UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

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BELDEN INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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BELDEN INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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LOGO

BELDEN LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE 2023 PROXY STATEMENT AND NOTICE OF 2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS


LOGO

April 6, 201611, 2023

Dear Stockholder:

I am pleased to invite you to our 20162023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. We will hold the meeting at 12:30 p.m.8:00 a.m. central time on Thursday, May 26, 201625, 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel Saint Louis, Mississippi Room, 8th Floor at 999 North 2nd Street, Saint Louis, Missouri.

On April 6, 2016,11, 2023, we began mailing our stockholders a notice containing instructions on how to access our 20162023 Proxy Statement and 20152022 Annual Report and how to vote online. The notice also included instructions on how to receive a paper copy of your annual meeting materials, including the notice of annual meeting, proxy statement and proxy card. If you received your annual meeting materials by mail, the notice of annual meeting, proxy statement and proxy card from our Board of Directors were enclosed. If you received your annual meeting materials via e-mail, the e-mail contained voting instructions and links to the annual report and the proxy statement on the Internet, which are both available athttp://investor.belden.com/investor-relations/financial-information/latest-financials/default.aspx.default.aspx.

The agenda for this year’s annual meeting consists of the following items:

 

Agenda ItemAGENDA ITEM

Board RecommendationBOARD

RECOMMENDATION

1.  Election of the nine directors nominated by the Company’s Board of Directors

FOR ALL NOMINEES

2.  Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 20162023

FOR

3.  Advisory vote on executive compensation for 2022

FOR

4.  Amendment and RestatementAdvisory vote on the frequency of the Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Planfuture advisory votes on executive compensation

FOR

EVERY 1 YEAR

Please refer to the proxy statement for detailed information on the proposals and the annual meeting. Your participation is appreciated.

Sincerely,

 

Sincerely,

Ashish Chand

President and Chief Executive Officer

LOGO

John Stroup

President and Chief Executive Officer


LOGO

BELDEN INC.

1 North Brentwood Boulevard, 15th Floor

Saint Louis, Missouri 63105

314-854-8000314‑854‑8000

NOTICE OF 20162023 ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

AGENDA

AGENDA

1.

To elect the nine directors nominated by the Company’s Board of Directors, each for a term of one year

2.

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2016

2023

3.

To hold an advisory vote on executive compensation

for 2022

4.

To amend and restatehold an advisory vote on the Company’s 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan

frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation

5.

To transact any other business as may properly come before the meeting (including adjournments and postponements)

WHO CAN VOTE

You are entitled to vote if you were a stockholder at the close of business on Thursday, March 31, 2016 (our record date).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company’s 2016

WHO CAN VOTE

You are entitled to vote if you were a stockholder at the close of business on March 28, 2023 (our record date).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company’s 2022 Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K, is available on the same website as this Proxy Statement. If you were mailed this Proxy Statement, the Annual Report was included in the package. The Form 10‑K includes the Company’s audited financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

By Authorization of the Board of Directors,

Brian E. Anderson

Senior Vice President – Legal, General Counsel and

Corporate Secretary

Saint Louis, Missouri

April 11, 2023

DATE:

Thursday, May 25, 2023

TIME:

8:00 a.m. CDT

PLACE:

Four Seasons Hotel Saint Louis

Mississippi Room, 8th Floor

999 North 2nd Street

Saint Louis, Missouri 63102

VOTING

Please vote as soon as possible to record your vote promptly, even if you plan to attend the annual meeting. You have three options for submitting your vote before the annual meeting:

Phone
(if you request a full delivery of the proxy materials)

Internet

l

Mail
(if you request a full delivery of the proxy materials)


PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE

2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF

BELDEN INC.

To be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

1

 

ITEM III – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

1

 

ITEM IV – ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY

 

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR QUESTIONS

1

 

VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

46

 

 

 

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

2

 

OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biographies of Directors Seeking Reappointment

4

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION ON DECEMBER 31, 2022

47

ESG at Belden

9

 

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

47

Audit Committee

10

 

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND

 

Compensation Committee

10

 

MANAGEMENT

47

Finance Committee

10

 

Beneficial Ownership Table of Directors, Nominees and Executive

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

10

 

Officers

48

Cybersecurity Committee

11

 

Beneficial Ownership Table of Stockholders Owning More Than Five

 

Corporate Governance Documents

11

 

Percent

49

Related Party Transactions and Compensation Committee Interlocks

11

 

OTHER MATTERS

50

Communications with Directors

11

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

50

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

11

 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING

54

Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Policy

12

 

APPENDIX I – ANNUAL CASH INCENTIVE PLAN PERFORMANCE

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

13

 

FACTORS

I-1

ITEM I – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM INFORMATION

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM II – RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2023

15

 

 

 

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for 2022 and 2021

15

 

 

 

Audit Committee’s Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

15

 

 

 

Report of the Audit Committee

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

17

 

 

 

A Note from the Belden Compensation Committee

17

 

 

 

I.   Introduction

18

 

 

 

II.  Executive Summary

18

 

 

 

III. 2022 Say-on-Pay Review

18

 

 

 

IV. Compensation Objectives and Elements

19

 

 

 

A.   Objectives

19

 

 

 

B.   Elements

20

 

 

 

C.   Pay for Performance Philosophy

20

 

 

 

D.   Compensation Design

21

 

 

 

V. 2022 Compensation Analysis

21

 

 

 

A.   Base Salary Adjustments

21

 

 

 

B.   Annual Cash Incentive Plan Awards

22

 

 

 

C.   Long-Term Incentive Awards

26

 

 

 

VI. Compensation Policies and Other Considerations

28

 

 

 

Report of the Compensation Committee

30

 

 

 

Compensation and Risk

30

 

 

 

Pay versus Performance

30

 

 

 

Pay Ratio Disclosure

35

 

 

 

Pay for Performance

35

 

 

 

Compensation Tables

35

 

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

36

 

 

 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

38

 

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

39

 

 

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

40

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

41

 

 

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

42

 

 

 

Employment, Severance and Change-In-Control Arrangements

42

 

 

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-In-Control

42

 

 

 

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page i


GENERAL INFORMATION

INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

Under rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), we are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders primarily via the Internet, instead of mailing printed copies of those materials to each stockholder. On April 11, 2023, we began mailing to our stockholders (other than those who previously requested electronic or paper delivery) a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials, including our proxy statement and our annual report. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also instructs you on how to access your proxy card to vote through the Internet or by telephone.

This process is designed to expedite stockholders’ receipt of proxy materials, lower the cost of the annual meeting, and help conserve natural resources. However, if you would prefer to receive printed proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. If you have previously elected to receive our proxy materials electronically, you will continue to receive these materials via e-mail unless you elect otherwise.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR QUESTIONS

Answers to certain frequently asked questions including the votes required for approval of the agenda items are included in this document beginning on page 50. For other questions, please see the following contact information:

For questions

Regarding:

Contact:

Annual meeting or

Belden Investor Relations, 314‑854‑8054

Executive Compensation Questions

Stock ownership

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

(Stockholders of Record)

http://www.astfinancial.com

800‑937‑5449 (within the U.S. and Canada)

718‑921‑8124 (outside the U.S. and Canada)

Stock ownership

Contact your broker, bank or other nominee

(Beneficial Owners)

Voting

Belden Corporate Secretary, 314‑854‑8035

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 1


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Belden Board has ten members and four standing committees: Audit; Compensation; Finance; and Nominating and Corporate Governance. The Board also maintains a Cybersecurity subcommittee that reports to the Audit Committee. The Board had five meetings during 2022. All directors attended 75% or more of the Board meetings and the Board committee meetings, taken together, on which they served. The maximum number of directors authorized under the Company's bylaws is currently eleven.

Name of Director

 

 

Audit

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

 

Cybersecurity

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

 

Nominating and

Corporate Governance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David J. Aldrich(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lance C. Balk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven W. Berglund

 

 

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diane D. Brink

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair

 

Judy L. Brown

 

 

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy Calderon

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashish Chand(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan C. Klein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member

 

 

 

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member

 

YY Lee(3)

 

 

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory McCray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member

 

 

 

Member

 

Meetings held in 2022

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

5

 

(1)

Chairman of the Board

(2)

Mr. Chand was appointed to the board upon his promotion to President and CEO of the Company on February 22, 2023.

(3)

Ms. Lee was appointed to the Board on March 31, 2023.

At its regular meeting in February 2023, the Board determined that each of the non-employee directors seeking reappointment that was then on the board meets the independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards. The Board has also determined that Ms. Lee meets the independence requirement of the NYSE listing standards. As part of this process, the Board determined that each such member had no material relationship with the Company.

Page 2

      2023 Proxy Statement


BOARD MEMBER DEMOGRAPHICS

Belden Inc. Board Diversity Matrix as of April 11, 2023

 

Total Number of Directors

10

 

 

Female

Male

 

Part I: Gender Identity

 

Directors

4

6

 

Part II: Demographic Background

 

African American or Black

0

1

 

Asian

1

1

 

White

3

4

 

LGBTQ

1

 

BOARD MEMBER TENURE

BOARD MEMBER SKILLS

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 3


BIOGRAPHIES OF DIRECTORS SEEKING REAPPOINTMENT

DAVID J. ALDRICH, 66

LANCE C. BALK, 65

Director Since: 2007, Chairman

Board Committees: Compensation

The Board recruited Mr. Aldrich based on his experience in high technology signal transmission applications and for his experience as a Chief Executive Officer of a public company. From April 2000 to May 2014, he served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (“Skyworks”). In May 2014, Mr. Aldrich was named Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Skyworks. From May 2016 to May 2018, Mr. Aldrich served as Executive Chairman of Skyworks. From May 2018 until his retirement in May 2021, Mr. Aldrich served as Chairman of the Skyworks board of directors. Skyworks is an innovator of high performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling mobile connectivity.

Mr. Aldrich also serves on the Board of Directors (as Chairman), Audit Committee and Compensation Committee of indie Semiconductor, and the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee of Allegro Microsystems.

Mr. Aldrich received a B.A. degree in political science from Providence College and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Rhode Island.

Director Since: 2000

Board Committees: Compensation (Chair), Finance

The Board originally recruited Mr. Balk based on his expertise in advising multinational public and private companies on complex mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions. He provides insight to the Board regarding business strategy, business acquisitions and capital structure. In September 2010, Mr. Balk was appointed as General Counsel of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, a position he held until his retirement in February 2020. Previously, Mr. Balk served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics from November 2007 to January 2010. From May 2006 to November 2007, he served in those positions with Dade Behring, a leading supplier of products, systems and services for clinical diagnostics, which was acquired by Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics in November 2007. Previously, he had been a partner of Kirkland & Ellis LLP since 1989, specializing in securities law and mergers and acquisitions.

Mr. Balk received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University and a J.D. degree and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago.

Page 4

      2023 Proxy Statement


STEVEN W. BERGLUND, 71

DIANE D. BRINK, 64

Director Since: 2013

Board Committees: Audit, Cybersecurity

Mr. Berglund’s experience as a director, president and chief executive officer of Trimble Inc., a technology based firm providing positioning and location solutions, from March 1999 to January 2020 makes him highly qualified to serve on the Company’s Board.  In January 2020, Mr. Berglund turned over the titles of president and chief executive officer to his successor and was named Trimble’s executive chairman.

Prior to joining Trimble, Mr. Berglund was President of Spectra Precision, a group within Spectra Physics AB. Mr. Berglund’s business experience includes a variety of senior leadership positions with Spectra Physics, and manufacturing and planning roles at Varian Associates. He began his career as a process engineer at Eastman Kodak.

Mr. Berglund attended the University of Oslo and the University of Minnesota where he received a B.S. in chemical engineering. He received his M.B.A. from the University of Rochester. Mr. Berglund is the Chairman of the Board of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Director Since: 2017

Board Committees: Cybersecurity (Chair), Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chair)

The Board recruited Ms. Brink based on her marketing and digital transformation expertise and experience as a senior marketing executive at a Fortune 100 technology company.

Ms. Brink currently serves as a Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor of Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Prior to her retirement in 2015, Ms. Brink served in a variety of roles at IBM, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer, IBM Global Technology Services.

In June 2021, Ms. Brink was appointed to the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee and as chair of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee of indie Semiconductor, a publicly traded provider of semiconductor systems solutions for the automotive industry. In January 2023, Ms. Brink joined the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and Compensation Committee (as Chair) of Altus Power, Inc.

Ms. Brink attended Stony Brook University, where she received a B.S. in computer science. She received her M.B.A. from Fordham University. Ms. Brink is a member of the Dean’s Council in the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 5


JUDY L. BROWN, 54

NANCY CALDERON, 64

Director Since: 2008

Board Committees: Audit, Finance (Chair)

In recruiting Ms. Brown, the Board sought a member with broad international perspective to pursue its global strategic goals and for her experience as a Chief Financial Officer of a public company. As an employee of Ernst & Young for more than nine years in the U.S. and Germany, Ms. Brown provided audit and advisory services to U.S. and European multinational public and private companies. She served in various financial and accounting roles for six years in the U.S. and Italy with Whirlpool Corporation, a leading manufacturer and marketer of appliances. In 2004, she was appointed Vice President and Controller of Perrigo Company, a global healthcare supplier of over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. She was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Perrigo in 2006 and oversaw Finance, Information Technology and Corporate Affairs until her departure from Perrigo Company in February 2017.

In April 2017, Ms. Brown was appointed Senior Vice President Global Business Solutions & Finance of Amgen Corporation, a global leader in biotechnology. There, Ms. Brown oversaw the company's Global Business Solutions, Internal Audit, Tax and Treasury organizations. From October 2018 through December 2022, Ms. Brown was Amgen’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, leading Amgen's strategic communications, philanthropy advocacy relations and ESG (Environmental, Societal and Governance) management. Additionally she served as the site head for Amgen's corporate headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California.

Ms. Brown received a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois; an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago; and attended the Aresty Institute of Executive Education of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Brown also is a Certified Public Accountant.

Director Since: 2020

Board Committees: Audit (Chair)

The Board recruited Ms. Calderon for her deep executive management and audit experience. Ms. Calderon retired from KPMG LLP in September 2019 after a distinguished 33-year career. Most recently, Ms. Calderon served as KPMG's Global Lead Partner for a Fortune 50 Technology company since July 2012, senior partner of KPMG's Board Leadership Center since its inception in 2015, and as a director of KPMG's Global Delivery Center in India and its related holding companies since September 2011. Previously, she was KPMG's Americas Chief Administrative Officer and U.S. National Partner in Charge, Operations, from July 2008 to June 2012. Ms. Calderon sat on a number of KPMG committees, including the Americas Region Management Committee, Enterprise Risk Management, Privacy, Pension Steering and Investment, Social Media, and Knowledge Management.

Ms. Calderon is presently a director of Northern Technologies International Corp., where she chairs the Audit Committee and serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Arcimoto, where she chairs the Audit Committee.

Ms. Calderon attended the University of California at Berkeley and received a B.S. degree in accounting, and Golden Gate University where she received an M.S. degree in Taxation.

Page 6

      2023 Proxy Statement


ASHISH CHAND, 48

JONATHAN C. KLEIN, 64

Director Since: 2023

President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Chand serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Belden Inc. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Chand served as Executive Vice President – Industrial Automation Solutions from June of 2019 until February 2023, and Managing Director of Belden Asia Pacific from August 2017. Dr. Chand has held roles across several functions, including sales and marketing and operations in both Asia and North America. Dr. Chand has played a pivotal role in developing and executing Belden’s long-term growth agenda, solutions and product strategy, and go-to-market efforts.

Dr. Chand holds a B.A. in Economics from Loyal College, Chennai, India, an M.B.A. from XLRI Jamshedpur, India, and a Doctorate of Business Administration from the City University of Hong Kong.

Director Since: 2015

Board Committees: Compensation, Cybersecurity, Nominating and Corporate Governance

The Board recruited Mr. Klein for his extensive experience within the broadcast industry, more specifically his experience with programming, production, and over-the-top distribution models. Mr. Klein is the co-founder and CEO of Hang Media, a sports streaming platform launched in 2021. From 2012 to 2022, Mr. Klein served as the CEO and Co-Founder of TAPP Media, an over-the-top subscription video platform which operates paid channels built around personalities. From 2018 to 2019, Mr. Klein served as the President of Vilynx Inc., an artificial intelligence company focused exclusively on media. From 2004 to 2010, he served as President of CNN, leading the U.S. network to its highest ratings and profitability. Previously he had been the Founder and CEO of the FeedRoom, a pioneering online video aggregation site, developing new online advertising concepts which have become industry standards today. From 1996 to 1998, he served as Executive Vice President of CBS News, overseeing prime time programming and strategic planning for in-house studio productions.

In March 2021, Mr. Klein was appointed to the Board of Directors of Clearview Media Acquisition Corp.

Mr. Klein attended Brown University where he received a B.A. degree in history.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 7


YY Lee, 55

Gregory J. McCray, 60

Director Since: 2023

Board Committees: Audit

The Board recruited Ms. Lee for her extensive experience within the software industry, including her experience in senior operational roles as a chief executive officer and chief operating offer. Ms. Lee most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer for Anaplan, a business planning software company specializing in subscription cloud-based business planning software, from 2018 until her retirement in 2021. From 2005 to 2017, Ms. Lee was employed by FirstRain, Inc., as Chief Operating Officer from 2005 to 2015, and as CEO from 2015 until FirstRain was acquired by Ignite Technologies, Inc., in 2017. FirstRain is a provider of cloud analytics software. She previously held management and product leadership positions with Cadence Design Systems, Aqueduct Software, Synopsys, Inc., 8x8, Inc., and AT&T Bell Laboratories.

Ms. Lee is presently a director of Synaptics Incorporated, where she sits on the Compensation Committee and Audit Committee, and Commvault Systems Inc., where she sits on the Compensation (as chair) and Governance and Nominating committees.

Ms. Lee attended Harvard University, graduating with an A.B. degree in Mathematics in 1990.

Director Since: 2022

Board Committees: Finance, Nominating and Corporate Governance

The Board recruited Mr. McCray for his extensive experience within the communications technology industry, including his experience as a current CEO. Since 2018, Mr. McCray has served as the CEO FDH Infrastructure Services LLC, an engineering firm that monitors, inspects, designs and performs engineering and analysis services for cellular and broadcast towers and other infrastructure assets. From March 2017 to August 2017, Mr. McCray served as CEO of Alphabet’s Access/Google Fiber business unit. From 2013 to 2016, Mr. McCray served as CEO of Aero Communications, a provider of installation, services and support to the communications industry. From 2003 to 2012, Mr. McCray served as CEO of Antenova Limited, a developer of high dielectric antenna components and RF modules for use in smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices. He previously held managerial and engineering roles at Lucent Technologies, AT&T, Bell Laboratories, and IBM.

Mr. McCray is presently a director of ADTRAN, where he sits on the Audit and Compensation Committees, and DigitalBridge, where he sits on the Compensation and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees.

Mr. McCray attended Iowa State University of Science and Technology where he received a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, and Purdue University where he received an M.S. degree in Systems Engineering. In March 2022, he was inducted into the Iowa State University Engineering Hall of Fame.

Page 8

      2023 Proxy Statement


ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) AT BELDEN

At Belden, we believe that responsible stewardship, managing our climate impacts, and driving sustainability through innovation is core to our business strategy. In 2022, we continued to deliver on our commitment to creating shared value for all our stakeholders and executed on our ESG strategy across our strategic priority topics

Our ESG matters are overseen by our Board of Directors through the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  Belden’s ESG Steering Committee implements our global ESG strategy under the leadership of our SVP of Human Resources. For more information about our approach to ESG and governance matters, please our Sustainability page at https://www.belden.com/resources/sustainability.

2022 ESG HIGHLIGHTS:

Environmental:

Our primary strategy in reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is to identify internal opportunities and implement GHG reduction projects. For 2022, these projects included solar panel installation at our manufacturing plants, replacement of inefficient traditional lighting systems with LED lighting units, and utilization of cogeneration plants across our global sites of operation. We also executed on initiatives for waste diversion from landfill and set up infrastructure for recycling and repurposing of materials. Additionally, we undertook the first steps towards developing a line of eco-friendly products and assembled a cross-functional team to develop a rating system to measure the eco-friendliness of our products.  

Social:

Building on our commitment to our employees, in 2022 we introduced a universal parental leave policy that covers all our full-time employees throughout our global operations.  To ensure Belden welcomes a diverse workforce, we also revised all global job descriptions with inclusive language and essential requirements for diversity considerations. We rolled out unconscious bias training and trained more than 70% of our global employees, which significantly exceeded our target, in addition to holding diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) trainings for our Senior Leadership Team. In 2022, in addition to our Denmark, Germany, and India locations that we recertified as a Great Place to Work®, we also earned accreditations for our Canada, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States locations.

Governance:

Belden is proud to be incorporating ESG goals into our executive compensation in order to further align leader expectations with our ESG and sustainability objectives.  Beginning in 2023, our executive team will have performance objectives linked to short-term variable compensation and will be evaluated on the execution of our ESG strategy and our achievement of certain environmental and diversity and inclusion goals.  Additionally, in 2022, we translated our Code of Conduct into fifteen languages and continued to foster our employees’ understanding of our Code through trainings towards our goal of 100% non-production employees receiving training.

Stakeholder Engagement:

In 2022, our CEO pledged to advance DEI initiatives by joining the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion initiative to uphold our commitment to inclusivity within Belden and beyond. In August 2022, Belden recommitted to becoming a United Nations Global Compact

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 9


(UNGC) signatory; our Communication on Progress (COP) is publicly available on UNGC’s website.  We also advanced our climate commitments by becoming signatories of the United Nations Caring for Climate pact.

Audit Committee

Membership: Nancy Calderon (Chair), Steve Berglund, Judy Brown and YY Lee

The Audit Committee operates under a Board-approved written charter and each member meets the independence requirements of the NYSE’s listing standards. The Committee assists the Board in overseeing the Company’s accounting and financial reporting practices by, among other items:

selecting and reviewing the independent registered public accounting firm who will audit the Company’s financial statements;

meeting with its financial management and independent registered public accounting firm to review the financial statements, quarterly earnings releases and financial data of the Company;

reviewing the selection of the internal auditors who provide internal audit services;

reviewing the scope, procedures and results of the Company’s financial audits, internal audit procedures, and internal controls assessments and procedures under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”);

providing oversight responsibility for the process the Company uses in performing its periodic enterprise risk analysis;

providing oversight to the Company’s compliance and ethics programs and complaint reporting mechanisms; and

evaluating the Company’s key financial and accounting personnel.

At its February 2023 meeting, the Board determined that each of Mses. Brown and Calderon qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined in the applicable SEC rules. As previously described, each member of the Audit Committee is independent. The Board subsequently determined that Ms. Lee qualified as an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Compensation Committee

Membership: Lance Balk (Chair), David Aldrich and Jon Klein

The Compensation Committee determines, approves and reports to the Board on compensation for the Company’s elected officers and oversees senior management succession planning and human capital management. The Committee reviews the design, funding and competitiveness of the Company’s cash, equity-based and retirement programs. The Committee also assists the Company in developing compensation and benefit strategies to attract, develop and retain qualified employees. The Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board and is composed only of independent directors.

Finance Committee

Membership: Judy Brown (Chair), Lance Balk and Greg McCray

The Finance Committee provides oversight in the area of corporate finance and makes recommendations to the Board about the financial aspects of the Company. Examples of topics upon which the Finance Committee may provide guidance include capital structure, capital adequacy, credit ratings, capital expenditure planning, dividend policy and share repurchase programs. The Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board and is composed only of independent directors.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Membership: Diane Brink (Chair), Jon Klein and Greg McCray

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies, evaluates, and recommends nominees for the Board for each annual meeting (and to fill vacancies during interim periods); and evaluates the composition, organization and governance of the Board and its committees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders if such nominations are submitted to the Company prior to the deadline for proposals as noted above under the caption “Nomination of Director Candidates” on page 54.

The Committee’s responsibilities with respect to its governance function include considering matters of corporate governance and reviewing (and recommending to the Board revisions to) the Company’s corporate governance principles and its code of conduct, which applies to all Company employees, officers and directors. The Committee also provides primary oversight for the Company’s ESG strategy. The Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board and is composed only of independent directors.

Page 10

      2023 Proxy Statement


Cybersecurity Subcommittee

Membership: Diane Brink (Chair), Steve Berglund and Jon Klein

The Cybersecurity subcommittee provides oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity posture. The subcommittee consists of three independent directors and reports up through the Audit Committee.  The subcommittee receives regular reports from the Company’s Chief Information Officer and Director of Cybersecurity and meets no less frequently than quarterly.  Management provides a report on cybersecurity to the full Board no less frequently than annually. The subcommittee receives regular updates from management regarding the Company’s information security training program as well as the annual third-party assessment of the Company’s cyber-security processes.

Corporate Governance Documents

Current copies of the Audit, Compensation, Finance and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charters, as well as the Company’s governance principles and code of conduct, are available on the Company’s website at http://investor.belden.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/governance-documents/default.aspx. Printed copies of these materials are also available to stockholders upon request, addressed to the Corporate Secretary, Belden Inc., 1 North Brentwood Boulevard, 15th Floor, Saint Louis, Missouri 63105.

It is our policy to review all relationships and transactions in which the Company and our directors and executive officers or their immediate family members are participants to determine whether such persons have a direct or indirect material interest. Annually, we obtain information from all directors and executive officers with respect to related party transactions to determine, based on the facts and circumstances, whether the Company or a related person has a direct or indirect material interest in any such transaction. As required under SEC rules, transactions that are determined to be directly or indirectly material to the Company or a related person are disclosed in our proxy statement. We have determined that there were no material related party transactions during 2022.

None of our executive officers served during 2022 as a member of the board of directors or as a member of a compensation committee of any other company that has an executive officer serving as a member of our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.

Communications with Directors

The Company’s Board has established a process to receive communications from stockholders and other interested parties. Stockholders and other interested parties may contact any member (or all members) of the Board (David Aldrich, Chairman of the Board and presiding director for non-management director meetings), any Board committee, or any chair of any such committee by U.S. mail, through calling the Company’s hotline or via e-mail.

To communicate with the Board, any individual director or any group or committee of directors, correspondence should be addressed to the Company’s Board or any such individual directors or group or committee of directors by either name or title. All such correspondence should be sent “c/o Corporate Secretary, Belden Inc.” at 1 North Brentwood Boulevard, 15th Floor, Saint Louis, MO 63105. To communicate with any of our directors electronically or through the Company’s hotline, stockholders should go to our corporate website at http://investor.belden.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/governance-documents/default.aspx. On this page, you will find a section titled “Contact the Belden Board”, on which are listed the Company’s hotline number (with access codes for dialing from outside the U.S.), the Internet address for our web-based hotline portal and an e-mail address that may be used for writing an electronic message to the Board, any individual directors, or any group or committee of directors. Please follow the instructions on our website to send your message.

All communications received as set forth in the preceding paragraph will be opened by (or in the case of the hotline, initially reviewed by) our corporate ombudsman, the Corporate Secretary, for the sole purpose of determining whether the contents represent a message to our directors. The Belden ombudsman will not forward certain items which are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, including: junk mail, mass mailings, product inquiries, product complaints, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, opinion surveys and polls, business solicitations, promotions of products or services, patently offensive materials, advertisements, and complaints that contain only unspecified or broad allegations of wrongdoing without appropriate supporting information.

In the case of communications to the Board or any group or committee of directors, the corporate ombudsman’s office will send copies of the contents to each director who is a member of the group or committee to which the envelope or e-mail is addressed.

In addition, it is the Company’s policy that each director attends the annual meeting absent exceptional circumstances. Each director that was then a director, other than Mr. Berglund, attended the Company’s 2022 annual meeting.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Mr. Aldrich, who is independent of management and the Company, provides strong leadership experience, strategic vision, and an understanding of the risks associated with our business. Mr. Chand, President and CEO of the Company, provides strategic planning

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 11


expertise, general management experience, and in-depth knowledge of the Company, and acts as an important liaison between management and the Company's non-employee directors.

Our Board assesses on an ongoing basis the risks faced by the Company in executing its strategic plan. These risks include strategic, technological, competitive and operational risks. The Audit Committee oversees the process we use in performing our periodic enterprise risk management analysis (while the Board oversees the content of the analysis, management is responsible for the execution of the process and the development of the content).

Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Policy

The Board’s policy requires that each non-employee director hold Company stock equal in value to five times his or her annual cash retainer (currently $425,000). Upon appointment, a member has five years to meet this requirement, but must meet interim goals during the five-year period of: 20% after one year; 40% after two years; 60% after three years; and 80% after four years. The value of unvested RSUs are included in making this determination at the higher of their grant date value or current market value. As of the record date for the annual meeting, each non-employee director other than Mr. McCray and Ms. Lee meets the full-period holding requirement.

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      2023 Proxy Statement


DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table reflects the director annual compensation structure as of December 31, 2022:

Description

As of 12/31/2022

Recipient(s)

Cash Components

Basic Retainer

85,000

All except Chand

Audit Committee Chair

20,000

Calderon

Other Committee Chair

10,000

Balk, Brink(1) and Brown

Audit Committee Service

10,000

Berglund, Brown, and Lee

Compensation Committee Service

5,000

Aldrich and Klein

Cybersecurity Committee Service

5,000

Berglund and Klein

Finance Committee Service

5,000

Balk and McCray

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Service

5,000

Klein and McCray

Board Chair

50,000

Aldrich

Equity Components

Restricted Stock Unit Grant

145,000

All except Chand

Additional Grant for Board Chair

50,000

Aldrich

(1)

Ms. Brink receives a Committee Chair payment for her service as chair of both the Cybersecurity Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The following table provides information on non-employee director compensation for 2022. Ms. Lee did not serve during 2022.

Director

 

 

Fees Earned

or Paid in

Cash(1) ($)

 

 

 

Stock

Awards(2) ($)

 

 

 

Option

Awards ($)

 

 

 

All Other

Compensation(3) ($)

 

 

 

Total

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Aldrich

 

 

 

140,000

 

 

 

 

195,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

905

 

 

 

 

335,917

 

Lance C. Balk

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

 

144,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,096

 

 

 

 

271,086

 

Steven W. Berglund

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

 

144,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

676

 

 

 

 

245,666

 

Diane D. Brink

 

 

 

105,000

 

 

 

 

144,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

666

 

 

 

 

250,656

 

Judy L. Brown

 

 

 

105,000

 

 

 

 

144,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

684

 

 

 

 

250,674

 

Nancy  Calderon

 

 

 

100,833

 

 

 

 

144,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

661

 

 

 

 

246,484

 

Brian Cressey

 

 

 

39,583

 

 

 

 

144,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

776

 

 

 

 

185,349

 

Jonathan Klein

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

 

144,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

676

 

 

 

 

245,666

 

George Minnich

 

 

 

43,750

 

 

 

 

144,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,744

 

 

 

 

208,484

 

Gregory McCray

 

 

 

87,083

 

 

 

 

287,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

374,848

 

(1)

Amount of cash retainer and committee fees.

(2)

As required by the instructions for completing this column “Stock Awards,” amounts shown are the grant date fair value of stock awards granted during 2022. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are described in Note 21: Share-Based Compensation, to the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Each independent director other than Mr. Aldrich received 2,655 RSUs on May 25, 2022 that vest in one year. On the same date, Mr. Aldrich received 3,571 RSUs that vest in one year. Messrs. Cressey and Minnich received 2,655 shares of common stock on May 25, 2022. In addition to the 2,655 RSUs received on May 25, Mr. McCray received 2,500 RSUs that vest in thirds on each of the first three anniversaries of his appointment to the board on February 1, 2022.

(3)

Amount of interest earned on deferred director fees and dividends paid on vested stock awards.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 13


ITEM I – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Company currently has ten directors – Mses. Brink, Brown, Calderon and Lee and Messrs. Aldrich, Balk, Berglund, Chand, Klein, and McCray. The term of each director will expire at this annual meeting and the Board proposes that each of Mses. Brink, Brown, Calderon and Lee and Messrs. Aldrich, Balk, Berglund, Chand, Klein, and McCray be reelected for a new term of one year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each nominee has consented to serve if elected. If any of them becomes unavailable to serve as a director, the Board may designate a substitute nominee. In that case, the persons named as proxies will vote for the substitute nominee designated by the Board.

THE BELDEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE NOMINATED SLATE OF DIRECTORS.

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      2023 Proxy Statement


PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM INFORMATION

ITEM II – RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2023

It is anticipated that Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) will be selected as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023, and the Board of Directors has directed that management submit the anticipated appointment for ratification by the stockholders at the annual meeting. EY has served as our registered public accounting firm since the 2004 merger of Belden Inc. and Cable Design Technologies Corporation, and prior to that served as Belden 1993 Inc.’s registered public accounting firm since it became a public company in 1993. A representative of the firm will be present at the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement, if he or she desires, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

We are not required to obtain stockholder ratification of the appointment of EY as our independent registered public accounting firm. However, we are submitting the appointment to stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain EY. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time if they determine that such a change would be in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders.

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for 2022 and 2021

The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by EY for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting for 2022 and 2021 as well as other permissible tax services.

 

 

 

2022

 

 

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees

 

 

$

3,014,000

 

 

 

$

2,520,700

 

Tax Fees

 

 

$

108,842

 

 

 

$

64,076

 

Total EY fees

 

 

$

3,122,842

 

 

 

$

2,584,776

 

“Audit fees” primarily represent amounts paid or expected to be paid for audits of the Company’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting under SOX 404, reviews of SEC Forms 10‑Q, Form 10‑K and the proxy statement, statutory audit requirements at certain non-U.S. locations, and comfort letter procedures related to debt issuances.

“Tax fees” for 2022 and 2021 are for domestic and international compliance totaling $26,141 and $24,327, respectively, and tax planning totaling $82,701 and $39,749, respectively.

In approving such services, the Audit Committee did not rely on the pre-approval waiver provisions of the applicable rules of the SEC.

Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Audit Fees: For 2022, the Committee reviewed and pre-approved the audit services and estimated fees for the year. Throughout the year, the Committee received project updates and approved or ratified amounts that significantly exceeded the original estimates, if any.

Audit-Related and Non-Audit Services and Fees: Annually, and otherwise as necessary, the Committee reviews and pre-approves all audit-related and non-audit services and the estimated fees for such services. For recurring services, such as tax compliance and statutory filings, the Committee reviews and pre-approves the services and estimated total fees for such matters by category and location of service.

For non-recurring services, such as special tax projects, due diligence, or other tax services, the Committee reviews and pre-approves the services and estimated fees by individual project. Up to an approved threshold amount, the Committee has delegated approval authority to the Committee Chair.

For both recurring and non-recurring services, the projected fees are updated quarterly and the Committee considers and, if appropriate, approves any amounts exceeding the original estimates.

Should an engagement need pre-approval before the next Committee meeting, the Committee has delegated to the Committee Chair authority to grant such approval up to an approved spending threshold. Thereafter, the entire Committee will review such approval at its next quarterly meeting.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 15


Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee assists the Board in overseeing various matters, including: (i) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements; (ii) all material aspects of the Company’s financial reporting, internal accounting control and audit functions; (iii) the qualifications and independence of the independent auditors; and (iv) the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent auditors.

The Audit Committee’s oversight includes reviewing with management the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor, mitigate and control such exposures. Management has the responsibility for the implementation of these activities and is responsible for the Company’s internal controls, financial reporting process, compliance with laws and regulations and the preparation and presentation of the Company’s financial statements.

Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”), the Company’s registered public accounting firm for 2022, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements and an audit of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (U.S.) (“PCAOB”) and issuing reports with respect to these matters, including expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.

In connection with the Company’s December 31, 2022 financial statements, the Committee: (i) has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management (including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and EY’s audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting for 2022); (ii) has discussed with EY the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB and SEC; and (iii) has received and discussed with EY the written disclosures and letter from EY required by the PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and has discussed with EY its independence from the Company.

As part of such discussions, the Committee has considered whether the provision of services provided by EY, not related to the audit of the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting referred to above or to the reviews of the interim consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10‑Q, is compatible with maintaining EY’s independence. (Above is a report on audit fees, tax fees, and other fees the Company paid EY for services performed in 2022 and 2021.) The Committee has concluded that EY’s provision of non-audit services to the Company and its subsidiaries is compatible with its independence.

Based on these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, is available on the same website as this Proxy Statement. If you were mailed this Proxy Statement, the Annual Report was included in the package. The Form 10-K includes the Company’s audited financial statements and notes10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.2022.

By Authorization of the Board of Directors,

Audit Committee

Nancy Calderon (Chair)

Steven Berglund

Judy L. Brown

THE BELDEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2023.

Page 16

      2023 Proxy Statement


 

 

LOGOEXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Note: Throughout this section, the Company utilizes adjusted results and other non-GAAP measures to describe Company performance. For a reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its most closely comparable GAAP measure, please see the Form 8‑K filed with the SEC by the Company on February 8, 2023.

A NOTE FROM THE BELDEN COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Valued Belden Stockholders:

The Committee would like to thank Belden’s stockholders for another year of loyal support in 2022. For the eleventh consecutive year, our Say-on-Pay proposal was supported by over 94% of the voted shares. This level of support is commensurate with what we believe to be a stockholder-friendly compensation design. Our shareholder engagement efforts allow us to better understand the individual points of view of our top holders. We believe that all of our stockholders benefit from this continuous dialogue.

2022 was a significant year for Belden in many ways. The Company made material progress on the execution of important strategic measures designed to make the Company stronger well into the future, including the successful divestiture of the Company’s Tripwire cybersecurity business. The Company also made significant progress on its organic growth strategies and continuing evolution to a complete solutions provider while successfully managing continuing inflationary pressures and unpredictable supply chain challenges. As a result of these items and the actions expected to be taken in 2023, the Company is well-positioned for success in the future and well-positioned to continue to make investments in its future, both organic and inorganic, while keeping leverage low.

As the Compensation Committee, it is our duty to ensure that the Belden compensation program is appropriately designed to reward excellent performance, but it is also our duty to hold management accountable for suboptimal performance. We believe the program is functioning properly in this regard. The Company performed exceptionally well in 2022, as demonstrated by the achievement of a Company record full year adjusted earnings per share of $6.42. However, even in the face of excellent overall performance, the Company did not achieve all of its stated goals in 2022. As a result of the Company’s decision to increase inventory levels in order to mitigate supply chain concerns of its customers, the Company did not meet its established working capital turn targets for 2022. The compensation program held management accountable to the originally stated goals even in the face of excellent overall financial performance.  As a result of the Company’s strong overall performance, annual cash incentive payouts are higher than target amounts, but less than the maximum possible payout amounts. Performance stock units granted to executives and other senior managers in 2020 will convert into shares of Belden common stock for the second consecutive year.

In June of 2022, the Compensation Committee created the Stretch Achievement Share Award program to incentivize management to publicly establish and reach an adjusted earnings-per-share goal of $8.00 or more by 2025, more than a 67% increase over the Company’s $4.78 adjusted earnings per share in 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the Stretch Achievement Share Award program, if the Company exceeds certain adjusted earnings per share targets, recipients of performance stock units in February of 2022 will receive additional shares of Belden common stock equal to a conversion factor between 0.5 and 1.0 multiplied by the number of shares of Company common stock received by the recipient upon conversion, if any, of the 2022 PSUs. We believe that this special incentive opportunity will drive performance levels not reached in the 120-year history of Belden and we hope that you will agree that its cost will pale in comparison to the value such performance will create for stockholders.

Discipline on our executive compensation is what our stockholders expect and deserve. We believe that after reviewing the materials that follow, you will continue to agree that we are performing our duty of aligning pay with performance and aligning the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders. Therefore, we request your support for Belden’s 2023 Say-on-Pay proposal. If at any time you would like to discuss the compensation program, we are available to address your questions. Thank you for your consideration.

The Belden Inc. Compensation Committee

LANCE BALK, CHAIR

DAVID ALDRICH

JONATHAN KLEIN


      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 17


I.     Introduction

In this section, we discuss our compensation program as it pertains to the individual who acted as our chief executive officer during 2022, our chief financial officer during 2022, and our three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving at the end of 2022. We refer to these five persons throughout as the “named executive officers” or our “NEOs”.

For 2022, our named executive officers were:

Roel Vestjens

President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeremy Parks

Senior Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer

Brian Anderson

Senior Vice President-Legal,President, Legal, General Counsel and

Corporate Secretary

Saint Louis, MissouriAshish Chand

April 6, 2016

    DATE:Thursday, May 26, 2016
    TIME:12:30 p.m. CDT
    PLACE:

Four Seasons Hotel Saint Louis,

Mississippi Room, 8th Floor,

999 North 2nd Street,

Saint Louis, Missouri 63102Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation Solutions

    VOTINGAnshuman Mehrotra

Please vote as soon as possible to record your vote promptly, even if you plan to attend the annual meeting. You have three options for submitting your vote before the annual meeting:Executive Vice President, Broadband and 5G

 

II.     Executive Summary

As noted by our Compensation Committee above, 2022 was an outstanding year in a number of ways. The business as a whole experienced exceptional performance to expectations during 2022, including record earnings per share. Some of the financial highlights of the consolidated business, included the following (see the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2023 for a reconciliation of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP measures):

LOGO

Phone

(if you request a full delivery of the proxy materials)

LOGOInternet
LOGO

Mail

(if you request a full delivery of the proxy materials)


PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE

2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF

BELDEN INC.

