement in total shareholder return.value. To that end, the Committee believes that the executive compensation program should include both cash and equity-based compensation that rewards specific performance by the Company. In addition, the Committee continually monitors the effectiveness of the program to ensure that the compensation provided to executives remains competitive relative to the compensation paid to executives in a peer group comprising select companies in the container and packaging industry and other manufacturing companies.

The Committee annually evaluates the components of the compensation program as well as the desired mix of compensation among these components. The Committee believes that a substantial portion of the direct compensation paid to the Company’s NEOs should be at risk, contingent on the Company’s operating and stock market performance. Consistent with this philosophy, the Committee will continue to place significant emphasis on stock-based and performance-based compensation in an effort to more closely align compensation with Shareholdershareholder interests and increase executives’ focus on the Company’s long-term performance. Accordingly, the annual incentive bonus is determined by operating metrics that drive long-term growth and Shareholdershareholder value, and approximately two-thirds of the value of the restricted stock granted in 20202023 under the Company’s long-term


1 Mr. Teno resigned from the Board on November 20, 2023.

36 

incentive plan is tied to performance of the Company’s total shareholder returnTSR versus that of a peer grouppublished index of industry peers and return on invested capital versus the Company’s projected three-year average of return on invested capital.

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Stock Ownership Guidelines and Share Retention Policy. Consistent with the Committee’s stock ownership-oriented compensation philosophy and its focus on long-term performance, the Company maintains stock ownership guidelines under which our NEOs are expected to own Company Common Stock with a minimum value equal to a multiple of base salary, as set forth in the following table.

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines Applicable to NEOs
PositionMultiple of Base Salary
CEO6x
All other NEOs3x

Until the ownership requirement is satisfied, an NEO is required to retain 50% of the after-tax number of shares of any Common Stock received as the result of an option exercise, vesting of restricted shares or issuance of deferred shares. At year-end, allAll the NEOs employed by the Company at year-end either owned more than the minimum level of Common Stock or were otherwise in compliance with the stock ownership guidelines.

Stock Holding Period. Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, an NEO is required to retain 50% of the after-tax number of shares of Common Stock received as the result of a restriction lapse for a period of two years.

Prohibition of Hedging and Pledging. Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Company’s Directors, Officers and other insiders may not engage in any form of hedging or pledging transactions with respect to Company securities.

Committee Process. The Committee meets as often as necessary to perform its duties and responsibilities. During 2020,2023, the Committee met sixfour times. The Committee usually meets with the CEO and, when appropriate, with other Company Officers and outside advisors. In addition, the Committee periodically meets in executive session without management present.

Setting of Meeting Agenda. The Committee’s meeting agenda is normally established by the Committee Chair in consultation with the CEO and the Vice President ofChief Human Resources.Resources Officer. Committee members receive and review materials in advance of each meeting. Depending on the meeting’s agenda, such materials may include: financial reports regarding the Company’s performance, reports on achievement of corporate objectives, reports detailing executives’ stock ownership and stock awards and information regarding the compensation programs and compensation levels of certain peer group companies.

Use of Tally Sheets. The Committee reviews tally sheets when setting annual compensation for the NEOs. These tally sheets allow the Committee to review each NEO’s compensation on an aggregate basis and to see how a change in any one component affects each NEO’s total compensation. For 2020,2023, the Committee used the tally sheet information to review total compensation, the current mix of compensation (e.g., cash versus equity), issues of internal pay equity, total value of Company stock held by each NEO, payouts under certain potential termination scenarios, the aggregate value of retirement benefits and interest rate sensitivity onof retirement benefits.

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Retention of Compensation Consultants. The Committee’s charter authorizes the Committee, in its sole discretion, to retain, oversee and terminate consultants to assist it in the evaluation of compensation for the NEOs. The Committee has sole authority to approve the fees and other retention terms of any such consultants.

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Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions. The Committee makes all decisions regarding the CEO’s compensation. Decisions regarding the compensation of other NEOs are made by the Committee in consultation with, and upon the recommendation of, the CEO. In this regard, the CEO provides the Committee with evaluations of business goals and objectives and executive performance and recommendations regarding salary levels, equity grants and other incentive awards.

Executive Compensation Consultant. Pursuant to its authority under its charter to retain compensation consultants, the Committee engaged Pay Governance LLC (“Pay Governance”), an executive compensation consulting firm, to act as its independent advisor with respect to 20202023 compensation decisions.

Consultant Independence. All services provided by Pay Governance to the Committee are conducted under the direction and authority of the Committee, and all work performed by Pay Governance must be pre-approved by the Committee. Pay Governance does not provide any other services to the Company, and neither Pay Governance nor the individuals affiliated with Pay Governance who provide services to the Company own any shares of the Company’s stock.Common Stock. There are no personal or business relationships between the Pay Governance consultants and any executive of the Company. In addition, there are no personal relationships between the Pay Governance consultants and any member of the Committee. Pay Governance maintains a detailed conflict of interest policy in order to ensure that compensation committees receive conflict-free advice.

Use of Benchmarking. In advising the Committee regarding 20202023 compensation for our NEOs, Pay Governance developed competitive compensation levels by establishing a benchmark match for each NEO position in the competitive market. Competitive levels were developed for the following elements of pay:

·base salary
·target annual incentive
·target total cash compensation (base salary plus target annual incentive)
·long-term equity incentives
·target total direct compensation (target total cash compensation plus the target value of long-term equity incentives)
·annualized value of retirement benefits
·target total remuneration (target total direct compensation plus the annualized value of retirement benefits)

Peer Group Composition. In establishing its benchmarks for each of the NEOs, Pay Governance gathered data for 17 companies, or divisions of20 companies defined as the “Peer Group.”1 Members of the Peer Group are manufacturing companies of similar scope and are generally from the following three categories: (i) other container and packaging industry companies, (ii) current or potential suppliers to the Company and (iii) current or potential customers of the Company. The Peer Group comprises the following companies:

·Avery Dennison Corporation·Nestlé USA
·Ball Corporation·O-I Glass
·Bemis Company·PPG Industries
·Campbell Soup Company·SC Johnson & Son
·Colgate Palmolive Company·Sealed Air Corporation
·Dean Foods Company·The Sherwin-Williams Company
·Eastman Chemical Company·United States Steel Corporation
·Greif·WestRock
·Keurig Dr Pepper

 


1 Pay Governance conducted a review of the Company’s Peer Group to be used for 2023, and Amcor, Berry Global, Graphic Packaging, International Paper, Packaging Corp of America, Silgan Holdings and Sonoco Products Company were added to the Peer Group as each of them met revenue and market capitalization screening criteria. Nestle USA and SC Johnson & Son were removed from the Peer Group because they are not publicly traded companies.

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·Amcor·Keurig Dr Pepper
·Avery Dennison Corporation·O-I Glass
·Ball Corporation·Packaging Corporation of America
·Berry Global Group·PPG Industries
·Campbell Soup Company·Sealed Air Corporation
·Colgate Palmolive Company·Silgan Holdings
·Eastman Chemical Company·Sonoco Products Company
·Graphic Packaging·The Sherwin-Williams Company
·Greif·United States Steel Corporation
·International Paper·WestRock Company

Specific benchmark levels were developed using regression analysis to size-adjust the market data to reflect the Company’s corporate revenue or the individual business unit revenue, when appropriate.revenue. To provide a broader frame of reference, Pay Governance also analyzed each NEO position against general industry data.

Compensation Strategy for CEO. The evaluation of the CEO’s performance and the setting of his compensation is one of the fundamental duties of the Committee. In determining the CEO’s compensation for 2020,2023, the Committee evaluated the CEO’s performance and the Company’s performance in the prior year and since Mr. Donahue became CEO in 2016.  In evaluating the CEO’s performance, the Committee considered the Company’s overall financial, operational and strategic results. In addition, the Committee continued to focus on the Company’s development during Mr. Donahue’s tenure in several key areas that the Committee believes are essential to increase Shareholdershareholder value, including:

 

··Strong earningsoperating performance. For 2023, the Company had reportable Segment Income1 of $1.56 billion – the highest in the Company’s history.  Several factors contributed to the Segment Income result, including favorable contractual changes in the European Division’s beverage can business, implementation of saving initiatives in the Transit Packaging Division and volume growth in the Americas Division’s beverage can business driven by returns on prior year investments.
·Investment to support customer growth.  During 2023, the Company largely completed its multi-year strategy to responsibly expand beverage can capacity to support customer growth. The Company completed construction of new two-line beverage can plants in Martinsville, Virginia and Mesquite, Nevada and a new multi-line plant in Peterborough, United Kingdom. It also acquired a one-line beverage can plant in Germany. To support its food customers, the Company completed installation of a pet food can line in the Dubuque, Iowa plant.
·Strong Balance Sheet.  The Company is well positioned for the future after investing almost $2.5 billion since 2020 in capital projects to grow global beverage and food can capacity and returning over $2.0 billion to Shareholders while reducing net leverage.  The Company had $1.3 billion in cash on the balance sheet at December 31, 2023 from strong cash flow generation. For the year, net income was $688 million. This translatedand debt issuances in 2023 which is available to diluted earnings per share of $4.30, an increase of 13.8% over 2019. Cash flow from operating activitiesrepay debt maturities in 2020 was $1,315 million, which was significantly improved over $1,163 million in 2019.September 2024 and general corporate purposes. 

 


1 A reconciliation of reportable Segment Income to Income before Income Taxes can be found on page 87 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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··Investment in growth marketsSustainability. In response to increasing global demand for beverage cans, during 2020 the Company added new production lines at its facilities in Toronto, Ontario and Nichols, New York, commercialized a new can plant in Thailand, and completed the conversion of two lines in Spain from steel to aluminum. In addition, the Company began construction on a number of projects that are scheduled to be completed in 2021, including a new two-line can plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky; a third production line at its Olympia, Washington facility; a second production line at its plant in Rio Verde, Brazil; and a new can plant in Vung Tao, Vietnam.

·Deleveraging of the balance sheet. Following the Signode (Transit Packaging) acquisition, the Company’s deleveraging goal is on plan. At the end of 2020, net leverage (net debt over EBITDA) declined to 3.9 times.

·Sustainability. Under Mr. Donahue’s leadership, the Company has continued its commitment to reduce its impact on the environment and the communities in which it operates by, among others, efficiently managemanaging and conserveconserving resources and bring innovationsbringing innovation to market to support the market. In 2020, Crown established its comprehensive Twentyby30sustainability efforts of Crown, its customers and consumers. Asstrategy, which encompasses the material aspects of the endCompany’s strategy into 20 measurable goals to be achieved by 2030 or sooner. The strategy’s main climate-related goal of 2019 (four years into its five-year initiative to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions), the Company surpassed its 2020 worldwide metal packaging sustainability goals ofachieving a 5%50% reduction in energy consumptionScope 1 and 2 emissions is on track, with a 10%12% reduction from the 2019 baseline already being achieved by 2023. The Company has also expanded its climate commitments by signing The Climate Pledge, a commitment to be net-zero by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. The Company was again recognized in greenhouse gas emissions, per billion standard units of production. In March 2020,2023 by the Company signedratings agency Sustainalytics as a Top Performer in regard to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors. Crown was also recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies. Also in 2023, Crown signed onto the largest non-investment grade “sustainability-linked loans” in history. The Company also has made commitments regarding renewable energyUnited Nation's CEO Water Mandate, which offers a powerful avenue for companies to collaborate to address urgent water challenges related to scarcity, quality, governance and access to water conservation and has made commitments to the Science-Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”) for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. The Company received numerous awards from governments and high rankings by various ESG ratings agencies, some of which is described in more detail in the Proxy Summary above. In addition, the Company centralized management of its corporate-level sustainability efforts under the newly-created role of Vice President – Global Sustainability, created Sustainability Steering Committees comprised of senior executives at the corporate and divisional levels, launched its Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure alignment of supplier conduct with the Company’s core values, and created the role of Senior Vice President – Diversity & Inclusion.sanitation.
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CEO Target Compensation. The Committee uses the 50th percentile of the Peer Group’s target total direct compensation as a guidepost in determining CEO compensation.

The specific components of Mr. Donahue’s 20202023 compensation were set as follows:

Base Salary$1,200,0001,370,000
Target Annual Incentive1,440,0001,849,500
Target Long-Term Equity Incentive6,239,9517,671,945
Target Total Direct Compensation8,879,95110,891,445

 

In conjunction with the Committee’s emphasis on stock-based compensation, a majorityapproximately 70% of the CEO’s 20202023 target total direct compensation was in the form of Company Common Stock.

Compensation Strategy for NEOs other than the CEO. For 2020,2023, the Committee generally continued following its market-basedto employ a compensation strategy for NEOs (excluding the NEOs other than the CEO:CEO) based upon market conditions:

·Pay levels were evaluated relative to the Peer Group as the primary market reference point. In addition, general industry data was reviewed as an additional market reference and to ensure robust competitive data.
··Target total cash compensation and target total direct compensation levels were set towards the middle range of the Peer Group. The Committee used the 50th percentile of the Peer Group’s target total cash compensation and target total direct compensation as a market check in determining compensation. However, the 50th percentile is a guidepost and not an absolute target.
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Components of Compensation. For 2020,2023, the principal components of compensation for NEOs were base salary, annual incentive bonus, long-term equity incentives, retirement benefits and perquisites.

Base Salary. The Company provides NEOs with base salaries to compensate them for services rendered during the year. The Committee recognizes that competitive salaries must be paid in order to attract and retain high-quality executives. Normally, the Committee reviews NEO salaries at the end of each year, with any adjustments to base salary becoming effective on January 1 of the succeeding year. However, in special circumstances, such as a promotion or increased responsibilities, the Committee may act to increase an NEO’s salary during the year.

20202023 Base Salaries. The Committee has determined that base salary levels for the NEOs should be targeted towards the middle range of the Peer Group. Consistent with this market-based pay strategy,approach, the Committee approved increases in the base salaries of the NEOs in order to move them in line with the middle range of the Peer Group. Mr. Clothier was promoted to Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2022. In light of his new role, the Committee set Mr. Clothier’s initial compensation near the 25th percentile of the Peer Group with a plan to increase his compensation closer to the 50th percentile over time, based on job performance. Base salaries for each of the NEOs for 20202023 were as set forth in the following table.

