UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

 the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrant 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

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Filed by the Registrant  
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¨Preliminary Proxy Statement
¨Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
xDefinitive Proxy Statement
¨Definitive Additional Materials
¨Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

RBC BEARINGS INCORPORATED
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
 

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 1

 

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated

One Tribology Center

Oxford, Connecticut 06478

 

July 26, 201527, 2018

 

To our Stockholders:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the RBC Bearings Incorporated annual meeting of stockholders at 9:00 a.m., local time, on September 10, 201512, 2018 at the offices of RBC Bearings Incorporated, Building B, 102 Willenbrock Road, One Tribology Center, Oxford, CT 06478. The attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describes all known items to be acted upon by stockholders at the meeting.

 

It is important that your shares are represented at the annual meeting, whether or not you plan to attend. To ensure your shares will be represented, we ask that you vote your shares using the enclosed proxy form for registered stockholders or the proxy voting instruction form for stockholders who hold shares through a broker or other nominee. If you vote by internet or telephone, it is not necessary for you to return your proxy form or voting instruction form in the mail. Please vote your shares as soon as possible.

 

If you are a registered stockholder and plan to attend the annual meeting, you will be required to present the detachable bottom portion of the enclosed proxy form to gain admission. If you hold shares through a broker or other nominee, you will be required to present a current statement from that institution showing an RBC Bearings Incorporated stockholding. Please note that the document evidencing your shareholdings, to be used to gain entry to the meeting, is non-transferable.

 

Please vote your shares promptly and join us at the meeting.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Michael J. Hartnett

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 2

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

To our Stockholders:

 

The 20152018 annual meeting of stockholders of RBC Bearings Incorporated will be held at Building B, 102 Willenbrock Road, One Tribology Center, Oxford, CT 06478, on Thursday,Wednesday, September 10, 2015,12, 2018, beginning at 9:00 a.m. local time. At the meeting, the holders of the Company’s outstanding common stock will consider and vote on the following matters:

 

(1)the election of one director in Class I to serve a term of one year and the election of twothree directors in Class II to serve a term of three years;

(2)the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2016;2019;

(3)to consider a resolution regarding the stockholder advisory vote on named executive officer compensation; and

(4)any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

Stockholders of record at the close of business on July 17, 201516, 2018 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. The directions to the meeting can be found in Appendix A of the attached proxy statement.

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT:

 

Whether or not you expect to be present at the meeting, please vote your shares by following the instructions on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other recordholder, you may be able to vote by telephone or internet.  Their procedures should be described in the voting form they send you. Any person voting by proxy has the power to revoke it at any time prior to its exercise at the meeting in accordance with the procedures described in the accompanying proxy statement.

 

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND:

 

Please note that space limitations make it necessary to limit attendance to stockholders and one guest. Admission to the meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., and seating will begin at 8:30 a.m. Each stockholder may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Stockholders holding stock in brokerage accounts (“street name” holders) will also need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting stock ownership as of the record date. Cameras (including cellular phones with photographic capabilities), recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the meeting.

 

 By order of the Board of Directors,
  
 Dr. Michael J. Hartnett
 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

July 26, 201527, 2018


 

ONE TRIBOLOGY CENTER

OXFORD, CONNECTICUT 06478

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

To Be Held September 10, 201512, 2018

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of RBC Bearings Incorporated (the “Company”) is soliciting proxies from its stockholders to be used at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on Thursday,Wednesday, September 10, 2015,12, 2018, beginning at 9:00 a.m., local time, at Building B, 102 Willenbrock Road, One Tribology Center, Oxford, CT 06478, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. This proxy statement, a proxy card and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 28, 201531, 2018 are being mailed, or made available via the internet as described below,  to stockholders on or about July 26 , 2015.27, 2018.  The fiscal years ended March 31, 2012, , March 30, 2013, March 29, 2014, and March 28, 2015, April 1, 2016 , April 1, 2017 , March 31, 2018 and March 30, 2019 are referred to respectively as “fiscal 2012”, “fiscal 2013”, “fiscal 2014”, “fiscal 2015”,“fiscal 2016”, “fiscal 2017”, “fiscal 2018” and “fiscal 2015”2019” in this proxy statement. As used in this proxy statement, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “RBC” and “the Company” mean RBC Bearings Incorporated and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates another meaning.

 

This year, the Company is furnishing proxy materials to stockholders via the internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you specifically request one. The Notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy statement and annual report as well as how to submit your proxy over the internet. If you received the Notice and would still like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting these materials included in the Notice. We plan to mail the Notice to stockholders on or about July 26, 2015.27, 2018. We will also continue to mail a printed copy of this proxy statement and form of proxy to certain stockholders and we expect that mailing to also begin on or about July 26, 2015.27, 2018.

 

ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

Why did I receive these materials?

 

We are soliciting proxies for the 20152018 annual meeting of stockholders. You are receiving a proxy statement because you owned shares of our common stock on July 17, 201516, 2018 (the “Record Date”), and that entitles you to vote at the meeting. By use of a proxy, you can vote whether or not you attend the meeting. This proxy statement describes the matters on which we would like you to vote and provides information on those matters so that you can make an informed decision.

 

What information is contained in this proxy statement?

 

The information in this proxy statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the annual meeting, the voting process, our Board and committees thereof, the compensation of directors and executive officers and other information that the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires us to provide annually to our stockholders.

 

How may I obtain RBC Bearings’ 10-K and other financial information?

 

A copy of our 20152018 Annual Report, which includes our 20152018 Form 10-K, is enclosed and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Stockholders may request another free copy of our 20152018 Annual Report, which includes our 20152018 Form 10-K, from:

 

Corporate Secretary

RBC Bearings Incorporated

One Tribology Center

Oxford, CT 06478

We will also furnish any exhibit to the 20152018 Form 10-K if specifically requested. Stockholders may also find other filings with the SEC and corporate governance and other information on the investor relations page of our website at

http://investor.rbcbearings.com/.investor.rbcbearings.com.

 


What is the purpose of the annual meeting?

At our annual meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In addition, management will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?

 

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. If you were a stockholder of record on the Record Date, you will be entitled to vote all of the shares that you held on that date at the meeting, or any postponements or adjournments of the meeting.

 

How many votes do I have?

 

You will be entitled to one vote for each outstanding share of RBC Bearings Incorporated common stock you owned as of the Record Date on each matter considered at the meeting. As of July 17, 2015,16, 2018, there were 23,228,70924,268,246 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding and eligible to vote. There is no cumulative voting.

 

Who can attend the meeting?

 

Subject to space availability, all stockholders as of the Record Date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the meeting, and each may be accompanied by one guest. Since seating is limited, admission to the meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., and seating will begin at 8:30 a.m. If you attend, please note that you may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Cameras (including cell phones with photographic capabilities), recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the meeting.

 

Please also note that if you hold your shares in “street name” (that is, through a broker, bank or other nominee), you will also need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting your stock ownership as of the Record Date and check in at the registration desk at the meeting.

 

Please let us know if you plan to attend the meeting by marking the appropriate box on the enclosed proxy card or, if you vote by telephone or internet, indicating your plans when prompted.

 

What constitutes a quorum?

 

The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of the common stock outstanding on the Record Date will constitute a quorum, permitting the conduct of business at the meeting. As of July 17, 2015, 23,228,70916, 2018, 24,268,246 shares of common stock, representing the same number of votes, were outstanding and eligible to vote. Thus, the presence of the holders of common stock representing at least 11,614,35512,134,124 votes will be required to establish a quorum.

 

Proxies received by the Company but marked as abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of the number of votes considered to be present at the meeting.

 

How do I vote?

 

If you are a holder of record (that is, your shares are registered in your own name with our transfer agent), you can vote either in person at the annual meeting or by proxy without attending the annual meeting. We urge you to vote by proxy even if you plan to attend the annual meeting so that we will know as soon as possible that enough votes will be present for us to hold the meeting. If you attend the meeting in person, you may vote at the meeting and your proxy will not be counted. You can vote by proxy by completing, dating and signing the enclosed proxy card and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

If you hold your shares in “street name,” you must either direct the bank, broker or other record holder of your shares as to how to vote your shares, or obtain a proxy from the bank, broker or other record holder to vote at the meeting. Please refer to the voter instruction cards used by your bank, broker or other record holder for specific instructions on methods of voting, including by telephone or using the internet.

 

Your shares will be voted as you indicate. If you return the proxy card but you do not indicate your voting preferences, then the individuals named on the proxy card will vote your shares in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. The Board and management do not now intend to present any matters at the annual meeting other than those outlined in the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  Should any other matter requiring a vote of stockholders arise, stockholders returning the proxy card confer upon the individuals named on the proxy card discretionary authority to vote the shares represented by such proxy on such other matter in the manner they consider appropriate.

 

If you do not specify on the enclosed proxy card that is sent to the Company (or when giving your proxy over the internet or telephone) how you want to vote your shares, the proxy holders will vote them “FOR” the election of all nominees for director as set forth under Item 1, “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm under Item 2, and ”FOR” the approval of the resolution regarding the stockholder advisory vote on named executive officer compensation under Item 3.

 


Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?

 

Yes. If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke or change your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised by filing with the Secretary of the Company a notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. For shares you hold beneficially in “street name,” you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the meeting and voting in person. In either case, the powers of the proxy holders will be suspended if you attend the meeting in person and so request, although attendance at the meeting will not by itself revoke a previously granted proxy.

 

Who counts the votes?

 

Votes will be counted by employees of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) and certified by the Inspector of Election present at the meeting.  If you are a stockholder of record, your signed proxy card is returned directly to Broadridge for tabulation. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or other nominee will return one proxy card to Broadridge on behalf of all of its clients.

 

What are the Board’s recommendations?

 

Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. The Board’s recommendations are set forth together with the description of each item in this proxy statement. In summary, the Board recommends a vote FOR each of the proposals.

 

Will stockholders be asked to vote on any other matters?

 

To the knowledge of the Company and its management, stockholders will vote only on the matters described in this proxy statement. However, if any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named as proxies for stockholders will vote on those matters in the manner they consider appropriate.

 

What vote is required to approve each item?

 

Election of Directors.Directors (Item 1).  Directors are elected (Item 1) by a pluralitymajority of the votes cast at the meeting. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each of the director nominees. A properly executed proxy marked “withhold authority”, with respect to the election of one or more directors, will not be voted with respect to the director or directors indicated, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.

 

Approval of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.Firm (Item 2).  The ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2016 (Item 2)2019 requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast.

 

Approval of the “Say on Pay” proposal (Item 3). The approval of the resolution regarding the stockholder advisory vote on named executive officer compensation in the “Say on Pay” proposal (Item 3) requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast.

A properly executed proxy marked “abstain” with respect to any matter will not be voted, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Accordingly, an abstention will have the effect of a negative vote.

 

How are votes counted?

 

In the election of directors (Item 1), you may vote “FOR” the nominee or your vote may be “WITHHELD” with respect to the nominee. You may not cumulate your votes for the election of directors.

 

For the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 20162019 (Item 2); and the stockholder advisory vote on named executive officer compensation in the “Say on Pay” proposal (Item 3), you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.”

 

If you elect to “ABSTAIN,” the abstention has the same effect as a vote “AGAINST.”  If you provide specific instructions with regard to certain items, your shares will be voted as you instruct on such items.

 


If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in your own name, then your broker, bank or other nominee is considered the stockholder of record, and you are considered the beneficial owner of your shares. The Company has supplied copies of its proxy materials for its 20152018 annual meeting of stockholders to the broker, bank or other nominee holding your shares of record, and they have the responsibility to send these proxy materials to you. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares at the annual meeting. The broker, bank or other nominee that is the stockholder of record for your shares is obligated to provide you with a voting instruction card for you to use for this purpose. If you are a beneficial owner and your broker, bank or other nominee holds your shares in its name, the broker, bank or other nominee is permitted to vote your shares on the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm (Item 2), even if the broker, bank or other nominee does not receive voting instructions from you.

 

If the broker, bank or other nominee does not receive voting instructions from you, your shares may constitute “broker non-votes.”  Generally, broker non-votes occur on a matter when a broker is not permitted to vote on that matter without instructions from the beneficial owner and instructions are not given. In tabulating the voting result for any particular proposal, shares that constitute broker non-votes are not considered present and entitled to vote on that proposal. If a quorum is present at the annual meeting, the persons receiving the greatest numberaffirmative vote of votesthe majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting will be elected to serve as directors. As a result, broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the voting on the election of directors (Item 1) or, and the stockholder advisory vote on named executive officer compensation in the “Say on Pay” proposal (Item 3). Shares represented by such “broker non-votes” will, however, be counted in determining whether there is a quorum, but will not be considered voted with regard to or treated as present with respect to those proposals to which the broker non-votes relate. The ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm (Item 2) requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. Brokers are allowed to vote on behalf of beneficial owners without instruction on Item 2, but are not permitted to vote on any other proposals without voting instructions from you.

 

Shares represented by proxies which indicate that the stockholders abstain as to the election of directors or to other proposals will be treated as being present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum and, other than for the election of directors and the number of votes cast with respect to each proposal. Consequently, an abstention will have the effect of a vote against with respect to proposals other than the election of directors.

 

What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

 

You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a stockholder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive.

 

Where can I find the voting results of the annual meeting?

 

The Company intends to announce the preliminary voting results at the annual meeting and publish the final results in its Current Report on Form 8-K which will be filed within four business days after the meeting.

What is the deadline to propose actions for consideration at next year’s annual meeting of stockholders?

 

You may submit proposals for consideration at future stockholder meetings. For a stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement for the annual meeting next year, our Corporate Secretary must receive the written proposal at our principal executive offices no later than March 27, 2016.30, 2019. Such proposals also must comply with Rule 14a-8 of the SEC’s regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) regarding the inclusion of stockholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. Proposals should be addressed to:

 

Corporate Secretary

RBC Bearings Incorporated

One Tribology Center

Oxford, CT 06478

 

For a stockholder proposal that is not intended to be included in our proxy statement, the stockholder must deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a sufficient number of shares of our common stock to approve the proposal and provide the information required by our by-laws and give timely notice to the Corporate Secretary in accordance with our by-laws, which, in general, require that the notice be received by the Corporate Secretary:

 

¨       Not less than 60 days prior to the next meeting, and

 


¨       Not more than 90 days prior to the next meeting.

 

In the event that less than 70 days’ notice or prior public announcement of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the date on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public announcement was made.

 

How may I recommend or nominate individuals to serve as directors?

 

You may propose director candidates for consideration by the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Any such recommendations should include the nominee’s name and qualifications for Board membership and should be directed to the Corporate Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices set forth above.

 

In addition, our by-laws permit stockholders to nominate directors for election at an annual stockholder meeting. To nominate a director, a stockholder must deliver timely notice of such stockholder’s intent to make such nomination in writing to the Corporate Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices not less than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting. In the event that the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the meeting was made. To be in proper form, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director at such meeting (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (B) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (C) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by the person and (D) any other information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act; and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice (A) the name and record address of such stockholder, (B) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (C) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, (D) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice and (E) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.

How may I obtain a copy of RBC Bearings’ by-law provisions regarding stockholder proposals and director nominations?

 

You may contact the Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices for a copy of the relevant by-law provisions regarding the requirements for making stockholder proposals and nominating director candidates.

 

Who can help answer my questions?

 

If you have any questions about the annual meeting or how to vote or revoke your proxy or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement or voting materials, you should contact:

 

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Registered Client Services Department

C/O Carolyn MillerSonya Murphy

51 Mercedes Way

Edgewood, NY 11717

P  631-254-1638631 592 6327

F  631-254-7760631 254 7733

Carolyn.miller@broadridge.com

Sonya.Murphy@broadridge.com

 


PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR STOCKHOLDER VOTE

 

ITEM 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board currently is composed of eightnine directors serving staggered one or three-year terms and divided into three classes: Class I currently consists of Dr. Thomas J. O’Brien, Edward D. Stewart and Daniel A. Bergeron, Class II consists of Richard R. Crowell, Mitchell I. QuainDr. Steven H. Kaplan and Alan B. Levine and Class III consists of Dr. Michael J. Hartnett, Mitchell I. Quain and Dr. Amir Faghri. Mitchell I. Quain’s term expires in 2018 and he is not standing for re-election. Class I, Class II and Class III directors will serve until our annual meetings of stockholders in 2016, 20182019, 2021 and 2017,2020 respectively. Vacancies on the Board may be filled only by persons elected by a majority of the remaining directors. A director elected by the Board to fill a vacancy in a class, including vacancies created by an increase in the number of directors, shall serve for the remainder of the full term of that class, and until the director’s successor is duly elected and qualified, or until the director’s resignation or removal.

 

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has nominated Mitchell I. Quain for re-election as a Class I director and has nominated Richard R. Crowell, Dr. Steven H. Kaplan and Alan B. Levine for re-election as Class II directors. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviewed the qualifications of the nominees for election to these classes,this class, and unanimously recommended that these nominees be submitted for election or re-election to the Board. If re-elected, Mitchell I. Quain will be moving from Class II to Class I. The term of office of the Class I directors expires in 2016. Mitchell I. Quain is currently a director of RBC Bearings Incorporated and was appointed to the Board in September, 2011. Richard R. Crowell is currently a director of RBC Bearings Incorporated and was appointed to the Board in June, 2002. Dr. Steven H. Kaplan is currently a director of RBC Bearings Incorporated and was appointed to the Board in January, 2018. Alan B. Levine is currently a director of RBC Bearings Incorporated and was appointed to the Board in October, 2005. If elected at the annual meeting, the Class I nomineeRichard R. Crowell, Dr. Steven H. Kaplan and Alan B. Levine would serve until the 2016 annual meeting and the Class II nominees would serve until the 20182021 annual meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until the director’s resignation or removal.

 

For a stockholder to nominate an individual for director at the 20162019 annual meeting, the stockholder must follow the procedures outlined below under the caption “Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 20162019 Meeting.” Stockholders may also nominate a director to be considered by the Board for recommendation to the stockholders in the Company’s proxy statement for the 20162019 annual meeting by following the procedures outlined below under the caption “Director Nominations to be Considered by the Board.”

 

If you sign your proxy or voting instruction card but do not give instructions with respect to voting for directors, your shares will be voted for the persons recommended by the Board. If you wish to give specific instructions with respect to voting for directors, you may do so by indicating your instructions on your proxy or voting instruction card.

 

If any nominee named herein for election as a director should for any reason become unavailable to serve prior to the annual meeting, the Board will, prior to the annual meeting, (i) reduce the size of the Board to eliminate the position for which that person was nominated, (ii) nominate a new candidate in place of such person and vote in favor of the new candidate all shares represented by stockholder proxies received by the Board, unless authority to vote for all candidates nominated by the Board is withheld, or (iii) leave the placeposition vacant to be filled at a later time.

 

Information regarding the nominees, as of July 1, 2015,2018, is set forth below, including his age, the period he has served on the Board and the nominee’s business experience. The information presented below for the director nominee and the directors continuing in office has been furnished to the Company by such persons.

 

The following paragraphs provide information as of the date of this proxy statement about each nominee for director. The information presented includes information each director has provided us about his age (as of July 1, 2015)2018), all positions he holds, his principal occupation and business experience for the past five years and the names of other publicly-held companies for which he currently serves as a director or has served as a director during the past five years. We have also provided below information regarding additional experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that lead our Board to the conclusion that each person should serve as a director. In addition to the information set forth below, we also believe that all of our director nominees have a reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards. They each have demonstrated business acumen and ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment of service to our Company and our Board.

 

Nominee for Election in Class I for a One-year Term Expiring at Our 2016 Annual Meeting

Mitchell I. Quain has been a director since September, 2011. He is a Senior Advisor to the Carlyle Group and was a Partner of One Equity Partners, a private investment firm until December, 2011. From 2006 to 2010, he was a Senior Director of ACI Capital Corp. From 2002 to 2005, he was Chairman of Register.Com, Inc., an internet services provider, and from 1997 to 2001 he was employed with ABN AMRO and its predecessors in several capabilities including Vice Chairman. Mr. Quain has a B.S.E.E. in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. degree from the Harvard Business School and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Previously Mr. Quain served on the Boards of publicly traded AstroMed, Inc., DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc., Handy & Harman, Heico Corporation, Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. and Titan International, Inc. Mr. Quain is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Magnetek, Inc., and a Director of Hardinge Inc. and Tecumseh Products Company. Mr.Quain's academic background, 30 years of investing experience, working knowledge of capital markets gained from his experiences as an investment banker and his knowledge and experience as a Chartered Financial Analyst qualify him as a "Financial Expert" for the Audit Committee. In addition, his service as a director of other publicly traded industrial products manufacturers are valuable resources to the Board. This collective background and experience makes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Audit Committee and Board.

Nominees for Election in Class II for a Three-year Term Expiring at Our 20182021 Annual Meeting

 

Richard R. Crowellhas been a director since June, 2002 and chairman of the Compensation Committee since August, 2005. Mr. Crowell is a Managing Partner of Vance Street Capital LLC, a private equity investment firm he founded in 2007. Previously he was the President of Aurora Capital Group, a private equity investment firm he co-founded in 1991. Prior to establishing Aurora in 1991, Mr. Crowell was a Partner and President of Acadia Partners, a New York-based investment fund. From 1983 to 1987, he was a Managing Director, Corporate Finance for Drexel Burnham Lambert. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors for the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Mr. Crowell is a director of Micronics, Inc., MCSCIAC Industries, RST Instruments Ltd., and Leading Edge Aviation Services.Motion Dynamics Corporation. All are private companies in the businesses of filtration products, precision manufacturing, engineered solutions, engineered surgical products, precision wire components and related services. Mr. Crowell earned an M.B.A. from UCLA’s Anderson School and a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Mr. Crowell brings broad business, financial and executive leadership experience to the Board, developed through his leadership roles at Vance Street Capital LLC, Aurora Capital Group LLC, Acadia Partners and Drexel Burnham Lambert. He has extensive experience with a number of precision manufacturing and aerospace companies. In addition, Mr. Crowell’s experience in private investment enables him to bring a valuable investor’s view to our Board and his relationships across the financial community strengthen the Company’s access to capital markets. His board memberships provide deep understanding of trends in the precision manufacturing and aerospace sectors, both of which present ongoing challenges and opportunities for the Company.


Dr. Steven H. Kaplanhas been a director at RBC Bearings Incorporated since January, 2018. He has been the president of the University of New Haven since 2004 and has led the University through a period of remarkable growth and development. In 2015, in recognition of his contributions to transforming the University, Dr. Kaplan was presented the Chief Executive Leadership Award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District I. He also was named "Businessman of the Year" by Business New Haven magazine in 2008. Dr. Kaplan also was awarded the 2011 William M. Burke Presidential Award for Experiential Education by the National Society for Experiential Education. Previously, Dr. Kaplan was chancellor and professor of English at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Dr. Kaplan began his teaching career in 1982 as an Instructor of English at the University of Maryland, European Division. From 1985-1989, he served as Visiting Lecturer in American Studies at Eberhard-Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany – one of the oldest and most highly regarded universities in Europe. After completing his doctoral studies at Eberhard-Karls Universität, he returned to the U.S. to teach English at the University of Southern Colorado. Dr. Kaplan also served as Dean of Arts and Humanities at SUNY College at Buffalo and as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Butler University. In addition to earning his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at Eberhard-Karls Universität, Dr. Kaplan holds a Master of Arts degree (with a concentration in philosophy, German and English) from Eberhard-Karls Universität and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. This knowledge and Chief Executive experience allows Dr. Kaplan to provide the Company with a wealth of valuable international executive experience and a perspective that provides the Board a critical resource for management. His association with U.S. companies and global academia provides the Company with a valuable state of the art executive management resource and makes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Nominating & Governance Committee and Board.

Alan B. Levinehas been a director and chairman of our Audit Committee since October, 2005. Mr. Levine served as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Virtual Access Networks, Inc. (2001 to 2002) and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Marathon Technologies Corporation (1998 to 2001). Mr. Levine is currently a Directordirector of Magnetek, Inc. and Dynasil Corporation of America and Chairman of the Audit Committees of both companies. He was also a memberCommittee. From January, 2007 until July, 2011, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee Chair of MCK Communications before the company’s merger in November, 2003.Graduate Management Admission Council. Prior to this, Mr. Levine was with Ernst & Young LLP from 1974 to 1998, and was Partner from 1986 to 1998, where he established and directed an Entrepreneurial Services practice. From January, 2007 until July, 2011, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Graduate Management Admission Council. He is currently retired. He isPreviously, Mr. Levine served as a former Directordirector and Audit Committee Chair of MCK Communications, director and Audit Committee Chair of Nextera Enterprises, Inc., and director of Magnatek, Inc. Mr. Levine earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Vermont. He also holds a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Arizona and was a certified public accountant. As chairman of our Audit Committee Mr. Levine has demonstrated that he is valuable to the Audit Committee’s function. He is the Company’s designated "audit committee financial expert" as defined by SEC regulations. Mr. Levine brings to the Board extensive demonstrated expert knowledge and experience in accounting and finance from his Master of Accounting degree and as a former partnerPartner with Ernst & Young LLP and former Chief Financial Officer. This knowledge and experience gives Mr. Levine a perspective that he is able to use to helphelps the Audit Committee and Board understand the highly technical issues management confronts on a daily basis and to serveserves as a critical resource for management. Mr. Levine’s depth of business, accounting and financial experience makemakes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Board.

 

10

Vote Required

 

Directors are elected by a pluralitymajority of the votes cast at the meeting. Accordingly, Mr. Quain, Mr. Crowell, Dr. Kaplan and Mr. Levine will be elected if they receive morethe affirmative vote of a majority of the votes than any other nominees for a place on the Board.cast.

 

 

The Board recommends a vote FORthe election to the Board of Directors of the nominees

listed above.

 

 

ITEM 2: THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016.2019

 

The Audit Committee has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal 2016,2019 year, and has further directed that the Board submit the selection of Ernst & Young LLP for ratification by the stockholders at the annual meeting. During fiscal 2015,2018, Ernst & Young LLP served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and also provided certain tax services.firm. See “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” below.