To be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Adjusted Revenues of $2.606 billion, with adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.0%;

GENERAL INFORMATION

1

INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

1

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR QUESTIONS

1

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

2

Biographies of Directors Seeking Reappointment

3

Audit Committee

8

Compensation Committee

8

Finance Committee

8

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

8

Corporate Governance Documents

9

Related Party Transactions and Compensation Committee Interlocks

9

Communications with Directors

9

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

10

Director Stock Ownership Policy

10

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

10

ITEM I – ELECTION OF NINE DIRECTORS

11

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM INFORMATION

12

ITEM II – RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2016

12

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for 2015 and 2014

12

Audit Committee’s Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

12

Report of the Audit Committee

13

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

15

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

15

A Note from the Belden Compensation Committee

15

I.     Introduction

15

II.    Executive Summary

16

III.  2015 Say-on-Pay Review

17

IV.  Compensation Objectives and Elements

17

A.    Objectives

17

B.    Elements

18

C.    Pay for Performance Philosophy

18

D.    Compensation Design

19

V.  2015 Compensation Analysis

20

A.    Base Salary Adjustments

20

B.    Annual Cash Incentive Plan Awards

21

C.    Performance-Based Equity Awards

25

VI.  Compensation Policies and Other Considerations

26

Report of the Compensation Committee

28

Compensation and Risk

29

Compensation Tables

29

Summary Compensation Table

30

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

32

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

33

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

35

Pension Benefits

36

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

36

Employment, Severance and Change-In-Control Arrangements

37

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-In-Control

��38

ITEM III – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

41

ITEM IV – AMEND AND RESTATE THE BELDEN INC. 2011 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

42

Vote Required for Approval

42

Description of the Plan

43

Plan Share Limits

43

Overhang

43

Participant Award Limits

45

Plan Administration

45

Awards under the Plan

45

Dividend Equivalents

47

Termination of Employment

47

Treatment of Awards Upon a Change in Control

48

Treatment of Awards Upon Disposition of a Facility or Operating Unit

48

Amendment of Awards or the Plan and Adjustment of Awards

48

Additional Provisions

48

Nonemployee Director Awards

48

Termination

49

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Under the Plan

49

Incorporation by Reference

50

OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

51

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION ON DECEMBER 31, 2015

51

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

51

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

52

Beneficial Ownership Table of Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers

52

Beneficial Ownership Table of Stockholders Owning More Than Five Percent

54

OTHER MATTERS

55

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

55

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

58

APPENDIX I – ANNUAL CASH INCENTIVE PLAN PERFORMANCE FACTORS

I-1

APPENDIX II – AMENDED AND RESTATED BELDEN INC. 2011 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

II-1

 

Adjusted EBITDA of $444 million;

 

Adjusted EPS of $6.41, a Company record; and

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage i


GENERAL INFORMATION

INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

Under rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), we are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders primarily via the Internet, instead of mailing printed copies of those materials to each stockholder. On April 6, 2016, we began mailing to our stockholders (other than those who previously requested electronic or paper delivery) a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials, including our proxy statement and our annual report. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also instructs you on how to access your proxy card to vote through the Internet or by telephone.

This process is designed to expedite stockholders’ receipt of proxy materials, lower the cost of the annual meeting, and help conserve natural resources. However, if you would prefer to receive printed proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. If you have previously elected to receive our proxy materials electronically, you will continue to receive these materials via e-mail unless you elect otherwise.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR QUESTIONS

Answers to certain frequently asked questions including the votes required for approval of the agenda items are included in this document beginning on page 55. For other questions, please see the following contact information:

 

For questions

Regarding:

Contact:

Annual meeting or

Belden Investor Relations, 314-854-8054

Executive Compensation

Questions

Stock ownership

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

(Stockholders of Record)

http://www.amstock.com

800-937-5449 (within the U.S. and Canada)

Free cash flow of $220 million.

The Company’s 2022 overall financial results and the individual performance of our NEOs are discussed under Annual Cash Incentive Plan Awards beginning on page 22.

Our compensation program design takes into account several stockholder friendly features, including:

718-921-8124 (outside the U.S. and Canada)

Stock ownership

Contact your broker, bank or other nominee

(Beneficial Owners)

Voting

Belden Corporate Secretary, 314-854-8035

 

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 1


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Belden Board has ten members and four standing committees: Audit, Compensation, Finance and Nominating and Corporate Governance. The Board had five meetings during 2015; one of which was telephonic. All directors attended 75% or more of the Board meetings and the Board committee meetings on which they served. The maximum number of directors authorized under the Company’s bylaws is currently ten. Mr. Kalnasy will not stand for reappointment to the Board and will retire from the Board in May 2016. The Board and the Company thank Mr. Kalnasy for his distinguished service to Belden over the last three decades.

Name of Director

 Audit Compensation Finance Nominating and
Corporate
Governance

David Aldrich(1)

   Chair    

Lance C. Balk(2)

   Member Chair  

Steven W. Berglund

   Member    

Judy L. Brown

 Member   Member  

Bryan C. Cressey(3)

     Member Member

Glenn Kalnasy

   Member    

Jonathan Klein(4)

       Member

George Minnich

 Chair      

John M. Monter

 Member     Chair

John Stroup

        

Meetings held in 2015

 11 4 5 4

(1)Mr. Aldrich became the chair of the Compensation Committee in August 2015.

(2)Mr. Balk rotated from the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee to the Compensation Committee in November 2015.

(3)Mr. Cressey serves as the chair of the Board.

(4)Mr. Klein was appointed to the Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in August 2015.

Page 2Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


At its regular meeting in February 2016, the Board determined that each of the non-employee directors seeking reappointment meets the independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards. As part of this process, the Board determined that each such member had no material relationship with the Company.

Biographies of Directors Seeking Reappointment

    LOGO     

Director Since:2007

Board Committees:

•  Compensation

   (Chair)

David J. Aldrich, 59

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

The Board recruited Mr. Aldrich based on his experience in high technology signal transmission applications and for his experience as a current Chief Executive Officer of a public company. From April 2000 to May 2014, he served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (“Skyworks”). In May 2014, Mr. Aldrich was named Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Skyworks. Skyworks is an innovator of high performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling mobile connectivity.

Mr. Aldrich received a B.A. degree in political science from Providence College and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Rhode Island.

    LOGO     

Director Since:2000

Board Committees:

•  Compensation

•  Finance (Chair)

Lance C. Balk, 58

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

In September, 2010, Mr. Balk was appointed as General Counsel of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Previously, Mr. Balk served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics from November 2007 to January 2010. From May 2006 to November 2007, he served in those positions with Dade Behring, a leading supplier of products, systems and services for clinical diagnostics, which was acquired by Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics in November 2007. Previously, he had been a partner of Kirkland & Ellis LLP since 1989, specializing in securities law and mergers and acquisitions. The Board originally recruited Mr. Balk based on his expertise in advising multinational public and private companies on complex mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions. He provides insight to the Board regarding business strategy, business acquisitions and capital structure.

Mr. Balk received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University and a J.D. degree and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 3


    LOGO     

Director Since:2013

Board Committees:

•  Compensation

Steven W. Berglund, 64

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

Mr. Berglund’s experience as president and chief executive officer of Trimble Navigation Limited, a technology based firm providing positioning and location solutions, since March 1999 make him highly qualified to serve on the Company’s Board.

Prior to joining Trimble, Mr. Berglund was President of Spectra Precision, a group within Spectra Physics AB. Mr. Berglund’s business experience includes a variety of senior leadership positions with Spectra Physics, and manufacturing and planning roles at Varian Associates. He began his career as a process engineer at Eastman Kodak.

Mr. Berglund attended the University of Oslo and the University of Minnesota where he received a B.S. in chemical engineering. He received his M.B.A. from the University of Rochester and is the current chair of the board of directors of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and a member of the construction sector board of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

    LOGO     

Director Since:2008

Board Committees:

•  Audit

•  Finance

Judy L. Brown, 47

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

In recruiting Ms. Brown, the Board sought a member with international experience in finance and accounting to help the Company pursue its strategic global focus. As an employee of Ernst & Young for more than nine years in the U.S. and Germany, she provided audit and advisory services to U.S. and European multinational public and private companies. She served in various financial and accounting roles for six years in the U.S. and Italy with Whirlpool Corporation, a leading manufacturer and marketer of appliances. In 2004, she was appointed Vice President and Controller of Perrigo Company, a leading global healthcare supplier and the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of over-the-counter pharmaceutical products sold under store brand labels. Since 2006, she has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Perrigo.

She received a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois; an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago; and attended the Aresty Institute of Executive Education of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Brown also is a Certified Public Accountant.

Page 4Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


    LOGO     

Director Since:1985

Chairman

Board Committees:

•  Finance

•  Nominating and

   Corporate

   Governance

Bryan C. Cressey, 66

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

For the past twenty-nine years, Mr. Cressey has been a General Partner and Principal of Golder, Thoma and Cressey, Thoma Cressey Bravo, and Cressey & Company, all private equity firms, the last of which he founded in 2007. The firms have specialized in healthcare, software and business services. He is also a director of Select Medical Holdings Corporation, a healthcare services company, and several privately held companies. He was a director of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company until 2012. Mr. Cressey’s years of senior-level experience with public and private companies in diverse industries, his legal and business education and experience, and his regular interaction with the equity markets make him highly qualified to serve on the Company’s Board.

Mr. Cressey received a B.A. degree from the University of Washington and a J.D. degree and an M.B.A. degree from Harvard University.

    LOGO     

Director Since:2015

Board Committees:

•  Nominating and

   Corporate

   Governance

Jonathan C. Klein, 58

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

The Board recruited Mr. Klein for his extensive experience within the broadcast industry, more specifically his experience with programming, production, and over-the-top distribution models. Since 2012, Mr. Klein has served as the CEO and Co-Founder of TAPP Media, an over-the-top subscription video platform which operates paid channels build around personalities. From 2004 to 2010, he served as President of CNN leading the U.S. network to its highest ratings and profitability. Previously he had been the Founder and CEO of the FeedRoom, a pioneering online video aggregation site, developing new online advertising concepts which have become industry standards today. From 1996 to 1998 he served as Executive Vice President of CBS News, overseeing prime time programming and strategic planning for in-house studio productions.

Mr. Klein attended Brown University where he received a B.A. in history.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 5


    LOGO     

Director Since:2010

Board Committees:

•  Audit (Chair)

George E. Minnich, 66

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

Mr. Minnich served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ITT Corporation from 2005 to 2007. Prior to that, he served for twelve years in several senior finance positions at United Technologies Corporation, including Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Otis Elevator and of Carrier Corporation. He also held various positions within Price Waterhouse from 1971 to 1993, serving as an Audit Partner from 1984 to 1993. Mr. Minnich served on the Board of Trustees of Albright College from 2008 to 2014, is a member of the Board and Audit Committee of Kaman Corporation, an aerospace and industrial distribution company, and a Board member and Audit Committee Chair of AGCO Corporation, a maker of a broad range of tractors, combines, sprayers, forage and tillage equipment, implements and hay tools. His extensive financial and accounting experience gained over 35 years plus his experience on other public company boards was important to the Board in connection with his initial election. His senior level operational background provides the Board with additional insights into multinational industrial companies.

Mr. Minnich received a B.S. degree in Accounting from Albright College.

    LOGO     

Director Since:2004

Board Committees:

•  Audit

•  Nominating and

   Corporate

   Governance (Chair)

John M. Monter, 68

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

Mr. Monter served as a director of Belden 1993 Inc. beginning in 2000 and was appointed to the Company’s Board at the time of the merger of Belden 1993 Inc. and Cable Design Technologies Corporation in 2004. During his career, Mr. Monter has served in the general management position for three companies, two manufacturers and a construction services company. Previous to his general management experience, Mr. Monter worked in several marketing and sales positions, including holding worldwide responsibilities in both marketing and sales for a multinational manufacturing company. His broad general management and sales and marketing experience at the policy-making level particularly qualifies him to serve on the Company’s Board.

From 1993 to 1996, he was President of the Bussmann Division of Cooper Industries, Inc. Bussmann is a multi-national manufacturer of electrical and electronic fuses, with ten manufacturing facilities in four countries and sales offices in most major industrial markets around the world. From 1996 through 2004, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Brand Services, Inc. (“Brand”) and also a member of the board of directors of its parent companies, Brand DLJ Holdings (1996-2002) and Brand Holdings, LLC (2002-2006). He was named Chairman of Brand DLJ Holdings in 2001 and Chairman of Brand Holdings, LLC in 2002. From January 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006, he served as Vice Chairman of Brand Holdings, LLC. Brand is a supplier of scaffolding and specialty industrial services. In 2008, he was elected a director on the board of Environmental Logistics Services, a privately held company that is owned by Centre Partners. Environmental Logistics Services operates a landfill operation in northeast Ohio.

Mr. Monter received a B.S. degree in journalism from Kent State University and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago.

Page 6Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


    LOGO     

Director Since:2005

President and Chief Executive
Officer of Belden Inc.

John S. Stroup, 49

Principal Occupation, Professional Experience and Educational Background:

Mr. Stroup was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board effective October 31, 2005. His experience in strategic planning and general management of business units of other public companies, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of the Company, makes him an integral member of the Board and a highly qualified intermediary between management and the Company’s non-employee directors.

From 2000 to the date of his appointment with the Company, he was employed by Danaher Corporation, a manufacturer of professional instrumentation, industrial technologies, and tools and components. At Danaher, he initially served as Vice President, Business Development. He was promoted to President of a division of Danaher’s Motion Group and later to Group Executive of the Motion Group. Earlier, he was Vice President of Marketing and General Manager with Scientific Technologies Inc.

Mr. Stroup received a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. degree from the University of California at Berkeley. Mr. Stroup is a director of RBS Global, Inc. RBS Global manufactures power transmission components, drives, conveying equipment and other related products under the Rexnord name.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 7


Audit Committee

The Audit Committee operates under a Board-approved written charter and each member meets the independence requirements of the NYSE’s listing standards. The Committee assists the Board in overseeing the Company’s accounting and reporting practices by, among other items:

meeting with its financial management and independent registered public accounting firm (Ernst & Young) to review the financial statements, quarterly earnings releases and financial data of the Company;

reviewing and selecting the independent registered public accounting firm who will audit the Company’s financial statements;

reviewing the selection of the internal auditors who provide internal audit services;

reviewing the scope, procedures and results of the Company’s financial audits, internal audit procedures, and internal controls assessments and procedures under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”);

providing oversight responsibility for the process the Company uses in performing its periodic enterprise risk analysis; and

evaluating the Company’s key financial and accounting personnel.

At its February 25, 2016 meeting, the Board determined that each of Ms. Brown and Mr. Minnich qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined in the rules pursuant to SOX. As previously described, each member of the Audit Committee is independent.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee of Belden determines, approves and reports to the Board on compensation for the Company’s elected officers. The Committee reviews the design, funding and competitiveness of the Company’s retirement programs. The Committee also assists the Company in developing compensation and benefit strategies to attract, develop and retain qualified employees. The Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee provides oversight in the area of corporate finance and makes recommendations to the Board about the financial aspects of the Company. Examples of topics upon which the Finance Committee may provide guidance include capital structure, capital adequacy, credit ratings, capital expenditure planning and dividend policy and share repurchase programs. The Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies, evaluates, and recommends nominees for the Board for each annual meeting (and to fill vacancies during interim periods); evaluates the composition, organization and governance of the Board and its committees; oversees senior management succession planning; and develops and recommends corporate governance principles and policies applicable to the Company. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders if such nominations are submitted to the Company prior to the deadline for proposals as noted above under the caption “Nomination of Director Candidates” on page 58.

The Committee’s responsibilities with respect to its governance function include considering matters of corporate governance and reviewing (and recommending to the Board revisions to) the Company’s corporate governance guidelines and its code of conduct, which applies to all Company employees, officers and directors. The Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board.

Page 8Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Corporate Governance Documents

Current copies of the Audit, Compensation, Finance and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charters, as well as the Company’s governance principles and code of conduct, are available on the Company’s website athttp://investor.belden.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/governance-documents/default.aspx. Printed copies of these materials are also available to stockholders upon request, addressed to the Corporate Secretary, Belden Inc., 1 North Brentwood Boulevard, 15th Floor, Saint Louis, Missouri 63105.

Related Party Transactions and Compensation Committee Interlocks

It is our policy to review all relationships and transactions in which the Company and our directors and executive officers or their immediate family members are participants to determine whether such persons have a direct or indirect material interest. Annually, we obtain information from all directors and executive officers with respect to related person transactions to determine, based on the facts and circumstances, whether the Company or a related person has a direct or indirect material interest in any such transaction. As required under SEC rules, transactions that are determined to be directly or indirectly material to the Company or a related person are disclosed in our proxy statement. We have determined that there were no material related party transactions during 2015.

None of our executive officers served during 2015 as a member of the board of directors or as a member of a compensation committee of any other company that has an executive officer serving as a member of our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.

Communications with Directors

The Company’s Board has established a process to receive communications from stockholders and other interested parties. Stockholders and other interested parties may contact any member (or all members) of the Board (including Bryan Cressey, Chairman of the Board and presiding director for non-management director meetings), any Board committee, or any chair of any such committee by U.S. mail, through calling the Company’s hotline or via e-mail.

To communicate with the Board, any individual director or any group or committee of directors, correspondence should be addressed to the Company’s Board or any such individual directors or group or committee of directors by either name or title. All such correspondence should be sent “c/o Corporate Secretary, Belden Inc.” at 1 North Brentwood Boulevard, 15th Floor, Saint Louis, MO 63105. To communicate with any of our directors electronically or through the Company’s hotline, stockholders should go to our corporate website athttp://investor.belden.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/governance-documents/default.aspx. On this page, you will find a section titled “Contact the Belden Board”, on which are listed the Company’s hotline number (with access codes for dialing from outside the U.S.) and an e-mail address that may be used for writing an electronic message to the Board, any individual directors, or any group or committee of directors. Please follow the instructions on our website to send your message.

All communications received as set forth in the preceding paragraph will be opened by (or in the case of the hotline, initially reviewed by) our corporate ombudsman for the sole purpose of determining whether the contents represent a message to our directors. The Belden ombudsman will not forward certain items which are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, including: junk mail, mass mailings, product inquiries, product complaints, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, opinion surveys and polls, business solicitations, promotions of products or services, patently offensive materials, advertisements, and complaints that contain only unspecified or broad allegations of wrongdoing without appropriate information support.

In the case of communications to the Board or any group or committee of directors, the corporate ombudsman’s office will send copies of the contents to each director who is a member of the group or committee to which the envelope or e-mail is addressed.

In addition, it is the Company’s policy that each director attends the annual meeting absent exceptional circumstances. Each director attended the Company’s 2015 annual meeting.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 9


Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

For some time, the Company has separated the Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairman positions. We believe this separation of roles is most appropriate for the Company and stockholders. Mr. Cressey, who is independent of management and the Company, provides strong leadership experience, strategic vision and an understanding of the risks associated with our business. Mr. Stroup, as CEO, provides strategic planning, general management experience, and in-depth knowledge of the Company, and, as a member of the Board, acts as an important liaison between management and the Company’s non-employee directors.

Our Board assesses on an ongoing basis the risks faced by the Company in executing its strategic plan. These risks include strategic, technological, competitive and operational risks. The Audit Committee oversees the process we use in performing our annual enterprise risk management (“ERM”) analysis (while the Board oversees the content of the analysis, management is responsible for the execution of the process and the development of the content).

Director Stock Ownership Policy

The Board’s policy requires that each non-employee director hold Company stock equal in value to five times his or her annual cash retainer (currently 5 times $73,000). Upon appointment, a member has five years to meet this requirement, but must meet interim goals during the five-year period of: 20% after one year; 40% after two years; 60% after three years; and 80% after four years. The value of unvested RSUs are included in making this determination at the higher of their grant date value or current market value. Each non-employee director meets either the full-period or interim-period holding requirement: Ms. Brown and Messrs. Aldrich, Balk, Cressey, Kalnasy, Minnich and Monter each meet 100% of the stock holding requirement. Mr. Berglund, who was appointed in December 2013, meets the two-year interim requirement. Mr. Klein, who was appointed in August, 2015, is not yet subject to the minimum holdings requirement.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table reflects the director annual compensation structure as of December 31, 2015 and as of May 1, 2016 per changes approved by the Board at its February 2016 meeting:

Description   As of December 31, 2015 ($)     As of May 1, 2016 ($)   Recipient(s)

Cash Components

Basic Retainer 73,000 75,000 All except Stroup
Audit Committee Chair 12,000 12,500 Minnich
Other Committee Chair 6,250 6,500 Aldrich, Balk and Monter
Audit Committee Service 6,250 6,500 Brown, Minnich and Monter  
Multiple Committee Service 6,250 6,500 Balk, Brown, Cressey and
Monter
Non-Executive Chair 40,000 41,750 Cressey

Equity Components

Restricted Stock Unit Grant 135,000 139,000 All except Stroup
Additional Grant for Non-Executive Chair 40,000 41,750 Cressey

Page 10Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


The following table provides information on non-employee director compensation for 2015.

  Director   Fees Earned or  
Paid in Cash(1)
($)
  

  Stock Awards(2)  

($)

  

Option
  Awards  

($)

  

All Other
  Compensation(3)  

  ($)  

        Total      
($)
 

  David Aldrich

  74,937    134,988    -    362    210,287    

  Lance C. Balk

  84,667    134,988    -    12,876    232,531    

  Steven W. Berglund  

  72,334    134,988    -    695    208,017    

  Judy L. Brown

  84,667    134,988    -    362    220,017    

  Bryan C. Cressey

  118,117    175,003    -    470    293,590    

  Glenn Kalnasy

  75,896    134,988    -    362    211,246    

  Jonathan Klein

  30,417    132,400    -    -    162,817    

  George Minnich

  90,334    134,988    -    362    225,684    

  John M. Monter

  90,834    134,988    -    362    226,184    

(1)Amount of cash retainer and committee fees.

(2)As required by the instructions for completing this column “Stock Awards,” amounts shown are the grant date fair value of stock awards granted during 2015. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are described in Note 17: Share-Based Compensation, to the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Each director other than Mr. Cressey and Mr. Klein received 1,599 RSUs on May 29, 2015 that vest in one year. On the same date, Mr. Cressey received 2,073 RSUs that vest in one year. On August 24, 2015, Mr. Klein received 2,500 RSUs that vest in equal installments over the first three anniversaries of the grant.

(3)Amount of interest earned on deferred director fees and dividends paid on vested stock awards.

ITEM I – ELECTION OF NINE DIRECTORS

The Company currently has ten directors – Ms. Brown and Messrs. Aldrich, Balk, Berglund, Cressey, Kalnasy, Klein, Minnich, Monter and Stroup. The term of each director will expire at this annual meeting and the Board proposes that each of Ms. Brown and Messrs. Aldrich, Balk, Berglund, Cressey, Klein, Minnich, Monter and Stroup be reelected for a new term of one year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Mr. Kalnasy is retiring from the Board and is not seeking re-appointment. Each nominee has consented to serve if elected. If any of them becomes unavailable to serve as a director, the Board may designate a substitute nominee. In that case, the persons named as proxies will vote for the substitute nominee designated by the Board.

THE BELDEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE NOMINATED SLATE OF DIRECTORS.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 11


PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM INFORMATION

ITEM II – RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2016

It is anticipated that Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) will be selected as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2016, and the Board of Directors has directed that management submit the anticipated appointment for ratification by the stockholders at the annual meeting. EY has served as our registered public accounting firm since the 2004 merger of Belden Inc. and Cable Design Technologies Corporation, and prior to that served as Belden 1993 Inc.’s registered public accounting firm since it became a public company in 1993. A representative of the firm will be present at the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

We are not required to obtain stockholder ratification of the appointment of EY as our independent registered public accounting firm. However, we are submitting the appointment to stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain EY. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time if they determine that such a change would be in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders.

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for 2015 and 2014

The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by EY for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting for 2015 and 2014 as well as other permissible audit-related and tax services.

   2015  2014 

Audit Fees

 $2,727,995   $3,117,076  

Audit-Related Fees

  0    543,295  

Tax Fees

  536,464    789,319  

All Other Fees

  0    0  

Total EY fees

 $3,264,459   $4,449,690  

“Audit fees” primarily represent amounts paid or expected to be paid for audits of the Company’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting under SOX 404, reviews of SEC Forms 10-Q, Form 10-K and the proxy statement, statutory audit requirements at certain non-U.S. locations, and comfort letter procedures related to debt issuances.

“Audit-related fees” are primarily related to due diligence services on completed and potential acquisitions.

“Tax fees” for 2015 and 2014 are for domestic and international compliance totaling $186,377 and $258,507, respectively, and tax planning totaling $350,087 and $530,812, respectively.

In approving such services, the Audit Committee did not rely on the pre-approval waiver provisions of the applicable rules of the SEC.

Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Audit Fees:For 2015, the Committee reviewed and pre-approved the audit services and estimated fees for the year. Throughout the year, the Committee received project updates and approved or ratified amounts that significantly exceeded the original estimates, if any.

Page 12Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Audit-Related and Non-Audit Services and Fees:Annually, and otherwise as necessary, the Committee reviews and pre-approves all audit-related and non-audit services and the estimated fees for such services. For recurring services, such as tax compliance and statutory filings, the Committee reviews and pre-approves the services and estimated total fees for such matters by category and location of service.

For non-recurring services, such as special tax projects, due diligence, or other tax services, the Committee reviews and pre-approves the services and estimated fees by individual project. Up to an approved threshold amount, the Committee has delegated approval authority to the Committee Chair.

For both recurring and non-recurring services, the projected fees are updated quarterly and the Committee considers and, if appropriate, approves any amounts exceeding the original estimates.

Should an engagement need pre-approval before the next Committee meeting, the Committee has delegated to the Committee Chair authority to grant such approval up to an approved spending threshold. Thereafter, the entire Committee will review such approval at its next quarterly meeting.

Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee assists the Board in overseeing various matters, including: (i) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements; (ii) all material aspects of the Company’s financial reporting, internal accounting control, and audit functions; (iii) the qualifications and independence of the independent auditors; and (iv) the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent auditors.

The Audit Committee’s oversight includes reviewing with management the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor, mitigate, and control such exposures. Management has the responsibility for the implementation of these activities and is responsible for the Company’s internal controls, financial reporting process, compliance with laws and regulations, and the preparation and presentation of the Company’s financial statements.

Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”), the Company’s registered public accounting firm for 2015, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements and an audit of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (U.S.) (“PCAOB”) and issuing reports with respect to these matters, including expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.

In connection with the Company’s December 31, 2015 financial statements, the Committee: (i) has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management (including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and EY’s audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting for 2015); (ii) has discussed with EY the matters required to be discussed under PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 16,Communications with Audit Committees; and (iii) has received and discussed with EY the written disclosures and letter from EY required by the PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526,Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and has discussed with EY its independence from the Company.

As part of such discussions, the Committee has considered whether the provision of services provided by EY, not related to the audit of the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting referred to above or to the reviews of the interim consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, is compatible with maintaining EY’s independence. (Above is a report on audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees, and other fees the Company paid EY for services performed in 2015 and 2014.) The Committee has concluded that EY’s provision of non-audit services to the Company and its subsidiaries is compatible with its independence.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 13


Based on these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2015.

Audit Committee

George E. Minnich (Chair)

Judy L. Brown

John M. Monter

THE BELDEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2016.

Page 14Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

A NOTEFROMTHE BELDEN COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Valued Belden Stockholders:

The Committee would like to thank Belden’s stockholders for another year of loyal support in 2015. For the fourth consecutive year, our Say-on-Pay proposal was supported by over 97% of the voted shares. This illustrates to us that: (1) the stockholders understand and support the Company’s strategy, (2) the stockholders agree that the compensation structure is well aligned with strategy and (3) the stockholders believe in the management team and there is an open line of communication between management and stockholders. Continuous engagement with the investment community is a top priority for Belden management and our consistent Say-on-Pay support signals to us that management is executing well on this priority.

That being said, 2015 was a challenging year for U.S. multinational management teams. For Belden in particular, in a year that began with the successful completion of the strategically significant Tripwire acquisition, the focus was quickly redirected. The simultaneous strengthening of the U.S. dollar and decline in oil prices impacted demand environment within several end markets. Additionally, softness with advertising spend, a source of revenue to our broadcast customers led to a temporary pause in capital spending within the industry. Overall, the diverse portfolio and the ability of the management team to quickly recognize and react to these challenges allowed Belden navigate these challenges well. The effectiveness of the Belden business system is reflected in the record EBITDA margins and strong share capture in a year which many peers reacted too late.

We acknowledge, however, the impact that the market disruptions had on equity prices in 2015. Challenging market conditions are the true test of a compensation program’s design. We believe that the Belden program is performing appropriately in these circumstances. The shorter term cash incentive plan allowed us to reward accomplishments against pre-determined objectives in areas that reflect the underlying health of the business. On the other hand, the longer term incentives provided to our executives will only result in realizable compensation if our stockholders likewise benefit from significant stock price appreciation. It is noteworthy that of the compensation shown in the Summary Compensation Table below, 68.9% of the compensation disclosed for our CEO and 56.3% for the NEOs as a whole is composed of equity grants without any current value. However, the three-year measurement period for the performance stock units and the ten-year life of the stock appreciation rights will properly incentivize the team to drive the performance needed to maximize stockholder value. On that basis and the remainder of the materials that follow, we believe that you will continue to agree that we are doing our job of aligning pay with performance.

Therefore, we request your support for Belden’s 2016 Say-on-Pay proposal and the other compensation related proposals contained in this document. If at any time you would like to discuss the compensation program, we are available to address your questions. Thank you for your consideration.

The Belden Inc. Compensation Committee

DAVID ALDRICH, CHAIRLANCE BALKSTEVE BERGLUNDGLENN KALNASY

I.      Introduction

In this section, we discuss our compensation program as it pertains to our chief executive officer, our chief financial officer, and our three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving at the end of 2015. We refer to these five persons throughout as the “named executive officers” or our “NEOs”.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 15


For 2015, our named executive officers were:

John Stroup

President and Chief Executive Officer

Henk Derksen

Senior Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer

Glenn Pennycook

Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions

Ross Rosenberg

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development

Roel Vestjens

Executive Vice President, Broadcast Solutions

II.      Executive Summary

As noted by our Compensation Committee above, 2015 was marked by steady performance despite a mixed macroeconomic environment. We began the year by successfully completing the acquisition of Tripwire, a cybersecurity asset that we will be able to leverage across all of our served markets as demand for security in connected applications continues to increase. As we made our way through the first half of 2015, it became clear that lower oil prices and a stronger US dollar would impact the demand from several end markets within the Broadcast and Industrial platforms. Despite these impediments, the business as a whole performed well, with strong performance in our enterprise solutions, broadband connectivity and network security businesses. Productivity improvement programs during the year will allow Belden to continue to protect, and in some platforms expand, its margin profile. Some financial highlights of the consolidated business included the following (see the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2016 for a reconciliation of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP measures):

Record adjusted revenues of $2.36 billion, an increase of 7.4% over 2014 on a constant currency basis.

Adjusted gross profit margins of 41.6%, an increase of 460 basis points over 2014.

Record adjusted earnings per share of $4.98, an increase of 17.7% over 2014.

The Company’s 2015 overall financial results and the individual performance of our NEOs are discussed underAnnual Cash Incentive Plan Awards beginning on page 21.

Some of the compensation-related highlights since our last proxy statement include:

The Company employed a full year period for the establishment of performance targets under our annual cash incentive program (“ACIP”) versus the two six-month periods employed in recent years.

A significant revision to the performancePerformance stock unit awards granted under the long term incentive plan (“LTIP”), including: with the following features:

 

Performance measurement period extended from one year toof three years.

 

Number of

Two factor performance metrics increased from one to two.metrics.

 

Use of a relative measure (total stockholder return relative to the S&P 1500 Industrials Index).

 

No longer provideprovision for any accrued dividend equivalents.

These new features enhanced a

Rigorous goals for the realization of target ACIP and LTIP compensation program, which already had the following stockholder-friendly components:set against objective measures.

 

Perquisite-light compensation structure with no change-in-control-related excise tax gross-ups ingross-ups.

Replacement of employment agreements entered into after January 1, 2010.contracts with a uniform executive severance plan.

 

Double trigger change-in-control provisions for severance in employment agreements and for accelerated vesting in equity awards granted in and after 2014.awards.

 

No history of option repricing or cash buyouts of underwater options.

 

Page 16Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Equity plans do not have evergreen share authorizations and do not allow for aggressive share recycling.

 

Robust director and officer ownership guidelines, including six times annual base salary for the Chief Executive Officer.

 

No guaranteed ACIP or LTIP awards for officers. Both plans also contain award caps. The Chief Executive Officer’s maximum ACIP payout is capped at 200% of target.

III.      2015 Say-on-Pay Review

For the fourth consecutive year, our executive compensation program was endorsed by a vast majority of our stockholders. With 93.98% of our shares voting on the issue, we received 99.04% in favor of the proposal, with only 0.93% opposing and 0.01% abstaining. We believe this is a reflection of the transparency of our program, which is clearly aligned with the interests of our stockholders. Based on this strong endorsement, we only made minor improvements to the existing program.

IV.      Compensation Objectives and Elements

A.      Objectives

Belden’s executive compensation program is designed to support the interests of stockholders by rewarding executives for achievement of the Company’s specific business objectives, which for the NEOs in 2015 included net income from continuing operations, EBITDA, share capture, operating working capital turns and inventory turns. The overarching principles of the program are:

III.     2022 Say-on-Pay Review

For the eleventh consecutive year, our executive compensation program was endorsed by a vast majority of our stockholders. With over 94% of our shares voting on the issue, we received 98.02% of voted shares in favor of the proposal, with only 1.93% opposing and 0.05% abstaining. We believe this is a reflection of the transparency of our program, which is clearly aligned with the interests of our stockholders. Based on this strong endorsement, and the view of our Compensation Committee that the program is performing properly, we did not make any changes to the basic structure of the program. However, in order to incentive management to achieve the publicly

 

Page 18

      2023 Proxy Statement


communicated stretch goal of achieving $8.00 earnings per share during or prior to 2025, the Compensation Committee granted Stretch Achievement Share Awards that may be achieved if the Company achieves a least $7.50 in earnings per share during or before 2025. As a result of this modification, each performance stock unit granted in 2022 has the potential to convert into four Belden shares if all measurement criteria are maximized.

IV.     Compensation Objectives and Elements

A.    Objectives

Belden’s executive compensation program is designed to support the interests of stockholders by rewarding executives for achievement of the Company’s specific business objectives, which for the NEOs in 2022 included net income from continuing operations, EBITDA, revenue, operating working capital turns and inventory turns. The overarching principles of the program are:

Maximizing stockholder value by allocating a significant percentage of compensation to performance-based pay that is dependent upon achievement of the Company’s performance goals, without encouraging excessive or unnecessary risk taking.taking;

 

Aligning executives’ interests with stockholder interests by providing significant stock-based compensation and expecting executives to holdhave a long-term perspective by holding the stock they earn in compliance with our ownership guidelines.guidelines;

 

Attracting and retaining talented executives by providing competitive compensation opportunities.opportunities; and

 

Rewarding overall corporate results while recognizing individual contributions.contributions and behaviors consistent with our values.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 19


 

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 17


B.    Elements

Below is an illustration of Belden’s compensation program. Individual compensation packages and the mix of base salary, annual cash incentive opportunity and long-term equity incentive compensation for each NEO vary depending upon the executive’s level of responsibilities, potential, performance and tenure with the Company. Each of the elements shown below is designed for a specific purpose, with the overall goal of achieving a high and sustainable level of Company and individual performance. The percentage of total compensation that is performance-based and therefore at risk generally increases as an officer’s level of responsibilities increases.

Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”)

Annual Cash Compensation

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)

Annual Cash Incentive Plan (“ACIP”) Opportunity

Base Salary

Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)

Objective: Rewards achievement of the Company’s performance targets and individual performance; zeros out if performance is below certain thresholds

Based on target ACIP amount, which is a percentage of base salary annual cash

If earned, paid annually following the computation and release of year-end financial results

Objective: Rewards for the Company’s stock price appreciation

Represents 25% of target long-term incentive opportunity

Vests equally over three years and long-term equity incentive compensation for each NEO varies depending uponhas 10-year term

Has no value when market price is below the executive’s level of responsibilities, potential, performance and tenure with the Company. Each of the elements shown below is designed for a specific purpose, with the overall goal of achieving a high and sustainable level of Company and individual performance. The percentage of total compensation that is performance-based and therefore at risk generally increases as an officer’s level of responsibilities increases. Approximately 85% of Mr. Stroup’s 2015 summary compensation table compensation was performance-based compensation, compared to 79% in 2014 and 83% for 2013. The chart below is not to scale for any particular named executive officer.grant date price

LOGO

Additionally, the Company provides competitive retirement and benefit programs to our NEOs on the same basis as other employees and limited perquisites as described underCompensation Policies and Other Considerations.

C.      Pay for Performance Philosophy

Our ability to execute on our strategic plan relies on implementation of our talent management program. We continually seek to hire and retain high performing and high potential managers to both drive performance today and build a dependable bench of successors for the future. This philosophy includes both compensating these managers well when we achieve our performance goals as well as placing large portions of management compensation at risk so we do not pay for underperformance.

We believe that this philosophy has provided an appropriate balance to drive continuous improvement while retaining high performers through challenging times. More importantly, we believe the incentives we provide for achievement without rewarding under-performance aligns the interests of our managers closely with those of our investors, which is the main objective.

Page 18Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


D.      Compensation Design

Role of Compensation Consultant

Following an analysisObjective: Compensates individuals based on rules promulgated byjob type and level within the NYSE, the Compensation Committee has retained Deloitte Consulting LLP (“Deloitte Consulting”) as its independent compensation consultant. Deloitte reports directly to the Committee. The Committee generally relies on Deloitte to provide it with comparison group benchmarking data and information as to market practices and trends, and to provide advice on key Committee decisions.Company

In 2015, Deloitte Consulting provided advice to the Compensation Committee and management

Eligible for merit-based increases in connection with the composition of peer companies we use for benchmarking purposes, the design of our annual cash incentiveperformance review

Objective: Supports retention and long-term incentive programs, and our executive employment agreements. For its compensation consulting in 2015, we paid Deloitte Consulting $162,797.

In 2015, our financial management separately engaged affiliates of Deloitte Consulting to perform other services involving internal controls auditing, tax consulting and acquisition due diligence. For these non-compensation related services, we paid Deloitte $2,988,411. The Compensation Committee did not approve these charges prior to their incurrence, but considered them in connection with Deloitte Consulting’s retention for 2016. Given the nature and scope of these other services, the Compensation Committee does not believe this work had any impact on the independence of our independent consultant.

Benchmarking and Survey Data

In determining total compensation levels for our NEOs, the Compensation Committee reviews market trends in executive compensation and a competitive analysis prepared by Deloitte Consulting, which compares our executive compensation to both the companies in the comparator group described below and to broader market survey data. The Committee also considers other available market survey data on executive compensation philosophy, strategy and design. The Company’s compensation philosophy is to target base salaries at the 50th percentile of the competitive market. Individual executives may have base salaries above or below the target based on their individual performances, internal equity and experience. As discussed above, at-risk incentive compensation components have the potential to reward our executives at levels above industry medians, but only when the Company is outperforming the industry.

The Committee chose our comparator group from companies in the primary industry segments in which the Company operates and competes for talent.

The comparator group companies for 2015 were as follows:

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Curtiss-Wright CorporationRegal Beloit Corporation

Amphenol Corporation

General Cable CorporationRoper Industries, Inc.

Anixter International Inc.

Hexcel CorporationViavi Solutions Inc.

A.O. Smith Corporation

Hubbell IncorporatedWesco International, Inc.

Carlisle Companies Incorporated

IDEX Corporation

ISS and Glass-Lewis independently develop and publish peer groups that they use to analyze our compensation. It is noteworthy that of the 14 companies in our comparator group, 12 were chosen by ISS, Glass-Lewis, or both, as appropriate peer companies. The Committee considers the comparator group competitive pay analysis and survey data as non-determinative data points in making its pay decisions. The approach to pay decisions is not formulaic and the Committee, based on advice from Deloitte Consulting, exercises judgment in making them.

Each year, the Committee reviews the performance evaluations and pay recommendations for the named executive officers and the other senior executives. The Compensation Committee, with input from the Board, meets in executive session without the CEO present to review the CEO’s performance and set his compensation.

In its most recent review in February 2016, the Committee concluded that the total direct compensation of executive officers, with respect to compensation levels, as well as structure, are consistent with our compensation design and objectives.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 19


V.      2015 Compensation Analysis

A.      Base Salary Adjustments

Salaries of executive officers are reviewed annually and at the time of a promotion or other change in responsibilities. Increases in salary are based on a review of the individual’s performance, the competitive market, the individual’s experience and internal equity. For executives who earn a composite individual performance score of 3 or more, base salaries may be adjusted using a merit salary increase matrix, discussed below. An executive who scores less than 3 and fails to improve his or her performance may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal.

The executive is scored on our merit salary increase matrix that is annually reviewed and, if appropriate, revised to reflect the competitive market based on the salary survey data noted above. The Committee reviews the merit budget and salary increase matrix. The executive’s salary is classified based on three categories: below market, market and above market. Company-wide, the ranking system is designed to take the form of a normal distribution, as follows:

1 – Least Effective – At least 5% of workforce

2 – Needs Improvement – At least 10% of workforce

3 – Effective-Consistently Meets Expectations – 50% to 70% of workforce

4 – Highly Valued – Combined with ‘5’, no more than 15% of workforce

5 – Exceptional – No more than 5% of workforce

2015 Merit Increase Guidelines for Named Executive Officers

Current Salary Current
Salary as a % of
Median
 

1

Least
Effective

  

2

Needs
Improvement

  

3

Effective

  

4

Highly
Valued

  

5

Exceptional

Above Market  

 Above 105%  0  0  0-2  2-4 3-5%

At Market  

 95-105%  0  0  0-3  4-6 6-8%

Below Market  

 Below 95%  0  0  3-5  6-8 8-10%

The timing and amount of any salary adjustment will be based on the executive’s annual overall performance ranking and whether the executive falls “below,” “at” or “above” market as compared to the median of the applicable market data noted above.

For example, an executive with an overall ranking of “5” who is “above market” will receive a lower salary increase than an executive with a ranking of “5” who is “below market”.