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Name20202023 Base Salary
Timothy Donahue$1,200,0001,370,000
  Thomas KellyKevin Clothier710,000600,000
Gerard Gifford745,000875,000
  Didier Sourisseau (1)Matthew Madeksza639,640560,000
Djalma Novaes600,000

__________________________

(1)Mr. Sourisseau’s base salary for 2020 set forth in the table above has been converted from Swiss Francs into U.S. Dollars at the 2020 average exchange rate of $1.066067.680,000

Annual Incentive Bonus. Annual cash bonuses are included as part of the executive compensation program because, consistent with our “pay-for-performance” philosophy, the Committee believes that a significantmeaningful portion of each NEO’s compensation should be contingent on success in achieving annual goals that drive the long-term operating performance of the Company. NEOs are eligible for annual cash bonuses under our Economic Profit Incentive Plan (the “EP Plan”). For 2020,2023, our NEOs were eligible to receive annual incentive bonuses under the EP Plan upon the achievement of specified levels of economic profit and modified operating cash flow. The Committee believes the use of economic profit and modified operating cash flow as key performance measures under the EP Plan drives the Company’s long-term operating performance and is closely correlated with long-term increase in Shareholdershareholder value. The maximum payout under the EP Plan is limited to two times the target bonus, with no excess carried forward into subsequent years.

41 

20202023 Bonus Opportunities and Results. For 2020,2023, the Committee assigned each NEO an annual target level under the EP Plan together with a maximum annual bonus opportunity as a percentage of each NEO’s base salary. Based upon the Peer Group information provided by Pay Governance and the consideration of NEO performance and internal equity, the Committee determined that the target and maximum bonus opportunities for the NEOs for 20202023 should be the same as in 2019.2022, except for Mr. Donahue, whose target bonus was increased from 125% to 135% of base salary, and Mr. Gifford, whose target bonus was increased from 95% to 105% of base salary. The 20202023 minimum, maximum and target bonus opportunities together with actual bonuses paid to the NEOs were as follows:

Name

Minimum Bonus as a Percentage of Base SalaryMaximum Bonus as a Percentage of Base SalaryTarget Bonus as a Percentage of Base Salary

Target

Bonus

Amount

Actual

Bonus

Amount

Minimum Bonus as a Percentage of Base SalaryMaximum Bonus as a Percentage of Base SalaryTarget Bonus as a Percentage of Base Salary

Target

Bonus Amount

Actual

Bonus Amount

Timothy Donahue0%240%120%$1,440,000$2,880,0000%270%135%$1,849,500$2,820,488
Thomas Kelly0%160%80%568,0001,136,000
Kevin Clothier0%160%80%480,000732,000
Gerard Gifford0%190%95%707,7501,415,5000%210%105%918,7501,401,094
Didier Sourisseau0%160%80%511,7121,023,424
Matthew Madeksza0%160%80%448,000896,000
Djalma Novaes0%160%80%480,000960,0000%160%80%544,000680,544

 

38 

Performance Measures. Bonus amounts under the EP Plan were based on the following performance measures:

··economic profit – defined generally as net operating profit after tax less cost of capital employed as adjusted for certain items, including currency exchange rates and acquisitions/divestitures
··modified operating cash flow – defined generally as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization reduced by capital spending and adjusted for certain items, including changes in year-end trade working capital

Cost of Capital. For purposes of calculating economic profit under the EP Plan, cost of capital employed (also called invested capital) was defined as the average capital employed multiplied by the weighted average cost of capital. Capital employed was generally defined as total assets less non-interest bearing liabilities and is adjusted for certain items. The following items were excluded from capital employed: investments, net goodwill and intangibles, pension and post-employment assets and liabilities and deferred tax assets and liabilities. Invested capital may also be adjusted for additional capital employed at the direction of the Company’s corporate office or in accordance with overall corporate objectives. For 2020,2023, the EP Plan used a cost of capital of 9.0%9%, which is higher thanapproximates the Company’s actual cost of capital.

Weighting of Performance Measures. TheIn early 2023, the Committee established target levels of performance for each performance measure. In determining the weighting of performance targets for 2020,At year-end, the Committee consideredassessed the potential impact ofactual results versus the COVID-19 pandemic but ultimately determined that there should be no changetargets in the weighting of such targets.determining awards. The Committee must approve all awards, and all awards are subject to review and downward discretionary adjustment by the Committee.

 

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An NEO’s actual bonus amount was determined by: (i) multiplying the NEO’s target bonus amount by the actual percentage earned for each of the two performance measures, (ii) weighting each performance measure in accordance with a pre-specified formula, (iii) adding the results together to determine the overall payout factor and (iv) if applicable, reducing the overall payout to the maximum of 200% of the target bonus amount.

 

As the achievement of each of economic profit and modified operating cash flow increases in excess of respective performance targets, the percentage of each NEO’s target bonus payable with respect to such performance measure also increases. In the case of modified operating cash flow, up to 125% of the target bonus amount will be paid, in incremental increases, as the achievement level increases from 100% to 110% of the performance target. Conversely, the percentage of the target bonus amount payable with respect to modified operating cash flow decreases as achievement falls below 100% of the applicable performance target, with no amount being payable for achievement levels at or below the threshold of 80% of the applicable performance target. The modified operating cash flow component of the EP Plan was determined based upon actual performance compared to a budgeted modified operating cash flow amount.

 

The economic profit component of the EP Plan was determined by relating current-year economic profit to prior years economic profit, adjusted for currency fluctuations.fluctuations and divestitures. In the case of economic profit, up to 125% of the target bonus amount will be paid, in incremental increases, as the achievement level increases from 100% to 110% of the performance target. Conversely, the percentage of the target bonus amount payable with respect to economic profit decreases as achievement falls below 100% of the applicable performance target, with no amount being payable for achievement levels at or below the threshold of 80% of the applicable performance target. No portion of the target bonus amount will be paid for economic profit arising from accounting changes or similar non-cash items.

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Notwithstanding the ability to earn up to 125% of the target bonus amount under each of the two tests (modified operating cash flow and economic profit), the maximum aggregate bonus opportunity is capped at 200% of the target bonus amount for all NEOs, with no excess carried forward into subsequent years.

 

Setting of Target Performance Levels. Generally, the Committee attempts to set the target performance levels so that the relative difficulty of achieving the targets is consistent among the NEOs in any one year and for each NEO from year to year. In making this determination the Committee may consider specific circumstances experienced by the Company in prior years or that the Company expects to face in the coming year. For example, with respect to modified operating cash flow, targets may be set below prior year actual results due to the forecasted increases in capital investment (property, plant and equipment and working capital) required for the Company’s capacity expansion, forecasted increases in working capital, higher input costs due to price increases by suppliers and variances in average trade working capital. Establishing targets for 2020 was particularly challenging because of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Committee ultimately determined that the targets for the NEOs would be set consistent with historical practice. For 2020, the Committee recognized that increasing global product demand would require significant capital spending, with the 2020 budget for capital spending being approximately $200 million greater than the actual capital spending for 2019. Accordingly, the Committee believed that it was appropriate to establish modified operating cash flow targets which reflected this additional investment in the long-term success of the Company, and that would continue to incentivize investment for growth. The Committee also determined that the modified operating cash flow targets for one of its operating divisions should be adjusted slightly from the budget that was established before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the targets and bonuses earned with respect to 2020 for all NEOs were unaffected by that adjustment. In addition, the Committee determined that the economic profittarget performance measure should be set in the normal manner without any adjustment.levels are subject to adjustment for special circumstances such as currency exchange rate fluctuations, acquisitions and divestitures.

 

The economic profit and modified operating cash flow thresholds and targets for 20202023 were set at the Company level for the CEO, Chief OperatingFinancial Officer and Chief FinancialOperating Officer. For division-level NEOs (Messrs. SourisseauMadeksza and Novaes), economic profit and modified operating cash flow thresholds and targets include both division-level and Company-level metrics. The applicable thresholds, targets and actual achievement levels for 20202023 are set forth for each NEO in the following table.

 

 

 

Name

Economic Profit (in millions)

Modified Operating Cash Flow

(in millions)

ThresholdTargetActualThresholdTargetActual
Timothy Donahue$478.1$597.6$668.0$743.0$928.8$1,113.0
Thomas Kelly478.1597.6668.0743.0928.81,113.0
Gerard Gifford478.1597.6668.0743.0928.81,113.0
Didier Sourisseau (1)124.9156.1162.4236.2295.3393.4
Djalma Novaes (1)164.1205.1296.4

261.4

326.7363.1

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____________________

 

 

 

Name

 

Economic Profit (in millions)

Modified Operating Cash Flow

(in millions)

ThresholdTargetActualThresholdTargetActual
Timothy Donahue$501.0$626.2$569.8$927.2$1,159.0$1,297.4
Kevin Clothier501.0626.2569.8927.21,159.01,297.4
Gerard Gifford501.0626.2569.8927.21,159.01,297.4
Matthew Madeksza (1)110.4138.0178.3274.1342.6364.7
Djalma Novaes (1)253.7317.1305.1662.8828.5859.5
____________________
(1)The threshold and target numbers presented here for Messrs. SourisseauMadeksza and Novaes are their respective division-level numbers. To the extent that Company-level performance is included in computing their actual bonuses as explained above, the applicable threshold and target numbers with respect to Company-level performance are the same as set forth for Messrs. Donahue, KellyClothier and Gifford.

 

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20202023 Bonus Calculations. Many of the Company’s products are essential for the delivery and protection of food and beverages as well as cleaning and sanitizing products. Therefore, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company maintained its focus on increasing global production. We maintained our existing workforce with only minimal pandemic-related furloughs and ended 2020 with substantially the same number of employees with which we began the year. In addition, we did not institute wage or salary cuts with respect to our employees and with a few localized exceptions we provided wage and salary increases during 2020 in the normal course without postponement. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, our management team took decisive actions to ensure the safety of our employees and the products they produce, including increased sanitizing efforts, modification of workspaces and distribution of personal protective equipment in our manufacturing facilities and offices, implementation of travel and visitor restrictions and remote working and rotational arrangements whenever possible. Therefore, notwithstanding the unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic, the Company produced strong financial results. Consequently, Messrs. Donahue, GiffordClothier and KellyGifford received bonuses under the EP Plan equal to 200%152.5% of their respective target bonus amounts. For Messrs. Donahue, Gifford and Kelly,amounts, of which 125% was attributable to modified operating cash flow and 125%27.5% to economic profit, reduced to the maximum of 200%, with no excess carried forward into subsequent years.profit. Mr. Sourisseau received aMadeksza’s bonus under the EP Plan equal to 200%was calculated at 209.5% of his target bonus amount, 125%104% attributable to modified operating cash flow and 89.2%105.5% to economic profit, and then was reduced to the maximum plan payout of 200%, with no excess carried forward into subsequent years.. Mr. Novaes received a bonus under the EP Plan equal to 200%125.1% of his target bonus amount, 82.3%87.2% attributable to modified operating cash flow and 125%37.9% to economic profit, reduced to the maximum of 200%, with no excess carried forward into subsequent years.profit.

 

Long-Term Equity Incentives. The Committee believes that equity-based incentives, delivered through annual grants of time-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock, are an important link between executive and Shareholdershareholder interests. Because the Committee believes that a significant portion of the benefits realized from long-term equity-based incentive grants should require continuous improvement in value created for the Shareholders, approximately two-thirds of the targeted value of stock awards to NEOs is performance-based. In the 20202023 grants, the Company used relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) and return on invested capital (“ROIC”) as the two performance metrics for purposes of vesting performance-based shares. The Committee believes that the use of TSR and ROIC aligns the Company’s long-term incentive plan with its peersthe Company’s long-term objectives and with current market practice.peer practices. Although the Committee may vary the size of annual grants based on the Company’s and executive’s performance, the total annual equity award granted to each NEO is generally determined based upon the difference between the total direct compensation target established by the Committee, using the competitive market benchmarking and internal factors described above, and the sum of the NEO’s base salary and target annual incentive bonus. See “Compensation Strategy for CEO” and “Compensation Strategy for NEOs other than the CEO.”

 

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Equity awards to NEOs are generally made by the Committee each year in the form of restricted stock as part of the normal annual compensation review cycle. The awards for a particular year generally occur in January or February. In addition, the Committee may approve equity awards for newly-hirednewly hired executives or in recognition of an executive’s promotion or expansion of responsibilities.

The Committee approved the following award structure for 2020:2023:

··Target Award Levels. Award levels were generally set to deliver target total direct compensation (sum of base salary, annual and long-term equity incentives) in the middle range of the Peer Group after taking into account the competitive positioning of the executives’ target total cash compensation.
41 
··Performance-Based Restricted Stock. Approximately two-thirds of an NEO’s targeted long-term equity incentive was delivered in performance-based restricted stock, approximately half of which may be earned based on the Company’s TSR relative to a grouppublished index of industry peers over a three-year performance period and approximately half of which may be earned based on ROIC over the same three-year performance period relative to the Company’s projected three-year average of return on invested capital. A target number of shares was established for 20202023 for each NEO, as set forth in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table in the Executive Compensation section below. Actual vesting of performance-based share awards generally will not occur until the third anniversary of the grant date, if at all. The Committee believes that, in addition to linking a substantial portion of our NEOs’an NEO’s compensation to the long-term performance of the Company, the three-year vesting structure provides a strong retention element because an NEO terminating employment (other than for retirementdeath or disability or, with Committee approval, disability or death)retirement) will leave behindforfeit unvested awards.
··Time-Based Restricted Stock. Approximately one-third of an NEO’s targeted long-term equity incentive was delivered in time-based restricted stock that vests in equal annual installments over three years from the date of the award in the amounts set forth in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table in the Executive Compensation section below.