 

This proposal is put before the stockholders because the Audit Committee and the Board believe that it is good corporate practice to seek stockholder ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm. If the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP is not ratified, the Audit Committee will consider the stockholders’ vote when determining whether to continue the firm’s engagement, but may ultimately determine to continue the engagement of the firm or another audit firm without re-submitting the matter to stockholders. Even if the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its sole discretion terminate the engagement of the firm and direct the appointment of another independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such an appointment would be in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to attend the annual meeting, where they will be available to respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, to make a statement.

 


Vote Required

 

Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 20162019 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the Company’s common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal.

 

 
The Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2016.2019.
 

 

ITEM 3: NON-BINDING VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Exchange Act requires the Company to hold a separate non-binding advisory stockholder vote (commonly known as a “Say on Pay” proposal) to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules.

At last year’s annual meeting, 71.0%approximately 93.9% of shareholderstockholder votes supported the advisory vote to approve executive compensation. The Company is committed to the interests of its shareholdersstockholders and the delivery of long-term shareholder value through appropriate executive pay programs and governance actions that attract, motivate and retain a highly-qualified executive team. As part of this commitment, we intend to continue to maintain an ongoing dialogue with our shareholdersstockholders to address any continued concerns they may have.

 

The Company objective is to ensure its compensation programs:

·Drive outstanding Company performance.

Properly align CEO pay to Company performance.

·Ensure that no problematic pay practices exist (such as excessive change-in-control or severance packages, benchmarking compensation above peer medians, repricingre-pricing or backdating of options or excessive perquisites or tax gross-ups).

·Reflect appropriate communication with and responsiveness to shareholders.

 

During fiscal 2013 a number of changes were made to the Company’s compensation programs, which took account of feedback from our stockholders, including:

 

1. Starting forTargeting a 50th percentile market positioning: Since fiscal 2014, the Company changed its targeted positioning of annual performance bonus and long-term incentive awards from the 60 th60th percentile of the Company’s selected peer group to the median of the Company’s selected peer group. Thus, all elements of executive officer compensation starting for fiscal 2014, are now targeted to the 50 th50th percentile of the Company’s selected peer group.

 

2.Selecting compensation peers based on a range of relevant factors: The Company’s selected peer group is comprisedintended to make sureensure that the Company is not being compared to other companies on an arbitrary basis or limitationsand is not inappropriately limited based on GICS industry classifications andclassifications. The Company’s selected peer group takes into consideration a number of relevant factors, such as companiesmembership in the highly engineered product/manufacturing industries, revenue ranges, market capitalization and eight digit GICS codes for Company selected peers.

 

3.Updating the CEO’s employment agreement: The Company’s employment agreement with Dr. Hartnett was amended starting foreffective as of fiscal 2014 so thatto eliminate any guaranteed minimum annual increase in hisDr. Hartnett’s base salary was eliminated and hisany discretionary performance bonus. Since fiscal 2014, Dr. Hartnett’s annual performance bonus is determined by a formula based on the Company’s performance in relation to an approved operating plan, was changed to eliminate any discretionary performance bonus.plan.

 

4. Starting forMaking all CEO long-term incentive awards performance-based: Since fiscal 2014, all grants of stock options, as well as restricted stock, or restricted stock units to the CEODr. Hartnett are made pursuant to a pay for performance based program with no discretionary awards.

 

5.Adopting Stock Ownership Guidelines: The Board of Directors approved stock ownership guidelines for Non-Employee IndependentDirectors and for the Company’s Executive Officers.

 

6.Prohibiting share recycling and adopting share grant limits: The 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan was modified to prohibit share recycling, to limit the number of shares that may be used for restricted stock or restricted stock unit grants under the Plan to fifty percent (50%) of the total authorized number of Shares pursuant to the Plan, and to limit the expiration date of any stock option granted under the Plan to no more than seven years from the date it is granted.

 


7.Adopting clawback provisions: The Board of Directors approved an Executive Compensation Clawback Policy applicable to all Executive Officers.

Following our 2016 stockholder meeting we again engaged in a dialogue with our stockholders to address any continued concerns they may have. As a result of such certain changes were made to the Company’s compensation programs starting in fiscal 2018 including:

1.Adding an additional ROIC metric for our equity compensation program. As explained in the discussion concerning the ROIC Based Equity Compensation Award Plan below, the equity compensation program for our CEO and COO for fiscal 2018 includes a substantial portion of the potential restricted stock and stock option grants based on ROIC as the measurement metric.

2.Updating the CEO’s employment agreement: The Company’s employment agreement with Dr. Hartnett was amended effective as of fiscal 2018 calling for a targeted 20% reduction in total compensation, Accordingly, his base salary was reduced by 20% and his target incentive bonus matrix as well as his target restricted stock and stock option matrices were revised to target a corresponding 20% reduction.

 

As discussed in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this proxy statement, the Company’s compensation program is designed to reward executives based on favorable performance and results.  Compensation policies and plans (including benefits) are designed to attract and retain top quality and experienced executives by providing the opportunity to earn competitive cash compensation based on corporate, business unit and individual performance, plus the opportunity to accumulate stock-based wealth commensurate with the long-term growth and value created for the Company’s stockholders.

Dr. Hartnett is the Company’s founder and has served as our Chief Executive Officer since 1992. Dr. Hartnett is widely regarded as a technology visionary and one of the industry’s most successful business executives. Under Dr. Hartnett’s leadership the Company’s revenues have grown from $82 million in fiscal 1996 to $675 million in fiscal 2018. Dr. Hartnett is also one of our significant stockholders, owning approximately 1.9% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, directly aligning his interests with those of all of our stockholders.

The Compensation Committee approved Dr. Hartnett’s compensation in the amounts disclosed in this proxy statement because he is not only our CEO with overall responsibility for our business strategy, operations and corporate vision, he is also our founder who has guided the Company for more than 25 years and who the Compensation Committee believes is extremely important to our success as a company. The Compensation Committee believes that given Dr. Hartnett’s role in our operations, strategy and growth, it is appropriate for Dr. Hartnett to receive competitive compensation that performs both retentive and incentivizing functions.

The Compensation Committee approved the specific compensation amounts for fiscal 2018 disclosed in this proxy statement based on our executive compensation philosophy and the Compensation Committee’s subjective evaluation of Dr. Hartnett’s performance, the unique contributions he makes to the Company as its founder and the various other factors described above. Dr. Hartnett was not present when the Compensation Committee deliberated or voted on his compensation.

The Company seeks to attract executive talent by offering competitive base salaries and annual and long-term performance incentive opportunities.  The Company provides incentives that promote both the short and long-term financial and strategic objectives of the Company. Achievement of short-term objectives is rewarded through base salary and annual performance incentives, while long-term incentive grants (primarily stock options and restricted stock) encourage executives to focus on and align themselves with the Company’s long-term goals as well. These incentives are based on financial objectives of importance to the Company, including revenue and earnings growth and creation of stockholder value. The Company’s compensation program also accounts for individual performance, which enables the Company to differentiate among executives and emphasize the link between personal performance and compensation.

 

The Board believes that our compensation program for our named executive officers is appropriately based upon our performance and the individual performance and level of responsibility of the executive officers. We urge you to readexplain this in more detail in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement for details on the Company’s executive compensation programs.statement.

 

We are asking our stockholders to indicate their support for our named executive officers’ compensation as described in this proxy statement.compensation. This proposal gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our named executive officers’ compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement. Accordingly, we will ask our stockholders to vote “FOR” the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:

 

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and narrative discussion is hereby APPROVED.”

 


The say-on-pay“Say-on-Pay” vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our Board. The Company, our Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and to the extent there is any significant vote against the named executive officers compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

 

TheAfter our 2017 stockholder meeting, the Board has adopted a policy providing for annual “Say on Pay”“Say-on-Pay” advisory votes. Unless the Board modifies this policy, theThe next “Say on Pay”“Say-on-Pay” advisory vote will be held at our 20162019 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

 
The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR the approval of the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers. 

 

ITEM 4: OTHER MATTERS

 

As of the date of this proxy statement, the Company knows of no business that will be presented for consideration at the 20152018 annual meeting other than the items referred to above. If any other matter is properly brought before the meeting for action by stockholders, proxies in the enclosed form returned to the Company will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board or, in the absence of such a recommendation, in the manner the proxy holder considers appropriate.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Number of Meetings of the Board of Directors

 

The Board held 5four meetings during fiscal 2015.2018. The standing committees of the Board held an aggregate of 10nine meetings during fiscal 2015.2018. Each director attended 99%100% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the Board committees on which he served as a director during fiscal 2015.2018.

 

Attendance at Annual Meetings of the Stockholders

 

All directors are encouraged to attend the annual meeting of the stockholders. A majority of directors attended the 20142017 annual meeting of stockholders either in person or by teleconference.

 

Director Independence

 

Certain rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) require that the Board be comprised of a majority of “independent directors,” and each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee be comprised solely of “independent directors” as defined under Nasdaq rules.

 

Based upon the information submitted by each of the directors, and following the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board has made a determination that all of our current directors, with the exception of Dr. Hartnett and Mr. Bergeron satisfy the “independence” requirements of Nasdaq, SEC regulations and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The standards for determining independence are those set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.  The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines can be found on our website at http://www.rbcbearings.com.

 

Executive Sessions

 

The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines require the non-management directors to meet in executive sessions on a periodic basis without management. The presiding director, for purposes of leading these meetings, will be the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The non-employee members of the Board and the Audit Committee, respectively, met in executive session during 1two of the Board and all of the Audit Committee meetings held in fiscal 2015.2018.

 

Communications between Stockholders and the Board

 

Stockholders may send communications to the Company’s directors as a group or individually, by writing to those individuals or the group at the following address: RBC Bearings Incorporated, c/o the Corporate Secretary, One Tribology Center, Oxford, CT 06478. The Corporate Secretary will review all correspondence received and will forward all correspondence that is relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the Board or the business of the Company to the intended director(s). Examples of inappropriate communication include business solicitations, advertising and communication that is frivolous in nature, relates to routine business matters (such as product inquiries, complaints or suggestions), or raises grievances that are personal to the person submitting the communication. Upon request, any director may review communication that is not forwarded to the directors pursuant to this policy.

 


The Board has adopted a policy for submitting concerns regarding the Company’s accounting or auditing matters. Reports may be sent to the Audit Committee through one of the following means: (1) calling the Company’s Ethics Hotline at 1-866-247-5449, which is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and leaving a recorded message and (2) in writing marked Private & Confidential to the Audit Committee, RBC Bearings Incorporated, c/o the General Counsel, One Tribology Center, Oxford, CT 06478. In each case, reports will be received by the Company’s General Counsel who will forward the message to the Audit Committee. The confidentiality of all reports will be maintained to the extent consistent with law.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

Our Board currently has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The composition, duties and responsibilities of these committees are described below. Committee members hold office for a term of one year. The charters for each of the committees isare available on the Company’s website at www.rbcbearings.com.

Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee is responsible for (1) selecting the independent registered public accounting firm, (2) approving the overall scope of the audit, (3) assisting the Board in monitoring the integrity of our financial statements, the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm and our internal audit function and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (4) annually reviewing an independent registered public accounting firm’s report describing the auditing firms’ internal quality-control procedures, and any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the registered public accounting firm, (5) discussing the annual audited financial and quarterly statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, (6) discussing earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, (7) discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, (8) meeting separately, periodically, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, (9) reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response, (10) setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm, (11) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the Audit Committee by the Board from time to time and (12) reporting regularly to the full Board.

 

Our Audit Committee currently consists of Mr. Levine, Mr. Quain (who is not standing for re-election), Mr. Stewart and Dr. O’Brien, each of whom satisfies the current financial literacy requirements and independence requirements for audit committee members of Nasdaq and the SEC. Our Board has determined that Mr. Levine, Mr. Quain (who is not standing for re-election), Mr. Stewart and Dr. O’Brien all separately qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in the regulations under the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee held 4four meetings in fiscal 2015.2018.

 

Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee is responsible for (1) reviewing key employee compensation goals, policies, plans and programs, (2) reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors, chief executive officer and other executive officers, (3) reviewing and approving employment contracts and other similar arrangements between the Company and our executive officers, (4) reviewing and consulting with the Board on the selection of the chief executive officer and evaluation of such officer’s executive performance and other related matters, (5) administration of stock plans and other incentive compensation plans, (6) approving overall compensation policies for the Company and (7) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the Compensation Committee by the Board from time to time. Our Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs.Mr. Crowell, Mr. Levine and Dr. Faghri, each of whom satisfies the independence requirements of Nasdaq. The Compensation Committee held 4three meetings in fiscal 2015.2018.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for: (1) evaluating the composition, size and governance of our Board and its committees and making recommendations regarding future planning and the appointment of directors to committees, (2) establishing a policy for considering stockholder nominees for election to our Board, (3) evaluating and recommending candidates for election to our Board, (4) overseeing our Board’s performance and self-evaluation process and developing continuing education programs for our directors, (5) reviewing our corporate governance principles and policies and providing recommendations to the Board regarding possible changes, and (6) reviewing and monitoring compliance with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) and our Insider Trading Policy. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Mr. Stewart, Dr. Kaplan, Dr. O’Brien and Dr. Faghri, each of whom satisfies the independence requirements of Nasdaq. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held 2two meetings during fiscal 2015.2018.

 

The Board seeks to have a diverse group of members who possess the background, skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to the Board, to the Company and its stockholders. Desired qualities include: high-level leadership experience in business or administrative activities, and significant accomplishment; breadth of knowledge about issues affecting the Company; proven ability and willingness to contribute special competencies to Board activities; personal integrity; loyalty to the Company and concern for its success and welfare; willingness to apply sound and independent business judgment; awareness of a director’s vital role in assuring the Company’s good corporate citizenship and corporate image; no present conflicts of interest; availability for meetings and consultation on Company matters; enthusiasm about the prospect of serving; willingness to assume broad fiduciary responsibility; and willingness to become a Company stockholder.

 


In evaluating candidates, the committee reviews all candidates in the same manner, regardless of the source of the recommendation. The policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to consider individuals recommended by stockholders for nomination as a director in accordance with the procedures described under “Director Nominations to be Considered by the Board.”

 

15

Corporate Governance Guidelines

 

The Board adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines, which, among other things, sets forth the Company’s expectations and policies with respect to the roles and responsibilities of the Board, director affiliations and conflicts, director compensation, standards of director conduct, and the qualifications and other criteria for director nominees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for periodically reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of these guidelines and recommending changes to the Board for approval.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

The Company’s employees, officers and directors are required to abide by the Company’s Code of Ethics, which is intended to insureensure that the Company’s business is conducted in a consistently legal and ethical manner. The Code of Ethics covers areas of professional conduct, such as conflicts of interest, fair dealing, the protection of confidential information and compliance with laws, regulations and rules. Any waiver of the policies or procedures set forth in the Code of Ethics in the case of officers or directors may be granted only by the Board and must be promptly disclosed as required by law or the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 

Board Risk and Compensation Risk Oversight

 

The Board has oversight responsibility of the processes established to report and monitor systems for material risks applicable to the Company. The Board focuses on the Company’s general risk management strategy and the most significant risks facing the Company and ensures that appropriate risk mitigation strategies are implemented by management. The Board has delegated to its various committees the oversight of risk management practices for categories of risk relevant to their functions. For example, the Audit Committee oversees risks associated with the Company’s systems of disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting as well as the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as risks associated with foreign exchange, insurance, credit and debt. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees overseeCommittee oversees risks associated with sustainability. The Compensation Committee considers risks related to the attraction and retention of talent and risks related to the design of compensation programs and arrangements. The full Board is responsible for considering strategic risks and succession planning and receives reports from each Committee as to risk oversight within their areas of responsibility.

 

The Company’s senior management periodically reports on risk management policies and practices to the relevant Board Committee or to the full Board so that any decisions can be made as to any required changes in the Company’s risk management and mitigation strategies or in the Board’s oversight of these.

 

Finally, as part of its oversight of the Company’s executive compensation programs, the Compensation Committee considers the impact of the Company’s executive compensation program, and the incentives created by the compensation awards that it administers, on the Company’s risk profile. In addition, the Company reviews all of its compensation policies and procedures, including the incentives that they create and factors that may reduce the likelihood of excessive risk taking, to determine whether they present a significant risk to the Company. Based on this review, the Company has concluded that its compensation policies and procedures are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

Board Diversity

 

The Company’s policy on Board diversity relates to the selection of nominees for the Board. In selecting a nominee for the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the skills, expertise and background that would complement the existing Board and ensure that its members are of sufficiently diverse and independent backgrounds, recognizing that the Company’s businesses and operations are diverse and global in nature. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have a specific policy regarding diversity when assessing candidates for the Board, but may consider various kinds of diversity such as diversity of professional background and capabilities, knowledge of specific industries and geographic experience, as well as the more traditional diversity concepts of race, gender and national origin experience and industry diversity, when considering whether to nominate an individual for Board membership.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee assesses the effectiveness of this objective when evaluating new director candidates and when assessing the composition of the Board. The Board believes it is important that its members represent diverse viewpoints and perspectives in their application of judgment to company matters. The Board will consider diversity as a key factor when considering future candidates for director when Board vacancies exist.

 

16

Board Leadership Structure

 

The Board has no formal policy with respect to the separation of the offices of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, which are currently combined. However, the Board understands that no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times. The Board believes that it should have the flexibility to make decisions as to the Chairman position from time to time in the way that it believes will best provide effective leadership for the Company. Accordingly, the Board periodically reviews its leadership structure, including whether these offices should be separate. The Board has determined that the current structure consisting of combined roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is an effective and appropriate leadership structure for the Company at this time. All the current members of our Board are independent, except for the CEO and COO/CFO, and all of our Board committees are composed entirely of independent directors.

 

To promote open discussion among the independent directors, the independent directors routinely meet in executive session without the participation of management at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. The Board does not have a lead independent director. The Chairman of the Audit Committee leads the sessions of the Board in which management directors and other members of management are not present.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

Independent members of our Board are paid $50,000 per year, payable quarterly, and are entitled to annual stock option and restricted stock grants for their services at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and upon approval of the Board. During fiscal 20152018, each director was granted stock options and shares of restricted stock as indicated in the table below. In addition, the Chairs of the Compensation and Audit Committees are entitled to an additional payment of $5,000 per year. In addition, our compensation policy provides for reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings or of any committee thereof. The Compensation Committee reviews non-employee director compensation annually and recommends changes to the Board for approval.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 Fees
Earned
or Paid
in
Cash
  Stock
Awards
  Option
Awards
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
  Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
  All Other
Compensation
  Total  Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
  Stock
Awards
  Option
Awards
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
  Change in
Pension Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
  All Other
Compensation
  Total 
Name  ($)   ($)   ($)   ($)   ($)   ($)   ($)  ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) 
                                                        
Mitchell I. Quain  50,000   80,188   40,940   -   -   -   171,128   50,000   124,550   49,700            224,250 
                                                        
Richard Crowell  55,000   80,188   40,940   -   -   -   176,128   55,000   124,550   49,700            229,250 
                                                        
Dr. Amir Faghri  50,000   80,188   40,940   -   -   -   171,128   50,000   124,550   49,700            224,250 
                                                        
Alan B. Levine  55,000   80,188   40,940   -   -   -   176,128   55,000   124,550   49,700            229,250 
                                                        
Dr. Thomas J. O’Brien  50,000   80,188   40,940   -   -   -   171,128   50,000   124,550   49,700            224,250 
                                                        
Edward D. Stewart  50,000   80,188   40,940   -   -   -   171,128   50,000   124,550   49,700            224,250 
                            
Dr. Steven H. Kaplan  12,500                  12,500 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

Since March 29, 2014April 1, 2017, we have not been a party to, nor have we currently proposed, any transaction or series of similar transactions in which the amount exceeds $120,000, and in which any director, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of our common stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation agreements and other agreements which are described in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement. The Company’s Directors and executive officers are subject to annual related party certifications and the Code of Ethics, which requires that an employee or Director avoid placing himself or herself in a position in which his or her personal interests could interfere in any way with the interests of the Company.

 

We have not made payments to directors other than the fees to which they are entitled as directors (described under the heading “Director Compensation”) and the reimbursement of expenses relating to their services as directors. We have made no loans to any director or officer nor have we purchased any shares of the Company from any director or officer.

 

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth information known to the Company regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock, as of July 1, 2015,2018, by each director and each of the executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement and by all of its directors and executive officers as a group (10(14 persons). The table lists the number of shares and percentage of shares beneficially owned based on 23,812,90924,613,496 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 1, 2015.2018. The figures in the table assume the exercise of all stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of July 1, , 2015.2018 as well as all restricted stock which would vest within 60 days of July 1, 2018. Information in the table is derived from SEC filings made by such persons under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and other information received by the Company.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner 

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership

  Percent of Class 
Michael J. Hartnett  690,701   2.9%
Daniel A. Bergeron  112,770   * 
Thomas C. Crainer  74,264   * 
Richard J. Edwards  46,111   * 
Thomas J. Williams  29,065   * 
Richard R. Crowell  46,494   * 
Dr. Amir Faghri  8,317   * 
Alan B. Levine  21,344   * 
Dr. Thomas J. O’Brien  19,484   * 
Mitchell I. Quain  8,484   * 
Edward D. Stewart  10,484   * 
All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)  1,112,272   4.7%

Name of Beneficial Owner 

Amount and Nature of 

 Beneficial Ownership

  Percent of Class 
Michael J. Hartnett  456,531   1.9%
Daniel A. Bergeron  122,244   * 
Patrick S. Bannon  3,284   * 
Richard J. Edwards  26,663   * 
Thomas J. Williams  14,978   * 
Richard R. Crowell  41,110   * 
Dr. Amir Faghri  10,323   * 
Alan B. Levine  19,210   * 
Dr. Thomas J. O’Brien  23,750   * 
Mitchell I. Quain  13,250   * 
Edward D. Stewart  19,250   * 
Dr. Steven H. Kaplan  1,440   * 
All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)  753,579   3.1%
         
*Less than one percent


The following table sets forth each stockholder which, as of July 1, 2015,2018, is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock. Information in the table is derived from SEC filings made by such persons pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act and other information received by the Company. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, the entities named have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by them.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership
  Percent of Class 
       
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
100 East Pratt Street
  2,763,715(a)  11.8%
Baltimore, MD 21202-1009        
         
BlackRock Inc.  1,518,144(b)  6.5%
40 East 52nd Street        
New York, NY 10022        
         
The Vanguard Group  1,372,653(c)  5.9%
100 Vanguard Blvd.        
Malveen, PA 19355        
         
Kayne Anderson Rudnick Inv. Mgmt. LLC  1,542,707(d)  6.6%
1800 Avenue of the Stars, 2nd floor        
Los Angeles, CA 90067        

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner 

Amount and Nature of Beneficial

Ownership

  Percent of Class 
       
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
100 East Pratt Street
  2,490,499(a)  10.1%
Baltimore, MD 21202-1009        
         
Kayne Anderson Rudnick Inv. Mgmt. LLC  2,424,214(b)  9.8%
1800 Avenue of the Stars, 2nd floor        
Los Angeles, CA 90067        
         
BlackRock Inc.  2,066,687(c)  8.4%
55 East 52nd Street        
New York, NY 10055        
         
The Vanguard Group  1,890,331(d)  7.7%
100 Vanguard Blvd.        
Malveen, PA 19355        
         
Neuberger Berman Group LLC  1,872,057(e)  7.6%
605 Third Avenue        
New York, NY 10158        
         
(a)A filing of Form 13G with the SEC dated February 11, 2015,14, 2018, by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. indicates that it has or shares voting or investment power over 2,763,7152,490,499 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

(b)A filing of Form 13G with the SEC dated January 29, 2015, by BlackRock Inc. indicates that it has or shares voting or investment power over 1,518,144 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

(c)A filing of Form 13G with the SEC dated February 10, 2015, by The Vanguard Group indicates that it has or shares voting or investment power over 1,372,653 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

(d)A filing of Form 13G with the SEC dated February 5, 2015,13, 2018, by Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC indicates that it has or shares voting or investment power over 1,542,7072,424,214 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
(c)A filing of Form 13G with the SEC dated January 24, 2018, by BlackRock Inc. indicates that it has or shares voting or investment power over 2,066,687 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
(d)A filing of Form 13G with the SEC dated February 7, 2018, by The Vanguard Group indicates that it has or shares voting or investment power over 1,890,331 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
(e)A filing of Form 13G with the SEC dated February 14, 2018, by Neuberger Berman Group LLC indicates that it has or shares voting or investment power over 1,872,057 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that the Company’s executive officers, directors and greater than 10% owners file reports of ownership and changes of ownership of the Company’s common stock with the SEC and Nasdaq. Based on a review of ownership reports filed with the SEC during fiscal 2015,2018, the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements were met during the year.


Executive Officers and Directors

 

The following table sets forth information concerning our directors and executive officers as of July 1, 2015.2018. Each director is elected for a three-year term specified in this proxy or until such person’s successor is duly elected and qualified.

Name Age Positions
Dr. Michael J. Hartnett 6972 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Daniel A. Bergeron 5558 Director, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Patrick S. Bannon and Assistant Secretary
Thomas C. Crainer5753 Vice President and General Manager
Richard J. Edwards 5962 Vice President and General Manager
Thomas J. Williams 6366 Corporate General Counsel & Secretary
ThomasRobert M. BurigoSullivan 6334 Corporate Controller
Ernest D. Hawkins53Vice President Finance and Chief Accounting Officer
Richard R. Crowell 6063 Director
Dr. Amir Faghri 6467 Director
Alan B. Levine 7174 Director
Dr. Thomas J. O’Brien 6770 Director
Mitchell I. Quain 6366 Director (Not standing for re-election)
Edward D. Stewart 7275Director
Dr. Steven H. Kaplan65 Director

 

Dr. Michael J. Hartnett has been with the Company for 2526 years. He has been the President and Chief Executive Officer since April, 1992 and Chairman of the Board since June, 1993. Prior to that, Dr. Hartnett served as President and General Manager of our Industrial Tectonics Bearings Corporation, or ITB, subsidiary from 1990, following eighteen years at The Torrington Company, one of the three largest bearings manufacturers in the U.S. While at The Torrington Company, Dr. Hartnett held the position of Vice President and General Manager of the Aerospace Business Unit and was, prior to that, Vice President of the Research and Development Division. Dr. Hartnett holds an undergraduate degree from the University of New Haven, a Masters degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Hartnett has also developed numerous patents, authored more than two dozen technical papers and is well known for his contributions to the field of tribology, the study of friction. Dr. Hartnett served as a director of Aftermarket Technology Corp., a publicly-held company in the business of re-manufacturing aftermarket components for automobiles until October, 2010, and served as a director of Process Fab Inc., a private company in the business of precision manufacturing and related services until March, 2014. Dr. Hartnett provides our Board with significant leadership and executive experience.  His proven leadership capability and his strong knowledge of the complex financial and operational issues facing mid-sized companies provides the Board with a unique and necessary perspective.