The named executive officers’ salaries as of December 31, 2015 are provided in the following table:

Name  Annual Base Salary at  
  December 31, 2015  

Mr. Stroup  

  $850,000  

Mr. Derksen  

  $490,740  

Mr. Pennycook  

  $360,500  

Mr. Rosenberg  

  $389,890  

Mr. Vestjens  

  $374,500  

Page 20Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


B.      Annual Cash Incentive Plan Awards

Executive officers participate in our annual cash incentive plan. Overall, we had 1,935 employees participate in the plan’s 2015 performance offering. Under the plan, participants earn cash awards based on the achievement of Company and individual performance goals. For 2015, the amount paid under the plan to all participants was approximately $22.0 million or approximately 6.7% of adjusted net income before ACIP expense. This compares to approximately 7.7%, 7.3%, 7.2% and 8.1% in 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as shown below:

(Dollar amounts in thousands)           2015         2014         2013         2012         2011    

Adjusted Net Income

 $213,722 $186,167 $165,139 $128,630 $114,345
Tax effected ACIP Expense (assuming 30% rate) (a) $15,400 $15,527 $12,984 $9,909 $10,084
Adjusted Net Income Before ACIP Expense (b) $229,122 $201,694 $178,123 $138,539 $124,429
Reflected as a percentage
(a divided by b)
 6.72% 7.70% 7.29% 7.15% 8.10%
Form 8-K in which adjusted net income is reconciled to GAAP net income February 9,
2016
 February 5,
2015
 February 6,
2014
 February 7,
2013
 N/A

A participant’s award (other than the CEO) is computed using the following formula:

ACIP Award = Base Salary  X  Target Percentage  X  Financial Factor  X  Personal Performance Factor

In 2012, based on the fact that Mr. Stroup’s personal performance factor (“PPF”) had consistently been equal to or greater than 1.0, the Compensation Committee removed the component from the calculation of Mr. Stroup’s ACIP award. The Committee desired to avoid any perception that the PPF was simply serving as a second multiplier to Mr. Stroup’s award. Given his direct reporting relationship to the Board, the Committee is comfortable that Mr. Stroup is accountable without the need of the additional lever to adjust his ACIP award downward or upward.

Target Percentages

For 2015, each NEO’s ACIP Target Percentages were as follows: Mr. Stroup – 130%, Mr. Derksen – 75% and Messrs. Pennycook, Rosenberg and Vestjens – 70%.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 21


Financial Factors

As stated above, performance targets for calculating the Financial Factors were based on net income from continuing operations, EBITDA, share capture, operating working capital turns and inventory turns. In addition, as discussed further below, the performance stock units (“PSUs”) had performance targets based on relativeCompany’s total stockholder return and free cash flow. In order to ensure that we are rewardingflow objectives; at risk if performance that drives stockholder value, these factors flow from and support the strategic financial goals we communicate to our investors.

LOGO

Performance Factor Determination and Adjustments

The performance factors we use that make up the Financial Factor support our short- and long-range business objectives and strategy. We have selected multiple factors because we believe no one metric is sufficient to capture the performance we are seeking to achieve and any one metric in isolationbelow certain thresholds

Represents 50% of target long-term incentive opportunity

2022 PSUs may or may not promote appropriate management performance. Managementresult in the delivery of Belden shares in 2025 based on Company performance from 2022-2024, and 2022-2025 in the Boardcase of Stretch Achievement Share Awards

Potential to be enhanced if Company achieves $7.50 or more of EPS by 2025

Objective: Supports retention and aligning stockholder and executive incentives

Represents 25% of target long-term incentive opportunity

Cliff vest three years after grant date

Additionally, the Company provides competitive retirement and benefit programs to our NEOs on the same basis as other employees and limited perquisites as described under Compensation Policies and Other Considerations.

C.     Pay for Performance Philosophy

Our ability to execute on our strategic plan relies on implementation of our talent management program. We continually seek to hire and retain high performing and high potential managers to both drive performance today and build a dependable bench of successors for the future. The principles of the program are as follows:

We believe that income from continuing operationsproviding the highest reward to those who deliver the highest levels of performance creates an environment where everyone is motivated to continually improve and EBITDA arestrive for their best;

We set objective performance measures and hold ourselves accountable for delivery of the financial metrics most clearly aligned withresults and our own performance;

We believe that performance is both what you do and how you do it, so we measure specific delivery of results and how effectively we have lived our values in the enhancementcurrent calendar year;

We use our annual performance and compensation review process to assess performance in the year and allocate greater reward to those who deliver the highest performance relative to other members of stockholder value. Therefore, they are weighted heavily in our consolidateda particular team; and platform targets. Additionally, share capture continues

We provide honest and timely feedback to each other on performance and opportunities to continuously improve, so that everyone has the opportunity to be an important measure of our performance versus our competitors. And despite the maturity of our development from a Lean manufacturing standpoint, continuous improvement in inventory and working capital turnover remains a high corporate priority.

In setting performance goals, we consider our annual and long-range business plans and factors such as our past variance to targeted performance, economic and industry conditions, and our industry performance. We set challenging, realistic goals that will motivate performance within the top quartile of our comparator group based on consensus data on the peer companies publicly availablevery best at the time the targets are set. We recognize that the metrics may need to change over time to reflect new priorities and, accordingly, review these performance metrics at the beginning of each performance period.what they do.

In 2015, thresholds, targets and maximum levels for the performance factors that make up the Financial Factors were set to challenge management to grow the company in a low growth environment. For instance, the 2015 target for consolidated net income from continuing operations reflected a 30% increase over actual 2014 performance. Likewise, the consolidated share capture target represented an almost 68% improvement over actual 2014 performance. Targets for the business platforms reflected similar stretch improvement initiatives. While platform performance on EBITDA and working capital/inventory turns did not fully meet our expectations, outperformance on share capture was achieved at the platform and consolidated levels. We view this as a positive result of our Belden Market Delivery System.

 

Page 22Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Officers with company-wide responsibilities (Messrs. Stroup, Derksen and Rosenberg) were measured using consolidated performance. Mr. Pennycook and Mr. Vestjens were compensated based on the performance of the Enterprise Connectivity Solutions and Broadcast Solutions platforms, respectively. The applicable factors and weighting percentages are set prior to each performance period as shown in the chart below and illustrated in further detail onAppendix I.

 

LOGOPage 20

Consistent with the terms of the annual cash incentive plan, the performance factors were adjusted to reflect certain unusual events that occurred during the year. These adjustments can result in either increases or decreases in performance factors and in 2015 primarily concerned amortization of intangible assets, deferred gross profit adjustments, restructuring of the Company’s operations, purchase accounting effects of acquisitions, depreciation expense, as well as the income tax impact of these adjustments. The Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee meet jointly to analyze and approve the adjustments recommended by management. The Committees agree that it was appropriate to adjust the financial results for these matters to properly capture our operating results and to eliminate the potential for managers delaying strategic decisions beneficial to the Company in the long term (e.g., restructuring) because of the impact of those decisions on short-term financial metrics or to benefit from favorable one-time adjustments or unbudgeted events (such as acquisitions).      2023 Proxy Statement

For each individual performance factor, threshold, target and maximum amounts are set by the Compensation Committee. Actual performance at the threshold level is reflected with a Financial Factor score of 0.5, actual performance at the target level is reflected with a Financial Factor score of 1.0 and actual performance at or above the maximum level is reflected with a Financial Factor score of 2.0. Performance between the threshold and target and between the target and maximum are interpolated on a linear basis. Actual performance below the threshold would result in a component score of 0 and the failure to achieve at least threshold performance on the net income/operating income component would result in an overall Financial Factor of 0. Because Financial Factors are capped at 2.0 and because, as described below, he does not have a Personal Performance Factor, Mr. Stroup’s ACIP payout cannot mathematically be higher than 200% of his target payout.

 

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 23


The performance factor definitions, thresholds, targets and actual results, as well as the applicable weighting and calculations for each NEO are contained inAppendix I, which is incorporated herein by this reference. The applicable 2015 Financial Factor for


We believe that this philosophy has provided an appropriate balance to drive continuous improvement while retaining high performers through challenging times. More importantly, we believe the incentives we provide for achievement without rewarding under-performance contributes to our industry-leading employee engagement while aligning the interests of our managers closely with those of our customers and investors.

D.    Compensation Design

Role of Compensation Consultant

Following an analysis based on rules promulgated by the NYSE, the Compensation Committee retained Meridian Compensation Partners LLC (“Meridian”) as its independent compensation consultant during 2022. Meridian reported directly to the Committee. The Committee generally relies on the independent compensation consultant to provide it with comparison group benchmarking data and information as to market practices and trends, and to provide advice on key Committee decisions.

In 2022, Meridian provided advice to the Compensation Committee and management in connection with the composition of peer companies we use for benchmarking purposes and the design of our annual cash incentive and long-term incentive programs.

Benchmarking and Survey Data

In determining total compensation levels for our NEOs, the Compensation Committee reviews market trends in executive compensation and a competitive analysis prepared by the independent compensation consultant, which compares our executive compensation to both the companies in the comparator group described below and to broader market survey data. The Compensation Committee also considers other available market survey data on executive compensation philosophy, strategy and design. The Company’s compensation philosophy is to target base salaries at the 50th percentile of the competitive market. Individual executives may have base salaries above or below the target based on their individual performances, internal equity and experience. As discussed above, at-risk incentive compensation components have the potential to reward our executives at levels above industry medians, but only when the Company is outperforming the industry.

The Compensation Committee chose our comparator group from companies in the primary industry segments in which the Company operates and competes for talent.

The comparator group companies for 2022 were as follows:

 

A.O. Smith Corporation

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.

IDEX Corporation

Roper Technologies, Inc.

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Itron Inc.

Viavi Solutions, Inc.

Amphenol Corporation

Hexcel Corporation

Regal Rexnord Corporation

Zurn Water Solutions

Carlisle Companies Incorporated

Hubbell Incorporated

Rogers Corp.

Named Executive Officer    Financial Factor    

The Compensation Committee considers the comparator group competitive pay analysis and survey data as relevant, but non-determinative data points in making its pay decisions. The approach to pay decisions is not formulaic and the Committee, based on advice from the compensation consultant, exercises judgment in making them.

Each year, the Compensation Committee reviews the performance evaluations and pay recommendations for the named executive officers and the other senior executives. The Compensation Committee, with input from the Board, meets in executive session without the CEO present to review the CEO’s performance and set his compensation. In its most recent review in February 2023, the Compensation Committee concluded that the total direct compensation of executive officers, with respect to compensation levels, as well as structure, are consistent with our compensation design and objectives.

V.    2022 Compensation Analysis

A.    Base Salary Adjustments

Salaries of executive officers are ordinarily reviewed annually and at the time of a promotion or other change in responsibilities. Increases in salary are based on a review of the individual’s performance against objective performance measures, the competitive market, the individual’s experience and internal equity. For executives who earn a composite individual performance score of 0.91 or more, base salaries may be adjusted using a merit salary increase matrix, discussed below. An executive who scores less than 0.91 and fails to improve his or her performance may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal.

The executive is scored on our merit salary increase matrix that is annually reviewed by the Committee and, if appropriate, revised to reflect the competitive market, based on the salary survey data noted above. The executive’s salary is classified based on three

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 21


categories: below market, market and above market. Company-wide, the ranking system, which assigns personal performance factors ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, is designed to take the form of a normal distribution.

2022 Merit Increase Guidelines for Named Executive Officers

Mr. Stroup

0.99

Mr. Derksen

0.99

Mr. Pennycook

1.35

Mr. Rosenberg

0.99

Mr. Vestjens

0.91

Personal Performance Factor

Each named executive officer other than Mr. Stroup establishes annual personal performance objectives. As discussed above, the Committee feels that the consolidated Financial Factor is the best reflection of Mr. Stroup’s personal performance and, thus, he does not have

Current

Salary as a separate Personal Performance Factor (“PPF”). The other NEO’s objectives are agreed upon between the NEO and Mr. Stroup. At the end% of the year, the parties measure progress relative to the objectives. Mr. Stroup scores each NEO’s PPF on a scale of 0.5 to 1.5.

The personal performance goals reflected in the Personal Performance Factor measure the attainment of short- and long-term goals that often are in furtherance of achieving objectives set out in our three-year strategic plan. Personal performance goals can be qualitative in nature and the determination of the NEO’s degree of attainment of them generally requires the judgment of Mr. Stroup.

As a general rule, the higher in the organizational structure that one sits, the more global in scope are his or her personal objectives. Mr. Derksen, as the CFO, had objectives in the areas of talent management, and information technology and investor relations performance, but also focused other objectives on areas specific to the finance function, e.g., accounting, tax and capital structure. As the chief strategy officer, Mr. Rosenberg had objectives relating to the Company’s M&A funnel and integration, as well as talent management and other strategic objectives. As the EVPs of two of Belden’s product platforms, the objectives of Messrs. Pennycook and Vestjens were supportive of the Company’s global goals, but focused within their respective business units. Their objectives related to the areas of growth, both organic and M&A, talent management and operational excellence through the continued institution of Lean enterprise principles in their respective business units.

The 2015 Personal Performance Factors for the NEOs as recommended by Mr. Stroup and approved by the Committee ranged from 1.00 to 1.15.

Annual Cash Incentive Plan Payouts

Based on the preceding discussion, each NEO’s annual cash incentive plan award is as shown in the table below. The awards were paid out in February 2016 following adoption of the Financial Factors and Personal Performance Factors by the Committee.

 

NEO  2015 ACIP Award(1)   Percentage of Target

John Stroup

  $1,093,950    99.0%

Henk Derksen

  $382,590    103.9%

Glenn Pennycook  

  $391,770    155.2%

Ross Rosenberg

  $270,190    99.0%

Roel Vestjens

  $238,560    91.0%

 

(1)For administrative convenience, the final payouts are rounded to the nearest ten dollar amount.

Current Salary

Midpoint

0.50–0.90

0.91–1.10

1.11–1.50

Above Market

Above 105%

0%

0%-3%

2%-6%

Market

95%-105%

0%

0%-4%

4%-9%

Below Market

Below 95%

0%

3%-6%

6%-11%

The timing and amount of any salary adjustment will be based on the executive’s annual overall performance ranking and whether the executive falls “below,” “at” or “above” market as compared to the median of the applicable market data noted above.

For example, an executive with an overall ranking of “1.25” who is “above market” will receive a lower salary increase than an executive with a ranking of “1.25” who is “below market”.

The named executive officers’ salaries as of December 31, 2022 are provided in the following table.

 

Page 24Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


C.      Performance-Based Equity Awards

Our long-term equity incentive plan is designed to align the financial interests of our executives and our stockholders by providing executives with a continuing stake in the long-term success of the company. With grants of SARs that have value only if Belden’s stock price increases and PSUs that only convert into Belden shares if certain performance metrics are achieved, the plan emphasizes Pay-for-Performance. For 2015, executive officers received 50% of their LTI award (discussed below) under the plan in the form of SARs and 50% in the form of PSUs.

Individual performance, the competitive market, executive experience and internal equity were factors used to determine the total dollar value of SARs and PSUs granted to each executive officer in 2015, which we refer to as the “Long-Term Incentive Value”, or “LTI Value”.

LTI Value

We use the following matrix to determine the LTI as a percentage of base salary for each officer:

Name

 

Annual Base Salary at

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Vestjens

 

$

1,000,000

 

Mr. Parks

 

$

543,900

 

Mr. Anderson

 

$

488,400

 

Mr. Chand

 

$

531,463

 

Mr. Mehrotra

 

$

420,000

 

B.   Annual Cash Incentive Plan Awards

Executive officers participate in our annual cash incentive plan. Overall, we had 1,672 employees participate in the plan’s 2022 performance offering. Under the plan, participants earn cash awards based on the achievement of Company and individual performance goals. For 2022, the amount paid under the plan to all participants was approximately $34.996 million or approximately 7.14% of adjusted net income before ACIP expense. This compares to approximately 10.9%, 9.2%, 3.9%, and 3.4%, in 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, as shown below:

 

(Dollar amounts

in thousands)

 

2022

 

 

 

2021

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Net Income from

   Continuing Operations

 

$

317,393

 

 

 

$

216,942

 

 

 

$

123,536

 

 

 

$

209,974

 

 

 

$

289,645

 

Tax effected ACIP Expense

   (assuming 30% rate) (a)

 

$

24,497

 

 

 

$

26,427

 

 

 

$

12,538

 

 

 

$

8,562

 

 

 

$

10,128

 

Adjusted Net Income

   Before ACIP Expense (b)

 

$

341,792

 

 

 

$

243,369

 

 

 

$

136,074

 

 

 

$

218,536

 

 

 

$

299,773

 

Reflected as a percentage

   (a divided by b)

 

 

7.17

%

 

 

 

10.86

%

 

 

 

9.21

%

 

 

 

3.92

%

 

 

 

3.38

%

Form 8-K in which adjusted

   net income is reconciled to

   GAAP net income

 

February 8, 2023

 

 

 

February 9, 2022

 

 

 

February 10, 2021

 

 

 

February 4, 2020

 

 

 

February 20, 2019

 

A participant’s award (other than Mr. Vestjens) is computed using the following formula:

Page 22

      2023 Proxy Statement


ACIP Award = Base Salary  X  Target Percentage  X  Financial Factor  X  Personal Performance Factor

In 2012, based on the fact that the Chief Executive Officer’s personal performance factor (“PPF”) had consistently been equal to or greater than 1.0, the Compensation Committee removed the component from the calculation of the Chief Executive Officer’s ACIP award. The Committee desired to avoid any perception that the PPF was simply serving as a second multiplier to the CEO’s award. Given his direct reporting relationship to the Board, the Committee is comfortable that Mr. Vestjens is fully accountable without the need of the additional lever to adjust his ACIP award downward or upward.

Target Percentages

For 2022, each NEO’s ACIP Target Percentages were as follows: Mr. Vestjens–130%, Mr. Chand–75%, Messrs. Anderson and Parks – 70%, Mr. Mehrotra–70% increasing to 75% upon his appointment as Executive Vice President, Broadband & 5G on September 1, 2022.

Financial Factors

Performance targets for calculating the Financial Factors were based on net income from continuing operations, revenue, EBITDA, operating working capital turns and inventory turns. In addition, as discussed further below, the performance stock units (“PSUs”) had performance targets based on relative total stockholder return and free cash flow. As illustrated below, in order to ensure that we are rewarding performance that drives stockholder value, ACIP financial factors and long-term equity incentive plan performance targets flow from and support the strategic financial goals we communicate to our investors.

Performance Factor Determination and Adjustments

The performance factors we use that make up the Financial Factor support our short- and long-range business objectives and strategy. We have selected multiple factors because we believe no one metric is sufficient to capture the performance we are seeking to achieve and any one metric in isolation may not promote appropriate management performance. Management and the Board believe that income from continuing operations and EBITDA are the financial metrics most clearly aligned with the enhancement of stockholder value. Therefore, they are weighted heavily in our consolidated and platform targets. Additionally, revenue growth has been highlighted by our stockholders as a key component of value creation. Consistent with our Lean manufacturing philosophy, continuous improvement in inventory and working capital turnover remains a high corporate priority.

In setting performance goals, we consider our annual and long-range business plans and factors such as our past variance to targeted performance, economic and industry conditions, and our industry performance. We set challenging, realistic goals that will motivate performance within the top quartile of our comparator group. We recognize that the metrics may need to change over time to reflect new priorities and, accordingly, review these performance metrics at the beginning of each performance period.

In 2022, threshold, target and maximum levels for the performance factors that make up the Financial Factors were set to challenge management to achieve upper quartile performance, including with respect to consolidated revenue, consolidated net income, and consolidated EBITDA.

Officers with company-wide responsibilities (Messrs. Vestjens, Parks and Anderson) were measured using consolidated performance. Mr. Chand, as Executive Vice President of Industrial Automation Solutions, was compensated based on the performance of the Industrial Automation segment. Mr. Mehrotra, who had company-wide responsibilities during his tenure as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing and now has specific responsibilities related to the Company’s Broadband & 5G business as the Executive Vice President of

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 23


Broadband & 5G, was compensated on a mixture of consolidated and Broadband & 5G performance based on portion of the year he spent in each position. The applicable factors and weighting percentages are set at the beginning of each performance period as depicted below and illustrated in further detail on Appendix I.

Messrs. Vestjens, Parks, and Anderson

Factor

Weight

Consolidated EBITDA

25%

Consolidated Revenue

25%

Consolidated Working Capital Turns

25%

Consolidated Net Income from Continuing Operations

25%

Mr. Chand

Factor

Weight

Industrial Automation Solutions EBITDA

50%

Industrial Automation Solutions Revenue

25%

Industrial Automation Solutions Inventory Turns

25%

Mr. Mehrotra

Factor

Weight

Consolidated EBITDA

16.67%

Consolidated Revenue

16.67%

Consolidated Working Capital Turns

16.67%

Consolidated Net Income from Continuing Operations

16.67%

Broadband and 5G EBITDA

16.67%

Broadband & 5G Revenues

8.33%

Broadband & 5G Operating Working Capital Turns

8.33%

Consistent with the terms of the annual cash incentive plan, the performance factors were adjusted to reflect certain unusual events that occurred during the year. The Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee meet jointly to analyze and approve the adjustments recommended by management. The Committees agree that it was appropriate to adjust the financial performance targets for these matters to properly capture our operating results and to eliminate the potential for managers delaying strategic decisions beneficial to the Company in the long term (e.g., restructuring) because of the impact of those decisions on short-term financial metrics or benefitting from favorable one-time adjustments or unbudgeted events (such as acquisitions).

For each individual financial performance factor, threshold, target and maximum amounts are set by the Compensation Committee. Actual performance at the threshold level is reflected with a Financial Factor score of 0.5, actual performance at the target level is reflected with a Financial Factor score of 1.0 and actual performance at or above the maximum level is reflected with a Financial Factor score of 2.0. Performance between the threshold and target and between the target and maximum are interpolated on a linear basis. Actual performance below the threshold would result in a component score of 0 and the failure to achieve at least threshold performance on the consolidated net income/segment EBITDA component would result in an overall Financial Factor of 0. Because Financial Factors are capped at 2.0 and because, as described below, he does not have a Personal Performance Factor, the CEO’s ACIP payout cannot mathematically be higher than 200% of his or her target payout.

Page 24

      2023 Proxy Statement


The performance factor definitions, thresholds, targets and actual results, as well as the applicable weighting and calculations for each NEO are contained in Appendix I, which is incorporated herein by this reference. The applicable 2022 Financial Factors for the NEOs are as follows:

Named Executive Officer

Financial Factor

Mr. Vestjens

1.50

Mr. Parks

1.50

Mr. Anderson

1.50

Mr. Chand

1.63

Mr. Mehrotra

1.26

Personal Performance Factor

In addition to the Financial Factor, the ACIP payout for each named executive officer, other than Mr. Vestjens, is modified based on a Personal Performance Factor (“PPF”). As discussed above, the Committee feels that the consolidated Financial Factor is the best reflection of the CEO’s personal performance and, thus, the CEO does not have a separate PPF. The other NEO’s objectives are agreed upon between the NEO and the CEO. At the end of the year, the parties measure progress relative to the objectives, as well as an assessment of how effectively the individual has lived the Company’s values during the year. The CEO scores each NEO’s PPF on a scale of 0.50 to 1.50.

The personal performance goals reflected in the Personal Performance Factor measure the attainment of short- and long-term goals that often are in furtherance of achieving objectives set out in our three-year strategic plan. Personal performance goals can be qualitative in nature and the determination of the NEO’s degree of attainment of them generally requires the judgment of Mr. Vestjens. The values scoring is, by definition, subjective based on the manager’s observations throughout the year, as well as feedback collected from others inside and outside of the organization.

As a general rule, the higher in the organizational structure that one sits, the more global in scope are his or her personal objectives. Mr. Parks, as the CFO, had objectives in the areas of talent management, information technology and investor relations performance, but also focused other objectives on areas specific to the finance function, e.g., accounting, tax and capital structure. As global functional leads Messrs. Anderson and Mehrotra had objectives that connected them to the corporate priorities of stockholder value enhancement, sales growth, and customer satisfaction with an increased emphasis on environmental, social and governance concerns. As Executive Vice Presidents of Belden’s Industrial Automation Solutions and Broadband & 5G businesses, respectively, the objectives of Mr. Chand and Mr. Mehrotra were supportive of goals of the businesses they manage. Their objectives related to the areas of growth, both organic and inorganic, talent management with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion and operational excellence through the continued institution of Lean enterprise principles. In 2023, all officers and their direct reports will have metrics in their personal performance factors related to the Company’s ESG objectives.

The 2022 Personal Performance Factors for the NEOs, other than Mr. Vestjens, as approved by the Committee ranged from 1.13 to 1.35.

Annual Cash Incentive Plan Payouts

Based on the preceding discussion, each NEO’s annual cash incentive plan award is as shown in the table below. The awards were paid out following adoption of the Financial Factors and Personal Performance Factors by the Committee in February 2023.

2022 ACIP Award

NEO

($)

Mr. Vestjens

1,950,000

Mr. Parks

685,314

Mr. Anderson

615,384

Mr. Chand

877,113

Mr. Mehrotra

425,953

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 25


C.    Long Term Incentive Awards

Our long-term equity incentive plan is designed to align the financial interests of our executives and our stockholders by providing executives with a continuing stake in the long-term success of the company. With at least 75% of each executive officer’s LTI grant made up of SARs that have value only if Belden’s stock price increases and PSUs that only convert into Belden shares if certain performance metrics are achieved, the plan emphasizes our Pay-for-Performance. For 2022, executive officers received 50% of their LTI award (discussed below) under the plan in the form of PSUs, 25% in the form of SARs and 25% in the form of RSUs.

Individual performance, the competitive market, executive experience and internal equity were factors used to determine the total dollar value of SARs, RSUs and PSUs granted to each executive officer in 2022, which we refer to as the “Long-Term Incentive Value”, or “LTI Value”.

LTI Value

Each executive is assigned a target LTI value (expressed as a % of base salary) based on the factors described above. We then use the following matrix to determine actual grant size as a % of target:

PPF

0.85 – 1.15

PPF

0.85 – 1.151.16 – 1.50

Percentage of Target LTI

70% – 120%100% – 190%

An officer did not receive an equity award in 2015 if his or her 2014 Personal Performance Factor was less than 0.85. Mr. Stroup does not have a target LTI percentage or a Personal Performance Factor. At its February 2015 meeting, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Stroup LTI valued at approximately $3.75 million, or approximately 441% of base salary. Mr. Derksen has a Target LTI of 160% while Messrs. Pennycook, Rosenberg and Vestjens each have a Target LTI percentage of

70% – 120% of their respective base salaries.

To illustrate the LTI value matrix, assume a base salary of $200,000 and a Target LTI percentage of 50%. The Target LTI is $100,000. Assuming the officer’s PPF is 1.0, he or she would receive equity valued between $70,000 and $120,000. If the same officer’s PPF is 1.20, he or she would receive equity valued between $100,000 and $190,000. The exact amount granted within the range for each individual is at the discretion of the individual’s immediate supervisor (the “LTI Award”)

For 2015, the NEOs received 50% of their LTI Award in the form of SARs and 50% in the form of PSUs.

100% – 190%

An officer did not receive an equity award in 2022 if his or her 2021 Personal Performance Factor was less than 0.85. In 2022, Mr. Vestjens had an LTI Target of 400% of his base salary, Messrs. Chand and Parks each had a Target LTI percentage of 160% of their respective base salaries, Mr. Anderson had a Target LTI Percentage of 120% of his base salary, and Mr. Mehrotra had an LTI Target Percentage of 100% of his base salary.

To illustrate the LTI Value matrix, assume a base salary of $400,000 and a Target LTI percentage of 50%. The Target LTI Value is $200,000. Assuming the officer’s PPF is 1.0, he or she would receive equity valued between $140,000 and $240,000. If the same officer’s PPF is 1.20, he or she would receive equity valued between $200,000 and $380,000. The exact amount granted within the range for each individual is at the discretion of the individual’s immediate supervisor (the “LTI Award”).

As previously discussed, the NEOs received 50% of their LTI Award in the form of PSUs, 25% in the form of SARs and 25% in the form of RSUs. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) option pricing formula to calculate SAR values. Instead of using the grant date stock price as the input in the Black-Scholes formula, we use a one-year average price of the stock (the “Average Belden Stock Price”). That same price is utilized to determine the number of PSUs granted.

In summary, the LTI Award is allocated into the number of units resulting from the following formulas:

PSUs = 50% of the LTI Award divided by the Average Belden Stock Price, rounded to the nearest unit.

SARs = 25% of the LTI Award divided by the Black-Scholes value of a Belden SAR, rounded to the nearest unit.

RSUs = 25% of the LTI Award divided by the Average Belden Stock Price, rounded to the nearest unit.

Half of the PSUs granted in 2022 will be measured based on total stockholder return (TSR) relative to the S&P 1500 Industrials Index. The other half of the PSUs will be measured based on cumulative consolidated free cash flow, as adjusted for certain restructuring expenses in connection with acquisition integration and other changes to the Company. The PSU agreements state that following the three-year performance period, a conversion factor ranging from 0 to 2.0 will be applied to each award. The sum of the results of that formula, rounded to the nearest whole unit, is the gross number of Belden shares the officer will receive. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be net of any required withholding taxes.

The PSUs granted in 2022 will be measured on the performance period from February 22, 2022 (the grant date) to December 31, 2024, in the case of the TSR-based PSUs, and January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024, in the case of the free cash flow-based PSUs.

Conversion will be effected based on threshold, target and maximum levels.

For the PSUs based on relative TSR, threshold performance results in a conversion factor of 0.25, target performance results in a conversion factor of 1.00 and maximum performance results in a conversion factor of 2.00. Performance between threshold and target and between target and maximum are interpolated on a linear basis.

For the PSUs based on consolidated free cash flow, threshold performance results in a conversion factor of 0.50, target performance results in a conversion factor of 1.00 and maximum performance results in a conversion factor of 2.00. Performance between threshold and target and between target and maximum are interpolated on a linear basis. PSUs drive performance against targets during the three-year performance period, as PSUs will not convert to Belden shares if performance thresholds are not achieved.

Page 26

      2023 Proxy Statement


To incentivize management to achieve the publicly stated stretch goal of achieving $8.00 or more of earnings-per-share prior to the end of 2025, the Compensation Committee awarded Stretch Achievement Share Awards to the recipients of PSU awards in 2022. If the Company’s earnings-per-share exceeds the stated threshold of $7.50, the Stretch Achievement Share Awards will result in 2022 PSU recipients receiving an additional number of shares calculated by multiplying the number of shares resulting from the participants 2022 PSU grant multiplied by a conversion factor between 0.5 and 1.0 based on the Company’s earnings-per-share (EPS) achievement, as measured based on audited full-year financial results. For example, if a recipient was granted 100 PSUs in 2022 and the 2022 PSUs convert to Belden shares at a conversion ratio of 1.0 and Belden achieves $8.00 of earnings-per-share, the recipient would receive 200 Belden shares (1.00 x 100 + (1.00 x 100)). Shares awarded in connection with the Stretch Achievement Share Awards, if any, will be distributed in the first quarter of 2026, unless the Company achieves $8.00 of earnings-per-share prior to 2025, in which case Stretch Achievement Share Awards will be distributed in the first quarter of 2025.

SARs provide a material incentive for executives to increase the Company’s share price during their ten-year term, and they serve as a retention tool because they take three years to fully vest.

RSUs provide executives with an interest in the company designed to align the interest of the executives and stockholders, and they also serve as a retention tool because they cliff vest only after the passage of time, normally three years.

At its February 2022 meeting, the Compensation Committee approved equity award grants in the form of 159,230 SARs, 99,600 PSUs and 66,392 RSUs to 155 employees. In June, 2022, the Stretch Achievement Share Awards were granted to the recipients of February 2022 PSU grants.

2022 Equity Awards to NEOs

NEO

 

 

SARs(1)

 

 

 

PSUs

 

 

 

RSUs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Vestjens

 

 

 

39,793

 

 

 

 

33,184

 

 

 

 

16,592

 

Mr. Parks

 

 

 

8,657

 

 

 

 

7,220

 

 

 

 

3,610

 

Mr. Anderson

 

 

 

5,830

 

 

 

 

4,862

 

 

 

 

2,431

 

Mr. Chand

 

 

 

11,572

 

 

 

 

9,650

 

 

 

 

4,825

 

Mr. Mehrotra(2)

 

 

 

4,417

 

 

 

 

3,683

 

 

 

 

4,342

 

(1)

The Committee granted the listed SARs to the NEOs at the closing price of Belden stock on February 22, 2022 ($53.79), the grant date stock price asof the inputawards.

(2)

In addition to RSUs awarded in the Black-Scholes formula, we use a one-year average priceordinary course in February of the stock (the “Average Belden Stock Price”). That same price is utilized to determine the number of PSUs granted. In summary, the LTI Award is allocated into the number of units resulting from the following formulas:

SARs = 50% of the LTI Award divided by the Black-Scholes value of a Belden SAR, rounded to the nearest unit.

PSUs = 50% of the LTI Award divided by the Average Belden Stock Price, rounded to the nearest unit.

Half of the PSUs2022, Mr. Mehrotra was granted 2,500 RSUs upon his appointment as Executive Vice President, Broadband & 5G in 2015 will be measured based on total stockholder return (TSR) relative to the S&P 1500 Industrials Index. The other half of the PSUs will be measured based on cumulative consolidated free cash flow. The PSU agreements state that following the three-year performance period, a conversion factor ranging from 0 to 2.0 will be applied to each award. The result of that formula, rounded to the nearest whole unit, is the gross number of Belden shares the officer will receive. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be net of any required withholding taxes. The PSUs granted in 2015 will be measured on the performance period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017, and the conversion and any required payout will occur in the first quarter of 2018.August 2022.

Conversion will be effected based on the following threshold, target and maximum levels:

2020‑2022 PSU Grant

The Company utilizes a three-year performance measurement period for its PSUs. The three-year performance measurement period for PSUs granted in 2020 ended on December 31, 2022. At its February 2023 meeting, the Compensation Committee certified a conversion ratio of 2.00 for the free cash flow PSUs granted in 2020, and a conversion ratio of 2.00 for the relative TSR PSUs granted in 2020, resulting in an aggregate performance factor of 2.00 and each NEO receiving 2.00 shares of Belden stock for each PSU in connection with this grant. The threshold, target, maximum and actual performance are shown below:

 

Factor

Factor

 

 

Threshold

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

Maximum

 

 

 

Actual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relative TSR

 

 

25th

Percentile

 

 

 

50th

Percentile

 

 

 

75th

Percentile

 

 

 

79th Percentile

 

Consolidated Free Cash Flow

 

 

 

208,000,000

 

 

 

 

346,000,000

 

 

 

 

484,000,000

 

 

 

 

536,000,000

 

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 27

ThresholdTargetMaximum

Relative TSR

25th Percentile50th Percentile75th Percentile

Consolidated Free Cash Flow

$672 million$840 million$1,008 million


 

Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, adjusted for certain acquisition and divestiture related costs and capital expenditures, plus the proceeds from the disposal of tangible assets. The threshold, target and maximum levels for free cash flow were reset in 2020 in response to COVID-19.

Shares Awarded upon Conversion of 2020 PSUs

 

NEO

 

 

PSUs

 

 

 

Shares

 

Mr. Vestjens

 

 

 

7,857

 

 

 

 

15,714

 

Mr. Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Anderson

 

 

 

4,622

 

 

 

 

9,244

 

Mr. Chand

 

 

 

6,748

 

 

 

 

13,496

 

Mr. Mehrotra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From time to time, the Compensation Committee has granted a special long-term incentive award comprised of 50% time-vested RSUs and 50% performance-based PSUs (the “Supplemental Incentive Plan”) to certain executive officers. Awards under the Supplemental Incentive Program consist of 50% time-vested RSUs and 50% performance-based PSUs. In each case, the time-vested RSUs will cliff-vest on the four-year anniversary of the grant date. The performance-based PSUs will be earned based on relative TSR performance compared to the S&P 1500 Industrials index from the grant date to the third anniversary of the grant date, with any earned awards subject to an additional one-year vesting period. The Compensation Committee has selectively granted this type of special stock award and generally confines equity grants to the regular compensation program for its executives.

VI.     Compensation Policies and Other Considerations

Stock Ownership Guidelines

To align their interests with those of the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s executive officers must hold stock with value of at least three times their annual base salary (six times in the case of the CEO). Officers have five years from the date they are appointed as an officer or promoted to acquire the appropriate shareholdings. In addition, officers must make interim progress toward the ownership requirement during the five-year period – 20% after one year, 40% after two years, 60% after three years and 80% after four years. For purposes of determining ownership, unvested RSUs and the value of vested but unexercised, in-the-money options and SARs are included. For calculation purposes, the Company uses the higher of the current trading price or the acquisition price. As of March 28, 2023 (our record date for the annual meeting), each of the named executive officers either met his interim or five-year stock ownership guideline. In accordance with Company policy, an officer is prohibited from selling Belden stock until the officer meets the applicable guideline.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, precludes the Company from taking a federal income tax deduction for compensation paid in excess of $1 million to our “covered employees” (which included the CEO and our three other most highly-compensated executive officers, other than the Chief Financial Officer, for years prior to 2018 and now includes all NEOs, including the CFO). Prior to 2018, this limitation did not apply to “performance-based” compensation. While the Compensation Committee has generally attempted to maximize the tax deductibility of executive compensation, the Compensation Committee believes that the primary purpose of our compensation program is to support the Company’s business strategy and the long-term interests of our shareholders. Therefore, the Compensation Committee has maintained the flexibility to award compensation that may not be tax deductible if doing so furthers the objectives of our executive compensation program.

Under the December 2017 U.S. tax reform, the exception to Section 162(m) for performance-based compensation was repealed for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, subject to certain transition and grandfathering rules. Despite these new limits on the deductibility of performance-based compensation, the Compensation Committee continues to believe that a significant portion of our named executive officers’ compensation should be tied to the Company’s performance. Therefore, it is not anticipated that the changes to Section 162(m) will significantly impact the design of our compensation program going forward.

Annual non-equity based incentive compensation and PSUs for our Named Executive Officers are unguaranteed, subject to maximum payout amounts based on the achievement of the performance objectives established by the Compensation Committee annually. These objectives are selected by the Compensation Committee from among the performance metrics in the annual incentive plan for non-equity based compensation and the long term incentive plan for the PSUs. The Compensation Committee may exercise discretion to adjust the award based on an assessment of Company and individual performance. Also, our compensation plans comply with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, which requires that nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements must meet specific requirements.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, for financial statement purposes, we expense all equity-based awards over the period earned based upon their estimated fair value at grant date.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 25


For the PSUs based on relative TSR, threshold performance results in a conversion factor of 0.25, target performance results in a conversion factor of 1.00 and maximum performance results in a conversion factor of 2.00. Performance between threshold and target and between target and maximum are interpolated on a linear basis.

For the PSUs based on consolidated free cash flow, threshold performance results in a conversion factor of 0.50, target performance results in a conversion factor of 1.00 and maximum performance results in a conversion factor of 2.00. Performance between threshold and target and between target and maximum are interpolated on a linear basis.

The SARs provide a material incentive for executives to increase the Company’s share price during their ten-year term, and they serve as a retention tool because they take three years to fully vest. The PSUs drive performance against targets during the three-year performance period.

At its February 2015 meeting, the Compensation Committee approved equity award grants in the form of 223,506 SARs, 90,817 PSUs and 62,862 RSUs to over 375 employees. The table below shows the total 2015 grants of SARs and RSUs to the named executive officers.

2015 Equity Awards to NEOs

 

NEO  SARs(1)  PSUs

Mr. Stroup

  62,672  25,407

Mr. Derksen

  13,370  5,420

Mr. Pennycook

  6,351  2,575

Mr. Rosenberg

  7,521  3,049

Mr. Vestjens

  8,356  3,388

 

(1)The Committee granted the listed SARs to the NEOs at the closing price of Belden stock on February 25, 2015 ($89.23), the grant date of the awards.

Page 28

      2023 Proxy Statement


Executive Compensation Recovery

In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the CEO and the CFO must forfeit certain bonuses and profits if the Company is required to restate its financial statements as a result of misconduct. In addition, if the Board of Directors determines that any other executive officer has engaged in fraudulent or intentional misconduct that results in the Company restating its financial statements because of a material inaccuracy, the Company, as permitted by law, will seek to recover any cash incentive compensation or other equity-based compensation (including proceeds from the exercise of a stock option or SAR) received by the officer from the Company during the 12-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the SEC of the financial statement required to be restated. The Company is revisiting its clawback policies following the issuance of final rules by the SEC implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”).

Insider Trading; Hedging and Pledging of Company Stock

Company policy requires executive officers and directors to consult the Company’s legal department prior to engaging in transactions involving Belden stock. In order to protect the Company from exposure under insider trading laws, executive officers and directors are encouraged to enter into pre-programmed trading plans under Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5‑1. The Company will not approve hedging or monetization transactions including, but not limited to, through the use of financial instruments such as exchange funds, prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, puts, calls, collars, forwards and other derivative instruments, or through the establishment of a short position in the Company’s securities. Executive officers and directors are prohibited from utilizing margin accounts to engage in transactions in Belden stock and from pledging Belden stock for any purpose. Such restrictions do not apply to non-executive officer employees.

Equity Compensation Grant Practices

The Compensation Committee approves all grants of equity compensation, including stock appreciation rights, performance stock units and restricted stock units, to executive officers of the Company, as defined in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. All elements of executive officer compensation are reviewed by the Compensation Committee annually at a first quarter meeting. Generally, the Company’s awards of stock appreciation rights, performance stock units and/or restricted stock units are made at that meeting, but may be made at other meetings of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee meeting date, or the next business day if the meeting falls on a non-business day, is the grant date for stock appreciation rights and restricted stock unit awards. The Company may also make awards in connection with acquisitions or promotions, or for retention purposes. Under the Company’s equity plan, the Compensation Committee may delegate to the Company’s CEO the authority to grant stock options to any employees of the Company other than executive officers of the Company as that term is defined in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee has exercised this authority and delegated to the CEO the ability to make limited equity grants in connection with promotion, retention and acquisitions, which he uses strategically but infrequently. Awards made by the CEO are reported to the Compensation Committee on a periodic basis.