 

Industry Peer GroupIndex Composition. The Committee believes that for purposes of comparing TSR it is appropriate to utilize a recognized publicly available index of container and packaging industry companies as the peer group. As a result, with respect to determining shareholder returnTSR for 20202023 grants, the Committee will useused the Dow Jones U.S. Containers & Packaging Index, currently comprisingcomprised of the Company and the following other companies:

 ·Amcor·O-I GlassInternational Paper
 ·AptarGroup·Packaging Corporation of America
 ·Avery Dennison Corporation·Sealed Air Corporation
 ·Ball Corporation·Silgan Holdings
 ·Berry Global Group��·Sonoco Products Company
 ·Graphic Packaging·WestRock

45 ·International Paper
 

Performance Vesting Schedule for TSR-Based Awards. The Committee determined that, for the portion of performance-based shares vesting on the basis of TSR, such shares would vest based on the following schedule.

TSR Percentile Ranking

Versus Peers
Percentage of Shares Vesting
90th or Above200%
75th – 89th150-199%
50th – 74th100-149%
40th – 49th50-99%
25th – 39th25-49%
Below 25th0%

 

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Calculation of TSR. TSR is calculated by dividing the closing share price of a company’s common stock on the ending date of the applicable three-year calendar period plus cumulative dividends during such period, if any, by the closing share price of such company’s common stock on the beginning date of the applicable period. In the event that the Company’s TSR percentile ranking is between the specified percentiles, the vesting percentage is pro-rated on a straight-line basis.

Performance Vesting Schedule for ROIC-Based Awards. The Committee determined that, for the portion of performance-based shares vesting on the basis of ROIC, such shares would vest on the following schedule.

ROICPercentage of Shares Vesting
11.7% or Above200%
10.7%100%
9.7%25%
Below 9.7%0%
ROICPercentage of Shares Vesting
14.0% or Above200%
13.0%100%
12.0%25%
Below 12.0%0%

 

Calculation of ROIC. ROIC is calculated by dividing the Company’s after-tax segment income from continuing operations, adjusted for pension and post-retirement expenses, by the average invested capital. ROIC is subject to adjustment for foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures, and non-recurring and other significant non-operational items. The target is equal to the Company’s projection of its three-year average of ROIC of 10.7%13.0%. In the event that the Company’s ROIC is between the specified percentiles, the vesting percentage is pro-rated on a straight-line basis.

46 

20202023 Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards. The first table below sets forth the number of time-based restricted shares granted to the NEOs for 2020.2023. The second table below sets forth the target number of performance-based restricted shares granted to the NEOs for 20202023 as well as the minimum and maximum number of performance-based shares that may vest. Vesting of performance-based share awards is based on two criteria: the Company’s TSR relative to thea published index of industry peer grouppeers over the applicable performance period and the Company’s ROIC over the same three-year performance period relative to the Company’s projected three-year average of ROIC. The tables also set forth the fair value of the shares on the date of grant. With respect to the annual 20202023 grants awarded to the NEOs, the grant-date fair value wasof the time-based restricted stock and ROIC performance-based shares and is based on a sharethe closing price of $70.31the Company’s Stock on the date immediately precedingprior to the date of grant, as adjusted to take into account that holders of unvested shares are not eligible for and do not receive dividends while such shares remain unvested. For time-based restricted stock, and the portiongrant-date fair value is $81.04. For ROIC performance-based shares, the grant-date fair value is $80.33. The grant-date fair value of the TSR performance-based restricted stock that vests on the basis of ROICshares is $93.32 and $75.68 for the portion of the performance-based restricted stock that vests on the basis of TSR (basedis based on a Monte Carlo valuation model).model.

NameTime-Based Restricted StockTime-Based Restricted Stock
SharesAward ValueSharesAward Value
Timothy Donahue29,583$2,079,98131,556$2,557,298
Thomas Kelly6,059426,008
Kevin Clothier5,183420,030
Gerard Gifford8,655608,53312,4171,006,274
Didier Sourisseau5,028353,519
Matthew Madeksza3,685298,632
Djalma Novaes4,978350,0035,035408,036

 

NamePerformance-Based Restricted Stock
TSR-Based AwardROIC-Based Award
Target SharesAward ValueMinimum SharesMaximum SharesTarget SharesAward ValueMinimum SharesMaximum Shares
Timothy Donahue27,404$2,557,341054,80831,835$2,557,306063,670
Kevin Clothier4,501420,03309,0025,228419,965010,456
Gerard Gifford10,7831,006,270021,56612,5261,006,214025,052
Matthew Madeksza3,200298,62406,4003,718298,66707,436
Djalma Novaes4,372407,99508,7445,079407,996010,158
4347 
 
NamePerformance-Based Restricted Stock
TSR-Based AwardROIC-Based Award
Target SharesAward ValueMinimum SharesMaximum SharesTarget SharesAward ValueMinimum SharesMaximum Shares
Timothy Donahue27,484$2,079,989054,96829,583$2,079,981059,166
Thomas Kelly5,629426,003011,2586,059426,008012,118
Gerard Gifford8,040608,467016,0808,655608,533017,310
Didier Sourisseau (1)4,671353,50109,3425,028353,519010,056
Djalma Novaes4,625350,02009,2504,978350,00309,956

____________________

(1)The shares awarded to Messrs. Donahue, Kelly, Gifford and Novaes are unvested restricted shares. Mr. Sourisseau instead receives a commitment for a future award of deferred shares that are to be issued subject to the same time-based and performance-based conditions as relate to the restricted stock granted to the other NEOs and that are to be issued at the same time that restricted shares are vested for the other NEOs. For ease of reference, this document uses the term “restricted shares” for all shares, whether restricted or deferred.

Pay-for-Performance Alignment – Performance-Based Shares.Compensation. In 2021, based on the Company’s strong performance for the three-year measurement period ending December 31, 2020, 48.5%2024, 22.8% more performance shares vested above the target established for the Company’s NEOs, including the CEO, at the time they were awarded in 2018.2021. The additional performance-based shares wereoutcome was attributable to over-achievementunder-achievement on the TSR metric that resulted in an award of 54.4% less than the target established in 2021 and over-achievement of the ROIC target that resulted in an award of 100% over the target established in 2018 and achievement2021. For 2023, based on the Company’s under-performance of the ROIC target that resulted in an award equal toeconomic profit component and over-performance of the target established in 2018. In 2020, 21.3% more performance shares vested aboveMOCF component of the target established for the Company’sAnnual Incentive Bonus, corporate-level NEOs, including the CEO, at the time theyreceived bonuses that were awarded in 2017. Based on the52.5% above target. The Company’s under-performancecorporate-level NEOs received annual incentive bonuses for the measurement periods related to the vesting of performance-based shares in 20182022 that were 63.5% below target level and 2019, the Company’s NEOs including the CEO,have forfeited 100% of their performance share vestings for two years out of the performance-based shares targeted for vesting in 2018 and 2019.last ten. The Committee views these outcomes as demonstrative of the Company’s “pay-for-performance” philosophy.

Clawback PolicyPolicies. Beginning with 2021 grants, the Company adopted a new clawback policy (the “Clawback Policy”) applicable to performance-based equity awards. Under the clawback policy,Clawback Policy, if the Company is required to restate its financial statements resulting in the Company’s financial results being reduced such that an equity award (or any portion thereof) would not have been awarded (oror would have been awarded with respect to a smaller, number of shares), the Committee may reduce such equity award and recoup from the recipient shares or cash if the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that the recipient engaged in intentional misconduct or fraud that resulted in the financial restatement. The Company previously established a similar policy with respect to its annual non-equity incentive bonus plan. In 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule requiring national securities exchanges to establish listing standards that require public companies to develop, enforce and disclose a compensation recovery policy. In compliance with the updated New York Stock Exchange listing standards, the Company adopted a new compensation recovery policy, effective as of October 2, 2023, for incentive-based compensation paid or awarded on or after that date (the “Compensation Recovery Policy”), which applies in addition to any other rights of recovery under any similar policy, including the Clawback Policy. Under the Compensation Recovery Policy, the Company will promptly recover from certain current or former executive officers, including the NEOs, the amount of any erroneously awarded cash- or equity-based compensation paid on the basis of the achievement of financial performance measures in the event of an accounting restatement, without regard to whether the NEO engaged in intentional misconduct or fraud. A copy of the Compensation Recovery Policy is included as Exhibit 97 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2024.

44 

Retirement Benefits. To attract and retain highly qualified senior executives and as an incentive for long-term employment, the Company maintains a number of retirement plans.

 

U.S. Pension Plan. In the United States, the Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan (the “U.S. Pension Plan”) for certain eligible employees in which all NEOs except Mr. SourisseauMessrs. Donahue, Clothier, Gifford and Novaes participate. The U.S. Pension Plan is designed and administered to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The U.S. Pension Plan was closed to employees hired after December 31, 2018. The U.S. Pension Plan provides normal retirement benefits at age 65 based on the average of the five highest consecutive years of earnings in the last ten years prior to employment termination. For purposes of the U.S. Pension Plan, earnings consist of salary excluding any bonus. These average earnings are multiplied by 1.25% and by years of service, which yields the annual Company-funded pension benefit. Under U.S. federal law for 2020,2023, benefits from the U.S. Pension Plan are limited to $230,000$265,000 per year and may be based only on the first $285,000$330,000 of an employee’s annual earnings.

48 

Senior Executive Retirement Plan. Because of the benefit limits under the U.S. Pension Plan described above, the Company provides additional retirement benefits to the NEOsMessrs. Donahue, Gifford and Novaes under the Senior Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). The annual benefit for executives eligible to participate in the SERP is based upon a formula equal to (i) 2.0% of the average of the five highest consecutive years of earnings (consisting of salary and bonus, but excluding stock compensation, and determined without regard to the limits imposed on tax-qualified plans) during the last 10 years of employment times years of service up to twenty years plus (ii) 1.45% of such average earnings for the next fifteen years of service plus (iii) at the discretion of the Committee, 1% of such average earnings for years of service beyond thirty-five years less (iv) Social Security old-age benefits (and similar benefits provided in foreign jurisdictions) attributable to employment with the Company and the Company-funded portion of the executive’s pension plan benefits. In the casescase of Messrs.Mr. Gifford, and Sourisseau, the SERP is also reduced by their benefitshis benefit under the Company’s Restoration Plan and Swiss Pension Plan, respectively (described below). The ultimate amount to be paid to each NEO under the SERP is subject to interest rate sensitivity. See footnote 4 on page 5659 for more information.

All benefits earned under the SERP are paid in a lump sum. If an NEO with a vested retirement benefit under the SERP dies prior to termination of employment, the NEO’s surviving spouse (but not other named beneficiaries) will be entitled to a 50% survivor benefit. The SERP also provides a lump-sum death benefit of five times the imputed annual retirement benefit payable to the NEO’s named beneficiaries.

SERP participants vest in their benefits at the earliest of five years of participation, specified retirement dates, total disability or upon a “change in control” of the Company. Messrs. Donahue, Kelly, Gifford and Novaes are vested.

Restoration Plan. PriorMessrs. Gifford (prior to his participating in the SERP, Mr. Gifford became a participantSERP), Clothier and Madeksza are participants in the Company’s Restoration Plan. Participants in the Restoration Plan receive supplemental retirement benefits equal to the difference between (i) the benefits that they would have accrued under the U.S. Pension Plan if their target bonus amounts were included in compensation for purposes of calculating their benefits under that plan and if certain statutory benefit limits did not apply and (ii) the benefits that they actually accrue under the U.S. Pension Plan.Plan, if any. As described above, the benefits to which Mr. Gifford is entitled under the SERP will be offset by the benefits to which he is entitled under the Restoration Plan.

U.S. Defined Contribution Plan. The Company also maintains a tax-qualified 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) to which all U.S. salaried employees, including all NEOs, other than Mr. Sourisseau, are able to contribute a portion of their salaries on a pre-tax basis. Subject to certain Code limits, for employees hired prior to January 1, 2019, including Messrs. Donahue, Clothier, Gifford and Novaes, the Company will match 50% of the first 3% of salary that is contributed to thisthe 401(k) plan.

45 

Swiss Defined Contribution Pension Plan.Plan. For employees hired on or after January 1, 2019, including Mr. Sourisseau participates in a defined contribution pension plan maintainedMadeksza, who are not eligible for the benefit of certain Company employees in Switzerland (the “Swiss Pension Plan”). For each year Mr. Sourisseau participates in the SwissU.S. Pension Plan, the Company will contribute an amount on Mr. Sourisseau’s behalf equalmatch 100% of the first 6% of salary that is contributed to 12% times the sum of (i) the lesser of his target bonus and his actual bonus for such year and (ii) his base salary for such year (in each case, reduced in coordination with certain statutory limits).401(k) Plan.

Perquisites. The Company provides the NEOs with a limited number of perquisites and other personal benefits that the Committee believes are reasonable and consistent with its overall compensation program to better enable the Company to attract and retain key executives. An item is a perquisite if it confers a direct or indirect benefit that has a personal aspect, without regard to whether it may be provided for some business reason or for the convenience of the Company, unless it is generally available on a non-discriminatory basis to all employees. An item is not a perquisite if it is integrally and directly related to the performance of the executive’s duties.

49 

Severance.The Company has employment agreements with all of the NEOs. In addition to the compensation components listed above, these contracts provide for post-employment severance payments and benefits in the event of employment termination under certain circumstances. For more information regarding these potential severance payments and benefits with respect to the NEOs, see “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments upon Termination” in the Executive Compensation section below. The Committee believes that these contracts provide an incentive to the NEOs to remain with the Company and serve to align the interests of the NEOs and Shareholders, including in the event of a potential acquisition of the Company. In 2023, the Company adopted an executive officer cash severance policy under which the Company will not enter into any future employment agreement, severance agreement or separation agreement, or establish any new severance plan or policy covering any NEO, that provides for cash severance benefits exceeding 2.99 times the sum of the NEO’s base salary plus target bonus, without seeking Shareholder ratification of such agreement, plan or policy.

Tax Deductibility of Executive Compensation. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was passed in December 2017, eliminated the “performance-based” compensation exemption underPursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code, and made several other significant changes to Section 162(m). Consequently, since 2018, compensation paid or accrued by the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes in excess of $1 million with respect to each of our CEO, our Chief Financial Officer and our other NEOs is not tax deductible regardlessdeductible. The Company’s compensation of whether such compensation would have qualified for the “performance-based” exemption under prior law. Anyany individual who wasis a “covered employee” (as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code) in 2017 or becomes a covered employee thereafter will remain subject to the annual $1 million tax deductibility limit regardless of loss of status as an NEO or termination of employment.  The Committee believes that Shareholdershareholder interests are best served by not restricting the Committee’s discretion and flexibility in structuring compensation programs, even if such compensation results in non-deductible expenses under applicable law. However, consistent with our compensation philosophy of linking pay to performance and aligning executive interests with those of our Shareholders, we currently expect that we will continue to structure our executive compensation program so that a significant portion of total executive compensation is performance-based.