 

Richard R. Crowellhas been a director since June, 2002 and chairmanChairman of the Compensation Committee since August, 2005. Mr. Crowell is a Managing Partner of Vance Street Capital LLC, a private equity investment firm he founded in 2007. Previously he was the President of Aurora Capital Group, a private equity investment firm he co-founded in 1991. Prior to establishing Aurora in 1991, Mr. Crowell was a Partner and President of Acadia Partners, a New York-based investment fund. From 1983 to 1987, he was a Managing Director, Corporate Finance for Drexel Burnham Lambert. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors for the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Mr. Crowell is a director of Micronics, Inc., MCSCIAC Industries, RST Instruments Ltd. and Leading Edge Aviation Services.Motion Dynamics Corporation. All are private companies in the businesses of filtration products, precision manufacturing, engineered solutions, engineered surgical products, precision wire components and related services. Mr. Crowell earned an M.B.A. from UCLA’s Anderson School and a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Mr. Crowell brings broad business, financial and executive leadership experience to the Board, developed through his leadership roles at Vance Street Capital LLC, Aurora Capital Group LLC, Acadia Partners and Drexel Burnham Lambert. He has extensive experience with a number of precision manufacturing and aerospace companies. In addition, Mr. Crowell’s experience in private investment enables him to bring a valuable investor’s view to our Board and his relationships across the financial community strengthen the Company’s access to capital markets. His board memberships provide deep understanding of trends in the precision manufacturing and aerospace sectors, both of which present ongoing challenges and opportunities for the Company.

 

Dr. Amir Faghri has been a director at RBC Bearings Incorporated since July, 2004. Dr.  Faghri has served as professoris currently Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Distinguished Dean Emeritus at the University of Connecticut since 1994.Connecticut. He was the Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Connecticut from 1998-2006,1998 to 2006, and the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department from 1994-1998.1994 to 1998. While holding such academic and administrative positions as distinguished and chair professor, department head, and Dean, Dr. Faghri authored seveneight books and edited volumes, more than 300310 archival technical publications (including 200210 journal papers), and 89 U.S. patents.  He has served as a consultant to several major research centers and corporations, including Los Alamos and Oak Ridge national laboratories, Exxon Mobil Corporation, and Intel Corporation.  Dr. Faghri's technical productivity is further complemented by his service on the editorial boards of eight scientific journals.  Dr. Faghri has received many honors and awards, including the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA) Thermophysics Award in 1988, the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Heat Transfer Memorial Award in 1988, the ASME James Harry Potter Gold Medal in 2005, and the ASME/AIChE Max Jakob Memorial Award in 2010. Dr. Faghri received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California at Berkeley (1974,1976) and a B.S. with highest honors from Oregon State University (1973). As former Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Connecticut from 1998-2006,1998 to 2006, with financial oversight responsibilities for all engineering departments and research centers, Dr. Faghri provides the Company with a wealth of valuable executive and engineering experience. His association with U.S. companies and global academia provides the Company with valuable state of the art engineering resources and workforce development.


Alan B. Levinehas been a director and chairman of our Audit Committee since October, 2005. Mr. Levine served as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Virtual Access Networks, Inc. (2001 to 2002) and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Marathon Technologies Corporation (1998 to 2001). Mr. Levine is currently a Directordirector of Magnetek, Inc. and Dynasil Corporation of America and Chairman of the Audit Committees of both companies . He was also a memberCommittee. From January, 2007 until July, 2011, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee Chair of MCK Communications before the company’s merger in November, 2003.Graduate Management Admission Council. Prior to this, Mr. Levine was with Ernst & Young LLP from 1974 to 1998, and was Partner from 1986 to 1998, where he established and directed an Entrepreneurial Services practice. From January, 2007 until July, 2011, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Graduate Management Admission Council. He is currently retired. He isPreviously, Mr. Levine served as a former Directordirector and Audit Committee Chair of MCK Communications, director and Audit Committee Chair of Nextera Enterprises, Inc., and director of Magnatek, Inc. Mr. Levine earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Vermont. He also holds a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Arizona and was a certified public accountant. As chairman of our Audit Committee Mr. Levine has demonstrated that he is valuable to the Audit Committee’s function. He is the Company’s designated "audit committee financial expert" as defined by SEC regulations. Mr. Levine brings to the Board extensive demonstrated expert knowledge and experience in accounting and finance from his Master of Accounting degree and as a former partner with Ernst & Young LLP and former Chief Financial Officer. This knowledge and experience gives Mr. Levine a perspective that he is able to use to help the Audit Committee and Board understand the highly technical issues management confronts on a daily basis and to serve as a critical resource for management. Mr. Levine’s depth of business, accounting and financial experience makes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Board.

 

Dr. Thomas J. O’Brien has been a director and Audit Committee member since February, 2006. Dr. O’Brien has served as a professor at the University of Connecticut since 1986 and as the Head of the Finance Department from 1999 until 2007. Prior to this, Dr. O’Brien held positions at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Duke University, University of North Carolina-Charlotte and Florida State University. In addition to Dr. O’Brien’s distinguished career as a professor, he has also written several books and has co-authored numerous papers and articles covering topics in finance. Dr. O’Brien earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Davidson College. He received his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Florida. When he was elected as a director, Dr. O’Brien had established an impressive academic record in finance, and was Head of the Finance Department at the University of Connecticut. Dr. O’Brien provides the Company with a wealth of valuable academic finance knowledge and executive experience which qualifies him as a "Financial Expert" for the Audit Committee. His continuing association with the University of Connecticut provides the Company and the Audit Committee and the Board with a valuable state of the art finance resource. This collective background and experience makes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Audit Committee and Board.

 

Mitchell I. Quain has been a director since September, 2011. He is a Senior Advisor to the Carlyle Group and was a Partner of One Equity Partners, a private investment firm until December, 2011. From 2006 to 2010, he was a Senior Director of ACI Capital Corp. From 2002 to 2005, he was Chairman of Register.Com, Inc., an internet services provider, and from 1997 to 2001 he was employed with ABN AMRO and its predecessors in several capabilities including Vice Chairman. Mr. Quain has a B.S.E.E. in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. degree from the Harvard Business School and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Previously Mr. Quain served on the Boards of publicly traded AstroMed, Inc., DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc., Handy & Harman, Heico Corporation, Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. and Titan International, Inc. Mr. Quain is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Magnetek, Inc., and a Director of Hardinge Inc. and Tecumseh Products Company. Mr.Quain's academic background, 30 years of investing experience, working knowledge of capital markets gained from his experiences as an investment banker and his knowledge and experience as a Chartered Financial Analyst qualify him as a "Financial Expert" for the Audit Committee. In addition, his service as a director of other publicly traded industrial products manufacturers are valuable resources to the Board. This collective background and experience makes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Audit Committee and Board.

Edward D. Stewart has been a director since June, 2013. Mr. Stewart is the former Chairman of the Board of ATC Technology Corporation and has served on other company Boards and Audit Committees. Mr. Stewart has many years of financial and operational experience with General Electric Company including as Executive Vice President of GE Capital and Chief Financial Officer of a number of other GE businesses. Mr. Stewart is currentlyformerly served as a member of the Board of Directors of Nordstrom fsb, a formerly wholly owned subsidiary of Nordstrom, Inc.andInc. and a member of its Audit and Investment Committees. Mr. Stewart earned a Bachelor of Arts, Economics degree from Tufts University. His extensive financial experience qualifies him as a "Financial Expert" for the Audit Committee. In addition, his service as a director of other publicly-traded and private companies are valuable resources to the Board. This collective background and experience makes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Audit Committee and Board.

Dr. Steven H. Kaplanhas been a director at RBC Bearings Incorporated since January, 2018. He has been the president of the University of New Haven since 2004 and has led the University through a period of remarkable growth and development. In 2015, in recognition of his contributions to transforming the University, Dr. Kaplan was presented the Chief Executive Leadership Award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District I. He also was named "Businessman of the Year" by Business New Haven magazine in 2008. Dr. Kaplan also was awarded the 2011 William M. Burke Presidential Award for Experiential Education by the National Society for Experiential Education. Previously, Dr. Kaplan was chancellor and professor of English at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Dr. Kaplan began his teaching career in 1982 as an Instructor of English at the University of Maryland, European Division. From 1985-1989, he served as Visiting Lecturer in American Studies at Eberhard-Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany – one of the oldest and most highly regarded universities in Europe. After completing his doctoral studies at Eberhard-Karls Universität, he returned to the U.S. to teach English at the University of Southern Colorado. Dr. Kaplan also served as Dean of Arts and Humanities at SUNY College at Buffalo and as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Butler University. In addition to earning his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at Eberhard-Karls Universität, Dr. Kaplan holds a Master of Arts degree (with a concentration in philosophy, German and English) from Eberhard-Karls Universität and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. This knowledge and Chief Executive experience allows Dr. Kaplan to provide the Company with a wealth of valuable international executive experience and a perspective that provides the Board a critical resource for management. His association with U.S. companies and global academia provides the Company with a valuable state of the art executive management resource and makes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Nominating & Governance Committee and Board.


Daniel A. Bergeron has been a director since June, 2013 and has been with the Company for 1215 years. He joined us in May, 2003 as Vice President, Finance. On August 5, 2003, he was appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.Officer. On June 7, 2017, he was additionally appointed Chief Operating Officer. From November, 2002 through May, 2003, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Allied Healthcare International, Inc., a publicly-held provider of healthcare staffing services. Mr. Bergeron served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Paragon Networks International, Inc., a telecommunications company, from June, 2000 to October, 2002. From April, 1998 to February, 2000, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tridex Corporation, a publicly-held software company. From July, 1987 to March, 1998, Mr. Bergeron held various financial reporting positions with Dorr-Oliver Inc., an international engineering and manufacturing company, including Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bergeron holds a B.S. in Finance from Northeastern University and aan M.B.A. from the University of New Haven. Mr. Bergeron provides our Board with significant financial leadership and executive experience.  His proven leadership capability and his strong knowledge of the complex financial and operational issues facing mid-sized companies provides the Board with a unique and necessary perspective. This collective background and experience makes him an excellent candidate as a member of our Board.

 

Set forth below is information concerning our executive officersExecutive Officers who are not directors.

 

Thomas C. Crainer has been with the Company for 29 years. He joined us in 1986 as Plant Manager at the ITB division in California and was promoted to General Manager in 1995 and Vice President and General Manager in 2008. In 2000, Mr. Crainer became General Manager for RBC Schaublin. In 2003, he returned to the U.S. to assume additional responsibilities for our Heim Bearings, Engineered Component and Aircraft Products facilities. He had previously been employed for six years at TRW Bearing in Falconer, NY as Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Control Manager and Manufacturing Manager. He received an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University and in 1991 he received an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix.

Richard J. Edwards has been with the Company for 25 years.since 1990. He joined us as Manufacturing Manager for the Hartsville, South Carolina facility in 1990. After holding the positions of Plant Manager for the Hartsville Plant, and Director of Operations for the RBC Divisions, he was named Vice President and General Manager for the RBC Divisions in 1996. Prior to joining us, Mr. Edwards spent six years with The Torrington Company as Materials Manager, and later Plant Superintendent in the Tyger River plant. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Arizona State University.

 

Thomas J. Williams has been with the Company for 9 years.since 2006. He joined us as Corporate General Counsel and Secretary in May, 2006. From April, 2001 through May, 2006, he served as Assistant General Counsel of Ingersoll-Rand Company, a publicly-held manufacturing company. Mr. Williams was a member of the law firm of Pepe & Hazard LLP and was with the firm from February, 1999 to April, 2001. From February, 1998 to February, 1999, Mr. Williams was engaged in the private practice of law and financial planning. From August, 1981 to February, 1998, Mr. Williams served as Director of International Taxes and subsequently as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary for The Stanley Works a publicly-held manufacturing company. From October, 1973 to August, 1981 Mr. Williams was employed by the Internal Revenue Service in Boston and New York as an Internal Revenue Agent and International Examiner. Mr. Williams holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Stonehill College and a J.D. from Suffolk University and was a licensed certified public accountant.

 

ThomasRobert M. BurigoSullivan has been with the Company for 12 years.since 2016. He was appointed Corporate Controller on February 13, 2017. He joined us as Manager of Accounting in 2003. He was promoted to Director of Accounting in 2005 and toAssistant Corporate Controller in 2006.March 2016. From 1999 through 2002,October 2013 to March, 2016 he worked at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation involved in business development, program finance and financial planning and analysis. From August 2007 until October 2013 he was employed by BrandDirect Marketing, Inc.Ernst & Young LLP as Director of Financial Reporting.an Audit Manager. Mr. Burigo had previously been employed for 10 years by Caldor Corporation, a publicly-held discount retail chain, holding various accounting and financial reporting positions. HeSullivan holds a Bachelor of ArtsScience degree in Mathematics from Boston College, an M.B.A in Accounting from Iona CollegeFairfield University, a Master of Science degree in Accounting and Taxation from the University of Hartford, and he is currently pursuing his Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Connecticut. He is a licensed certified public accountant.

 

There are no family relationships between anyErnest D. Hawkins has been with the Company since 2015. He was appointed Vice President Finance and Chief Accounting Officer on June 7, 2017. Since April, 2014 he was Corporate Controller of our directors or executive officers.the Company’s Sargent Aerospace & Defense Division. From January, 2008 to April, 2014 he was Segment Controller for the Dover Engineered Systems division of Dover Corporation. Mr. Hawkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ball State University and was a licensed certified public accountant.

Patrick S. Bannon has been with the Company since 1991. He was appointed Vice President and General Manager onNovember 3, 2017.Hestarted his career as a manufacturing engineering manager with the Company’s ITB business in June 1991. He transferred to the Heim Bearing business as a manufacturing manager in 1995 and was promoted to plant manager of the Company’s ITB business in 1997 and in 2002 he also assumed responsibility for the Company’s operations in Mexico. He was promoted to plant manager of the Company’s Aircraft Products operations in 2004 maintaining responsibility for Mexico and the Company’s engineered components business and was subsequently promoted to General Manager in 2008. In 2016 he also added General Manager management responsibility for the Company’s AeroStructures and AeroComponents businesses. In October 2017, he added management responsibilities for the Company’s Heim Bearings business. Mr. Bannon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with High Distinction from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

 

22

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Overview

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides a detailed description of our executive compensation philosophy and programs, the compensation decisions the Compensation Committee has made under those programs and the factors considered in making those decisions. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis focuses on the compensation of our Named Executive Officersnamed executive officers (“NEOs”) for 2015,fiscal 2018, who were:

 

Name Position
Dr. Michael J. Hartnett Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Daniel A. Bergeron Director, Vice President, Chief FinancialOperating Officer and Assistant SecretaryChief Financial Officer
Thomas C. CrainerPatrick S. Bannon Vice President and General Manager
Richard J. Edwards Vice President and General Manager
Thomas J. Williams Corporate General Counsel & Secretary

 

Pay for PerformanceThe following information can be found in this year’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis and supporting tables:

NamePage
Executive Summary: An Overview of Fiscal 201822
Compensation Governance and Policies27
Compensation Program Components30
Benefits and Perquisites35
Additional Information37

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Compensation Committee of the Board has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on that review and discussion, the members of the Compensation Committee identified below recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

Respectfully submitted,

The Compensation Committee of the Board of RBC Bearings Incorporated

Richard R. Crowell (Chairman)

Alan B. Levine

Dr. Amir Faghri

Executive Summary: An Overview of Fiscal 2018

 

At last year’s annual meeting, 71%approximately 93.9% of shareholderstockholder votes supported the advisory vote to approve executive compensation. The Company and Compensation Committee were disappointed with this outcome and wanted to take an opportunity to address the issues that were raised.

Compensation Philosophy and Programs

The Company’s core focus is on the delivery of sustainable Company performance and long-term stockholder value. The Company’s compensation programs are designed to further and support this focus and to incentivize and reward executives for achieving outstanding performance and generating value for the Company’s stockholders. In light of the outcome of last year’s advisory “Say-on-Pay” vote, the Company conducted a thorough review of its compensation philosophy and programs, as well as the Company’s performance and creation of value for our stockholders. The objective of this review was to assess whether our existing compensation programs were in fact properly aligning executive compensation with stockholder interests and realizing the pay-for-performance philosophy that we embrace. Our conclusion, as described in greater detail below, was that based on the Company’s outstanding performance relative to our peers, our compensation program is properly incentivizing our executive leadership to drive the Company forward and generate value for our stockholders. Based on this conclusion, and following a number of changes to the compensation programs in fiscal 2014, we determined that substantive changes were not necessary at that time.


Overview of Our Compensation ProgramsOverview of Governance Practices and Policies

●   Compensation is delivered in the form of fixed pay, a cash incentive paid based on short-term performance and a mix of long-term equity incentives

●   All elements of compensation are targeted against the 50th percentile of the Company comparator group

●   All of the CEO’s variable compensation is performance-based

●   All named executive officer long-term incentives are stock-based, providing a direct tie to delivering sustainable long-term stockholder value

●   Long-term incentive awards vest over a period of three to five-years

●   Corporate performance assessment is based on EBITDA

●   Segment performance assessment for other NEOs is based on: (i) divisional sales plus depreciation minus total factory costs for the fiscal year division target comprised of revenue plus depreciations minus total factory cost; (ii) divisional revenue growth relative to U.S. Gross Domestic Product; and (iii) non-financial and qualitative performance goals, such as customer services levels, development of human resources, and overall Company and individual performance.

●   Short-term incentives NEOs other than the CEO take account of individual performance

●   Modest perquisites

●   An annual stockholder “Say-on-Pay” vote

●   A pay-for-performance philosophy

●   Use an appropriate comparator group, selected based on a range of financial factors

●   Significant stock ownership guidelines for the Executive Officers

●   A clawback policy that applies to all incentive compensation for the Executive Officers

●   Double trigger provisions in the event of a change in control

●   Prohibition on share recycling under the Long-Term Incentive Plans

●   Retention of an independent external compensation consultant

●   No repricing or backdating of options

●   No employment agreements, other than for the CEO and COO/CFO.

●   No “gross-ups”

For fiscal 2018, the CEO’s total compensation was $7,888,243, of which $7,056,418 (or 89.5%) was pursuant to a performance-based compensation program. The following pay mix graph for the CEO demonstrates the focus on performance-based pay.

 23

Stockholder Engagement

The Company is committed to the interests of its shareholders and the delivery of long-term shareholder value through appropriate executive pay programs and governance actions that attract, motivate and retain a highly-qualified executive team. As part of this commitment, we intend to continue to maintainmaintaining an ongoing dialogue with our shareholdersstockholders to addressunderstand any continued concerns they may have. Previous outreachhave with our compensation program or otherwise. Following the “Say on Pay” outcome in respect of fiscal 2016, the Company reached out to a number of stockholders to discuss our compensation program, explain the basis for our compensation decisions, and invite stockholder feedback regarding specific concerns with our compensation program. Based on the feedback and the results of the 2018 shareholder voting results, the Compensation Committee has evaluated and will continue to evaluate compensation program design in fiscal 2019.

Our discussions with the shareholdersour stockholders generally focused on their process for evaluating say-on-pay“Say-on-Pay” and pay for performance issues. In the majority ofcertain cases, shareholdersstockholders indicated that they vote on compensation issues in accordance withbased on evaluations made by their internal staff, while others indicated they vote on compensation issues taking into consideration the recommendations made by whomever they use for proxy advisory services. AsBelow, we directly address the following primary issues raised with respect to our compensation program by proxy advisory service providers:

The Use of EBITDA as the Primary Incentive Compensation Metric with Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) as a supplemental metric.
Maintaining Our Compensation Comparator Group.
Pay for Performance Philosophy.

Following this discussion, we set forth highlights of our fiscal year 2018 financial performance that demonstrate the effectiveness of our executive compensation program.

Executive Pay Program Updates and 2018 Say on Pay Vote

At our 2017 Annual Stockholders Meeting, approximately 93.9% of votes cast supported the Company’s executive compensation program. This included the support of a result, in addition to speaking directly to investors, we carefully reviewedmajority of our largest stockholders (excluding management), and evaluatedreflected a significant improvement versus the proxy advisor analysesprior year.

During 2017, our Compensation Committee, working with management, undertook a review of our executive compensation programs. This effort included discussions with 15 major institutional stockholders and commentaries published in connection with last year’s shareholder vote with the goaltheir corporate governance groups specifically regarding executive compensation, analysis of understanding investor concerns, ensuring any negative recommendations mademarket practices at peer companies, and retention by the Compensation Committee of an independent compensation consultant. The objective of the investor outreach was to understand the factors our stockholders consider to be most important when evaluating our executive compensation program. We learned that stockholders were not seeking major changes to our executive compensation program, but rather that they had some ideas to refine and improve the program, often specific to CEO pay. Major stockholders were not prescriptive about plan design. Instead, they were more interested to see that the results and outcomes delivered by the plans were appropriately aligned with Company-wide and individual performance.

        During 2017 we took action in response to investor feedback:

Feedback We ReceivedAction Taken by Compensation Committee (2017)
While the stockholders believed that the EBITDA measurement worked well for the Company given its financial performance, the stockholders recommended the Board consider adding one or two more metrics to the compensation plan, such as ROIC. The stockholders believed that management was in the best position to determine the best targets for how they manage the business. Certain shareholders indicated that total shareholder return (“TSR”) should not be used as a metric and do not follow the recommendations of the proxy advisor groups.For Fiscal 2018 and forward the Compensation Committee has amended the Company’s equity compensation program for the CEO and COO/CFO so that approximately 33% of the total equity compensation is based on ROIC as the measurement base. This would apply to stock options grants as well as restricted stock grants. The CEO’s and COO/CFO’s compensation will be based on a combination of EBITDA and ROIC, two measurement factors that management and the Compensation Committee believe fit very well with how the business is managed and align compensation with both the short term and the long term performance of the Company.
The stockholders believed it was reasonable to expect that Dr. Hartnett's compensation should be higher than the Peer Group given the fact that he is the Company founder and his length of service as well as the Company’s superior long term results.Notwithstanding the stockholder’s belief as to the reasonableness of Dr. Hartnett’s compensation, Dr. Hartnett’s compensation has been restructured with the effect that his total compensation, including base salary, incentive bonus and equity compensation, has been reduced by 20% based on compensation targets.
The stockholders were generally not pleased with the Institutional Shareholder Service (“ISS”) recommendation to vote against the election of directors. The stockholders additionally understood the Company’s frustration with the proxy advisor groups and particularly with the 2016 peer group selected by ISS.The Company will continue to be primarily guided by the feedback from its stockholders with respect to its compensation programs and any recommended changes.
A few stockholders expressed concern over the staggered board with a possible solution being the ability for a stockholder to call a special meeting with a 20% to 25% threshold.The Company intends to seek additional feedback from a broader sampling of shareholders during 2018 regarding the expressed concern.
Several stockholders expressed concern over the director majority vote issue.The amendment of the Company’s By-laws to provide for majority voting as set forth in Item 5 of our 2017 Proxy was approved.

 24

The Use of EBITDA

EBITDA is the core measure used to assess Company operating performance under the variable pay programs applicable to our named executive officers. EBITDA is defined as the consolidated operating income plus depreciation, amortization and incentive stock compensation as reported by the Company. The Company and Compensation Committee believe that EBITDA is the most appropriate measure of operating performance for a number of reasons, and that, of the various performance metrics we could use under our variable pay programs, EBITDA most closely aligns with our stockholders’ best interests. A shared theme concerning the 2015 “Say on Pay” advisory servicesvote was that we use EBITDA as the primary performance metric for purposes of the formulaic components of our performance-based compensation. The Compensation Committee uses EBITDA performance to determine the variable compensation of the CEO. The CEO’s annual performance incentive is based solely on EBITDA performance. The achievement of plan results in an annual incentive of 150% of base salary, with no incentive earned for achieving less than 80% of plan. EBITDA is also used to determine the size of awards under the long-term incentive program, requiring minimum performance of 75% of plan during the year to earn an award of both stock options and restricted stock. We took this observation very seriously and we revisited our use of EBITDA as the primary performance metric under both our short-term and long-term incentive plans. In our case, we continue to believe quite strongly that EBITDA is the most appropriate metric and that its use as the primary performance metric is a significant driver for our outstanding results and stock performance.

Our sole motivation in selecting performance metrics is to choose the metric that most accurately captures our performance as a company and the value that we are generating for our stockholders. We strongly believe that EBITDA is that metric.

EBITDA is the core foundation on which all of our business units run. In 2003, RBC Bearings was a highly leveraged private company. We developed a strong focus and discipline around cash management and capital allocation from the top of the organization to the bottom. We continue to apply this focus in operating our company today.

EBITDA allows management, investors, and others to evaluate and compare the Company’s core operating results, including return on capital and operating efficiencies, from period to period by removing the impact of the Company’s capital structure (interest expense from our outstanding debt), asset base (depreciation and amortization), tax consequences, changes in accounting reserves, other non-operating items and share-based compensation.

EBITDA is the measure that guides the Company through managing cash flow, operating cost and efficiency, and capital allocation during periods of economic downturn and inhibits the manipulation of operating performance through excessive leverage or capital expenditures, the impact of which are more problematic during periods of economic downturn.

EBITDA is a key driver for debt covenants.

We use EBITDA for business planning purposes, to run the business, for capital allocation decisions and to evaluate and price potential acquisitions.

In addition to its use by management, we also believe EBITDA is a measure widely used by securities analysts, investors, and others to evaluate the financial performance of our Company and other companies in our industry.

We view EBITDA as the most reliable bellwether of how well we are converting the Company’s revenue into value for our stockholders.