Severance, Termination and Retirement

Each of the Company’s executive officers are participants in the Belden 2020 Executive Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”), which establishes a specified severance program that will govern the benefits, if any, offered to an executive officer following the conclusion of his or her employment by the Company. We believe that the Company’s Severance Plan is essential in attracting and retaining the desired executive talent in a competitive market. In addition, the Severance Plan benefits the Company by providing for the upfront agreement of each executive on certain important provisions, including post-termination covenants and an agreement to provide a full release of claims against the Company. Information regarding benefits under the Severance Plan is provided following this Compensation Discussion and Analysis under the heading Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control.

Aircraft

The Company owns and from time-to-time leases corporate aircraft to provide flexibility to executive officers and other associates to allow more efficient use of executive time for Company matters. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews management’s use of corporate aircraft throughout the year to confirm that it is consistent with this philosophy and in full compliance with the regulations promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Benefits and Perquisites

The named executive officers receive retirement and health care benefits on a consistent basis with other Belden employees. As described in Pension Benefits and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation, excess defined benefit and defined contribution plans are offered to eligible U.S. employees. In order to attract and retain talented officers, we have provided certain other compensation to our NEOs. It is our practice to not provide tax gross-ups for any perquisites provided to executive officers other than in extraordinary circumstances.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 29


Report of the Compensation Committee

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

 

Pay for Performance in Action

As of December 31, 2015, based on the stock price performance in 2015 after the February 25 grant date, the SARs reflected above have no value and the PSUs based on relative TSR would not convert to any shares. Similarly, the PSUs based on consolidated free cash flow would not convert to any shares. In reviewing theSummary Compensation Table that follows, it is important to note that the approximately $7.5 million of value shown in the Stock Awards and Option Awards columns for 2015 currently have no value. In order to create value for themselves, the members of the management team must create value for our stockholders. We believe this is a true reflection of the alignment between our pay and our performance.

VI.      Compensation Policies and Other Considerations

Stock Ownership Guidelines

To align their interests with those of the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s executive officers must hold stock whose value is at least three times their annual base salary (six times in the case of Mr. Stroup). Officers have five years from the date they are appointed an officer to acquire the appropriate shareholdings. In addition, officers must make interim progress toward the ownership requirement during the five year period – 20% after one year, 40% after two years, 60% after three years and 80% after four years. For purposes of determining ownership, unvested RSUs and the value of vested but unexercised, in-the-money options and SARs are included. For calculation purposes, the Company will use the higher of the current trading price or the acquisition price. As of March 31, 2016 (our record date for the annual meeting), each of the named executive officers either met his interim or five-year stock ownership guideline. In accordance with Company policy, an officer is prohibited from selling Belden stock received from the Company as an equity award until the officer meets the interim guideline.

 

Compensation Committee

Page 26Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Tax and Accounting Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes a $1 million limit on the amount that a public company may deduct for compensation paid to the Company’s CEO or any of the Company’s other NEOs who are employed as of the end of the fiscal year. This limitation does not apply to compensation that meets the requirements under Section 162(m) for “qualifying performance based” compensation (i.e., compensation paid only if performance meets pre-established objective goals based on performance criteria approved by stockholders). The Company’s incentive compensation plans are designed to qualify under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) to ensure tax deductibility. However, the Committee retains the flexibility to design and administer compensation programs that are in the best interests of Belden and its stockholders.

Annual non-equity based incentive compensation and PSUs for our Named Executive Officers are unguaranteed, subject to maximum payout amounts based on the achievement of the Section 162(m) performance objectives established by the Committee annually. These objectives are selected by the Committee from among the performance metrics in the annual incentive plan for non-equity based compensation and the long term incentive plan for the PSUs.See Item IV, beginning on page 42 for a broader discussion of the long term incentive plan performance metrics. The Committee may exercise “negative discretion” to reduce the award based on an assessment of Company and individual performance. For 2015, the Committee awarded less than the maximum amount. Also, our compensation plans comply with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, which requires that nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements must meet specific requirements.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, for financial statement purposes, we expense all equity-based awards over the period earned based upon their estimated fair value at grant date.

Executive Compensation Recovery

In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Mr. Stroup, as CEO, and Mr. Derksen, as CFO, must forfeit certain bonuses and profits if the Company is required to restate its financial statements as a result of misconduct. In addition, if the Board of Directors determines that any other executive officer has engaged in fraudulent or intentional misconduct that results in the Company restating its financial statements because of a material inaccuracy, the Company, as permitted by law, will seek to recover any cash incentive compensation or other equity-based compensation (including proceeds from the exercise of a stock option or SAR) received by the officer from the Company during the 12-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the SEC of the financial statement required to be restated. The Company will revisit its clawback policies once the proposed rules issued by the SEC implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) are finalized.

Insider Trading; Hedging and Pledging of Company Stock

Company policy requires executive officers and directors to consult the Company’s legal department prior to engaging in transactions involving Belden stock. In order to protect the Company from exposure under insider trading laws, executive officers and directors are encouraged to enter into pre-programmed trading plans under Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1. The Company will not approve hedging or monetization transactions including, but not limited to, through the use of financial instruments such as exchange funds, prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, puts, calls, collars, forwards and other derivative instruments, or through the establishment of a short position in the Company’s securities. Executive officers and directors are prohibited from utilizing margin accounts to engage in transactions in Belden stock and from pledging Belden stock for any purpose. The Company will revisit its trading policies once the proposed rules issued by the SEC implementing the Dodd-Frank Act are finalized.

Equity Compensation Grant Practices

The Committee approves all grants of equity compensation, including stock appreciation rights, performance stock units and restricted stock units, to executive officers of the Company, as defined in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. All elements of executive officer compensation are reviewed by the Committee annually at its February/March meeting. Generally, the Company’s awards of stock appreciation rights, performance stock

 

Lance Balk (Chair)

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 27


units and/or restricted stock units are made at that meeting, but may be made at other meetings of the Committee. The Committee meeting date, or the next business day if the meeting falls on a non-business day, is the grant date for stock appreciation rights and restricted stock unit awards. The Company may also make awards in connection with acquisitions or promotions, or for retention purposes. Under the Company’s equity plan, the Committee may delegate to the Company’s CEO the authority to grant stock options to any employees of the Company other than executive officers of the Company as that term is defined in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The Committee has exercised this authority and delegated to the CEO the ability to make limited equity grants in connection with promotion, retention and acquisitions, which he uses strategically but infrequently. Awards made by the CEO are reported to the Committee on a periodic basis.

Employment Agreements: Severance, Termination and Retirement

The Company has an employment agreement with each of the named executive officers. We believe that our agreements are essential in attracting and retaining the desired executive talent in a competitive market. In addition, the agreements benefit the Company by providing for the upfront agreement of each executive on certain important provisions, including post-termination covenants and an agreement to provide a full release of claims against the Company. These agreements address key provisions of the employment relationship, including payment of severance benefits upon a termination of employment before and after a change of control of the Company. Beginning in 2010, new executive employment agreements no longer contain a gross-up to compensate the executives for an Internal Revenue Code Section 280G excise tax. Instead the executives are given the option of either (a) collecting their full severance and paying the excise tax themselves with no assistance from the Company or (b) reducing the severance payments to an amount that prevents the excise tax from being imposed. Information regarding benefits under these agreements is provided following this Compensation Discussion and Analysis under the headingPotential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control.

Aircraft

The Company owns and from time to time leases corporate aircraft to provide flexibility to executive officers and other associates to allow more efficient use of executive time for Company matters. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews management’s use of corporate aircraft throughout the year to confirm that it is consistent with this philosophy and in full compliance with the regulations promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Benefits and Perquisites

The named executive officers receive retirement and health care benefits on a consistent basis with other Belden employees. As described inPension Benefits andNonqualified Deferred Compensation, excess defined benefit and defined contribution plans are offered to eligible U.S. employees. In order to attract and retain talented officers, we have provided certain other compensation to our NEOs. In connection with an expatriate assignment in Hong Kong that ended in 2014, Mr. Vestjens was, by agreement, entitled to tax equalization, including a gross-up to make him whole financially. Other than this limited exception, it is our policy to not provide tax gross-ups for any perquisites provided to executive officers.

Report of the Compensation Committee

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

Compensation Committee

David Aldrich (Chair)

Lance Balk

Steve Berglund

Glenn Kalnasy

 

Jonathan Klein

Page 28Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Compensation and Risk

We consider the variable, pay-for-performance components of our compensation programs to assess the level of risk-taking these elements may create. The variable components of our compensation programs offered to management (including our executives) are our annual cash incentive plan and performance-based equity awards program. We believe the way we select and set performance goals and targets with multiple levels of performance; using gradually-sloped

Compensation and Risk

We consider the variable, pay-for-performance components of our compensation programs to assess the level of risk-taking these elements may create. The variable components of our compensation programs offered to management (including our executives) are our annual cash incentive plan and long-term incentive awards program. We believe the way we select and set performance goals and targets with multiple levels of performance; using gradually sloped payout curves that do not provide large payouts for small incremental improvements; and confirming the achievement of performance before issuing the awards, all reduce the potential for management’s excessive risk-taking or poor judgment. Consistent with sound risk management, we limit the annual cash incentive award by capping the financial factor component at two times the target, as well as capping the awards themselves at the lesser of three times target or $5 million. The long-term incentive is limited through the use of a fixed percentage of the participant’s base salary. In addition, we require that executive officers adhere to stock ownership guidelines to promote a long-term focus and have adopted a compensation recovery policy in the event of fraudulent or intentional misconduct that leads to a restatement of our financial results.

We also consider our variable compensation programs offered to other associates. These are primarily incentive programs offered to sales and marketing associates. We believe the way we administer these programs reduces the potential of their causing a material adverse impact on the Company through excessive risk-taking. We have customer contract practices with respect to operating margins, customer creditworthiness, and channel management that are designed to reduce poor judgment in connection with entering into sales contracts having unreasonable terms. Sales targets are not designed to provide large payouts that are either based on small incremental improvement or overly aggressive goals that could induce excessive risk-taking by the salesperson. These programs are monitored throughout the performance period to ensure they are being properly administered. The results are subject to multiple levels of approval, including through the involvement of internal and external audit resources.

Pay versus Performance

In accordance with its rulemaking responsibilities related to the Dodd-Frank Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted a rule that requires annual disclosure of the pay versus performance information and table provided below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

summary

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Value of Initial fixed $100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

compensation

 

 

 

compensation

 

 

 

investment based on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary

 

 

 

Summary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

table total

 

 

 

actually paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to non-PEO

 

 

 

to non-PEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

table total

 

 

 

table total

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

 

named

 

 

 

named

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

 

 

 

for

 

 

 

for

 

 

 

actually paid

 

 

 

actually paid

 

 

 

executive

 

 

 

executive

 

 

 

shareholder

 

 

 

shareholder

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

Earnings

 

 

 

 

PEO (Vestjens)

 

 

 

PEO (Stroup)

 

 

 

to NEO (Vestjens)

 

 

 

to NEO (Stroup)

 

 

 

officers

 

 

 

officers

 

 

 

return

 

 

 

return

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

Per Share

 

Year

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

(a)

 

 

(b)

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

 

(c)

 

 

 

(c)

 

 

 

(d)

 

 

 

(e)

 

 

 

(f)

 

 

 

(g)

 

 

 

(h)

 

 

 

(i)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022

 

 

 

6,936,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,432,523

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,101,935

 

 

 

 

3,822,182

 

 

 

 

132

 

 

 

 

128

 

 

 

 

254,822,000

 

 

 

 

6.41

 

2021

 

 

 

6,831,323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,850,022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,870,217

 

 

 

 

3,781,899

 

 

 

 

121

 

 

 

 

136

 

 

 

 

64,317,000

 

 

 

 

4.75

 

2020

 

 

 

2,648,191

 

 

 

 

8,385,634

 

 

 

 

1,531,547

 

 

 

 

3,901,946

 

 

 

 

1,985,910

 

 

 

 

1,188,948

 

 

 

 

77

 

 

 

 

112

 

 

 

 

(55,058,000

)

 

 

 

2.75

 

(1)

Mr. Vestjens was our principal executive officer (PEO) for the full year in each of 2022 and 2021. For 2020, Mr. Vestjens and Mr. John Stroup each served as PEO for a portion of the year. In 2022, our non-PEO named executive officers were Messrs. Parks, Anderson, Chand, and Mehrotra. In 2021, our non-PEO named executive officers were Messrs. Parks, Anderson, Chand, Mehrotra, and Mr. Henk Derksen. In 2020, our non-PEO named executive officers were Messrs. Derksen, Anderson, Chand, and Mr. Dean McKenna.

(2)

For each of 2022, 2021, and 2020 (each, a “Covered Year”), in determining both the compensation “actually paid” to our PEO(s) and the average compensation actually paid to our non-PEO named executive officers for purposes of this Pay Versus Performance table (“PVP Table”), we deducted from or added back to the total amounts of compensation reported in column (b) or (d), as applicable, for such Covered Year, the following amounts:

Page 30

      2023 Proxy Statement


Item and Value Added (Deducted)

2022

2021

2020

For Mr. Vestjens

 

 

 

- change in actuarial present value of pension benefits

$0

$0

$0

+ service cost of pension benefits

$0

$0

$0

+ prior service cost of pension benefits

$0

$0

$0

- SCT “Stock Awards” column value

$3,026,712

$3,077,646

$1,133,356

- SCT “Option Awards” column value

$874,650

$895,635

$197,989

+ Covered year-end fair value of outstanding equity awards granted in Covered Year

$11,481,543

$7,506,516

$968,550

+/- change in fair value (from prior year-end to Covered Year-end) of equity awards outstanding at Covered Year-end that were granted in prior years

$943,557

$930,622

$(663,721)

+ vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in Covered Year

$0

$0

$0

+/- change in fair value (from prior year-end to vest date in Covered Year) of prior-year equity awards vested in Covered Year

$(35,512)

$546,513

($95,009)

- prior year-end fair value of prior-year equity awards forfeited in Covered Year

$0

$0

$0

+ includable dividends/earnings paid or accrued on equity awards during Covered Year

$7,770

$8,329

$4,881

For Mr. Stroup

 

 

 

- change in actuarial present value of pension benefits

-

-

-

-

$448,473

+ service cost of pension benefits

-

 

-

 

$178,758

+ prior service cost of pension benefits

-

 

-

 

$0

- SCT “Stock Awards” column value

-

-

-

-

$6,835,918

- SCT “Option Awards” column value

-

-

$0

+ Covered year-end fair value of outstanding equity awards granted in Covered Year

-

-

$4,312,695

+/- change in fair value (from prior year-end to Covered Year-end) of equity awards outstanding at Covered Year-end that were granted in prior years

-

-

-

-

$(1,384,045)

+ vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in Covered Year

-

-

$0

+/- change in fair value (from prior year-end to vest date in Covered Year) of prior-year equity awards vested in Covered Year

-

-

$(322,304)

- prior year-end fair value of prior-year equity awards forfeited in Covered Year

-

-

$0

+ includable dividends/earnings paid or accrued on equity awards during Covered Year

-

-

$15,599

For Non-PEO Named Executive Officers (Average):

 

 

 

- change in actuarial present value of pension benefits

$0

$6,839

$78,767

+ service cost of pension benefits

$10,348

$18,682

$22,350

+ prior service cost of pension benefits

$0

$0

$0

- SCT “Stock Awards” column value

$624,214

$1,314,184

$826,883

- SCT “Option Awards” column value

$167,466

$138,351

$153,156

+ year-end fair value (from prior year-end to Covered year-end) of equity awards granted in Covered Year

$2,243,314

$2,135,122

$693,974

+/- change in fair value of outstanding equity awards granted in prior years

$311,697

$396,261

$(441,802)

+ vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in Covered Year

$0

$0

$0

+/- change in fair value (from prior year-end to vest date in Covered Year) of prior-year equity awards vested in Covered Year

$(57,911)

$38,593

$(17,327)

- prior year-end fair value of prior-year equity awards forfeited in Covered Year

$0

$221,889

$0

+ includable dividends/earnings paid or accrued on equity awards during Covered Year

$4,479

$4,286

$4,649

(3)

For each Covered Year, our total shareholder return1 was calculated as the yearly percentage change in our cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock, measured as the quotient of (a) the sum of (i) the cumulative amount of dividends for a period beginning with our closing price on NYSEon December 31, 2019 through and including the last day of the fiscal year covered (the “Measurement Period”), assuming dividend reinvestment, plus (ii) the difference between our closing stock price at the end versus the beginning of the Measurement Period ($71.90 per share and $

1

Note to Draft:  Must use essentially the same methodology used to calculate company and peer group TSR for purposes of the Regulation S-K Item 201(e) performance graph required to be included in annual reports (the “Performance Graph”).

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 31


55.79 per share, respectively), divided by (b) our closing share price at the beginning of the Measurement Period ($55.79 per share).  Each of these yearly percentage changes was then applied to a deemed fixed investment of $100 at the beginning of the Measurement Period to produce the Covered Year-end values of such investment as of the end of 2022, 2021 and 2020, as applicable.  Because Covered Years are presented in the table in reverse chronical order (from top to bottom), the table should be read from bottom to top for purposes of understanding cumulative returns over time.

(4)

For the purposes of this Pay Versus Performance disclosure, our peer group is the S&P Composite 1500 Industrials Index (the “Peer Group”). For each covered year, our Peer Group cumulative shareholder return was calculated based on a deemed fixed investment of $100 through the measurement period.

(5)

The Company selected measure is Adjusted Earnings Per Share, as presented in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 24, 2023.

The following charts provide, across the covered years, a comparison between our cumulative total shareholder return and cumulative shareholder return of the Peer Group, and (2) illustrations of the relationships between (A) the executive compensation actually paid to the PEO and the average of the executive compensation paid to our non-PEO named executive officers (in each case as set forth in the PVP table above, and (B) each of the performance measures set forth in columns (f), (h), and (i) of the PVP Table above.

Page 32

      2023 Proxy Statement


      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 33


The following table lists the six performance measures that we believe represent the most important financial performance measures that we use to link compensation actually paid to our named executive officers in 2022 to our performance:

Performance Measure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022 Consolidated Net Income

 

$

285,400,000

 

2022 Consolidated EBITDA

 

$

443,600,000

 

2022 Consolidated Revenue

 

$

2,606,000,000

 

Relative Total Shareholder Return (S&P Industrial 1500 Index) (2020-2022)

 

79%

 

Consolidated Free Cash Flow (2020-2022)

 

$

536,000,000

 

2022 Adjusted Earnings Per Share

 

$

6.41

 

Page 34

      2023 Proxy Statement


Pay Ratio Disclosure

In accordance with its rulemaking responsibilities related to the Dodd-Frank Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted a rule that requires annual disclosure of the ratio of the median Company employee’s total annual compensation to the total annual compensation of the Company’s principal executive officer. The Company’s principal executive officer during 2022 was Roel Vestjens, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Belden’s median employee was determined by reviewing the cash compensation paid to all Belden employees worldwide¸ excluding certain de minimis jurisdictions under item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, but including Belden employees based in countries where the cost of living and average salaries in the market are substantially lower than the United States, from December 1, 2021 through November 30, 2022.

Once the median employee was identified, the calculation of annual total compensation for that median employee was determined in the same manner as the “Total Compensation” shown for Mr. Vestjens in the Summary Compensation Table contained herein. Compensation elements that were included in the annual total compensation for the median employee include: cash compensation received in 2022, matching payments related to Company retirement plans, and any other compensation received in 2022. Belden’s median employee was located in a jurisdiction other than the United States. As a result, his or her compensation was converted to US dollars based on the average exchange rate between the local currency and USD in 2022.

The median total annual compensation of Belden associates, excluding Mr. Vestjens, in 2022 was $39,532.45. As disclosed herein, Mr. Vestjens’ total reported 2022 compensation was $6,936,527. Accordingly, Mr. Vestjens reported 2022 compensation was approximately 175.46 times that of the median of the total annual compensation of all employees other than Mr. Vestjens.

Pay for Performance

In reviewing the Compensation Tables that follow, it is important to note that equity-based compensation is reported based on the fair value at the grant date as determined under GAAP. As a result, it is not fully illustrative of compensation actually received. As a result of the manner in which PSUs, RSUs and SARs are structured, it takes years to determine whether a particular year’s compensation will end up resulting in the realization of more or less than the amount reported. It is subject to a number of factors, but is most sensitive to the price of Belden stock. The bottom line is that the Belden Compensation Program is effective in aligning pay and performance in that the reported level of compensation is only realized when performance is at a level satisfactory to the investor community.

Compensation Tables

Starting on the next page are the following compensation tables:

Summary Compensation Table;

Grants of Plan-Based Awards;

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End;

Option Exercises and Stock Vested;

Pension Benefits;

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation; and

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 35


SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Pension

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

 

Value and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

Nonqualified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incentive

 

 

Deferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan

 

 

Compen-

 

 

All Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Option

 

 

Compen-

 

 

sation

 

 

Compensa-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salary(1)

 

 

Bonus(2)

 

 

Awards(3)

 

 

Awards(4)

 

 

sation(5)

 

 

Earnings(6)

 

 

tion(7)

 

 

Total

Name and Principal

 

 

Year

 

 

($)

 

 

($)

 

 

($)

 

 

($)

 

 

($)

 

 

($)

 

 

($)

 

 

($)

Position (a)

 

 

(b)

 

 

(c)

 

 

(d)

 

 

(e)

 

 

(f)

 

 

(g)

 

 

(h)

 

 

(i)

 

 

(j)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roel Vestjens

 

 

2022

 

 

946,875

 

 

 

 

3,026,712

 

 

874,650

 

 

1,950,000

 

 

 

 

138,290

 

 

6,936,527

President and

 

 

2021

 

 

778,125

 

 

 

 

3,077,646

 

 

895,635

 

 

1,996,313

 

 

 

 

83,604

 

 

6,831,323

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

2020

 

 

424,594

 

 

 

 

1,133,356

 

 

197,989

 

 

858,000

 

 

 

 

34,252

 

 

2,648,191

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremy Parks

 

 

2022

 

 

530,425

 

 

 

 

668,247

 

 

190,281

 

 

685,314

 

 

 

 

182,143

 

 

2,256,410

Senior Vice

 

 

2021

 

 

459,375

 

 

271,259

 

 

1,197,960

 

 

200,624

 

 

735,735

 

 

 

 

119,343

 

 

2,984,296

President, Finance,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Anderson

 

 

2022

 

 

476,300

 

 

 

 

443,463

 

 

128,143

 

 

615,384

 

 

 

 

49,574

 

 

1,712,864

Senior Vice President, Legal

 

 

2021

 

 

440,000

 

 

 

 

510,708

 

 

148,629

 

 

720,720

 

 

34,195

 

 

40,062

 

 

1,894,314

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 

 

2020

 

 

305,008

 

 

50,000

 

 

713,275

 

 

116,471

 

 

258,342

 

 

124,468

 

 

27,815

 

 

1,595,379

Ashish Chand

 

 

2022

 

 

523,942

 

 

 

 

880,177

 

 

254,353

 

 

877,113

 

 

 

 

396,868

 

 

2,932,453

Executive Vice President,

 

 

2021

 

 

494,285

 

 

 

 

3,723,987

 

 

240,138

 

 

865,219

 

 

 

 

280,777

 

 

5,604,406

Industrial Automation

 

 

2020

 

 

395,738

 

 

 

 

784,956

 

 

170,042

 

 

287,930

 

 

 

 

802,029

 

 

2,440,695

Anshu Mehrotra

 

 

2022

 

 

415,000

 

 

 

 

504,967

 

 

97,086

 

 

425,954

 

 

 

 

63,004

 

 

1,506,011

Executive Vice President,

 

 

2021

 

 

385,608

 

 

400,000

 

 

1,138,266

 

 

102,362

 

 

655,200

 

 

 

 

20,076

 

 

2,701,512

Broadband & 5G

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Salaries are amounts actually received.

(2)

Reflects cash bonuses paid to Messrs. Parks and Mehrotra upon hiring and Mr. Anderson upon the successful divestiture of the Company’s Live Media Business.

(3)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value with respect to awards of stock for each named officer computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2022 stock awards to the named officers. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are described in Note 21: Share-Based Compensation, to the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Page 36

      2023 Proxy Statement


Some of the amounts listed in column (e) represent the grant date fair value of performance share units (“PSUs”) based on the assumption that the Company would meet its performance goals at the target level, resulting in one share of Belden stock, being issued to the officer for each PSU. Performance over the relevant three-year measurement period at 140% of target levels or greater (in the case of PSUs based on free cash flow) or at or greater than the 75th percentile (in the case of PSUs based on relative TSR) could result in the issuance of two shares of Belden stock for each PSU. During each performance period, the Company periodically analyzes performance and makes appropriate adjustments to the amount of stock-based compensation expense it records. Based on this structure, the maximum grant date fair values of the stock awards for each NEO (in dollars), including those associated with restating the performance thresholds associated 2020 PSUs, are as follows:

 

 

 

Mr.

Vestjens

 

 

 

Mr.

Parks

 

 

 

Mr.

Anderson

 

 

 

Mr.

Chand

 

 

 

Mr.

Mehrotra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022

 

 

 

9,496,763

 

 

 

 

2,085,676

 

 

 

 

1,391,430

 

 

 

 

2,761,684

 

 

 

 

1,223,050

 

2021

 

 

 

5,249,799

 

 

 

 

1,684,526

 

 

 

 

871,155

 

 

 

 

5,999,239

 

 

 

 

1,386,500

 

2020

 

 

 

1,839,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,139,927

 

 

 

 

1,306,644

 

 

 

 

 

(4)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value with respect to awards of options or SARs for each named officer computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are described in Note 21: Share-Based Compensation, to the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 The amounts shown above include the maximum grant date fair value for the PSUs issued in 2022.

(5)

Represents amounts earned under the Company’s annual cash incentive plan as approved by the Compensation Committee at its February 2022 meeting.

(6)

The amounts in this column reflect the increase in the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefits under the Company’s defined benefit plans in which the named executives participate. None of the named executives received above-market or preferential earnings on deferred compensation.

(7)

The amounts (in dollars) shown in column (i) for 2022 consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company’s

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions

 

 

and Long

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Its Defined

 

 

Term

 

 

Tax

 

 

Restricted

 

 

 

 

 

 

LTI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution

 

 

Disability

 

 

Preparation

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

Housing

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Plan

 

 

Benefits

 

 

Costs

 

 

Dividends

 

 

Airfare

 

 

Bonus

 

 

Allowance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roel Vestjens

 

 

138,290

 

 

 

118,718

 

 

 

4,863

 

 

 

7,500

 

 

 

7,209

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremy Parks

 

 

182,143

 

 

 

43,252

 

 

 

2,733

 

 

 

 

 

 

748

 

 

 

67,526

 

 

 

 

 

 

67,884

 

Brian Anderson

 

 

49,574

 

 

 

40,141

 

 

 

4,327

 

 

 

4,800

 

 

 

306

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashish Chand

 

 

396,868

 

 

 

52,728

 

 

 

5,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

87,563

 

 

 

250,000

 

Anshu Mehrotra

 

 

63,004

 

 

 

34,434

 

 

 

5,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,209

 

 

 

3,184

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,125

 

Mr. Parks maintains his primary residence in Buffalo, New York. He receives reimbursement of airfare related to travel to and from St. Louis, Missouri, where he spends a significant amount of time, and a housing allowance to secure living arrangements in the St. Louis area.

Mr. Chand received a housing rental allowance of $250,000 in 2021 and 2022 that remains in place in 2023. Mr. Chand, prior to his appointment to Belden’s senior leadership team, elected to receive a portion of his 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan compensation in the form of a cash bonus that vests based on the performance of the business over the 2020-2022 time period. His LTI Cash election in 2020 resulted in the receipt of an $87,563 payment in 2022.

Mr. Mehrotra maintains his primary residence in Chicago, Illinois. He receives reimbursement of airfare related to travel to and from Syracuse, NY, where he spends a significant amount of time, and a housing allowance to secure a corporate apartment in the Syracuse area.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 37


GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards:

 

 

All Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 

Option

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Date Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of

 

 

Awards:

 

 

or Base

 

 

Value of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts

 

 

Shares

 

 

Number of

 

 

Price of

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

Under Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

of

 

 

Securities

 

 

Option

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards(1)

 

 

Awards(2)

 

 

Stock or

 

 

Underlying

 

 

Awards(5)

 

 

Option

 

 

 

Grant

 

Award

 

Threshold

 

 

Target

 

 

Maximum

 

 

Threshold

 

 

Target

 

 

Maximum

 

 

Units

 

 

Options(4)

 

 

($ per

 

 

Awards

 

Name

 

Date

 

Type

 

($)

 

 

($)

 

 

($)

 

 

(#)

 

 

(#)

 

 

(#)

 

 

(#) (3)

 

 

(#)

 

 

Share)

 

 

($)

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

 

 

(c)

 

 

(d)

 

 

(e)

 

 

(f)

 

 

(g)

 

 

(h)

 

 

(i)

 

 

(j)

 

 

(k)

 

 

(l)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roel Vestjens

 

 

 

ACIP

 

 

650,000

 

 

 

1,300,000

 

 

 

2,600,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,592

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

892,484

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

PSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,444

 

 

 

33,184

 

 

 

132,736

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,134,229

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

SAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,793

 

 

53.79

 

 

 

874,650

 

Jeremy Parks

 

 

 

ACIP

 

 

190,365

 

 

 

380,730

 

 

 

1,142,190

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

194,182

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

PSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,708

 

 

 

7,220

 

 

 

28,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

474,065

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

SAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,657

 

 

 

53.79

 

 

 

190,281

 

Brian Anderson

 

 

 

ACIP

 

 

170,940

 

 

 

341,880

 

 

 

1,025,640

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

130,763

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

PSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,823

 

 

 

4,862

 

 

 

19,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

312,699

 

 

 

2/22/20022

 

SAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,830

 

 

 

53.79

 

 

 

128,143

 

Ashish Chand

 

 

 

ACIP

 

 

199,299

 

 

 

398,597

 

 

 

1,195,792

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,825

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

259,537

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

PSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,619

 

 

 

9,650

 

 

 

38,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

620,640

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

SAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,572

 

 

 

53.79

 

 

 

254,353

 

Anshu Mehrotra

 

 

 

ACIP

 

 

150,500

 

 

 

301,000

 

 

 

903,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,842

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99,081

 

 

 

8/22/2022

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

168,950

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

PSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,382

 

 

 

3,684

 

 

 

14,736

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

236,936

 

 

 

2/22/2022

 

SAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,417

 

 

 

53.79

 

 

 

97,086

 

(1)

The amounts in column (c) represent the cash payment under the Company’s annual cash incentive plan (“ACIP”) that would have been made if the threshold performance for 2022 was met, including a personal performance factor of 0.5; the amounts in column (d) represent the cash payment under ACIP that would have been made if the target performance for 2022 was met; and the amounts in column (e) represent the maximum cash payment under ACIP, the lesser of three times target or $5 million. For Mr. Vestjens, the maximum cash payment under ACIP is two times target because the company financial factor is capped at 2.0 and because a personal performance factor is not utilized for him.

(2)

The long-term incentive is limited throughCompensation Committee granted the use of a fixed percentage of the participant’s base salary. In addition, we require that executive officers adhere toperformance stock ownership guidelines to promote a long-term focus and have adopted a compensation recovery policyunit awards (PSUs) at its February 22, 2022 meeting. The PSUs granted in the event of fraudulent or intentional misconduct that leads to a restatement of our financial results.

We also consider our variable compensation programs offered to other associates. These are primarily incentive programs offered to sales and marketing associates. We believe the way we administer these programs reduces the potential of their causing a material adverse impact2022 will be measured on the Company through excessive risk-taking. We have customer contract practices with respect to operating margins, customer creditworthiness, and channel management that are designed to reduce poor judgment in connection with entering into sales contracts having unreasonable terms. Sales targets are not designed to provide large payouts that are either based on small incremental improvement or overly aggressive goals that could induce excessive risk-taking by the salesperson. These programs are monitored throughout the performance period from February 22, 2022 (the grant date) to ensure they are being properly administered. The results are subject to multiple levels of approval, including through the involvement of internal and external audit resources.

Compensation Tables

Starting on the next page are the following compensation tables:

Summary Compensation Table;

Grants of Plan-Based Awards;

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End;

Option Exercises and Stock Vested;

Pension Benefits;

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation; and

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 29


SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

  Name and Principal
  Position (a)  
 

Year

(b)

  

Salary(1)

($)

(c)

  

Bonus

($)

(d)

  

Stock
Awards(2)

($)

(e)

  

Option
Awards(3)

($)

(f)

  

Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-

sation(4)

($)

(g)

  

Change

in Pension
Value and
Nonqualified

Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(5)

($)

(h)

  

All Other
Compensa-
tion(6)

($)

(i)

  

Total

($)

(j)

 

  John Stroup

  2015    850,000    -    2,802,138    1,967,901    1,093,950    91,352    115,769    6,921,110  

  President and

  2014    850,000    -    1,966,865    1,929,994    1,143,680    387,080    110,462    6,388,081  

  Chief Executive

  2013    837,500    -    1,811,762    1,824,758    1,193,400    31,791    104,272    5,803,483  

  Officer

                                    

  Henk Derksen

  2015    486,023    -    597,772    419,818    382,590    58,230    47,543    1,991,976  

  Senior Vice

  2014    464,153    -    544,638    534,462    418,750    110,300    44,062    2,116,365  

  President, Finance,

  2013    435,750    -    372,224    374,909    400,080    44,442    38,246    1,665,651  

  and Chief Financial

                 

  Officer

                                    

  Glenn Pennycook

  2015    357,875    -    283,997    199,421    391,770    36,375    31,835    1,301,273  

  Executive Vice

                 

  President, Enterprise

                 

  Solutions

                                    

  Ross Rosenberg

  2015    387,050    -    336,274    236,159    270,190    -    15,266    1,244,939  

  Senior Vice

                 

  President, Strategy

                 

  and Corporate

                 

  Development

                                    

  Roel Vestjens

  2015    368,375    -    373,663    262,378    238,560    -    576,497    1,819,473  

  Executive Vice

  2014    311,087    -    242,094    237,543    290,510    -    313,826    1,395,060  

  President, Broadcast

                 

  Solutions

                                    

(1)Salaries are amounts actually received.

(2)Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value with respect to awards of stock for each named officer computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. SeeGrants of Plan-Based AwardsTable for 2015 stock awards to the named officers. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are described in Note 17: Share-Based Compensation, to the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Each amount listed in column (e) represents the grant date fair value of performance share units (“PSUs”) based on the assumption that the Company would meet its performance goals at the target level, resulting in one restricted stock unit (“RSU”), orDecember 31, 2024, in the case of the TSR-based PSUs, grantedand January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024, in 2015, one share of Belden stock, being issued to the officer for each PSU. In 2013, performance at 140% of target levels or greater would have resulted in the issuance of two RSUs for each PSU. In 2014, performance at 120% of target levels or greater would have resulted in the issuance of two RSUs for each PSU. For the PSUs granted in 2015, performance over a three-year measurement period from 2015-2017 at 120% of target levels or greater (in the case of PSUs based onthe free cash flow) or at or greater than the 75th percentile (in the case of PSUs based on relative TSR) could resultflow-based PSUs. Any payout will be made in the issuance of two shares of Belden stock for each PSU. During eachin 2025. The conversion factor from PSUs to shares is based on the Company’s total stockholder return over the performance period the Company periodically analyzes performance and makes appropriate adjustmentsmeasured relative to the amountS&P 1500 Industrials Index (the “Index”), weighted 50%, and the company’s consolidated free cash flow over the performance period, weighted 50%.  Taking into account the Stretch Achievement Share Award, PSU awards granted into 2022 may convert into Belden shares at up to a 4:1 ratio.

(3)

The amounts in column (i) are the number of stock-based compensation expense it records. BasedRSUs granted to each of the named executive officers in 2022. These awards cliff vest following the third anniversary of the grant date.

(4)

The amounts in column (j) are the number of SARs granted to each of the named executive officers in 2022. These awards vest in equal amounts over three years on this structure, the maximumfirst, second and third anniversaries of the grant date fair valueand expire on the tenth anniversary of each award (in dollars)the grant date.

(5)

The exercise price for awarded SARs was as follows:the closing price of the Belden shares on the grant date.

 

   Mr. Stroup Mr. Derksen Mr. Pennycook Mr. Rosenberg Mr. Vestjens

  2015

 5,604,276 1,195,544 567,994 672,548 747,325

  2014

 3,933,729 1,089,276 Not listed Not listed 484,187

  2013

 3,623,525 744,449 Not listed Not listed Not listed

Page 38

      2023 Proxy Statement


 

Page 30Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


(3)Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value with respect to awards of options or SARs for each named officer computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are described in Note 17: Share-Based Compensation, to the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

(4)Represents amounts earned under the Company’s annual cash incentive plan as determined by the Compensation Committee at its February 2016 meeting.

(5)The amounts in this column reflect the increase in the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefits under the Company’s defined benefit plans in which the named executives participate. None of the named executives received above-market or preferential earnings on deferred compensation.

(6)The amounts shown in column (i) for 2015 consist of the following:

   Total Company’s
Matching
Contributions
In Its Defined
Contribution
Plan
 Life
Insurance
and Long
Term
Disability
Benefits
 Restricted
Stock
Dividends
 Expatriate
Tax
Equalization
Payment
 Gross-Up
on Tax
Equalization
Payment

  John Stroup

 115,769 89,716 4,542 21,511 -  

  Henk Derksen

 47,543 40,715 3,925 2,903 -  

  Glenn Pennycook

 31,835 24,647 5,802 1,386 -  

  Ross Rosenberg

 15,266 11,925 2,971 370 -  

  Roel Vestjens

 576,497 29,650 2,709 902 309,205 234,031

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

 

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 31


GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

Name Grant
Date
  Award
Type
 Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(1)
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(2)
  

All 
Other 
Stock 
Awards: 
Number 
of 
Shares 
of 
Stock or 
Units 

(#) 

 

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options(3)

(#)

  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards(4)
($ per
Share)
  Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Option
Awards
   Threshold
($)
  

Target

($)

  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#)
     
(a) (b)     (c)  (d)  (e)  (f)  (g)  (h)  (i) (j)  (k)  (l)

John Stroup

   ACIP  552,500    1,105,000    2,210,000             
  2/25/2015   PSU      12,704    25,407    50,814        2,802,138
  2/25/2015   SAR                            62,672    89.23   1,967,901

Henk Derksen

   ACIP  184,028    368,055    1,104,165             
  2/25/2015   PSU      2,710    5,420    10,840        597,772
  2/25/2015   SAR                            13,370    89.23   419,818

Glenn Pennycook 

   ACIP  126,175    252,350    757,050             
  2/25/2015   PSU      1,288    2,575    5,150        283,997
  2/25/2015   SAR                            6,351    89.23   199,421

Ross Rosenberg

   ACIP  136,462    272,923    818,769             
  2/25/2015   PSU      1,525    3,049    6,098        336,274
  2/25/2015   SAR                            7,521    89.23   236,159

Roel Vestjens

   ACIP  131,075    262,150    786,450             
  2/25/2015   PSU      1,694    3,388    6,776        373,663
  2/25/2015   SAR                            8,356    89.23   262,378

 

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number of

 

 

Number of

 

 

Equity

 

 

Option

 

 

Option

 

Number

 

 

Market

 

 

Equity

 

 

Equity

 

(a)

 

Securities

 

 

Securities

 

 

Incentive Plan

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Expiration

 

of Shares

 

 

Value of

 

 

Incentive Plan

 

 

Incentive Plan

 

 

 

Underlying

 

 

Underlying

 

 

Awards:

 

 

Price(4)

 

 

Date

 

or Units

 

 

Shares or

 

 

Awards:

 

 

Awards:

 

(a)

 

Unexercised

 

 

Unexercised

 

 

Number of

 

 

($)

 

 

(f)

 

of Stock

 

 

Units of

 

 

Number of

 

 

Market

 

 

 

Options(1)

 

 

Options(2)(3)

 

 

Securities

 

 

(e)

 

 

 

 

That

 

 

Stock

 

 

Unearned

 

 

or Payout

 

 

 

(#)

 

 

(#)

 

 

Underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have Not

 

 

That

 

 

Shares,

 

 

Value of

 

 

 

Exercisable

 

 

Unexercisable

 

 

Unexercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

 

Have Not

 

 

Units or

 

 

Unearned

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

(c)

 

 

Unearned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(#)

 

 

Vested

 

 

Other

 

 

Shares, Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(g)

 

 

($)

 

 

Rights That

 

 

or Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(#)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(h)

 

 

Have Not

 

 

Rights That

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested(5)

 

 

Have Not

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

 

Vested(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

 

 

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(j)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roel Vestjens

 

 

6,697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72.570

 

 

3/4/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,929

 

 

 

282,495

 

 

 

 

8,356

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

89.230

 

 

2/25/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,406

 

 

 

172,991

 

 

 

 

12,337

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

74.910

 

 

2/22/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,073

 

 

 

1,443,249

 

 

 

 

13,606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72.730

 

 

2/28/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,592

 

 

 

1,192,965

 

 

 

 

14,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61.790

 

 

2/28/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,857

 

 

 

564,918

 

 

 

 

7,217

 

 

 

3,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51.140

 

 

2/11/2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,147

 

 

 

2,886,569

 

 

 

 

16,313

 

 

 

32,624

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45.110

 

 

2/16/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,184

 

 

 

2,385,930

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53.790

 

 

2/22/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremy Parks

 

 

3,654

 

 

 

7,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

45.110

 

 

2/16/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,496

 

 

 

323,262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,657

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53.790

 

 

2/22/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,477

 

 

 

537,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,610

 

 

 

259,559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,993

 

 

 

646,597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,220

 

 

 

519,118

 

Brian Anderson

 

 

434

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72.570

 

 

3/4/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,039

 

 

 

793,704

 

 

 

 

5,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

89.230

 

 

2/25/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,311

 

 

 

166,161

 

 

 

 

6,769

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52.890

 

 

2/24/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

765

 

 

 

55,004

 

 

 

 

6,854

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

74.910

 

 

2/22/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,011

 

 

 

216,491

 

 

 

 

7,257

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72.730

 

 

2/28/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,331

 

 

 

239,499

 

 

 

 

10,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61.790

 

 

2/28/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,431

 

 

 

174,789

 

 

 

 

4,246

 

 

 

2,122

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51.140

 

 

2/11/2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,622

 

 

 

332,322

 

 

 

 

2,707

 

 

 

5,414

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45.110

 

 

2/16/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,662

 

 

 

478,998

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,830

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53.790

 

 

2/22/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,862

 

 

 

349,578

 

Ashish Chand

 

 

537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72.570

 

 

3/4/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,374

 

 

 

242,591

 

 

 

 

1,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

89.230

 

 

2/25/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

964

 

 

 

69,312

 

 

 

 

738

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52.890

 

 

2/24/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,382

 

 

 

386,966

 

 

 

 

1,477

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

74.910

 

 

2/22/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,428

 

 

 

1,612,573

 

 

 

 

2,312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

72.730

 

 

2/28/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,825

 

 

 

346,918

 

 

 

 

9,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61.790

 

 

2/28/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,748

 

 

 

485,181

 

 

 

 

6,198

 

 

 

3,099

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51.140

 

 

2/11/2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,764

 

 

 

773,932

 

 

 

 

4,347

 

 

 

8,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45.110

 

 

2/16/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,428

 

 

 

1,612,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,572

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53.790

 

 

2/22/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,650

 

 

 

693,835

 

Anshu Mehrotra

 

 

1,865

 

 

 

3,728

 

 

 

 

 

 

45.110

 

 

2/16/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,093

 

 

 

869,487

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,417

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53.790

 

 

2/22/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,294

 

 

 

164,939

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,842

 

 

 

132,440

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,500

 

 

 

179,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,588

 

 

 

329,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,683

 

 

 

264,808

 

 

(1)The amounts in column (c) represent the cash payment under the Company’s annual cash incentive plan (“ACIP”) that would have been made if the threshold performance for 2015 was met; the amounts in column (d) represent the cash payment under ACIP that would have been made if the target performance for 2015 was met; and the amounts in column (e) represent the maximum cash payment under ACIP, the lesser of three times target or $5 million. For Mr. Stroup, the maximum cash payment under ACIP is two times target because the company financial factor is capped at 2.0 and because a personal performance factor is not utilized for him.