 

46 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

TheAs required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K, the Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with the Company’s management. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

 

This report is respectfully submitted on February 24, 202121, 2024 by the members of the Compensation Committee.

 

Jim Turner,

Stephen Hagge, Chair

Andrea Funk
Stephen Hagge
James Miller
Josef Müller

47 

Andrea Funk

James Miller

Josef Müller

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)Marsha Williams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)

 

4851 
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table lists certain information regarding compensation earned during the Company’s last three fiscal years by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other three Executive Officers who were the highest paid during 2020.2023.

Name and Principal Position

YearSalaryStock
Awards (1)
Non-Equity Incentive Plan CompensationChange in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings (2)All Other Compensation (3)Total Compensation(4)

Name and Principal Position

YearSalaryStock
Awards (1)
Non-Equity Incentive Plan CompensationChange in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings (2)All Other Compensation (3)Total Compensation
        
Timothy Donahue2020$1,200,000$6,239,951$2,880,000$5,714,297  $1,486,791$17,521,039Timothy Donahue2023$1,370,000$7,671,945$2,820,488$0$65,790$11,928,223

President and Chief

Executive Officer

20191,155,0006,005,9701,711,7104,056,957  1,081,05314,010,690

President and Chief

Executive Officer

20221,315,0007,364,000599,969021,1679,300,136
20181,100,0005,720,0551,735,8001,183,618    77,268  9,816,74120211,260,0006,368,7703,024,0001,106,97955,31611,815,065
               
Thomas Kelly2020710,0001,278,0191,136,0002.109,946546,4395,780,404
Kevin Clothier (4)Kevin Clothier (4)2023600,0001,260,029732,000592,8974,9503,189,876

Senior Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

2019685,0001,233,018676,7801,666,986443,9394,705,723

Senior Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

2022535,0001,123,600156,22004,5751,819,395
2018650,0001,169,970683,800532,453135,3533,171,576       
               
Gerard Gifford2020745,0001,825,5331,415,5001,230,335436,7045,653,072Gerard Gifford2023875,0003,018,7571,401,09405,2235,300,074
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer2019715,0001,787,478838,8741,825,676465,5815,632,609Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer2022805,0001,972,140279,134010,0153,066,289
2018680,0001,700,010849,4901,048,49663,5724,341,5682021780,0001,857,4741,482,000066,6514,186,125
               
Didier Sourisseau (5)2020639,6401,060,5391,023,4241,579,272479,0264,781,901
President – European Division2019588,7501,032,906178,5091,005,730358,8713,164,766
Matthew Madeksza (5)Matthew Madeksza (5)2023560,000895,923896,000132,277392,0932,876,293
President – Transit Packaging DivisionPresident – Transit Packaging Division       
       
Djalma NovaesDjalma Novaes2023680,0001,224,028680,54408,2502,592,822
President –President –2022650,0001,137,547557,960046,1412,391,648
Americas DivisionAmericas Division2021620,0001,054,698948,352235,099163,4613,021,610
2018567,765971,268573,670329,461116,9082,559,072       
                    
Djalma Novaes2020600,0001,050,026960,0001,516,241401,0944,527,361
President – Americas Division2019575,0001,006,293887,3401,567,452480,6064,516,691
2018555,000971,269312,132419,42314,2712,272,095
      
(1)The amounts in this column, computed in accordance with current Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance for accounting for and reporting of stock-based compensation, represent the aggregate grant-date fair value of time-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock awards (market condition for TSR, performance condition for ROIC and assuming that the target level of performance conditions were achieved) issued by the Company for the respective fiscal years. The grant-date fair market values of the time-based restricted stock awards were as follows: Mr. Donahue: $2,079,981$2,557,298 for 2020, $2,001,9802023, $2,454,648 for 20192022 and $1,906,692$2,132,414 for 2018;2021; Mr. Kelly: $426,008Clothier: $420,030 for 2020, $411,0172023 and $374,528 for 2019 and $389,982 for 2018;2022; Mr. Gifford: $608,533$1,006,274 for 2020, $595,8302023, $657,370 for 20192022 and $566,675$621,930 for 2018;2021; Mr. Sourisseau: $353,519Madeksza: $298,632 for 2020, $344,302 for 2019 and $323,757 for 2018;2023; and Mr. Novaes: $350,003$408,036 for 2020, $335,4292023, $379,177 for 20192022 and $314,978$353,151 for 2018.2021. The grant-date fair market values of the performance-based restricted stock, assuming instead that the highest level of performance conditions were to be achieved, would be as follows: Mr. Donahue: $8,024,762$10,229,294 for 2020, $7,485,0492023, $9,818,704 for 20192022 and $7,408,227$8,472,712 for 2018;2021; Mr. Kelly: $1,643,567Clothier: $1,679,998 for 2020, $1,536,6512023 and $1,498,144 for 20192022; Mr. Gifford: $4,024,966 for 2023, $2,629,540 for 2022 and $2,471,088 for 2021; Mr. Madeksza: $1,194,582 for 2023; and Mr. Novaes: $1,631,982 for 2023, $1,516,740 for 2022 and $1,403,094 for 2021. If the minimum level of performance conditions were not to be achieved, the value of the performance-based restricted stock awards would be $0 in all cases. Further detail surrounding the shares awarded,

4952 
 

and $1,515,283 for 2018; Mr. Gifford: $2,347,651 for 2020, $2,227,667 for 2019 and $2,201,733 for 2018; Mr. Sourisseau: $1,363,873 for 2020, $1,287,276 for 2019 and $1,257,921 for 2018 and Mr. Novaes: $1,350,374 for 2020, $1,254,112 for 2019 and $1,257,921 for 2018. If the minimum level of performance conditions were not to be achieved, the value of the performance-based restricted stock awards would be $0 in all cases. Further detail surrounding the shares awarded, the method of valuation and the assumptions made are set forth in Note V,W, “Stock-Based Compensation” to the financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2023. There can be no assurance that the amounts related to performance-based shares will ever be realized by the NEOs.

(2)ThePositive amounts in this column reflect the increase in actuarial lump-sum present value of defined benefit retirement plans, including supplemental plans, for the respective fiscal years.  A decrease in actuarial lump-sum present value is required to be excluded from the amount reported in this column and is indicated in this column with a zero value.  Actuarial valuations were based on assumptions that were in accordance with the guidelines of FASB ASC Topic 715 and that are discussed in Note Q,R, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Interest rates continue to be at historic lows which inflate the present value of such benefits, not2023. Not all of which arethe pension benefits payable to our NEOs will be paid in a lump sum. Future increaseschanges in interest rates could cause a significant reductionchanges in the lump-sum value of such benefits. See footnote 4 on page 5659 for more information.  The change in value represents the difference between the highest year-end value disclosed for such benefit in prior years and the value of such benefit at the end of the reporting year.

(3)The amounts in this column for 20202023 include the following items:

 

T. DonahueT. KellyG. GiffordD. SourisseauD. NovaesT. DonahueK. ClothierG. GiffordM. MadekszaD. Novaes
Change in Value of SERP Life Insurance$1,421,763$525,009$426,506$404,921$378,544
FICA on Change in SERP Valuation60,75317,1555,923018,275$ 8,111$       0$   273$           0$3,300
Defined Contribution Plan Company Contributions *

 

4,275

 

4,275

 

56,195

 

4,275

 

4,950

 

4,950

 

19,800

 

4,950

Automobile Allowance0017,9100
Relocation Expenses **52,7290372,2930
Other0
Total$1,486,791$546,439$436,704$479,026$401,094$65,790$4,950$5,223$392,093$8,250

 

*See the “Retirement Benefits” subsection of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement for a more complete description of the defined contribution benefit plans applicable to the NEOs.

**Relocation expenses were provided pursuant to the Company’s standard policies.
(4)See the Proxy Summary – Proposal 3 (page 7) for a description of Total Compensation for Mr. Donahue net of certain retirement-related benefits.Clothier was not an NEO prior to 2022, so only information related to 2023 and 2022 is presented.

(5)Certain components of Mr. Sourisseau’s compensation for 2020 set forth in the table above, including Salary and Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation, have been converted from Swiss Francs into U.S. Dollars at the 2020 average exchange rate of $1.066067.Madeksza was not an NEO prior to 2023, so only information related to 2023 is presented.

 

5053 
 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table provides information about the annual incentive bonuses that the Company’s NEOs were eligible to receive for 20202023 under the Company’s Economic Profit Incentive Plan (the “EP Plan”) and stock-based awards granted in 20202023 to each of the Company’s NEOs under the Company’s 2022 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan. There can be no assurance that the fair value of the performance-based stock awarded to the Company’s NEOs in 20202023 will ever be realized by the NEOs. For further information and the assumptions made in determining the grant-date fair values of the stock awards, see Notes A and VW to the Company’s financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2023.

Name

Grant Dates

of Equity

Awards

Estimated Future Payouts under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)

 

Estimated Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (2)

 

All Other

Stock

Awards: Number of

Shares

of Stock or

Units (3)

2020 Grant

Date Fair

Value of

Stock and

Option

Awards (4)

($)

Grant Dates

of Equity

Awards

Estimated Future Payouts under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)

 

Estimated Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (2)

 

All Other

Stock

Awards: Number of

Shares

of Stock or

Units (3)

2023 Grant

Date Fair

Value of

Stock and

Option

Awards (4)

($)

Minimum ($)Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Minimum (Shares)Target (Shares)Maximum (Shares)Minimum ($)Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Minimum (Shares)Target (Shares)Maximum (Shares)
Timothy Donahue1/9/2020
(5)
01,440,0002,880,000057,067114,13429,5836,239,9511/4/2023
(5)
01,849,5003,699,000059,239118,47831,5567,671,945
Thomas Kelly1/9/2020
(6)
0568,0001,136,000011,68823,3766,0591,278,019
Kevin Clothier1/4/2023
(6)
0480,000960,00009,72919,4585,1831,260,029
Gerard Gifford1/9/2020
(7)
0707,7501,415,500016,69533,3908,6551,825,5331/4/2023
 (7)
0918,7501,837,500023,30946,61812,4173,018,757
Didier Sourisseau1/9/2020
(8)
0511,7121,023,42409,69919,3985,0281,060,539
Matthew Madeksza1/4/2023
(8)
0448,000896,00006,91813,8363,685895,923
Djalma Novaes1/9/2020
(9)
0480,000960,00009,60319,2064,9781,050,0261/4/2023
(9)
0544,0001,088,00009,45118,9025,0351,224,028

 

(1)These amounts represent the range of annual non-equity incentive bonuses for which the NEOs were eligible in 20202023 under the Company’s EP Plan. For further information relating to the EP Plan, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Annual Incentive Bonus.” For the actual awards earned under the EP Plan for 2020,2023, see the “Summary Compensation Table” above.
(2)These amounts represent the range of stock-based compensation that might be realized under the 20202023 performance-based restricted stock awards. The potential payouts are based on performance and are therefore at risk. The performance awards make up approximately two-thirds of the stock-based compensation. The first performance measure, representing approximately one-third of the total stock-based compensation (or half of the performance-based portion), is based upon the total shareholder return (“TSR”) achieved by the Company from January 1, 20202023 to December 31, 20222025 versus the TSR during that same period of a defined peer grouppublished index of companiesindustry peers that are described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Long-Term Equity Incentives” above. The second performance measure, representing approximately one-third of the total stock-based compensation (or half of the performance-based portion), is based on the Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) achieved by the Company from January 1, 20202023 to December 31, 20222025 compared to the ROIC target established by the Compensation Committee. The vesting of the performance-based shares from the 20202023 award will occur in 2023,2026, with the actual number of shares vesting dependent upon the Company’s TSR compared to that of the peer grouppublished index of industry peers and performance against the ROIC target. For further details, refer to Note V,W, “Stock-Based Compensation” to the Company’s financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2023. Rights to the performance-based shares are not forfeited upon death or disability and remain subject to attainment of the performance goal. Performance-based shares may not be forfeited upon retirement at the discretion of the Committee and, if not forfeited, remain subject to attainment of the performance goal. TSR performance-based shares vest upon a “change in control” of the Company based on the Company’s TSR as compared to that of the peer grouppublished index of industry peers from January 1, 2020the beginning of the measurement period until the time of the “change in control.” ROIC performance-based shares vest upon a “change in control” of the Company based on the ROIC of the Company compared to that of the ROIC target from January 1, 2020the beginning of the measurement period until the date of the “change in control.” Awards to Mr. Sourisseau are deferred shares instead of restricted shares. His shares are issued on the vesting date for restricted shares for the other NEOs. See note (1) on page 44.