We did consider alternatives to the continued use of EBITDA, such as total shareholder return (“TSR”). We recognize that many companies use TSR as a performance metric under their compensation programs, and that its use is familiar to, and might be welcomed by, some shareholders. However, the feedback we received from our stockholders recommended against using TSR and upon considering how TSR would apply to RBC, we identified a number of challenges, particularly relating to the selection of an appropriate peer group with respect to TSR. Incorporating TSR as a performance metric would also be a major change internally to our organization and could disrupt how we run the business and achieve the results we have over the last 13 years. We have relied on EBITDA as our primary performance metric since our IPO in 2005, when our stock entered the market at $14.50 per share. On July 1, 2018, we were legitimatelytrading at $128.81 per share. We believe we are unique among our peers in achieving this result for our shareholders.

Our adoption of the ROIC metric for fiscal 2018 equity compensation is based on the belief that ROIC captures not just profitability but whether the magnitude of profitability is appropriate for the investments made. ROIC can also be compared across companies and industries and provides a correct understandingcloser link to key drivers of value creation. We also believe that ROIC works in close synergy with our primary EBITDA metric.

Maintaining our Compensation Comparator Group

The Compensation Committee reviews the Compensation Comparator Group (“Comparator Group”) annually to ensure it remains fit for the purposes of establishing annual executive compensation. Given the significant impact the Sargent acquisition had on the Company, updating the peer group for 2016 was necessary due to the increased size of the Company and its higher weighting within the aerospace sector. In assessing the composition of the Comparator Group, we use a number of selection criteria, including industry focus, company scope measured through revenue, market capitalization, headcount and financial growth. The Compensation Committee, along with confirmation by our stockholders, believes that this customized approach is preferable to an algorithmic GICS code approach to selecting a peer group, which lacks the precision and ability to take into account unique circumstances that we believe are crucial to devising a fairly representative peer group, particularly for companies like us that happen to be smaller than many of our competitors in the marketplace.

The Compensation Committee believes that offering competitive compensation packages to our leadership team is critical to retaining, for both the Company and our stockholders, the talent that has driven the outstanding results we have achieved during the past several years. To be legitimately competitive, our compensation program must be benchmarked against the full array of our competitors, not solely against our similarly sized competitors. As part of our comprehensive compensation review during fiscal year 2017, our Comparator Group remain unchanged from that in 2016. Details can be found on page 30. Our executives’ compensation is targeted at the 50th percentile against this market Comparator Group.

Pay for Performance Philosophy

The Company enthusiastically embraces the pay for performance philosophy, and it was this philosophy that guided the Compensation Committee’s deliberations regarding whether to modify our compensation program for fiscal year 2018. As described in greater detail in the following section, the Company achieved outstanding performance across numerous metrics during fiscal year 2018. We believe this outstanding performance underscores the effectiveness of our compensation policies,program. The program we have designed is incentivizing our executive team to drive the results that create value for our stockholders and addressing areas where we concluded it was appropriatemotivating our executive team to make changes for 2015.

Duringsustain that value creation in future fiscal 2014years by rewarding the value created in fiscal year 2018. We believe our compensation program exemplifies a number of changes were made to the Company’s compensation programs, including:

1. Starting for fiscal 2014, the Company changed its targeted positioning of annual performance bonus and long-term incentive awards from the 60 th percentile of the Company’s selected peer group to the median of the Company’s selected peer group. Thus all elements of executive officer compensation, starting for fiscal 2014, are targeted to the 50 th percentile of the Company’s selected peer group.

2. The Company’s selected peer group is comprised to make sure that the Company is not being compared to other companies on an arbitrary basis or limitations based on GICS industry classifications and takes into consideration a number of relevant factors such as companies in the highly engineered product/manufacturing industries, revenue ranges, market capitalization and eight digit GICS codes for Company selected peers.

3. The Company’s employment agreement with Dr. Hartnett was amended starting for fiscal 2014 so that any guaranteed minimum annual increase in his base salary was eliminated and his annual performance bonus formula, based on the Company’s performance in relation to an approved operating plan, was changed to eliminate any discretionary performance bonus.

4. Starting for fiscal 2014 all grants of stock options as well as restricted stock or units to the CEO are made pursuant to aproperly functioning pay for performance basedapproach to compensation. We have constructed a compensation program that incentivizes our executive team to outperform our peers, and they have delivered on that objective, thereby generating significant value for our stockholders. We believe that maintaining our compensation program is a key component to sustaining this value creation for our stockholders through future fiscal years.

Performance Highlights and Pay Outcomes in 2018

Operating Results:

The Company’s operating results for fiscal 2018 demonstrated solid execution and continued strong operating performance. Net sales increased 9.7% from the previous year with no discretionarycorresponding significant increases to operating income, net income, diluted earnings per share and EBITDA.

Stock Performance:

As reported in the Company’s fiscal 2018 Form 10-K annual report, the following graph shows the total return to our stockholders compared to the Russell 2000 Small Cap Index and the Nasdaq Composite Index over the period from March 30, 2013 to March 31, 2018. Each line on the graph assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock on March 30, 2013 or in the respective indices at the closing price on March 30, 2013. The graph then presents the value of these investments, assuming reinvestment of dividends, through the close of trading on March 31, 2018.


*The cumulative total return shown on the stock performance graph indicates historical results only and is not necessarily indicative of future results.

These performance achievements resulted in:

Annual cash incentive awards ranging from 90% to 150% of target;
Discretionary performance-based annual bonuses for the named executive officers other than the CEO ranging from 15% to 40% of salary;
A performance-contingent restricted stock award to the CEO worth 105% of target; and
A performance-contingent stock option award to the CEO worth 105% of target.

More detail is provided in the following sections on the performance and decisions related to these awards.

 

5. The Board of Directors approved stock ownership guidelines for Non-Employee Independent DirectorsCompensation Governance and for the Company’s Executive Officers.

6. The 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan was modified to prohibit share recycling, to limit the number of shares that may be used for restricted stock or restricted unit grants under the Plan to fifty percent (50%) of the total authorized number of Shares pursuant to the Plan and to limit the expiration date of any stock option granted under the Plan to no more than seven years from the date it is granted.Policies

 

7. The Board of Directors approved an Executive Compensation Clawback Policy applicable to all Executive Officers.Objectives and Philosophy

 

The Company’s compensation program isprograms are designed to reward executives based on favorable performance and results. Compensation policies and plans (including benefits) are designed to attract and retain top quality and experienced executives by providing the opportunity to earn competitive cash compensation based on corporate, business unit and individual performance, plus the opportunity to accumulate stock-based wealth commensurate with the long-term growth and value created for the Company’s stockholders.

 

The Company seeks to attract executive talent by offering competitive base salaries and annual and long-term performance incentive opportunities.  The Company provides incentives that promote both the short and long-term financial and strategic objectives of the Company. Achievement of short-term objectives is rewarded through base salary and annual performance incentives, while long-term incentive grants (primarily stock options and restricted stock) encourage executives to focus on and align themselves with the Company’s long-term goals as well. These incentives are based on an approved operating plan based on EBITDA which, includedby its nature, captures financial objectives of importance to the Company, including revenue and earnings growth, cash flow generation and creation of stockholder value. The Company’s compensation program also accounts for individual performance, which enables the Company to differentiate among executives and emphasize the link between personal performance and compensation. In addition for fiscal 2018 forward, an additional ROIC metric has been added for a portion of the CEO’s and COO/CFO’s equity compensation program.


Compensation Process

ConstituentRoles and Responsibilities

Compensation Committee

(Comprised of the following three independent Directors for fiscal 2018: Richard R. Crowell (Chairperson), Alan B. Levine and Dr. Amir Faghri)

●   Details of the Compensation Committee’s duties are summarized in the Corporate Governance section of this proxy statement, and are set out in full in the Compensation Committee Charter, which can be viewed on the Company website athttp://investor.rbcbearings.com.

●   Oversees the manner in which the Board discharges its responsibilities relating to the Company’s compensation policies and plans.

●   Reviews and determines, as appropriate, the compensation of the Company’s executive officers.

●   In consultation with the Board, the CEO, and senior management, develops and approves the Company’s executive compensation philosophy.

●   Reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives related to the CEO’s compensation and evaluates the CEO’s performance.

●   Determines the CEO’s compensation and reviews and approves the CEO’s recommendations regarding the compensation of the other executive officers.

●   Sole authority to retain and terminate executive compensation consultants engaged to provide advice to the Compensation Committee in connection with its responsibilities and to retain other professional advisors when necessary or appropriate.

Advisors to the Compensation Committee

●   Assist the Compensation Committee and senior management in their periodic review of the effectiveness and competitiveness of the Company’s executive compensation structure.

●   Generally report directly to the Board, although occasionally are engaged by senior management, subject to Compensation Committee approval and oversight.

●   During fiscal year 2016, the Compensation Committee retained Radford (an Aon Hewitt entity) as an independent advisor.

●   During fiscal year 2017, the Compensation Committee retained Willis, Towers Watson as an independent advisor.

Company Management

●   The CEO, who is in the best position to initially assess performance, makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding compensation decisions applicable to the other executive officers.

●   Company management provides input and feedback to the Compensation Committee regarding the Compensation Committee’s compensation process.

●   Company management may be invited to attend Compensation Committee or Board meetings from time to time, or to contribute materials for such meetings. No member of Company management is present when the Compensation Committee or Board discusses his or her compensation.


Governance Policies

 

TheInterlocks and Insider Participation

No member of the Compensation Committee has responsibility for determining the compensationever been an officer or employee of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”)Company, or had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure as a related-party transaction in the section “Certain Relationships and for the review and approvalRelated Transactions” of this proxy statement. No executive officer of the CEO’s recommendations regardingCompany has served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has or has had one or more executive officers. The Compensation Committee also hasofficers who served as a member of the sole authority to retain and terminate any executive compensation consultants engaged to provide advice toBoard or the Compensation Committee in discharging its responsibilities and to retain other professional advisors, when necessary or appropriate. All goals and objectives and related compensation decisions regarding executive officers other than the CEO are determined in discussion with, and are based upon the recommendation of, the CEO, who is in the best position to initially assess performance. The Compensation Committee does not delegate any of this authority discussed above to any other person or persons.during fiscal 2018.

 

TheExecutive Compensation Committee evaluates the CEO’s performance, and makes all determinations regarding compensation of the CEO, including the review and approval of corporate goals and objectives related to the CEO’s compensation and evaluating the performance of the CEO in light of agreed upon goals and objectives and in accordance with the CEO’s April 1, 2010 Employment Agreement and April 4, 2013 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement.

The Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Board, the CEO and senior management, also has the authority to develop and approve the Company’s executive compensation philosophy, including the balance between or mix of base salaries, cash and equity-based incentive compensation and other compensation components for the CEO and other executive officers. The Compensation Committee also makes recommendations to the full Board with respect to the compensation of directors for service on the Board.

Compensation Objectives and Philosophy

The Company’s compensation program is designed to reward executives based on favorable performance and results.  Compensation policies and plans (including benefits) are designed to attract and retain top quality and experienced executives by providing the opportunity to earn competitive cash compensation based on corporate, business unit and individual performance, plus the opportunity to accumulate stock-based wealth commensurate with the long-term growth and value created for the Company’s stockholders.Clawback Policy

 

The Company seeksmaintains an Executive Compensation Clawback Policy to attract executive talent by offering competitive base salariesdeter fraud and annualintentional illegal conduct that materially contributes to a restatement of our financial statements. The policy provides that if it is found that an Executive Officer engaged in fraud or intentional illegal conduct that materially contributed to the need to restate our financial statements, and long-term performance incentive opportunities.  The Company provides incentives that promote both the short and long-termamount of any performance-based compensation actually paid or awarded to such Executive Officer would have been less had it been calculated based on such restated financial and strategic objectivesstatements then, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Policy, the Compensation Committee can seek to recover the after-tax portion of the Company. Achievementdifference between the amount actually paid and the amount that should have been paid.

The full Executive Compensation Clawback Policy can be found as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2013. This policy will be revised as required under the Dodd-Frank Act once the regulations implementing the clawback policy requirements of short-term objectives is rewarded throughthat law have been finalized.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

We operate stock ownership requirements for each of our Executive Officers and Non-Employee Independent Directors. These stock ownership requirements are designed to encourage stock ownership by our Executive Officers and Non-Employee Independent Directors and to further align their interests with our stockholders. Each Executive Officer and Non-Employee Independent Director must achieve and maintain ownership of ordinary stock or ordinary stock equivalents at or above a prescribed level. The requirements are as follows:

PositionPercent of Base Salary
Chief Executive Officer 6x multiple of base salary
All other Executive Officers3x multiple of base salary
Non-Employee Independent Directors3x multiple of annual retainer fee

Our stock-ownership program requires the accumulation of ordinary stock (or ordinary stock equivalents) over a five-year period following the date the person becomes subject to stock-ownership requirements. Executive Officers who experience a change of title or in base salary, and annual performance incentives, while long-term incentive grants (primarilywho have their stock optionsownership requirement increased as a result, have three years to achieve the new level from the date of such event. Ownership credit is given for actual ordinary stock and restricted stock) encourage executives to focusstock owned, whether or not vested. Stock options do not count toward meeting the stock-ownership target unless the stock option is exercised and the stock received through the exercise is held as ordinary stock. The Compensation Committee reviews compliance with these guidelines on and align themselves withan annual basis.

The full text of the Company’s long-term goalsStock Ownership Guidelines is filed as well. These incentives are basedExhibit 10.1 to Current Report on financial objectives of importance to the Company, including revenue and earnings growth and creation of stockholder value. The Company’s compensation program also accounts for individual performance, which enables the Company to differentiate among executives and emphasize the link between personal performance and compensation.Form 8-K dated June 17, 2013.

Maintaining a Compensation Peer Group

The Compensation Committee compares the Company’s senior management compensation levels with those of a peer group of companies in industries related to the Company and similar-sizesimilar-sized companies in the industrial machinery, aerospace & defense, electronic equipment & instruments, electrical equipment, and semiconductor bearings industry.industries. During 2016 the Compensation Committee undertook a review of our compensation peer group with the support of Radford, the Compensation Committee’s independent advisor. Given the significant impact the Sargent acquisition had on the Company, updating the peer group was necessary due to our increased size and higher weighting with the aerospace sector. A number of criteria were identified to inform the selection of appropriate peers, including industry focus, company scope measured through revenue, market capitalization, headcount and financial growth. As a result of the analysis, for 2016, six companies were removed from the previous peer group and seven companies were added. For 2018, the peer group remains unchanged from 2017.

 

The companies in such peer group of companies are:


 

Actuant CorporationHeico Corp.Fiscal 2018 Peer Group
AeroVironment Inc.Hexcel Corp.
Altra Holdings, Inc.Barnes GroupAAR
CraneAstronics
FARO TechnologiesCIRCOR International
FLIR SystemsCognex
Franklin ElectricCurtiss-Wright
GracoEsterline Technologies
HEICOTeledyne Technologies
HexcelMoog 
Kulicke &and Soffa Industries Inc.
Barnes Group Inc.Littelfuse, Inc.
Crane Co.Measurement Specialities Inc.
FARO Technologies, Inc.Moog Inc.
FLIR Systems, Inc.MTS Systems Corporation
Franklin Electric Co. Inc.Robbins & Myers, Inc.
Graco Inc. 

 

In addition, the Compensation Committee and senior management periodically review the effectiveness and competitiveness of the Company’s executive compensation structure with the assistance of independent consultants. Such consultants generally report directly to the Compensation Committee; however, senior management has engaged, and may in the future engage, compensation consultants, subject to Compensation Committee approval and oversight.

The key elements of executive compensation are base salary, annual performance incentive awards and long-term incentive awards. The Compensation Committee targets the base salary element to deliver compensation to each executive and all executives as a group within the mid-level rangeelements of compensation for persons having similar responsibilities at companies in the comparison group.  The Compensation Committee targets the annual performance incentive awards and long-term incentive awards elements to deliver compensation to each executive and all executives as a group that exceeds industry average ranges of compensation for persons having similar responsibilities at companies in the comparison peer group of companies based on an assessment of performance by the CEO.  Prior to fiscal 2014, based on the last competitive compensation assessment conducted by compensation consultants for the Company, such incentive awards were targeted at the 60th percentile of industry average ranges in the aggregate as a group. For fiscal 2014 and subsequent years such incentive awards were and will be targeted at the 50th percentile of industry average ranges in the aggregate comparisonour peer group of companies.group.

 

Compensation Program Components

 

The Compensation Committee regularly reviews and updates the Company’s compensation program for the CEO and other executive officers to ensure that compensation levels and benefits are competitive and reasonable, as measured against our peer group and using the guidelines described above.

 

Commencing in fiscal 2014, except forThe named Executive Officer’s core compensation elements are base salary, an annual cash incentive and a long-term equity incentive award in the compensationform of the CEO is based on elements whichRestricted Stock and Stock Options. Details and outcomes for fiscal 2018 are subject to pay for performance requirements.

The particular elements of the compensation program for the CEO and other executive officers are set forth in more detaildescribed below.

 

Base Salaries

 

TheBase salaries are reviewed annually. In 2018, the Compensation Committee reviewed the base salary of the CEO is determined in accordance with the CEO’s April 1, 2010 Employment Agreement and April 4, 2013his 2017 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement. For fiscal 2014The Compensation Committee also reviewed the CEO’s salary recommendation for the other named executive officers.

In reviewing and subsequent years,approving changes in base salary, the Compensation Committee will annuallytakes account of a number of factors including:

Performance in role
Competitive positioning against market
Value to the Company and future potential
Scope of responsibility
Prior experience

As a result of the review, and approve any increase in the CEO’s base salary takingfollowing changes, based on fiscal years, were approved:

Name and Position  2017 Base Salary 2018 Base Salary  Change 
Dr. Michael J. Hartnett  $968,776  $775,020   -20%
Daniel A. Bergeron  $400,000  $500,000   25%
Patrick Bannon $N/A  $239,615   N/A%
Richard J. Edwards  $306,000  $316,000   3.3%
Thomas J. Williams  $260,948  $266,063   1.8%

In approving these changes, the Compensation Committee took into account the performance of and achieved by the CEOindividuals and such salary’stheir salaries’ competitive relationship to industry and market level considerations within the ranges the Compensation Committee considers reasonable and necessary for the CEO position. Based on such review, Dr. Hartnett’s base salary was increased to $76,887 per month effective December 1, 2014 representing an annualized increase of 5 percent.

The Compensation Committee annually reviews and approves the CEO’s recommendations with respect to base salaries of other executive officers. In the case of the other executive officers, the CEO and Compensation Committee take into account the results achieved by the individual executive officer, his or her future potential, scope of responsibilities and experience and competitive salary practices.  Base salary levels for the other executive officers are primarily determined by the CEO and approved by the Compensation Committee at levels the CEO and Compensation Committee deem appropriate to attract and retain the level of competence necessary for the position. Annually, thereafter, base salaries for the other executive officers are determined by an assessment of the individual executive officer’s sustained performance, the impact of such performance on the results of the Company, and such salary’s competitive relationship to industry and market level considerations within the ranges the Compensation Committee considers reasonable and necessary for that executive officer position.relative positions.

 

Annual Incentive Compensation Plan

 

Under the Company’s annual incentive compensation plan (“Annual Incentive Plan”), the Company pays performance-based annual cash incentive awards. The Annual Incentive Plan primarily assesses performance relative to stretching EBITDA goals on a formulaic and/or discretionary basis. As explained above (see page 25), EBITDA is the primary measure under the Annual Incentive Plan for a number of reasons:

It is a multi-faceted measure that assesses management of cash flow, operational efficiencies and top line growth.


It aligns the interests of our executive officers and our stockholders, as it is a measure used by securities analysts and investors to evaluate the Company’s performance in absolute and relative terms.
It directly reflects how the Company is run, with EBITDA being the primary measure used for business planning purposes.
It seeks to minimize the risks associated with other measures, which are open to manipulation, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.
The Compensation Committee believes that strong EBITDA performance is an indicator of long-term sustainable performance.

The core EBITDA goal under the Annual Incentive Plan for fiscal 2018 was set at $168,145,000 in accordance with the operating plan. This stretching goal represented an increase of 4.5% on actual $160,840,000 EBITDA achieved in fiscal 2017. Actual EBITDA for fiscal 2018 was $177,886,000 which equated to 105.9% of the stretching goal in the operating plan.

Fiscal 2018 Summary

The following Annual Incentive Plan payments were approved by the Compensation Committee in respect of performance during fiscal 2018:

Name Annual Incentive  

Additional Discretionary

Bonus

  Total Bonus 
Dr. Michael J. Hartnett $1,162,530      $1,162,530 
Daniel A. Bergeron $450,000      $450,000 
Patrick S. Bannon $90,000  $110,000  $200,000 
Richard J. Edwards $250,000      $250,000 
Thomas J. Williams $106,800      $106,800 

Awards under the Annual Incentive Plan are subject to the Executive Compensation Clawback Policy (see page 29 above for a description of the Executive Compensation Clawback Policy). The discretionary bonus to Mr. Bannon was based on his achievement of selected objectives and overall Company performance.

For our named Executive Officers other than Dr. Hartnett and Mr. Bergeron, a broader range of performance measures, beyond EBITDA, are taken into account when determining their payments under the Annual Incentive Plan, to reflect the areas for which they are directly accountable. During the year, the named executive officers were eligible for annual cash incentive awards under the details of which for years priorAnnual Incentive Plan as follows, with percentages expressed relative to fiscal 2014 are disclosedyear-end base salary:

Name 

Target Bonus

(% of Base Salary)

 

Maximum Bonus

(% of Base Salary)

 

Performance 

Measures 

 

 

Performance
Assessment

Dr. Michael J. Hartnett  150%  250% EBITDA Formulaic 
            
Daniel A. Bergeron  90%  150% EBITDA Formulaic 
            
Patrick S. Bannon  60%  90% Divisional sales plus depreciation minus total factory costs; Divisional revenue growth relative to U.S. Gross Domestic Product; non-financial and qualitative performance goals   
          
Richard J. Edwards  60%   90%   
            
Thomas J. Williams  40%  N/A Overall Company and Individual performance   
             

In addition, the Compensation Committee may pay additional discretionary bonuses to the named Executive Officers other than the CEO in the SUMMARY COMPENSATION table below, focused on matching rewards with results.case of exceptional performance1.

1Exceptional performance is determined based on a subjective evaluation of performance by the CEO relative to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, “Cash Flow”, “Cumulative Earnings Per Share Growth”, “Customer Service Levels” and “Debt (Net Debt) to Capital”.


An explanation of the performance assessment and annual incentive payments awarded during the year are set out below.

 Dr. Michael J. Hartnett

 

In the case of the CEO, and in accordance with the CEO’s April 1, 20102, 2017 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, for years prior to fiscal 2014, the CEO wasis entitled to an annual performance bonusincentive equal to an amount determined as a percentage of the CEO’s base salary, based on the following criteria:

 

Percentage of Actual EBITDA to Plan Amount of Bonus 
Less than 90%80% to 89.9% Discretion75% of Board of DirectorsBase Salary 
90% to 99.9% 100% of Base Salary 
100% to 109.9% 150% of Base Salary
110% or higher200% of Base Salary

For fiscal 2014 and subsequent years, in accordance with the CEO’s April 4, 2013 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, the CEO is entitled to an annual performance bonus equal to an amount determined as a percentage of CEO’s base salary, based on the following criteria:

Percentage of Actual EBITDA to PlanAmount of Bonus
80% to 89.9%75% of Base Salary
90% to 99.9%100% of Base Salary
100% to 109.9%150% of Base Salary 
110% to 119.9% 200% of Base Salary 
120% or higher 250% of Base Salary 

 

As previously indicated, the CEO’sActual EBITDA relative to Plan for fiscal year 2018 was 105.9%. This resulted in an annual performance bonus formula based on the Company’s performance in relation to an approved operating plan was changed to eliminate any discretionary performance bonus. incentive payment for Dr. Hartnett of 150% of his base salary, or $1,162,530.

Daniel A. Bergeron

The Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer is eligible for an annual performance bonus targetedincentive based on the following criteria:

Percentage of Actual EBITDA to PlanAmount of Bonus
80% to 89.9%45% of Base Salary
90% to 99.9%60% of Base Salary
100% to 109.9%90% of Base Salary
110% to 119.9%120% of Base Salary
120% or higher150% of Base Salary

Actual EBITDA relative to equal fifty percentPlan for fiscal year 2018 was 105.9%. This resulted in an annual incentive payment for Mr. Bergeron of his base salary. The bonus is determined at the discretion90% of the CEO if the percentage of the Company’s actual EBITDA to plan is less than ninety percent and can reach up to one hundred twenty five percent of the targeted annual performance bonus if the percentage of the Company’s actual EBITDA to plan is one hundred five percentsalary, or higher.$450,000.

 

In the case of executive officersPatrick S. Bannon and Richard J. Edwards

Named Executive Officers in charge of operating segments each isare eligible for a cashan annual performance incentive bonus targeted to equal sixty percent of base salary. The targeted percentage is made up of three elements: (1) thirty percent of base salary upon achieving one hundred percent of the established annual revenue and profit plan, with a minimum threshold of more than eighty percent of plan, and an opportunity to earn up to sixty percent60% of base salary if the achievement is equal to one hundred and twenty percent of plan; (2) up to fifteen percent oftheir base salary, based on yearperformance in three areas.

1.Divisional sales plus depreciation minus total factory costs for the fiscal year. This component is targeted at 50% of the total annual performance incentive (or 30% of their base salary), subject to adjustment based on level of achievement as noted below

Percentage of Achievement of Target Goal Amount of Bonus as Percentage of Target 
0% to 80% No bonus 
100% 100% 
120% or higher 200% 

2.

Divisional revenue growth relative to U.S. Gross Domestic Product. This component is equal to 25% of the total target annual performance incentive (or 15% of their base salary). This component is earned upon achievement of divisional revenue growth that exceeds two times U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

3.

Non-financial and qualitative performance goals. This component is equal to 25% of the total target annual performance incentive (or 15% of their base salary) and is the only discretionary component of the annual performance incentive.

The CEO reviews non-financial performance in areas critical to year revenue growth achievement in excess of that percentage equal to two times U.S. Gross Domestic Product; and (3) up to fifteen percent of base salary, at the discretionlong-term success of the CEO, upon achievement of acceptable customer service levels, development of human resources and the Company’s overall performance. The actual bonuses determined by the CEO are not limited to the targeted percent.