(1)

(2)The Compensation Committee granted the performance stock unit awards (PSUs) at its February 25, 2015 meeting. The period during which performance is measured is January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. Any payout will be made in shares of Belden stock in 2018. The conversion factor from PSUs to shares is based on the Company’s total stockholder return over the performance period measured relative to the S&P 1500 Industrials Index, weighted 50%, and the company’s consolidated free cash flow over the performance period, weighted 50%.

(3)The amounts in column (j) are the number of SARs granted to each of the named executive officers in 2015. These awards vest in equal amounts over three years on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date.

(4)The exercise price for awarded SARs was the closing price of the Belden shares on the grant date.

Shows vested SARs.

Page 32Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


(2)

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-ENDShows unvested SARs.

(3)

   Option Awards Stock Awards
  Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options(1)
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options(2)(3)
 Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
 Option
Exercise
Price(4)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have Not
Vested(5)
 

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock

That

Have Not
Vested(6)

 Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested(7)
 

Equity
Incentive
Plan

Awards:
Market
or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,

Units or
Other

Rights

That
Have Not

Vested(8)

  (a) (#)
Exercisable
(b)
 (#)
Unexercisable
(c)
 

(#)

(d)

 

($)

(e)

 (f) 

(#)

(g)

 

($)

(h)

 

#

(i)

 

($)

(j)

  John Stroup

 42,500 - - 35.790 3/2/2021 18,476 880,936 25,407 1,211,406
 49,432 24,715   50.010 3/4/2023 27,645 1,318,114    
 18,138 36,274   72.570 3/4/2024        
 - 62,672   89.230 2/25/2025        

  Henk Derksen

 1,800 - - 47.705 2/21/2017 3,796 180,993 5,420 258,426
 8,400 -   40.960 2/20/2018 7,655 364,990    
 1,868 -   11.920 2/24/2019        
 13,768 -   21.700 2/22/2020        
 10,230 -   35.830 3/1/2021        
 3,100 -   28.760 8/28/2021        
 24,810 -   39.830 2/27/2022        
 10,156 5,078   50.010 3/4/2023        
 5,023 10,045   72.570 3/4/2024        
 - 13,370   89.23 2/25/2025        

  Glenn Pennycook 

 13,190 - - 21.700 2/22/2020 1,303 62,127 2,575 122,776
 11,200 -   35.830 3/1/2021 786 37,476    
 9,950 -   39.830 2/27/2022 2,764 131,788    
 4,208 2,103   50.010 3/4/2023        
 1,814 3,627   72.570 3/4/2024        
 - 6,351   89.230 2/25/2025        

  Ross Rosenberg

 - 30,600 - 50.070 2/18/2023 8,500 405,280 3,049 145,376
 2,477 2,477   50.010 3/4/2023 1,852 88,303    
 1,535 3,069   72.570 3/4/2024 2,339 111,524    
 - 7,521   89.230 2/25/2025        

  Roel Vestjens

 980 - - 39.830 2/27/2022 1,344 64,082 3,388 161,540
 3,595 1,797   50.010 3/4/2023 3,403 162,255    
 2,233 4,464   72.570 3/4/2024        
 - 8,356   89.230 2/25/2025        

(1)Shows vested SARs.

(2)Shows unvested SARs.

(3)For Mr. Stroup, his 24,715 unexercisable SARs expiring on March 4, 2023 vested on March 4, 2016. His 36,274 unexercisable SARs expiring on March 4, 2024 vest as follows: 18,137 on March 4, 2016 and 18,137 on March 4, 2017. His 62,672 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 25, 2025 vest as follows: 20,891 on February 25, 2016, 20,891 on February 25, 2017 and 20,890 on February 25, 2018.

For Mr. Derksen,Vestjens, his 5,078 unexercisable SARs expiring on March 4, 2023 vested on March 4, 2016. His 10,045 unexercisable SARs expiring on March 4, 2024 vest as follows: 5,023 on March 4, 2016 and 5,022 on March 4, 2017. His 13,3703,608 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 25, 2025 vest as follows: 4,45711, 2030 vested on February 25, 2016, 4,457 on February 25, 2017 and 4,456 on February 25, 2018.

For Mr. Pennycook,11, 2023. 16,312 of his 2,103 unexercisable SARs expiring on March 4, 2023 vested on March 4, 2016. His 3,627 unexercisable SARs expiring on March 4, 2024 vest as follows: 1,814 on March 4, 2016 and 1,813 on March 4, 2017. His 6,35132,624 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 25, 2025 vest as follows: 2,11716, 2031,vested on February 25, 2016, 2,11716, 2023. 13,264 of his 39,793 unexercisable SARs expiring February 22, 2032 vested on February 25, 2017 and 2,11722, 2023. The remaining 16,312 SARs expiring on February 25, 2018.

For Mr. Rosenberg, his 30,60016, 2031 and the remaining 26,529 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 18, 2023 vest22, 2032, were forfeited upon his resignation from Belden on February 18, 2018. His 2,47722, 2023.

For Mr. Parks, his 7,308 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 16, 2031 vest as follows: 3,654 on February 16, 2023; and 3,654 on February 16, 2024. His 8,657 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 22, 2032 vest as follows: 2,886 on February 22, 2023; 2,886 on February 22, 2024; and 2,885 on February 22, 2025.

For Mr. Anderson, his 2,122 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 11, 2030 vested on February 11, 2023. His 5,414 unexercisable SARs expiring February 16, 2024, vest as follows: 2,707 on February 16, 2023; and 2,707 on February 16, 2024. His 5,830 unexercisable SARs expiring February 22, 2032 vest as follows: 1,944 on February 22, 2023; 1,943 on February 22, 2024 and 1,943 on February 22, 2025.

For Mr. Chand, his 3,099 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 11, 2030 vested on February 11, 2023. His 8,747 unexercisable SARs expiring February 16, 2031, vest as follows: 4,374 on February 16, 2023; and 4373 on February 16, 2024. His 11,572 unexerciseable SARs expiring on February 22, 2032, vest as follows: 3,858 on February 22, 2023; 3,857 on February 22, 2024 and 3,857 on February 22, 2025.

For Mr. Mehrotra, his 3,728 unexercisable SAR’s expiring on February 16, 2031 vest as follows: 1,864 on February 16, 2023; and 1,864 on February 16, 2024. His 4,417 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 22, 2032 vest as follows: 1,473 on February 22, 2023; 1,472 on February 22, 2024; and 1,472 on February 22, 2025.

(4)

The exercise price of SAR awards granted is the closing price of Belden shares on March 4,the grant date.

(5)

On each of February 11, 2020, February 16, 2021, and February 22, 2022, the NEOs were granted PSUs. Each tranche of PSUs carries a three year measurement period. Based on the Company’s performance during this period on total stockholder return relative to the S&P 1500 Industrials Index,

      2023 vestedProxy Statement

Page 39


weighted 50%, and on March 4, 2016. His 3,069 unexercisable SARs expiringconsolidated free cash flow, weighted 50%, a conversion factor from 0 to 2.0 will be generated. If the conversion factor is greater than 0, the PSUs will be converted to a whole number of shares and delivered to the NEOs upon conversion.

Mr. Vestjens’ 7,857 PSUs were reviewed by the Compensation Committee on February 22, 2023 and, based on the conversion ratio, they converted to 15,714 shares. His 40,147 PSUs and his 33,184 PSUs were forfeited following his resignation on February 22, 2023. His 3,939 RSUs vested on February 11, 2023. His 2,406 RSUs, 20,073 RSUs, and 16,592 RSUs were forfeited following his resignation on February 22, 2023.

Mr. Parks’ 8,993 PSUs will be reviewed by the Compensation Committee at its first quarter 2024 Compensation Committee meeting. His 7,220 PSUs will be reviewed at the first quarter 2025 Compensation Committee meeting. His 4,496 RSUs will vest on February 16, 2024. His 7,477 RSUs will vest as follows: 3,739 on February 17, 2023; and 3,739 on February 17, 2024. His 3,610 RSUs will vest on February 22, 2025.

Mr. Anderson’s 4,622 PSUs were reviewed by the Compensation Committee on February 23, 2023 and, based on the conversion ratio, they converted to 9,244 shares. His 11,039 Supplemental Incentive Plan RSUs will vest on May 23, 2023. His 6,662 PSUs granted on February 16, 2021 will be reviewed at the first quarter 2024 Compensation Committee meeting. His 2,311 RSUs will vest on February 11, 2023. His 765 RSUs will vest on July 1, 2023. Mr. Anderson was also granted 3,011 RSUs upon the successful divestiture of the Company’s Live Media business on July 2, 2020 that will vest on July 2, 2023. His 3,331 RSUs granted on February 16, 2021 will vest on February 16, 2024. His 4,862 PSUs granted on February 22, 2022 will be reviewed at the first quarter 2025 Compensation Committee meeting. His 2,431 RSUs granted on February 22, 2022 will vest on February 22, 2025.

Mr. Chand’s 6,748 PSUs were reviewed at the first quarter 2023 Compensation Committee meeting, and based on the conversion ratio, converted into 13,496 shares. His 10,764 PSUs granted on February 16, 2021 will be reviewed at the first quarter 2024 Compensation Committee meeting. His 3,374 RSUs granted on February 11, 2020 vested on February 11, 2023. His 5,382 RSUs will vest on February 16, 2024. His 964 RSUs granted on July 1, 2020 will vest on July 1, 2023. His 22,428 Supplemental Incentive Plan PSUs and 22,428 Supplemental Incentive Plan RSUs will vest as described in the discussion of the Supplemental Incentive Plan above.

Mr. Mehrotra’s 4,588 PSUs will be reviewed at the first quarter 2024 Compensation Committee meeting. His 12,093 RSUs vest as follows: 6,045 on January 14, 2023; and 6,045 on January 14, 2024. His 2,294 RSUs will vest on February 16, 2024. His 3,683 PSUs granted on February 22, 2022 will be reviewed by the Compensation Committee at its first quarter 2025 Compensation Committee meeting. His 2,500 RSUs granted on August 22, 2022, will vest on August 22, 2025.

(6)

The market value represents the product of the number of shares and the closing market price of Belden shares on March 4, 2024 vest as follows: 1,535 onDecember 31, 2022 ($71.90). The value of PSU awards assumes a conversion at a 1.0 ratio.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

Stock Awards

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Value

 

 

Number of

 

 

Value

 

 

 

Shares Acquired

 

 

Realized on

 

 

Shares Acquired

 

 

Realized on

 

 

 

on Exercise(1) (2)

 

 

Exercise

 

 

on Vesting

 

 

Vesting

 

Name

 

(#)

 

 

($)

 

 

(#)

 

 

($)

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

 

(c)

 

 

(d)

 

 

(e)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roel Vestjens

 

 

1,865

 

 

134,093

 

 

 

25,793

 

 

 

1,469,670

 

Jeremy Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,739

 

 

 

207,739

 

Brian Anderson

 

 

727

 

 

 

52,271

 

 

 

4,663

 

 

 

259,558

 

Ashish Chand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,253

 

 

 

120,134

 

Anshu Mehrotra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,046

 

 

 

380,656

 

The dates on which certain executive officers had stock awards vest and the applicable fair market values on those days are as follows: January 14, 2022 – $62.96; February 17, 2022 - $55.56; February 22, 2022 -  $54.56; February 24, 2022 - $53.54; February 28, 2022 - $56.18; May 23, 2022 – $54.38 and July 1, 2022 - $53.03. When the vesting date falls on a trading day, the fair market value is the average of the high and low trading prices of Belden shares on that day. When the vesting date falls on a non-trading day, the fair market value is the average of (a) the average of the high and low trading prices of Belden shares on the trading day immediately preceding the vesting date and (b) the average of the high and low trading prices of Belden shares on the trading day immediately following the vesting date. The number of RSUs that vested were as follows: Mr. Vestjens – 17,847 RSUs on May 23, 2022 and 2,406 RSUs on July 1, 2022; Mr. Anderson 765 RSUs on July 1, 2022; and Mr. Chand – 1,289 RSUs on February 28, 2022 and 964 RSUs on July 1, 2022.  Giving effect to the actual tax withholding that occurred, Mr. Vestjens acquired 9,860 shares on May 24, 2022 and 1,329 shares on July 1, 2022; Mr. Anderson acquired 537 shares on July 1, 2022; and Mr. Chand acquired 540 shares on February 28, 2022 and 486 shares on July 1, 2022.  PSUs granted in 2019 converted into the following number of Belden shares, giving effect to tax withholding: Mr. Vestjens – 3,066 shares on February 28, 2022; and Mr. Anderson – 2,742 shares on February 28, 2022.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 33


(1)

March 4, 2016 and 1,534 on March 4, 2017. His 7,521 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 25, 2025 vest as follows: 2,507 on February 25, 2016, 2,507 on February 25, 2017 and 2,507 on February 25, 2018.

ForDuring 2022, Mr. Vestjens his 1,797 unexercisableexercised the following SARs expiring on March 4,and retained the resulting shares:

Date

Number of SARS

Market Price

Exercise Price

Pre-tax proceeds

Resulting shares

Value at 12/31/22

08/04/2022

5,392

$67.145

$50.01

$92,392

759

$54,572

08/04/2022

9,435

$67.145

$52.89

$134,496

1,106

$79,521

(2)

During 2022, Mr. Anderson exercised the following SARs, resulting in the receipt of the resulting shares:

Page 40

      2023 vested on March 4, 2016. His 4,464 unexercisable SARs expiring on March 4, 2024 vest as follows: 2,232 on March 4, 2016 and 2,232 on March 4, 2017. His 8,356 unexercisable SARs expiring on February 25, 2025 vest as follows: 2,786 on February 25, 2016, 2,785 on February 25, 2017 and 2,785 on February 25, 2018.Proxy Statement


 

(4)The exercise price of SAR awards granted since 2008 was the closing price of Belden shares on the grant date. The exercise price of SAR awards granted prior to 2008 was the average of the high and low prices of Belden shares on the grant date.

Date

Number of SARS

Market Price

Exercise Price

Pre-tax proceeds

Resulting shares

Value at 12/31/22

02/25/2022

2,290

$55.615

$39.83

$36,148

421

$30,270

11/08/2022

1,241

$77.210

$50.01

$33,755

306

$22,001

 

(5)Mr. Stroup’s 18,476 RSUs vested on March 4, 2016. His 27,645 RSUs vest on February 25, 2017.

Mr. Derksen’s 3,796 RSUs vested on March 4, 2016. His 7,655 RSUs vest on February 25, 2017.

Mr. Pennycook’s 1,303 RSUs and his 786 RSUs each vested on March 4, 2016. His 2,764 RSUs vest on February 25, 2017.

Mr. Rosenberg’s 8,500 RSUs vested on February 18, 2016. His 1,852 RSUs vested on March 4, 2016. His 2,339 RSUs vest on February 25, 2017.

Mr. Vestjens’ 1,344 RSUs vested on March 4, 2016. His 3,403 RSUs vest on February 25, 2017.

PENSION BENEFITS

 

(6)The market value represents the product of the number of shares and the closing market price of Belden shares on December 31, 2015 ($47.68).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present Value of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Years

 

Accumulated

 

 

Payments During

 

 

 

 

Credited Service

 

Benefit(2)

 

 

Last Fiscal Year

Name

 

Plan Name(1)

 

(#)

 

($)

 

 

($)

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

 

(e)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roel Vestjens

 

Pension Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess Plan

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremy Parks

 

Pension Plan

 

12.4

 

 

205,092

 

 

 

 

Excess Plan

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Anderson

 

Pension Plan

 

14.6

 

 

262,863

 

 

 

 

Excess Plan

 

 

 

 

169,121

 

 

Ashish Chand

 

Pension Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess Plan

 

 

 

 

 

Anshu Mehrotra

 

Pension Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7)On February 25, 2015, the NEOs were granted PSUs. The PSUs carry a three year measurement period

(1)

Mr. Anderson participates in the Belden Wire & Cable Company Pension Plan (“Pension Plan”) and the Belden Wire & Cable Company Supplemental Excess Defined Benefit Plan (“Excess Plan”). Mr. Parks participated in the Pension Plan and Excess Plan prior to his separation from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. Based on the Company’s performance during this period on total stockholder return relative to the S&P 1500 Industrials Index, weighted 50%, and on consolidated free cash flow, weighted 50%, a conversion factor from 0 to 2.0 will be generated. If the conversion factor is greater than 0, the PSUs will be converted to a whole number of shares and delivered to the NEOs in 2018.

(8)The market value represents the product of the number of shares and the closing market price of Belden shares on December 31, 2015 ($47.68).

Page 34Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

   Option Awards Stock Awards
Name 

Number of

 Shares Acquired 
on Exercise

(#)

 

 Value Realized on 

Exercise

($)

 

Number of Shares

 Acquired on Vesting 

(#)

 

 Value Realized 

on

Vesting(1)

($)

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

John Stroup

 180,600 8,890,309(2) 36,293 3,229,796

Henk Derksen

 - - 6,336 563,933

Glenn Pennycook

 - - 2,016 179,546

Ross Rosenberg

 4,012 120,635(3) 1,852 164,291

Roel Vestjens

 - - 2,022 179,787

(1)The dates on which the executive officers had stock awards vest and the applicable fair market values on those days are as follows: February 22, 2015 – $89.285, February 27, 2015 – $89.695, March 1, 2015 – $89.3975 and March 4, 2015 – $88.71. When the vesting date falls on a trading day, the fair market value is the average of the high and low trading prices of Belden shares on that day. When the vesting date falls on a non-trading day, the fair market value is the average of (a) the average of the high and low trading prices of Belden shares on the trading day immediately preceding the vesting date and (b) the average of the high and low trading prices of Belden shares on the trading day immediately following the vesting date. The number of RSUs that vested were as follows: Mr. Stroup – 17,816 RSUs on February 22, 2015 and 18,477 RSUs on March 4, 2015; Mr. Derksen – 1,550 RSUs on February 22, 2015, 990 RSUs on February 27, 2015 and 3,796 on March 4, 2015; Mr. Pennycook – 1,229 RSUs on February 22, 2015 and 787 RSUs on March 4, 2015; Mr. Rosenberg – 1,852 RSUs on March 4, 2015; and Mr. Vestjens – 453 RSUs on February 22, 2015, 225 RSUs on March 1, 2015 and 1,344 RSUs on March 4, 2015. Giving effect to the actual tax withholding that occurred, Mr. Stroup acquired 9,273 shares on February 22, 2015 and 9,617 shares on March 4, 2015; Mr. Derksen acquired 1,005 shares on February 22, 2015, 659 shares on February 27, 2015 and 2,530 shares on March 4, 2015; Mr. Pennycook acquired 799 shares on February 22, 2015 and 537 shares on March 4, 2015; Mr. Rosenberg acquired 1,234 shares on March 4, 2015; and Mr. Vestjens acquired 277 shares on February 22, 2015, 149 shares on March 1, 2015 and 895 shares on March 4, 2015.

(2)During 2015, Mr. Stroup exercised the following SARs and sold the resulting shares pursuant to his 10b5-1 plan:

Date Number
of SARS
  Market
Price
  Exercise
Price
  Pre-tax
proceeds
  Resulting
shares
  Net proceeds 

02/13/2015

  50,000   $87.380   $35.790   $2,579,500.00    17,036   $1,484,748.99  

02/13/2015

  87,067   $87.380   $39.830   $4,140,035.85    24,661   $2,148,765.55�� 

02/27/2015

  43,533   $89.695   $39.830   $2,170,773.05    12,596   $1,115,455.48  

(3)During 2015, Mr. Rosenberg exercised the following SARs and retained the resulting shares:

Date Number
of SARS
  Market
Price
  Exercise
Price
  Pre-tax
proceeds
  Resulting
shares
  Value at
12/31/15
 

03/04/2015

  2,477   $88.710   $50.010   $95,859.90    720   $34,329.60  

03/04/2015

  1,535   $88.710   $72.570   $24,774.90    186   $8,868.48  

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 35


PENSION BENEFITS

Name Plan Name(1) 

Number of Years
Credited Service

(#)

 

Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit(2)

($)

 

Payments During

Last Fiscal Year

($)

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

John Stroup

 Pension Plan 10.2 321,173 -
  Excess Plan  1,416,862 -
  Postretirement
Life Benefits
  726 -

Henk Derksen

 Pension Plan 5.8 150,329 -
  Excess Plan  193,825 -

Glenn Pennycook

 Pension Plan 7.1 152,953 -
  Excess Plan  76,020 -

Ross Rosenberg

 Pension Plan 0 - -
  Excess Plan  - -

Roel Vestjens

 Pension Plan 0 - -
  Excess Plan  - -

(1)Messrs. Stroup, Derksen and Pennycook participate in the Belden Wire & Cable Company Pension Plan (“Pension Plan”) and the Belden Wire & Cable Company Supplemental Excess Defined Benefit Plan (“Excess Plan”). Mr. Rosenberg does not participate in the plans because he joined the Company after the plans were closed to new participants in 2010. Mr. Vestjens does not participate in the plans because he relocated to the U.S. after they were closed to new participants in 2010. The Pension Plan is a cash balance plan. The account of each participant increases on an annual basis by 4% of the participant’s eligible compensation up to the Social Security wage limit ($118,500 for 2015) and by 8% of the participant’s eligible compensation in excess of the Social Security wage limit up to the limit on compensation that may be taken into account by a plan qualified under the Internal Revenue Code ($265,000 for 2015). The Excess Plan provides the benefit to the participant that would have been available under the Pension Plan if there were not a limit on compensation that may be taken into account by a plan qualified under the Internal Revenue Code. In general, eligible compensation for a participant includes base salary plus any amount earned under the annual cash incentive plan. Upon retirement, participants in the Pension Plan may elect a lump sum distribution or a variety of annuity options. Upon retirement, participants in the Excess Plan will receive a lump sum distribution.

(2)The computation of the value of accumulated benefit for each individual incorporates a 4.0% discount rate, an interest credit rate of 4.5%, and an expected retirement age of 65.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION(1)

Name Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)
 Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)
 Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)
 Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
  Aggregate
Balance
at Last
FYE ($)
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)  (f)

John Stroup

 270,427 74,828 40,032  -   2,149,616

Henk Derksen

 33,833 27,174 3,968  -   228,100

Glenn Pennycook

 95,888 11,370 5,361  -   320,101

Ross Rosenberg

 - - -  -   -

Roel Vestjens

 19,661 16,545 366  -   36,572

(1)Each of Messrs. Stroup, Derksen, Pennycook and Vestjens participates in the Belden Supplemental Excess Defined Contribution Plan. Amounts reflected in column (c), but not those in column (d), have been reflected in column (i) of the Summary Compensation Table.

Page 36Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


EMPLOYMENT, SEVERANCE AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has written agreements with each of the named executive officers. The Compensation Committee (with the assistance of Deloitte Consulting and management) annually reviews the key provisions of the executive employment agreements to ensure they are competitive, based on peer group and market survey data.

John Stroup.Mr. Stroup entered into an employment agreement with the Company effective October 31, 2005, and it was amended and restated in 2008. The amended agreement was for a term through October 31, 2011 and automatically renews for additional one-year terms if not terminated by either party. It is subject to earlier termination based on disability, death, termination by the Company, with or without cause, and before or after a change in control of the Company. Mr. Stroup’s current base salary of $850,000 per year is subject to annual review.2020. He is entitlednot eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive plan following his return to the Company in 2021 because the Plans are closed to new participants. Mr. Mehrotra does not participate in the plans because he joined the Company after the plans were closed to new participants in 2010. Mr. Vestjens and Mr. Chand do not participate in the plans because they relocated to the U.S. after the Plans were closed to new participants in 2010. The Pension Plan is a cash balance plan. The account of each participant increases on an annual basis by 4% of the participant’s eligible compensation up to the Social Security wage limit ($147,000 for 2022) and by 8% of the participant’s eligible compensation in excess of the Social Security wage limit up to the limit on compensation that may be taken into account by a plan qualified under the Internal Revenue Code ($305,000 for 2022). The Excess Plan provides the benefit to the participant that would have been available under the Pension Plan if there were not a limit on compensation that may be taken into account by a plan qualified under the Internal Revenue Code. In general, eligible compensation for a participant includes base salary plus any amount earned under the annual cash incentive plan, and all other employment benefit plans available to senior executives. His target annual cash incentive award is 130% of his base salary. Amounts payableplan. Upon retirement, participants in the eventPension Plan may elect a lump sum distribution or a variety of Mr. Stroup’s separation of employment are noted below under“Potential Payments upon Termination or Changeannuity options. Upon retirement, participants in Control.”

Henk Derksen. Mr. Derksen entered into an employment agreement with the Company, effective January 1, 2010. It was amended and restated as of January 1, 2012 when Mr. Derksen was promoted to his current office. Excess Plan will receive a lump sum distribution.

(2)

The agreement’s initial term was for three years and it automatically renews for additional one-year terms if not terminated by either party. It is subject to earlier termination based on disability, death, termination by the Company, with or without cause, and before or after a change in controlcomputation of the Company. Mr. Derksen’s annual base salaryvalue of $490,740 is subject to annual review. Mr. Derksen is entitled to participateaccumulated benefit for each individual incorporates a 5.43% discount rate, an interest credit rate of 7.50%, and an expected retirement age of 65.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 41


NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION(1)

 

 

 

Executive

 

 

 

Registrant

 

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

Contributions

 

 

 

Contributions

 

 

 

Earnings

 

 

 

Withdrawals/

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

 

 

in Last FY

 

 

 

in Last FY

 

 

 

in Last FY

 

 

 

Distributions

 

 

 

at Last

 

Name

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

FYE ($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

 

(b)

 

 

 

(c)

 

 

 

(d)

 

 

 

(e)

 

 

 

(f)

 

Roel Vestjens

 

 

 

156,091

 

 

 

 

118,718

 

 

 

 

9,770

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

677,366

 

Jeremy Parks

 

 

 

68,131

 

 

 

 

43,252

 

 

 

 

1,174

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

112,557

 

Brian Anderson

 

 

 

152,222

 

 

 

 

40,141

 

 

 

 

5,982

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

414,280

 

Ashish Chand

 

 

 

68,103

 

 

 

 

52,728

 

 

 

 

1,701

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

141,935

 

Anshu Mehrotra

 

 

 

184,800

 

 

 

 

34,434

 

 

 

 

3,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

245,067

 

(1)

Each of Messrs. Vestjens, Parks, Anderson, Chand and Mehrotra participated in the Company’s long-term incentive plan, annual cash incentive plan and all other employment benefit plans available to senior executives. His target annual cash incentive award is 75% of his base salary.Belden Supplemental Excess Defined Contribution Plan in 2022. Amounts payablereflected in the event of his separation of employment are noted below under“Potential Payments upon Termination or Changecolumn (c), but not those in Control.”

Glenn Pennycook.Mr. Pennycook entered into an employment agreement with the Company, effective May 30, 2013,column (d), have been reflected in connection with his promotion to his current position. The agreement’s initial term was for one year and it automatically renews for additional one-year terms if not terminated by either party. It is subject to earlier termination based on disability, death, termination by the Company, with or without cause, and before or after a change in controlcolumn (i) of the Company. Mr. Pennycook’s annual base salary of $360,500 is subject to annual review. Mr. Pennycook is entitled to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive plan, annual cash incentive plan and all other employment benefit plans available to senior executives. His target annual cash incentive award is 70% of his base salary. Amounts payable in the event of his separation of employment are noted below under“Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”Summary Compensation Table.

Ross Rosenberg.Mr. Rosenberg entered into an employment agreement with the Company, effective May 28, 2014, in connection with his promotion to his current position. The agreement’s initial term is for one year and it automatically renews for additional one-year terms if not terminated by either party. It is subject to earlier termination based on disability, death, termination by the Company, with or without cause, and before or after a change in control of the Company. Mr. Rosenberg’s annual base salary of $389,890 is subject to annual review. Mr. Rosenberg is entitled to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive plan, annual cash incentive plan and all other employment benefit plans available to senior executives. His target annual cash incentive award is 70% of his base salary. Amounts payable in the event of his separation of employment are noted below under“Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Roel Vestjens.Mr. Vestjens entered into an employment agreement with the Company, effective May 28, 2014, in connection with his promotion to his current position. The agreement’s initial term was for one year and it automatically renews for additional one-year terms if not terminated by either party. It is subject to earlier termination based on disability, death, termination by the Company, with or without cause, and before or after a change in control of the Company. Mr. Vestjens’ annual base salary of $374,500 is subject to annual review. Mr. Vestjens is entitled to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive plan, annual cash incentive plan and all other employment benefit plans available to senior executives. His target annual cash incentive award is 70% of his base salary. Amounts payable in the event of his separation of employment are noted below under“Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”

EMPLOYMENT, SEVERANCE AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

Each of the Company’s named executive officers participates in the Belden Inc. Executive Severance Program. The Compensation Committee (with the assistance of Meridian and management) annually reviews the key provisions of the Executive Severance Program to ensure it is competitive, based on peer group and market survey data.

Amounts payable in the event of each NEO’s separation of employment are noted below under “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL

The Belden Executive Severance Program provides for the potential payment of severance and other benefits upon certain terminations of employment. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s equity incentive plans, upon certain termination events, each executive will be entitled to acceleration of his outstanding and unvested equity awards.  

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

Pursuant to the Severance Program and the terms of the Company’s equity incentive plans, in the event a named executive officer is terminated without “cause,” as defined below, the executive will be entitled to receive:

 

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 37


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL

The NEO’s employment agreements with the Company provide for the potential payment of severance and other benefits upon certain terminations of employment. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s equity incentive plans, upon certain termination events, each executive will be entitled to acceleration of his outstanding and unvested equity awards.

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

Pursuant to the employment agreements, in the event a named executive officer is terminated without “cause,” as defined below, the executive will be entitled to receive:

severance payments equal to the sum of the officer’s current base salary plus his annual target bonus, (multiplied by 1.5 in the case of Mr. Stroup), payable in equal semi-monthly installments over a twelve-month period (eighteen monthsperiod;

if the executive is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, severance payments equal to the sum of the officer’s current base salary plus his target bonus, multiplied by 1.5, payable in the case of Mr. Stroup);equal semi-monthly installments over an eighteen-month period;

 

any unpaid bonus earned with respect to anythe portion of the current fiscal year endingcompleted as of the date of termination based on orthe actual performance under the applicable annual cash incentive plan, payable when awards are generally paid for senior executives for such year; and

a lump sum payment equal to the full monthly premium (i.e., the executive’s and the Company’s) for coverage under the Company group health care plan (including group dental and vision coverage) based on the executive’s coverage elections in effect immediate prior to the date of termination; and

continued participationtermination multiplied by 12 (or, in the case of the Company’s medical and dental plans for twelve months (eighteen months for Mr. Stroup)Chief Executive Officer, multiplied by 18).

Pursuant to the employment agreements, “cause” is defined to include the officer’s:

Pursuant to the Severance Program, “cause” is defined to include:

 

willful and continued failure to perform his duties following appropriate opportunities to cure the deficiencies;

 

conviction or plea of nolo contendere of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude;engagement in a dishonest act, misappropriation of funds, embezzlement, criminal conduct or common law fraud;

 

lack

material violation of authority to enter the employment agreement without violating another agreement to which officer was a party;Company’s Code of Conduct; and

 

gross misconduct

engagement in the performance of his employment duties.

Termination not for cause byan act that materially damages or materially prejudices the Company or for good reason byits affiliates or the officer after a changeofficer’s engagement in control

Each employment agreement provides that if, within two years following a “change in control,” as defined below, the officer is terminated without cause or resigns for “good reason,” the officer will be entitled to receive:

severance payments equalactivities materially damaging to the sumproperty, business or reputation of the officer’s current base salary plus his annual target bonus multiplied by two, payable in equal semi-monthly installments over a 24-month period;Company or its affiliates.

 

Page 42

      2023 Proxy Statement


Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

The Severance Program provides that if, within two years following a “change in control,” as defined below, the officer is terminated without cause or resigns for “good reason,” the officer will be entitled to receive:

any unpaid bonusannual cash incentive award earned with respect to any fiscal year ending on or preceding the date of termination, payable when awards are paid generally to senior executives for such year;

A pro-rated annual cash incentive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs, the amount of which shall be based on target performance and a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed during the performance year through the date of termination and the denominator of which is 365;

a lump sum severance payment payable at the time provided by Section 4.02(e) in the aggregate amount equal to the product of (A) the sum of (1) the Participant’s highest base salary during the time between the change of control and the date that is two years following the change of control plus (2) the executive’s annual target cash incentive award for the year in which the termination occurs multiplied by (B) two (2);

a lump sum payment equal to the full monthly premium (i.e., the executive’s and the Company’s) for coverage under the Company group health care plan (including group dental and vision coverage) based on the executive’s coverage elections in effect immediate prior to the date of termination;termination multiplied by 24;

 

unvested PSUs convert to RSUs at a 1.00 conversion ratio at the time of the “change in control”;control;” and

 

unvested equity awards vest upon the termination following the “change in control”;.

A “change in control” of the Company generally will occur when a person acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s stock or a majority of the Board consists of individuals who were not approved by the Board. Upon a change in control in the Company, the named executive officers will have the right for a period of two years to leave the Company for “good reason” and receive the amounts set out above should the scope of their employment with the Company “negatively and materially” change.

Death/Disability

The Company provides long-term disability coverage and life insurance coverage for the executive officers on terms consistent with and generally available to all salaried employees. Upon the officer’s death or disability, the officer, or the officer’s heirs will be entitled to receive:

 

continued participation in the Company’s medical and dental plans for 24 months; and

if necessary, a gross-up payment to cover the officer’s excise tax liability under IRC Section 280G where the present value of his payments is more than 110% of the threshold at which such amounts become an excess parachute payment under IRC Section 280G. Starting in 2010, this gross-up feature was not offered to new executive officers. There is no gross-up in the employment agreements of Messrs. Derksen, Pennycook, Rosenberg and Vestjens.

A “change in control” of the Company generally will occur when a person acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s stock or a majority of the Board consists of individuals who were not approved by the Board. Upon a change in control in the Company, the named executive officers will have the

Page 38Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


right for a period of two years to leave the Company for “good reason” and receive the amounts set out above should the scope of their employment with the Company “negatively and materially” change.

Death/Disability

The Company provides long-term disability coverage and life insurance coverage for the executive officers on terms consistent with and generally available to all salaried employees. Upon the officer’s death or disability, the officer, or the officer’s heirs will be entitled to receive:

anyAny unpaid bonuscash incentive award earned with respect to any fiscal year ending on or prior topreceding the date of termination; andtermination, payable when annual cash incentives are paid generally to senior executives for such year;

 

A pro-rated annual cash incentive award for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, the amount of which shall be based on actual performance under the applicable annual cash incentive plan and a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed during the performance year through the date of termination and the denominator of which is 365, which pro-rated cash incentive award shall be paid when awards are paid generally to senior executives for such year;

Any unvested equity awards will vest immediately.immediately;

Retirement

Under

The pro rata portion of PSUs related to the Company’s equity plans, anamount of time the employee who has reachedwas employed during the agemeasuring period will convert to shares of 65Company common stock when awards are converted generally for such year;

Any disability insurance benefits, or has reachedlife insurance proceeds, as the age of 55 with ten years of service withcase may be, as may be provided under the Company can voluntarily retire fromplans in which the Company with the result that all unvested equity awards that were granted at least one yearParticipant participates immediately prior to the retirement date (longer for portions of certain multi-year grants) shall immediately vest in full and any options or stock appreciation rights are eligible for exercise for the shorter of three years or the original term of the award. None of the NEOs were eligible for retirement as of December 31, 2015.such termination;

Retirement

Under the Company’s equity plans, an employee who has reached the age of 65 or has reached the age of 55 with ten years of service with the Company can voluntarily retire from the Company with the result that all unvested equity awards that were granted at least one year prior to the retirement date (with certain limited exceptions) shall immediately vest in full and any options or stock appreciation rights are eligible for exercise for the shorter of three years or the original term of the award. As of December 31, 2021, none of the Company’s NEOs were eligible for retirement.

Estimate of Payments

The estimated payments owed to each officer upon the various termination events are based on the following assumptions and/or exclusions:

 

it is assumed that each triggering event occurred on December 31, 20152022 and that the value of our common stock was the closing market price of our stock on that date, or $47.68the last trading day prior to December 31, 2022, $71.90 (in the case of Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control, it is assumed that the change in control and the termination both occurred on December 31, 2015)2022);

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 43


 

the payments do not include any amounts earned and owed to the officer as of the termination date, such as salary earned to date, unreimbursed expenses or benefits generally available to all employees of the Company on a non-discriminatory basis (the 20152021 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation is included based on the technical requirement that an employee must be employed on January 1, 20162023 to earn the 20152022 bonus. The officers’ employment agreementsSeverance Program would entitle them to receive the 20152022 bonus even if termination occurred on December 31, 2015)2022);

the payments include only additional benefits that result from termination and do not include any amounts or benefits earned, vested, accrued or owing under any plan. See “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End”, “Pension Benefits” and “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation;and

because Mr. Vestjen’s departure from the Company on February 22, 2023 was a resignation, none of the amounts described below were applicable and no compensation in these categories was paid.

 

the payments include only additional benefits that result from termination and do not include any amounts or benefits earned, vested, accrued or owing under any plan. See“Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End”, “Pension Benefits” and “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation”; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated Vesting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022 Non-

 

 

 

of Equity Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

Welfare

 

 

 

Excise Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Incentive Plan

 

 

 

Restricted

 

 

 

Options/

 

 

 

Benefits

 

 

 

Gross-up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Severance

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

 

Stock Units

 

 

 

SARs

 

 

 

Continuation

 

 

 

Payment

 

 

 

Total

 

Name

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roel Vestjens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 

 

 

3,450,000

 

 

 

 

1,950,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,782

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,430,782

 

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 

 

 

4,600,000

 

 

 

 

1,950,000

 

 

 

 

8,944,025

 

 

 

 

1,669,550

 

 

 

 

41,042

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,204,617

 

Death/Disability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,950,000

 

 

 

 

8,944,025

 

 

 

 

1,669,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,563,575

 

Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremy Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 

 

 

924,630

 

 

 

 

685,314

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,631,624

 

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 

 

 

1,849,260

 

 

 

 

685,314

 

 

 

 

2,291,644

 

 

 

 

352,560

 

 

 

 

43,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,222,138

 

Death/Disability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

685,314

 

 

 

 

2,291,644

 

 

 

 

352,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,329,518

 

Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Anderson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 

 

 

830,280

 

 

 

 

615,384

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,468,939

 

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 

 

 

1,660,560

 

 

 

 

615,384

 

 

 

 

2,874,701

 

 

 

 

294,675

 

 

 

 

46,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,491,870

 

Death/Disability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

615,384

 

 

 

 

2,874,701

 

 

 

 

294,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,784,760

 

Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashish Chand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 

 

 

930,060

 

 

 

 

877,113

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,831,540

 

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 

 

 

1,860,121

 

 

 

 

877,113

 

 

 

 

6,199,375

 

 

 

 

455,492

 

 

 

 

48,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,440,835

 

Death/Disability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

877,113

 

 

 

 

6,199,375

 

 

 

 

455,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,531,980

 

Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anshu Mehrotra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 

 

 

735,000

 

 

 

 

425,954

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,926

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,184,880

 

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 

 

 

1,470,000

 

 

 

 

425,954

 

 

 

 

1,947,673

 

 

 

 

179,865

 

 

 

 

47,852

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,071,344

 

Death/Disability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

425,954

 

 

 

 

1,947,673

 

 

 

 

179,865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,553,492

 

Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in performing calculations for determining whether a Section 280G gross-up payment was applicable, no reductions were made to the hypothetical severance amounts to allocate amounts as reasonable compensation or to a non-competition agreement. The values placed on the acceleration of previously unvested equity awards were consistent with the regulations set out under Section 280G and the methodology was consistent with our standard practices for determining fair value of equity awards for our financial statements.