5154 
 

(3)These amounts represent time-based restricted stock awarded in 2020,2023, which constitute approximately one-third of the total stock-based compensation. Time-based restricted stock vests annually over three years from the date of the award. If a participant terminates employment due to retirement with(with Committee approval,approval), disability or death, or upon a “change in control” of the Company, vesting of the award accelerates.
(4)These amounts represent the grant-date fair value of time-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock awarded in 2020.2023. The grant-date fair value of the time-based restricted stock and ROIC performance-based shares is based on the $70.31 per share closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on January 3, 2023, as adjusted to take into account that holders of unvested shares are not eligible for and do not receive dividends while such shares remain unvested. For time-based restricted stock, the date immediately precedinggrant-date fair value is $81.04. For ROIC performance-based shares, the date of the award on January 9, 2020.grant-date fair value is $80.33. The grant-date fair value of the TSR performance-based shares is $75.68 for the January 9, 2020 awards$93.32 and is based on a Monte Carlo valuation model. The Committee has determined that approximately two-thirds of the targeted value of stock awards to NEOs should be performance-based. In order for the Company in 20202023 to deliver two-thirds of the value of an NEO’s targeted long-term equity incentive in performance-based restricted stock, somewhat more than one-third of the total number of shares granted were time-based restricted shares, and somewhat less than two-thirds were performance-based restricted shares because the prescribed valuation methods under FASB ASC Topic 718 result in higher per unit values for TSR performance-based restricted stock than for time-based restricted stock and ROIC performance-based restricted stock. Further details regarding these shares, the method of valuation and the assumptions made are set forth in Note V,W, “Stock-Based Compensation” to the financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2023.
(5)Represents grant to Mr. Donahue of 86,65090,795 shares of stock-based compensation under the 20132022 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2013“2022 Stock Plan”). Time-based restricted stock totaling 29,58331,556 shares vests over a three-year period as follows: 9,86110,519 shares on January 11, 2021, January 10, 20224, 2024 and January 9, 2023, respectively.6, 2025, respectively, and 10,518 shares on January 5, 2026. The remaining 57,06759,239 shares of performance-based restricted stock vest on January 9, 20235, 2026 as follows: 29,58331,835 shares based on the Company’s ROIC from January 1, 20202023 to December 31, 20222025 compared to the established ROIC target; 27,48427,404 shares based on the Company’s TSR for that same period versus the TSR of a defined peer grouppublished index of companies.industry peers. The final number of performance-based shares actually vesting may vary from 0 to 114,134.118,478.
(6)Represents grant to Mr. KellyClothier of 17,74714,912 shares of stock-based compensation under the 20132022 Stock Plan. Time-based restricted stock totaling 6,0595,183 shares vests over a three-year period as follows: 2,0201,728 shares on January 11, 20214, 2024 and January 10, 2022,6, 2025, respectively, and 2,0191,727 shares ofon January 9, 2023.5, 2026. The remaining 11,6889,729 shares of performance-based restricted stock vest on January 9, 20235, 2026 as follows: 6,0595,228 shares based on the Company’s ROIC from January 1, 20202023 to December 31, 20222025 compared to the established ROIC target; 5,6294,501 shares based on the Company’s TSR for that same period versus the TSR of a defined peer grouppublished index of companies.industry peers. The final number of performance-based shares actually vesting may vary from 0 to 23,376.19,458.
(7)Represents grant to Mr. Gifford of 25,35035,726 shares of stock-based compensation under the 20132022 Stock Plan. Time-based restricted stock totaling 8,65512,417 shares vests over a three-year period as follows: 2,8854,139 shares on January 11, 2021,4, 2024, January 10, 20226, 2025, and January 9, 2023,5, 2026, respectively. The remaining 16,69523,309 shares of performance-based restricted stock vest on January 9, 20235, 2026 as follows: 8,65512,526 shares based on the Company’s ROIC from January 1, 20202023 to December 31, 20222025 compared to the established ROIC target; 8,04010,783 shares based on the Company’s TSR for that same period versus the TSR of a defined peer grouppublished index of companies.industry peers. The final number of performance-based shares actually vesting may vary from 0 to 33,390.46,618.
(8)Represents grant to Mr. SourisseauMadeksza of 14,72710,603 shares of stock-based compensation under the 20132022 Stock Plan. Time-based deferredrestricted stock totaling 5,0283,685 shares will be issuedvests over a three-year period as follows: 1,6761,229 shares on January 11, 2021,4, 2024, and 1,228 shares on January 10, 20226, 2025 and January 9, 2023,5, 2026, respectively. The remaining 9,6996,918 shares of performance-based deferredrestricted stock vest on January 9, 20235, 2026 as follows: 5,0283,718 shares based on the Company’s ROIC from January 1, 20202023 to December 31, 20222025 compared to the established ROIC target; 4,6713,200 shares based on the Company’s TSR for that same period versus the TSR of a defined peer grouppublished index of companies.industry peers. The final number of performance-based shares actually issuedvesting may vary from 0 to 19,398.13,836.
(9)Represents grant to Mr. Novaes of 14,58114,486 shares of stock-based compensation under the 20132022 Stock Plan. Time-based restricted stock totaling 4,9785,035 shares vests over a three-year period as follows: 1,6601,679 shares on January 11, 20214, 2024, and 1,6591,678 shares on January 10, 20226, 2025 and January 9, 2023,5, 2026, respectively. The remaining 9,6039,451 shares of performance-based restricted stock vest on January 9, 20235, 2026 as follows: 4,9785,079 shares based on the Company’s ROIC from January 1, 20202023 to December 31, 20222025 compared to the established ROIC target; 4,6254,372 shares based on the Company’s TSR for that same period versus the TSR of a defined peer grouppublished index of companies.industry peers. The final number of performance-based shares actually vesting may vary from 0 to 19,206.18,902.
5255 
 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table shows unvested time-based restricted Common Stock and unvested performance-based restricted Common Stock held by the Company’s NEOs on December 31, 2020.2023. There are no outstanding options. These outstanding equity awards have been granted to the Company’s NEOs under the Company’s 20132022 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan.Plan or its immediate predecessor.

 

 

Stock Awards

Name

 

 

Number of

Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (1)

(Shares)

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 (3)

(Shares)

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Market or

Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (2)

($)

Timothy Donahue71,7037,184,641208,84320,926,069
Thomas Kelly14,6981,472,74042,7984,288,360
Gerard Gifford21,1852,122,73761,8396,196,268
Didier Sourisseau (4)12,2471,227,14935,6603,573,132
Djalma Novaes12,0601,208,41235,1793,524,936

Stock Awards

Name

 

 

Number of

Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (1)

(Shares)

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 (3)

(Shares)

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Market or

Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (2)

($)

Timothy Donahue53,9534,968,532144,70713,326,068
Kevin Clothier7,492689,93816,4161,511,749
Gerard Gifford18,5881,711,76947,1914,345,819
Matthew Madeksza11,1851,030,0276,918637,079
Djalma Novaes8,575789,67223,1172,128,845
(1)These amounts represent outstanding unvested time-based restricted stock awards (right to deferred shares in the case of Mr. Sourisseau).awards. Time-based restricted stock vests annually over three years from the date of the award. Accordingly, with respect to awards made in 2018,2021, the final one-third vested on January 4, 2021.8, 2024. With respect to awards made in 2019,2022, the second one-third vested on January 7, 20215, 2024 and the final one-third will vest on January 7, 2022.6, 2025. With respect to awards made in 2020,2023, the first one-third vested on January 11, 2021.4, 2024. The second one-third will vest on January 10, 20226, 2025 and the final one-third will vest on January 9, 2023.5, 2026. If a participant terminates employment due to retirement with(with Committee approval,approval), disability or death, or in the event of a “change in control” of the Company, vesting of the unvested time-based restricted stock awards accelerates to the date of termination or change in control. Included in Mr. Madeksza’s totals are 7,500 time-based restricted shares that were awarded prior to his appointment to President of Transit Packaging Division and will vest in the period May 2024 – May 2026.
(2)Computed as of December 31, 2020.2023. The closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on December 31, 202029, 2023 was $100.20.$92.09.
5356 
 

(3)These amounts represent outstanding unvested performance-based restricted stock at target levels. The range of shares to be vested is 0 to 200% of the target based on the levels of performance achieved under the 20182021 award from January 1, 20182021 to December 31, 2020,2023, under the 20192022 award from January 1, 20192022 to December 31, 20212024 and under the 20202023 award from January 1, 20202023 to December 31, 2022.2025. The number reported does not include any additional shares that may be awarded after December 31, 20202023 based upon the Company’s performance but does include shares that may be forfeited based on the Company’s performance. On January 11, 2021,8, 2024, TSR performance-based shares earned pursuant to the 20182021 awards vested as follows: for Mr. Donahue – 62,9689,049 shares with a value on December 31, 20202023 of $6,309,394;$833,322; for Mr. KellyGifford12,8802,639 shares with a value on December 31, 20202023 of $1,290,576;$243,026; and for Mr. GiffordNovaes18,7141,499 shares with a value on December 31, 20202023 of $1,875,143; for Mr. Sourisseau – 10,692 shares with a value on December 31, 2020 of $1,071,338; and for Mr. Novaes – 10,692 shares with a value on December 31, 2020 of $1,071,338.$138,043. On February 25, 2021,22, 2024, ROIC performance-based shares earned pursuant to the 20182021 awards vested as follows: for Mr. Donahue – 33,39843,572 shares with a value on December 31, 20202023 of $3,346,480;$4,012,545; for Mr. KellyGifford6,83112,708 shares with a value on December 31, 20202023 of $684,466;$1,170,280; and for Mr. GiffordNovaes9,9267,216 shares with a value on December 31, 20202023 of $994,585; for Mr. Sourisseau – 5,671$664,521. Messrs. Clothier and Madeksza were not issued TSR or ROIC performance-based shares with a value on December 31, 2020in 2021 so they had no vestings of $568,234; and for Mr. Novaes – 5,671 shares with a value on December 31, 2020 of $568,234.performance-based restricted stock. For further information relating to performance-based share vesting, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Long-Term Equity Incentives.” Rights to the performance-based shares are not forfeited upon death or disability and remain subject to attainment of the performance goal. Performance-based shares may not be forfeited upon retirement at the discretion of the Committee and, if not forfeited, remain subject to attainment of the performance goals. TSR performance-based shares vest upon a “change in control” of the Company based upon the Company’s TSR as compared to that of the peer groupa published index of industry peers at the time of the “change in control.” ROIC performance-based shares vest upon a “change in control” of the Company based upon the ROIC of the Company compared to that of the ROIC target through the date of the “change in control.”
(4)All shares listed for Mr. Sourisseau are deferred shares. With respect to Mr. Sourisseau, all references to “vesting” above actually mean issuance of deferred shares. See note (1) on page 44.

 

 

5457 
 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table shows the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock acquired and the actual value received during 20202023 upon the vesting of stock awards. The Company does not issue stock options to its NEOs.

 

Stock AwardsStock Awards

Name

Number of Shares

Acquired on

Vesting (1)

Value Realized

on Vesting (2)
($)

Number of Shares Acquired on

Vesting (1)

Value Realized

on Vesting (2)
($)

Timothy Donahue118,4448,364,12696,3818,207,679
Thomas Kelly24,6861,743,191
Kevin Clothier3,155261,837
Gerard Gifford36,6242,492,94128,0042,385,140
Didier Sourisseau20,0351,138,652
Matthew Madeksza2,500207,075
Djalma Novaes21,1721,494,97216,0951,370,833

 

(1)Amounts in this column are time-based and performance-based restricted stock that vested in 2020.2023. The 20172020 award of TSR performance-based restricted stock vested at 121.3%45.57% of target in 2020. In the case2023. The 2020 award of Mr. Sourisseau, deferredROIC performance-based restricted stock was issued.vested at 200.0% of target in 2023. For further information relating to the vesting of performance-based share awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Long-Term Equity Incentives.”
(2)The amounts in this column are the aggregate dollar amount realized upon vesting, calculated by multiplying the number of shares of stock times the market value of the Company Common Stock at the date(s) of vesting.

 

5558 
 

Pension Benefits

The following table shows the present value of estimated benefits payable upon retirement to the NEOs under the Company’s U.S. Pension Plan, Senior Executive Retirement Plan and Restoration Plan, which are the defined-benefit pension plans maintained by the Company in which the NEOs participate.

Name

Plan

Name (1)(2)

Number of Years Credited Service (3)Present Value of Accumulated Benefit (4)(5)
($)

Plan

Name (1)(2)

Number of Years Credited Service (3)Present Value of Accumulated Benefit (4)(5)
($)

Timothy Donahue

 

Pension Plan
SERP

 

30

30

 

1,294,731

20,431,092

Pension Plan
SERP

33

33

1,225,827

18,457,571

Thomas Kelly

Pension Plan

SERP

 

29

29

 

1,313,293

8,861,125

Kevin ClothierPension Plan
Restoration Plan (6)

31

31

856,600

1,169,172

Gerard Gifford

 

Pension Plan
SERP/Restoration Plan (6)

 

38

38

 

1,774,756

13,641,089

Pension Plan
SERP/Restoration Plan (6)

41

41

1,559,057

11,150,480

Didier SourisseauSERP

30

5,675,190

Matthew MadekszaRestoration Plan (6)3250,350
Djalma Novaes

Pension Plan

SERP

 

10

21

 

460,619

5,929,348

Pension Plan
SERP

13

24

535,627

5,879,231

(1)The U.S. Pension Plan in which all U.S.-based NEOs participate, except for Mr. Sourisseau participateMadeksza, is designed and administered to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code. For further information, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Retirement Benefits.”
(2)The annual benefit for thethose NEOs underwho participate in the SERP is based upon a formula equal to (i) 2.0% of the average of the five highest consecutive years of earnings during the last 10 years of service (consisting of salary and bonus, but excluding stock compensation, and determined without regard to the limits imposed on tax-qualified retirement plans) times years of service up to twenty years plus (ii) 1.45% of such average earnings for the next fifteen years of service plus (iii) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, 1% of such average earnings for years of service beyond thirty-five years less (iv) Social Security old-age benefits (and similar benefits provided in foreign jurisdictions) attributable to employment with the Company and the Company-funded portion of the executive’s Pension Plan benefits. In the case of Messrs.Mr. Gifford, and Sourisseau, the SERP is also reduced by theirhis benefits under the Company’s Restoration Plan and Swiss Pension Plan, respectively.Plan. For further information, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Retirement Benefits.”
(3)Years of service are rounded to the nearest full year.
(4)The calculation of the lump-sum present value is based on assumptions that were in accordance with the guidelines of FASB ASC Topic 715 and that are discussed in Note Q,R, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. 2023. Not all of the pension benefits payable to our NEOs will be paid in a lump sum. Interest rates continue to be at historic lows which inflatestrongly affect the present value of such benefits. For example, if, on December 31, 2020,Future changes in interest rates had been 100 basis points (i.e., 1%) above their actual levels, then the actuarial lump-sum present value of defined benefit retirement plans with respect to Messrs. Donahue, Kelly, Gifford, Sourisseau and Novaes would have been lower by $3,162,596, $1,241,260, $1,341,697, $1,082,957 and $832,294, respectively.  Consequently, the return to a more normal interest rate environment could cause a significant reductionchanges in the lump-sum value of such benefits.
(5)All of the benefits are vested with respect to the NEOs with the exception of Mr. Madeksza’s participation in the SERP benefits for Mr. Sourisseau.Restoration Plan (which will vest in October 2027).
(6)The annual supplemental retirement benefit for Mr.Messrs. Gifford, Clothier and Madeksza under the Restoration Plan is equal to the difference between (i) the annual benefit he would have accrued under the U.S. Pension Plan if his target bonus amount were included in compensation for purposes of calculating histhe benefit under such Plan and if certain statutory limitations on benefit accrual did not apply and (ii) the annual benefit he actually accrued under the U.S. Pension Plan.Plan basic pension formula as applicable to him.