Other executive officers are entitled to an annual performance bonus targeted to equal a percent of their base salary determined at the discretion of the CEO based on the Company’s overall performance and the individual’s performance relative to established goals and objectives. The actual bonuses determined by the CEO are not limited to the targeted percent.

In addition to the annual incentive compensation plan payments based on the metrics set forth above, the Compensation Committee may pay additional discretionary bonuses to the named executive officers other than the CEO in the case of exceptional performance based on a subjective evaluation of performance by the CEO relative to a number of factors, including “Cash Flow”, “Cumulative Earnings Per Share Growth”, “Customer Service Levels”, “Debt (Net Debt) to Capital”, Development of Human Resources”, “EBIT”, “EBIT Margins”, “EBITDA”, “EBITDA Margins”, “Earnings Per Employee”, “Earnings Per Share”, “Free or Excess Cash Flow”, “Free or Excess Cash Flow Per Share”, “Interest Coverage Ratio” , “Leverage Ratio”, “Net Income”, “Net Profit Margin”, “Operating Cash Flow”, “Operating Income”, “Operating Margins”, “Pre-Tax Profit”, “Pre-Tax Profit Margin”, “Profit Margin”, “Return on Capital” , “Return on Net Assets”, “Return on Total Assets”, “Return on Equity”, “Sales”, “Sales Growth”, “Sales Per Employee,” “Total Return to Stockholders”, “U.S. Gross Domestic Product”,  “Working Capital” and “Working Capital as a Percent of Net Sales”. The Company, CEO and Compensation Committee believe that EBITDA is the most appropriate measure of operating performance because it allows management, investors and others to evaluate and compare the Company’s core operating results, including its return on capital and operating efficiencies, from period to period by removing the impact of the Company’s capital structure (interest expense from our outstanding debt), asset base (depreciation and amortization), tax consequences, changes in accounting reserves (non-cash charges/benefits to our consolidated statements of operations), other non-operating items and share-based compensation. The Company, CEO and Compensation Committee believe that EBITDA is the most appropriate measure to guide the Company through managing cash flow, operating cost and efficiency during periods of economic downturn and inhibits the manipulation of operating performance through excessive leverage or capital expenditures the impact of which are more problematic during periods of economic downturn. Furthermore, we use EBITDA for business planning purposes and to evaluate and price potential acquisitions. In addition to its use by management, we also believe EBITDA is a measure widely used by securities analysts, investors and others to evaluate the financial performance of our Company and other companies in our industry. For fiscal 2015, the EBITDA per plan approved by the Board of Directors was equal to $121,899,000 representing an increase of 9.3 percent as compared to fiscal 2014 actual EBITDA of $111,513,000.

After the results of a Company’s fiscal year are complete the actual EBITDA is calculated. In addition, the actual revenue and profit results with respect to Mr. Edward’s and Mr. Crainer’s operating segments are calculated.

Based on the actual EBITDA result, the CEO’s annual performance bonus is calculated based on the formula in his Employment Agreement as set forth above. Based on the actual EBITDA result, the CFO’s annual performance bonus is calculated based on the formula as set forth above. Based on the actual revenue and profit results with respect to Mr. Edward’s and Mr. Crainer’s operating segments, their respective performance bonuses are calculated based on the formulas set forth above and the discretion of the CEO based on an evaluation of their performance. The annual performance bonuses for all other executive officers are then determined by and at the discretion of the CEO based on the Company’s overall performance and his assessment of the individual’s performance.

The Compensation Committee will then determine whether any additional discretionary bonuses should be paid to any of the named executive officers other than the CEO based on exceptional performance after a subjective evaluation of performance relative to the factors set forth above. In the event an additional discretionary bonus is paid to any executive officer, an enumeration of the factors relied on by the Compensation Committee is disclosed herein.business.

 

For fiscal 2015, the Company’s EBITDA per plan was equal to $121,899,000 and the actual Company EBITDA was equal to $119,871,000. Thus, the actual EBITDA to plan was equal to 98.3 percent. The CEO was therefore entitled to an annual performance bonus equal to $922,643 calculated at 100 percent of his base salary of $922,643. The CFO was entitled to an annual performance bonus equal to $135,000 calculated at 75 percent of the targeted amount which is 50 percent of his base salary of $360,000.

For fiscal 2015, the Compensation Committee, upon recommendation of the CEO, further subjectively evaluated the individual performance of the CFO. Based primarily on his achievement regarding acquisition activities and the fact that actual EBITDA to plan was equal to 98.3 percent, the Compensation Committee determined that the CFO should be paid an additional discretionary bonus in the amount of $215,000.

For fiscal 2015, based primarily on his achievement regarding the development of human resources and the fact that actual EBITDA to plan was equal to 98.3 percent,2018, Mr. Crainer was awarded a discretionary bonus in the amount of $24,640. For fiscal 2015, Mr. CrainerBannon achieved 85.7 percent83.9% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 30 percent20% of the targeted amount under that element which is 30 percent30% of his base salary of $314,000;$250,000; this calculates to $28,260.$15,000. Mr. Crainer did not achieveBannon exceeded his goal under element (2) of his operating plan and therefore did not receivereceived a payment equal to 100% of his targeted amount under that element.element which is 15% of his base salary of $250,000; this calculates to $37,500. Last, Mr. CrainerBannon received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan equal to 100 percent100% of the targeted amount under that element which is 15 percent15% of his base salary of $314,000;$250,000; this calculates to $47,100.$37,500.


For fiscal 2015, Mr. Edwards was awarded an annual performance bonus in the amount of $125,000. For fiscal 2015,2018, Mr. Edwards achieved 95.7 percent137.1% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 80 percent200% of the targeted amount under that element which is 30 percent30% of his base salary of $306,000;$318,000; this calculates to $73,440.$190,800. Mr. Edwards achieved 100 percent ofexceeded his goal under element (2) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 100 percent100% of his targeted amount under that element which is 15 percent15% of his base salary of $306,000;$318,000; this calculates to $45,900.$47,700. Last, Mr. Edwards received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan equal torepresenting approximately 12 percent24% of the targeted amount under that element which is 1515% of his base salary of $318,000; this calculates to $11,500.

In aggregate, this resulted in the following annual incentive payments:

Patrick Bannon: 36.0% of salary, or $90,000
Richard J. Edwards: 78.6% of salary, or $250,000

In addition, the Vice President and General Managers were paid discretionary bonuses as described above.

Thomas J. Williams

The Corporate General Counsel & Secretary is eligible for an annual targeted performance incentive equal to a percent of his base salary, of $306,000; this calculates to $5,660.

For fiscal 2015, Mr. Williams was awarded an annual performance bonus indetermined at the amount of $75,000. This amount represents approximately 30 percent of his base salary of $256,250. The annual performance bonus was based on the assessment and recommendationdiscretion of the CEO based on the Company’s overall performance and his assessment of Mr. Williams’ performance.individual performance relative to established goals and objectives. The actual annual performance incentive payable to Mr. Williams, as determined by the CEO, is not limited to the targeted percent.

Mr. Williams received an annual incentive payment of 40% of salary, or $106,800.

Long-Term Equity Incentive Program

 

The base salaries referenced above areCompany makes awards under the base salaries in effect when the annual performance bonuses were determined. These base salaries differ from the base salaries reflected in the Summary Compensation Table due to base salaries straddling fiscal years.

Long-Term Equity Incentive Program

The Company’s 20052013 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 2013the 2017 Long-Term Incentive PlanPlan. These plans provide for grants of stock options, restricted stock and other types of equity awards for executive officers and other key managers.

In fiscal 2018 as was the case in fiscal 2017, awards were made to the CEO and named Executive Officers in the form of stock options and restricted stock. The objectivespurpose of the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan arethese awards is to align management and stockholder interests over the long-term, interests by creating a strong and direct long-term relationship between executive compensation, value creation and stockholder returns. The Compensation Committee strongly believes that by providing those individuals who have substantial responsibility forFurthermore, any awards under the management and growth ofLong-Term Incentive Plans provide the Companyrecipients with an opportunity to increase their ownership of Company common stock, the best interests of stockholders, executive officers and key managers are more closely aligned. If equity incentives are to be awarded to executive officers, the grant is based upon the perceived incentive that grant will provide and the benefits that the grant may have on long-term stockholder value. The determination of the number of shares granted is based upon the level and contribution of the employee. For fiscal 2014 and future years the grants to the CEO will be based on a performance based program as set forth below. Our directors, executive officers and certain other employees are eligible for grants under the plans. The purpose of the plans is to provide these individuals with incentives to maximize stockholder value and otherwise contribute to our success, and to enablewhile simultaneously enabling us to attract, retain and reward the best available persons for positions of responsibility.people to lead our Company.

 

The Compensation Committee generally provides that equity incentives vest over a periodWhen determining whether to make awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plans to our named executive officers, and when determining the size of three to five years which increases the long-term aspect of these awards. As a result of the extended vesting schedule, the dollar value of these stock-based incentives can appreciate to substantial amounts since there is a longer time period for the Company stock price to appreciate. Further,any such awards, the Compensation Committee believesconsiders a number of factors:

For the CEO and COO/CFO, the Company’s Actual EBITDA performance over the preceding fiscal year (see below)
For the other named Executive Officers, assessments by the CEO and the Compensation Committee of the achievement of applicable performance metrics
The perceived incentive that any grant would provide to generate long-term stockholder value
The contribution of the individual

Starting with fiscal 2018 the extended vesting of equity incentives also promotes retention and spreads compensation expense over a longer term. This expense is amortized overcriteria for determining the vesting period ofaward size for the equity incentive subjectCEO was changed to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 123(R) (now Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718). Becausefollowing, with the Company’s tax deduction isintent to implement a 20% reduction based on the fair market value at the time restrictions lapse, the after-tax costachievement of this program can be very favorable to the Company based on future appreciation100% of Company common stock.target:

 

Percentage of Actual EBITDA to Plan Amount of Restricted Shares Awarded  Amount of Stock
Options Awarded
 
       
Less than 75%  None    
75% to 84.9%  10,680    
85% to 94.9%  16,020   26,000 
95% to 104.9% (target)  21,360   52,000 
105% to 114.9%  32,040   52,000 
Over 114.9%  42,720   61,360 

Stock Options


The long-term incentive awards have the following design features:

 

Executives (including the executive officers) receive nonqualified stock options that:

have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of common stock on the date of grant;

typically vest over a three to five-year period in equal amounts each year; and

expire seven years after the date of grant.

Under accounting rules, the value of the stock options at the time of grant is expensed over the vesting period in the year the options are earned. When executives exercise stock options, they are taxed at ordinary income tax rates (subject to withholding) and the Company receives a corresponding tax deduction.

Restricted Shares

Executives (including certain executive officers) receive restricted shares that typically vest over a three to five year period in equal amounts each year.

Under accounting rules, the grant date fair value is expensed over the service/vesting period based on the shares that are earned. The executives are generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates (subject to withholding) when the shares
Restricted StockStock Options

●   Typically vest over a three to five-year period, in equal amounts each year

●   Subject to Executive Compensation Clawback Policy

●   Taxed at ordinary income tax rates (subject to withholding) when the stock vests, and the Company receives a corresponding tax deduction.

●   Exercise price equal to fair market value at grant

●   Typically vest over a three to five-year period, in equal amounts each year

●   Expire seven years after the date of grant

●   Subject to Executive Compensation Clawback Policy

●   Taxed at ordinary income tax rates (subject to withholding) on exercise, when the Company receives a corresponding tax deduction

In addition, based on feedback from our outreach program with stockholders, an ROIC Based Equity Compensation Award Plan (“ROICAP”) for the Performance Period Fiscal Year 2018 was put in place for the CEO with the following target number of awards:

Target Number of Restricted Stock Units = 10,000

Target Number of Stock Options = 12,000

Starting with fiscal 2018 the criteria for determining the award size for the COO/CFO was changed from discretionary to the following performance based matrix: 

Percentage of Actual EBITDA to Plan Amount of Restricted Shares Awarded  Amount of Stock
Options Awarded
 
       
Less than 75%  None    
75% to 84.9%  5,000    
85% to 94.9%  7,500   7,500 
95% to 104.9% (target)  10,000   15,000 
105% to 114.9%  15,000   15,000 
Over 114.9%  20,000   17,700 

In addition, the ROICAP for the Performance Period Fiscal Year 2018 was put in place for the COO/CFO with the following target number of awards:

Target Number of Restricted Stock Units = 5,000

Target Number of Stock Options = 10,000

The ROICAP Program is targeted to comprise approximately 1/3 of the CEO’s and/or the COO/CFO’s total equity incentive compensation in a year where ROIC targets are achieved. The types of grants authorized under this new ROICAP Program are as follows:

Restricted Shares - where 1/3 of such restricted stock award if earned and granted shall vest on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date.

Stock Options - where 1/5 of such options granted shall vest and become exercisable on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the grant date. The exercise price for all such options shall be the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Such options shall expire on the 7th anniversary of the date of grant.

As mentioned, the first Performance Period is fiscal 2018. The Performance Measures are established at the beginning of the Performance period and calculated in accordance with the methodology in the approved annual External Plans.

Performance Measures - The number of Restricted Shares or Stock Options earned are determined by reference to Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”). ROIC targets are to be approved annually by the Compensation Committee. ROIC is defined as Adjusted Operating Income (“AOI”) tax effected divided by Equity plus Debt less Cash (“Total Capitalization”). AOI is defined as Operating Income (adjusted to eliminate the effects of asset impairments, restructurings, acquisitions, divestitures, other unusual or non-recurring items, plant closing costs, and the cumulative effect of tax or accounting changes, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as applicable).


For fiscal 2018, the ROIC Plan target was equal to 8.5%. For fiscal 2018, the actual ROIC achieved was 10.49%.

The Number of Performance Based Restricted Shares or Stock Options Earned for the Performance Period is determined as follows:

  ROIC as % of Plan  Award Multiple 
Threshold  -0.75%  50%
Target  0%  100%
Maximum  +0.75%   200%
In Between  Straight Line   Straight Line 
Weighting  1/3    

[Award Multiple * [TARGET NUMBER]] = number of shares / options actually granted.

Based on the Percentage of Actual EBITDA to Plan equaling 105.9%, Dr. Hartnett was awarded 32,040 shares of restricted stock and 52,000 stock options.

Based on the actual ROIC achieved of 10.49%, Dr. Hartnett was awarded 20,000 shares of restricted stock and 24,000 stock options.

Based on the Percentage of Actual EBITDA to Plan equaling 105.9%, Mr. Bergeron was awarded 15,000 shares of restricted stock and 15,000 stock options.

Based on the actual ROIC achieved of 10.49%, Mr. Bergeron was awarded 10,000 shares of restricted stock and 20,000 stock options.

Restricted Stock and Stock Options

 

As of the end of fiscal 2015,2018, there remained 32,893100,399 shares available for issuance as restricted sharesstock and stock options under the 20052013 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 1,195,150Plan. As of the end of fiscal 2018, there remained 1,500,000 shares available for issuance as restricted sharesstock and stock options under the 20132017 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

.

CEO Performance Actual EBITDA during the year was 105.9% of plan. Based Program for Fiscal 2014 and Subsequent Years

Pursuant toon these performance results, the 162(m) Plan, as defined below,following awards were approved by the Compensation Committee has approved a performance based program for the CEO applicable forin fiscal 2014 and subsequent fiscal years. To ensure compliance with Section 162(m) for fiscal 2014 the metric for stock option and restricted stock awards is based on the Percentage of Actual EBITDA to Plan. For future years consideration will be given to other factors set forth in the 162(m) Plan with respect to option and restricted stock awards. For fiscal 2014 and subsequent fiscal years the CEO shall be entitled to an annual performance based baseline restricted stock award of 16,900 shares. This award for FY 2014 and subsequent fiscal years would be granted in the event that the Percentage of Actual EBITDA to Plan equals or exceeds 80%.2018:

 

The CEO shall also be entitled to an annual performance based full-value restricted stock award with respect to each fiscal year of the Company during which the CEO remains an employee of the Company beginning with fiscal 2014.The award is determined based on the following criteria:

Percentage of Actual EBITDA to PlanAmount of Restricted Shares Awarded
Less than 50%None
50% to 74.9%11,150
75% to 89.9%16,725
90% to 99.9%22,300
100% to 109.9%33,450
110% to 119.9%44,600

In addition, the CEO shall also be entitled to an annual performance based stock option award with respect to each fiscal year of the Company during which the CEO remains an employee of the Company beginning with fiscal 2014 in an amount determined based on the following criteria:

Percentage of Actual EBITDA to PlanAmount of Stock Options Awarded
Less than 75% None
75% to 89.9%41,000
90% to 99.9%80,000
100% to 109.9%100,000

Name 

Restricted Stock

Fair Value

  

Stock Options

Fair Value 

  

Grant Date Fair Value

(% of Base Salary) 

 
Dr. Michael J. Hartnett $3,905,888  $1,988,000   760%
Daniel A. Bergeron $996,400  $745,500   348%
Patrick Bannon $949,200  $617,400   653%
Richard J. Edwards $199,280  $497,000   220%
Thomas J. Williams $99,640  $186,375   107%
             

For further information regarding Base Salary,base salary, performance-based annual cash incentive awards under the Annual Incentive Plan, and equity awards under the Long-Term Equity Incentive Program for the CEO and certain othernamed executive officers, see ”Summary Compensation” below.

 

Retirement PlansBenefits and Perquisites

 

The Company does not maintain any pension programsIn addition to the core elements of compensation explained in the previous section (i.e., base salary, performance-based annual cash incentive awards under the Annual Incentive Plan, and equity awards under the Long-Term Equity Incentive Program), named Executive Officers are eligible for the benefit of the CEO or other executive officers. The Company has a defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) for all of its employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. certain additional benefits, perquisites and plans, as described below.

Retirement Plans

The CEO and other executive officers are entitled to participate in thisthe Company’s 401(k) plan on the same terms and conditions as all other eligible employees subject to a 5% of eligible employee compensation participation limit for highly compensated employees. The plan is funded by eligible participants through employee contributions and by the Company through matching contributions equal to 30% of the first 6% of eligible employee compensation.  These employee matching contributions were suspended by the Company on January 1, 2009 and reinstated on April 4, 2010 by the Company through matching contributions equal to 10% of the first 3.5% of eligible employee compensation.


Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

 

To attract and retain highly qualified senior management executives, the Company has adoptedmaintains a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) effective September 1, 1996.. The SERP is a nonqualified supplemental pension plan for executives selected by the CEO that provides pension benefits in excess of those provided by the Company’s 401(k) plan discussed above. The SERP allows eligible employees to elect to defer, until termination of their employment, the receipt of up to twenty five percent of their current compensation. The Company makes contributions equal to fifty percent of the deferral amount, up to seven percent of the employees’ annual compensation, which vests in full after three years of service. The SERP was amended in August 2008, allowing eligible employees to defer up to 75% of their current salary and up to 100% of their bonus compensation. Also,The Company makes contributions equal to 25% of the vesting period was reduceddeferral amount, up to the first 7% of the employees’ annual compensation, which vest in full after one year of service.

 

The matching contributions were suspended by the Company on January 1, 2009 and reinstated on April 1, 2011 by the Company through matching contributions equal to 25% of the first 7% of eligible employee compensation.Perquisite Programs

 

Employment Agreements

On July 1, 2005,The Company’s Executive Officers are eligible to participate in the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Michael J. Hartnett, in connection with his appointment as PresidentCompany’s broad-based benefit programs, which are generally available to all employees, including health, disability and CEO of the Company.  A copy of the agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Amendment No. 4life insurance, and relocation programs. The perquisites provided to the Form S-1 Registration Statement dated August 8, 2005.  OnCEO are set out in Schedule A to the CEO’s April 22, 2010 the Company entered into a new Employment Agreement with Dr. Michael J. Hartnett, effective April 4, 2010, pursuant to which Dr. Hartnett continued to be employed as President, Chief Executive Officer2, 2017 Amended and Chairman of the Board. The new Employment Agreement replaced the July 1, 2005 Employment Agreement, has a two year initial term with automatic annual renewals thereafter, is substantially similar to his currentRestated Employment Agreement and provides for (i)include a leased vehicle, healthcare expense reimbursements and reimbursement of personal expenses of $50,000. The perquisites provided to the continuation of his current base salaryCOO/CFO are set out in Schedule A to the COO/CFO’s April 2, 2017 Amended and annual performance bonus formula based on the Company’s performance in relation to an approved operating plan;Restated Employment Agreement and (ii) an amended change in control provision consistent with those provisions previously approved for otherinclude a leased vehicle, healthcare and disability insurance expense reimbursements.

Certain named Executive Officers may also receive certain Company-provided perquisites including reimbursement of certain personal expenses, a leased vehicle or a vehicle allowance. These items are intended to provide those executives with a competitive perquisite program.

For further information regarding specific perquisites provided to the Company and discussed under “Change-in-Control Compensation Agreement”. A copy of the April 4, 2010 new named Executive Officers, see “Summary Compensation” below.

Employment Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2010. Agreements

Effective April 1, 2013 the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Dr. Michael J. Hartnett pursuant to which Dr. Hartnett continued to be employed as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.Board (the “2013 Hartnett Employment Agreement”). The new Amended and Restated2013 Hartnett Employment Agreement amends and restates the April 4, 2010 Employment Agreement, hasprovided a two year initial term with automatic annual renewals thereafter isand was substantially similar to Dr. Hartnett’s previous Employment Agreement with the Company, dated April 4, 2010 Employment Agreement(filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2010), except that the 2013 Hartnett Employment Agreement no longer provided for a guaranteed minimum annual increase in hisDr. Hartnett’s base salary and Dr. Hartnett was eliminated and hissolely eligible for a formulaic annual performance bonus formula based on the Company’sachievement of performance in relation to an approved operating plan was changed to eliminategoals, with no eligibility for any discretionary annual performance bonus, as set forth above under “Annual Incentive Compensation Plan ”.Plan”. Effective April 2, 2017, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Dr. Michael J. Hartnett pursuant to which Dr. Hartnett continues to be employed as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (the “2017 Hartnett Employment Agreement”). The 2017 Hartnett Employment Agreement provides a three year initial term with automatic annual renewals thereafter and is substantially similar to Dr. Hartnett’s previous 2013 Hartnett Employment Agreement with the exception that Dr. Hartnett’s base salary was reduced by 20% to a new base salary of $775,020 which results in a corresponding 20% reduction in Dr. Hartnett’s formula based annual incentive bonus.

A copy of the April 1, 2013 Amended and RestatedHartnett Employment Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2013.

A copy of the 2017 Hartnett Employment Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2017.

Effective April 2, 2017 the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Daniel A. Bergeron pursuant to which Mr. Bergeron is employed as its Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (the “2017 Bergeron Employment Agreement”). The 2017 Bergeron Employment Agreement provides a three year initial term with automatic annual renewals thereafter.

A copy of the 2017 Bergeron Employment Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2017.

No other executive officers have employment agreements and are employed “at will”.

 

Perquisite Programs

The Company’s executive officers are eligible to participate in the Company’s broad-based benefit programs, including health, disability and life insurance, and relocation programs. The perquisites provided to the CEO are set forth in Schedule A to the CEO’s April 4, 2010 Employment Agreement and the April 1, 2013 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement. Certain named executive officers may also receive certain Company- provided perquisites including, reimbursement of certain personal expenses, a leased vehicle or a vehicle allowance. These items are intended to provide those executives with a competitive perquisite program. For further information regarding specific perquisites provided to the named executive officers, see “Summary Compensation” below.

Change-in-Control Compensation Agreements

 

Change-in-control compensation agreements generally protect income for key executives who would likely be involved in decisions regarding and/or successful implementation of merger/acquisition activity and who are at risk for job loss if a takeover occurs. We believe it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to have such an agreement with our CEO and other executive officersExecutive Officers in order (i) for the Board to be able to receive and rely upon the executive’s advice and counsel as to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders without concern that they might be distracted or influenced by the personal uncertainties and risks created by merger and/or acquisition proposals or threats, and (ii) to encourage them to remain with the Company and to continue to devote full attention to the Company’s business.


The April 4, 20102013 Hartnett Employment Agreement and the April 1, 2013 Amended and Restated2017 Hartnett Employment Agreement with Dr. Michael J. Hartnett provides that in the event of his termination of employment due to a Change-in-controlchange-in-control of the Company, he will generally be entitled to a payment equal to 2.5 times his annual base salary plus 2.5 times his target incentive compensation in effect at termination.

 

On February 1, 2010, the Company entered into Change in Controlchange-in-control Letter Agreements with Daniel A. Bergeron, Thomas M. Burigo, Thomas C. Crainer, Richard J. Edwards, and Thomas J. Williams. On November 3, 2017 the Company entered into a change-in-control Letter Agreement with Patrick S. Bannon. Each Change in Control Letter Agreement entitles the executive to severance benefits if his employment with the Company is terminated under certain circumstances within 24 months after a change in controlchange-in-control of the Company.  The amount of severance will generally be equal to 150% of the executive’s annual base salary plus 150% of the executive’s target incentive compensation in effect at termination.  In addition, each executive will be entitled to a pro-rata annual bonus for the year in which his termination of employment occurs and to continue participating in the Company’s welfare benefit programs for up to 18 months following his termination of employment.  The Change in Control Letter Agreements also commit the executives to remain employed with the Company in the event of a tender or exchange offer and includes a non-compete covenant for 12 months following the executive’s termination of employment due to a changechange-in-control.

The 2017 Bergeron Employment Agreement with Mr. Bergeron provides that in control.the event of his termination of employment due to a change-in-control of the Company, he will generally be entitled to a payment equal to 2.5 times his annual base salary plus 2.5 times his target incentive compensation in effect at termination. The 2017 Bergeron Employment Agreement replaced Mr. Bergeron’s change-in-control Letter Agreement dated February 1, 2010 and is effective April 2, 2017.

 

The form of the Change in Controlchange-in-control Letter Agreement entered into with each of the named executives is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed February 1, 2010.

 

In addition, the restricted stock grants and stock options owned by Dr. Michael J. Hartnett and the other executive officers, contain change-in-control provisions. IfThe exact terms are set out and defined in the 2005, 2013 and 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plans, but in summary if a holder of these restricted stock grants or stock options ceases to be an employee because he or she is terminated without cause (as defined in the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan) within 18 months after a change-in-control, (as defined in the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan), all then unvested restricted stock and stock options shall vest on the date the holder ceases to be an employee. In addition, if there is a change-in-control of the Company or similar event, the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, provide for the lapsing of restrictions on a participant’s restricted stock and the vesting of stock options on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate.