Page 44

      2023 Proxy Statement


 

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 39


           Accelerated Vesting
of  Equity Value 
             
  Name Aggregate
Severance
  2015 Non-
Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
  Restricted
Stock Units
  Stock
  Options/  
SARs
  Welfare
Benefits
Continuation
  Excise Tax
Gross-up
Payment
  Total 

  John Stroup

        

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 $2,932,500   $1,093,950    -    -   $20,970    -   $4,047,420  

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 $3,910,000   $1,093,950   $3,423,374    -   $27,960    -   $8,455,284  

Death/Disability

  -   $1,093,950   $3,423,374    -    -    -   $4,517,324  

Retirement

  -    -    -    -    -    -    -  

  Henk Derksen

        

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 $858,795   $382,590    -    -   $14,089    -   $1,255,474  

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 $1,717,950   $382,590   $807,459    -   $28,177    -   $2,935,816  

Death/Disability

  -   $382,590   $807,459    -    -    -   $1,190,049  

Retirement

  -    -    -    -    -    -    -  

  Glenn Pennycook

        

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 $612,850   $391,770    -    -   $13,980    -   $1,018,600  

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 $1,225,700   $391,770   $355,816    -   $27,960    -   $2,001,246  

Death/Disability

  -   $391,770   $355,816    -    -    -   $747,586  

Retirement

  -    -    -    -    -    -    -  

  Ross Rosenberg

        

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 $662,813   $270,190    -    -   $13,980    -   $946,983  

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 $1,325,626   $270,190   $756,792    -   $27,960    -   $2,380,568  

Death/Disability

  -   $270,190   $756,792    -    -    -   $1,026,982  

Retirement

  -    -    -    -    -    -    -  

  Roel Vestjens

        

Termination not for cause not in connection with a change in control

 $636,650   $238,560    -    -   $13,980    -   $889,190  

Termination not for cause by the Company or for good reason by the officer after a change in control

 $1,273,300   $238,560   $389,095    -   $27,960    -   $1,928,915  

Death/Disability

  -   $238,560   $389,095    -    -    -   $627,655  

Retirement

  -    -    -    -    -    -    -  

ITEM III – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Page 40Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


ITEM III – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Dodd-Frank Act requires that we include in this proxy statement a non-binding stockholder vote on our executive compensation as described in this proxy statement (commonly referred to as “Say-on-Pay”).

We encourage stockholders to review the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on pages 15 to 28

The Dodd-Frank Act requires that we include in this proxy statement a non-binding stockholder vote on our executive compensation as described in this proxy statement (commonly referred to as “Say-on-Pay”).

We encourage stockholders to review the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on pages 18 to 35 and the tabular disclosure that follows it. We believe that our compensation policies and procedures are competitive, are focused on pay for performance principles and are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our stockholders. Our executive compensation philosophy is based on the belief that the compensation of our employees should be set at levels that allow us to attract and retain employees who are committed to achieving high performance and who demonstrate the ability to do so. We seek to provide an executive compensation package that is driven by our overall financial performance, our increased stockholder value, the success of areas of our business directly impacted by the executive’s performance, and the performance of the individual executive. We view our compensation program as a strategic tool that supports the successful execution of our business strategy and reinforces a performance-based culture. The Company employs an executive compensation program for our senior executives that emphasizes long-term compensation over short-term, with a significant portion weighted toward equity awards. This approach strongly aligns our senior executive compensation with that of our stockholders. We believe that there is a direct correlation between the performance of Belden and the compensation our senior executives receive. We also believe that our annual compensation disclosure is reflective of this correlation and is transparent and helpful to stockholders.

The Say-on-Pay resolution discussed below gives stockholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the compensation that we pay to our named executive officers by voting to approve or not approve such compensation as described in this proxy statement.

The Board strongly endorses the Company’s executive compensation program and recommends that the stockholders vote in favor of the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.

Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board or the Compensation Committee and neither the Board nor the Compensation Committee will be required to take any action as a result of the outcome of the vote on this proposal. The Compensation Committee will carefully consider the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

 

THE BELDEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

 

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 45


ITEM IV – ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Also, in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, we are providing our stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote regarding the frequency that the stockholders will consider and vote regarding our executive compensation. This is the Say-on-Pay vote discussed in Item III above. Stockholders will be given the opportunity to vote on whether they want the Say-on-Pay vote regarding our executive officers’ compensation to occur annually, biennially or triennially.

Consistent with the Company’s historical practice and stockholder expectations, the Company believes that an advisory vote on executive compensation every year is the best approach.

Stockholders may cast their vote on the preferred voting frequency by choosing the option of one year, two years, three years or by abstaining from voting in response to the resolution set forth below:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of the Company indicate, by their vote on this resolution, whether the vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, pursuant to Rule 14a-21(b) of the Exchange Act, should take place every one year, every two years, or every three years.

The option of one year, two years or three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by stockholders will be the frequency for the advisory vote on executive compensation that has been selected by stockholders. Abstentions will not be counted as a vote on any of the frequency options. However, because this vote is advisory and not binding on the Board or the Company in any way, the Board may decide that it is in the best interest of the stockholders and the Company to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the option approved by our stockholders.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 41


ITEM IV – AMEND AND RESTATE THE BELDEN INC. 2011 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANBOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE TO CONDUCT AN ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION “EVERY YEAR”.

In 2011, the stockholders

Page 46

      2023 Proxy Statement


OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION ON DECEMBER 31, 2022

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

B

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining Available for

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future Issuance Under

 

 

 

 

Securities to be

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Equity Compensation

 

 

 

 

Issued Upon

 

 

 

Average Exercise

 

 

 

Plans (Excluding

 

 

 

 

Exercise of

 

 

 

Price of

 

 

 

Securities

 

Plan Category

 

 

Outstanding

Options

 

 

 

Outstanding

Options

 

 

 

Reflected in

Column A)

 

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders(1)

 

 

957,937(2)

 

 

 

$

64.13

 

 

 

3,003,869.79 (3)

 

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

957,937

 

 

 

$

64.13

 

 

 

 

3,003,869.79

 

(1)

Consists of Belden Inc. approved the Belden Inc. 2011 Long TermLong-Term Incentive Plan. On February 25, 2016,Plan (the “2011 Plan”); and the Board approved an Amended and Restated Belden Inc. 20112021 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”“2021 Plan”) and directed the Company to submit the. The 2011 Plan to the Company’s stockholders for approval.

The Board believes that the Plan is an integral part of Belden’s overall compensation program. The Plan enables Belden to provide competitive levels of compensation needed to attract and retain high-quality executives, managers, employees and nonemployee directors, and to strengthen the alignment between these individuals and Belden’s stockholders.

The Plan incorporates the following features:

It offers the ability to grant stock options, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and cash-based awards;

It prohibits reloads, repricing, stock options issued at a discount to fair market value or the transfer of nonqualified stock options orhas expired, but stock appreciation rights by a participant for consideration;

It prohibits “liberal” share counting provisions, such as counting only the net number of shares issued upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, or adding back shares withheld to satisfy taxes or tendered to pay the exercise price of a stock option;

It prohibits dividends to be paid on unvested performance shares;

It requires that all awards can only be made pursuant to the authority of the Board or its Committees; and

It limits the Plan term to ten years from the date the Plan was originally adopted in 2011.

A summary of the material features of the Plan is provided below, but does not replace or modify the terms of the Plan document which is attached asAppendix II to this proxy statement. The amendments that will be effected by the Plan, if approved by Stockholders, include the following, most of which changes memorialize in the Plan the existing practices of the Company:

Increasing the number of shares authorized for issuanceremain outstanding under the plan by 2,500,000 shares;plan.

(2)

Limiting

Consists of 655,880 shares under the time period during which a Participant may exercise a SAR Award2011 Plan; and 302,057 shares under the 2021 Plan. All of these shares pertain to ten years from the date the SAR Award is granted;

Limiting acceleration of Awards under the Plan in Change of Control scenarios to situations where (i) a Change of Control has occurredand(ii) the Participant is terminated by the Company without Cause or the Participant terminates his or her employment with the Company for Good Reason, in either case within two years of a Change of Control; and

Prohibiting the Company from exchanging underwater Option or SARs for cash.

Additionally, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code requires that the criteria used to assess whether or not performance-based awards have been earned by a given Participant be approved by stockholders no fewer than every five years in order for such performance awards to remain tax deductible.By approving the adoption of the Plan, the Company’s stockholders shall also be deemed to re-approve the performance criteria used in awarding performance-based awards. A summary of such criteria is provided later in this Item IV.

Vote Required for Approval

In order to be approved, this Item IV requires that a majority of the shares present at the meeting be voted in favor of it. Therefore, an abstention has the same impact as a vote against the proposal in determining whether it has achieved a majority.

Page 42Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Description of the Plan

The Plan provides Belden the ability to use equity-based awards to attract, retain and motivate its employees, directors and other individuals who perform services for the Company (“Participants”). These awards help align employees with Belden’s financial success and will encourage them to devote their best efforts to Belden’s business over the long term. As a result, these awards help advance the interests of Belden and its stockholders. The Plan provides for the granting of the following types of incentive awards: stock options,outstanding stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). Because the issued shares resulting from SAR exercises only represent the share appreciation between the grant date and exercise date, after any applicable tax withholding, SARs are much less dilutive to our stockholders than stock options.

(3)

Consists of 3,003,869.79 shares under the 2021 Plan. Pursuant to the flexible share authorization nature of the 2021 Plan, full-value awards (e.g., restricted stock performance grants and other types of awards that the Board of Directors or a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors deems to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan. Additional shares are necessary in order to achieve the purpose of the Plan over its remaining term.

The Plan is designed as a flexible share authorization plan, such that the Company’s share authorization is based on the least costly type of award (stock options). Shares issued pursuant to “Full Value Awards” (awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights which are settled by the issuance of shares, e.g.units (“RSUs”), restricted stock, restrictedperformance stock units performance shares, performance units if settled with stock, or(“PSUs”), other stock-based awards) count against the Plan’s share authorization at a rate of 2.231.73 to 1 (1.90 to 1 prior tofor awards granted or converted, as the amendmentcase may be. Stock options, SARs and restatement), while shares issued upon exercise of stock options or stock appreciation rightsother non-full-value awards count against the share authorization at a rate of 1 to 1. The valueWe subtract awards from the share reserve at the time of an option is comparedgrant (or at the time of conversion into RSUs or shares in the case of PSUs), as opposed to the time of share issuance, as we feel this gives us a “full value share”more accurate picture of our remaining reserve. Awards canceled prior to determine a valuation ratio. The Company has used a binominal model provided by an outside institutional stockholder advisory servicevesting or exercise, as the case may be, are added back to determine its valuation ratio. This means that every time an option is granted, the authorized pool of shares is reducedreserve in accordance with the 2021 Plan document.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Based upon a review of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other reports submitted by our directors and officers, we believe that all of our directors and executive officers complied during 2022 with the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except for a delinquent Form 4 filing made on behalf of Doug Zink, and a delinquent Form 4 filing on behalf of Jeremy Parks, each as a result of delays associated with calculating applicable taxes.

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table shows the amount of Belden common stock beneficially owned (unless otherwise indicated) by our directors, the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table below and the directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise noted, all information is as of March 28, 2023.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 47


BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TABLE OF DIRECTORS, NOMINEES AND
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Name

 

 

Number of Shares

 

 

 

 

Acquirable Within

 

 

 

 

Percent of Class

 

 

 

Beneficially

Owned(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

 

 

 

 

60 Days(6)

 

 

 

 

Outstanding(7)

David Aldrich

 

 

 

55,641

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Brian Anderson

 

 

 

41,848

 

 

 

 

 

51,023

 

 

 

 

*

Lance Balk(8)

 

 

 

114,646

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Steven W. Berglund

 

 

 

26,463

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Diane D. Brink

 

 

 

18,783

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Judy L. Brown

 

 

 

27,723

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Nancy Calderon

 

 

 

6,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Ashish Chand

 

 

 

72,842

 

 

 

 

 

37,650

 

 

 

 

*

Jonathan Klein

 

 

 

11,553

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

YY Lee(9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Gregory McCray

 

 

 

5,155

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Anshu Mehrotra

 

 

 

15,090

 

 

 

 

 

5,202

 

 

 

 

*

Jeremy Parks (10)

 

 

 

26,730

 

 

 

 

 

10,194

 

 

 

 

*

Roel Vestjens

 

 

 

348

 

 

 

 

 

8,356

 

 

 

 

*

All directors and executive officers as a group (17 persons)

 

 

 

462,145

 

 

 

 

 

139,872

 

 

 

 

*

*

Less than one share and every time a full value share is granted, the authorized pool of shares is reduced by 2.23 shares.percent

Plan Share Limits(1)

The maximum number of shares includes shares that are individually or jointly owned, as well as shares over which the individual has either sole or shared investment or voting authority.

(2)

For Ms. Calderon, the number of common stock authorizedshares includes 833 unvested RSUs from her date of appointment to be issued under the Board in May, 2020. For Mr. McCray, the number of shares includes 1,666 unvested RSUs from his date of appointment to the Board in February 2022. For each of Mses. Brink, Brown and Calderon, and Messrs. Balk, Berglund, Klein and McCray the number of shares includes 2,655 unvested RSUs awarded to them in May 2022. For Mr. Aldrich, the number of shares includes 3,571 unvested RSUs awarded to him in May 2022. For each of Messrs. Aldrich and Balk, the number of shares includes awards, the receipt of which has been deferred pursuant to the 2004 Belden Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan without additional stockholder action is six million five hundred thousand (6,500,000), which shall consist of new or treasury shares. Notwithstandingas follows: Mr. Aldrich – 1,489 and Mr. Balk – 20,916. Ms. Lee had not yet been appointed to the approvalBoard as of the March 29, 2023.

(3)

For Mr. Chand, the number of shares includes 22,428 unvested RSUs granted in August 2021 in connection with the Supplemental Incentive Plan, awards previously5,382 unvested RSUs granted under any prior plans will remain outstanding in accordanceFebruary 2021, 4,825 unvested RSUs granted in February 2022, and 11,218 unvested RSUs granted in February 2023. For Mr. Parks, the number of shares includes 8,234 unvested RSUs granted in February 2021, 3,610 unvested RSUs granted in February 2022, and 3,729 unvested RSUs granted in February 2023. For Mr. Anderson, the number of shares includes 11,039 unvested RSUs granted in May 2019 in connection with their terms.

Shares are counted against the authorization onlySupplemental Incentive Plan, 3,011 unvested RSUs granted in July 2020 upon the successful completion of the Live Media business divestiture, 3,331 unvested RSUs granted in February 2021, 2,431 unvested RSUs granted in February 2022, and 2,739 unvested RSUs granted in February 2023. For Mr. Mehrotra, the number of shares includes 6,046 unvested RSUs granted in January 2021, 2,294 unvested RSUs granted in February 2021, 1,842 unvested RSUs granted in February 2022, 2,500 unvested RSUs granted in August 2022 in connection with his promotion to Executive Vice President, Broadband & 5G, and 1,728 unvested RSUs granted in February 2023.

(4)

For each of the Directors and Executive Officers who served in such positions as of July 1, 2020, other than Mr. Vestjens, the number of shares includes unvested RSUs granted to them on July 1, 2020 in place of cash compensation, as follows: Mr. Aldrich - 370; Mr. Anderson – 765; Mr. Balk - 306; Mr. Berglund - 283; Ms. Brink - 261; Ms. Brown - 306; Ms. Calderon - 248; Mr. Chand – 964;and Mr. Klein – 283.

(5)

For each of Messrs. Anderson, Mehrotra, Parks, and Vestjens, the number of shares includes shares of Belden Common Stock held in a 401(k) account pursuant to the extent they are actually issued. Thus, awards which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or are settled in cash in lieuterms of Belden's 401(k) employee contribution matching program. They hold the following numbers of shares or exchanged for awards not involvingin a 401(k) account: Mr. Anderson – 711; Mr. Chand – 788; Mr. Mehrotra – 680; Mr. Parks – 748; Mr. Vestjens – 348.

(6)

Reflects the number of shares shall againthat could be available for grant under the Plan, including those awards granted under prior plans.

Awardspurchased by exercise of Full Value Awards may be made only if the awards either vest more slowly than prorated annual vesting over a three-year period or vest based on the attainment of performance goals by reference to a performance period of at least 12 months.

Overhang

The following table displays information aboutstock options and the number of SARs outstanding and the number of shares available for future issuancethat are exercisable at March 28, 2023, or within 60 days thereafter, under the Plan based on actual Company data as of March 31, 2016. In addition, as of March 31, 2016, the Company had 368,921 outstanding full-value awards, in the form of restricted stock units. The number of basic common shares outstanding on March 31, 2016 was 42,059,401.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 43


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION ON MARCH 31, 2016

  Plan Category 

Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon

Exercise of

Outstanding
Options

  

Weighted
Average

Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options

  Weighted Average
Remaining Years
of Contractual
Life of
Outstanding
Options
  Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
 

  Equity Compensation Plans

  Approved by Stockholders

  1,457,624   $53.6461    7.20    1,515,100.90  

  Equity Compensation Plans Not

  Approved by Stockholders

  -    -    -    -  

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,457,624

 

 

  

 

 

 

$

 

 

53.6461

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.20

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,515,100.90

 

 

  

 

Overhang is calculated as (a) the number of outstanding equity awards, plus (b) the number of shares available under equity plans for future issuance of equity awards, plus (c) the number of shares being requested in this Item IV, divided by (x) the basic common shares outstanding, plus (y) the cumulative sum of (a), (b) and (c).

(a)=1,457,624 SARs outstanding + 368,921 RSUs outstanding = 1,826,545
(b)=1,515,100.90 currently available under Plan
(c)=2,500,000 requested under this Item IV
(x)=42,059,401 shares outstanding
(y)=1,826,545 + 1,515,100.90 + 2,500,000 = 5,841,645.90

Overhang = 

5,841,645.90

= 12.20%
42,059,401 + 5,841,645.90

The table below shows equity awards made at the meeting of the Compensation Committee on February 24, 2016, or anticipated to be made in 2016. None of the 2,500,000 in new share authority is earmarked for any of the 2016 grant activity.

Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan 
  Name and Position Dollar Value
($)
  Number of
SARs
  Number of
PSUs(1)
  Number of
RSUs
 

  John Stroup, President and Chief Executive Officer

  3,957,500    81,175    30,078    -  

  Henk Derksen, Senior Vice President, Finance, and

  Chief Financial Officer

  800,000    16,409    6,080    -  

  Glenn Pennycook, Executive Vice President, Enterprise

  Solutions

  500,000    10,256    3,800    -  

  Ross Rosenberg, Senior Vice President, Strategy and

  Corporate Development

  460,000    9,435    3,496    -  

  Roel Vestjens, Executive Vice President, Broadcast

  Solutions

  460,000    9,435    3,496    -  

  Executive Group

  7,744,670    157,808    58,861    388  

  Non-Executive Director Group(2)

  1,153,750    -    -    -  

  Non-Executive Employee Group

  9,599,269    129,011    32,146    65,965  

(1)As described elsewhere in this proxy statement, amounts shown are based on target Company performance measured against performance goals determined by the Compensation Committee. The PSUs shown above may be converted into shares of Company stock. The maximum number of RSUs to be issued per PSU is 2.0 and the minimum number is 0.

Page 44Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


(2)It is anticipated, following the annual meeting, that each non-executive director will receive an annual RSU award of $139,000 divided by the then-current Belden share price ($180,750 for Mr. Cressey). The number of RSUs is not determinable at this time. Due to his impending retirement from the Board, Mr. Kalnasy may receive a partial award or a cash-equivalent award. This determination will be made at the May Board meeting.

Participant Award Limits

The Plan provides that no Participant is entitled to receive grants of common stock, stock options or SARs in a calendar year in excess of 400,000 shares or cash-based awards in excess of $5,000,000, in either case plus any unused limit from prior years. The Plan affords the Company latitude in tailoringCompany’s long-term incentive compensation to support corporate and business objectives, and to anticipate and respond to a changing business environment and competitive compensation practices.

Plan Administration

The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee and the Committee has the exclusive authority to select Plan participants and to determine the type, size and terms of each award, to modify the terms of awards, to determine when awards will be granted and paid, and to make all other determinations which it deems necessary or desirable in the interpretation and administration of the Plan.

Upon termination of a Participant’s employment or other relationship with the Company, the Committee shall determine how these forms of contingent consideration are to be treated, including the extent to which unvested portions of the award will be forfeited and the extent to which Options, SARs, or other awards requiring exercise will remain exercisable. Generally, a Participant’s rights and interests under the Plan will not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

Awards under the Plan

Options:The Compensation Committee may grant both incentive stock options (“ISOs”) and nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”) under the Plan. Eligibility for ISOs is limited to employees of Belden and its subsidiaries. The exercise price for options cannot be less than the fair market value of Belden common stock as of the date of grant. The latest expiration date cannot be later than the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of grant. Fair market value under the Plan may be determined by reference to market prices on a particular trading day or on an average of trading days. The Company’s current practice is to determine the Fair Market Value as the closing price on the date of the grant. The exercise price may be paid with cash or its equivalent, with previously acquired shares of common stock, or by other means approved by the Committee, including by means of a broker-assisted exercise.

SARs:The Compensation Committee may grant stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) under the Plan either alone or in tandem with stock options. The grant price of an SAR cannot be less than the fair market value of Belden common stock as of the date of grant. The grant price of an SAR granted in tandem with a stock option will be the same as the option price of the tandem option. SARs cannot be exercised later than the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of grant.

Freestanding SARs may be exercised on such terms as the Compensation Committee determines and tandem SARs may be exercised by relinquishing the related portion of the tandem option.plans. Upon exercise of a SAR, the holder willwould receive from Belden shares of common stock, equal in value to the difference between the fair market valueprice of the common stock subject to the SAR, determined as described above, and the grant price.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:The Compensation Committee may award restricted common stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards consist ofBelden shares of stock that are transferred to the participant subject to restrictions that may result in forfeiture if specified conditions are not satisfied. Restricted stock unit awards result in the transfer of shares of stock to the participant only after specified conditions are satisfied. A holder of restricted stock is treated as a current stockholder and is entitled to dividend and voting

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 45


rights, whereas the holder of a restricted stock unit award is treated as a stockholder with respect to the award only when the shares of common stock are delivered in the future. The Committee will determine the restrictions and conditions applicable to each award of restricted stock or restricted stock units.

Performance Shares and Performance Unit Awards:Performance share and performance unit awards may be granted under the Plan. Performance shares will have an initial value that is based on the fair market value of the stock as of the date of grant. Performance unit awards will have an initial value that is determined byexercise and the Committee. Such awards will be earned only if performance goals over performance periods established by or under the direction of the Committee are met. The performance goals may vary from participant to participant, group to group, and period to period. The performance goals for performance share and performance unit awards and any other awards granted under the Plan that are intended to constitute “qualified performance-based compensation” will be based upon one or more of the following:

Financial Metrics:

Net sales or revenue growth;

Return measures (including, but not limited to return on invested capital, assets, capital, equity, sales);

Gross profit margin;

Operating expense ratios;

Operating expense targets;

Productivity ratios;

Operating income;

Gross or operating margins;

Earnings before or after taxes, interest, depreciation and/or amortization;

Net earnings or net income (before or after taxes);

Earnings per share;

Cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on equity, and cash flow return on investment);

Working capital targets;

Capital expenditures;

Shareexercise price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total stockholder return);

Appreciation in the fair market value or book value of the common stock;

Economic value added (net operating profit after tax minus the sum of capital multiplied by the cost of the capital);

Total stockholder return;

Debt to equity ratio / debt levels; and

Organic or inorganic growth.

Non-financial Metrics:

Customer satisfaction / service (relative improvement);

Market share;

Employee satisfaction / engagement;

Page 46Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Employee retention / attrition;

Safety;

Diversity; and

Inventory control / efficiency.

The Compensation Committee will determine whether the performance targets or goals that have been chosen for a particular performance award have been met and may provide in an award that any evaluation of performance may include or exclude any of the following that are objectively determinable and that occur during the performance period to which the award is subject: asset write-downs, litigation, claims, judgments, or settlements; the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reporting results; any reorganization and restructuring programs; nonrecurring items as described in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 225-20 – Unusual or Infrequently Occurring Items and/or in management’s discussion of financial condition and results of operations appearing in Belden’s annual report to stockholders for the applicable year; acquisitions or divestitures; and foreign exchange gains and losses.

Awards that are designed to qualify as performance-based compensation may not be adjusted upward. However, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to adjust these awards downward. In addition, the Committee has the discretion to make awards that do not qualify as performance-based compensation. Generally, awards may be paid in the form of cash, shares of commonBelden shares. This column includes stock or in any combination, as determined by the Committee.

Cash-Based Awards:The Compensation Committee may grant cash-based awards under the Plan that specify the amount of cash to which the award pertains, the conditions under which the award will be vestedoptions and exercisable or payable, and such other conditions as the Committee may determineSARs that are consistent withexercisable without regard to whether the terms of the Plan. Although based on a specified amount of cash, cash-based awards may be paid, in the Committee’s discretion, either in cash or by the delivery of shares of common stock.

Other Stock-Based Awards:The Compensation Committee may grant equity-based or equity-related awards, referred to as “other stock-based awards,” other than options, SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, or performance units. The terms and conditions of each other stock-based award shall be determined by the Committee. Payment under any other stock-based award will be made in shares of common stock or cash, as determined by the Committee.

Section 162(m) and Performance-Based Compensation:With respect to the various types of awards under the Plan, each of these aspects is discussed above, and stockholder approval of the Plan is intended to constitute approval of each of these aspects of the Incentive Plan for purposes of the approval requirements of Section 162(m).

Dividend Equivalents

Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, dividend equivalents shall be granted for each Full Value Award not entitled to dividends based on the dividends declared on shares of common stock that are subject to such Full Value Award, to be credited as of dividend payment dates, during the period between the date the Full Value Award is granted and the date the Full Value Award is exercised, vests or expires. Such dividend equivalents shall be converted to cash or additional shares of common stock by such formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Committee. Under no circumstances may dividend equivalents be granted for any Option, SAR or Full Value Award which has its vesting or grant dependent upon achievement of one or more Performance Measures.

Termination of Employment

The Compensation Committee will determine how each award will be treated following termination of the holder’s employment with or service for Belden, including the extent to which unvested portions of the award will be forfeited and the extent to which Options, SARs, or other awards requiring exercise will remain exercisable.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 47


Treatment of Awards Upon a Change in Control

In the event that a “change in control” of Belden (as defined in the Plan) occurs and Participant’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Plan), other than for death or disability, or (ii) by the Participant for Good Reason (as defined in the Plan, in either case, within two (2) years of the change of control, then unless otherwise provided in an award agreement, any outstanding option or SAR shall become fully exercisable, and any outstanding restricted stock, restricted stock units, other stock-based awards, or other award that was forfeitable shall become non-forfeitable and fully vested, and, to the extent applicable, shall be converted into shares of Belden common stock. Any payout or conversion of a performance-based award shall be done assuming performance was “at target” for the applicable performance period.

Treatment of Awards Upon Disposition of a Facility or Operating Unit

If Belden closes or disposes of a facility or operating unit or sells or otherwise disposes of a subsidiary, then with respect to awards held by participants employed at the facility, unit, or subsidiary, the Committee may, but need not, to the extent consistent with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (“Code”) (if applicable), (i) accelerate the exercisability of the awards, (ii) remove any restrictions applicable to the awards, and/or (iii) extend for up to five years the period during which the awards may be exercised.

Amendment of Awards or the Plan and Adjustment of Awards

The Compensation Committee may at any time alter, amend, modify, suspend, or terminate the Plan or any outstanding award in whole or in part. No amendment of the Plan will be made without stockholder approval if stockholder approval is required by law or stock exchange rule. No amendment may adversely affect the rights of any participant without his or her consent under an outstanding award, unless specifically provided for in the Plan.

Additional Provisions

Under no circumstances may a participant transfer an NQSO or a SAR for consideration. Neither ISOs nor, except as the Compensation Committee otherwise expressly determines, other awards may be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During a recipient’s lifetime, an ISO and NQSO, except as the Committee may determine, other non-transferable awards requiring exercise, may be exercised only by the recipient.

If provided in the award agreement or an associated agreement, a participant’s rights to an award may be subject to the participant agreeing to not compete with Belden or any of its subsidiaries, and to not solicit Belden’s customers or employees. In addition, participants generally shall be subject to nondisclosure and non-disparagement requirements, as well as other requirements consistent with protecting the interests of the stockholders and Belden. A breach of these restrictions may result in cancellation of awards or the recovery by Belden of gain realized under an award.

Except as contemplated in Belden’s 2004 Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, generally deferrals of compensation, as defined under Code Section 409A, are not permitted under the Plan. However, the Committee may permit a participant to defer compensation received under the Plan in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

To comply with the laws in other countries in which Belden or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries operate or may operate or have employees or directors, the Committee may establish subplans under the Plan and modify the terms of the awards made to such employees, and directors.

Nonemployee Director Awards

The Plan will also be used to grant equity awards to nonemployee directors, so that they too will develop a sense of proprietorship and personal involvement in the development and financial success of Belden and so that their interests will be more closely aligned with those of Belden’s stockholders.

Page 48Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


No more than 1,218,750 shares in total may be issued to nonemployee directors, and no nonemployee director may receive an award for more than 15,000 shares in any calendar year.

Nonemployee directors can be granted any of the awards available under the Plan except ISOs, which are only available for employees. The Board shall from time to time determine the nature and number of awards to be granted to nonemployee directors.

Termination

By its terms, the Plan will expire on May 18, 2021, ten years from the date that the Plan was initially approved by the Company’s stockholders.

U.S. Federal Tax Consequences Under the Plan

Federal Income Tax Consequences – Incentive Stock Options. In general, an optionee realizes no taxable income upon the grant or exercise of an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”). However, the exercise of an ISO may result in an alternative minimum tax liability to the optionee. With some exceptions, a disposition of shares purchased under an ISO within two (2) years from the date of grant or within one (1) year after exercise produces ordinary income to the optionee equal to the value of the shares at the time of exercise less the exercise price. The same amount is deductible by Belden as compensation. Any additional gain recognized in the disposition is treated as a capital gain for which Belden is not entitled to a deduction.

Federal Income Tax Consequences – NQSOs.In general, in the case of a NQSO, the optionee has no taxable income at the time of grant but realizes income in connection with exercise of the option in an amount equal to the excess (at the time of exercise) of the faircurrent market value of shares acquired upon exercise over the exercise price. For employee optionees, the same amount is deductible by Belden as compensation, provided that income taxes are withheld from the employee. Upon a subsequent sale or exchange of the shares, any recognized gain or loss after the date of exercise is treated as capital gain or loss for which Belden is not entitled to a deduction. In general, an ISO that is exercised by the optionee more than three months after termination of employment is treated as a NQSO. ISOs are also treated as NQSOs to the extent they first become exercisable by an individual in any calendar year for shares having a fair market value (determined as of the date of grant) in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

Federal Income Tax Consequences – Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock Appreciation Rights awards involve the issuance of shares, without other payment by the recipient, as additional compensation for services to the Company. The recipient will recognize taxable income upon exercise equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of the exercise, which becomes the tax basis in a subsequent sale, less the exercise price which is paid in shares. Generally, the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction in an amount equal to the income recognized by the recipient.

Federal Income Tax Consequences – Restricted Stock and Performance Share Grants.Restricted stock granted under the Plan generally will not be taxed to the recipient, nor deductible by the Company, at the time of grant. On the date the restrictions lapse and the shares become transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the recipient recognizes ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on that date over the purchase price paid for the stock, if any. The participant’s tax basis for the shares includes the amount paid for the shares and the ordinary income recognized. Generally, the Company will be entitled to a deduction in an amount of income recognized by the recipient. Performance share units that are converted into restricted stock units will result in the same treatment. Performance share units not converted into restricted stock units have no tax consequences.

Other. Awards under the Plan may be subject to tax withholding. Where an award results in income subject to withholding, participants may satisfy their tax withholding requirements by causing shares of common stock to be withheld. Otherwise, Belden may require the participant to remit the necessary taxes to Belden.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 49


In general, under Code Section 162(m), remuneration paid by a public corporation to its chief executive officer or any of its other named executive officers, ranked by pay, is not deductible to the extent it exceeds one million dollars ($1,000,000) for any year. Taxable payments or benefits under the Plan may be subject to this deduction limit. However, under Code Section 162(m), qualifying performance-based compensation, including income from stock options, SARs and other performance-based awards that are made under stockholder-approved plans and that meet certain other requirements, is exempt from the deduction limitation. The Plan has been designed so that the Committee in its discretion may grant qualifying exempt performance-based awards under the Plan.

Under the “golden parachute” provisions of the Code, the accelerated vesting of stock options, restricted stock and benefits paid under other awards in connection with a change in control of a corporation may be required to be valued and taken into account in determining whether participants have received compensatory payments, contingent on the change in control, in excess of certain limits. If these limits are exceeded, a portion of the amounts payable to the participant may be subject to an additional federal excise tax of 20%, and may be nondeductible to the corporation.

The discussion set forth above is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a complete enumeration or analysis of all potential tax effects relevant to recipients of awards under the Plan. Accordingly, all award recipients are advised to consult their own tax advisors concerning the federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax considerations relating to such awards and rights thereunder.

Incorporation by Reference.The foregoing is only a summary of the Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto asAppendix II.

THE BELDEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE BELDEN INC. 2011 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AND RE-APPROVAL OF THE PERFORMANCE AWARD METRICS CONTAINED THEREIN.

Page 50Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION ON DECEMBER 31, 2015

  Plan Category  A  B      C
  Number of  
Securities to be  
Issued Upon  
Exercise of  
Outstanding  
Options  
  Weighted
Average Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options
      

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)

   1,189,068(2)     $53.8021       1,913,471.50(3)   
  Equity Compensation Plans Not   Approved by Stockholders   -       -       -    

 

Total

 

  

 

 

 

 

    1,189,068

 

 

  

 

    

 

$

 

 

53.8021

 

 

  

 

    

 

 

 

 

    1,913,471.50

 

 

  

 

  

(1)Consists of the Cable Design Technologies Corporation 2001 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”); and the Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2001 Plan has expired, but stock appreciation rights and restricted stock unit awards remain outstanding under the plan.

(2)Consists of 304,705 shares under the 2001 Plan; and 884,363 shares under the 2011 Plan. All of these shares pertain to outstanding stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). Because the issued shares resulting from SAR exercises only represent the share appreciation between the grant date and exercise date, after any applicable tax withholding, SARs are much less dilutive to our stockholders than stock options.

(3)Consists of 1,913,471.50 shares under the 2011 Plan. Pursuant to the flexible share authorization nature of the 2011 Plan, full-value awards (e.g., restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance stock units (“PSUs”), other stock-based awards) count against the share authorization at a rate of 1.90 to 1. Stock options, SARs and other non-full-value awards count against the share authorization at a rate of 1 to 1. We subtract awards from the share reserve at the time of grant (or at the time of conversion into RSUs or shares in the case of PSUs), as opposed to the time of issuance, as we feel this gives us a more accurate picture of our remaining reserve. Awards cancelled prior to vesting or exercise, as the case may be, are added back to the reserve in accordance with the 2011 Plan document.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Based upon a review of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other reports submitted by our directors and officers, we believe that all of our directors and executive officers complied during 2015 with the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 51


STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table shows the amount of Belden common stock beneficially owned (unless otherwise indicated) by our directors,is greater than the executive officers named in theSummary Compensation Tablebelow and the directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise noted, all information is as of March 31, 2016.applicable exercise price.

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TABLE OF DIRECTORS, NOMINEES AND

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Name Number of Shares 
Beneficially Owned(1)(2) 
 Acquirable Within 
60  Days(3) 
 Percent of Class 
Outstanding(4) 

David Aldrich

  31,134      -     *  

Lance Balk

  85,738      -     *  

Steven W. Berglund

  5,909      -     *  

Judy L. Brown

  29,101      -     *  

Bryan C. Cressey

  181,704      -     *  

Henk Derksen

  18,337      93,713     *  

Glenn Kalnasy

  27,017      -     *  

Jonathan Klein

  2,500      -     *  

George Minnich

  19,866      -     *  

John M. Monter(5)

  88,309      -     *  

Glenn Pennycook

  5,153      46,396     *  

Ross Rosenberg

  10,590      10,531     *  

John Stroup

  164,512(6)     173,813(7)    *  
Roel Vestjens  5,619      13,623     *  
All directors and executive officers as a group (19 persons)  684,470      390,401     1.37%  

*Less than one percent

(1)The number of shares includes shares that are individually or jointly owned, as well as shares over which the individual has either sole or shared investment or voting authority. Mr. Cressey’s number does not include shares held by the Bryan and Christina Cressey Foundation. Mr. Cressey is the President of the foundation but disclaims any beneficial ownership of shares owned by the foundation.

(2)The number of shares shown for Mr. Berglund includes 833 unvested RSUs from his date of appointment to the Board in December 2013. For Mr. Klein, the number of shares consists of a grant of 2,500 unvested RSUs from his date of appointment to the Board in August 2015. For each of Ms. Brown and Messrs. Aldrich, Balk, Berglund, Kalnasy, Minnich and Monter, the number of shares includes unvested RSUs of 1,599 awarded to them in May 2015. For Mr. Cressey, the number of shares includes unvested RSUs of 2,073 awarded to him in May 2015. For each of Messrs. Aldrich, Balk, Kalnasy and Minnich, the number of shares includes awards, the receipt of which has been deferred pursuant to the 2004 Belden Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan as follows: Mr. Aldrich – 1,489; Mr. Balk – 20,916; Mr. Kalnasy – 18,625; and Mr. Minnich – 9,309. For executive officers, the number of shares includes unvested RSUs granted under the Company’s long-term incentive plans, as follows: Mr. Stroup – 27,645; Mr. Derksen – 7,655; Mr. Pennycook – 2,764; Mr. Rosenberg – 2,339; Mr. Vestjens – 3,403; and all executive officers as a group – 55,110.

Page 52Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


(3)Reflects the number of shares that could be purchased by exercise of stock options and the number of SARs that are exercisable at March 31, 2016, or within 60 days thereafter, under the Company’s long-term incentive plans. Upon exercise of a SAR, the holder would receive the difference between the market price of Belden shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price paid in the form of Belden shares. This column includes stock options and SARs that are exercisable without regard to whether the current market price of Belden common stock is greater than the applicable exercise price.

(7)

(4)

Represents the total of the “Number of Shares Beneficially Owned” column (excluding RSUs, which do not have voting rights before vesting) divided by the number of shares outstanding at March 31, 2016 – 42,059,401.

(5)Includes 4,290 shares held in his spouse’s revocable trust, 16,820 shares held in a charitable remainder unitrust and 46,181 shares held in a family investment LLC.

(6)Includes 4,063 shares held in trust for children and 86,555 shares held in a family trust.

(7)Includes 42,500 SARs held in trust for estate planning purposes.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 53


BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TABLE OF STOCKHOLDERS OWNING MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT

The following table shows information regarding those stockholders known to the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the “Number of Shares Beneficially Owned” column (excluding RSUs, which do not have voting rights before vesting) divided by the number of shares outstanding Belden shares as of December 31, 2015.at March 28, 2023 – 42,529,628.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership

Percent of Outstanding
Common Stock(1)

Wellington Management Company, LLP

280 Congress Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02210

4,375,148(2)10.42

Janus Capital Management LLC

151 Detroit Street

Denver, Colorado 80206

4,356,710(3)10.38

Invesco Ltd.

1555 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

3,840,543(4)9.15

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street

New York, New York 10022

3,634,036(5)8.66

The Vanguard Group

100 Vanguard Boulevard

Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

2,928,531(6)6.98

FMR LLC

245 Summer Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02210

2,705,300(7)6.44

(1)Based 41,980,674 shares outstanding on December 31, 2015.

(2)Information based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by Wellington Management Company, LLP on February 11, 2016, reporting shared voting power over 3,402,826 shares and shared dispositive power over 4,375,148 shares.

(3)Information based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by Janus Capital Management LLC on January 12, 2016, reporting sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 4,356,710 shares.

(4)Information based on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by Invesco Ltd. on February 16, 2016, reporting sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 3,840,543 shares.

(5)Information based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by BlackRock, Inc. on January 25, 2016, reporting sole voting power over 3,536,921 shares and sole dispositive power over 3,634,036 shares.

(6)Information based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by the Vanguard Group on February 10, 2016, reporting sole voting power over 93,371 shares, shared voting power over 2,400 shares, sole dispositive power over 2,835,360 shares and shared dispositive power over 93,171 shares.

(7)Information based on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by FMR LLC on February 12, 2016, reporting sole voting power over 3,600 shares and sole dispositive power over 2,705,300 shares.

Page 54Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


OTHER MATTERS

The Company knows of no other matters that will be brought before the annual meeting. If other matters are introduced, the persons named in the proxy as the proxy holders will vote on such matters in their discretion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:Why am I receiving these materials?

A:The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Belden Inc. (sometimes referred to as the “Company” or “Belden”) is providing these proxy materials to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Belden on behalf of the Board for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders which will take place on May 26, 2016. This proxy statement includes information about the issues to be voted on at the meeting. You are invited to attend the meeting and we request that you vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement.

Q:Why am I being asked to review materials online?

A:Under rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), we are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders on the Internet, rather than mailing printed copies of those materials to each stockholder. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one. Instead, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will instruct you as to how you may access and review the proxy materials on the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. We began mailing the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to stockholders on April 6, 2016.

Q:Who is qualified to vote?