 

5659 
 

Employment Agreements and Potential Payments upon Termination

 

The Company has employment agreements with all of its NEOs. In addition to the compensation and benefits described above, these contracts provide for certain post-employment severance payments in the event of employment termination under certain circumstances. The Committee believes that these contracts provide an incentive to the NEOs to remain with the Company and serve to align the interests of the NEOs and Shareholders, including in the event of a potential acquisition of the Company.

 

Under his employment agreement, Mr. Donahue has agreed that, during his employment and for two years thereafter, he will not compete with the Company or solicit Company employees to terminate employment with the Company. All other NEOs are subject to a similar non-competition provision that is limited tofor a one-year post-employment period prior to a change in control and for two years following a change in control.

Under the agreement for each of the NEOs, if the executive’s employment is terminated because of a voluntary termination or retirement, the Company will pay the executive his base salary through the date of termination or retirement, a pro-rated bonus payment (which is payable at the Company’s discretion for Messrs. Clothier and Madeksza in the case of a voluntary termination) and any vested retirement, incentive or other benefits. The pro-rated bonus payment is based on the actual bonus for all NEOs except for Mr. Gifford, whose pro-rated payment is based on his target bonus in the event of his voluntary termination or retirement, and Mr. Sourisseau, whose pro-rated payment is based on his target bonus in the event of his voluntary termination and his actual bonus in the event of his retirement. In the event of death, the compensation is identical to the above except that (i) the payment of a pro-rated bonus payment is mandatory for each NEO and (ii) the pro-rated bonus payment is based on the actual bonus for Messrs. Donahue, Clothier and Sourisseau,Madeksza, but on the target bonus for Messrs. Kelly, Gifford and Novaes. All payments will be made to the executive’s estate in the event of death. In the case of a termination of employment due to a disability, each of the NEOs other than Mr. Donahue will be entitled to his base salary through the date of disability, a pro-rated bonus payment and any vested retirement, incentive or other benefits, plus an annual disability benefit equal to 75% of his base salary. The pro-rated bonus payment is based on the target bonus for Messrs. Kelly, Gifford and Novaes and the actual bonus for Mr. Sourisseau.Messrs. Clothier and Madeksza. In the case of Mr. Donahue’s disability, he will be entitled to his base salary through the date of disability, an annual disability benefit equal to 100% of his base salary plus a bonus equal to the average annual bonus paid or payable to him for the three most recently completed years, and any vested retirement, incentive or other benefits. If the employment of any of the NEOs is terminated for “Cause,” the Company will pay to the executive only the base salary owed through his date of termination and his vested retirement, incentive or other benefits.

Under the agreement for Mr. Donahue, if thehis employment of the executive is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the executivehim for “Good Reason” other than within the 12-month period following a “Change in Control,” in addition to the executive’shis base salary through the date of termination, the Company will pay to the executiveMr. Donahue (i) a pro-rated actual bonus payment and (ii) a lump-sum payment equal to three times the sum of the executive’s base salary and his target bonus for the year of termination. Under the agreement for each of the other NEOs, upon the termination of the executive’s employment by the Company without Cause other than within the 12-month period following a Change in Control, the Company will pay to the executive (i) his base salary through the date of termination, (ii) a pro-rated actual (but, for Mr. Gifford, a pro-rated target) bonus payment and (iii) a lump-sum payment equal to the executive’s annual base salary.  In all such cases, the Company will also pay to the executive any vested retirement, incentive or other benefits.

5760 
 

 

 

Under the agreement for each of the NEOs, if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason, during the 12-month period following a Change in Control, the Company will pay him (i) his base salary through the date of termination plus, (ii) a lump-sum payment equal to three times the sum of the executive’s base salary and his average bonus over the three completed years prior to the year of termination. On a Change in Control, all stock options and time-based restricted stock granted to the executive by the Company will become fully vested and, in the case of stock options, immediately exercisable. In addition, on a Change in Control, performance-based restricted stock will vest based upon the Company’s performance as compared to the applicable performance goals between the start of the measurement period and the date of the Change in Control. In all such cases, the Company will also pay to the executive any vested retirement, incentive or other benefits. To the extent that the executive would be subject to the excise tax under Code Section 4999 on the amounts and benefits received on a Change in Control for purposes of Code Section 280G, either (i) such amounts and benefits will be reduced or delayed by the minimum amount necessary such that no portion of the amount or benefits is subject to the excise tax or (ii) the full amount and benefits shall be paid, whichever, after taking into account all applicable taxes, including the excise tax, results in the executive’s receipt, or an after-tax basis, of the greater amount and benefits.

5861 
 

The following table provides estimates of the potential severance and other post-termination benefits each NEO would receive assuming his employment was terminated as of December 31, 2020.2023.

Name

 

Benefit

 

Termination upon

Retirement,

Disability or

Death (1)

($)

Resignation for

Good Reason

prior to a

Change in

Control

($)

Termination

without Cause prior

to a Change in

Control

($)

Termination without

Cause or

Resignation for Good

Reason after a Change

in Control (2)

($)

Timothy DonahueSalary: 3,600,0003,600,0003,600,000
 Bonus:2,880,0007,200,0007,200,0005,743,110
 Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting: (3)7,184,641  28,110,709
 Total:10,064,64110,800,00010,800,00037,453,819
Thomas KellySalary:  710,0002,130,000
 Bonus:1,136,000 1,136,0002,286,472
 Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting (3)

 

1,472,470

  5,761,098
 Total:2,608,470 1,846,00010,177,570
Gerard GiffordSalary:  745,0002,235,000
 Bonus:707,750 707,7502,818,322
 Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting: (3)

 

2,122,737

  8,319,004
 Total:2,830,487 1,452,75013,372,326
Didier SourisseauSalary:  639,6401,918,921
 Bonus:1,023,424 1,023,4241,451,905
 

Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting: (3)

987,269  3,686,700
 Total:2,010,693 1,663,0647,057,526
Djalma NovaesSalary:  600,0001,800,000
 Bonus:960,000 960,0001,835,376
 Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting: (3)1,208,142  4,733,348
 Total:2,168,142 1,560,0008,368,724

Name

 

Benefit

 

Termination upon

Retirement,

Disability or

Death (1)

($)

Resignation for

Good Reason

prior to a

Change in

Control

($)

Termination

without Cause prior

to a Change in

Control

($)

Termination without Cause or

Resignation for Good

Reason after a Change

in Control (2)

($)

Timothy DonahueSalary: 4,110,0004,110,0004,110,000
 Bonus:2,820,4888,368,9888,368,9886,503,969
 Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting: (3)4,968,532  18,294,599
 Total:7,789,02012,478,98812,478,98828,908,568
Kevin ClothierSalary:  600,0001,800,000
 Bonus:732,000 732,000686,620
 Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting: (3)

 

689,938

  2,201,688
 Total:1,421,938 1,332,0004,688,308
Gerard GiffordSalary:  875,0002,625,000
 Bonus:918,750 918,7503,176,634
 Accelerated Restricted Stock Vesting: (3)

 

1,711,769

  6,057,588
 Total:2,630,519 1,793,75011,859,222
Matthew MadekszaSalary:  560,0001,680,000
 Bonus:896,000 896,000352,548
 

Accelerated Restricted

Stock Vesting: (3)

1,030,027  1,667,105
        Total:1,926,027 1,456,0003,699,653
Djalma NovaesSalary:  680,0002,040,000
 Bonus:680,544 680,5442,466,312
 

Accelerated Restricted

Stock Vesting: (3)

789,672  2,918,516
 Total:1,470,216 1,360,5447,424,828
(1)The bonus amounts in this column assume a retirement scenario. In death or disability scenarios, the amounts for some of the NEOs would be lowerdifferent because, in these cases, bonus calculations are based on target, and not actual, bonus amounts.
(2)In addition, as indicated in the Pension Benefits table, each of our NEOs is a participantMessrs. Donahue, Gifford and Novaes are participants in the Company’s SERP.SERP and Messrs. Clothier, Gifford and Madeksza participate in the Company’s Restoration Plan. Currently, the SERP benefits of Messrs. Donahue, Gifford, Kelly and NovaesRestoration Plan benefits are vested and the SERP benefits offor each participant except Mr. Sourisseau are unvested. However, under the terms of the SERP, in the event of a change in control, each NEO shall become 100% vested in his SERP benefit.Madeksza. In addition, as soon as administratively practicable but in no event more than 10 business days after a changeChange in control,Control, all benefits under the SERP and Restoration Plan will be paid to each vested NEO in a cash lump sum.
(3)In the case of retirement with Committee approval, disability or death, the vesting of time-based restricted stock awards (or issuance of deferred stock, in Mr. Sourisseau’s case) accelerates and the performance-based shares remain outstanding, subject to performance conditions until the performance period ends. Accordingly, no performance share compensation has been provided for terminations upon retirement, disability or death because payout cannot be assured. On a Change in Control, all time-based restricted stock will become vested, and performance-based restricted stock will vest based upon the Company’s achievement of the performance goals between the beginning of the relevant measurement period(s) and the date of the Change in Control. For termination after a Change in Control, the table assumes that the target level of performance share compensation will be achieved. For further details, refer to the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End table above and Note V,W, “Stock-Based Compensation” to the Company’s financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2023.

5962 
 

Pay Ratio Disclosure

 

Federal law requires that the Company disclose the ratio of its CEO’s total compensation to the total compensation of its median employee (excluding the CEO). Generally, the median employee is required to be identified only once every three years. The Company identified its median employee using salary/wages and bonus information from the Company’s payroll records as of December 31, 2021. The Company does not believe that in 2023 there were changes to the employee population or compensation arrangements that would result in a significant change to its pay ratio disclosure, and the Company has determined to use the same median employee for 2023. To determine thisthe ratio we utilized our global workforce consisting of all U.S., non-U.S., full-time, part-time and temporary employees of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Assubsidiaries, except that, pursuant to the resultde minimis exemption as permitted by SEC rules, we excluded all non-U.S. employees located in certain jurisdictions representing, in the aggregate, less than 5% of strong global growth together with the Signode (Transit Packaging) acquisition in 2018, approximately 80%our total employees. The jurisdictions and numbers of non-U.S. employees excluded as of the Company’sdate of determination were: Cambodia (780 employees), Indonesia (116 employees), Kenya (33 employees), Jamaica (37 employees), Bulgaria (57 employees), Trinidad (18 employees), Barbados (37 employees) and Tunisia (121 employees). The total number of employees now are located outsidein our global workforce (excluding the CEO) as of the date of determination, irrespective of any exemption, was 24,043 employees, 6,233 of whom were U.S. employees and 17,810 of whom were non-U.S. employees. After application of the de minimis exemption, the total number of U.S. employees used was 6,233, and the total number of non-U.S. employees used was 16,611. No assumptions, cost-of-living adjustments or other estimates with respect to compensation were made, except that the compensation was annualized for all full-time employees who began employment during 2020. The Company identified its median employee by using total compensation from the Company’s payroll records as of December 31, 2019.2021. The Company’s median employee was based outside of the U.S. The median employee’s total compensation was calculated using the same methodology used to calculate the Total Compensation of the CEO as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table included in the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement. TheIn 2023, the median employee’s total compensation was $31,565,$34,870, and the total compensation of the CEO was $17,521,039.$11,928,223. Accordingly, the ratio of the annual total compensation of the CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees of the Company, except the CEO, is 555:1.342.1.

Pay Versus Performance Disclosure

In accordance with rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, we provide the following disclosure regarding executive compensation for our principal executive officer (“PEO”) and Non-PEO NEOs and Company performance for the fiscal years listed below. The Compensation Committee did not consider the pay versus performance disclosure below in making its pay decisions for any of the years shown.

YearSummary Compensation Table Total for PEO¹
($)
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO¹˒²˒³
($)
Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs1
($)
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs1,2,3
($)
Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment based on:4Net Income
($ Millions)
ROIC⁵

 

 

TSR
($)

Peer Group TSR
($)
202311,928,22316,258,8483,489,7663,998,035130.62109.1558712.4%
2022  9,300,136(6,982,448)2,229,044(650,485)115.28104.0485512.4%
202111,815,06513,384,5383,441,9163,878,831153.68128.81(411)12.5%
202017,521,03928,558,0375,185,6857,151,936138.13118.3468810.8%

(1)Timothy Donahue was our PEO for each year presented. The individuals comprising the Non-PEO NEOs for each year presented are listed below.
2020202120222023
Thomas KellyThomas KellyKevin ClothierKevin Clothier
Gerard GiffordGerard GiffordGerard GiffordGerard Gifford
Djalma NovaesDjalma NovaesDjalma NovaesMatthew Madeksza
Didier SourisseauRobert BourqueRobert BourqueDjalma Novaes
  Hock Huat Goh 
(2)The amounts shown for Compensation Actually Paid have been calculated in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K and do not reflect compensation actually earned, realized, or received by the Company’s NEOs. These amounts reflect the Summary Compensation Table Total with certain adjustments as described in footnote 3 below.
(3)Compensation Actually Paid reflects the exclusions and inclusions of certain amounts for the PEO and the Non-PEO NEOs as set forth below. Equity values are calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Amounts in the Exclusion of Stock Awards column are the totals from the Stock Awards column set forth in the Summary Compensation Table. Amounts in the Exclusion of Change in Pension Value column reflect the amounts attributable to the Change in Pension Value reported in the Summary Compensation Table. Amounts in the Inclusion of Pension Service Cost are based on the service cost for services rendered during the listed year.
(4)The Peer Group TSR set forth in this table utilizes the Dow Jones U.S. Containers & Packaging (DJUSCP) Index, which we also utilize in the stock performance graph required by Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K included in our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023. The comparison assumes $100 was invested for the period starting December 31, 2019, through the end of the listed year in the Company and in the DJUSCP Index, respectively. Historical stock performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.
(5)We determined ROIC to be the most important financial performance measure used to link Company performance to Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO and Non-PEO NEOs in 2023. This performance measure may not have been the most important financial performance measure for one or more of the prior years reported in this section and we may determine a different financial performance measure to be the most important financial performance measure in future years.
63 

(1) Timothy Donahue was our PEO for each year presented. The individuals comprising the Non-PEO NEOs for each year presented are listed below.