 

Additional Information

Compensation Committee Policy Regarding Compliance with Section 162 (m)162(m) of the Code

 

Prior to 2018, Section 162(m) of the Code precludesprecluded a public corporation from taking a deduction for compensation in excess of $1 million in any taxable year for its chief executive officer or any of its four other highest paid executive officers, unless certain specific and detailed criteria arewere satisfied.

 

The Compensation Committee considers the anticipated tax treatment to the Company and the executive officersExecutive Officers in its review and establishment of compensation programs and payments. The deductibility of some types of compensation payments can depend upon the timing of an executive’s vesting or exercise of previously granted rights. Interpretations of and changes in applicable tax laws and regulations as well as other factors beyond the Compensation Committee’s control also can affect deductibility of compensation. For these and other reasons, the Compensation Committee has determined that it will not necessarily seek to limit executive compensation to that deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Incentive bonus payments and restricted stock grants paid or awarded by the Company up until fiscal year 2010 were exempt from the deduction limitations under Section 162(m) pursuant to exceptions set forth in the Regulations issued pursuant to Section 162(m).

 

The Executive Officer Performance Based Compensation Plan (the “162(m) Plan”) is a plan pursuant to which executive officers selected by the Compensation Committee become eligible to receive an incentive bonus or a restricted stock grant based upon the Company’s meeting certain financial performance goals.  The 162(m) Plan is intended to constitute a qualified "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Plan has an effective date of April 3, 2011. Dr. Hartnett was designated a Participant under the Plan by the Compensation Committee for fiscal 2012 and subsequent fiscal 2013, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2015. Dr. Hartnett’s incentive bonus payable pursuant to his April 4, 2010 Employment Agreement and the April 1, 2013 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement is or will be coveredyears. Mr. Bergeron has been designated as a Participant under the Plan. In addition, pursuant to the Plan by the Compensation Committee approved the award of grants of restricted stock to Dr. Hartnett equal to 25,000 shares for fiscal year 20122018 and 35,000 shares forsubsequent fiscal year 2013 if actual EBITDA to plan equals or exceeds eighty percent. Actual restricted stock awardsyears.


As indicated, Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) limits the deductibility of compensation in excess of approved amounts would not be deductible$1 million paid to any one NEO in any calendar year. Under the tax rules in effect before 2018, compensation that qualified as “performance-based” under Section 162(m) ofwas deductible without regard to this $1 million limit. In 2017 and prior years, the Code. For fiscal 2014 and subsequent fiscal years grants of restricted stock pursuant toCommittee designed awards under the CEOAnnual Incentive Plan, as well as Performance Based ProgramRestricted Stock Units (”PRSUs”) and stock options granted under equity incentive plans, that were intended to qualify for Fiscal 2014this performance-based compensation exception. However, the Tax Cuts and subsequent fiscalJobs Act, which was signed into law December 22, 2017, eliminated this performance-based compensation exception effective January 1, 2018, subject to a special rule that “grandfathers” certain awards and arrangements that were in effect on or before November 2, 2017. As a result, compensation that the Committee structured in 2017 and prior years would be deductiblewith the intent of qualifying as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) that is paid on or after January 1, 2018 may not be fully deductible, depending on the application of the Code. The discretionary bonusesspecial grandfather rules. Moreover, from and after January 1, 2018, compensation awarded in excess of $1 million to our NEOs generally may not be deductible. While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may limit the deductibility of compensation paid to Dr. Hartnett for the fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 years would not be deductible under Section 162(m)NEOs, the Committee will—consistent with its past practice—design compensation programs that are in the best long-term interests of the Code.Company and our stockholders, with deductibility of compensation being one of a variety of considerations taken into account.

The cost to the Company of the incentive bonus amounts to be paid or restricted stock grants to participants cannot be determined at this time because payout of incentive bonus amounts and restricted stock grants are based on the Company’s future financial performance, the related performance measures set by the Committee and the number of participants named by the Committee. The Committee envisions that future incentive bonus amounts to be paid or restricted stock grants to participants will be consistent with the compensation and incentive programs approved by the Committee from time to time and described in the Company’s Annual Proxy to Stockholders under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”.

 

The Compensation Committee will continue to monitor developments and assess alternatives for preserving the deductibility of compensation payments and benefits to the extent reasonably practicable, consistent with its compensation policies and as determined to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The members of the Compensation Committee for fiscal 2015 were Richard R. Crowell, Alan B. Levine and Dr. Amir Faghri. No member of the Compensation Committee was at any time during fiscal 2015 or at any other time an officer or employee of the Company, and no member had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure as a related-party transaction in the section “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” of this proxy statement. No executive officer of the Company has served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has or has had one or more executive officers who served as a member of the Board or the Compensation Committee during fiscal 2015.

Executive Compensation Clawback Policy

To align further the interests of our Executive Officers and our shareholders, we have an Executive Compensation Clawback Policy to ensure that any fraud or intentional illegal conduct materially contributing to a restatement of our financial statements would be properly addressed. The policy provides that if it is found that an Executive Officer engaged in fraud or intentional illegal conduct that materially contributed to the need to restate our financial statements, and the amount of any performance-based compensation actually paid or awarded to such Executive Officer (the “Awarded Compensation”) would have been a lower amount had it been calculated based on such restated financial statements (the “Actual Compensation”) then an Independent Director Committee shall, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Policy, seek to recover from the Executive Officer the after-tax portion of the difference between the Awarded Compensation and the Actual Compensation. The full text of the Company Clawback Policy is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2013. This policy will be revised if required under the Dodd-Frank Act once the regulations implementing the claw-back policy requirements of that law have been issued.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

We impose stock ownership requirements on each of our Executive Officers and Non-Employee Independent Directors. These stock ownership requirements are designed to emphasize stock ownership by our Executive Officers and Non-Employee Independent Directors and to further align their interests with our shareholders. Each Executive Officer and Non-Employee Independent Director must achieve and maintain ownership of ordinary stock or ordinary stock equivalents at or above a prescribed level. The requirements are as follows:

PositionPercent of Base Salary
Chief Executive Officer 6x multiple of base salary
All other Executive Officers3x multiple of base salary
Non-Employee Independent Directors3x multiple of annual retainer fee

Our stock-ownership program requires the accumulation of ordinary stock (or ordinary stock equivalents) over a five-year period following the date the person becomes subject to stock-ownership requirements. Executive Officers who experience a change of title or in base salary, and who have their stock ownership requirement increased as a result, have three years to achieve the new level from the date of such event. Ownership credit is given for actual ordinary stock and restricted stock owned, whether or not vested. Stock options do not count toward meeting the stock-ownership target unless the stock option is exercised and the stock received through the exercise is held as ordinary stock. The Compensation Committee will review each participant‘s compliance with these guidelines on an annual basis. The full text of the Company’s Stock Ownership Guidelines is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 17, 2013.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Compensation Committee of the Board has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on that review and discussion, the members of the Compensation Committee identified below recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

Respectfully submitted,

The Compensation Committee of the Board of RBC Bearings Incorporated

Richard R. Crowell (Chairman)

Alan B. Levine

Dr. Amir Faghri

 

33


SUMMARY COMPENSATION

SUMMARY COMPENSATION

SUMMARY COMPENSATION

              Change in      
              Pension Value                    Change in      
              and                    Pension Value      
              Nonqualified                    and      
            Non-Equity Deferred                    Nonqualified      
Name and            Non-Equity Deferred      
Principal Fiscal       Stock Option Incentive Plan Compensation All Other    
Position Year  Salary  Bonus  Awards  Awards  Compensation  Earnings  Compensation  Total 
        Stock Option Incentive Plan Compensation All Other        ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) 
    Salary  Bonus  Awards  Awards  Compensation  Earnings  Compensation  Total 
Name and
Principal
Position
 Year ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) 
(a) (b) (c)(1) (d)(2) (e)(3) (f)(3) (g)(4) (h) (i) (j)  (b) (c)(1) (d)(2) (e)(3) (f)(3) (g)(4) (h) (i) (j) 
                                                       
Michael J. Hartnett  2015   893,353   -   3,229,953   2,047,000   922,643   -   60,142(5)  7,153,091   2018   775,020      3,905,888   1,988,000   1,162,530      56,805(5)  7,888,243 
  2014   853,482   -   1,787,800   2,057,000   1,318,062   -   53,054(5)  6,069,398   2017   968,776      3,672,529   2,027,000   968,776      57,033(5)  7,694,114 
  2013   814,174   -   1,561,000   1,863,000   1,261,304   -   59,548(5)  5,559,027   2016   922,643      2,854,936   1,785,600   1,383,965      60,528(5)  7,007,672 
                                                                        
Daniel A. Bergeron  2015   339,833   215,000   256,600   409,400   135,000   -   16,472(6)  1,372,305   2018   500,000      996,400   745,500   450,000      33,763(6)  2,725,663 
  2014   328,471   18,437   204,320   411,400   211,563   -   14,863(6)  1,189,053   2017   400,000      729,400   810,800   300,000      18,435(6)  2,258,635 
  2013   313,212   38,750   200,700   372,600   161,250   -   13,422(6)  1,099,934   2016   370,000   25,000   364,150   558,000   375,000      16,954(6)  1,709,104 
                                                                        
Thomas C. Crainer  2015   307,000   24,640   128,300   409,400   75,360   -   13,701(7)  958,401 
  2014   315,404   29,085   127,700   411,400   105,915   -   17,969(7)  1,007,473 
  2013   306,803   -   200,700   372,600   175,000   -   18,662(7)  1,073,765 
Patrick S. Bannon  2018   239,615   110,000   949,200   617,400   90,000      7,542(7)  2,013,757 
                                                                        
Richard J. Edwards  2015   300,833   -   128,300   409,400   125,000   -   19,414(8)  982,947   2018   316,000      199,280   497,000   250,000      23,799(8)  1,286,079 
  2014   294,479   12,000   51,080   205,700   49,500   -   19,071(8)  631,830   2017   306,000   1,560   72,940   202,700   73,440      25,553(8)  682,193 
  2013   288,086   -   200,700   372,600   50,000   -   21,633(8)  933,019   2016   306,000      145,660   446,400   40,000      20,616(8)  958,676 
                                                                        
Thomas J. Williams  2015   250,417   -   64,150   153,525   75,000   -   6,243(9)  549,335   2018   266,063      99,640   186,375   106,800      7,533(9)  666,411 
  2014   249,477   -   102,160   205,700   55,000   -   7,098(9)  619,435   2017   260,948      72,940   152,025   50,000      7,863(9)  543,776 
  2013   241,938   -   89,200   186,300   110,000   -   7,210(9)  634,648   2016   256,250      72,830   167,400   50,000      6,689(9)  553,169 

 

(1)Column (c) includes amounts deferred by the officer pursuant to 401(k) Plan.

 

(2)Bonuses for fiscal 2015, 20142018, 2017 and fiscal 20132016 were paid under the Company’s incentive compensation plan and are reflected in column (g). Mr. Bergeron received an additional discretionary bonus based on performance of $215,000$25,000 in fiscal 2015, $18,437 in fiscal 2014 and $38,750 in fiscal 2013.2016. Mr. CrainerBannon received an additional discretionary bonus based on performance of $24,640$110,000 in fiscal 2015 and $29,085 in fiscal 2014.2018. Mr. Edwards received an additional discretionary bonus based on performance of $12,000$1,560 in fiscal 2014.2017.

 

(3)The amounts in columns (e) and (f) represent the fair market value on the date of grant of restricted shares and non qualified stock options granted each year. For additional information on the valuation assumptions regarding the restricted stock and stock option awards, refer to Note 1614 to our financial statements for fiscal 20152018 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2015.30, 2018.

 

(4)The amounts in column (g) consist of annual cash bonuses earned in fiscal 2015,2018, fiscal 20142017 and fiscal 20132016 and paid in the following fiscal year under the Company’s incentive compensation plan.

For fiscal 2015,2018, Mr. HartnettBannon achieved 83.9% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 20% of the maximumtargeted amount under that element which is 30% of his base salary of $250,000; this calculates to $15,000. Mr. Bannon exceeded his goal under element (2) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 100% of his targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $250,000; this calculates to $37,500. Last, Mr. Bannon received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan equal to 100% of the EBITDA calculation.targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $250,000; this calculates to $37,500.

 

For fiscal 2015,2018, Mr. BergeronEdwards achieved 137.1% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 200% of the maximumtargeted amount under that element which is 30% of his base salary of $318,000; this calculates to $190,800. Mr. Edwards exceeded his goal under element (2) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 100% of his targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $318,000; this calculates to $47,700. Last, Mr. Edwards received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan representing approximately 24% of the EBITDA calculation plus an additional $215,000targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $318,000; this calculates to $11,500.


For fiscal 2018, Mr. Williams was awarded atan annual performance bonus in the discretionamount of $106,800. This amount represents approximately 40% of his base salary of $267,000. The annual performance bonus was based on the assessment and recommendation of the CEO based on the Company’s overall performance and his assessment of Mr. Williams’ performance.

 

For fiscal 2015,2017, Mr. CrainerEdwards achieved 85.7%85.5% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 30% of the targeted amount under that element which is 30% of his base salary of $314,000;$306,000; this calculates to $28,260.$27,540. Mr. CrainerEdwards did not achieve his goal under element (2) of his operating plan. Last, Mr. Crainer received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan equal to 100% of the targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $314,000; this calculates to $47,100. Mr. Crainer also received an additional $24,640 which was awarded at the discretion of the CEO based on performance.

For fiscal 2015, Mr. Edwards achieved 95.7% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 80% of his targeted amount under that element which is 30% of his base salary of $306,000; this calculates to $73,440. Mr. Edwards achieved 100% of his goal under element (2) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 100% of his targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $306,000; this calculates to $45,900. Last, Mr. Edwards received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan representing approximately 12%100% of the targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $306,000; this calculates to $5,660.$45,900.

 

For fiscal 2015,2017, Mr. Williams was awarded an annual performance bonus in the amount of $75,000.$50,000. This amount represents approximately 30%19% of his base salary of $256,250.$261,375. The annual performance bonus was based on the assessment and recommendation of the CEO based on the Company’s overall performance and his assessment of Mr. Williams’ performance.

 

For fiscal 2014,2016, Mr. Hartnett received the maximum amount under the EBITDA calculation.

 

For fiscal 2014,2016, Mr. Bergeron received the maximum amount under the EBITDA calculation plus an additional $18,437$25,000 which was awarded at the discretion of the CEO based on performance.

 

For fiscal 2014,2016, Mr. CrainerEdwards achieved 92.7%74.1% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received ano payment equal to 65% of the targeted amount under that element which is 30% of his base salary of $307,000; this calculates to $59,865. Mr. Crainersince he did not achieve his goal under element (2)reach minimum achievement of his operating plan. Last, Mr. Crainer received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan equal to 100% of the targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $307,000; this calculates to $46,050. Mr. Crainer also received an additional $29,085 which was awarded at the discretion of the CEO based on performance.

For fiscal 2014, Mr. Edwards achieved 80.0% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 5% of his targeted amount under that element which is 30% of his base salary of $300,000; this calculates to $4,500.80%. Mr. Edwards did not achieve his goal under element (2) of his operating plan. Last, Mr. Edwards received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan representing 100%approximately 87% of the targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $300,000;$306,000; this calculates to $45,000. Mr. Edwards also received an additional $12,000 which was awarded at the discretion of the CEO based on performance.$40,000.

 

For fiscal 2014,2016, Mr. Williams was awarded an annual performance bonus in the amount of $55,000.$50,000. This amount represents approximately 22%20% of his base salary of $250,000. The annual performance bonus was based on the assessment and recommendation of the CEO based on the Company’s overall performance and his assessment of Mr. Williams’ performance.

For fiscal 2013, Mr. Hartnett received the maximum amount under the EBITDA calculation.

For fiscal 2013, Mr. Bergeron received the maximum amount under the EBITDA calculation plus an additional $38,750 which was awarded at the discretion of the CEO based on performance.

For fiscal 2013, Mr. Crainer achieved 98.6% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 95% of the targeted amount under that element which is 30% of his base salary of $307,000; this calculates to $87,495. Mr. Crainer achieved $100% of his goal under element (2) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 100% of his targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $307,000; this calculates to $46,050. Last, Mr. Crainer received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan equal to 90% of the targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $307,000; this calculates to $41,455.

For fiscal 2013, Mr. Edwards achieved 83.5% of his goal under element (1) of his operating plan and therefore received a payment equal to 20% of his targeted amount under that element which is 30% of his base salary of $290,000; this calculates to $17,400. Mr. Edwards did not achieve his goal under element (2) of his operating plan. Last, Mr. Edwards received a payment under element (3) of his operating plan representing 75% of the targeted amount under that element which is 15% of his base salary of $290,000; this calculates to $32,600.

For fiscal 2013, Mr. Williams was awarded an annual performance bonus in the amount of $110,000. This amount represents approximately 45% of his base salary of $245,000.$256,250. The annual performance bonus was based on the assessment and recommendation of the CEO based on the Company’s overall performance and his assessment of Mr. Williams’ performance.

 

(5)Consists of a leased vehicle of $3,054$2,376 in fiscal 2015, $3,0542018, $3,253 in fiscal 20142017 and $2,839$3,818 in fiscal 2013,2016, healthcare expense reimbursements of $7,088$3,193 in fiscal 2015 and $6,7092018, $1,308 in fiscal 20132017 and $6,710 in fiscal 2016, reimbursement of personal expenses per Mr.Dr. Hartnett’s employment agreements of $50,000 in fiscal 2015,2018, fiscal 20142017 and fiscal 2013.2016 and taxable costs of group-term life insurance of $1,236 in fiscal 2018 and $2,472 in fiscal 2017.

 

(6)Consists of a leased vehicle of $8,200 in fiscal 2018, $9,044 in fiscal 2015, $7,6542017 and $9,044 in fiscal 2014 and $7,6902016, healthcare expense reimbursements of $9,938 in fiscal 2013,2018, employer match contributed to Mr. Bergeron’s SERP account of $6,522$14,000 in fiscal 2015, $6,1442018, $8,000 in fiscal 20142017 and $5,016$7,350 in fiscal 2013 and2016, employer match contributions to Mr. Bergeron’s 401(k) account of $906$980 in fiscal 2015, $1,0652018, $875 in fiscal 20142017 and $716$560 in fiscal 2013.2016 and taxable costs of group-term life insurance of $645 in fiscal 2018 and $516 in fiscal 2017.

 

(7)Consists of Company-paid life insurance premiums of $1,120 in fiscal 2015, $1,120 in fiscal 2014 and $1,120 in fiscal 2013, a leased vehicle of $3,358 in fiscal 2015, $2,518 in fiscal 2014 and $1,780 in fiscal 2013, healthcare expense reimbursements of $2,958 in fiscal 2015, $5,000 in fiscal 2014 and $5,000 in fiscal 2013, employer match contributed to Mr. Crainer’sBannon’s SERP account of $6,293 in fiscal 2018, employer match contributions to Mr. Bannon’s 401(k) account of $892$909 in fiscal 2015, $8962018 and taxable costs of group-term life insurance of $340 in fiscal 2014 and $881 in fiscal 2013 and employer match contributed to Mr. Crainer’s SERP account of $5,373 in fiscal 2015, $8,435 in fiscal 2014and $9,881 in fiscal 2013.2018.

 

(8)Consists of Company-paid life insurance premiums of $1,805$5,634 in fiscal 2015, $1,8052018, $7,439 in fiscal 20142017 and $1,805 in fiscal 2013,2016, a leased vehicle of $11,871$11,010 in fiscal 2015, $11,8712018, $11,904 in fiscal 20142017 and $11,632$11,901 in fiscal 2013,2016, employer match contributed to Mr. Edwards’ 401(k) account of $901$903 in fiscal 2015, $8952018, $893 in fiscal 20142017 and $881$898 in fiscal 2013 and2016, employer match contributed to Mr. Edwards’ SERP account of $4,837$5,263 in fiscal 2015, $4,5002018, $4,525 in fiscal 20142017 and $7,315$6,013 in fiscal 2013.2016 and taxable costs of group-term life insurance of $989 in fiscal 2018 and $792 in fiscal 2017.

 

(9)Consists of employer match contributed to Mr. Williams’ 401(k) account of $899$897 in fiscal 2015, $8942018, $897 in fiscal 20142017 and $881$898 in fiscal 2013 and2016, employer match contributed to Mr. Williams’ SERP account of $5,344$5,531 in fiscal 2015, $6,2042018, $5,442 in fiscal 20142017 and $6,329$5,791 in fiscal 2013.2016 and taxable costs of group-term life insurance of $1,105 in fiscal 2018 and $1,524 in fiscal 2017.

 

36

 40

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

    Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
  All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
  Grant Date
Fair Value
of  Stock
and Stock
Option
Awards
 
  Grant Threshold  Target  Maximum  Threshold  Target  Maximum             
Name Date ($)  ($)  ($)  (#)  (#)  (#)  (#)(8)  (#)  ($/Sh)(8)  ($)(9) 
                                 
Michael J. Hartnett -  (1)  1,383,965(2)  1,845,286(3)  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   50,350   -   -   3,229,953 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   100,000   64.15   2,047,000 
                                           
Daniel A. Bergeron -  (4)  180,000(5)  225,000(6)  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   4,000   -   -   256,600 
  7/1/2014      -   -   -   -   -   -   20,000   64.15   409,400 
                                           
Thomas C. Crainer -  -   188,400(7)  282,600(7)  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   2,000   -   -   128,300 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   20,000   64.15   409,400 
                                           
Richard J. Edwards -  -   183,600(7)  275,400(7)  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   2,000   -   -   128,300 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   20,000   64.15   409,400 
                                           
Thomas J. Williams -  -   102,500(10)  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   1,000   -   -   64,150 
  7/1/2014  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   7,500   64.15   153,525 

 

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

     Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
  Estimated Future Payouts
  Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards
  All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of
Stock or Units
  All Other Option Awards:
 Number of Securities Underlying Options
  Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards  Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Stock Option Awards 
  Grant  Threshold  Target  Maximum  Threshold  Target  Maximum             
Name Date  ($)  ($)  ($)  (#)  (#)  (#)  (#)(8)  (#)  ($/Sh)(8)  ($) 
                                  
Michael J. Hartnett     (1)  1,162,530(2)  1,937,550(3)                     
   6/27/2017                     39,200         3,905,888 
   6/27/2017                        80,000   99.64   1,988,000(9)
                                             
Daniel A. Bergeron     (4)  450,000(5)   750,000(6)                     
   6/27/2017                     10,000         996,400 
   6/27/2017                         30,000   99.64   745,500(9)
                                             
Patrick S. Bannon        150,000(7)  225,000(7)                     
   2/1/2018                     7,500         949,200 
   2/1/2018                        20,000   126.56   617,400(10)
                                             
Richard J. Edwards        190,800(7)  286,200(7)                     
   6/27/2017                     2,000         199,280 
   6/27/2017                        20,000   99.64   497,000(9)
                                             
Thomas J. Williams        106,800(11)                        
   6/27/2017                     1,000         99,640 
   6/27/2017                        7,500   99.64   186,375(9)

 

 (1)Under the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, if the target is not met, the amount of the award is at the discretion of the Board of Directors. For fiscal 20152018 the Company EBITDA performance was equal to 98.3%105.9% of plan.
   
 (2)Equals 150% of base salary (100% to 109.9% of EBITDA to plan). 

 (3)Equals 200%250% of base salary (110%(120% or greater of EBITDA to plan).

 (4)If the target is not met, the amount of the award is at the discretion of the CEO.

 (5)Equals 50%90% of base salary (100% to 104.9%109.9% of EBITDA to plan).

 (6)

Equals 125%150% of target (105%base salary (120% or higher of EBITDA to plan).

 (7)Target is 60% of base salary.  The targeted percentage is made up of three elements: (1) thirty percent30% of base salary upon achieving one hundred percent100% of the established annual revenue and profit plan, with a minimum threshold of more than eighty percent80% of plan and an opportunity to earn up to sixty percent60% of base salary if the achievement is equal to one hundred and twenty percent120% of plan; (2) up to fifteen percent15% of base salary based on year to year revenue growth achievement in excess of that percentage equal to two times U.S. Gross Domestic Product; and (3) up to fifteen percent15% of base salary, at the discretion of the CEO, upon achievement of acceptable customer service levels, development of human resources and the Company’s overall performance.

 (8)Awarded under the 2013 Long-Term Equity Incentive Program.
   
 (9)

Awarded under the 2013 Long-Term Equity Incentive Program. The Grant Date Fair Value of restricted stock awards is based on the grant date closing price of $64.15.$99.64.


(10)

Awarded under the 2013 Long-Term Equity Incentive Program. The Grant Date Fair Value of restricted stock awards is based on the grant date closing price of $126.56.

   
(10)(11)Target is 40% of base salary. The actual amount is determined at the discretion of the CEO based on the Company’s overall performance and the individual’s performance.

 

The following descriptions of our equity plans and employment agreements with Dr. Hartnett are necessary to an understanding of the Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan Based Awards Table above.

Dr. Hartnett Employment Agreement

 

On July 1, 2005, we entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Hartnett. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Dr. Hartnett was employed as our Chief Executive Officer. On April 22, 2010 the Company entered into a new Employment Agreement with Dr. Hartnett, effective April 4, 2010, pursuant to which Dr. Hartnett continued to be employed as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The new Employment Agreement replaced the July 1, 2005 Employment Agreement. Dr. Hartnett’s April 4, 2010 Employment Agreement had a two year initial term with automatic annual renewals thereafter. Effective April 1, 2013 the Company entered into an Amended and Restatedthe 2013 Hartnett Employment Agreement with Dr. Hartnett pursuant to which he continuescontinued to be employed as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The April 1, 2013 Amended and RestatedHartnett Employment Agreement amendsamended and restatesrestated the April 4, 2010 Employment Agreement and hashad a two year initial term with automatic annual renewals thereafter. Effective April 2, 2017 the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Dr. Michael J. Hartnett pursuant to which Dr. Hartnett continues to be employed as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (the “2017 Hartnett Employment Agreement”). The 2017 Hartnett Employment Agreement provides a three year initial term with automatic annual renewals thereafter and is substantially similar to Dr. Hartnett’s previous 2013 Hartnett Employment Agreement with the exception that Dr. Hartnett’s base salary was reduced by 20% to a new base salary of $775,020 which results in a corresponding 20% reduction in Dr. Hartnett’s formula based annual incentive bonus.