A:You are qualified to receive notice of and to vote at the annual meeting if you owned shares of common stock of the Company at the close of business on our record date of March 31, 2016. On the record date, there were 42,059,401 shares of Belden common stock outstanding. Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter properly brought before the annual meeting.
Q:What information is available for review?

A:The information included in this proxy statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the meeting, the voting process, the compensation of directors and our most highly paid officers, and certain other required information. Our 2015 Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes our Annual Report on Form 10-K, is also available on-line. The Form 10-K includes our 2015 audited financial statements with notes and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Q:What matters will be voted on at the meeting?

A:Three matters will be voted on at the meeting:

(1)the election of the nine directors nominated by the Board, each for a term of one year;

(2)the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent registered public accountant for 2015;

(3)an advisory vote on executive compensation; and

(4)the approval of the amendment and restatement of the Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan.

Q:What are Belden’s voting recommendations?

A:Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares:

(1)FOR the Company’s slate of directors;

(2)FOR the ratification of Ernst & Young;

(3)FOR the approval of the Company’s executive compensation; and

(4)FOR the approval amending and restating the Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan.

(8)

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 55


Q:What shares owned by me can be voted?

A:All shares owned by you as of March 31, 2016, the record date, may be voted by you. These shares include those (1) held directly in your name as the stockholder of record, and (2) held for you as the beneficial owner through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee.

Q:What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

A:Some Belden stockholders hold their shares through a stock broker, bank, or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.

Stockholder of Record

If yourIncludes 2,400 shares are registered directlyheld in your name with Belden’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered (with respect to those shares) the stockholder of recordtrust for spouse and the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is being sent directly to you by Belden. As thestockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to Belden or to vote in person at the meeting.

Beneficial Owner

If yourchildren and 34,380 shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are consideredgrantor retained annuity trust.

(9)

Ms. Lee was awarded 2,500 RSUs upon her appointment to thebeneficial owner Board on March 31, 2023 that will vest in thirds on each of the first three anniversaries of her appointment to the Board.

(10)

Includes 500 shares held in “street name” (that is,spouse’s retirement account.

Page 48

      2023 Proxy Statement


BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TABLE OF STOCKHOLDERS OWNING MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT

The following table shows information regarding those stockholders known to the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding Belden shares as of December 31, 2022.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount and

Nature of

Percent of

Outstanding

Beneficial

Ownership

Common

Stock(1)

BlackRock, Inc.

4,924,614(2)

11.50%

55 East 52nd Street

New York, NY 10022

The Vanguard Group

4,429,029(3)

10.34%

100 Vanguard Boulevard

Malvern, PA 19355

(1)

Based on 42,833,107 shares outstanding on December 31, 2022.

(2)

Information based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the nameSEC by BlackRock, Inc. on January 26, 2023, reporting sole voting power over 4,846,249 shares and sole dispositive power over 4,924,614 shares.

(3)

Information based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by the Vanguard Group on February 9, 2023, reporting shared voting power over 52,642 shares, sole dispositive power over 4,334,114 shares, and shared dipositive power over 94,915 shares.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 49


OTHER MATTERS

The Company knows of no other matters that will be brought before the annual meeting. If other matters are introduced, the persons named in the proxy as the proxy holders will vote on such matters in their discretion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:   Why am I receiving these materials?

A:   The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Belden Inc. (sometimes referred to as the “Company” or “Belden”) is providing these proxy materials to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Belden on behalf of the Board for the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders which will take place on May 25, 2023. This proxy statement includes information about the issues to be voted on at the meeting. You are invited to attend the meeting virtually and we request that you vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement.

Q:   Why am I being asked to review materials online?

A:   Under rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), we are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders on the Internet, rather than mailing printed copies of those materials to each stockholder. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one. Instead, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will instruct you as to how you may access and review the proxy materials on the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. We began mailing the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to stockholders on April 11, 2023.

Q:   Who is qualified to vote?

A:   You are qualified to receive notice of and to vote at the annual meeting if you owned shares of common stock of the Company at the close of business on our record date of March 28, 2023. On the record date, there were 42,529,628 shares of Belden common stock outstanding.

Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter properly brought before the annual meeting.

Q:   What information is available for review?

A:   The information included in this proxy statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the meeting, the voting process, the compensation of directors and our most highly paid officers, and certain other required information. Our 2022 Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes our Annual Report on Form 10‑K, is also available on-line. The Form 10‑K includes our 2022 audited financial statements with notes and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Q:   What matters will be voted on at the meeting?

A:   Three matters will be voted on at the meeting:

(1)   the election of the ten directors nominated by the Board, each for a term of one year;

(2)   the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent registered public accountant for 2023;

(3)   an advisory vote on executive compensation for 2022; and

(4)

an advisory vote on the frequency of your stock broker, bank, or other nominee) and the Notice of Internet Availabilityfuture advisory votes on executive compensation.

Q:   What are Belden’s voting recommendations?

A:   Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares:

(1)   FOR the Company’s slate of directors;

(2)   FOR the ratification of Ernst & Young; and

(3)   FOR the approval of the Company’s executive compensation; and

(4)

ANNUAL advisory votes on executive compensation.

Page 50

      2023 Proxy Materials is being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, thestockholder of record.Statement


Q:   What shares owned by me can be voted?

A:   All shares owned by you as of March 28, 2023, the record date, may be voted by you. These shares include those (1) held directly in your name as the stockholder of record, and (2) held for you as the beneficial owner through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee.

Q:   What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

A:   Some Belden stockholders hold their shares through a stock broker, bank, or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.

Stockholder of Record

If your shares are registered directly in your name with Belden’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered (with respect to those shares) the stockholder of record and the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is being sent directly to you by Belden. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to Belden or to vote in person at the meeting.

Beneficial Owner

If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” (that is, the name of your stock broker, bank, or other nominee) and the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or nominee how to vote and are also invited to attend the meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the meeting.

Q:   How can I vote my shares in person at the meeting?

A:   Shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person at the annual meeting. If you choose to do so, please bring proof of identification.

Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy as described below so that your vote will be counted if you decide later not to attend the meeting.

Q:   How can I vote my shares without attending the meeting?

A:   Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may direct your vote without attending the meeting. You may vote by granting a proxy or, for shares held in street name, by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. You will be able to do this over the Internet by following the instructions on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. If you request a full delivery of the proxy materials, a proxy card will be included that will contain instructions on how to vote by telephone or mail in addition to the Internet.

Q:   Can I change my vote?

A:   You may change your proxy or voting instructions at any time prior to the vote at the annual meeting. For shares held directly in your name, you may accomplish this by granting a new proxy or by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request. For shares held beneficially by you, you may accomplish this by submitting new voting instructions to your broker or nominee.

Q:   What class of shares is entitled to be voted?

A:   Each share of our common stock outstanding as of the close of business on March 28, 2023, the record date, is entitled to one vote at the annual meeting.

Q: What about shares held pursuant to a Belden 401(k) or other benefit plan?

A: If you are a participant in the Belden Retirement Savings Plan and hold shares of Belden Inc. common stock pursuant to either plan, you will receive a proxy card associated with such shares from the plan administrator in addition to a proxy card from any other custodian through which you hold shares. To allow sufficient time for the Belden Retirement Savings Plan or Tripwire Inc. 401(k) Plan Trustee to vote, the trustee must receive your voting instructions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on May 22, 2023. If the trustee does not receive your instructions by that date, the trustee will not vote your shares.

Q:   What is the quorum requirement for the meeting?

A:   The quorum requirement for holding the meeting and transacting business is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. The shares may be present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. Both abstentions and withheld votes are counted as present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum for the meeting.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 51


Q:   What are the voting requirements to approve the proposals and how are votes withheld, abstentions and broker non-votes treated?

A:   The following table describes the voting requirements and treatment of votes withheld, abstentions, and broker non-votes for each proposal:

Proposal

Voting Requirement

Tabulation Treatment

Votes Withheld/Abstentions

Broker Non-Votes

Election of Directors

Majority of votes cast for
or against a particular director*

Present for quorum purposes; not counted in determining whether a director has received more votes
cast for his or her election to the board than against

Not present for quorum purposes; brokers do not have discretion to vote and are also invitednon-votes in favor of directors

Ratification of Ernst &
Young

No requirement; not binding on company

The Board of Directors will consider the number of abstentions in its analysis of the results of the advisory vote

Count as present for quorum purposes; brokers have discretion to attendvote non-votes in favor of ratification

Advisory vote on
executive
compensation

No requirement; not binding on company

The Board of Directors will consider the meeting. However, since you arenumber of abstentions in its analysis of the results of the advisory vote

Not present for quorum purposes; brokers do not thestockholderhave discretion to vote non-votes in favor of record, you maycompensation matters

Advisory vote on frequency of
future advisory votes on executive compensation

No requirement; not binding on company

The Board of Directors will consider the number of abstentions in its analysis of the results of the advisory vote

Not present for quorum purposes; brokers do not have discretion to vote these sharesnon-votes in person at the meeting.favor of compensation matters

 

Q:How can I vote my shares in person at the meeting?

 

A:Shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person at the annual meeting. If you choose to do so, please bring proof of identification.

Even if you plan*

The Company’s bylaws, as amended, provide that, in an uncontested election, a director must receive more votes “for” than votes “against” to attendbe elected to the annual meeting, we recommendBoard. An incumbent director that you also submit your proxy as described below so that your votefails to receive such a majority shall tender his or her resignation, which will be counted if you decide later not to attendconsidered by the meeting.

Q:How can I vote my shares without attending the meeting?

A:Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may direct your vote without attending the meeting. You may vote by granting a proxy or, for shares held in street name, by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. You will be able to do this over the Internet by following the instructions on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. If you request a full delivery of the proxy materials, a proxy card will be included that will contain instructions on how to vote by telephone or mail in addition to the Internet.

Q:Can I change my vote?

A:You may change your proxy or voting instructions at any time prior to the vote at the annual meeting. For shares held directly in your name, you may accomplish this by granting a new proxy or by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request. For shares held beneficially by you, you may accomplish this by submitting new voting instructions to your broker or nominee.

Q:What class of shares is entitled to be voted?

A:Each share of our common stock outstanding as of the close of business on March 31, 2016, the record date, is entitled to one vote at the annual meeting.

Q:What is the quorum requirement for the meeting?

A:The quorum requirement for holding the meeting and transacting business is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. The shares may be present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. Both abstentions and withheld votes are counted as present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum for the meeting.

Page 56Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Q:What are the voting requirements to approve the proposals and how are votes withheld, abstentions and broker non-votes treated?

A:The following table describes the voting requirements and treatment of votes withheld, abstentions, and broker non-votes for each proposal:

ProposalVoting Requirement Tabulation Treatment
Votes Withheld/AbstentionsBroker Non-Votes
Election of DirectorsPlurality of votes cast to  elect each director  Present for quorum purposes;  treated as a vote against the director(s) for purposes of calculating approval percentage Not present for quorum  purposes; brokers do not have discretion to vote non-votes in favor of directors
Ratification of Ernst & YoungNo requirement; not binding on companyThe Board of Directors will consider the number of abstentions in its analysis of the results of the advisory voteCount as present for quorum purposes; brokers have discretion to vote non-votes in favor of ratification
Advisory vote on executive compensationNo requirement; not binding on companyThe Board of Directors will consider the number of abstentions in its analysis of the results of the advisory voteNot present for quorum purposes; brokers do not have discretion to vote non-votes in favor of compensation matters
Amending and Restating the Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive PlanMajority of shares present at meeting or represented by proxyPresent for quorum purposes; same effect as vote against the proposalNot present for quorum purposes; brokers do not have discretion to vote non-votes in favor of compensation matters

Q:Where can I find the voting results of the meeting?

A:We will announce preliminary voting results at the meeting and publish final results in a report on Form 8-K within four business days of the date on which our meeting ends.

Q:What happens if additional proposals are presented at the meeting?

A:Other than the proposals described in this proxy statement, we do not expect any matters to be presented for a vote at the annual meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Brian E. Anderson, the Company’s Senior Vice President – Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and Nicholas E. Eckelkamp, the Company’s Legal Counsel – Corporate/M&A, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the meeting. If for any unforeseen reason any of our nominees are not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.

Q:Who will count the votes?

A:A representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will tabulate the votes and will act as the inspector of election.
Q:Is my vote confidential?

A:Proxy instructions, ballots, and voting tabulations that identify individual stockholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your vote will not be disclosed either within Belden or to third parties except (1) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements, (2) to allow for the tabulation of votes and certification of the vote, or (3) to facilitate a successful proxy solicitation by our Board. Occasionally, stockholders provide written comments on their proxy cards, which are then forwarded to Belden management.

Q:Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the meeting?

A:Belden has retained Phoenix Advisory Partners to act as proxy solicitor for the annual meeting and to provide other advisory services throughout the year. Belden will bear the cost of this arrangement, which amounts to $8,000 annually. Upon request, the Company will reimburse brokers, banks and trustees, or their nominees, for reasonable expenses incurred by them in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares of the Company’s common stock.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage 57


STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

You may submit proposals for consideration at future stockholder meetings, including director nominations.

Stockholder Proposals:To be included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2017 annual meeting, a stockholder proposal must, in addition to satisfying the other requirements of the Company’s bylaws and the SEC’s rules and regulations, be received at the Company’s principal executive offices by December 7, 2016. If you want the Company to consider a proposal at the 2017 annual meeting that will not be included in the Company’s proxy statement, among other things, the Company’s bylaws require that you notify our Board of your proposal no earlier than January 26, 2017 and no later than February 25, 2017.

Nomination of Director Candidates:TheBoard’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders if such nominations are submitted to the Company prior to the deadline for proposals to be included in future proxy statements as noted in the above paragraph. To have a candidate considered by the Committee, a stockholder must submit the recommendation in writing and must include the following information:Committee.

Q:   Where can I find the voting results of the meeting?

A:   We will announce preliminary voting results at the meeting and publish final results in a report on Form 8‑K within four business days of the date on which our meeting ends.

Q:   What happens if additional proposals are presented at the meeting?

A:   Other than the proposals described in this proxy statement, we do not expect any matters to be presented for a vote at the annual meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Brian E. Anderson, the Company’s Senior Vice President–Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and Nicholas E. Eckelkamp, the Company’s Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the meeting. If for any unforeseen reason any of our nominees are not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.

Q:   Who will count the votes?

A:   A representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will tabulate the votes and will act as the inspector of election.

Q:   Is my vote confidential?

A:   Proxy instructions, ballots, and voting tabulations that identify individual stockholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your vote will not be disclosed either within Belden or to third parties except (1) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements, (2) to allow for the tabulation of votes and certification of the vote, or (3) to facilitate a successful proxy solicitation by our Board. Occasionally, stockholders provide written comments on their proxy cards, which are then forwarded to Belden management.

 

Page 52

      2023 Proxy Statement


Q:   Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the meeting?

A:   Belden has retained Alliance Advisors LLC to act as proxy solicitor for the annual meeting and to provide other advisory services throughout the year. Belden will bear the cost of this arrangement, which amounts to $7,000 annually. Upon request, the Company will reimburse brokers, banks and trustees, or their nominees, for reasonable expenses incurred by them in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares of the Company’s common stock.

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page 53


STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING

You may submit proposals for consideration at future stockholder meetings, including director nominations.

Stockholder Proposals: To be included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2023 annual meeting, a stockholder proposal must, in addition to satisfying the other requirements of the Company’s bylaws and the SEC’s rules and regulations, be received at the Company’s principal executive offices by December 12, 2023. If you want the Company to consider a proposal at the 2023 annual meeting that will not be included in the Company’s proxy statement, among other things, the Company’s bylaws require that you notify our Board of your proposal no earlier than January 25, 2024 and no later than February 24, 2024.

Nomination of Director Candidates: The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders if such nominations are submitted to the Company prior to the deadline for proposals to be included in future proxy statements as noted in the above paragraph. To have a candidate considered by the Committee, a stockholder must submit the recommendation in writing and must include the following information:

The name of the stockholder and evidence of the person’s ownership of Company stock, including the number of shares owned (whether direct ownership or derivative ownership) and the length of time of ownership; and

 

The name of the candidate, the candidate’s resume or a listing of his or her qualifications to be a director of Belden, the candidate’s ownership interest in the Company (if any), a description of any arrangements between the candidate and the nominating stockholder, and the person’s consent to be named as a director if selected by the Committee and nominated by the Board.

In considering candidates submitted by stockholders, the Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board and the qualifications of the candidate. The Committee may also take into consideration the number of shares held by the recommending stockholder and the length of time that such shares have been held. The Committee believes that the minimum qualifications for serving as a director of the Company are that a nominee demonstrate, by significant accomplishment in his or her field, an ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Board’s oversight of the business and affairs of the Company and have an impeccable record and reputation for honest and ethical conduct in both his or her professional and personal activities. In addition, the Committee examines a candidate’s specific experiences and skills, time availability in light of other commitments, potential conflicts of interest, and independence from management and Belden. The Committee also seeks to have the Board represent a diversity of backgrounds and experience.

The Committee will identify potential nominees by asking current directors and executive officers to notify the Committee if they become aware of persons, meeting the criteria described above, who have had a change in circumstances that might make them available to serve on the Board. The Committee also, from time to time, may engage firms that specialize in identifying director candidates. As described above, the Committee will also consider candidates recommended by stockholders.

Once a person has been identified by the Committee as a potential candidate, the Committee may collect and review publicly available information regarding the person to assess whether the person should be considered further. If the Committee determines that the candidate warrants further consideration, the Chairman or another member of the Committee may contact the person. Generally, if the person expresses a willingness to be considered and to serve on the Board, the Committee will request information from the candidate, review the person’s accomplishments and qualifications, and conduct one or more interviews with the candidate. In certain instances, Committee members may contact one or more references provided by the candidate or may contact other members of the business community or other persons that may have greater first-hand knowledge of the candidate’s accomplishments. The Committee’s evaluation process will not vary based on whether or not a candidate is recommended by a stockholder, although, as stated above, the Board may take into consideration the number of shares held by the recommending stockholder and the length of time that such shares have been held.

 

Page 58Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


APPENDIX I

The performance factors applicable to the NEOs, along with the respective threshold, target and actual performance levels and the respective financial factor scores, are illustrated below (income numbers are shown in thousands):

  Category 2015 ACIP 
   Threshold      Target      Maximum      Actual      Score   

  Consolidated Net Income from Continuing Operations ($)

  191,174    238,967    286,761    213,722    0.74  

  Consolidated EBITDA ($)

  404,750    449,722    494,694    400,688    0.00  

  Consolidated Share Capture ($)

  11,864    23,727    35,591    61,894    2.00  

  Consolidated Operating Working Capital Turns

  5.5    6.0    6.5    6.1    1.20  

  Enterprise Connectivity EBITDA ($)

  62,705    78,381    94,057    85,966    1.48  

  Enterprise Connectivity Share Capture

  (4,600  -    4,600    3,900    1.85  

  Enterprise Connectivity Inventory Turns

  8.5    9.0    9.5    8.6    0.60  

  Broadcast Solutions EBITDA ($)

  159,095    198,869    238,643    162,870    0.55  

  Broadcast Solutions Share Capture ($)

  5,000    10,000    15,000    25,600    2.00  

  Broadcast Solutions Operating Working Capital Turns

  3.6    4.1    4.6    3.6    0.50  

Performance Factor Definitions

“Net Income from Continuing Operations” is consolidated revenues, less cost of sales, less selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), less interest expense, plus interest income, plus other income, less other expense, less tax expense, and less any loss from discontinued operations.

“EBITDA” is GAAP operating income, adjusted in a manner consistent with the Company’s use of Adjusted EBITDA in its periodic filings on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, whether on a consolidated basis or of the applicable business platform (i.e., Enterprise Connectivity Solutions for Mr. Pennycook and Broadcast Solutions with respect to Mr. Vestjens).

“Share Capture” is the revenue that the Company, whether on a consolidated basis or with respect to the applicable business platform, compared to the revenue from the same period the previous year, excluding revenue changes due to acquisitions and divestitures, changes in copper prices, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, actual market growth (as measured based on third-party sources), changes in channel inventory and changes in the number of days in a period.

“Operating Working Capital Turns”, whether on a consolidated basis or with respect to the applicable business platform, are based on a monthly average of working capital turns during the applicable performance period and for each individual month were computed based on a ratio calculated at the end of the month of (i) annualized actual cost of goods sold for the prior two months and the current month to (ii) operating working capital at the end of the month.

“Inventory Turns” are based on a monthly average of inventory turns during the applicable performance period and for each individual month were computed based on a ratio calculated at the end of the month of (i) annualized actual cost of goods sold for the prior two months and the current month to (ii) inventory at the end of the month.

 

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage I-1


Below is a summary of the applicable performance factors and weighting percentages for each NEO and a calculation of each NEO’s applicable Financial Factor for each performance period (rounded to two decimal places):

Messrs. Stroup, Derksen and Rosenberg – 2015
  Category   Score     Weighting     Contribution to Financial Factor  

  Consolidated Net Income from Continuing Operations

 0.74 25% 0.19

  Consolidated EBITDA

 0.00 25% 0.00

  Consolidated Share Capture

 2.00 25% 0.50

  Consolidated Operating Working Capital Turns

 1.20 25% 0.30

  Consolidated Financial Factor

     0.99

Mr. Pennycook – 2015
  Category   Score     Weighting     Contribution to Financial Factor  

  Enterprise Connectivity EBITDA

 1.48 50% 0.74

  Enterprise Connectivity Share Capture

 1.85 25% 0.46

  Enterprise Connectivity Inventory Turns

 0.60 25% 0.15

  Mr. Pennycook’s Financial Factor

     1.35

Mr. Vestjens – 2015
  Category   Score     Weighting     Contribution to Financial Factor  

  Broadcast Solutions EBITDA

 0.55 50% 0.28

  Broadcast Solutions Share Capture

 2.00 25% 0.50

  Broadcast Solutions Operating Working Capital Turns

 0.50 25% 0.13

  Mr. Vestjens’ Financial Factor

     0.91

Page I-2Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


APPENDIX II

February 25, 2016

BELDEN INC. 2011 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

Article 1. Establishment, Purpose, and Duration

1.1 Establishment. Belden Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), establishes an incentive compensation plan to be known as the Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”), as set forth in this document.

This Plan permits the grant of Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Other Stock-Based Awards, and Cash-Based Awards.

This Plan shall become effective upon shareholder approval (the “Effective Date”) and shall remain in effect as provided in Section 1.3 hereof.

1.2 Purpose of this Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to attract and retain highly qualified executives, Directors, and Employees, to advance the interests of the Company by giving Employees and Directors a stake in the Company’s future growth and success, to strengthen the alignment of interests of Employees and Directors with those of the Company’s shareholders through the ownership of Shares, and to provide additional incentives for Employees and Directors to maximize the long-term success of the Company’s business.

1.3 Duration of this Plan. Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, this Plan shall terminate ten (10) years from the Effective Date. After this Plan is terminated, no Awards may be granted but Awards previously granted shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and this Plan’s terms and conditions.

Article 2. Definitions

Whenever used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below, and when the meaning is intended, the initial letter of the word shall be capitalized.

2.1 “Affiliate” shall mean any corporation or any other entity (including, but not limited to, a partnership) that is affiliated with the Company through stock ownership or otherwise.

2.2 “Annual Award Limit” or“Annual Award Limits” have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.

2.3 “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under this Plan of Cash-Based Awards, Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Performance Units, or Other Stock-Based Awards, in each case subject to the terms of this Plan.

2.4 “Award Agreement” means either (i) a written agreement entered into by the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under this Plan, or (ii) a written or electronic statement issued by the Company to a Participant describing the terms and provisions of such Award, including any amendment or modification thereof. The Committee may provide for the use of electronic, Internet or other non-paper Award Agreements, and the use of electronic, Internet or other non-paper means for the acceptance thereof and actions thereunder by the Participant.

2.5 “Beneficial Owner” or“Beneficial Ownership” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage II-1


2.6 “Board” or“Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.7 “Cash-Based Award” means an Award granted to a Participant as described in Article 10.

2.8 “Cause” means:

(i) A Participant’s willful and continued failure to perform substantially his duties owed to the Company or its affiliates after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to him specifically identifying the nature of such unacceptable performance, which is not cured by the Participant within a reasonable period, not to exceed thirty (30) days;

(ii) A Participant is convicted of (or pleads guilty or no contest to) a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or

(iii) A Participant has engaged in conduct that constitutes gross misconduct in the performance of his employment duties.

An act or omission by a Participant shall not be “willful” if conducted in good faith and with the Participant’s reasonable belief that such conduct is in the best interests of the Company.

2.9 “Change in Control” means any one or more of the following events:

(i) the consummation of:

(a) any merger, reorganization, or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary with or into any corporation or other Person if Persons who were the beneficial owners (as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of the Company’s common stock and securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors (“Voting Securities”) immediately before such merger, reorganization, or consolidation are not, immediately thereafter, the beneficial owners, directly or indirectly, of greater than fifty percent (50%) of the then-outstanding common shares and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding Voting Securities (“Voting Power”) of the corporation or other Person surviving or resulting from such merger, reorganization, or consolidation (or the parent corporation thereof) in substantially the same respective proportions as their beneficial ownership, immediately before the consummation of such merger, reorganization, or consolidation, of the then-outstanding common stock and Voting Power of the Company;

(b) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company, other than a sale or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its consolidated assets to an entity of which greater than fifty percent (50%) of the common shares and the Voting Power outstanding immediately after such sale or other disposition are then beneficially owned (as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same respective proportions as their beneficial ownership of common stock and Voting Power of the Company immediately before the consummation of such sale or other disposition; or

(ii) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or

(iii) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Directors of the Company then serving: individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and any subsequently appointed or elected Director of the Company whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Company’s Directors then in office whose appointment, election, or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended or who were Directors on the Effective Date; or

(iv) the acquisition or holding by any person, entity, or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), the Company, any Subsidiary, any employee benefit plan of the Company or a Subsidiary, of beneficial ownership (as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 under the

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Exchange Act) of twenty percent (20%) or more of either the Company’s then-outstanding common stock or Voting Power;provided that:

(a) no such person, entity, or group shall be deemed to own beneficially any securities held by the Company or a Subsidiary or any employee benefit plan (or any related trust) of the Company or a Subsidiary;

(b) no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of any such acquisition if both (x) after giving effect to such acquisition, such person, entity, or group has beneficial ownership of less than thirty percent (30%) of the then-outstanding common stock and Voting Power of the Company and (y) prior to such acquisition, at least two-thirds of the Directors described in paragraph (iii) of this definition vote to adopt a resolution of the Board to the specific effect that such acquisition shall not be deemed a Change in Control; and

(c) no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of any such acquisition or holding in connection with any merger, reorganization, or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary which is not a Change in Control within the meaning of paragraph (i)(a) above.

Notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the foregoing events, no Change in Control shall occur with respect to any Participant if (x) the event which otherwise would be a Change in Control (or the transaction which resulted in such event) was initiated by such Participant, or was discussed by him with any third party, in either case without the approval of the Board with respect to such Participant’s initiation or discussion, as applicable, or (y) such Participant is, by written agreement, a participant on his own behalf in a transaction in which the persons (or their affiliates) with whom such Participant has the written agreement cause the Change in Control to occur and, pursuant to the written agreement, such Participant has an equity interest (or a right to acquire such equity interest) in the resulting entity.

2.10 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. For purposes of this Plan, references to sections of the Code shall be deemed to include references to any applicable regulations thereunder and any successor or similar provisions.

2.11 “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or a subcommittee thereof, or any other committee designated by the Board to administer this Plan. The members of the Committee shall be appointed from time to time by and shall serve at the discretion of the Board. If the Committee does not exist or cannot function for any reason, the Board may take any action under the Plan that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee.

2.12 “Company” means Belden Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto as provided in Article 20 herein.

2.13 “Covered Employee” means any key salaried Employee who is or may become a “Covered Employee,” as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code, or any successor statute, and who is designated, either as an individual Employee or class of Employees, by the Committee within the shorter of (i) ninety (90) days after the beginning of the Performance Period, or (ii) twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period has elapsed, as a “Covered Employee” under this Plan for such applicable Performance Period.

2.14 “Director” means any individual who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.15 “Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

2.16 “Employee” means any person designated as an employee of the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries on the payroll records thereof. An Employee shall not include any individual during any period he or she is classified or treated by the Company, Affiliate, and/or Subsidiary as an independent contractor, a consultant, or any employee of an employment, consulting, or temporary agency or any other entity other than

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the Company, Affiliate, and/or Subsidiary, without regard to whether such individual is subsequently determined to have been, or is subsequently retroactively reclassified as a common-law employee of the Company, Affiliate, and/or Subsidiary during such period.

2.17 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor act thereto.

2.18 “Fair Market Value” or“FMV” means a price that is based on the opening, closing, actual, high, low, or average selling prices of a Share reported on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or other established stock exchange (or exchanges) on the applicable date, the preceding trading day, the next succeeding trading day, or an average of trading days, as determined by the Committee in its discretion. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, if the Shares are traded over the counter at the time a determination of its Fair Market Value is required to be made hereunder, its Fair Market Value shall be deemed to be equal to the average between the reported high and low or closing bid and asked prices of a Share on the most recent date on which Shares were publicly traded. In the event Shares are not publicly determined at the time a determination of their value is required to be made hereunder, the determination of their Fair Market Value shall be made by the Committee in such manner as it deems appropriate. Such definition(s) of FMV shall be specified in each Award Agreement and may differ depending on whether FMV is in reference to the grant, exercise, vesting, settlement, or payout of an Award; provided, however, that upon a broker-assisted exercise of an Option, the FMV shall be the price at which the Shares are sold by the broker.

2.19 “Freestanding SAR” means an SAR that is granted independently of any Options, as described in Article 7.

2.20 “Full Value Award” means an Award other than in the form of an NQSO, ISO or SAR, and which is settled by the issuance of Shares.

2.21 “Good Reason” means, without the express written consent of a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) The Participant’s base salary or annual target cash incentive opportunity is materially reduced;

(ii) The Participant’s duties or responsibilities are negatively and materially changed in a manner inconsistent with the Participant’s position (including status, offices, titles, and reporting responsibilities) or authority; or

(iii) The Company requires the Participant’s principal office to be relocated more than 50 miles from its location as of the date immediately preceding the Change in Control.

Prior to any termination by a Participant for “Good Reason,” the Participant shall provide the Company not less than thirty (30) nor more than ninety (90) days’ notice, with specificity, of the grounds constituting Good Reason and an opportunity within such notice period for the Company to cure such grounds. The notice shall be given within ninety (90) days following the initial existence of grounds constituting Good Reason for such notice and subsequent termination, if not so cured above, to be effective.

2.22 “Grant Price” means the price established at the time of grant of an SAR pursuant to Article 7, used to determine whether there is any payment due upon exercise of the SAR.

2.23 “Incentive Stock Option” or“ISO” means an Option to purchase Shares granted under Article 6 to an Employee and that is designated as an Incentive Stock Option and that is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 422, or any successor provision.

2.24 “Insider” shall mean an individual who is, on the relevant date, an officer or Director of the Company, or a more than ten percent (10%) Beneficial Owner of any class of the Company’s equity securities that is

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registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

2.25 “Nonemployee Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.

2.26 “Nonemployee Director Award” means any NQSO, SAR, or Full Value Award granted, whether singly, in combination, or in tandem, to a Participant who is a Nonemployee Director pursuant to such applicable terms, conditions, and limitations as the Board or Committee may establish in accordance with this Plan.

2.27 “Nonqualified Stock Option” or“NQSO” means an Option that is not intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 422, or that otherwise does not meet such requirements.

2.28 “Option” means an ISO or an NQSO, as described in Article 6.

2.29 “Option Price” means the price at which a Share may be purchased by a Participant pursuant to an Option.

2.30 “Other Stock-Based Award” means an equity-based or equity-related Award not otherwise described by the terms of this Plan, granted pursuant to Article 10.

2.31 “Participant” means any eligible individual as set forth in Article 5 to whom an Award is granted.

2.32 “Performance-Based Compensation” means compensation under an Award that is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and the applicable treasury regulations thereunder for certain performance-based compensation paid to Covered Employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Plan shall be construed to mean that an Award which does not satisfy the requirements for performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m) does not constitute performance-based compensation for other purposes, including Code Section 409A.

2.33 “Performance Measures” means measures as described in Article 11 on which the performance goals are based and which are approved by the Company’s shareholders pursuant to this Plan in order to qualify Awards as Performance-Based Compensation.

2.34 “Performance Period” means the period of time during which the performance goals must be met in order to determine the degree of payout and/or vesting with respect to an Award.

2.35 “Performance Share” means an Award under Article 9 herein and subject to the terms of this Plan, denominated in Shares, the value of which at the time it is payable is determined as a function of the extent to which corresponding performance criteria have been achieved.

2.36 “Performance Unit” means an Award under Article 9 herein and subject to the terms of this Plan, denominated in units, the value of which at the time it is payable is determined as a function of the extent to which corresponding performance criteria have been achieved.

2.37 “Period of Restriction” means the period when Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (based on the passage of time, the achievement of performance goals, or upon the occurrence of other events as determined by the Committee, in its discretion), as provided in Article 8.

2.38 “Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.

2.39 “Plan” means the Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan.

2.40 “Plan Year” means the calendar year.

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2.41 “Prior Plan” means the Company’s 2001 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan, as amended.

2.42 “Restricted Stock” means an Award granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 8.

2.43 “Restricted Stock Unit” means an Award granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 8, except no Shares are actually awarded to the Participant on the date of grant.

2.44 “Share” means a share of common stock of the Company.

2.45 “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award, designated as an SAR, pursuant to the terms of Article 7 herein.

2.46 “Stock-Based Award”means any Award other than a Cash-Based Award.

2.47 “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity, whether domestic or foreign, in which the Company has or obtains, directly or indirectly, a proprietary interest of more than fifty percent (50%) by reason of stock ownership or otherwise.

2.48 “Tandem SAR” means an SAR that is granted in connection with a related Option pursuant to Article 7 herein, the exercise of which shall require forfeiture of the right to purchase a Share under the related Option (and when a Share is purchased under the Option, the Tandem SAR shall similarly be canceled).

Article 3. Administration

3.1 General. The Committee shall be responsible for administering this Plan, subject to this Article 3 and the other provisions of this Plan. The Committee may consult with attorneys, consultants, accountants, agents, and other individuals, any of whom may be an Employee, and the Committee, the Company, and its officers and Directors shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions, or valuations of any such individuals. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding upon the Participants, the Company, and all other interested individuals.

3.2 Authority of the Committee. The Committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary power to interpret the terms and the intent of this Plan and any Award Agreement or other agreement or document ancillary to or in connection with this Plan, to determine eligibility for Awards and to adopt such rules, regulations, forms, instruments, and guidelines for administering this Plan as the Committee may deem necessary or proper. Such authority shall include, but not be limited to, selecting Award recipients, establishing all Award terms and conditions, including the terms and conditions set forth in Award Agreements, granting Awards as an alternative to or as the form of payment for grants or rights earned or due under compensation plans or arrangements of the Company, and, subject to Article 18, adopting modifications and amendments to this Plan or any Award Agreement, including without limitation, any that are necessary to comply with the laws of the countries and other jurisdictions in which the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries operate.

3.3 Delegation. The Committee may delegate to one or more of its members or to one or more officers of the Company, and/or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates or to one or more agents or advisors such administrative duties or powers as it may deem advisable, and the Committee or any individuals to whom it has delegated duties or powers as aforesaid may employ one or more individuals to render advice with respect to any responsibility the Committee or such individuals may have under this Plan. The Committee may, by resolution, authorize one or more officers of the Company to do one or both of the following on the same basis as can the Committee: (a) designate Employees to be recipients of Awards and (b) determine the size of any such Awards; provided, however, (i) the Committee shall not delegate such responsibilities to any such officer for Awards granted to an Employee who is considered an Insider; (ii) the resolution providing such authorization sets forth the total number of Awards such officer(s) may grant; and (iii) the officer(s) shall report periodically to the Committee regarding the nature and scope of the Awards granted pursuant to the authority delegated.

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Article 4. Shares Subject to this Plan and Maximum Awards

4.1 Number of Shares Available for Awards.

(a) Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.4 herein, the maximum number of Shares available for grant to Participants under this Plan (the “Share Authorization”) shall be:

(i)6,500,000, of which 6,500,000 shall be eligible to be issued as Incentive Stock Options, plus

(ii)Any Shares subject to outstanding awards under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date that on or after the Effective Date cease for any reason to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the awards to the extent they are exercised for or settled in vested and nonforfeitable Shares).

(b)To the extent that a Share is granted pursuant to a Full Value Award, it shall reduce the Share Authorization by two and twenty-three hundredths (2.23) Shares; and, to the extent that a Share is granted pursuant to an Award other than a Full Value Award, it shall reduce the Share Authorization by one (1) Share.

(c)Subject to the limit set forth in Section 4.1(a) on the number of Shares that may be granted in the aggregate under this Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be granted to Nonemployee Directors shall be one million two hundred eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty (1,218,750) Shares, and no Nonemployee Director may receive Awards subject to more than fifteen thousand (15,000) Shares in any Plan Year.

(d)Except as may be provided in an Award Agreement in the case of death, disability, retirement, or change in control, any Awards which vest on the basis of the Participant’s continued employment with or provision of service to the Company shall not provide for vesting which is any more rapid than annual pro rata vesting over a three (3) year period and any Awards which vest upon the attainment of performance goals shall provide for a Performance Period of at least twelve (12) months.

4.2 Share Usage. Any Shares related to Awards which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of such Shares, are settled in cash in lieu of Shares, or are exchanged with the Committee’s permission, prior to the issuance of Shares, for Awards not involving Shares, shall be available again for grant under this Plan; additionally, Shares related to an Award of Restricted Stock that are forfeited shall again be available for grant under this Plan. However, the full number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted that are to be settled by the issuance of Shares shall be counted against the number of Shares available for award under the Plan, regardless of the number of Shares actually issued upon settlement of such Stock Appreciation Rights. Furthermore, any Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations on an Award issued under the Plan, Shares tendered to pay the exercise price of an Award under the Plan, and Shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of an Option exercise will no longer be eligible to be again available for grant under this Plan. The Shares available for issuance under this Plan may be authorized and unissued Shares or treasury Shares.

4.3 Annual Award Limits. Unless and until the Committee determines that an Award to a Covered Employee shall not be designed to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, the following limits (each an “Annual Award Limit” and, collectively, “Annual Award Limits”) shall apply to grants of such Awards under this Plan:

(a)Stock-Based Awards. The maximum aggregate number of Shares subject to Stock-Based Awards granted in any one Plan Year to any one Participant shall be four hundred thousand (400,000) plus the amount of the Participant’s unused applicable Annual Award Limit for Options and for SARs as of the close of the previous Plan Year.

(b)Cash-Based Awards. The maximum aggregate amount awarded or credited with respect to Cash-Based Awards to any one Participant in any one Plan Year may not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000) plus the amount of the Participant’s unused applicable Annual Award Limit for Cash-Based Awards as of the close of the previous Plan Year.

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4.4 Adjustments in Authorized Shares. In the event of any corporate event or transaction (including, but not limited to, a change in the Shares of the Company or the capitalization of the Company) after the Effective Date such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, separation, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split up, spin-off, or other distribution of stock or property of the Company, combination of Shares, exchange of Shares, dividend in kind, special cash dividend, or other like change in capital structure or distribution (other than normal cash dividends) to shareholders of the Company, or any similar corporate event or transaction, the Committee, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of Participants’ rights under this Plan, shall appropriately and equitably substitute or adjust, as applicable, the number and kind of Shares that may be issued under this Plan or under particular forms of Awards, the number and kind of Shares subject to outstanding Awards, the Option Price or Grant Price applicable to outstanding Awards, the Annual Award Limits, and other value determinations applicable to outstanding Awards.

The Committee shall also make appropriate and equitable adjustments in the terms of any Awards under this Plan to reflect such changes or distributions and to modify any other terms of outstanding Awards, including modifications of performance goals and changes in the length of Performance Periods. The determination of the Committee as to the foregoing adjustments, if any, shall be conclusive and binding on Participants under this Plan.

Subject to the provisions of Article 18, without affecting the number of Shares reserved or available hereunder, the Committee may authorize the issuance or assumption of benefits under this Plan in connection with any merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, or reorganization upon such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate, subject to compliance with the ISO rules under Section 422 of the Code, where applicable.

Article 5. Eligibility and Participation

5.1 Eligibility. Individuals eligible to participate in this Plan include all Employees and Directors.

5.2 Actual Participation. Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee may, from time to time, select from all eligible individuals, those individuals to whom Awards shall be granted and shall determine, in its sole discretion, the nature of, any and all terms permissible by law, and the amount of each Award.

Article 6. Stock Options

6.1 Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, Options may be granted to Participants in such number, and upon such terms, and at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion; provided that ISOs may be granted only to eligible Employees of the Company, its Affiliates and/or its Subsidiaries (as permitted under Code Section 422).

6.2 Award Agreement. Each Option grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Option Price, the maximum duration of the Option, the number of Shares to which the Option pertains, the conditions upon which an Option shall become vested and exercisable, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine which are not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan. The Award Agreement also shall specify whether the Option is intended to be an ISO or an NQSO.

6.3 Option Price. The Option Price for each grant of an Option under this Plan shall be as determined by the Committee and shall be specified in the Award Agreement; provided, however, the Option Price must be at least equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the FMV of the Shares as of the date of grant.

6.4 Term of Options. Each Option granted to a Participant shall expire at such time as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant; provided, however, no Option shall be exercisable later than the tenth (10th) anniversary date of its grant.

6.5 Exercise of Options. Options granted under this Article 6 shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall in each instance approve, which terms and restrictions need not be the same for each grant or for each Participant.

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6.6 Payment. Options granted under this Article 6 shall be exercised by the delivery of a notice of exercise to the Company or an agent designated by the Company in a form specified or accepted by the Committee, or by complying with any alternative procedures which may be authorized by the Committee, setting forth the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is to be exercised, accompanied by full payment for the Shares.