2020202120222023
Thomas KellyThomas KellyKevin ClothierKevin Clothier
Gerard GiffordGerard GiffordGerard GiffordGerard Gifford
Djalma NovaesDjalma NovaesDjalma NovaesMatthew Madeksza
Didier SourisseauRobert BourqueRobert BourqueDjalma Novaes
  Hock Huat Goh 

(2) The amounts shown for Compensation Actually Paid have been calculated in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K and do not reflect compensation actually earned, realized, or received by the Company’s NEOs. These amounts reflect the Summary Compensation Table Total with certain adjustments as described in footnote 3 below.

(3) Compensation Actually Paid reflects the exclusions and inclusions of certain amounts for the PEO and the Non-PEO NEOs as set forth below. Equity values are calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Amounts in the Exclusion of Stock Awards column are the totals from the Stock Awards column set forth in the Summary Compensation Table. Amounts in the Exclusion of Change in Pension Value column reflect the amounts attributable to the Change in Pension Value reported in the Summary Compensation Table. Amounts in the Inclusion of Pension Service Cost are based on the service cost for services rendered during the listed year.

YearSummary Compensation Table Total for PEO
($)
Exclusion of Change in Pension Value for PEO
($)

 

Exclusion of Stock Awards for PEO
($)

Inclusion of Pension Service Cost for PEO
($)

 

Inclusion of Equity Values for PEO
($)

 

Compensation Actually Paid to PEO
($)

202311,928,2230(7,671,945)578,78511,423,78516,258,848
2022  9,300,1360(7,364,000)691,464(9,610,048)(6,982,448)
202111,815,065(1,106,979)(6,368,770)716,3078,328,91513,384,538
202017,521,039(5,714,297)(6,239,951)611,00922,380,23728,558,037

Year

 

 

Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs
($)

Average Exclusion of Change in Pension Value for Non-PEO NEOs
($)

 

Average Exclusion of Stock Awards for Non-PEO NEOs
($)

Average Inclusion of Pension Service Cost for Non-PEO NEOs
($)

 

Average Inclusion of Equity Values for Non-PEO NEOs
($)

 

 

Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs
($)

20233,489,766(181,294)(1,599,684)140,8952,148,3513,998,035
20222,229,0440   (986,390)159,674(2,052,813)  (650,485)
20213,441,916   (248,755)(1,287,047)294,4781,678,2393,878,831
20205,185,685(1,608,949)(1,303,529)199,1384,679,5917,151,936

64 

The amounts in the Inclusion of Equity Values in the tables above are derived from the amounts set forth in the following tables:

 

Year

Year-End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During Year That Remained Unvested as of Last Day of Year for PEO
($)
Change in Fair Value from Last Day of Prior Year to Last Day of Year of Unvested Equity Awards for PEO
($)
Vesting-Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During Year that Vested During Year for PEO
($)
Change in Fair Value from Last Day of Prior Year to Vesting Date of Unvested Equity Awards that Vested During Year for PEO
($)
Fair Value at Last Day of Prior Year of Equity Awards Forfeited During Year for PEO
($)
Value of Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards Not Otherwise Included for PEO
($)
Total - Inclusion of
Equity Values for PEO
($)
2023  8,978,564(234,701)02,679,9220011,423,785
2022  3,979,926(13,395,521)0(194,453)00(9,610,048)
2021  9,948,725(1,591,678)0(28,132)008,328,915
202014,578,7137,972,7350(171,211)0022,380,237

 

Year

Average Year-End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During Year That Remained Unvested as of Last Day of Year for Non-PEO NEOs
($)
Average Change in Fair Value from Last Day of Prior Year to Last Day of Year of Unvested Equity Awards for Non-PEO NEOs
($)
Average Vesting-Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted During Year that Vested During Year for Non-PEO NEOs
($)
Average Change in Fair Value from Last Day of Prior Year to Vesting Date of Unvested Equity Awards that Vested During Year for Non-PEO NEOs
($)
Average Fair Value at Last Day of Prior Year of Equity Awards Forfeited During Year for Non-PEO NEOs
($)
Average Value of Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards Not Otherwise Included for Non-PEO NEOs
($)
Total - Average Inclusion of
Equity Values for Non-PEO NEOs
($)
20231,872,128(35,029)0311,252002,148,351
2022   533,100(2,053,999)0(258,899)(273,015)0(2,052,813)
20212,010,515(327,022)0(5,254)001,678,239
20203,045,4711,678,9310(44,811)004,679,591

(4) The Peer Group TSR set forth in this table utilizes the Dow Jones U.S. Containers & Packaging (DJUSCP) Index, which we also utilize in the stock performance graph required by Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K included in our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023. The comparison assumes $100 was invested for the period starting December 31, 2019, through the end of the listed year in the Company and in the DJUSCP Index, respectively. Historical stock performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.

(5) We determined ROIC to be the most important financial performance measure used to link Company performance to Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO and Non-PEO NEOs in 2023. This performance measure may not have been the most important financial performance measure for one or more of the prior years reported in this section and we may determine a different financial performance measure to be the most important financial performance measure in future years.

65 

Description of Relationship Between PEO and Other NEO Compensation

Actually Paid, Company Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) and DJUSCP Index TSR

The following chart sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, the average of Compensation Actually Paid to our other NEOs, the Company’s cumulative TSR over the four most recently completed fiscal years, and the DJUSCP Index TSR over the four most recently completed fiscal years.

*Note the TSR above is indexed to an initial $100 investment on December 31, 2019.

66 

Description of Relationship Between PEO and Other NEO

Compensation Actually Paid and Net Income

The following chart sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, the average of Compensation Actually Paid to our other NEOs, and our net income during the four most recently completed fiscal years.

 

 

 

6067 

Description of Relationship Between PEO and Other NEO

Compensation Actually Paid and ROIC

The following chart sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, the average of Compensation Actually Paid to our other NEOs, and our ROIC. See the Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Calculation of ROIC (page 46) for more information on the ROIC calculation.

Tabular List of Most Important Financial Performance Measures

The following presents the financial performance measures that the Company considers to have been the most important in linking Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO and other NEOs for 2023 to Company performance. The measures in this list are not ranked.

Modified Operating Cash Flow
Economic Profit
Total Shareholder Return vs Peers
Return on Invested Capital

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)

69 
 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, were the independent auditors for the most recently completed fiscal year. The Audit Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as independent auditors to audit and report on the Company’s financial statements for 2021. PricewaterhouseCoopers perform annual audits of the Company’s financial statements and assist the Company in the preparation of various tax returns around the world.2024. A representative or representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.Meeting. Such representatives also are also expected to be available to respond to questions raised using the “Ask a Question” fieldorally at the virtual Annual Meeting or submitted in writing to the Office of the Corporate Secretary of the Company before the Annual Meeting.

The Audit Committee reviewed the fees of PricewaterhouseCoopers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20202023 and December 31, 2019.2022. The Company paid fees in the following categories:

(1) Audit Fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting and consolidated financial statements of the Company, including the U.S. integrated financial statement and internal controls audit, statutory audits, issuance of comfort letters, consents and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC.

(2) Audit-Related Fees were for fees for due diligence in connection with mergers, acquisitions and acquisitionsdivestitures and other assurance-related services performed in connection with statutory requirements in various countries. In 2020,2023, Audit-Related Fees consisted largely of accounting services performed in connection with the Company’s ongoing strategic review, specifically carve-out audits of certain of the Company’s business units.

(3) Tax ComplianceTax-Related Fees were for services rendered for (a) tax compliance, including the preparation of tax returns and claims for refunds.

(4) Tax Advisory Services Fees were forrefunds, and (b) tax planning and advice.

(5)(4) All Other Fees were for services rendered for assistance provided primarily to non-U.S. subsidiaries.

The amount of fees for each category in 20202023 and 20192022 are set forth below.

 20202019
Audit Fees$9,408,000$10,148,000
Audit-Related Fees6,315,000714,000
Tax Compliance Fees320,000388,000
Tax Advisory Services Fees1,148,0001,307,000
All Other Fees21,00040,000

 20232022
Audit Fees$9,289,000$7,923,208
Audit-Related Fees1,350,000687,703
Tax-Related Fees11,482,0001,458,229
All Other Fees10,00012,305

All of the services described above were approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee also evaluated whether the non-audit fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers are compatible with maintaining their independence as auditors. The Audit Committee reviews each year the level of Audit and Audit-Related Fees in relation to all other fees paid to the independent auditors. In carrying out this responsibility, the Audit Committee may obtain input from Company management on the general level of fees. The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services, and related fees, to be performed by the Company’s independent auditors. In addition to the Audit Committee’s annual pre-approval, under the Audit Committee Charter the Chair of the Audit Committee has the authority to review and approve other services that may arise during the year with proposed fees up to $250,000 per transaction and reports back any such approvals to the full Audit Committee. Pursuant to this authority, during 20202023 the Chair reviewed and approved $350,000 of such services.services with fees totaling approximately $253,906.


1 Includes tax compliance fees and tax advisory service fees.

6170 
 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

 

The Audit Committee provides assistance to the Board of Directors by its oversight of the financial accounting practices and the internal controls of the Company and represents the Board in connection with the services rendered by the Company’s independent auditors, who report directly to the Audit Committee.

 

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with the Company’s management and its independent auditors the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202023 and the Company’s system of internal controls and its effectiveness. Management is responsible for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls, and has represented to the Audit Committee that such financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, are responsible for expressing an opinion as to whether the financial statements fairly present in all material respects the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. PricewaterhouseCoopers have informed the Audit Committee that they have given such an opinion with respect to the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2023.

The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed under the rules adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors the auditors’ independence from the Company and its management, including the matters in the written disclosures and letter which were received by the Audit Committee from the independent auditors as required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent auditors’ communications with the Audit Committee regarding independence.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2023.

This report is respectfully submitted on February 24, 202121, 2024 by the members of the Audit Committee.

 

Caesar Sweitzer,

B. Craig Owens, Chair

Andrea Funk
Josef Müller
B. Craig Owens
William Urkiel
Dwayne Wilson

Richard Fearon

Andrea Funk

Josef Müller

Angela Snyder

Caesar Sweitzer

Dwayne Wilson

6271 
 

PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

 

The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as independent auditors to audit and report on the Company’s financial statements for 2021.2024.

 

Although the submission to Shareholders of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers is not required by law or the Company’s By-Laws, the Audit Committee believes it is appropriate to submit this matter to Shareholders to allow a forum for Shareholders to express their views with regard to the Audit Committee’s selection. In the event Shareholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee may reconsider the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR the Ratification of the

Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Auditors.

 

 

6372 
 

PROPOSAL 3: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

 

At the Annual Meeting, the Company will conduct a Shareholder vote on an advisory resolution to approve executive compensation, commonly referred to as a “Say-on-Pay” vote. The Company currently conducts Say-on-Pay votes on an annual basis, and it expects to conduct the next Say-on-Pay vote at the Company’s 20222025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

The Board of Directors encourages Shareholders, in deciding whether to vote in favor of the advisory resolution below, to review the compensation-related elements of this Proxy Statement, including those in the Proxy Statement Summary, the CD&A and the tables and related narrative in the Executive Compensation section, for details regarding the Company’s executive compensation program and 20202023 compensation of Named Executive Officers.

 

The Board of Directors believes that the executive compensation program aligns the compensation of the Company’s executive management with the long-term interests of Shareholders. To align these interests, the Company compensates executive management with time-based and performance-based restricted stock and also ties a significant portion of executive cash compensation to performance-based metrics that drive Shareholdershareholder value.

 

RESOLVED, that the Shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis, the compensation tables and the related disclosure contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 20212024 Annual Meeting.

 

Although the vote is non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee expect to take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation.

 

 

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR the

Approval of this Advisory Resolution on Executive Compensation.

 

 

6473 
 

PROPOSAL 4: PROPOSAL TO AMEND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO REDUCE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SIZE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Board asks our Shareholders to approve an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles”) to reduce the minimum and maximum number of directors that constitute our Board. The current Articles provides that our Board will consist of not less than ten nor more than eighteen directors. If the proposed amendment is approved, this range would be shifted so that the Board would consist of not less than seven nor more than fifteen directors. The Board believes that the proposed amendment still will allow for a Board with diverse talents and perspectives, as well as demonstrated experience and expertise. The proposed amendment to the Articles will result in a size range for the Board that better supports our culture of critical thinking and productive discussion in the boardroom.1 The proposed amendment also will help align our Board structure with current market practice. For example, a 2023 analysis by Spencer Stuart of the governance practices of the S&P 500 companies found that the average board size of those companies consisted of 10.8 directors and that nearly two-thirds of S&P 500 boards consisted of nine to twelve directors. In addition, the amended Articles still will permit the Company to add up to five additional directors to the number of directors nominated for election at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders The change will continue to permit the necessary flexibility for effective Board refreshment and succession planning in the future while allowing the Board size to fall below ten without imposing undue haste in recruiting new Directors in the event of, for instance, unexpected Director retirements or departures from the Board. The Board approved the proposed amendment to the Articles in a meeting held on February 22, 2024 and recommends that our Shareholders vote in favor of the proposed amendment.

Proposed Amendment

A summary of the proposed amendment to the Articles is set forth below. The description of the proposed Articles amendment set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the proposed amendment, which is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.

Amendment to Articles

Our Board asks the Shareholders to approve a reduction in the minimum and maximum number of directors that constitute the Board from the current range of not less than ten nor more than eighteen directors to a new range of not less than seven nor more than fifteen directors.