 

Dr. Hartnett’s current employment agreement provides for a base salary effective April 1, 20132, 2017 of $70,072$64,585 per month.  Dr. Hartnett’s base salary is subject to review by the Compensation Committee not later than December 1 of each year who may increase (but not decrease) such base salary, at its sole discretion. Dr. Hartnett’s base salary was increaseddecreased to $73,226$64,585 per month effective December 1, 2013April 2, 2017 representing an annualized increasedecrease of 4.5 percent based on an evaluation of performance and competitive compensation factors.. Dr. Hartnett’s base salary was increased to $76,887 per month effective December 1, 2014 representing an annualized increase of 5 percent based on an evaluation of performance and competitive compensation factors.20 percent. Dr. Hartnett is also entitled to an annual performance bonus with respect to each fiscal year during which he remains an employee in an amount determined as a percentage of Dr. Hartnett’s base salary, based on the amount by which our performance exceeds (or fails to meet) EBITDA targets in an operating plan as explained above.

 

Dr. Hartnett’s current employment agreement also contains non-competition provisions prohibiting Dr. Hartnett from competing against us during the term of the employment agreement and for two years thereafter without our prior written consent. Dr. Hartnett is also entitled to certain additional benefits (beyond those generally available to our employees) including medical and hospitalization insurance and additional life insurance. We are also required to maintain an apartment in Los Angeles for use by Dr. Hartnett while on business.

 

Daniel Bergeron Employment Agreement

Effective April 2, 2017, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Daniel A. Bergeron pursuant to which Mr. Bergeron is employed as its Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (the “2017 Bergeron Employment Agreement”). The 2017 Bergeron Employment Agreement provides a three year initial term with automatic annual renewals thereafter.

Mr. Bergeron’s current employment agreement provides for a base salary effective April 2, 2017 of $41,666.67 per month.  Mr. Bergeron’s base salary is subject to review by the Compensation Committee not later than December 1 of each year who may increase (but not decrease) such base salary, at its sole discretion. Mr. Bergeron is also entitled to an annual performance bonus with respect to each fiscal year during which he remains an employee in an amount determined as a percentage of Mr. Bergeron’s base salary, based on the amount by which our performance exceeds (or fails to meet) EBITDA targets in an operating plan.

Mr. Bergeron’s current employment agreement also contains non-competition provisions prohibiting Mr. Bergeron from competing against us during the term of the employment agreement and for two years thereafter without our prior written consent. Mr. Bergeron is also entitled to certain additional benefits (beyond those generally available to our employees) including medical and hospitalization insurance and disability insurance.

 42

1998 Stock Option Plan

 

Effective February 18, 1998, we adopted the RBC Bearings Incorporated (f/k/a Roller Bearing Holding Company, Inc.) 1998 Stock Option Plan. The terms of the 1998 Stock Option Plan provide for the grant of options to purchase up to 8,413,900 shares of common stock to officers and employees of, and consultants (including members of the Board) to the Company and our subsidiaries. Options granted may be either incentive stock options (under Section 422 of the Code) or non-qualified stock options. The 1998 Stock Option Plan was administered by our Board or a committee to which the Board delegated its responsibilities. As of July 1, 2015,2018, there were no outstanding options. The 1998 Stock Option Plan has been frozen and no additional stock options will be awarded pursuant to the plan.

 

The exercise price of options granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan was determined by our Board, but in no event was less than 100% of the Fair Market Value (as defined in the 1998 Stock Option Plan) of the common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan may be exercised during the period set forth in the agreement pursuant to which the options are granted, but in no event more than ten years following grant.

The 1998 Stock Option Plan provides that the number of shares for which outstanding options shall be exercisable, and the exercise price thereof, shall be adjusted upon the happening of stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations and certain other capital events regarding our Company or the common stock. Upon any merger, consolidation or combination where shares of common stock are converted into cash, securities or other property, outstanding options shall be converted into the right to receive upon exercise the consideration as would have been payable in exchange for the shares of common stock underlying such options had such options been exercised prior to such event.

 

Options granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan are not transferable by the holders thereof except by the laws of descent and distribution. Our Board has the right to establish such rules and regulations concerning the 1998 Stock Option Plan and to make such determinations and interpretations of the terms thereof as it deems necessary or advisable.

 

2001 Stock Option Plan

 

The RBC Bearings Incorporated (f/k/a Roller Bearing Holding Company, Inc.) 2001 Stock Option Plan was adopted in fiscal 2002 and amended and restated on October 24, 2003. The terms of the 2001 Stock Option Plan provide for the grant of options to purchase up to 1,008,553 shares of common stock to officers and employees of, and consultants (including members of our Board) to, the Company and its subsidiaries selected by the CEO to participate in the plan. Options granted may be either incentive stock options (under Section 422 of the Code) or non-qualified stock options. The 2001 Stock Option Plan, which expired in July 2011, was administered by our Board or a committee to which the Board delegated its responsibilities. As of July 1, 2015,2018, there were no outstanding options. The 2001 Stock Option Plan has been frozen and no additional stock options will be awarded pursuant to the plan.

 

The exercise price of options granted under the 2001 Stock Option Plan was determined by the Board, but in no event was less than 100% of the Fair Market Value (as defined in the 2001 Stock Option Plan) of the common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2001 Stock Option Plan may be exercised during the period set forth in the agreement pursuant to which the options are granted, but in no event more than ten years following grant.

 

The 2001 Stock Option Plan provides that the number of shares for which outstanding options shall be exercisable, and the exercise price thereof, shall be adjusted upon the happening of stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations and certain other capital events regarding our Company or the common stock. Upon any merger, consolidation or combination where shares of common stock are converted into cash, securities or other property, outstanding options shall be converted into the right to receive upon exercise the consideration as would have been payable in exchange for the shares of common stock underlying such options had such options been exercised prior to such event.

 

Options granted under the 2001 Stock Option Plan are not transferable by the holders thereof except (1) by the laws of descent and distribution, (2) transfers to members of any holder’s immediate family (which for purposes of the 2001 Stock Option Plan shall be limited to the participant’s children, grandchildren and spouse), (3) to one or more trusts for the benefit of such family members, or (4) to partnerships or limited liability companies in which such family members and/or trusts are the only partners or members; provided, that options may be transferred pursuant to sections (2) through (4) hereof only if the option expressly so provides, or as otherwise approved by the CEO or the Board in their discretion. Our Board has the right to establish such rules and regulations concerning the 2001 Stock Option Plan and to make such determinations and interpretations of the terms thereof as it deems necessary or advisable.

 

 43

2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan

 

We adopted our 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective upon the completion of our initial public offering in August 2005. The plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards. Our directors, officers and other employees and persons who engage in services for us are eligible for grants under the plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide these individuals with incentives to maximize stockholder value and otherwise contribute to our success and to enable us to attract, retain and reward the best available persons for positions of responsibility.

2,939,170 shares of our common stock were authorized for issuance under the plan, subject to adjustment in the event of a reorganization, stock split, merger or similar change in our corporate structure or the outstanding shares of common stock. Of this amount, 683,502 options were awarded to Dr. Hartnett at the time of our initial public offering in August, 2005 at the offering price of $14.50 per share and the remainder was reserved for grants to our employees and directors at the discretion of our Compensation Committee. During fiscal 2009, the Company issued an additional 198,500 options and 43,500 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2010, the Company issued an additional 363,000 options and 41,000 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2011, the Company issued an additional 8,000 options and 25,000 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2012, the Company issued an additional 201,000 options and 115,600 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2013, the Company issued an additional 206,500 options and 121,250 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2014, the Company issued an additional 193,500 options and 55,000 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2015 through July 1, 2015, the Company issued no additional options and 40,700 restricted stock grants. As of July 1, 2015, theThe 2005 Long-Term IncentiveStock Option Plan had 62,570has been frozen and no additional stock options or other equity awards available for issuance. We may grant shares of restricted stock will be awarded pursuant to our employees and directors in the future under the plan. Our Compensation Committee administers the plan. Our Board also has the authority to administer the plan and to take all actions that the Compensation Committee is otherwise authorized to take under the plan. The terms and conditions of each award made under the plan, including vesting requirements, will be set forth consistent with the plan in a written agreement with the grantee.

 

Stock Options.  Under the plan, the Compensation Committee or the Board may award grants of incentive stock options and other non-qualified stock options. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to grant options that will become fully vested and exercisable automatically upon a change in control. The Compensation Committee may not, however, award to any one person in any calendar year options to purchase common stock equal to more than 10% of the total number of shares authorized under the plan (other than the initial award to Dr. Hartnett discussed above), and it may not award incentive stock options first exercisable in any calendar year whose underlying shares have a fair market value greater than $100,000 determined at the time of grant.

 

The Compensation Committee will determine the exercise price and term of any option in its discretion, provided that, the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. In the case of any incentive stock option, the option must be exercised within 10 years of the date of grant. The exercise price of an incentive stock option awarded to a person who owns stock constituting more than 10% of our voting power may not be less than 110% of such fair market value on such date and the option must be exercised within five years of the date of grant.

 

Restricted Stock.  Under the plan, the Compensation Committee may award restricted stock, subject to the conditions and restrictions, and for the duration that it determines in its discretion. All of the 62,570 shares available for issuance are available to be used for restricted stock awards.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights.  The Compensation Committee may grant stock appreciation rights, or SARs, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the plan. Under the plan, the exercise price of a SAR must equal the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date the SAR was granted. Upon exercise of a SAR, the grantee will receive an amount in shares of our common stock equal to the difference between the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the SAR, multiplied by the number of shares as to which the SAR is exercised.

 

Performance Awards.  The Compensation Committee may grant performance awards contingent upon achievement of set goals and objectives regarding specified performance criteria, over a specified performance cycle. Awards may include specific dollar-value target awards, performance units, the value of which is established at the time of grant, and/or performance shares, the value of which is equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The value of a performance award may be fixed or fluctuate on the basis of specified performance criteria. A performance award may be paid out in cash and/or shares of common stock or other securities.

 

Amendment and Termination of the Plan.  The Board may amend or terminate the plan in its discretion, except that no amendment will become effective without prior approval of our stockholders if such approval is necessary for continued compliance with the performance-based compensation exception of Section 162(m) of the Code or any stock exchange or Nasdaq listing requirements. If not previouslyThe plan terminated by the Board, the plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its adoption.

 


2013 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan

 

Our 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan was approved by our shareholders at the Company’s 2013 annual shareholder meeting. The plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards. Our directors, officers and other employees and persons who engage in services for us are eligible for grants under the plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide these individuals with incentives to maximize stockholder value and otherwise contribute to our success and to enable us to attract, retain and reward the best available persons for positions of responsibility.

 

1,500,000 shares of our common stock were authorized for issuance under the plan, subject to adjustment in the event of a reorganization, stock split, merger or similar change in our corporate structure or the outstanding shares of common stock. During fiscal 2015 through July 1,2014, the Company issued 8,000 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2015, the Company issued 398,250223,750 options and 149,95073,100 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2016 the Company issued 211,500 stock options and 142,450 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2017, the Company issued 249,750 stock options and 157,500 restricted stock grants. During fiscal 2018 through July 1, 2018, the Company issued 217,280 stock options and 204,313 restricted stock grants. As of July 1, 2015,2018, the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan had 943,80012,357 stock options or other equity awards available for issuance. We may grant shares of restricted stock to our employees and directors in the future under the plan. Our Compensation Committee administers the plan. Our Board also has the authority to administer the plan and to take all actions that the Compensation Committee is otherwise authorized to take under the plan. The terms and conditions of each award made under the plan, including vesting requirements, will be set forth consistent with the plan in a written agreement with the grantee.

 

Stock Options.  Under the plan, the Compensation Committee or the Board may award grants of incentive stock options and other non-qualified stock options. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to grant options that will become fully vested and exercisable automatically upon a change in control. The Compensation Committee may not, however, award to any one person in any calendar year options to purchase common stock equal to more than 10% of the total number of shares authorized under the plan, (other than the initial award to Dr. Hartnett discussed above), and it may not award incentive stock options first exercisable in any calendar year whose underlying shares have a fair market value greater than $100,000 determined at the time of grant.

 

The Compensation Committee will determine the exercise price and term of any option in its discretion, provided that, the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. In the case of any incentive stock option, the option must be exercised within 10 years of the date of grant. The exercise price of an incentive stock option awarded to a person who owns stock constituting more than 10% of our voting power may not be less than 110% of such fair market value on such date and the option must be exercised within five years of the date of grant.

 

Restricted Stock.  Under the plan, the Compensation Committee may award restricted stock, subject to the conditions and restrictions, and for the duration that it determines in its discretion. One half of the 943,80012,357 shares available for issuance are available to be used for restricted stock awards.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights.  The Compensation Committee may grant stock appreciation rights, or SARs, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the plan. Under the plan, the exercise price of a SAR must equal the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date the SAR was granted. Upon exercise of a SAR, the grantee will receive an amount in shares of our common stock equal to the difference between the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the SAR, multiplied by the number of shares as to which the SAR is exercised.

 

Performance Awards.  The Compensation Committee may grant performance awards contingent upon achievement of set goals and objectives regarding specified performance criteria, over a specified performance cycle. Awards may include specific dollar-value target awards, performance units, the value of which is established at the time of grant, and/or performance shares, the value of which is equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The value of a performance award may be fixed or fluctuate on the basis of specified performance criteria. A performance award may be paid out in cash and/or shares of common stock or other securities.

 

Amendment and Termination of the Plan.  The Board may amend or terminate the plan in its discretion, except that no amendment will become effective without prior approval of our stockholders if such approval is necessary for continued compliance with the performance-based compensation exception of Section 162(m) of the Code or any stock exchange or Nasdaq listing requirements. If not previously terminated by the Board, the plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its adoption.

2017 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan

Our 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan was approved by our shareholders at the Company’s 2017 annual shareholder meeting. The plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards. Our directors, officers and other employees and persons who engage in services for us are eligible for grants under the plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide these individuals with incentives to maximize stockholder value and otherwise contribute to our success and to enable us to attract, retain and reward the best available persons for positions of responsibility.


1,500,000 shares of our common stock were authorized for issuance under the plan, subject to adjustment in the event of a reorganization, stock split, merger or similar change in our corporate structure or the outstanding shares of common stock. During fiscal 2018 through July 1, 2018, the Company issued 148,500 stock options and no restricted stock grants. As of July 1, 2018, the 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan had 1,351,500 stock options or other equity awards available for issuance. We may grant shares of restricted stock to our employees and directors in the future under the plan. Our Compensation Committee administers the plan. Our Board also has the authority to administer the plan and to take all actions that the Compensation Committee is otherwise authorized to take under the plan. The terms and conditions of each award made under the plan, including vesting requirements, will be set forth consistent with the plan in a written agreement with the grantee.

Stock Options.  Under the plan, the Compensation Committee or the Board may award grants of incentive stock options and other non-qualified stock options. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to grant options that will become fully vested and exercisable automatically upon a change in control. The Compensation Committee may not, however, award to any one person in any calendar year options to purchase common stock equal to more than 10% of the total number of shares authorized under the plan and it may not award incentive stock options first exercisable in any calendar year whose underlying shares have a fair market value greater than $100,000 determined at the time of grant.

The Compensation Committee will determine the exercise price and term of any option in its discretion, provided that, the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. In the case of any incentive stock option, the option must be exercised within 10 years of the date of grant. The exercise price of an incentive stock option awarded to a person who owns stock constituting more than 10% of our voting power may not be less than 110% of such fair market value on such date and the option must be exercised within five years of the date of grant.

Restricted Stock.  Under the plan, the Compensation Committee may award restricted stock, subject to the conditions and restrictions, and for the duration that it determines in its discretion. One half of the 1,351,500 shares available for issuance are available to be used for restricted stock awards.

Stock Appreciation Rights.  The Compensation Committee may grant stock appreciation rights, or SARs, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the plan. Under the plan, the exercise price of a SAR must equal the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date the SAR was granted. Upon exercise of a SAR, the grantee will receive an amount in shares of our common stock equal to the difference between the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the SAR, multiplied by the number of shares as to which the SAR is exercised.

Performance Awards.  The Compensation Committee may grant performance awards contingent upon achievement of set goals and objectives regarding specified performance criteria, over a specified performance cycle. Awards may include specific dollar-value target awards, performance units, the value of which is established at the time of grant, and/or performance shares, the value of which is equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The value of a performance award may be fixed or fluctuate on the basis of specified performance criteria. A performance award may be paid out in cash and/or shares of common stock or other securities.

Amendment and Termination of the Plan.  The Board may amend or terminate the plan in its discretion, except that no amendment will become effective without prior approval of our stockholders if such approval is necessary for continued compliance with the performance-based compensation exception of Section 162(m) of the Code or any stock exchange or Nasdaq listing requirements. If not previously terminated by the Board, the plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its adoption.

 

On March 29, 2006, we accelerated vesting with respect to all outstanding options and warrants under our existing stock option plans. Such acceleration was approved by our Board. As of July 1, 2015,2018, there were 1,261,500978,185 outstanding stock options, 585,700350,250 of which were exercisable.

 

Except as set forth above in “CEO Performance Based Program for Fiscal 2014 and Subsequent Years”“Long Term Equity Incentive Program” with respect to the CEO and COO/CFO, the Company does not have an established quantitative formula to determine the number of shares of stock options and/or restricted shares granted to each named executive officer.Executive Officer. The grants are based on the Compensation Committee’s subjective evaluation based on an understanding and assessments of each individual named executive officerExecutive Officer and a comparison to the competitive market for executive compensation. The factors taken into consideration by the Compensation Committee with respect to grants to named executive officersExecutive Officers of stock options and/or restricted shares include the named executive’s responsibilities, experience level, retention risk, tenure, job performance and achievement of short-term and long-term goals.

 

The Compensation Committee typically reviews approval of equity grants on an annual fiscal year basis. The timing of the meeting is scheduled to allow the Compensation Committee time to review prior year performance and assemble all necessary information. Grants are generally scheduled to follow the release of earnings for the applicable quarter. The date is not selected or changed to increase the value of stock option awards for executives or directors information. Grants are generally scheduled to follow release of earnings for the applicable quarter. The date is not selected or changed to increase the value of stock option awards for executives or directors

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-ENDdirectors.

 

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END 

 OPTION AWARDS  STOCK AWARDS  

OPTION AWARDS

  

STOCK AWARDS

 
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
  Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
  Option
Exercise
Price
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
  Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested
  Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other
Rights That Have
Not Vested
  

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options

  

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options

  

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options

  

Option
Exercise
Price

  

Option Expiration Date

  

Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested 

  

Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested

  

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested

  

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested

 
 (#) (#) (#) ($)     (#) ($)(1) (#) ($)  (#) (#)  (#) ($)     (#) ($)(1) (#) ($) 
Name Exercisable Unexercisable                 Exercisable Unexercisable                
                                       
Michael J. Hartnett  20,075   -   -   20.37   11/11/2015  -   -   -   -   20,000  (2)  51.08 6/14/2020     
  100,000   -   -   22.73   11/16/2016  -   -   -   - 
  60,000   40,000(2)  -   37.66   10/6/2018  -   -   -   - 
  40,000   60,000(5)  -   44.60   6/4/2019  -   -   -   -  17,792 40,000  (6)  64.15 7/1/2021     
  20,000   80,000(8)  -   51.08   6/14/2020  -   -   -   -   30,000   48,000  (9)     72.83   7/1/2022             
  -   100,000(11)  -   64.15   7/1/2021  -   -   -   -   20,000   80,000(13)     72.94   7/8/2023             
  -   -   -   -   -   14,000(14)  1,058,120   -   -      80,000(17)     99.64   6/27/2024             
  -   -   -   -   -   11,667(18)  881,792   -   -                  13,067(21)  1,622,921       
  -   -   -   -   -   23,333(21)  1,763,508   -   -                  33,567(26)  4,169,021       
  -   -   -   -   -   50,350(26)  3,805,453   -   -                  39,200(30)  4,868,640       
Daniel A. Bergeron  20,000   -   -   31.91   2/12/2016  -   -   -   -   20,000         44.60   6/4/2019             
  20,000   -   -   20.37   11/11/2015  -   -   -   -   16,000   4,000  (3)     51.08   6/14/2020             
  20,000       -   22.73   11/16/2016  -   -   -   -   12,000   8,000  (7)     64.15   7/1/2021             
  12,000   8,000(3)  -   37.66   10/6/2018  -   -   -   -   10,000   15,000(10)     72.83   7/1/2022             
  8,000   12,000(6)  -   44.60   6/4/2019  -   -   -   -   8,000   32,000(14)     72.94   7/8/2023             
  4,000   16,000(9)  -   51.08   6/14/2020  -   -   -   -      30,000(18)     99.64   6/27/2024             
  -   20,000(12)  -   64.15   7/1/2021  -   -   -   -                  1,667(22)  207,041       
  -   -   -   -   -   3,000(15)  226,740   -   -                  6,667(27)  828,041       
  -   -   -   -   -   1,500(19)  113,370   -   -                  10,000(31)  1,242,000       
  -   -   -   -   -   2,667(22)  201,572   -   -                                     
  -   -   -   -   -   4,000(27)  302,320   -   - 
                                    
Thomas C. Crainer  25,000   -   -   20.37   11/11/2015  -   -   -   - 
  25,000   -   -   22.73   11/16/2016  -   -   -   - 
  12,000   8,000(3)  -   37.66   10/6/2018  -   -   -   - 
  8,000   12,000(6)  -   44.60   6/4/2019  -   -   -   - 
  4,000   16,000(9)  -   51.08   6/14/2020  -   -   -   - 
  -   20,000(12)  -   64.15   7/1/2021  -   -   -   - 
Patrick S. Bannon     20,000  (4)     126.56   2/1/2025             
  -   -   -   -   -   2,000(16)  151,160   -   -                  875(23)  108,675       
  -   -   -   -   -   1,500(19)  113,370   -   -                  2,100(28)  260,820       
  -   -   -   -   -   1,667(23)  125,992   -   -                  4,000(32)  496,800       
  -   -   -   -   -   2,000(28)  151,160                          7,500(35)  931,500       
Richard J. Edwards  8,000   -   -   22.73   11/16/2016  -   -   -   -      2,000  (5)     51.08   6/14/2020             
  4,000   8,000(3)  -   37.66   10/6/2018  -   -   -   - 
  8,000   12,000(6)  -   44.60   6/4/2019  -   -   -   -      8,000  (7)     64.15   7/1/2021             
  2,000   8,000(10)  -   51.08   6/14/2020  -   -   -   -      12,000(11)     72.83   7/1/2022             
  -   20,000(12)  -   64.15   7/1/2021  -   -   -   -      8,000(15)     72.94   7/8/2023             
  -   -   -   -   -   2,000(16)  151,160   -   -      20,000(19)     99.64   6/27/2024             
  -   -   -   -   -   1,500(19)  113,370   -   -                  667(24)  82,841       
  -   -   -   -   -   667(24)  50,412   -   -                  667(29)  82,841       
  -   -   -   -   -   2,000(28)  151,160   -   -                  2,000(33)  248,400       
Thomas J. Williams  2,000   -   -   31.91   2/12/2016  -   -   -   -      2,000  (5)     51.08   6/14/2020             
  6,000   -   -   22.73   11/16/2016  -   -   -   -   1,500   3,000  (8)     64.15   7/1/2021             
  6,000   4,000(4)  -   37.66   10/6/2018  -   -   -   -   1,500   4,500(12)     72.83   7/1/2022             
  4,000   6,000(7)  -   44.60   6/4/2019  -   -   -   -   1,500   6,000(16)     72.94   7/8/2023             
  2,000   8,000(10)  -   51.08   6/14/2020  -   -   -   -      7,500(20)     99.64   6/27/2024             
  -   7,500(13)  -   64.15   7/1/2021  -   -   -   -                  333(25)  41,359       
  -   -   -   -   -   800(17)  60,464   -   -                  667(29)  82,841       
  -   -   -   -   -   667(20)  50,412   -   -                  1,000(34)  124,200       
  -   -   -   -   -   1,333(25)  100,748   -   - 
  -   -   -   -   -   1,000(29)  75,580   -   - 

 47

(1)These amountamounts are based on a price per share of $75.58,$124.20, the closing sales price for a share of our common stock on the last business day of fiscal 20152018 (March 27, 2015)29, 2018) as quoted by the Nasdaq National Market.

 

(2)These options vest as follows: 20,000 on October 6, 2015 and 20,000 on October 6, 2016.June 14, 2018.

 

(3)These options vest as follows: 4,000 on October 6, 2015 and 4,000 on October 6, 2016.June 14, 2018.

 

(4)These options vest as follows: 2,0004,000 on October 6, 2015February 1, 2019, 4,000 on February 1, 2020, 4,000 on February 1, 2021, 4,000 on February 1, 2022 and 2,0004,000 on October 6, 2016.February 1, 2023.

 

(5)These options vest as follows: 20,0002,000 on June 4, 2015, 20,000 on June 4, 2016 and 20,000 on June 4, 2017.14, 2018.

 

(6)These options vest as follows: 4,000 on June 4, 2015, 4,000 on June 4, 2016 and 4,000 on June 4, 2017.

(7)These options vest as follows: 2,000 on June 4, 2015, 2,000 on June 4, 2016 and 2,000 on June 4, 2017.

(8)These options vest as follows: 20,000 on June 14, 2015, 20,000 on June 14, 2016, 20,000 on June 14, 2017 and 20,000 on June 14, 2018.

(9)These options vest as follows: 4,000 on June 14, 2015, 4,000 on June 14, 2016, 4,000 on June 14, 2017 and 4,000 on June 14, 2018.

(10)These options vest as follows: 2,000 on June 14, 2015, 2,000 on June 14, 2016, 2,000 on June 14, 2017 and 2,000 on June 14, 2018.

(11)These options vest as follows: 20,000 on July 1, 2015, 20,000 on July 1, 2016, 20,000 on July 1, 2017, 20,000 on July 1, 2018 and 20,000 on July 1, 2019.