A condition of the issuance of the Shares as to which an Option shall be exercised shall be the payment of the Option Price. The Option Price of any Option shall be payable to the Company in full either: (a) in cash or its equivalent; (b) by tendering (either by actual delivery or attestation) previously acquired Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the Option Price (provided that except as otherwise determined by the Committee, the Shares that are tendered must have been held by the Participant for at least six (6) months (or such other period, if any, as the Committee may permit) prior to their tender to satisfy the Option Price if acquired under this Plan or any other compensation plan maintained by the Company, or have been purchased on the open market); (c) by a combination of (a) and (b); or (d) any other method approved or accepted by the Committee in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, if the Committee so determines, a cashless (broker-assisted) exercise.

Subject to any governing rules or regulations, as soon as practicable after receipt of written notification of exercise and full payment (including satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding), the Company shall deliver to the Participant evidence of book entry Shares, or upon the Participant’s request, Share certificates in an appropriate amount based upon the number of Shares purchased under the Option(s).

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, all payments under all of the methods indicated above shall be paid in United States dollars.

6.7 Restrictions on Share Transferability. The Committee may impose such restrictions on any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option granted under this Article 6 as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, minimum holding period requirements, restrictions under applicable federal securities laws, under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which such Shares are then listed and/or traded, or under any blue sky or state securities laws applicable to such Shares.

6.8 Termination of Employment. Each Participant’s Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to exercise the Option following termination of the Participant’s employment or provision of services to the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be included in the Award Agreement entered into with each Participant, need not be uniform among all Options issued pursuant to this Article 6, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.

6.9 Transferability of Options.

(a)Incentive Stock Options. No ISO granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, all ISOs granted to a Participant under this Article 6 shall be exercisable during his lifetime only by such Participant.

(b)Nonqualified Stock Options. Under no circumstances may a Participant transfer an NQSO to another Person for consideration. Subject to the foregoing, and except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement or otherwise determined at any time by the Committee, no NQSO granted under this Article 6 may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; provided that the Board or Committee may permit further transferability, on a general or a specific basis, and may impose conditions and limitations on any permitted transferability. Further, except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement or otherwise determined at any time by the Committee, or unless the Board or Committee decides to permit further transferability, all NQSOs granted to a Participant under this Article 6 shall be

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exercisable during his lifetime only by such Participant. With respect to those NQSOs, if any, that are permitted to be transferred to another individual, references in this Plan to exercise or payment of the Option Price by the Participant shall be deemed to include, as determined by the Committee, the Participant’s permitted transferee.

6.10 Notification of Disqualifying Disposition. If any Participant shall make any disposition of Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of an ISO under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions), such Participant shall notify the Company of such disposition within ten (10) days thereof.

Article 7. Stock Appreciation Rights

7.1 Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, SARs may be granted to Participants at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee may grant Freestanding SARs, Tandem SARs, or any combination of these forms of SARs.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, the Committee shall have complete discretion in determining the number of SARs granted to each Participant and, consistent with the provisions of this Plan, in determining the terms and conditions pertaining to such SARs.

The Grant Price for each grant of a Freestanding SAR shall be determined by the Committee and shall be specified in the Award Agreement; provided, however, the Grant Price must be at least equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the FMV of the Shares as of the date of grant. The Grant Price of Tandem SARs shall be equal to the Option Price of the related Option.

7.2 SAR Agreement. Each SAR Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Grant Price, the term of the SAR, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine.

7.3 Term of SAR. Each SAR granted to a Participant shall expire at such time as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant; provided, however, no SAR shall be exercisable later than the tenth (10th) anniversary date of its grant.

7.4 Exercise of Freestanding SARs. Freestanding SARs may be exercised upon whatever terms and conditions the Committee, in its sole discretion, imposes.

7.5. Exercise of Tandem SARs. Tandem SARs may be exercised for all or part of the Shares subject to the related Option upon the surrender of the right to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option. A Tandem SAR may be exercised only with respect to the Shares for which its related Option is then exercisable.

7.6 Settlement of SAR Amount. Upon the exercise of an SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

(a)The excess of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the Grant Price; by

(b)The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised.

The payment upon SAR exercise shall be in Shares.

7.7 Termination of Employment. Each Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to exercise the SAR following termination of the Participant’s employment with or provision of services to the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be included in the Award Agreement entered into with Participants, need not be uniform among all SARs issued pursuant to this Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.

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7.8 Transferability of SARs. Under no circumstances may a Participant transfer an SAR to another Person for consideration. Subject to the foregoing, and except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement or otherwise determined at any time by the Committee, no SAR granted under this Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement or otherwise determined at any time by the Committee, all SARs granted to a Participant under this Plan shall be exercisable during his lifetime only by such Participant. With respect to those SARs, if any, that are permitted to be transferred to another individual, references in this Plan to exercise of the SAR by the Participant or payment of any amount to the Participant shall be deemed to include, as determined by the Committee, the Participant’s permitted transferee.

7.9 Other Restrictions. The Committee shall impose such other conditions and/or restrictions on any Shares received upon exercise of an SAR granted pursuant to this Plan as it may deem advisable or desirable. These restrictions may include, but shall not be limited to, a requirement that the Participant hold the Shares received upon exercise of an SAR for a specified period of time.

Article 8. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

8.1 Grant of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units. Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units to Participants in such amounts as the Committee shall determine. Restricted Stock Units shall be similar to Restricted Stock except that no Shares are actually awarded to the Participant on the date of grant.

8.2 Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Each Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Unit grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Period(s) of Restriction, the number of Shares of Restricted Stock or the number of Restricted Stock Units granted, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine.

8.3 Transferability. Except as provided in this Plan or an Award Agreement, the Shares of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units granted herein may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction established by the Committee and specified in the Award Agreement (and in the case of Restricted Stock Units until the date of delivery or other payment), or upon earlier satisfaction of any other conditions, as specified by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement or otherwise at any time by the Committee. All rights with respect to the Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units granted to a Participant under this Plan shall be available during his lifetime only to such Participant, except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or at any time by the Committee.

8.4 Other Restrictions. The Committee shall impose such other conditions and/or restrictions on any Shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Plan as it may deem advisable including, without limitation, a requirement that Participants pay a stipulated purchase price for each Share of Restricted Stock or each Restricted Stock Unit, restrictions based upon the achievement of specific performance goals, time-based restrictions on vesting following the attainment of the performance goals, time-based restrictions, and/or restrictions under applicable laws or under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which such Shares are listed or traded, or holding requirements or sale restrictions placed on the Shares by the Company upon vesting of such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

To the extent deemed appropriate by the Committee, the Company may retain the certificates representing Shares of Restricted Stock in the Company’s possession until such time as all conditions and/or restrictions applicable to such Shares have been satisfied or lapse.

Except as otherwise provided in this Article 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock Award shall become freely transferable by the Participant after all conditions and restrictions applicable to such

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Shares have been satisfied or lapse (including satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding obligations), and Restricted Stock Units shall be paid in cash, Shares, or a combination of cash and Shares as the Committee, in its sole discretion shall determine.

8.5 Certificate Legend. In addition to any legends placed on certificates pursuant to Section 8.4, each certificate representing Shares of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to this Plan may bear a legend such as the following or as otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion:

“The sale or transfer of Shares of stock represented by this certificate, whether voluntary, involuntary, or by operation of law, is subject to certain restrictions on transfer as set forth in the Belden Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan, and in the associated Award Agreement. A copy of this Plan and such Award Agreement may be obtained from Belden Inc.”

8.6 Voting Rights. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in a Participant’s Award Agreement, to the extent permitted or required by law, as determined by the Committee, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may be granted the right to exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares during the Period of Restriction. A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder.

8.7 Termination of Employment. Each Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to retain Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units following termination of the Participant’s employment with or provision of services to the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be included in the Award Agreement entered into with each Participant, need not be uniform among all Shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units issued pursuant to this Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.

8.8 Section 83(b) Election. The Committee may provide in an Award Agreement that the Award of Restricted Stock is conditioned upon the Participant making or refraining from making an election with respect to the Award under Code Section 83(b). If a Participant makes an election pursuant to Code Section 83(b) concerning a Restricted Stock Award, the Participant shall be required to file promptly a copy of such election with the Company.

Article 9. Performance Shares/Performance Units

9.1 Grant of Performance Shares/Performance Units. Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Performance Shares and/or Performance Units to Participants in such amounts and upon such terms as the Committee shall determine.

9.2 Value of Performance Shares/Performance Units. Each Performance Share shall have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share as of the date of grant. Each Performance Unit shall have an initial value that is established by the Committee at the time of grant (for example, the Committee could grant 1,000 units to a participant and determine their value at $1.00 per unit). The Committee shall set performance goals in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number and/or value of Performance Shares/Performance Units that will be paid out to the Participant.

9.3 Earning of Performance Shares/Performance Units. Subject to the terms of this Plan, after the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Shares/Performance Units shall be entitled to receive payout on the value and number of Performance Shares/Performance Units earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance goals have been achieved.

9.4 Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Shares/Performance Units. Payment of earned Performance Shares/Performance Units shall be as determined by the Committee and as evidenced in the

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Award Agreement. Subject to the terms of this Plan, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Shares/Performance Units in the form of Shares or in cash (or in a combination thereof) equal to the value of the earned Performance Shares/Performance Units at the close of the applicable Performance Period, or as soon as practicable after the end of the Performance Period. Any Shares may be granted subject to any restrictions deemed appropriate by the Committee. The determination of the Committee with respect to the form of payout of such Awards shall be set forth in the Award Agreement pertaining to the grant of the Award.

9.5 Termination of Employment. Each Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to retain Performance Shares and/or Performance Units following termination of the Participant’s employment with or provision of services to the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, shall be included in the Award Agreement entered into with each Participant, need not be uniform among all Awards of Performance Shares or Performance Units issued pursuant to this Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.

9.6 Transferability of Performance Shares/Performance Units. Except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement or otherwise determined at any time by the Committee, Performance Shares/Performance Units may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement or otherwise determined at any time by the Committee, a Participant’s rights under this Plan shall be exercisable during his lifetime only by such Participant.

Article 10. Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards

10.1 Grant of Cash-Based Awards. Subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Cash-Based Awards to Participants in such amounts and upon such terms, including the achievement of specific performance goals, as the Committee may determine.

10.2 Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee may grant other types of equity-based or equity-related Awards not otherwise described by the terms of this Plan (including the grant or offer for sale of unrestricted Shares) in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Committee shall determine. Such Awards may involve the transfer of actual Shares to Participants, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Shares and may include, without limitation, Awards designed to comply with or take advantage of the applicable local laws of jurisdictions other than the United States.

10.3 Value of Cash-Based and Other Stock-Based Awards. Each Cash-Based Award shall specify a payment amount or payment range as determined by the Committee. Each Other Stock-Based Award shall be expressed in terms of Shares or units based on Shares, as determined by the Committee. The Committee may establish performance goals in its discretion. If the Committee exercises its discretion to establish performance goals, the number and/or value of Cash-Based Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards that will be paid out to the Participant will depend on the extent to which the performance goals are met.

10.4 Payment of Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards. Payment, if any, with respect to a Cash-Based Award or an Other Stock-Based Award shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Award, in cash or Shares as the Committee determines.

10.5 Termination of Employment. The Committee shall determine the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to receive Cash-Based Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards following termination of the Participant’s employment with or provision of services to the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, such provisions may be included in an Award Agreement entered into with each Participant, but need not be uniform among all Awards of Cash-Based Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards issued pursuant to this Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.

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10.6 Transferability of Cash-Based and Other Stock-Based Awards. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, neither Cash-Based Awards nor Other Stock-Based Awards may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, except as otherwise provided by the Committee, a Participant’s rights under this Plan, if exercisable, shall be exercisable during his lifetime only by such Participant. With respect to those Cash-Based Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards, if any, that are permitted to be transferred to another individual, references in this Plan to exercise or payment of such Awards by or to the Participant shall be deemed to include, as determined by the Committee, the Participant’s permitted transferee.

Article 11 Performance Measures

11.1 Performance Measures. The performance goals upon which the payment or vesting of an Award to a Covered Employee that is intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation shall be limited to the following Performance Measures:

(a) Net sales or revenue growth;

(b) Return measures (including, but not limited to return on invested capital, assets, capital, equity, sales);

(c) Gross profit margin;

(d) Operating expense ratios;

(e) Operating expense targets;

(f) Productivity ratios;

(g) Operating income;

(h) Gross or operating margins;

(i) Earnings before or after taxes, interest, depreciation and/or amortization;

(j) Net earnings or net income (before or after taxes);

(k) Earnings per share;

(l) Cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on equity, and cash flow return on investment);

(m) Working capital targets;

(n) Organic or inorganic growth;

(o) Capital expenditures;

(p) Share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total shareholder return);

(q) Appreciation in the fair market value or book value of the common stock;

(r) Economic value added (net operating profit after tax minus the sum of capital multiplied by the cost of the capital);

(s) Total shareholder return;

(t) Debt to equity ratio / debt levels;

(u) Customer satisfaction / service (relative improvement);

(v) Market share;

(w) Employee satisfaction / engagement;

(x) Employee retention / attrition;

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(y) Safety;

(z) Diversity; and

(aa) Inventory control / efficiency.

Any Performance Measure(s) may be used to measure the performance of the Company, Affiliate, and/or Subsidiary as a whole or any business unit of the Company, Affiliate, and/or Subsidiary or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or any of the above Performance Measures as compared to the performance of a group of comparator companies, or published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or the Company may select Performance Measure (j) above as compared to various stock market indices. The Committee also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of any Award based on the achievement of performance goals pursuant to the Performance Measures specified in this Article 11.

11.2 Evaluation of Performance. The Committee may provide in any such Award that any evaluation of performance may include or exclude any of the following events that occurs during a Performance Period: (a) asset write-downs, (b) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results, (d) any reorganization and restructuring programs, (e) nonrecurring items as described in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 225-20—Unusual or Infrequently Occurring Items and/or in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the applicable year, (f) acquisitions or divestitures, and (g) foreign exchange gains and losses. To the extent such inclusions or exclusions affect Awards to Covered Employees, they shall be prescribed in a form that meets the requirements of Code Section 162(m) for deductibility.

11.3 Adjustment of Performance-Based Compensation. Awards that are intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation may not be adjusted upward. The Committee shall retain the discretion to adjust such Awards downward, either on a formula or discretionary basis or any combination, as the Committee determines.

11.4 Committee Discretion. In the event that applicable tax and/or securities laws change to permit Committee discretion to alter the governing Performance Measures without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such changes without obtaining shareholder approval. In addition, in the event that the Committee determines that it is advisable to grant Awards that shall not qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, the Committee may make such grants without satisfying the requirements of Code Section 162(m) and base vesting on Performance Measures other than those set forth in Section 11.1.

Article 12. Nonemployee Director Awards

The Board or Committee shall determine all Awards to Nonemployee Directors. The terms and conditions of any grant to any such Nonemployee Director shall be set forth in an Award Agreement.

Article 13. Substitution Awards

Awards may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for stock options and other awards held by employees or directors of other entities who are about to become Employees, whose employer is about to become an Affiliate as the result of a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation, or the acquisition by the Company of substantially all the assets of another corporation, or the acquisition by the Company of at least fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding stock of another corporation as the result of which such other corporation will become a Subsidiary. The terms and conditions of the substitute Awards so granted may vary from the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan to such extent as the Board at the time of grant may deem appropriate for the plan to remain consistent with Code Section 409A, in whole or in part, to the provisions of the award in substitution for which they are granted.

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Article 14. Dividend Equivalents

Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, dividend equivalents shall be granted for each Full Value Award not entitled to dividends based on the dividends declared on Shares that are subject to such Full Value Award, to be credited as of dividend payment dates, during the period between the date the Full Value Award is granted and the date the Full Value Award is exercised, vests or expires. Such dividend equivalents shall be converted to cash or additional Shares by such formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Committee. Under no circumstances may dividend equivalents be granted for any Option, SAR or Full Value Award dependent up on achievement of one or more Performance Measures.

Article 15. Beneficiary Designation

Each Participant under this Plan may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under this Plan is to be paid in case of his death before he receives any or all of such benefit. Each such designation shall revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Committee, and will be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant’s lifetime. In the absence of any such designation, benefits remaining unpaid at the Participant’s death shall be paid to the Participant’s estate.

Article 16 Rights of Participants

16.1 Employment. Nothing in this Plan or an Award Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries, to terminate any Participant’s employment or service on the Board or to the Company at any time or for any reason not prohibited by law, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue his employment or service as a Director for any specified period of time.

Neither an Award nor any benefits arising under this Plan shall constitute an employment contract with the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries and, accordingly, subject to Articles 3 and 18, this Plan and the benefits hereunder may be terminated at any time in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Committee without giving rise to any liability on the part of the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries.

16.2 Participation. No individual shall have the right to be selected to receive an Award under this Plan, or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future Award.

16.3 Rights as a Shareholder. Except as otherwise provided herein, a Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares covered by any Award until the Participant becomes the record holder of such Shares.

Article 17. Change in Control

Except as otherwise provided at the time of grant in the certificate, notice or agreement relating to a particular Award, if a Change in Control occurs and the Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than for death or disability) or by the Participant for Good Reason, in either case, within two years following the Change in Control, then:

(i)the Participant’s Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares, Cash-Based Awards, or Other Stock-Based Awards that were forfeitable shall, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, become nonforfeitable and, to the extent applicable, shall be converted into Shares; provided, that for any Award which is performance-based, it shall be assumed for purposes of determining such payout or conversion that performance was “at target” for the applicable Performance Period, and

(ii)any unexercised Option or SAR, whether or not exercisable on the date of such Change in Control, shall thereupon be fully exercisable and may be exercised, in whole or in part.

Article 18. Amendment, Modification, Suspension, and Termination

18.1 Amendment, Modification, Suspension, and Termination. Subject to Section 18.3, the Committee may, at any time and from time to time, alter, amend, modify, suspend, or terminate this Plan and any Award

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Agreement in whole or in part; provided, however, that, without the prior approval of the Company’s shareholders and except as provided in Section 4.4, Options or SARs issued under this Plan will not be repriced, replaced, regranted through cancellation, or by lowering the Option Price of a previously granted Option or the Grant Price of a previously granted SAR, and no amendment of this Plan shall be made without shareholder approval if shareholder approval is required by law, regulation, or stock exchange rule, including, but not limited to, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and, if applicable, the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual rules. The Company shall not purchase Options or SARs from plan participants at a price less than the Option Price of such awards, or otherwise exchange underwater Options or SARs for cash.

18.2 Adjustment of Awards Upon the Occurrence of Certain Unusual or Nonrecurring Events. The Committee may make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (it being understood that the events described in Section 4.4 shall result in mandatory adjustment) affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent unintended dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Plan. The determination of the Committee as to the foregoing adjustments, if any, shall be conclusive and binding on Participants under this Plan.

18.3 Awards Previously Granted. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary (other than Section 18.4), no termination, amendment, suspension, or modification of this Plan or an Award Agreement shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted under this Plan, without the written consent of the Participant holding such Award.

18.4 Amendment to Conform to Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Board of Directors may amend the Plan or an Award Agreement, to take effect retroactively or otherwise, as deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of conforming the Plan or an Award Agreement to any present or future law relating to plans of this or similar nature (including, but not limited to, Code Section 409A), and to the administrative regulations and rulings promulgated thereunder.

Article 19. Withholding

19.1 Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, the minimum statutory amount to satisfy federal, state, and local taxes, domestic or foreign, required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of this Plan.

19.2 Share Withholding. With respect to withholding required upon the exercise of Options or SARs, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, or upon the achievement of performance goals related to Performance Shares, or any other taxable event arising as a result of an Award granted hereunder, Participants may elect, subject to the approval of the Committee, to satisfy the withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the minimum statutory total tax that could be imposed on the transaction. All such elections shall be irrevocable, made in writing or electronically, and signed or acknowledged electronically by the Participant, and shall be subject to any restrictions or limitations that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

Article 20. Successors

All obligations of the Company under this Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

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Article 21. General Provisions

21.1 Forfeiture Events.

(a)The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events may include, but shall not be limited to, termination of employment for cause, termination of the Participant’s provision of services to the Company, Affiliate, and/or Subsidiary, violation of material Company, Affiliate, and/or Subsidiary policies, breach of noncompetition, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that may apply to the Participant, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries.

(b)If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, if the Participant knowingly or grossly negligently engaged in the misconduct, or knowingly or grossly negligently failed to prevent the misconduct, or if the Participant is one of the individuals subject to automatic forfeiture under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Participant shall reimburse the Company the amount of any payment in settlement of an Award earned or accrued during the twelve-(12-) month period following the first public issuance or filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (whichever just occurred) of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement.

21.2 Legend. The certificates for Shares may include any legend which the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer of such Shares.

21.3 Gender and Number. Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine, the plural shall include the singular, and the singular shall include the plural.

21.4 Severability. In the event any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Plan, and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.

21.5 Requirements of Law. The granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares under this Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

21.6 Delivery of Title. The Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver evidence of title for Shares issued under this Plan prior to:

(a)Obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and

(b)Completion of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any applicable national or foreign law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable.

21.7 Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

21.8 Investment Representations. The Committee may require any individual receiving Shares pursuant to an Award under this Plan to represent and warrant in writing that the individual is acquiring the Shares for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares.

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21.9 Employees Based Outside of the United States. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws in other countries in which the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries operate or have Employees and/or Directors, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to:

(a)Determine which Affiliates and/or Subsidiaries shall be covered by this Plan;

(b)Determine which Employees and/or Directors outside the United States are eligible to participate in this Plan;

(c)Modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to Employees and/or Directors outside the United States to comply with applicable foreign laws;

(d)Establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent such actions may be necessary or advisable. Any subplans and modifications to Plan terms and procedures established under this Section 21.9 by the Committee shall be attached to this Plan document as appendices; and

(e)Take any action, before or after an Award is made, that it deems advisable to obtain approval or comply with any necessary local government regulatory exemptions or approvals.

Notwithstanding the above, the Committee may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate applicable law.

21.10 Uncertificated Shares. To the extent that this Plan provides for issuance of certificates to reflect the transfer of Shares, the transfer of such Shares may be effected on an uncertificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange.

21.11 Unfunded Plan. Participants shall have no right, title, or interest whatsoever in or to any investments that the Company, and/or its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries may make to aid it in meeting its obligations under this Plan. Nothing contained in this Plan, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Participant, beneficiary, legal representative, or any other individual. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company, its Affiliates, and/or its Subsidiaries under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company, an Affiliate, or a Subsidiary, as the case may be. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company, an Affiliate, or a Subsidiary, as the case may be and no special or separate fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment of such amounts except as expressly set forth in this Plan.

21.12 No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to this Plan or any Award. The Committee shall determine whether cash, Awards, or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

21.13 Retirement and Welfare Plans. Neither Awards made under this Plan nor Shares or cash paid pursuant to such Awards may be included as “compensation” for purposes of computing the benefits payable to any Participant under the Company’s or any Affiliate’s or Subsidiary’s retirement plans (both qualified and non-qualified) or welfare benefit plans unless such other plan expressly provides that such compensation shall be taken into account in computing a Participant’s benefit.

21.14 Compliance with Code Section 409A.

(a)In General. The Plan is intended to be administered in a manner consistent with the requirements, where applicable, of Code Section 409A. Where reasonably possible and practicable, the Plan shall be administered in a manner to avoid the imposition on Participants of immediate tax recognition and additional taxes pursuant to such Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor

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the Committee shall have any liability to any person in the event such Section 409A applies to any such Award in a manner that results in adverse tax consequences for the Participant or any of his beneficiaries or transferees.

(b)Elective Deferrals. No elective deferrals or re-deferrals of compensation (as defined under Code Section 409A and/or guidance thereto) other than in regard to Restricted Stock Units are permitted under this Plan.

(c)Applicable Requirements. To the extent any of the Awards granted under this Plan are deemed “deferred compensation” and hence subject to Code Section 409A, the following rules shall apply to such Awards:

(i)Mandatory Deferrals. If the Company decides that the payment of compensation under this Plan shall be deferred within the meaning of Code Section 409A, then, except as provided pursuant to Treas. Reg. 1.409A-1(b)(4)(ii), at grant of the Award to which such compensation payment relates, the Company shall specify the date(s) at which such compensation will be paid in the Award Agreement.

(ii)Initial Deferral Elections. For Awards of Restricted Stock Units where the Participant is given the opportunity to elect the timing and form of the payment of the underlying Shares at some future time once any requirements have been satisfied, the Participant must make his or her initial deferral election for such Award in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A, i.e., within thirty (30) days of first becoming eligible to receive such award or prior to the start of the year in which the Award is granted to the Participant, in each case pursuant to the requirements of Code Section 409A and Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-2.

(iii)Subsequent Deferral Elections. To the extent the Company or Committee decides to permit compensation subject to Code Section 409A to be re-deferred pursuant to Treas. Reg. 1.409A-2(b), then the following conditions must be met: (1) such election will not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which it is made; (2) in the case of an election not related to a payment on account of disability, death, or an unforeseeable emergency, the payment with respect to which such election is made must be deferred for a period of not less than five years from the date such payment would otherwise have been paid; and, (3) any election related to a payment at a specified time or pursuant to a fixed schedule (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. 1.409A-3(a)(4)) must be made not less than 12 months before the date the payment is scheduled to be paid.

(iv)Timing of Payments. Payment(s) of compensation that is subject to Code Section 409A shall only be made upon an event or at a time set forth in Treas. Reg. 1.409A-3, i.e., the Participant’s separation from service, the Participant’s becoming disabled, the Participant’s death, at a time or a fixed schedule specified in the Plan or an Award Agreement, a change in the ownership or effective control of the corporation, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the corporation, or the occurrence of an unforeseeable emergency.

(v)Certain Delayed Payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent an amount was intended to be paid such that it would have qualified as a short-term deferral under Code Section 409A and the applicable regulations, then such payment is or could be delayed if the requirements of Treas. Reg. 1.409A-1(b)(4)(ii) are met.

(vi)Acceleration of Payment. Any payment made under this Plan to which Code Section 409A applies may not be accelerated, except in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.409A-3(j)(4), i.e., upon a Participant’s separation from service, the Participant becomes disabled, the Participant’s death, a change of ownership or effective control, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets, or upon an unforeseeable emergency (all as detailed in Treas. Reg. 1.409A-3(a)).

(vii)Payments upon a Change in Control. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, to the extent an Award subject to Code Section 409A shall be deemed to be vested or restrictions lapse, expire or terminate upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and such Change in Control does not constitute a “change in the ownership or effective control” or a “change in the ownership or a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Code

Page II-20Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v), then even though such Award may be deemed to be vested or restrictions lapse, expire or terminate upon the occurrence of the Change in Control or any other provision of this Plan, payment will be made, to the extent necessary to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A, to the Participant on the earliest of: (i) the Participant’s “separation from service” with the Company (determined in accordance with Code Section 409A), (ii) the date payment otherwise would have been made pursuant to the regular payment terms of the Award in the absence of any provisions in this Plan to the contrary (provided such date is permissible under Code Section 409A), or (iii) the Participant’s death.

(viii)Payments to Specified Employees. Payments due to a Participant who is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A on account of the Participant’s “separation from service” with the Company (determined in accordance with Code Section 409A) shall be made on the date that is six months after the date of Participant’s separation from service or, if earlier, the Participant’s date of death.

(d)Deferrals to Preserve Deductibility under Code Section 162(m). The Committee may postpone the exercising of Awards, the issuance or delivery of Shares under any Award or any action permitted under the Plan to prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from being denied a Federal income tax deduction with respect to any Award other than an ISO as a result of Code Section 162(m), in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.409A-1(b)(4)(ii). In such case, payment of such deferred amounts must be made as soon as reasonably practicable following the first date on which the Company and/or Subsidiary anticipates or reasonably should anticipate that, if the payment were made on such date, the Company’s and/or Subsidiary’s deduction with respect to such payment would no longer be restricted due to the application of Code Section 162(m).

(e)Determining “Controlled Group”. In order to determine for purposes of Code Section 409A whether a Participant or eligible individual is employed by a member of the Company’s controlled group of corporations under Code Section 414(b) (or by a member of a group of trades or businesses under common control with the Company under Code Section 414(c)) and, therefore, whether the Shares that are or have been purchased by or awarded under this Plan to the Participant are shares of “service recipient” stock within the meaning of Code Section 409A:

(i) In applying Code Section 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) for purposes of determining the Company’s controlled group under Code Section 414(b), the language “at least 50 percent” is to be used instead of “at least 80 percent” each place it appears in Code Section 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3);

(ii) In applying Treasury Regulation Section 1.414(c)-2 for purposes of determining trades or businesses under common control with the Corporation for purposes of Code Section 414(c), the language “at least 50 percent” is to be used instead of “at least 80 percent” each place it appears in Treasury Regulation Section 1.414(c)-2; and

(iii)Notwithstanding the above, to the extent that the Company finds that legitimate business criteria exist within the meaning of Treas. Reg. 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iii)(E)(1), then the language “at least 50 percent” in clause (i) and (ii) above shall instead be “at least 20 percent.”

21.15 Nonexclusivity of this Plan. The adoption of this Plan shall not be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board or Committee to adopt such other compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable for any Participant.

21.16 No Constraint on Corporate Action. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to: (i) limit, impair, or otherwise affect the Company’s or an Affiliate’s or a Subsidiary’s right or power to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations, or changes of its capital or business structure, or to merge or consolidate, or dissolve, liquidate, sell, or transfer all or any part of its business or assets; or, (ii) limit the right or power of the Company or an Affiliate or a Subsidiary to take any action which such entity deems to be necessary or appropriate.

Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy StatementPage II-21


21.17 Governing Law. The Plan and each Award Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware excluding any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of this Plan to the substantive law of another jurisdiction. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, recipients of an Award under this Plan are deemed to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the federal or state courts of Delaware to resolve any and all issues that may arise out of or relate to this Plan or any related Award Agreement.

21.18 Effect of Disposition of Facility or Operating Unit. In the event that the Company or any of its Affiliates and/or Subsidiaries closes or disposes of the facility at which a Participant is located or the Company or any of its Affiliates and/or Subsidiaries diminish or eliminate ownership interests in any operating unit of the Company or any of its Affiliates and/or Subsidiaries so that such operating unit ceases to be majority owned by the Company or any of its Affiliates and/or Subsidiaries, then, with respect to Awards held by Participants who subsequent to such event will not be Employees, the Committee may, to the extent consistent with Code Section 409A (if applicable), (i) accelerate the exercisability of Awards to the extent not yet otherwise exercisable or remove any restrictions applicable to any Awards; and (ii) extend the period during which Awards will be exercisable to a date subsequent to the date when such Awards would otherwise have expired by reason of the termination of such Participant’s employment with the Company or any of its Affiliates and/or Subsidiaries (but in no event to a date later than the expiration date of the Awards or the fifth anniversary of the transaction in which such facility closes or operating unit ceases). If the Committee takes no special action with respect to any disposition of a facility or an operating unit, then the terms and conditions of the Award Agreement and the other terms and conditions of this Plan shall control.

21.19 Indemnification. Subject to requirements of Delaware law, each individual who is or shall have been a member of the Board, or a Committee appointed by the Board, or an officer of the Company to whom authority was delegated in accordance with Article 3, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under this Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against him, provided he shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he undertakes to handle and defend it on his own behalf, unless such loss, cost, liability, or expense is a result of his own willful misconduct or except as expressly provided by statute.

The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such individuals may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

Page II-22Belden Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement


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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:

¨¨¨

 

1.Election of Directors

Nominees

01

David J. Aldrich                 02   Lance C. Balk                     03   Steven W. Berglund                      04  Judy L. Brown                     05   Bryan C. Cressey

06

Jonathan C. Klein               07   George E. Minnich             08   John M. Monter                             09  John S. Stroup

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2, 3 and 4.

ForAgainstAbstain

2

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2016.

¨

¨

¨

3

Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation.

¨

¨

¨

4

To amend and restate the Company’s 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan.

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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:The NOTICE AND PROXY STATEMENT and ANNUAL REPORT is/are available atwww.proxyvote.com

 

Page 54

      2023 Proxy Statement

 


 

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BELDEN INC.                            

PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS                            

MAY 26, 2016                            

SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS                            

The undersigned stockholder of Belden Inc. appoints Brian E. Anderson and Nicholas E. Eckelkamp, as proxies, acting jointly or severally and with full power of substitution, for and in the name of the undersigned to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 26, 2016, beginning at 12:30 p.m., local time, at the Mississippi Room on the 8th Floor of the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, 999 North 2nd Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63102 and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, as directed, on the matters set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement and on all other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting, including on a motion to adjourn or postpone the Annual Meeting to another time or place (or both) for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.

Signing and dating this proxy card will have the effect of revoking any proxy card that you signed on an earlier date, and will constitute a revocation of all previously granted authority to vote for every proposal included on any proxy card.

THIS PROXY CARD, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED AND THE PROXY IS SIGNED AND RETURNED, THEN THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED ON THE PROPOSALS CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES ON ANY OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING.

Receipt is hereby acknowledged of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, each dated April 6, 2016, and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

APPENDIX I

The performance factors applicable to the NEOs, along with the respective threshold, target and actual performance levels and the respective financial factor scores, are illustrated below (numbers other than working capital turns are shown in thousands):

 

 

 

2022 ACIP

 

Category

 

 

Threshold

 

 

 

Target

 

 

 

Maximum

 

 

 

Actual

 

 

 

Score

 

Consolidated Net Income from Continuing Operations ($)

 

 

 

195,000

 

 

 

 

243,000

 

 

 

 

268,000

 

 

 

 

283,000

 

 

 

 

2.00

 

Consolidated EBITDA ($)

 

 

 

364,000

 

 

 

 

405,000

 

 

 

 

425,000

 

 

 

 

441,000

 

 

 

 

2.00

 

Consolidated Revenues ($)

 

 

 

2,166,000

 

 

 

 

2,354,000

 

 

 

 

2,542,000

 

 

 

 

2,644,000

 

 

 

 

2.00

 

Consolidated Operating Working Capital Turns

 

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

 

 

 

5.9

 

 

 

0.00

 

Industrial Automation Solutions EBITDA ($)

 

 

 

244,000

 

 

 

 

305,000

 

 

 

 

335,000

 

 

 

 

351,000

 

 

 

 

2.00

 

Industrial Automation Solutions Revenues ($)

 

 

 

1,161,000

 

 

 

 

1,262,000

 

 

 

 

1,363,000

 

 

 

 

1,409,000

 

 

 

 

2.00

 

Industrial Automation Solutions Inventory Turns

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

0.50

 

Broadband & 5G EBITDA ($)

 

 

 

79,000

 

 

 

 

99,000

 

 

 

 

109,000

 

 

 

 

83,000

 

 

 

 

0.58

 

Broadband & 5G Revenues ($)

 

 

 

476,000

 

 

 

 

517,000

 

 

 

 

559,000

 

 

 

 

564,000

 

 

 

 

2.00

 

Broadband & 5G Operating Working Capital Turns

 

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

0.00

 

Performance Factor Definitions

“Net Income from Continuing Operations” is consolidated revenues, less cost of sales, less selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), less interest expense, plus interest income, plus other income, less other expense, less tax expense, and less any loss from discontinued operations.

“EBITDA” is GAAP operating income, adjusted in a manner consistent with the Company’s use of Adjusted EBITDA in its periodic filings on Forms 10‑K, 10‑Q and 8‑K, whether on a consolidated basis or of the applicable business platform.

“Revenue” is revenue, adjusted in a manner consistent with the Company’s use of Adjusted Revenue in its periodic filings on Forms 10‑K, 10‑Q and 8‑K, whether on a consolidated basis or with respect to the applicable business platform.

“Operating Working Capital Turns”, whether on a consolidated basis or with respect to the applicable business platform, are based on a monthly average of working capital turns during the applicable performance period and for each individual month were computed based on a ratio calculated at the end of the month of (i) annualized actual cost of goods sold for the prior two months and the current month to (ii) operating working capital at the end of the month.

“Inventory Turns” are based on a monthly average of inventory turns during the applicable performance period and for each individual month were computed based on a ratio calculated at the end of the month of (i) annualized actual cost of goods sold for the prior two months and the current month to (ii) inventory at the end of the month.

Below is a summary of the applicable performance factors and weighting percentages for each NEO and a calculation of each NEO’s applicable Financial Factor for the performance period (rounded to two decimal places):

Messrs. Vestjens, Parks and Anderson - 2022

 

Category

 

 

Score

 

 

 

Weighting

 

 

 

Contribution to

Financial Factor

 

Consolidated Net Income from Continuing Operations

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

 

0.50

 

Consolidated EBITDA

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

 

0.50

 

Consolidated Revenue

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

 

0.50

 

Consolidated Operating Working Capital Turns

 

 

 

0.00

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Factor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.50

 

      2023 Proxy Statement

Page I-1


Mr. Chand – 2022

 

Category

 

 

Score

 

 

 

Weighting

 

 

 

Contribution to

Financial Factor

 

Industrial Automation Solutions EBITDA

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

50%

 

 

 

 

1.00

 

Industrial Automation Solutions Revenue

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

 

0.50

 

Industrial Automation Solutions Inventory Turns

 

 

 

0.50

 

 

 

25%

 

 

 

 

0.13

 

Consolidated Financial Factor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.63

 

Mr. Mehrotra - 2022

 

Category

 

 

Score

 

 

 

Weighting

 

 

 

Contribution to

Financial Factor

 

Consolidated Net Income from Continuing Operations

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

16.67%

 

 

 

 

0.33

 

Consolidated EBITDA

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

16.67%

 

 

 

 

0.33

 

Consolidated Revenue

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

16.67%

 

 

 

 

0.33

 

Consolidated Operating Working Capital Turns

 

 

 

0.00

 

 

 

16.67%

 

 

 

 

 

Broadband & 5G EBITDA ($)

 

 

 

0.58

 

 

 

16.67%

 

 

 

 

0.10

 

Broadband & 5G Revenues ($)

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

 

8.33%

 

 

 

 

0.17

 

Broadband & 5G Operating Working Capital Turns

 

 

 

0.00

 

 

 

8.33%

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Factor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.26

 

Page I-2

      2023 Proxy Statement


BELDEN 1 N BRENTWOOD BLVD. 15TH FLOOR, ST. LOUIS, MO 63105 315.854.8000 BELDEN.COM


Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. V09718-P87854 For Against Abstain For Against Abstain BELDEN INC. 1 NORTH BRENTWOOD BOULEVARD 15TH FLOOR ST. LOUIS, MO 63105 1b. Lance C. Balk 1c. Steven W. Berglund 1d. Diane D. Brink 1e. Judy L. Brown 1j. Gregory J. McCray 1i. YY Lee 1h. Jonathan C. Klein 1g. Ashish Chand 1f. Nancy Calderon 1a. David J. Aldrich Nominees: 1. Election of Directors BELDEN INC. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3. The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 YEAR on the following proposal: 2. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2023. 4. Advisory vote on frequency of future advisory votes related to executive officer compensation. NOTE: In their discretion, proxies are authorized to transact and vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. 3. Advisory vote on executive compensation for 2022. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. Yes No Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting. 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Participants in the Belden Retirement Savings Plan or Tripwire 401(k) Plan have an earlier voting deadline, described on the reverse side, to vote shares held through such plan(s). Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. Participants in the Belden Retirement Savings Plan or Tripwire 401(k) Plan have an earlier voting deadline, described on the reverse side, to vote shares held through such plan(s). VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. V09719-P87854

Page I-2

      2022 Proxy Statement


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com. BELDEN INC. PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS MAY 25, 2023 SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned stockholder of Belden Inc. appoints Brian E. Anderson and Nicholas E. Eckelkamp as proxies, acting jointly or severally and with full power of substitution, for and in the name of the undersigned to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 25, 2023, beginning at 8:00 a.m., Central Time, in the Mississippi Room on the 8th Floor of the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, 999 N. Second Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63102 and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, as directed, on the matters set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement and on all other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting, including on a motion to adjourn or postpone the Annual Meeting to another time or place (or both) for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies. Signing and dating this proxy card will have the effect of revoking any proxy card that you signed on an earlier date, and will constitute a revocation of all previously granted authority to vote for every proposal included on any proxy card. THIS PROXY CARD, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED AND THE PROXY IS SIGNED AND RETURNED, THEN THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED ON THE PROPOSALS CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES ON ANY OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING. If you are a participant in the Belden Retirement Savings Plan and hold shares of Belden Inc. common stock pursuant to the plan, you will receive a proxy card associated with such shares from the plan administrator in addition to a proxy card from any other custodian through which you hold shares. To allow sufficient time for the Belden Retirement Savings Plan Trustee to vote, the trustee must receive your voting instructions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 2023. If the trustee does not receive your instructions by that date, the trustee will not vote your shares. Receipt is hereby acknowledged of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, each dated April 11, 2023, and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2022. Continued and to be signed on reverse side

 


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BELDEN INC.

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Meeting Information

Meeting Type:Annual Meeting

For holders as of:March 31, 2016

Date:May 26, 2016    Time:12:30 PM CDT

Location:

Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

The Mississippi Room

8th Floor

999 North 2nd Street

St. Louis, Missouri 63102

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The Board of Directors recommends you vote

 
 FOR the following: 
 

 

1.

 

 

Election of Directors

       
  

 

Nominees

       
 

 

01

 

 

David J. Aldrich

 

 

02

 

 

Lance C. Balk

 

 

03

 

 

Steven W. Berglund

 

 

04

 

 

Judy L. Brown

 

 

05

 

 

Bryan C. Cressey

 
 06 Jonathan C. Klein 07 George E. Minnich 08 John M. Monter 09 John S. Stroup   
 

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2, 3 and 4.

 

 
 2 

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2016.

 

 
 3 

Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation.

 

 
 4 

To amend and restate the Company’s 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan.

 

 
 NOTE:In their discretion, proxies are authorized to transact and vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. 
           
           
           
           
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