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR the Approval of the Proposed

Amendment to Our Articles of Incorporation to Reduce the Minimum Size

of Our Board of Directors to Seven Directors and Reduce the Maximum Size

of Our Board of Directors to Fifteen Directors, as Described in This Proxy Statement.


1 The Company’s Board has often consisted of 10 or 11 directors in recent years but has not consisted of more than 15 directors in at least 30 years.

74 

PROPOSAL 5: CONSIDERATION OF A SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING TRANSPARENCY IN POLITICAL SPENDING

The Company has been advised that John Chevedden, 2215 Nelson Avenue, No. 205, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, who has indicated that he holds at least 100 shares of stock in the Company, intends to submit the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. The text of the shareholder proposal and supporting statement set forth below appear exactly as it was received by us unless otherwise noted. All statements contained in the shareholder proposal and supporting statement are the sole responsibility of the proponent. The Company is not responsible for the contents of this proposal. If the following proposal is properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST the proposal.

SHAREHOLDER RESOLUTION:

Proposal 5 — Transparency in Political Spending

Resolved, Shareholders request that Crown Holdings provide a report, updated semiannually, disclosing the Company’s:

1.Policies and procedures for making, with corporate funds or assets, contributions and expenditures (direct or indirect) to (a) participate or intervene in any campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office, or (b) influence the general public, or any segment thereof, with respect to an election or referendum.
2.Monetary and non-monetary contributions and expenditures (direct and indirect) used in the manner described in section 1 above, including:
a.The identity of the recipient as well as the amount paid to each; and
b.The title(s) of the person(s) in the Company responsible for decision-making.

The report shall be presented to the board of directors or relevant board committee and posted on the Company’s website within 12 months from the date of the annual meeting. This proposal does not address spending on lobbying.

Supporting Statement

As a long-term shareholder of Crown Holdings, I support transparency and accountability in corporate electoral spending. This includes any activity considered intervention in a political campaign under the Internal Revenue Code, such as direct and indirect contributions to political candidates, parties, or organizations, and independent expenditures or electioneering communications on behalf of federal, state, or local candidates.

75 

A company’s reputation, value, and bottom line can be adversely impacted by political spending. The risk is especially serious when giving to trade associations, Super PACs, 527 committees, and “social welfare” organizations — groups that routinely pass money to or spend on behalf of candidates and political causes that a company might not otherwise wish to support.

The Conference Board’s 2021 “Under a Microscope” report details these risks, recommends the process suggested in this proposal, and warns “a new era of stakeholder scrutiny, social media, and political polarization has propelled corporate political activity — and the risks that come with it — into the spotlight. Political activity can pose increasingly significant risks for companies, including the perception that political contributions — and other forms of activity — are at odds with core company values.”

This proposal asks Crown Holdings to disclose all of its electoral spending, including payments to trade associations and other tax-exempt organizations which may be used for electoral purposes — and are otherwise undisclosed. This would bring our Company in line with a growing number of leading companies, including International Paper Co., Westrock Co., and Nucor Corp., which present this information on their websites.

Without knowing the recipients of our company’s political dollars shareholders cannot sufficiently assess whether our company’s election-related spending aligns or conflicts with its policies on climate change and sustainability, or other areas of concern. Please support this important governance reform.

Please vote yes:

Transparency in Political Spending – Proposal 5

THE COMPANY’S STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSAL 5:

The Board has carefully considered this Shareholder proposal. There is a motivation behind this proposal with which the Company fully concurs. The use of corporate funds by company managers must be monitored to ensure that managers do not divert corporate assets (and, by extension, Shareholder assets) to advance their personal financial or political objectives. However, the Board believes that the Company’s existing control mechanisms can and do adequately guard against this risk. It is our belief that public disclosure creates its own set of new risks for the Company and the Shareholders, is unnecessary and not in the best interest of the Company and our Shareholders. Accordingly, the Board recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal 5.1

The Company’s political activities and spending already are subject to extensive public disclosure requirements and internal oversight, including by our Board.

US political contributions are subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws. Similar laws exist in many of the foreign jurisdictions where the Company operates. The Company complies with all applicable laws when engaging in any type of lobbying or political activity. In the US, that includes laws requiring public disclosure of political contributions and lobbying expenses to state and federal agencies. Information about our political contributions is therefore already publicly available to the extent required by applicable law.


1 To frame the issue, it is important to note that the Company’s aggregate contributions to US political campaigns at all levels of government over the last five years total less than fifteen thousand U.S. dollars ($15,000).

76 

Political contributions made by the Company are also subject to oversight by our Board. As provided in our “Corporate Governance Guidelines” and consistent with applicable law, it is the responsibility of our Board to direct the management of the business and affairs of the Company by exercising their business judgment in good faith and acting in what they reasonably believe to be in the best long-term interests of the Company and its Shareholders and other constituencies. In fulfilling these duties, our Board annually reviews political spending by the Company and considers whether that spending is in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders.

The Company believes its policies and procedures regarding participation in the political process are effective and structured in a manner to limit political contributions to those that support the legitimate business goals of the Company and its Shareholders and that its policies and procedures encourage an appropriate level of transparency.

Our current policies and practices comply with all federal, state and foreign laws regarding the disclosure of political contributions and achieve the objectives of this proposal. Political contributions, where permitted, are a legitimate and important method of political expression. The actions and public policy positions of elected and appointed officials at the state/local, national and international levels have the potential to impact the laws and regulations that affect our business, our employees and the communities in which we operate. It is important that we retain the flexibility to actively and appropriately participate in the electoral and legislative processes consistent with existing law in order to protect the interests of our business and our Shareholders. We may do this by contributing prudently (and in compliance with existing disclosure laws) to candidates, political organizations and/or trade associations only when management believes that such contributions may advance the Company’s business objectives and the interests of our Shareholders.

Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics specifically prohibits the unlawful use of corporate funds for political contributions or the use of political contributions to secure any improper benefit for the Company. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also prohibits any Company employee from giving as a gift anything of greater than nominal value to any public or political party official and prohibits any gift or favor that may be considered a bribe or other illegal or unethical payment, regardless of value. In addition, our Whistleblowing and Business Ethics Hotline Policy provides for a confidential Business Ethics Line, administered by a third party, for employees, directors, officers, consultants, customers, vendors and business associates to report in good faith any potential violations of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, including any violations related to political activity or spending.

The Company believes the expanded disclosure requested in this proposal could place it at a competitive disadvantage.

Many companies, including our competitors, are able to make political contributions and are subject to existing legal requirements on disclosure of those contributions. If the Company were required to expand its disclosures of political contributions and expenditures beyond those required by applicable law, the Company could be at a competitive disadvantage. For instance, it could require the Company to reveal information about its long-term strategies and priorities, while its competitors would not be subject to those requirements. This could hinder the Company’s ability to engage in the public policy making process to protect and advance the Company’s interests and the interests of our Shareholders. To the extent the proponent believes that current law requires inadequate disclosure from all parties, we believe that federal, state and foreign governments are the appropriate recipients of the proponent’s specific positions on political contribution disclosure laws. The Company should not be held to a different standard than its competitors or other companies in the industry generally.

77 

For these reasons, among others, we believe that the Company should not be required to provide disclosure of political contributions and expenditures made with corporate funds beyond what is already required by applicable law. After careful consideration, the Board concluded that any expansion of the public reporting requirements beyond those required under existing law should be applied on a consistent basis to all participants in the political process and adopted through appropriate rulemaking or legislative process, not simply applied to the Company.

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote AGAINST the Shareholder

Proposal Regarding Transparency in Political Spending.

OTHER MATTERS

 

 

The Board of Directors knows of no other matter that may be presented for Shareholder action at the Annual Meeting, but if other matters do properly come before the Annual Meeting, or if any of the persons named above to serve as Directors are unable or decline to serve, it is intended that the persons named in the Proxy or their substitutes will vote on such matters and for other nominees in accordance with their best judgment.

 ADAM J. DICKSTEIN
 Corporate Secretary
 

 Yardley, Pennsylvania 19067Tampa, Florida 33637
 March 15, 202125, 2024

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)

79 

APPENDIX A

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

TO THE

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF

CROWN HOLDINGS, INC.

In compliance with the requirements of the applicable provisions (relating to articles of amendment) of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended, the undersigned, desiring to amend its Articles of Incorporation, as amended, hereby states that:

1.The name of the Corporation is Crown Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”).
2.The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is CT Corporation System, 600 N. 2nd Street, Suite 401, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101-1071.
3.The Corporation was incorporated under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended.
4.The date of the Corporation’s incorporation was February 7, 2003.
5.The amendment shall be effective upon filing of these Articles of Amendment in the Pennsylvania Department of State.
6.The amendment was adopted by the Corporation by the Board of Directors and Shareholders of the Corporation under 15 Pa.C.S. §§ 1912(a) and 1914(a).
7.The amendment adopted by the Corporation is:

RESOLVED, that the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended, are hereby amended (the “Amendment”) by amending and restating Article Seventh in its entirety as follows:

SEVENTH: The number of the directors of the Corporation is to be not less than seven (7) nor more than fifteen (15), as may be provided in the by-laws from time to time. The directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation.

Except as set forth in these Articles of Amendment, the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, remain in full force and effect.

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CROWN HOLDINGS, INC.

770 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD

YARDLEY, PENNSYLVANIA 19067

 

VOTE BY INTERNETShareowner Services

Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.comP.O. Box 64945

St. Paul, MN 55164-0945

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 21, 2021. 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.

During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CCK2021
 
 

You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.

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 April 21, 2021. Have your proxy card in hand when you callAddress Change? Mark box, sign, and then follow the instructions.
indicate changes below:  
 TO 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.INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, SEE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS PROXY CARD.

 

 

 

 

 

TO VOTE BY MAIL AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS ON ALL ITEMS BELOW,
SIMPLY SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR the Election of all Nominees.

1.Election of

01 

Timothy J. Donahue

06B. Craig OwensVote FORWITHHOLD Vote
 directors:02Richard H. Fearon07Angela M. Snyder

all nominees 

from all nominees
  03Andrea J. Funk08

Caesar F. Sweizer

(except as marked) 

 
  04Stephen J. Hagge09Marsha C. Williams  
  05James H. Miller10Dwayne A. Wilson   

 

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee(s),
write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.)
  
D33408-P49191

KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS 

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

CROWN HOLDINGS, INC.

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR the

Election of all Nominees.

For

All

Withhold

All

For All

Except

 To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark "For All Except" and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.   
 1.

Election of Directors

 

Nominees:

    
  01)John W. Conway08)Josef M. Müller       
  02)Timothy J. Donahue09)B. Craig Owens       
  03)Richard H. Fearon10)Caesar F. Sweitzer       
  04)Andrea J. Funk11)Jim L. Turner       
  05)Stephen J. Hagge12)William S. Urkiel       
  06)Rose Lee13)Dwayne A. Wilson       
  07)James H. Miller         

 

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Items 2 through 4 and 3.

ForAgainstAbstainAGAINST Item 5.

2.Ratification of the appointment of independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20202024.ForAgainstAbstain
3.

Approval by advisory vote of the resolution on executive compensation as described in the Proxy Statement.

ForAgainstAbstain
4.

Proposal to amend the Articles of Incorporation to reduce the minimum and maximum size of the Board of Directors.

ForAgainstAbstain
5.Consideration of a Shareholder’s proposal regarding transparency in political spending.ForAgainstAbstain

THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN,

WILL BE VOTED FOR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 3.4 AND AGAINST ITEM 5.

 

Date    

Signature(s) in Box

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s)appears on the Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the Proxy.

 

CROWN HOLDINGS, INC.

The 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held

on May 2, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at:

The Westin Tampa Waterside

725 South Harbour Island Boulevard

Tampa, Florida

Copies of the following materials are available at

www.crowncork.com/investors/governance/proxy-online

• the Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
• this Proxy Card
• the Annual Report to Shareholders

 

Crown Holdings, Inc.

Hidden River Corporate Center Two

14025 Riveredge Drive, Suite 300

Tampa, Florida 33637

PROXY

Proxy for Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 2, 2024

This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors.

The undersigned hereby appoints Timothy J. Donahue, Kevin C. Clothier and Adam J. Dickstein as Proxy Holders, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of stock of Crown Holdings, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on March 12, 2024 at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at The Westin Tampa Waterside, 725 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Tampa, Florida on May 2, 2024 at 9:30 a.m., or any adjournments thereof, for the items shown on the reverse side and, in the discretion of the Proxy Holders, on any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes (SEE REVERSE SIDE), but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. The Proxy Holders cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card or you elect to vote your shares electronically by telephone or via the Internet.

Vote by Internet, Telephone or Mail

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Your phone or Internet vote authorizes the named Proxy Holders to vote your shares
in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

:

(*
INTERNET/MOBILEPHONEMAIL
www.proxypush.com/cck1-866-883-3382  
     
Use the internet to vote your proxyUse a touch-tone telephone toMark, sign and date this proxy
until 11:59 p.m. (ET) onvote your proxy until 11:59 p.m.card and return it in the
May 1, 2024(ET) on May 1, 2024postage-paid envelope provided.

Voting your Proxy by Internet or Telephone
• Please have your Proxy Card and control number available.
• You do NOT need to mail back your Proxy Card. 
   
   
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]DateSignature (Joint Owners)Date

 

CROWN HOLDINGS, INC.
The 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held
on April 22, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at:
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CCK2021

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Card and Annual Report to
Shareholders are available at www.crowncork.com/investors/proxy-online.

D33409-P49191

Crown Holdings, Inc.

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CCK2021

PROXY

Proxy for Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 22, 2021

This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors.

The undersigned hereby appoints Timothy J. Donahue, Thomas A. Kelly and Adam J. Dickstein as Proxy Holders, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of stock of Crown Holdings, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on March 2, 2021 at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CCK2021 on April 22, 2021 at 9:30 a.m., or any adjournments thereof, for the items shown on the reverse side and, in the discretion of the Proxy Holders, on any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes (SEE REVERSE SIDE), but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations. The Proxy Holders cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card or you elect to vote your shares electronically by telephone or via the Internet.

See reverse for voting instructions.