 

(12)(7)These options vest as follows: 4,000 on July 1, 2015, 4,000 on July 1, 2016, 4,000 on July 1, 2017, 4,000 on July 1, 2018 and 4,000 on July 1, 2019.

 

(13)(8)These options vest as follows: 1,500 on July 1, 2015, 1,500 on July 1, 2016, 1,500 on July 1, 2017, 1,500 on July 1, 2018 and 1,500 on July 1, 2019.

(9)These options vest as follows: 16,000 on July 1, 2018, 16,000 on July 1, 2019 and 16,000 on July 1, 2020.

(10)These options vest as follows: 5,000 on July 1, 2018, 5,000 on July 1, 2019 and 5,000 on July 1, 2020.

(11)These options vest as follows: 4,000 on July 1, 2018, 4,000 on July 1, 2019 and 4,000 on July 1, 2020.

(12)These options vest as follows: 1,500 on July 1, 2018, 1,500 on July 1, 2019 and 1,500 on July 1, 2020.

(13)These options vest as follows: 20,000 on July 8, 2018, 20,000 on July 8, 2019, 20,000 on July 8, 2020 and 20,000 on July 8, 2021.

(14)These restricted stock awardsoptions vest as follows: 7,0008,000 on October 6, 2015July 8, 2018, 8,000 on July 8, 2019, 8,000 on July 8, 2020 and 7,0008,000 on October 6, 2016.July 8, 2021.

 

(15)These restricted stock awardsoptions vest as follows: 1,5002,000 on October 6, 2015July 8, 2018, 2,000 on July 8, 2019, 2,000 on July 8, 2020 and 1,5002,000 on October 6, 2016.July 8, 2021.

 

(16)These restricted stock awardsoptions vest as follows: 1,0001,500 on October 6, 2015July 8, 2018, 1,500 on July 8, 2019, 1,500 on July 8, 2020 and 1,0001,500 on October 6, 2016.July 8, 2021.

 

(17)These restricted stock awardsoptions vest as follows: 40016,000 on October 6, 2015June 27, 2018, 16,000 on June 27, 2019, 16,000 on June 27, 2020, 16,000 on June 27, 2021 and 40016,000 on October 6, 2016.June 27, 2022.

 

(18)These restricted stock awardsoptions vest as follows: 11,6676,000 on June 4, 2015.27, 2018, 6,000 on June 27, 2019, 6,000 on June 27, 2020, 6,000 on June 27, 2021 and 6,000 on June 27, 2022.

 

(19)These restricted stock awardsoptions vest as follows: 1,5004,000 on June 4, 2015.27, 2018, 4,000 on June 27, 2019, 4,000 on June 27, 2020, 4,000 on June 27, 2021 and 4,000 on June 27, 2022.

 

(20)These restricted stock awardsoptions vest as follows: 6671,500 on June 4, 2015.27, 2018, 1,500 on June 27, 2019, 1,500 on June 27, 2020, 1,500 on June 27, 2021 and 1,500 on June 27, 2022.

 

(21)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 11,66613,067 on June 14, 2015 and 11,667 on June 14, 2016.July 1, 2018.

 

(22)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 1,3341,667 on June 14, 2015 and 1,333 on June 14, 2016.July 1, 2018.

 

(23)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 834875 on June 14, 2015 and 833 on June 14, 2016.April 11, 2018.

 

(24)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 334667 on June 14, 2015 and 333 on June 14, 2016.July 1, 2018.

 

(25)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 666333 on June 14, 2015 and 667 on June 14, 2016.July 1, 2018.

 

(26)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 16,783 on July 1, 2015, 16,784 on July 1, 20168, 2018 and 16,783 on July 1, 2017.8, 2019.

 

(27)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 1,3333,334 on July 1, 2015, 1,3348, 2018 and 3,333 on July 1, 2016 and 1,333 on July 1, 2017.8, 2019.

 


(28)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 667700 on July 1, 2015, 666December 4, 2018, 700 on July 1, 2016December 4, 2019 and 667700 on July 1, 2017.December 4, 2020.

 

(29)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 333 on July 1, 2015, 334 on July 1, 20168, 2018 and 333 on July 1, 2017.8, 2019.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

(30)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 13,067 on June 27, 2018, 13,066 on June 27, 2019 and 13,067 on June 27, 2020.

 

(31)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 3,333 on June 27, 2018, 3,334 on June 27, 2019 and 3,333 on June 27, 2020.

 

  OPTION AWARDS  STOCK AWARDS 
  Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
  Value Realized
on Exercise
  Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
  Value
Realized on
Vesting
 
Name (#)  ($)  (#)  ($)(1) 
             
Michael J. Hartnett  133,427   5,723,025   30,334   1,809,027 
                 
Daniel A. Bergeron  -   -   4,333   255,348 
                 
Thomas C. Crainer  -   -   3,333   196,603 
                 
Richard J. Edwards  -   -   2,833   165,488 
                 
Thomas J. Williams  -   -   1,734   103,411 
                 
(32)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 1,000 on December 2, 2018, 1,000 on December 2, 2019, 1,000 on December 2, 2020 and 1,000 on December 2, 2021.

 

(33)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 667 on June 27, 2018, 666 on June 27, 2019 and 667 on June 27, 2020.

(34)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 333 on June 27, 2018, 334 on June 27, 2019 and 333 on June 27, 2020.

(35)These restricted stock awards vest as follows: 2,500 on February 1, 2019, 2,500 on February 1, 2020 and 2,500 on February 1, 2021.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
 
  OPTION AWARDS  STOCK AWARDS 
  Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
  Value Realized
on Exercise
  Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
  Value
Realized on
Vesting
 
Name (#)  ($)  (#)  ($)(1) 
             
Michael J. Hartnett  131,282   7,658,130   46,632   4,753,999 
                 
Daniel A. Bergeron  20,000   1,726,800   6,332   646,077 
                 
Patrick S. Bannon        3,275   394,991 
                 
Richard J. Edwards  20,000   991,460   1,666   169,705 
                 
Thomas J. Williams  5,500   279,303   1,000   101,933 
                 
 (1)The fair market value was based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of vesting.

 

NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATIONNON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 Executive
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year
  Registrant
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year
  Aggregate
Earnings in
Last Fiscal
Year
  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
  Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year End
  Executive
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year
 Registrant
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year
 Aggregate
Earnings in
Last Fiscal Year
 Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
 Aggregate
Balance at Last
Fiscal Year End
 
Name ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) ($) ($)  ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) ($) ($) 
                      
Michael J. Hartnett  -   -   379   -   388,781         3,753      395,033 
                                        
Daniel A. Bergeron  36,283   6,522   26,380   -   397,467   200,000   14,000   78,384      831,035 
                                        
Thomas C. Crainer  21,490   5,373   34,681   -   615,422 
Patrick S. Bannon  31,169   6,293   42,002   (24,006)  320,084 
                                        
Richard J. Edwards  19,347   4,837   5,891   -   121,878   21,050   5,263   17,171      233,736 
                                        
Thomas J. Williams  133,184   5,344   25,514   -   380,304   112,290   5,531   7,041      783,555 

 

 (1)These amounts represent contributions made by each individual to the SERP. These amounts are included in the “Salary” column for each individual in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

 (2)These amounts represent contributions made by the Company to the SERP. These amounts are included in the “All Other Compensation” column for each individual in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

 (3)These amounts consist of appreciation (depreciation) and earnings (loss) on such individual’s account under the SERP.

 

45

Supplemental Retirement Plan

 

Effective September 1, 1996, we adopted a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan, or SERP, for a select group of executive officers and management employees designated by our CEO. The SERP allows eligible employees to elect to defer until termination of their employment the receipt of up to 25% of their current salary. Until January 1, 2010 when the Company match was suspended, the Company made contributions equal to the lesser of 50% of the deferrals or 3.5% of the employee’s annual salary, which vest in full after three years of service following the effective date of the SERP. The match was reinstated on April 1, 2011 by the Company through matching contributions equal to 25% of the first 7% of eligible employee compensation. The SERP was amended in August, 2008, allowing eligible employees to defer up to 75% of their current salary and up to 100% of bonus compensation. Also, the vesting period was reduced to one year of service.

 

Accounts are paid, either in a lump sum or installments, upon retirement, death or termination of employment. Accounts are generally payable from our general assets. Employees’ rights to receive payments are subject to the rights of our creditors.

 

 POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON CHANGE-IN-CONTROL OR TERMINATION

 

The table below summarizes the executive benefits and payments that would have been due to the CEO and other executive officersExecutive Officers upon termination in connection with a change-in-control or termination of employment occurring on March 28, 2015,April 1, 2018, which in the case of Mr. Hartnett and Mr. Bergeron are based on the provisions of histheir current Employment AgreementAgreements and in the case of the other Executive Officers are based on their change-in-control letter agreements.


CHANGE IN CONTROL

 

Benefits and Payments Upon
Change-in-Control
 Named Executive Officers 
  Michael J.
Hartnett(1)(2)
  Daniel A.
Bergeron(5)
  Thomas C.
Crainer(5)
  Richard J.
Edwards(5)
  Thomas J.
Williams(5)
 
Base salary $2,306,608  $540,000  $471,000  $459,000  $384,375 
Incentive compensation plans payments  19,936,330   1,517,580   1,311,840   1,299,840   599,908 
Other payments  45,000   51,952   41,217   22,887   41,773 
Stock options vested and value upon termination (3)  6,478,600   1,295,720   1,295,720   1,099,720   619,285 
Restricted stock vested and value upon termination (4)  7,508,873   844,002   541,682   466,102   287,204 
Total $36,275,411  $4,249,254  $3,661,459  $3,347,549  $1,932,545 
  Benefits and Payments Upon Change-in-Control Named Executive Officers 
  Michael J.
Hartnett(1)(2)
  Daniel A.
Bergeron(5)(6)
  Patrick S.
Bannon(7)
  Richard J.
Edwards(7)
  Thomas J.
Williams(7)
 
Bonus $1,937,550  $750,000  $225,000  $286,200  $133,500 
Severance payments  20,411,555   9,310,000   3,090,450   2,229,000   1,156,950 
Other payments  37,332   43,609   101,763   28,713   45,980 
Stock options vested and value upon termination (3)  12,395,760   3,920,550      2,144,360   1,049,315 
  Restricted stock vested and value upon termination (4)  10,660,583   2,277,083   1,797,795   414,083   248,400 
 ��  Total $45,442,780  $16,301,242  $5,215,008  $5,102,356  $2,634,145 

         

 (1)

On April 22, 2010,2, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Michael J. Hartnett, effective April 4, 2010,2, 2017, pursuant to which Mr. Hartnett will continue to be employed as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. The employment agreement with Michael J. Hartnett provides that if a Change in the event ofControl occurs and if within 24 months after a Change in Control, his termination of employment due to a change-in-control ofis either terminated by the Company without Cause or by him for Good Reason, he will generally be entitled to payment of his base salary and pro rata bonus through the date of termination, a severance payment of 250% of his base salary, annual bonus and annual equity awards and the continuation of certain benefits set forth in his employment agreement.

 (2)The actual amount of the incentive compensation plans payment is assumed to be equal to 250% of base salary for the applicable fiscal year, in accordance with Mr. Hartnett’s employment agreement, as well as equity grants in accordance with his equity compensation award plan.
(3)All unvested stock options granted to the named Executive Officers would vest upon a change-in-control.
(4)All restrictions associated with restricted stock grants would lapse upon a change of control.
(5)

On April 2, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Daniel A. Bergeron, effective April 2, 2017, pursuant to which Mr. Bergeron will continue to be employed as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The employment agreement with Daniel A. Bergeron provides that if a Change in Control occurs and if within 24 months after a Change in Control, his employment is either terminated by the Company without Cause or by him for Good Reason, he will generally be entitled to payment of his base salary and pro rata bonus through the date of termination, a severance payment of 250% of his base salary, annual bonus and annual equity awards and the continuation of certain benefits set forth in his employment agreement.

(6)The actual amount of the incentive compensation plans payment is assumed to be equal to 150% of base salary for the applicable fiscal year, in accordance with Mr. Hartnett’sBergeron’s employment agreement, as well as equity grants equal to those awarded in the previous year.accordance with his equity compensation award plan.

 (3)(7)All unvested stock options granted to the named executive officers would vest upon a change-in-control.

(4)All restrictions associated with restricted stock grants would lapse upon a change of control.

(5)The other named executive officers, in the event of a change-in-control, will generally be entitled to payment of their base salary and pro rata bonus through the date of termination, a severance payment of 150% of their base salary, annual bonus and annual equity awards and the continuation of certain benefits set forth in their change-in-control agreements.

 51

TERMINATION

 

 The following summarizes executive benefits and payments that would have been due the CEO and COO/CFO upon termination of employment other than due to a change-in-control occurring on March 28, 2015.April 1, 2018. No other executive officer hasExecutive Officers have an employment agreement with the Company providing for payments to them upon termination of employment other than due to a change-in-control.

 

Benefits and Payments Upon Termination 

 Named Executive Officer 
   Michael J. Hartnett 
Death or Disability/Without Cause (1)    
Base salary $938,020 
Incentive bonus payments  1,383,965 
Other payments  401,463 
Stock options vested and value upon termination (2)  6,478,600 
Restricted stock vested and value upon termination (3)  7,508,873 
Total $16,710,921 
     
With Cause (4)    
Base salary $461,322 
Other payments  200,731 
Total $662,053 
     
Voluntary Termination (5)    
Base salary $461,322 
Other payments  200,731 
Stock options vested and value upon termination (2)  6,478,600 
Restricted stock vested and value upon termination (3)  7,508,873 
Total $14,649,526 

       
Benefits and Payments Upon Termination Named Executive Officer 
    
  Michael J. Hartnett  Daniel A. Bergeron 
Death or Disability/Without Cause (1)        
Base salary $1,550,040  $1,000,000 
Incentive bonus payments  1,937,550   750,000 
Other payments  641,968   160,220 
Stock options vested and value upon termination (2)  12,395,760   3,920,550 
Restricted stock vested and value upon termination (3)  10,660,583   2,277,083 
Total $27,185,901  $8,107,853 
         
With Cause/Voluntary Termination (4)        
Base salary $387,510  $ 
Other payments  220,992   
Total $608,502  $ 

 

 (1)The employment agreementagreements with Michael J. Hartnett providesand Daniel A. Bergeron provide that in the event of histheir termination of employment, during the initial agreement term, due to histheir death or disability, or without cause, hethey will generally be entitled to payment of histheir base salary for the remaining years of the agreement plus a pro rata portion of histheir annual bonus plus the continuation of certain benefits for the remainder of the period ending April 2, 2016.initial agreement term.  The employment agreements with Michael J. Hartnett and Daniel A. Bergeron provide that in the event of their termination of employment, during a renewal term, due to their death or disability, or without cause, they will generally be entitled to payment of their base salary plus a pro rata portion of their annual bonus plus the continuation of certain benefits for the remainder of an extended agreement term.

 (2)All unvested stock options granted to Michael J. Hartnett and Daniel A. Bergeron would vest upon histheir death or disability.

 (3)All restrictions associated with restricted stock grants would lapse upon histheir death or disability.

 (4)The employment agreement with Michael J. Hartnett provides that in the event of his termination of employment with cause, or by voluntary termination, he will generally be entitled to payment of his base salary in addition to being entitled to the continuation of certain benefits set forth in his employment agreement for six months following the date of his termination of employment.

 

(5)The employment agreement with Michael J. Hartnett provides that in the event of voluntary termination, he will generally be entitled to payment of his base salary in addition to being entitled to the continuation of certain benefits set forth in his employment agreement for six months following the date of his termination of employment.  In addition, all restricted stock and stock options would immediately fully vest.

Pay Ratio

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had 3,466 employees located in 9 countries around the world, of whom 2,408 were located in the United States. For the fiscal 2018, the estimated median of the annual total compensation of all those employees worldwide (excluding our CEO) was $49,916, and the estimated median of the annual total compensation of all those employees located in the United States (excluding our CEO) was $58,405. The total compensation of our CEO, Dr. Hartnett, in fiscal 2018 was $7,888,243 (see Summary Compensation Table” on page 39), which was 158 times the compensation of the median employee worldwide, and 135 times the compensation of the median employee in the United States. We used a sampling technique to identify the median employee, selecting 3,087 of our worldwide employees and 2,341 of our United States employees. We then identified the individual in each of the two samples who received the median compensation (using for this purpose salary (including base wages), bonus, equity compensation and overtime actually paid during fiscal 2018). We then determined the annual total compensation of those two employees as shown above on substantially the same basis as used for the CEO in the Summary Compensation Table. The CEO pay ratio reported above is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules based on the methodologies and assumptions described above. SEC rules for identifying the median employee and determining the CEO pay ratio permit companies to use a wide range of methodologies, estimates and assumptions. As a result, the CEO pay ratios reported by other companies, which may have employed other permitted methodologies or assumptions and which may have a significantly different work force structure from ours, are likely not comparable to our CEO pay ratio.


401(k) Plan

 

We maintain the Roller Bearing Company of America 401(k) Plan, or the 401(k) Plan, a plan established pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code, for the benefit of our non-union employees. All non-union employees who have completed six months of service with us are entitled to participate. Subject to various limits, employees are entitled to defer up to 25% of their annual salary on a pre-tax basis and up to an additional 10% of their annual salary on an after-tax basis.

 

Effective April 4, 2010, the Company set matching contributions to our 401(k) Plan equal to 10% of the first 3.5% of eligible employee compensation.

 

We also maintain a 401(k) plan for non-exempt employees at some of our facilities. Subject to various limits, non-exempt employees are entitled to defer up to 25% of their annual salary on a pre-tax basis. We make employer contributions (matching and, in some cases, non-elective contributions) based on requirements in applicable collective bargaining agreements.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table provides information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of July 1, 2015,2018, including the Company’s 1998 Stock Option Plan, 2001 Stock Option Plan, 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 20132017 Long Term Incentive Plan. The Company purchases shares on the open market for issuance under its various equity plans thus minimizing any dilutive effect of such plans.

 

 Equity Compensation Plan Information  Equity Compensation Plan Information
 (A)�� (B) (C)  (A) (B) (C) 
Plan Category Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (A)
  

Number of securities

to be issued upon

exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights 

 

Weighted-average 

exercise price of

outstanding options, 

warrants and rights

 

Number of securities

remaining available for 

future issuance under

equity compensation 

plans (excluding

securities reflected in 

column (A)

 
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders  1,261,500(1) $47.33   1,006,370(2) 985,685(1) $85.69  363,857(2)
          

 (1)The Company does not have equity compensation plans which have not been approved by the Company’s stockholders.

 (2)Applies to the 20052013 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 20132017 Long Term Incentive Plan only as no further equity grants may be made under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, and 2001 Stock Option Plan and 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan.

 

48

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for fiscal 20142017 and fiscal 2015.2018.

 

 Fiscal Year  Fiscal Year Ended 
Fee Category March 29, 2014  March 28, 2015  April 1, 2017  March 31, 2018 
Audit Fees $738,000  $810,000  $1,119,000  $1,251,000 
Audit-Related Fees  -   -         
Tax Fees  -   -         
Total Fees $738,000  $810,000  $1,119,000  $1,251,000 

 

Audit Fees:  Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by Ernst & Young LLP in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

 

Audit-Related Fees:   Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.”

 


Tax Fees:   Consists principally of fees for services provided in connection with worldwide tax planning and compliance services, expatriate tax services and assistance with tax audits and appeals.

 

All audit, audit-related and tax services performed by Ernst & Young LLP in fiscal 20152017 and fiscal 2018 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by Ernst & Young LLP was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions.

 

Pursuant to the Audit Committee charter, the Audit Committee must approve all audit engagement fees and other significant compensation to be paid to the independent registered public accounting firm and the terms of such engagement. The Audit Committee’s charter provides that individual engagements must be separately approved. Additionally, the Audit Committee must pre-approve any non-audit services to be provided to the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee policy also requires specific approval by the Audit Committee if total fees for audit-related and tax services would exceed total fees for audit services in any fiscal year. The Audit Committee charter authorizes the Audit Committee to delegate to one or more of its members pre-approval authority with respect to permitted services.

 

MATTERS RELATING TO REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The Audit Committee of the Board has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management, which has represented that the financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Audit Committee discussed with management the quality and acceptability of the accounting principles employed, including all critical accounting policies used in the preparation of the financial statements and related notes, the reasonableness of judgments made and the clarity of the disclosures included in the statements.

 

The Audit Committee also reviewed the consolidated financial statements of the Company for fiscal 20152018 with Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, for fiscal 2015, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Audit Committee has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, the matters required to be discussed by applicable standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) including matters related to the planning and results of audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The Audit Committee also reviewed management’s report on its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on management’s assessment of and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB relating to Ernst & Young LLP’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP its independence and has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by Ernst & Young LLP to the Company is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young LLP’s independence.

 

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 28, 201531, 2018 for filing with the SEC.

 

The Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2016.2019.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of RBC Bearings Incorporated

 

Alan B. Levine (Chairman)

Dr. Thomas J. O’Brien

Mitchell I. Quain

Edward D. Stewart

Alan B. Levine (Chairman)

 54

 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS FOR 20162019 MEETING

 

Stockholder proposals intended for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement relating to the next annual meeting in 20162019 must be received by the Company no later than March 27, 2016.30, 2019. Any such proposal must comply with Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A of the proxy rules of the SEC.

 

Under the Company’s by-laws, proposals of stockholders not intended for inclusion in the proxy statement, but intended to be raised at the Company’s regularly scheduled annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2016,2019, must be received by the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting; provided, , however, , that in the event that less than 70 days’ notice or prior public announcement of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the date on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public announcement was made. Such proposals must also comply with the procedures outlined in the Company’s by-laws, a copy of which is available upon request from the Corporate Secretary, RBC Bearings Incorporated, One Tribology Center, Oxford, CT 06478.

 

DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD

 

You may nominate director candidates for consideration by the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Any such nomination should include the nominee’s name and qualifications for Board membership and should be directed to the Corporate Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices set forth above. In addition, our by-laws permit stockholders to nominate directors for election at an annual stockholder meeting. To nominate a director, a stockholder must deliver timely notice of such stockholder’s intent to make such nomination in writing to the Corporate Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices not less than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting. In the event that the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the meeting was made. To be in proper form, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director at such meeting (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (B) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (C) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by the person and (D) any other information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act; and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice (A) the name and record address of such stockholder, (B) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (C) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, (D) a representation that the stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice and (E) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.

The Company evaluates director nominees recommended by stockholders in the same manner in which it evaluates other director nominees. The Company has established through its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee selection criteria that identify desirable skills and experience for prospective Board members, including consideration of the potential candidate’s qualification as independent, as well as consideration of diversity, age, skills, expertise and experience in the context of the Board and other criteria determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee from time to time.

 

 55

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The Company will bear the cost of the annual meeting and the cost of this proxy solicitation, including mailing costs. In addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers, and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies by telephone or otherwise, with no specific additional compensation to be paid for such services. The Company has not retained any third party to assist in this solicitation. The Company also will reimburse, upon request, all brokers and other persons holding shares of common stock for the benefit of others for their reasonable expenses in forwarding the Company’s proxy materials and any accompanying materials to the beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock and in obtaining authorization from beneficial owners to give proxies.

 

The Board knows of no matter to be brought before the annual meeting other than the matters identified in this proxy statement. If, however, any other matter properly comes before the annual meeting, the individuals named in the proxy solicited by the Board intend to vote on it on behalf of the stockholders they represent in the manner they consider appropriate.

 

By order of the Board of Directors, 
s/ Thomas J. Williams / 
Corporate Secretary 

 

Dated: July 26, 201527, 2018

 56

Appendix A

 

Directions To:

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Building B, 102 Willenbrock Road

One Tribology Center

Oxford, CT 06478.

Connecticut I-84 East or West to exit 16.16

Head south on CT-188 S/Strongtown Road toward CT-67 N/Seymour Road

Turn left onto CT-188 S/CT-67 S/Seymour Road

Continue straight to follow CT-67 S/Seymour Road

Take the 1st left onto Hawley Road

Take the 2nd right onto Willenbrock Road

Destination will be the third building on the left


RBC BEARINGS INCORPORATED

  PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY.

 

The board of directors recommends you vote “FORthe following:proposal 1:

 

1. Election of Directors:

 

Nominees:

 

For AllWithhold AllFor All Except
¨¨¨

 

01. Mitchell I. Quain 02. Richard R. Crowell 02. Dr. Steven H. Kaplan 03. Alan B. Levine.Levine

 

 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.

 

NOTE: Nominee 01 for Election in Class I for a One-year Term Expiring at our 2016 Annual Meeting. Nominees 02 and 03 for Election in Class II for a Three-year Term Expiring at our 20182021 Annual Meeting.

The board of directors recommends you vote “FOR” proposals 2, and 3:

 

2. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2016.2019.

 

For Against Abstain 
¨ ¨ ¨ 

 

3. To approve the compensation of our named executive officers.Executive Officers
 
For Against Abstain  
¨ ¨ ¨  

 

NOTE:Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

This Proxy will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned.

 

For address change/comments, mark here.

(see reverse for instructions)

 

Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting    YesNo
 ¨¨

 

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]  Date: 
Signature (Joint Owners)  Date: 

RBC BEARINGS INCORPORATED

 

PROXY FOR 20152018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The undersigned stockholder(s) of RBC Bearings Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby revoking any proxy heretofore given, does hereby appoint Dr. Michael J. Hartnett, Daniel A. Bergeron and Thomas J. Williams, and each of them, with full power to act alone, the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, with full powers of substitution, and hereby authorize(s) them and each of them, to represent the undersigned and to vote all shares of common stock of the Company that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on September 10, 201512, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at Building B, 102 Willenbrock Road, One Tribology Center, Oxford, CT 06478.06478 and any and all adjournments and postponements thereof, with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, on the following proposals, each as described more fully in the accompanying proxy statement, and any other matters coming before said meeting.

 

IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR NAMED IN PROPOSAL 1, “FOR” PROPOSAL 2, AND “FOR” PROPOSAL 3 AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.

 

ADDRESS CHANGE / COMMENTS/: 
  
  
  

(If you noted any Address Changes and/or Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)

 

Continued and to be signed on reverse side

 

54

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